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Louisiana #6
Midnight Masquerade
Set in the lush green splendor of Louisiana horse country in 1812, this is the story of a tempestuous love between the fiercely independent Melissa Seymour and the devilishly irresistible Dominic Slade. Crossing verbal swords from the moment they meet, both deny their desires with a dangerous duel of words. But as war between the United States and Britain rages, and treacherous political intrigue ignites around them, so do concealed passions...exploding in a love story as turbulent and as magnificent as the times.
613 pages, Hardcover
First published February 26, 1988
30 people are currently reading
294 people want to read
About the author
Shirlee Busbee
51 books272 followersShirlee Elaine was born 9 August 1941 in San Jose, California, USA. She was the first daughter of a career naval officer, later she had two sisters and three brothers, they raised traveling the world. She went to the institute in Kentri, Morocco, after which she returned to California and she went to Burbank Bussines College of Santa Rosa, where she received a certificate in 1962.
Shirlee married with Howard Busbee in June 22, 1963. Now, they live in hills of California, where they raise for pleasure Standard Schnauzers, Standardbred horses, and other many animals.
She has worked as a receptionist for the Marin County Title and Abstract Co., as plant supervisor for Fairfield Title Co., and as secretary and drafting technician for the County Parks Department of Fairfield, California, where she met her life-long friend and mentor Rosemary Rogers. Published since 1977, Shirlee Busbee is the proud author of over 18 novels, including seven New York Times bestsellers. With over nine million copies of her books in print, she is the recipient of numerous awards for excellence in writing, including the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award and Affaire de Coeur's Silver and Bronze Pen Awards.
You may write to Shirlee Busbee care of C/O Warner Books, Inc., Time and Life Building, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020.
Shirlee married with Howard Busbee in June 22, 1963. Now, they live in hills of California, where they raise for pleasure Standard Schnauzers, Standardbred horses, and other many animals.
She has worked as a receptionist for the Marin County Title and Abstract Co., as plant supervisor for Fairfield Title Co., and as secretary and drafting technician for the County Parks Department of Fairfield, California, where she met her life-long friend and mentor Rosemary Rogers. Published since 1977, Shirlee Busbee is the proud author of over 18 novels, including seven New York Times bestsellers. With over nine million copies of her books in print, she is the recipient of numerous awards for excellence in writing, including the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award and Affaire de Coeur's Silver and Bronze Pen Awards.
You may write to Shirlee Busbee care of C/O Warner Books, Inc., Time and Life Building, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 10, 2019
3.5/5.It's been a few years since I have last read a book by Busbee and I'm not sure if the style of writing in this one typifies her books,which I used to love, but gee, the constant introspection by both characters got too tedious and repetitive.
It started off well with a spirited and proud Melissa Seymour doing her utmost to keep her pushy, matchmaking uncle at bay while struggling to keep her and her younger brother's estate afloat with the limited income from the winnings of their prize stallion. Although marriage will ensure her access to a generous trust fund, she refuses give up her independence to just any man and so she endeavours to make herself as physically unattractive as possible to repel further suitors sent her way by the industrious uncle, who also has a financial vested interest in her marriage.
Dominic Slade relishes his bachelorhood and has his own fight with enthusiastic, matchmaking relatives. He hopes to set up a stud farm and desires to buy Melissa's stallion to get himself off to a good start. Melissa's uncle sees Dominic's arrival as a golden opportunity to finally bind his slippery and defiant niece in the bonds of matrimony. Unfortunately, Melissa sees Dominic's arrival as another unsolicited intrusion on her dominion and Dominic only sees an unattractive harpy instead of the charming creature whose beauty has been extolled by her uncle. And yet, he finds himself strangely intrigued by this sharp-tongued female, who could not be further from the usual sweet and pliant ladies he prefer.
