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Renegades of the American Revolution #3
Mistress Firebrand
British Occupied Manhattan, 1777. American actress Jennifer Leighton has been packing the John Street Theater with her witty comedies, but she longs to escape the provincial circuit for the glamour of the London stage. When the playwright General John Burgoyne visits the city, fresh from a recent success in the capitol, she seizes the opportunity to court his patronage. But her plan is foiled by British intelligence officer Severin Devere.
Severin’s mission is to keep the pleasure-loving general focused on the war effort…and away from pretty young actresses. But the tables are turned when Severin himself can’t resist Jennifer Leighton…
Months later, Jenny has abandoned her dreams of stage glory and begun writing seditious plays for the Rebels under the pen name “Cornelia,” ridiculing “Gentleman Johnny” Burgoyne and his army—and undermining the crown’s campaign to take Albany. By the time Severin meets up with Jenny once again, she is on a British hanging list, and Severin is ordered to find her—and deliver her to certain death. Soon, the two are launched on a desperate journey through the wilderness, toward a future shaped by the revolution—and their passion for each other…
Severin’s mission is to keep the pleasure-loving general focused on the war effort…and away from pretty young actresses. But the tables are turned when Severin himself can’t resist Jennifer Leighton…
Months later, Jenny has abandoned her dreams of stage glory and begun writing seditious plays for the Rebels under the pen name “Cornelia,” ridiculing “Gentleman Johnny” Burgoyne and his army—and undermining the crown’s campaign to take Albany. By the time Severin meets up with Jenny once again, she is on a British hanging list, and Severin is ordered to find her—and deliver her to certain death. Soon, the two are launched on a desperate journey through the wilderness, toward a future shaped by the revolution—and their passion for each other…
416 pages, Paperback
First published March 3, 2015
28 people are currently reading
2219 people want to read
About the author
Donna Thorland
11 books270 followersA native of Bergenfield, New Jersey, Donna graduated from Yale with a degree in Classics and Art History. For a number of years she managed architecture and interpretation at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA, and wrote and directed the Witch City’s most popular Halloween theater festival, Eerie Events. She later earned an MFA in film production from the USC School of Cinematic Arts.
The director of several award-winning short films, including The Night Caller, which aired on PBS and was featured on Ain’t It Cool News, Donna has been a sorority house mother, a Disney/ABC Television Writing Fellow, and a WGA Writer’s Access Project Honoree. Her television credits include the Disney XD animated series, Tron: Uprising; WGN’s Salem; and Hallmark’s, The Good Witch. Currently she is a producer on Netflix’s popular ongoing series, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.
Donna is also the author of four highly acclaimed historical novels from Penguin New American Library (The Turncoat, The Rebel Pirate, Mistress Firebrand, and The Dutch Girl) and four bestselling urban fantasy novels from Pocket Star (Cold Iron, Silver Skin, Stone Song, and Blade Dance), writing as DL McDermott. Her short fiction has appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine and Albedo One. Donna is married with two cats and divides her time between Salem— where she remains active in historic preservation and serves on the board of Hamilton Hall — and Los Angeles.
The director of several award-winning short films, including The Night Caller, which aired on PBS and was featured on Ain’t It Cool News, Donna has been a sorority house mother, a Disney/ABC Television Writing Fellow, and a WGA Writer’s Access Project Honoree. Her television credits include the Disney XD animated series, Tron: Uprising; WGN’s Salem; and Hallmark’s, The Good Witch. Currently she is a producer on Netflix’s popular ongoing series, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.
Donna is also the author of four highly acclaimed historical novels from Penguin New American Library (The Turncoat, The Rebel Pirate, Mistress Firebrand, and The Dutch Girl) and four bestselling urban fantasy novels from Pocket Star (Cold Iron, Silver Skin, Stone Song, and Blade Dance), writing as DL McDermott. Her short fiction has appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine and Albedo One. Donna is married with two cats and divides her time between Salem— where she remains active in historic preservation and serves on the board of Hamilton Hall — and Los Angeles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
March 3, 2021
On a second read, I stand by my rating and the original. This series is AMAZING!. I looked around to see if I could contact the author to ask her if she'll write more installments or other books like this series. I couldn't find any contact information in the time that I allotted to look around for it. WAHHH!!!!
10-Stars l!
I don’t think this series is HR, but rather HF or romantic historical fiction. This book like “The Turncoat,” bk 1 of the series is very heavy in historical detail, as it should be. This author is an expert on the period. This is her area of expertise.
There was so much intrigue and political maneuvering, that the romantic element was a little overshadowed, but I don’t think this is HR. However, I really liked the MCs and they had really good chemistry.
The intrigue and political was pretty intense...
..a real roller-coaster ride.
For me, there are 2 types of “put-downable” books: 1) put-downable bec the story is not all that compelling and makes it easy to get distracted and not in a hurry to get back to it. OR
2) the book is put-downable because what is going on is so tension inducing, you have to put down the book and take a respite so that you can continue after a little relief by washing dishes, calling one’s mother or reading something else altogether. I was so keyed up by the book I had to take frequent breaks, often at a really critical point!
I really liked this heroine. I felt that she was strong, unconventional and her own person BUT she still fit with the period. She was aware of the drawbacks of the repercussions of the life she chose (for the most part) and did not spend time bickering with men or engaging in behavior that represents (to me) meritorious of a (to me) unfitting label of “strong” heroine.
I still have one more book in the series to read. This one of 3/4 that I’ve read is my favorite. These books are pricey (I am lucky to get bk 1-3 from the library). If these books aren’t readily available where you live but you want to try just one title, make this THE one.
10-Stars l!
I don’t think this series is HR, but rather HF or romantic historical fiction. This book like “The Turncoat,” bk 1 of the series is very heavy in historical detail, as it should be. This author is an expert on the period. This is her area of expertise.
There was so much intrigue and political maneuvering, that the romantic element was a little overshadowed, but I don’t think this is HR. However, I really liked the MCs and they had really good chemistry.
The intrigue and political was pretty intense...
..a real roller-coaster ride.
For me, there are 2 types of “put-downable” books: 1) put-downable bec the story is not all that compelling and makes it easy to get distracted and not in a hurry to get back to it. OR
2) the book is put-downable because what is going on is so tension inducing, you have to put down the book and take a respite so that you can continue after a little relief by washing dishes, calling one’s mother or reading something else altogether. I was so keyed up by the book I had to take frequent breaks, often at a really critical point!
I really liked this heroine. I felt that she was strong, unconventional and her own person BUT she still fit with the period. She was aware of the drawbacks of the repercussions of the life she chose (for the most part) and did not spend time bickering with men or engaging in behavior that represents (to me) meritorious of a (to me) unfitting label of “strong” heroine.
I still have one more book in the series to read. This one of 3/4 that I’ve read is my favorite. These books are pricey (I am lucky to get bk 1-3 from the library). If these books aren’t readily available where you live but you want to try just one title, make this THE one.
July 24, 2016
Fairly exciting novel, than again espionage always adds a level of excitement.
I was unsure of Jennifer at first. Was she flighty, opportunistic or something else. I warmed up to her as the story progressed, I must say I preferred her paired with Severin, together they compliment each other, proverbial ying and yang, not to mention their many similarities. Severin – charming, cultured, revolutionary James Bond. Frances was a muted character but her presence added to my fascination with Angela Ferrers. No doubt these two old chums shared quite a past.
I felt the tension of New York as it serves as the center of conflict and turbulence. The power shift, the political standoff, chaos, tides change at a moments notice as do allegiances. The theatre aspect created dimension, noting how thespians played a role during this time was fascinating.
