Title: A Lady of the West
Author: Linda Howard
Publishing Date: 1990
Genre: Western
Rating: B-
Sensuality: Hot
As many of you probably already know, I am a HUGE Linda Howard fan. I have read just about everything she has written, except for a couple of her first books. A Lady of the West is one of those books and because of some rumors I had heard about the book, I wasn't planning on reading it. Among those rumors was that the hero hits the heroine. The discussion got going about it on Twitter a couple of weeks ago, I felt compelled to read it.
A Lady of the West takes place in New Mexico Territory in 1866. Victoria Waverly, a young gently bred lady sacrifices herself to wed General McLain because her family desperately needs money. Twenty years prior General McLain viciously took over the Sarratt Ranch and leaving two young boys for dead. Jake Roper is all grown up now and looking to take back the ranch that should have been his and to avenge his parents' deaths. Surprisingly, he finds himself smitten with Victoria's quiet, graceful nature. For the first time in his life, revenge is not the only thing he has to live for.
Jake Roper is a hard man. He witnesses the rape and then subsequent murder of his mother at the tender age of thirteen. He and his younger brother Ben are both shot, fleeing their ranch. For twenty years he has been on his own with nothing but revenge for company. He doesn't know how to live any other way and in this harsh environment he has to be tough to survive. When he meets Victoria he is surprised by how much he wants her and from the first moment he sees her he is compelled by her strength and grace.
Victoria was a surprise. I was expecting a more meek heroine and Victoria has a surprisingly strong backbone made of steel. She is willing to make sacrifices for her family, but she still has her pride and this gets her in trouble with Jake a number of times. Jake and Victoria are very passionate characters and walk a fine line between love and hate. At times the book was difficult to read because of the strong emotions from the characters. After a particularly emotional argument, Jake goes too far and slaps Victoria in the face, hard enough to knock her down and leave a bruise. Sure he is remorseful, but who is to say it won't ever happen again when he gets mad. That scene left a very sour taste in my mouth. It is such a shame too, because A Lady of the West is a good story and the characters are richly drawn.
There were many secondary characters that made an impact on the story. The relationship between Victoria and her cousin Emma and her sister Celia were very well done. The reader was able to get better insight into Victoria's character through her interaction with Emma and Celia. Both Emma and Celia each had their own mini-romance in the later half of the book.
Linda Howard is a fantastic storyteller. I do recommend the book, but with reservations. Readers who enjoy books from Judith McNaught or Linda Howard may enjoy A Lady of the West. If you are a fan of more "old school" romances or angst, this one might be for you. If not, then stay far, far away!
This book can be purchased in print format from Amazon
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9 comments:
Hi Jill!
I'm a big fan of Linda Howard too with my all time favorite by her being 'After the Night'. Heartbreaking!!
I've also heard about the rumors for ALOTW. I didn't buy the book then and I probably won't now either but thank you for giving a more detailed account of the "incident".
;) VFG
Hmmm.... I haven't read this one. I'm not rushing out to get it, but not because of that. I imagine that the actions fit the time period. Still, tough call. If I ever came across it, I'd likely pick it up. But I wouldn't go looking for it.
Hmmm, I think I haven't read this one :P I probably have it, but then, westerns are not my faves, so that's probably why.
I haven't read the book and I don't want to start a debate, but isn't that like a double standard here? I mean, nobody would say anything if it was Victoria who got angry and slapped Jack right? However, for Jack to slap Victoria... I know what you worry about that Jack could abuse Victoria in the future... but I mean, isn't it unfair a little? Just my two cents.
Nath - Incredible that you should bring this up, because sure enough in another scene Victoria does haul off and slap Jake. I didn't mention it because well, I didn't want to go off on a diatribe, but yes there is always a double standard with this issue. Of course, one could always argue that a man can inflict more harm physically, but I think the point is that a person, whether male or female should never strike another person out of anger.
That would be in a perfect world :)
True, a man is more likely to inflict more harm physically, but still... What if Victoria was a man instead? then again, you wouldn't feel like Jack could potentially abuse Victoria in the future. Fine line :)
VFG and Lori - You know, I was thoroughly prepared to hate this book and I think because I went into with that mind set and I actually enjoyed it a lot. I believe that this book was given an 'A' review from Lea at AAR. I don't have the link or anything, but I am friends with Lea on Shelfari and came across her review there.
Anyway, I think it just depends on what you enjoy from your reading. If you want a politcally correct book, then this one is not for you. If you want lots of angst and passion, than you will like it.
I tend to agree with your review, Jill. Although there were parts that were hard to get through overall it's an emotionally compelling story.
I'm still left with a bad taste in my mouth over Jake slapping Victoria, though as Nath pointed out there is a degree of double standard in place there.
There were many other issues I had as well, but I can't fault Howard for her ability to wrap me up in the story.
Also, I'm not sure if you're aware, but one of the secondary character gets his own book, I believe it's a novella. I don't want to spoil this story for those who haven't read it, but I can't recall the character's name, so...
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Celia's fiance. He has his own story in Angel Creek. IIRC, I quite enjoyed it, though it's been an age so I can't really recall for
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I read Angel's Creek, but I didn't realize that was him. It wasn't a novella, it was a full size book. Hey, this is a silly question, but what does IIRC stand for? I have seen it around, but haven't figured out what it means!
IIRC = If I Remember Correctly. Just another way for me to be lazy. :0)
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