I enjoyed the setting - Louisiana at the brink of the 1812 war between England and the United States. Unfortunately, the book lost momentum halfway through. There were more introspection than interactions between the characters. There were some inconsistencies in their behaviour and the storyline. The misunderstandings built up between the two characters due to a senseless and frustrating failure to communicate. Furthermore, Melissa lost her spirit after their marriage which was a real pity.
It started off well with a spirited and proud Melissa Seymour doing her utmost to keep her pushy, matchmaking uncle at bay while struggling to keep her and her younger brother's estate afloat with the limited income from the winnings of their prize stallion. Although marriage will ensure her access to a generous trust fund, she refuses give up her independence to just any man and so she endeavours to make herself as physically unattractive as possible to repel further suitors sent her way by the industrious uncle, who also has a financial vested interest in her marriage.
Dominic Slade relishes his bachelorhood and has his own fight with enthusiastic, matchmaking relatives. He hopes to set up a stud farm and desires to buy Melissa's stallion to get himself off to a good start. Melissa's uncle sees Dominic's arrival as a golden opportunity to finally bind his slippery and defiant niece in the bonds of matrimony. Unfortunately, Melissa sees Dominic's arrival as another unsolicited intrusion on her dominion and Dominic only sees an unattractive harpy instead of the charming creature whose beauty has been extolled by her uncle. And yet, he finds himself strangely intrigued by this sharp-tongued female, who could not be further from the usual sweet and pliant ladies he prefer.
I enjoyed the setting - Louisiana at the brink of the 1812 war between England and the United States. Unfortunately, the book lost momentum halfway through. There were more introspection than interactions between the characters. There were some inconsistencies in their behaviour and the storyline. The misunderstandings built up between the two characters due to a senseless and frustrating failure to communicate. Furthermore, Melissa lost her spirit after their marriage which was a real pity.
March 11, 2018
I have wanted to read this book ever since i read "Decesive not my Heart"...and why..
because we get to follow Dominick Slade...the intruging and sexy younger brother of Morgan Slade,the hero in "Decesive not my Heart".
Before reading this book i actually thought that a masquerade would be involved in the story cuz of the title but i had it totally wrong, and only after you read the book you will understand why this book has that title.
"Midnight Masquerade" has a lot of feverish romance,exciting plot,light humor and awesome characters.Shirlee Busbee describes everything well and writes with such spirited magic,that i never get bored.
The heroine Melissa is everything in Shirlee Busbees heroines.Head-strong,brave-hearted,stubborn,full of pride,incredible beautiful and pure strong souls.I also love her younger brother Zachary and wish him his own story too and their uncle were so funny that he made me burst out laughing many times.
And the hero...oh God,the hero.. is Dominick Slade.If you loved Morgan Slade in "Decesive not my Heart" then you will easily get fascinated with the younger brother of his.Like other heroes of Busbee,Dominick is not a ruthless fighter that dominates,rapes or strikes,but he is a unbending lover that soon will succumb on his knee after he finds his one and true love,Melissa.But.. he is strongly arrogant,fearless and so passionate like the other heroes,that you see him for what he really is,an true alpha-hero that has to get what he wants.
I was so happy when i got to meet Jason Savage,the hero from "Gypsy Lady" and Adam St.Clair,the hero from "Each time we Love"...and Morgan Slade and his wife Leonie Slade,hero and heroine from "Decesive not my heart".I totally laughed at their last scene.
I love Dominick and Melissa`s romance so much and i jumped of great joy at the end of their story.
because we get to follow Dominick Slade...the intruging and sexy younger brother of Morgan Slade,the hero in "Decesive not my Heart".
Before reading this book i actually thought that a masquerade would be involved in the story cuz of the title but i had it totally wrong, and only after you read the book you will understand why this book has that title.
"Midnight Masquerade" has a lot of feverish romance,exciting plot,light humor and awesome characters.Shirlee Busbee describes everything well and writes with such spirited magic,that i never get bored.