More than a love story, the background sets the tone for adventure, tension with dramatics forming a fetching read.
I was unsure of Jennifer at first. Was she flighty, opportunistic or something else. I warmed up to her as the story progressed, I must say I preferred her paired with Severin, together they compliment each other, proverbial ying and yang, not to mention their many similarities. Severin – charming, cultured, revolutionary James Bond. Frances was a muted character but her presence added to my fascination with Angela Ferrers. No doubt these two old chums shared quite a past.
I felt the tension of New York as it serves as the center of conflict and turbulence. The power shift, the political standoff, chaos, tides change at a moments notice as do allegiances. The theatre aspect created dimension, noting how thespians played a role during this time was fascinating.
More than a love story, the background sets the tone for adventure, tension with dramatics forming a fetching read.
March 29, 2015
When given the opportunity to read and review Mistress Firebrand, I was thrilled and jumped at the chance. I’ve read two others in Renegades of the Revolution series and fell in love with Donna Thorland’s writing.
It took me longer to get through this one, not counting the week long flu at Christmas, but due to wanting to relish the settings, the characters, and watch every twist and turn unfold. You can only read a book once “for the first time”. As firsts and lasts, and everything in between, Mistress Firebrand was exactly as I’d expected and more, what I’d hoped. Romance, historical, espionage, and theater. The research and descriptions are impeccable and lush, adding a layer to the characters and setting without coming across as daunting.
The year was 1777, and Jennifer Leighton was making her meager living in Manhattan. As a thespian and playwright, Jenny hoped for bigger stages and more acclaim as a woman in theater. Living with her Aunt Frances, an accomplished actress in her own right, Jenny sought out avenues to make her dreams come to fruition in the form of a patron, the ambitious sybarite, General John Burgoyne. Unfortunately, as patrons go, Burgoyne appears enamored with Jenny but for completely different reasons.
Enter Burgoyne’s right hand man, intelligence officer Severin Devere. Ambitious in his own right, Devere is asked by Burgoyne to fetch the lovely Jenny from the theater, a request that puts events in motion to pit playwright against spy, battling against their hearts, governments, unfinished business, and one step away from their necks in a noose.
Once Jenny had experienced the upheaval of British occupation in her town, her loyalties were split. Family before politics. Jenny was given the opportunity to strike back under her mighty and wicked pen. Her plays, cleverly acted out as anti-British vitriol, caught like wildfire under the pen name “Cordelia” and earned her a place in The British Most Wanted List. Who to find that person? None other than our man of espionage, Severin Devere who would much rather keep her in his future. Wanting what you can’t have but try to have anyway? Spies and wars. Loyalties and family. Excellent strong characters. Can you see why I couldn’t rush through this?
To what degree did the theater affect the Revolutionary War? Thorland brings to light an interesting catalyst in the Revolutionary War: The power of the theater.
In our modern day, media affords anyone with an internet connection an immediate source and outpouring of public sentiment, news, and politics. In my lifetime, technology has shaped news immediacy. Foreign are the days of 1777, where news was much, much slower. A snail’s pace in contrast to today’s television, internet chat rooms and social media. Our ancestors covertly printed and distributed mutinous and defiantly political materials, letters came across the sea to be passed about parties, whispered around shipyards, political plays were performed on stage and in parlors, and gossip was currency to merchants who sold you wares and goods at the markets.
Thorland did a wonderful job illustrating the theater as a key player in political circles. A catalyst of sorts, contained by a catchy phrase or tune, or a dramatic satirical scene that made the commoner laugh and Generals stir to action. These elements had the ability to turn popular good opinion into a cabbage-throwing, tar and feathering racket…or worse, life and death. When tensions were high and armies blazed across the eastern states, a friendly town or village would mean success or life and death. A key catalyst, like playwright Jennifer Leighton, was important for any army or political figure; to garner public sympathy and fortification of positive reputation needed to defend political gain.
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how the theater shaped the Revolutionary War in this seemingly innocuous but powerful way; one that I hope is not lost in our histories.
Just as the others in the series this installment can be read as a standalone.
Coming to a bookseller near you March 3rd, 2015
Many thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Group, and author, Donna Thorland for the opportunity to read and review.
***
How does this series get better each time?!
Fantastic installment of the Renegades of the Revolution.
It took me longer to get through this one, not counting the week long flu at Christmas, but due to wanting to relish the settings, the characters, and watch every twist and turn unfold. You can only read a book once “for the first time”. As firsts and lasts, and everything in between, Mistress Firebrand was exactly as I’d expected and more, what I’d hoped. Romance, historical, espionage, and theater. The research and descriptions are impeccable and lush, adding a layer to the characters and setting without coming across as daunting.
The year was 1777, and Jennifer Leighton was making her meager living in Manhattan. As a thespian and playwright, Jenny hoped for bigger stages and more acclaim as a woman in theater. Living with her Aunt Frances, an accomplished actress in her own right, Jenny sought out avenues to make her dreams come to fruition in the form of a patron, the ambitious sybarite, General John Burgoyne. Unfortunately, as patrons go, Burgoyne appears enamored with Jenny but for completely different reasons.
Enter Burgoyne’s right hand man, intelligence officer Severin Devere. Ambitious in his own right, Devere is asked by Burgoyne to fetch the lovely Jenny from the theater, a request that puts events in motion to pit playwright against spy, battling against their hearts, governments, unfinished business, and one step away from their necks in a noose.
Once Jenny had experienced the upheaval of British occupation in her town, her loyalties were split. Family before politics. Jenny was given the opportunity to strike back under her mighty and wicked pen. Her plays, cleverly acted out as anti-British vitriol, caught like wildfire under the pen name “Cordelia” and earned her a place in The British Most Wanted List. Who to find that person? None other than our man of espionage, Severin Devere who would much rather keep her in his future. Wanting what you can’t have but try to have anyway? Spies and wars. Loyalties and family. Excellent strong characters. Can you see why I couldn’t rush through this?
To what degree did the theater affect the Revolutionary War? Thorland brings to light an interesting catalyst in the Revolutionary War: The power of the theater.
In our modern day, media affords anyone with an internet connection an immediate source and outpouring of public sentiment, news, and politics. In my lifetime, technology has shaped news immediacy. Foreign are the days of 1777, where news was much, much slower. A snail’s pace in contrast to today’s television, internet chat rooms and social media. Our ancestors covertly printed and distributed mutinous and defiantly political materials, letters came across the sea to be passed about parties, whispered around shipyards, political plays were performed on stage and in parlors, and gossip was currency to merchants who sold you wares and goods at the markets.
Thorland did a wonderful job illustrating the theater as a key player in political circles. A catalyst of sorts, contained by a catchy phrase or tune, or a dramatic satirical scene that made the commoner laugh and Generals stir to action. These elements had the ability to turn popular good opinion into a cabbage-throwing, tar and feathering racket…or worse, life and death. When tensions were high and armies blazed across the eastern states, a friendly town or village would mean success or life and death. A key catalyst, like playwright Jennifer Leighton, was important for any army or political figure; to garner public sympathy and fortification of positive reputation needed to defend political gain.
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how the theater shaped the Revolutionary War in this seemingly innocuous but powerful way; one that I hope is not lost in our histories.
Just as the others in the series this installment can be read as a standalone.
Coming to a bookseller near you March 3rd, 2015
Many thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Group, and author, Donna Thorland for the opportunity to read and review.
***
How does this series get better each time?!
Fantastic installment of the Renegades of the Revolution.
June 18, 2015
This book and series is amazing if you're looking for high quality and quantity of historical facts and feel in your romance. This time period, 1776/American Revolutionary War, is sadly ignored right now, so it makes this series extra special.