The heroine Melissa is everything in Shirlee Busbees heroines.Head-strong,brave-hearted,stubborn,full of pride,incredible beautiful and pure strong souls.I also love her younger brother Zachary and wish him his own story too and their uncle were so funny that he made me burst out laughing many times.
And the hero...oh God,the hero.. is Dominick Slade.If you loved Morgan Slade in "Decesive not my Heart" then you will easily get fascinated with the younger brother of his.Like other heroes of Busbee,Dominick is not a ruthless fighter that dominates,rapes or strikes,but he is a unbending lover that soon will succumb on his knee after he finds his one and true love,Melissa.But.. he is strongly arrogant,fearless and so passionate like the other heroes,that you see him for what he really is,an true alpha-hero that has to get what he wants.
I was so happy when i got to meet Jason Savage,the hero from "Gypsy Lady" and Adam St.Clair,the hero from "Each time we Love"...and Morgan Slade and his wife Leonie Slade,hero and heroine from "Decesive not my heart".I totally laughed at their last scene.
I love Dominick and Melissa`s romance so much and i jumped of great joy at the end of their story.
May 15, 2011
DNF -- I just don't like these as much as I used to. And the combination of Big Mis and "I hate you/I love you/I'll give you the silent treatment" was just too much for me.
August 2, 2023
Im Jahr 1812 steht die sehr eigenwillige Melissa Seymour vor den Scherben ihrer Existenz. Nur wenn sie eine gute Partie macht, kann sie nicht nur ihr Heim und Gut, sondern auch die Zukunft ihre jüngeren Bruders retten. Aber bisher hat sie jeden Verehrer abgelehnt und sich sehr widerspenstig gezeigt, schließlich hat sie geschworen, ihre Unabhängigkeit zu verteidigen. Da ihr nun aber die Zeit wegrennt, bleibt ihr nichts anderes übrig zu heiraten und da kommt Dominic Slade ins Spiel, der sich für unwiderstehlich hält.
Meine Meinung:
Dieses Buch lag lange auf meinem SuB und wäre es vermutlich auch geblieben, wenn es nicht so gut für eine Challange gepasst hätte. Aber ich freute mich auch auf diese Geschichte, da sie für mich sehr spannend und emotional klang. Ich erwartete spannende Wendungen, geladene Wortgefechte und eine Anziehung, der sich weder Melissa, noch Dominic würde entziehen können. Leider kam es anders und ich bin schon ein wenig enttäuscht darüber, wie wenig es mir zusagen konnte.
Und dabei fing es noch interessant an. Zwar gab es viele Informationen zu den Charakteren, der aktuellen Situation von Melissa und ihrer Familie, sowie Dominics Hintergrund, aber mir gefiel es. Ich mochte das Setting und konnte mir das Geschehen super bildlich vorstellen, ich fühlte mich wie im 19. Jahrhundert. Die Geschichte las sich spannend und auch mir war dieser Latimer von Anfang an zuwider, da konnte ich Melissa sehr gut verstehen. Ich war sehr auf das erste Treffen zwischen ihr und Dominic gespannt und fragte mich, wie es sich zwischen den beiden entwickeln würde.
Aber schon dann erlahmte meine vorhandene Begeisterung, da ich kaum Chemie zwischen ihnen spürte und die Handlung nur spärlich vor sich hin kroch. Es gab keinen wirklichen roten Faden, abgesehen davon, dass sie ihr Zuhause retten wollte und mir war es einfach zu wenig. Die erste richtige Wendung wurde nicht gut beschrieben und irgendwie fand ich die Szene unangenehm. Vor allem Dominics Verhalten erschreckte mich richtig und mir tat sie echt Leid. Es war heftig, wie sie als Verführerin und falsche Schlange verurteilt wurde, obwohl sie nichts dergleichen im Sinn hatte und Dominic nicht unschuldig war, aber na gut, es war schließlich auch der Mann, der konnte ja nichts dafür. Der Stand der Frau war damals ein anderer als heute, auch wenn der immer noch im Rückstand ist, aber mir trug die Autorin hier zu dick auf. Frauen wurden beschimpft, waren für alles Schuld und die Männer waren die armen Kreaturen, das sprach mich hier nicht unbedingt an.
Zwar wurde es später etwas besser und ich mochte die Wandlung einiger Charaktere, aber das Ende machte es wieder zunichte. Obwohl es durchaus ein Finale gab, passierte auch gleichzeitig nichts und die Liebesbekenntnisse von Melissa und Dominic wirkten nicht authentisch. Generell war kaum Chemie zwischen ihnen vorhanden und ihre Erotikszenen lasen sich recht blumig. An sich bin ich das in dem Genre ja gewöhnt, aber hier war es zu viel des Guten.
Das hin und her bei Melissas Verhalten nervte mich manchmal und auch, wenn es mir gefiel, die stark sie war, wirkte ihr Charakter anstrengend. Zwar konnte ich ihre Wut und Ängste verstehen und man spürte ihre Liebe zu ihrem jüngeren Bruder Zack, aber ich wurde nie warm mit ihr, dafür blieb sie mir auch zu unnahbar.
Mit Dominic kam ich durchaus besser zurecht, aber mir war er zu selbstgefällig. Er drückte es nie so aus, sah sich aber wohl als Geschenk und urteilte sehr schnell und voreilig über andere Menschen.
Viele der Charaktere waren unwichtig und ihr Auftritt in dieser Geschichte nicht nötig. Dadurch wurde die Geschichte zu sehr in die Länge gezogen und entwickelte sich nicht weiter. Selbst Latimer, bei dem ich noch Hoffnung hatte, dass sein Part sich noch spannend gestalten würde, enttäuschte mich mit seiner Belanglosigkeit und das Ende war so schnell vorüber, dass ich dachte, ich hätte etwas überlesen.
Der Stil sprach mich auch nicht an. Spannung und interessante Momente waren rar gesät und meist floss die Handlung träge vor sich hin. Er war eher langweilig und ohne Raffinesse. Die Erotikszenen lasen sich zu blumig und die Autorin schaffte es leider nicht, die Gefühle ihrer Protagonisten authentisch rüber zu bringen.
Fazit:
Ich vermisste Spannung, Gefühle und Wortgefechte, die mich zum Grinsen brächten. Zwar gab es schon ein paar Szenen, die mir gefielen, aber der Stil war nicht mein Fall. Es wirkte eher kühl und floss träge vor sich hin, bevor es zum Ende noch einen kleinen spannenden Moment gab, der aber leider recht schnell vorüber war. Leider bin ich nie so wirklich mit den Charakteren warm geworden und fand einiges in ihrem Verhalten oder ihrer Denkweise zu fragwürdig. Die Geschichte klang gut, aber es war einfach nicht mein Buch.
Meine Meinung:
Dieses Buch lag lange auf meinem SuB und wäre es vermutlich auch geblieben, wenn es nicht so gut für eine Challange gepasst hätte. Aber ich freute mich auch auf diese Geschichte, da sie für mich sehr spannend und emotional klang. Ich erwartete spannende Wendungen, geladene Wortgefechte und eine Anziehung, der sich weder Melissa, noch Dominic würde entziehen können. Leider kam es anders und ich bin schon ein wenig enttäuscht darüber, wie wenig es mir zusagen konnte.
Und dabei fing es noch interessant an. Zwar gab es viele Informationen zu den Charakteren, der aktuellen Situation von Melissa und ihrer Familie, sowie Dominics Hintergrund, aber mir gefiel es. Ich mochte das Setting und konnte mir das Geschehen super bildlich vorstellen, ich fühlte mich wie im 19. Jahrhundert. Die Geschichte las sich spannend und auch mir war dieser Latimer von Anfang an zuwider, da konnte ich Melissa sehr gut verstehen. Ich war sehr auf das erste Treffen zwischen ihr und Dominic gespannt und fragte mich, wie es sich zwischen den beiden entwickeln würde.