The romance gets pushed to the side in favor of political dealings, the beginning is a little slow starting and the middle gets a bit meandering but the end finds itself as the historical and romance aspects finally find a happy marriage.
If you enjoy history and this time period at all, must read! Just be willing to have the scales tipped more towards the historical aspects.
The romance gets pushed to the side in favor of political dealings, the beginning is a little slow starting and the middle gets a bit meandering but the end finds itself as the historical and romance aspects finally find a happy marriage.
If you enjoy history and this time period at all, must read! Just be willing to have the scales tipped more towards the historical aspects.
March 12, 2015
Donna Thorland is one of those writers who I know will give me a great adventure, a sexy romance and pitch perfect historical detail. This time she takes the reader behind the scenes of the theatre during the American Revolution. Our heroine, Jennifer Leighton, is a colonial playwright who dreams of having her plays performed on the London stage. And when she hears that British General and playwright "Gentleman" Johnny Burgoyne is nearby, she devises a scheme to get her play in front of him. But first she has to get past his handsome and ruthless (Loyalist) handler, Severin Devere. As so often happens, things don't go according to plan and soon both Jenny and Severin are questioning their own loyalties and falling hopelessly in love in the process. I loved the rich historical detail and the mix of real historical figures with fictional ones. I'd known a bit about Burgoyne but knew nothing of his writings, for instance. And the details of life in Manhattan during the war were fascinating. Both Jenny and Severin were well drawn characters and I appreciated how they came to feel more than physical attraction for one another--though that was smoking!--over the course of having their loyalties tested. It made their bond that much stronger until their HEA became utterly inevitable. The supporting characters were just as fascinating as the main pair and several had me wanting to reread all of Thorland's books. Can't wait to see what she comes up with next. Loved!
March 5, 2015
There are not enough books about the American Revolution--or at least I can't get enough of them. And when a writer of Donna Thorland's caliber takes the period on, you know you're in for a ride. The hero is a BAMF, the heroine is more than his match, the historical detail is lovely. I have admittedly researched the era period since some of my manuscripts-under-the-bed were set then. Knowing some of the background already just ups the tension at certain points. I devoured this book. I had to think I'll have to wait another year for another installment. Please tell me there will be one.
March 13, 2015
The stars of the book for me were the two leads, Jenny and Severin. The author characterized them as strong individuals who are caught up in the tides of war and revolution, doing an outstanding job in the process. She also gave her secondary characters real life, making us live them rather than just read them.
Jenny knew what she wanted out of life and never lost sight of that goal to utilize her writing as a method of support, monetarily and revolutionary. I also liked that she knew she was in dangerous times so lived her life with no regrets. That’s a very appropriate mind set for such times and dangers, and I enjoyed it in her. I liked that Severin had such a unique background, being half Indian yet a British officer. It added a different dimension to his ultimate turning. He was both dangerous and devoted in equal measure, two sides to a very unique man.
Their relationship was well portrayed if a bit light. I liked that the author didn’t fall into the typical spy story trap for romance, having two leads assume the other is a traitor or a turncoat to them and so producing trust angst. The two never really wavered in their ultimate trust in each other’s motives, and I found that very refreshing. I did find that the author seemed to focus a lot of their romantic storyline on sex and the physical aspects. While that’s not a negative in and of itself in a romance, too much of it can detract from the emotional side. I still found enjoyment in the emotions and felt them deeply; yet, having a sex scene or thoughts of one popping up more often than not was a bit of a downer.
The author’s expertise in this historical period and her research shone through again, just like her previous installments for this series. The small details of spying during the American Revolution and giving us a window into that gritty world makes the reader really live the story. I personally had never heard of Simbury Prison and how it sort of let to the prison ships of Revolution fame. I loved following Severin’s and Jenny’s story through the theaters, slums, and fervor of Revolutionary New York.
A truly great addition to this series of American Revolution historical fiction/romance works. The author creates great romantic characters and puts them into a vivid world of danger, suspense, and spying. Historical details pop so the reader experiences the story rather than just reading it. While the reader sometimes slid into the physical side of love too often, that doesn’t detract from the overall romance, which was a real treat. Check this one out if you’re looking for American Revolution historical fiction; this author knows how to write and write well.
Jenny knew what she wanted out of life and never lost sight of that goal to utilize her writing as a method of support, monetarily and revolutionary. I also liked that she knew she was in dangerous times so lived her life with no regrets. That’s a very appropriate mind set for such times and dangers, and I enjoyed it in her. I liked that Severin had such a unique background, being half Indian yet a British officer. It added a different dimension to his ultimate turning. He was both dangerous and devoted in equal measure, two sides to a very unique man.
Their relationship was well portrayed if a bit light. I liked that the author didn’t fall into the typical spy story trap for romance, having two leads assume the other is a traitor or a turncoat to them and so producing trust angst. The two never really wavered in their ultimate trust in each other’s motives, and I found that very refreshing. I did find that the author seemed to focus a lot of their romantic storyline on sex and the physical aspects. While that’s not a negative in and of itself in a romance, too much of it can detract from the emotional side. I still found enjoyment in the emotions and felt them deeply; yet, having a sex scene or thoughts of one popping up more often than not was a bit of a downer.
The author’s expertise in this historical period and her research shone through again, just like her previous installments for this series. The small details of spying during the American Revolution and giving us a window into that gritty world makes the reader really live the story. I personally had never heard of Simbury Prison and how it sort of let to the prison ships of Revolution fame. I loved following Severin’s and Jenny’s story through the theaters, slums, and fervor of Revolutionary New York.
A truly great addition to this series of American Revolution historical fiction/romance works. The author creates great romantic characters and puts them into a vivid world of danger, suspense, and spying. Historical details pop so the reader experiences the story rather than just reading it. While the reader sometimes slid into the physical side of love too often, that doesn’t detract from the overall romance, which was a real treat. Check this one out if you’re looking for American Revolution historical fiction; this author knows how to write and write well.
April 9, 2015
Setting: New York City 1777
4 1/2 Stars
After reading the authors first two books and I absolutely loved them, I admit I was hesitant going into this one only because I really don't care for historical books romance or otherwise where the backdrop is a actress/playwright/actor theme. I don't know why, but they just bore me and I can't hold any interest in one. That being said...I thought "Mistress Firebrand" her most amusing, clever, adventurous, and thought provoking novel yet and I couldn't put it down!
Once again Ms.Thorland gives us a story with wonderfully vivid descriptions, fascinating historical events and dynamic to the core characters alongside with a very powerful love story. This being the third book in her Revolution series (all can be read as a stand alone) she gives the reader a view of the era from several sides which made it even more interesting.
Jenny Leighton actress/playwright dreams of seeing her witty comedies on the stage in London.
And her big opportunity comes when playwright/general John Burgoyne arrives. He is her ticket to the London stage in England..or so she thinks. But Jenny's scheme is thwarted by Severin Devere, whose job it is to keep gentleman Johnny's focus on the war and not on the ladies. Months go by, and Jenny is no longer dreaming of her stardom in London, but now penning sarcastic plays about the British under a pen name of Cornelia. By the time Severin figures out Jenny is Cornelia, he has fallen in love with her. Now caught between loyalty and love, rebellion and safety, Jenny and Severin face danger and the opportunity to fight for freedom.
There is nothing better then a book that sucks you right in, makes you laugh out loud, fall in love with the characters, and not want it to end.