Aber schon dann erlahmte meine vorhandene Begeisterung, da ich kaum Chemie zwischen ihnen spürte und die Handlung nur spärlich vor sich hin kroch. Es gab keinen wirklichen roten Faden, abgesehen davon, dass sie ihr Zuhause retten wollte und mir war es einfach zu wenig. Die erste richtige Wendung wurde nicht gut beschrieben und irgendwie fand ich die Szene unangenehm. Vor allem Dominics Verhalten erschreckte mich richtig und mir tat sie echt Leid. Es war heftig, wie sie als Verführerin und falsche Schlange verurteilt wurde, obwohl sie nichts dergleichen im Sinn hatte und Dominic nicht unschuldig war, aber na gut, es war schließlich auch der Mann, der konnte ja nichts dafür. Der Stand der Frau war damals ein anderer als heute, auch wenn der immer noch im Rückstand ist, aber mir trug die Autorin hier zu dick auf. Frauen wurden beschimpft, waren für alles Schuld und die Männer waren die armen Kreaturen, das sprach mich hier nicht unbedingt an.
Zwar wurde es später etwas besser und ich mochte die Wandlung einiger Charaktere, aber das Ende machte es wieder zunichte. Obwohl es durchaus ein Finale gab, passierte auch gleichzeitig nichts und die Liebesbekenntnisse von Melissa und Dominic wirkten nicht authentisch. Generell war kaum Chemie zwischen ihnen vorhanden und ihre Erotikszenen lasen sich recht blumig. An sich bin ich das in dem Genre ja gewöhnt, aber hier war es zu viel des Guten.
Das hin und her bei Melissas Verhalten nervte mich manchmal und auch, wenn es mir gefiel, die stark sie war, wirkte ihr Charakter anstrengend. Zwar konnte ich ihre Wut und Ängste verstehen und man spürte ihre Liebe zu ihrem jüngeren Bruder Zack, aber ich wurde nie warm mit ihr, dafür blieb sie mir auch zu unnahbar.
Mit Dominic kam ich durchaus besser zurecht, aber mir war er zu selbstgefällig. Er drückte es nie so aus, sah sich aber wohl als Geschenk und urteilte sehr schnell und voreilig über andere Menschen.
Viele der Charaktere waren unwichtig und ihr Auftritt in dieser Geschichte nicht nötig. Dadurch wurde die Geschichte zu sehr in die Länge gezogen und entwickelte sich nicht weiter. Selbst Latimer, bei dem ich noch Hoffnung hatte, dass sein Part sich noch spannend gestalten würde, enttäuschte mich mit seiner Belanglosigkeit und das Ende war so schnell vorüber, dass ich dachte, ich hätte etwas überlesen.
Der Stil sprach mich auch nicht an. Spannung und interessante Momente waren rar gesät und meist floss die Handlung träge vor sich hin. Er war eher langweilig und ohne Raffinesse. Die Erotikszenen lasen sich zu blumig und die Autorin schaffte es leider nicht, die Gefühle ihrer Protagonisten authentisch rüber zu bringen.
Fazit:
Ich vermisste Spannung, Gefühle und Wortgefechte, die mich zum Grinsen brächten. Zwar gab es schon ein paar Szenen, die mir gefielen, aber der Stil war nicht mein Fall. Es wirkte eher kühl und floss träge vor sich hin, bevor es zum Ende noch einen kleinen spannenden Moment gab, der aber leider recht schnell vorüber war. Leider bin ich nie so wirklich mit den Charakteren warm geworden und fand einiges in ihrem Verhalten oder ihrer Denkweise zu fragwürdig. Die Geschichte klang gut, aber es war einfach nicht mein Buch.
July 21, 2023
I haven’t read all of these in order and I love Shirlee Busbee’s writing but the suspense was such a big build up only to be over on the final page.
Such compelling and interesting characters. But I could have had a little more aftermath/closure. It felt like too much of a quick wrap up. Which was not what I’m used to from this series
Such compelling and interesting characters. But I could have had a little more aftermath/closure. It felt like too much of a quick wrap up. Which was not what I’m used to from this series
August 23, 2022
I've read several of Ms. Busbee's books, and there's no doubt she has a lot of talent when it comes to telling a story and holding the reader's interest, and I can also add that her writing improved over time.
By that, I mean that she mellowed out her characters quite a bit, so the H and h, while still having arguments and misunderstandings, no longer sort to cruel insults and violence, as so was the case in her earlier works. Also, the couple actually took the time to try and see the other's POV, rather than see things through self-centered glasses, another refreshing change.
The characters were all entertaining, and there were quite a few of them: the h, Melissa Seymour, her younger brother Zack, Uncle Josh and Aunt Sally, and her cousin, Royce, who happened to be the best friend of the H, Dominic Slade. Even the villains in the tale, Julius Latimer and his sister Deborah (who can be called the OM and OW, though not for reasons of affection on the part of the MC) are fun to read about, despite being so unlikeable/immoral.
I won't give away any details, but it was clever of Ms. Busbee to have Dominic avenge Melissa's honor by a duel, not with swords or pistols, but with a deck of cards, where he can do the most damage to his opponent, considering Julius's precarious financial state.
One thing I regret is the way Folly, Melissa's prize horse that she and Zach raced to win money to keep the family estate solvent, was forgotten as the story progressed. This was a disappointment, as the horse was what brought the couple together in the first place, and also, a lot was made in the beginning of Folly's power and speed on the racecourse, then it was just dropped, while other storylines took his place. I would have liked to see some horse racing scenes, and the couple sharing their love for the prize horse they now owned together. but that didn't happen. In my opinion, this was a folly on Ms. Busbee's part. (I couldn't resist that pun!)
Other than that, I have no complaints. I also liked the way characters from previous books were included, and I get the impression that there were future books for both Zach and Royce to have their turns at being the H. I'll have to check that out and see if I'm right.
By that, I mean that she mellowed out her characters quite a bit, so the H and h, while still having arguments and misunderstandings, no longer sort to cruel insults and violence, as so was the case in her earlier works. Also, the couple actually took the time to try and see the other's POV, rather than see things through self-centered glasses, another refreshing change.
The characters were all entertaining, and there were quite a few of them: the h, Melissa Seymour, her younger brother Zack, Uncle Josh and Aunt Sally, and her cousin, Royce, who happened to be the best friend of the H, Dominic Slade. Even the villains in the tale, Julius Latimer and his sister Deborah (who can be called the OM and OW, though not for reasons of affection on the part of the MC) are fun to read about, despite being so unlikeable/immoral.
I won't give away any details, but it was clever of Ms. Busbee to have Dominic avenge Melissa's honor by a duel, not with swords or pistols, but with a deck of cards, where he can do the most damage to his opponent, considering Julius's precarious financial state.
One thing I regret is the way Folly, Melissa's prize horse that she and Zach raced to win money to keep the family estate solvent, was forgotten as the story progressed. This was a disappointment, as the horse was what brought the couple together in the first place, and also, a lot was made in the beginning of Folly's power and speed on the racecourse, then it was just dropped, while other storylines took his place. I would have liked to see some horse racing scenes, and the couple sharing their love for the prize horse they now owned together. but that didn't happen. In my opinion, this was a folly on Ms. Busbee's part. (I couldn't resist that pun!)
Other than that, I have no complaints. I also liked the way characters from previous books were included, and I get the impression that there were future books for both Zach and Royce to have their turns at being the H. I'll have to check that out and see if I'm right.
February 20, 2017
An entertaining romp
Dominic and Lissa relate to one another in a kind of skirmish to begin with. Her uncle has painted Dom as a rake and not to be trusted libertine. . Lissa is in disguise as a frump. The two dance around each other until passion puts paid to their odd dance ends in marriage. Both aware of the other but afraid to trust leads them on a race to help their country and find the love they are both feeling.