This is one author that with each book it just gets better and better and I can hardly wait for her next book to come out! Highly recommend all her books in the Revolution series
4 1/2 Stars
After reading the authors first two books and I absolutely loved them, I admit I was hesitant going into this one only because I really don't care for historical books romance or otherwise where the backdrop is a actress/playwright/actor theme. I don't know why, but they just bore me and I can't hold any interest in one. That being said...I thought "Mistress Firebrand" her most amusing, clever, adventurous, and thought provoking novel yet and I couldn't put it down!
Once again Ms.Thorland gives us a story with wonderfully vivid descriptions, fascinating historical events and dynamic to the core characters alongside with a very powerful love story. This being the third book in her Revolution series (all can be read as a stand alone) she gives the reader a view of the era from several sides which made it even more interesting.
Jenny Leighton actress/playwright dreams of seeing her witty comedies on the stage in London.
And her big opportunity comes when playwright/general John Burgoyne arrives. He is her ticket to the London stage in England..or so she thinks. But Jenny's scheme is thwarted by Severin Devere, whose job it is to keep gentleman Johnny's focus on the war and not on the ladies. Months go by, and Jenny is no longer dreaming of her stardom in London, but now penning sarcastic plays about the British under a pen name of Cornelia. By the time Severin figures out Jenny is Cornelia, he has fallen in love with her. Now caught between loyalty and love, rebellion and safety, Jenny and Severin face danger and the opportunity to fight for freedom.
There is nothing better then a book that sucks you right in, makes you laugh out loud, fall in love with the characters, and not want it to end.
This is one author that with each book it just gets better and better and I can hardly wait for her next book to come out! Highly recommend all her books in the Revolution series
April 16, 2015
I really really thought that this book breathed something different into contemporarily written romantic historicals. While the passion is high and the romantic sequences leave you breathless, Thorland is a literary mastermind when it comes to weaving circumstances indigenous to a riled time in American History. Her inclusion of historical figures is well done and their fictional counterparts are so well-realized you get the sense they actually lived. I eagerly await Thorland's next offering. So excited to read more historical romance set during this amazing time in US history.
August 31, 2018
I have always heard only the highest of praise from reader friends on Amazon for Donna Thorland's "Renegades of the American Revolution" series, so I took their advice and read THE TURNCOAT and THE REBEL PIRATE and found those two books to be very interesting, romantic, although perhaps with unrealistic insta-love, and with nicely researched historical background and a good balance of characters from both the Loyalist and Rebel sides of the American colonies' struggle for independence from England.
However, there was just something about Thorland's style of writing in those two that was a slight turnoff for me. The exposition and development of the plot felt more, at times, as if Thorland was just giving me a debriefing of what was happening and what characters were feeling and thinking, rather than allowing me to discover it through the reading. It's hard to describe my take on her style of writing, but I suspect it's that "tell vs show" cop-out used by readers like me who can't express exactly what they're feeling.
Well, I'm happy to report that I found this MISTRESS FIREBRAND to be a delightful read in plot, characters and style of writing. This third book seemed less choppy, stilted and expository and more easy and flowing. The plot and characters had me interested from the beginning. American actress and playwright Jennifer Leighton, with Loyalist leanings at the start of the story, has a desire to make it big in London and so wants to ingratiate herself with General John Burgoyne, British soldier and playwright.
But we have British spy Colonel Severin Devere, who has the mission of protecting Burgoyne in America with the ultimate goal of getting him back to England. Devere is not in the mood for an ambitious and pretty American girl to catch the eye of randy seducer Burgoyne and it doesn't help that this particular pretty girl has already caught Devere's eye.
Main and secondary characters are well drawn. From Jenny's Aunt Fanny, beloved English actress who moved to America to encourage Jenny's theater ambitions, to Courtney Fairchild, Devine's friend since schooldays and Fanny's latest paramour, to Bobby Hallam, theater owner and Fanny and Jenny's employer, to Thorland's recurring character the Widow, enigmatic and beautiful spy for the Rebels, to George Washington himself, and more.
It must be mentioned that Devine, our hero, is of somewhat exotic heritage, the son of a Mohawk Indian and an Englishwoman, which makes him neither fish or fowl to either ethnic group. There are fictional and real historical characters of the 1770s blended together well to supply the reader with a rip-roaring tale about some aspects of the Revolutionary War that she may not have been aware of.
It's interesting to see how conflicted many of these characters are with regard to their loyalties. After all, a huge number of Colonists came from England, had relatives in and ties to that country. And our heroine, for example, seems more opportunistic than idealistic with regard to her views. It felt more as if she just cared about what would be best for her professionally, especially in the first half of the book. Our hero, of mixed race, born in America and raised in England, is also conflicted for a host of reasons and I appreciated him and his torn loyalties much more.
There are a lot of imperfect people here. Perhaps a romance reader would prefer more perfection and fairy tale, but, let's face it, this look at the 1770s is more realistic. And the plot itself kept me glued to my reading chair.
However, there was just something about Thorland's style of writing in those two that was a slight turnoff for me. The exposition and development of the plot felt more, at times, as if Thorland was just giving me a debriefing of what was happening and what characters were feeling and thinking, rather than allowing me to discover it through the reading. It's hard to describe my take on her style of writing, but I suspect it's that "tell vs show" cop-out used by readers like me who can't express exactly what they're feeling.
Well, I'm happy to report that I found this MISTRESS FIREBRAND to be a delightful read in plot, characters and style of writing. This third book seemed less choppy, stilted and expository and more easy and flowing. The plot and characters had me interested from the beginning. American actress and playwright Jennifer Leighton, with Loyalist leanings at the start of the story, has a desire to make it big in London and so wants to ingratiate herself with General John Burgoyne, British soldier and playwright.
But we have British spy Colonel Severin Devere, who has the mission of protecting Burgoyne in America with the ultimate goal of getting him back to England. Devere is not in the mood for an ambitious and pretty American girl to catch the eye of randy seducer Burgoyne and it doesn't help that this particular pretty girl has already caught Devere's eye.
Main and secondary characters are well drawn. From Jenny's Aunt Fanny, beloved English actress who moved to America to encourage Jenny's theater ambitions, to Courtney Fairchild, Devine's friend since schooldays and Fanny's latest paramour, to Bobby Hallam, theater owner and Fanny and Jenny's employer, to Thorland's recurring character the Widow, enigmatic and beautiful spy for the Rebels, to George Washington himself, and more.
It must be mentioned that Devine, our hero, is of somewhat exotic heritage, the son of a Mohawk Indian and an Englishwoman, which makes him neither fish or fowl to either ethnic group. There are fictional and real historical characters of the 1770s blended together well to supply the reader with a rip-roaring tale about some aspects of the Revolutionary War that she may not have been aware of.
It's interesting to see how conflicted many of these characters are with regard to their loyalties. After all, a huge number of Colonists came from England, had relatives in and ties to that country. And our heroine, for example, seems more opportunistic than idealistic with regard to her views. It felt more as if she just cared about what would be best for her professionally, especially in the first half of the book. Our hero, of mixed race, born in America and raised in England, is also conflicted for a host of reasons and I appreciated him and his torn loyalties much more.
There are a lot of imperfect people here. Perhaps a romance reader would prefer more perfection and fairy tale, but, let's face it, this look at the 1770s is more realistic. And the plot itself kept me glued to my reading chair.
March 4, 2015
As a fan of historic fiction, how could I not jump at the chance to read Mistress Firebrand, one of the Renegades of the Revolution series that Donna Thorland has created. Using the American Revolution as the backdrop to her historic romances, Thorland’s creation of the setting and scene, addition of historical benchmarks and characters that fairly breathe through the pages, it was a wonderful read.
In 1777, Jennifer Leighton is eking out a living as an actress and playwright, while staying with her Aunt Frances, an accomplished actress. Part of the ‘custom’ of the time was artists being supported and encouraged by patrons: and Jennifer’s search for an arrangement to bring her into the circles of influence in the theatre bring her into contact with General John Burgoyne.