Dominic and Lissa relate to one another in a kind of skirmish to begin with. Her uncle has painted Dom as a rake and not to be trusted libertine. . Lissa is in disguise as a frump. The two dance around each other until passion puts paid to their odd dance ends in marriage. Both aware of the other but afraid to trust leads them on a race to help their country and find the love they are both feeling.
December 29, 2025
An oldie from many years ago. Somewhat dated but enjoyable.
July 9, 2012
Love in Louisiana in 1814 as the Battle of New Orleans Approaches!
I love Shirlee Busbee’s romances because I know I’m going to diving into a deep story, one with rich details in the descriptions of places, people, food and history, woven together like a tapestry, providing a great background for her captivating love stories. This one is no different. Her seventh novel, it tells an intriguing tale of love in the time of the War of 1812 (“Madison’s War”).
Set in Louisiana, beginning in the spring of 1814, this is the story of Melissa Seymour, whose greatest concern is surviving until her trust funds come in, which will only happen when her younger brother, 19-year-old Zachary turns 21, or she marries. Her uncle, who stands to benefit, urges her to marry and yet Lissa is “unmoved by the most ardent admirer”. To discourage the men who flock about her, she disguises herself as a dowdy shrew. Her gift is horses and she has one stallion, Folly, who is magnificent and wins all his races. His prize money is keeping her and Zachary’s home of Willowglen afloat. Then enters one arrogant, wealthy 32-year-old bachelor, Dominic Slade of New Orleans, who wants to buy Folly and start a stud farm on his new estate close to Willowglen. Through a bizarre set of circumstances, they are caught together in his hotel room and forced to wed.
Busbee sets forth a shotgun marriage that grew into love against a backdrop of English spies in Louisiana seeking out Loyalists who can be counted on for the Battle of New Orleans that is coming. Among the secondary characters is Jason Savage, the hero in GYPSY LADY. While the pace is a bit slower than more modern historical romances, fans of Busbee will not be disappointed.
I love Shirlee Busbee’s romances because I know I’m going to diving into a deep story, one with rich details in the descriptions of places, people, food and history, woven together like a tapestry, providing a great background for her captivating love stories. This one is no different. Her seventh novel, it tells an intriguing tale of love in the time of the War of 1812 (“Madison’s War”).
Set in Louisiana, beginning in the spring of 1814, this is the story of Melissa Seymour, whose greatest concern is surviving until her trust funds come in, which will only happen when her younger brother, 19-year-old Zachary turns 21, or she marries. Her uncle, who stands to benefit, urges her to marry and yet Lissa is “unmoved by the most ardent admirer”. To discourage the men who flock about her, she disguises herself as a dowdy shrew. Her gift is horses and she has one stallion, Folly, who is magnificent and wins all his races. His prize money is keeping her and Zachary’s home of Willowglen afloat. Then enters one arrogant, wealthy 32-year-old bachelor, Dominic Slade of New Orleans, who wants to buy Folly and start a stud farm on his new estate close to Willowglen. Through a bizarre set of circumstances, they are caught together in his hotel room and forced to wed.
Busbee sets forth a shotgun marriage that grew into love against a backdrop of English spies in Louisiana seeking out Loyalists who can be counted on for the Battle of New Orleans that is coming. Among the secondary characters is Jason Savage, the hero in GYPSY LADY. While the pace is a bit slower than more modern historical romances, fans of Busbee will not be disappointed.
July 30, 2016
Love in Louisiana in 1814 as the Battle of New Orleans Approaches!
I love Shirlee Busbee’s romances because I know I’m going to diving into a deep story, one with rich details in the descriptions of places, people, food and history, woven together like a tapestry, providing a great background for her captivating love stories. This one is no different. Her seventh novel, it tells an intriguing tale of love in the time of the War of 1812 (referred to by its opponents as “Madison’s War”).