Burgoyne is well-known and the potential for her advancement with him as a patron is near limitless, but Burgoyne is not interested in being Jenny’s patron, but her lover. Jenny finds her conscience at odds with her life: her cleverly written play laden with anti-British sentiment is a runaway hit, and has landed the author, under the penname Cordelia into danger on the British Most Wanted list. Thorland uses the popular venue of the theatre to disseminate the message that Jenny is spreading, engendering anti-British sentiment among the population. A means of spreading political views to populations, the performance of plays for all comers had skewered politicians and royals alike for years: think Shakespeare.
But danger may actually appear on Jenny’s doorstep in the form of Burgoyne’s man Severin Devere, an intelligence officer highly trusted by the general, and entrusted to bring Jenny to him. This starts a series of conflicted loyalties, espionage, attractions and danger that could threaten both of their lives, or become critical barriers in the battles for independence from Britain.
Thorland weaves this tale balancing desires with duty, Jenny’s pointed and often impolitic thoughts about the British and her loyalty to her family and their welfare, as well as the role of the theatre as both entertainment and propaganda machine. With danger around every corner: the threats of Jenny’s discovery as the pen behind Cordelia, and Severin’s desire to both find the author and have Jenny for himself, the story is a nail biter. Descriptions that put readers in the midst of the action, feeling the tension and seeing the potential dangers at every turn of the page have you wanting to rush through, even as you wish to savor every moment. Utterly engaging and completely engrossing, I could not put this story down. A surefire favorite for readers who appreciate historical romance that holds just a bit more than the usual.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
In 1777, Jennifer Leighton is eking out a living as an actress and playwright, while staying with her Aunt Frances, an accomplished actress. Part of the ‘custom’ of the time was artists being supported and encouraged by patrons: and Jennifer’s search for an arrangement to bring her into the circles of influence in the theatre bring her into contact with General John Burgoyne.
Burgoyne is well-known and the potential for her advancement with him as a patron is near limitless, but Burgoyne is not interested in being Jenny’s patron, but her lover. Jenny finds her conscience at odds with her life: her cleverly written play laden with anti-British sentiment is a runaway hit, and has landed the author, under the penname Cordelia into danger on the British Most Wanted list. Thorland uses the popular venue of the theatre to disseminate the message that Jenny is spreading, engendering anti-British sentiment among the population. A means of spreading political views to populations, the performance of plays for all comers had skewered politicians and royals alike for years: think Shakespeare.
But danger may actually appear on Jenny’s doorstep in the form of Burgoyne’s man Severin Devere, an intelligence officer highly trusted by the general, and entrusted to bring Jenny to him. This starts a series of conflicted loyalties, espionage, attractions and danger that could threaten both of their lives, or become critical barriers in the battles for independence from Britain.
Thorland weaves this tale balancing desires with duty, Jenny’s pointed and often impolitic thoughts about the British and her loyalty to her family and their welfare, as well as the role of the theatre as both entertainment and propaganda machine. With danger around every corner: the threats of Jenny’s discovery as the pen behind Cordelia, and Severin’s desire to both find the author and have Jenny for himself, the story is a nail biter. Descriptions that put readers in the midst of the action, feeling the tension and seeing the potential dangers at every turn of the page have you wanting to rush through, even as you wish to savor every moment. Utterly engaging and completely engrossing, I could not put this story down. A surefire favorite for readers who appreciate historical romance that holds just a bit more than the usual.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
March 9, 2017
NetGalley ARC, my opinions are my own.
Also at Historical Readings & Reviews
It amazed me how much Thorland was able to pack into only about 400 pages, and I don't just mean the plot, but also the character development, politics, history, etc. There is so much attention to detail and yet even with all that, it never gets bogged down and instead remains a fun, quick read.
While it's told from the third person points of view of the two, very likable and believable main characters, Jenny and Severin, the side characters are never neglected. Fully developed with interesting background and individual personalities, the side characters help make this novel richer and fuller. Weaving historical events into the plot, and with the inclusion not only of historical figures but also fictional characters inspired by or loosely based on other historical individuals, really helps bring the history to life.
Thorland is obviously an expert on colonial history, not just political but also cultural, working them both effortlessly into a story of two people struggling to find themselves and survive in the political unrest and upheaval of the American Revolution.
With politics, espionage, romance, and action, it's sure to please a wide range of readers.
Also at Historical Readings & Reviews
It amazed me how much Thorland was able to pack into only about 400 pages, and I don't just mean the plot, but also the character development, politics, history, etc. There is so much attention to detail and yet even with all that, it never gets bogged down and instead remains a fun, quick read.
While it's told from the third person points of view of the two, very likable and believable main characters, Jenny and Severin, the side characters are never neglected. Fully developed with interesting background and individual personalities, the side characters help make this novel richer and fuller. Weaving historical events into the plot, and with the inclusion not only of historical figures but also fictional characters inspired by or loosely based on other historical individuals, really helps bring the history to life.
Thorland is obviously an expert on colonial history, not just political but also cultural, working them both effortlessly into a story of two people struggling to find themselves and survive in the political unrest and upheaval of the American Revolution.
With politics, espionage, romance, and action, it's sure to please a wide range of readers.
March 8, 2016
The Turncoat is still my favorite in this series, but I think that is just the difference of personality-meshing with Jenny vs Kate.
I wasn't completely SURE about Jenny when the book began, and it took me a little bit longer to warm up to her than it did for Kate or Sarah, who I both fell instantly in love with, but even so, she is a rich character and I grew to admire her as I read on, because again Ms. Thorland did a BRILLIANT job with characterization and weaving the relationships of these early Americans. I love that not one of these books has been a clear-cut case of pure idealism and loyalty, that every character has had a mix of motivations from start to finish. Thorland writes the shades of gray, and I think it's what makes these books so fascinating for me, when otherwise I find American History to be fairly dry and boring.
I also found Severin to be a very interesting character, from his mixed heritage to the forging of what made him into the man he is, to the way Thorland illustrates how he is used by the British, along with the Mohawk and other native peoples. I'm glad this isn't an area of history that she overlooked!
I wasn't completely SURE about Jenny when the book began, and it took me a little bit longer to warm up to her than it did for Kate or Sarah, who I both fell instantly in love with, but even so, she is a rich character and I grew to admire her as I read on, because again Ms. Thorland did a BRILLIANT job with characterization and weaving the relationships of these early Americans. I love that not one of these books has been a clear-cut case of pure idealism and loyalty, that every character has had a mix of motivations from start to finish. Thorland writes the shades of gray, and I think it's what makes these books so fascinating for me, when otherwise I find American History to be fairly dry and boring.
I also found Severin to be a very interesting character, from his mixed heritage to the forging of what made him into the man he is, to the way Thorland illustrates how he is used by the British, along with the Mohawk and other native peoples. I'm glad this isn't an area of history that she overlooked!
April 30, 2015
4,5 stars
American revolution is an era that I haven’t read much – if anything, so this was all new and fascinating for me.
I liked Jenny who was a strong woman who was determined to be successful in her own right. In a time when actress was pretty much synonym for a whore it wasn’t easy to be taken seriously as a playwright.
Severin is half-Indian so he’s had his own share of troubles. I liked these two together and it was great to see this mutual respect between an actress and a spy. Jenny didn’t just fall head-over-heels in love but realized that Severin could be dangerous killer.
Jenny’s aunt Frances was interesting character as well as Angela Ferrers. Strong women, who chose another life than the life of a dutiful wife.
This was my first Thorland book but it definitely won’t be my last. In fact I don’t remember when was the last time I ordered the other books in a series before I even finished the book.
American revolution is an era that I haven’t read much – if anything, so this was all new and fascinating for me.
I liked Jenny who was a strong woman who was determined to be successful in her own right. In a time when actress was pretty much synonym for a whore it wasn’t easy to be taken seriously as a playwright.
Severin is half-Indian so he’s had his own share of troubles. I liked these two together and it was great to see this mutual respect between an actress and a spy. Jenny didn’t just fall head-over-heels in love but realized that Severin could be dangerous killer.
Jenny’s aunt Frances was interesting character as well as Angela Ferrers. Strong women, who chose another life than the life of a dutiful wife.
This was my first Thorland book but it definitely won’t be my last. In fact I don’t remember when was the last time I ordered the other books in a series before I even finished the book.
February 20, 2015
More like 3.5.
Mistress Firebrand is the third in Thorland’s Renegades of the Revolution , a series that puts a romantic spin on the American Revolution. That said, despite the romance element in Mistress Firebrand, this in no way sugarcoats the challenges faced by people during this period. In particular, I was struck by the challenges faced be the heroine, Jennifer Leighton, an actress trying to make her way as a playwright. Unfortunately, being an independent and ambitious young woman during this time is not a path that is carved smoothly and you sense the almost sinister atmosphere that surrounds Jennifer in many of the decisions that she will be forced to make.
Mistress Firebrand is set in New York in 1775, right in the midst of the American Revolution. Jennifer Leighton has come to the city to stay with her aunt, a notorious and renowned actress who has fled scandal in England. Jenny has been writing plays for one of the playhouses in New York; however, with the revolution going on, the playhouses are being hit hard. What Jenny needs is a patron, and who happens to be in town, John Burgoyne, an English military leader who has great influence in the acting communities in England. Knowing that there is no future for a playwright in America, Jenny decides that she must obtain patronage from Burgoyne and make her way to England.
When Burgoyne receives Jenny’s invitation to see Jenny act, he considers it a different kind of invitation. Yet his protector, Severin Devere, has no intention of letting Burgoyne off his docked ship and into the hands of the Liberty Boys, so Devere is sent to fetch Jenny instead. Unfortunately, this invitation sets in motion some rather severe consequences, forcing Jenny and Severin, devoted spy to England, to make some hard decisions.
Mistress Firebrand was a good read. It was atmospheric, filled with great historical detail and the set up for the romantic plot was unique and engaging. I liked how the author focused on the use of playwrights in the cause for independence. The battle wasn’t always fought by soldiers, but it was often more subversive and I liked that this element was represented here with Jennifer’s highly political plays. Originally Jenny was determined to find her way to England and become a playwright there, but when she can’t make the ultimate sacrifice to get what she wants (nor should she have to), Jenny has to reevaluate her priorities and soon finds herself committed to the ideals of the Revolution. This reconsideration of what the Revolution is a processes that both Jenny and Severin go through, and was well executed. At the beginning neither Jenny or Severin were committed to the cause of American independence; they were basically out for themselves and it was that transformation in thinking about the Revolution in a different way that was the strongest element for me, it made the Revolution seem more human.
Severin’s transformation in loyalty particular was well developed. Severin begins the book as deeply committed to England. He’s half Native American and spent his formative years living in America. After being forced to live in England, being a spy is the only way that he has gotten respect and recognition, even if it was only half-hearted. However, Severin becomes aware of how manipulated he has been in the course of his life.
Without Severin’s growing disillusionment about his place in the world, he never would have taken a stand to help Jenny. When Jenny is maneuvered into helping the Rebel cause, it is only Severin’s skills as a spy that keep her free from the noose. Without Severin’s awareness of his own manipulation, I don’t think he would have gone to the lengths that he did to fight for Jenny and subsequently the American dream of independence. The changes to both Severin and Jenny throughout Mistress Firebrand played a highly important role and the author did an excellent job of showcasing the internal conflicts and decisions that both would be forced to make.
As much as I liked the character transformations and the palpable sense of tension throughout Mistress Firebrand, I felt that the romance was a little lacking. Severin and Jenny are attracted to each other from the beginning, but due to the nature of the time this attraction is tested and I found it contributed to my sense that the romance was based more on the high emotions of the time rather than something emotional. Mistress Firebrand is not a romance in the traditional, genre defining sense, but it does fit the turbulent times in which the novel was set. I only wish that there had been more time spent on wrapping up the romantic plot as I felt that it was rather anticlimactic in comparison to the suspense and tension that readers experience from page one.
Mistress Firebrand was a solid addition to Thorland’s American Revolution series, and is my favourite of the series to date. It was suspenseful and gives readers a snap shot of what life was like for Americans who were not the soldiers fighting in the war for independence.
Originally reviewed at The Book Adventures.
*Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Mistress Firebrand is the third in Thorland’s Renegades of the Revolution , a series that puts a romantic spin on the American Revolution. That said, despite the romance element in Mistress Firebrand, this in no way sugarcoats the challenges faced by people during this period. In particular, I was struck by the challenges faced be the heroine, Jennifer Leighton, an actress trying to make her way as a playwright. Unfortunately, being an independent and ambitious young woman during this time is not a path that is carved smoothly and you sense the almost sinister atmosphere that surrounds Jennifer in many of the decisions that she will be forced to make.
Mistress Firebrand is set in New York in 1775, right in the midst of the American Revolution. Jennifer Leighton has come to the city to stay with her aunt, a notorious and renowned actress who has fled scandal in England. Jenny has been writing plays for one of the playhouses in New York; however, with the revolution going on, the playhouses are being hit hard. What Jenny needs is a patron, and who happens to be in town, John Burgoyne, an English military leader who has great influence in the acting communities in England. Knowing that there is no future for a playwright in America, Jenny decides that she must obtain patronage from Burgoyne and make her way to England.
When Burgoyne receives Jenny’s invitation to see Jenny act, he considers it a different kind of invitation. Yet his protector, Severin Devere, has no intention of letting Burgoyne off his docked ship and into the hands of the Liberty Boys, so Devere is sent to fetch Jenny instead. Unfortunately, this invitation sets in motion some rather severe consequences, forcing Jenny and Severin, devoted spy to England, to make some hard decisions.
Mistress Firebrand was a good read. It was atmospheric, filled with great historical detail and the set up for the romantic plot was unique and engaging. I liked how the author focused on the use of playwrights in the cause for independence. The battle wasn’t always fought by soldiers, but it was often more subversive and I liked that this element was represented here with Jennifer’s highly political plays. Originally Jenny was determined to find her way to England and become a playwright there, but when she can’t make the ultimate sacrifice to get what she wants (nor should she have to), Jenny has to reevaluate her priorities and soon finds herself committed to the ideals of the Revolution. This reconsideration of what the Revolution is a processes that both Jenny and Severin go through, and was well executed. At the beginning neither Jenny or Severin were committed to the cause of American independence; they were basically out for themselves and it was that transformation in thinking about the Revolution in a different way that was the strongest element for me, it made the Revolution seem more human.
Severin’s transformation in loyalty particular was well developed. Severin begins the book as deeply committed to England. He’s half Native American and spent his formative years living in America. After being forced to live in England, being a spy is the only way that he has gotten respect and recognition, even if it was only half-hearted. However, Severin becomes aware of how manipulated he has been in the course of his life.
As he been maneuvered, he fully realized, into his role as spy and provocateur to counter the stigma of his Indian blood. He had never been bitter about it before. Not until his trip to America. Not until Boston (p. 58).