Set in Louisiana, beginning in the spring of 1814, this is the story of Melissa Seymour, whose greatest concern is surviving until her trust funds come in, which will only happen when her younger brother, 19-year-old Zachary turns 21—or she marries. Her uncle, who stands to benefit, urges her to marry, and yet Lissa is “unmoved by the most ardent admirer.” To discourage the men who flock about her, she disguises herself as a dowdy shrew. Her gift is horses and she has one stallion, Folly, who is magnificent and wins all his races. His prize money is keeping her and Zachary’s home of Willowglen afloat. Then enters one arrogant, wealthy 32-year-old bachelor, Dominic Slade of New Orleans, who wants to buy Folly and start a stud farm on his new estate close to Willowglen. Through a bizarre set of circumstances, they are caught together in his hotel room and forced to wed.
Busbee sets forth a shotgun marriage that grew into love against a backdrop of English spies in Louisiana seeking out Loyalists who can be counted on for the Battle of New Orleans that is coming. Among the secondary characters is Jason Savage, the hero in Busbee’s GYPSY LADY. While the pace is a bit slower than more modern historical romances, fans of Busbee will not be disappointed.
I love Shirlee Busbee’s romances because I know I’m going to diving into a deep story, one with rich details in the descriptions of places, people, food and history, woven together like a tapestry, providing a great background for her captivating love stories. This one is no different. Her seventh novel, it tells an intriguing tale of love in the time of the War of 1812 (referred to by its opponents as “Madison’s War”).
Set in Louisiana, beginning in the spring of 1814, this is the story of Melissa Seymour, whose greatest concern is surviving until her trust funds come in, which will only happen when her younger brother, 19-year-old Zachary turns 21—or she marries. Her uncle, who stands to benefit, urges her to marry, and yet Lissa is “unmoved by the most ardent admirer.” To discourage the men who flock about her, she disguises herself as a dowdy shrew. Her gift is horses and she has one stallion, Folly, who is magnificent and wins all his races. His prize money is keeping her and Zachary’s home of Willowglen afloat. Then enters one arrogant, wealthy 32-year-old bachelor, Dominic Slade of New Orleans, who wants to buy Folly and start a stud farm on his new estate close to Willowglen. Through a bizarre set of circumstances, they are caught together in his hotel room and forced to wed.
Busbee sets forth a shotgun marriage that grew into love against a backdrop of English spies in Louisiana seeking out Loyalists who can be counted on for the Battle of New Orleans that is coming. Among the secondary characters is Jason Savage, the hero in Busbee’s GYPSY LADY. While the pace is a bit slower than more modern historical romances, fans of Busbee will not be disappointed.
May 1, 2015
Although the whole idea of the story is beautiful and I am fascinated with Melissa & Dominic,.. I can't help but think that some parts of the story are happening in a slow motion because of the elaborated and sometimes unnecessary description of 'everything' which I also sometimes find a little bit boring. But it is a good story though :)
January 15, 2012
Bon, dans le genre romances, y a mieux.... et y a pire aussi ! Bref, un roman sympathique mais pas inoubliable. Et puis l'héroïne est un peu trop nunuche à mon goût. Bon, ça m'aura procuré un moment de détente, c'est déjà ça ! ;-)
January 23, 2012
Another good story by Busbee.....keep them coming!!!!
August 5, 2013
quite disappointing. Expected something better for Dominic Slade. Farfetched twists in the plot, improbable situations.
March 1, 2014
Not as good as the 1st book in the series but i still liked it. The usual big mis-understanding non communication.
The one negative thing about this book are the grammar mistakes.
The one negative thing about this book are the grammar mistakes.
September 13, 2015
Creo que es por la traduccion que no me gusta... Le resta bastante
February 13, 2021
The first almost half of the book is predicting what happens in the next half. Basic.Ok,. mild (characters & drama) compared to the previous in series.
October 31, 2013
3.75 stars
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