Without Severin’s growing disillusionment about his place in the world, he never would have taken a stand to help Jenny. When Jenny is maneuvered into helping the Rebel cause, it is only Severin’s skills as a spy that keep her free from the noose. Without Severin’s awareness of his own manipulation, I don’t think he would have gone to the lengths that he did to fight for Jenny and subsequently the American dream of independence. The changes to both Severin and Jenny throughout Mistress Firebrand played a highly important role and the author did an excellent job of showcasing the internal conflicts and decisions that both would be forced to make.
As much as I liked the character transformations and the palpable sense of tension throughout Mistress Firebrand, I felt that the romance was a little lacking. Severin and Jenny are attracted to each other from the beginning, but due to the nature of the time this attraction is tested and I found it contributed to my sense that the romance was based more on the high emotions of the time rather than something emotional. Mistress Firebrand is not a romance in the traditional, genre defining sense, but it does fit the turbulent times in which the novel was set. I only wish that there had been more time spent on wrapping up the romantic plot as I felt that it was rather anticlimactic in comparison to the suspense and tension that readers experience from page one.
Mistress Firebrand was a solid addition to Thorland’s American Revolution series, and is my favourite of the series to date. It was suspenseful and gives readers a snap shot of what life was like for Americans who were not the soldiers fighting in the war for independence.
Originally reviewed at The Book Adventures.
*Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
December 29, 2015
This review first appeared on the Historical Novel Society website.
Jennifer Leighton is a playwright and a loyalist. In 1775 Manhattan, both her gender and her politics are against her. Theaters, especially those staging pro-British satires, are at the mercy of the Rebel mobs, and, to be taken seriously as a female writer, Jenny’s best hope is to obtain passage to London. When British general – and playwright – John Burgoyne’s ship unexpectedly docks in New York’s harbor, Jenny sees a chance to advance her fortunes – but she reckons without the British intelligence officer, tasked with Burgoyne’s protection, half-Mohawk Severin Devere.
Thorland returns to her The Turncoat form in this lively novel, which combines a sweet-yet-sexy romance with a tale of intrigue, uncertain loyalties and poignant loss. The issue of Devere’s Mohawk blood is worked nicely into the plot, which brings in many real characters and incidents of the nascent American Revolution alongside some intriguing fictional ones, in particular Jenny’s aunt Frances.
Thorland’s three Renegades of the American Revolution novels are loosely linked, with some characters making appearances in more than one novel, but each can be read as a standalone. There is an interesting balance in the novels between romance tropes and historical detail; they could attract readers of Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series who are fascinated by the Revolutionary story lines and want more of this setting.
Jennifer Leighton is a playwright and a loyalist. In 1775 Manhattan, both her gender and her politics are against her. Theaters, especially those staging pro-British satires, are at the mercy of the Rebel mobs, and, to be taken seriously as a female writer, Jenny’s best hope is to obtain passage to London. When British general – and playwright – John Burgoyne’s ship unexpectedly docks in New York’s harbor, Jenny sees a chance to advance her fortunes – but she reckons without the British intelligence officer, tasked with Burgoyne’s protection, half-Mohawk Severin Devere.
Thorland returns to her The Turncoat form in this lively novel, which combines a sweet-yet-sexy romance with a tale of intrigue, uncertain loyalties and poignant loss. The issue of Devere’s Mohawk blood is worked nicely into the plot, which brings in many real characters and incidents of the nascent American Revolution alongside some intriguing fictional ones, in particular Jenny’s aunt Frances.
Thorland’s three Renegades of the American Revolution novels are loosely linked, with some characters making appearances in more than one novel, but each can be read as a standalone. There is an interesting balance in the novels between romance tropes and historical detail; they could attract readers of Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series who are fascinated by the Revolutionary story lines and want more of this setting.
March 21, 2015
I found this story refreshingly different. Although I bought it thinking it was a romance, it didn't fit so neatly into the romance genre. (Much in the same way Diana Gabaldon's Outlander doesn't fit into the classical romance genre, but can still delight lovers of romance.)
The story is told in a classical romance style, with the point of view moving back and forth (without the head-hopping, thank goodness) that you'll find in most romance novels. That aside, the main characters don't spend all that much time alone together. The love scenes are sweet, believable, and mercifully brief compared to the chapter-long scenes that seem to prevail these days. The characters think about each other a lot and interact, but the setting — the American Revolution — drives the story instead of the angst of our two lovers. In fact, I would say these two are about the most level-headed hero and heroine I've ever met.
I loved the history in Mistress Firebrand. However, I could see how someone without some understanding of the America Revolution might get a little lost. I actually got a bit lost in all the references to theatrical plays, but since I understood the history that drove the story I was able to gloss over it. Others might want to have Wikipedia standing by.
The book was well researched, although I suspect the author only needed to fine-tune the details. I also loved that she never had one side or the other totally be "the good guys." I did like that she portrayed Washington as a good guy and not Burgoyne, but she didn't gloss over the horrors of the conflict and what both sides were willing to do to each other.
All in all, a good read.
June 5, 2015
The power of the theater to stir the masses, bolster confidence and public opinion, and rally the troops is celebrated in this superbly written novel by Donna Thorland. Marketed as historical fiction, this story has a sizzling romance at its center, so I think it’s more an historical romance.
This the third installment in Thorland’s riveting American Revolutionary era Renegades of the Revolution series, but each novel can be read on its own. This series is so rich in historical particulars, with real life figures including (in this book) George Washington, John Burgoyne, and John André, all key figures of the era making an appearance.
Severin Devere is a thoroughly swoon-worthy hero. Tall, dark, handsome, smart, and sexy as hell, he falls hard for Jennifer Leighton, a beautiful and ambitious playwright who dreams her plays might someday be performed on the London stage. She sees an opportunity when John Burgoyne, the gentleman playwright general comes to New York. She sends him an seemingly innocent invitation to her theater’s performance but Burgoyne, a well known rake and skirt-chaser, interprets it as quite another kind of summons. He orders Severin, charged with keeping Burgoyne safely out of Rebel hands in powder-keg New York, to bring her to him for his pleasure.
For my full review on my historical romance and history blog: http://bit.ly/1dj9roN
This the third installment in Thorland’s riveting American Revolutionary era Renegades of the Revolution series, but each novel can be read on its own. This series is so rich in historical particulars, with real life figures including (in this book) George Washington, John Burgoyne, and John André, all key figures of the era making an appearance.
Severin Devere is a thoroughly swoon-worthy hero. Tall, dark, handsome, smart, and sexy as hell, he falls hard for Jennifer Leighton, a beautiful and ambitious playwright who dreams her plays might someday be performed on the London stage. She sees an opportunity when John Burgoyne, the gentleman playwright general comes to New York. She sends him an seemingly innocent invitation to her theater’s performance but Burgoyne, a well known rake and skirt-chaser, interprets it as quite another kind of summons. He orders Severin, charged with keeping Burgoyne safely out of Rebel hands in powder-keg New York, to bring her to him for his pleasure.
For my full review on my historical romance and history blog: http://bit.ly/1dj9roN
March 21, 2015
Love this author
Mistress Firebrand was an amazing read. The tension built from the beginning and carried through to the very end. I could not put it down and on more than one occasion told my husband to stop talking to me because I had to know what was going to happen. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Mistress Firebrand was an amazing read. The tension built from the beginning and carried through to the very end. I could not put it down and on more than one occasion told my husband to stop talking to me because I had to know what was going to happen. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Read
March 5, 2015I think this book is well written - but it's more historical fiction than romance - or at least I need more romance - so it's not the book's fault in any way - just not for me right now.
April 13, 2017
This was such a charming story. It had it all! Historical fiction, romance, espionage, spies, thrills...theater (?) and a happy ending. Should I have checked, spoilers?
I fell in love with both of the main characters for their spirit and stubbornness. But most of all, their commitment and loyalty to each other (even when they weren't on the same side -if you will-).
Donna Thorland has written three all time quick, enjoyable and entertaining reads!!
Looking forward to reading THE DUTCH GIRL.
I fell in love with both of the main characters for their spirit and stubbornness. But most of all, their commitment and loyalty to each other (even when they weren't on the same side -if you will-).
Donna Thorland has written three all time quick, enjoyable and entertaining reads!!
Looking forward to reading THE DUTCH GIRL.
Read
June 24, 2017This book was not very good. In my opinion. Virtually nothing happened of consequence until page 300. It was extremely boring. The one thing I didn't know about the revolutionary war was how the theater played such a big part in propaganda. I would only give this book 1 star and that is stretching it.
June 27, 2017
Another wonderful Revolutionary War novel from Donna Thorland, about the power of the written word in that conflict. Thorland excels at writing books that are sexy page-turners and impeccably researched so that the era comes alive. I very much recommend this book, and I hope that she writes many more novels set during this period.
March 1, 2015
In "Mistress Firebrand," our main character, Jennifer, is both an actress and a playwright in Manhattan. It is the 1770s and the colonies are an ever changing and sometimes dangerous place as it does not take long for Jennifer to find out. Jennifer gets herself entangled with infamous British general, John Burgoyne, but it is his intelligence officer, Severin that falls for Jennifer. What follows is a story of a burgeoning romance set against a very exciting time in American history.
I really liked Jennifer's character. Here is a woman who know what she wants. She has a passion for theater and writing. She is able to be pretty successful in her own right, which was not always the case for women during this time period. I really liked that aspect! I also really liked the romance between her and Severin. Their romance is definitely of the forbidden kind, which made it pretty exciting for me.
The storytelling took me a little while to get into as the characters and story were really being introduced. Once we get to the developing romance between Jennifer and Severin and the dealings with Burgoyne, the story really hit its stride and the writing began to feel a little more flowing and natural to me.
I like historical fiction and I love historical romance. This book really bridges the gap between both genres. There is all of the rich historical detail and grounding in actual historical events that are hallmarks of traditional historical fiction. There is also a really great romance with a lot of passion and a good dose of heat to appeal to those who like historical romance. I really liked that both sides were included in this story. Overall, this was a good story with a memorable romance!
I really liked Jennifer's character. Here is a woman who know what she wants. She has a passion for theater and writing. She is able to be pretty successful in her own right, which was not always the case for women during this time period. I really liked that aspect! I also really liked the romance between her and Severin. Their romance is definitely of the forbidden kind, which made it pretty exciting for me.
The storytelling took me a little while to get into as the characters and story were really being introduced. Once we get to the developing romance between Jennifer and Severin and the dealings with Burgoyne, the story really hit its stride and the writing began to feel a little more flowing and natural to me.
I like historical fiction and I love historical romance. This book really bridges the gap between both genres. There is all of the rich historical detail and grounding in actual historical events that are hallmarks of traditional historical fiction. There is also a really great romance with a lot of passion and a good dose of heat to appeal to those who like historical romance. I really liked that both sides were included in this story. Overall, this was a good story with a memorable romance!
March 3, 2015
Beautiful, and like the others in the series, a great read! It's a stand alone novel, but some of the background historical, quasi-historical and entirely fictional characters from the other two books appear on stage or in the background at times. And welcome they are.
I suppose these are romances, or romantic historical fiction, but that's really in my mind perhaps because of the female protagonists and strong relationships throughout. They really remind me more of swashbucklers or historical thrillers, or (good) films. The 90s "Last of the Mohicans" or a better scripted "The Patriot" spring to mind.
The author's background as a film student and TV writer are as evident as her research here. Vivid and memorable scenes, and great dialogue. I recommend this book, and the others, wholeheartedly.
I suppose these are romances, or romantic historical fiction, but that's really in my mind perhaps because of the female protagonists and strong relationships throughout. They really remind me more of swashbucklers or historical thrillers, or (good) films. The 90s "Last of the Mohicans" or a better scripted "The Patriot" spring to mind.
The author's background as a film student and TV writer are as evident as her research here. Vivid and memorable scenes, and great dialogue. I recommend this book, and the others, wholeheartedly.
April 4, 2015
*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review*
Every now and then I like to read a little romance. When I saw this book combined with the theatre aspect I knew there was a chance that I would enjoy it.
I liked Jennifer. She is a strong woman with a goal. I liked how even though she was really in love she did not let her life hang on what the guy did for her. Actually her character made all the guys in the story a bit unnecessary.
The story was interesting enough with a lot of things going on. The story of females combined with theatre and the ideas about that. The war on New York between the English and the Rebels. The development of the love story. I enjoyed this story.
Every now and then I like to read a little romance. When I saw this book combined with the theatre aspect I knew there was a chance that I would enjoy it.
I liked Jennifer. She is a strong woman with a goal. I liked how even though she was really in love she did not let her life hang on what the guy did for her. Actually her character made all the guys in the story a bit unnecessary.
The story was interesting enough with a lot of things going on. The story of females combined with theatre and the ideas about that. The war on New York between the English and the Rebels. The development of the love story. I enjoyed this story.
April 19, 2015
I very seldom read historical fiction about the Revolutionary War period. However, “Mistress Firebrand” by Donna Thorland seemed to be, from the previews, a very interesting story about that time. There were so many tidbits that, although I’m not sure they were historically true, added to the drama. I was interested in the reversal of loyalties of the main characters and, for that matter, most of the characters. Just when I thought I knew who were the Tories and Whigs, something would change. I enjoyed this book very much and it gave a little insight into the politics of this period in history.
I was sent a free print copy of the book by NightOwlReviews.com in return for my honest opinion of the book. You can find this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-fd.
I was sent a free print copy of the book by NightOwlReviews.com in return for my honest opinion of the book. You can find this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-fd.
January 22, 2016
I love all of the Renegades of the Revolution books. History is my thing and this book had love, lost, humor and suspense all wrapped up in a pretty little cover.
Here is my full review for your enjoyment--> https://shhhbookreviews.wordpress.com...
Here is my full review for your enjoyment--> https://shhhbookreviews.wordpress.com...
Want to read
November 15, 2015I'm really excited to read this book. I've just started reading historical fiction, and have found I really like it. I've read that this can be a stand alone book, which is great, because I haven't read the others in the series.
May 2, 2018
This book was so elusive to me! I was meant to read it a while back, but something happened to my copy from NetGalley (not sure to this day) so I missed out on reading it. This was supposed to be available at my library, but it never came in. Finally – after years – this popped up for cheap on Amazon as a used book. So, of course, I grabbed this book in an instant. I got the book in the mail after a delay. Read about half of the book and lost it! HOW? WHY? And then I finally found it and hurried up and finished it up. See? Elusive.
And let me tell you what…it was worth it. This was sooooooo good. Super good. I would even venture to say almost great.
The story follows Jenny and Severin. Severin is a seasoned British spy and Jenny is an actress who gets sucked into the world of spies through no real fault of her own. She lands on the side of the Americans. Things happen and things go wrong. Terribly wrong.
The beginning was the only issue I had with it. It took me a while to really get into the story. I didn’t like Jenny or Severin. Can’t put my finger on WHY. After a few pages and one event that happened, I grew to LOVE them. Jenny is who I would want to be back then if I couldn’t be royalty. Severin was drool-worthy. I couldn’t help picture a very young Jason Momoa (before he got super-duper beefed out) as him. But yes – I grow to love them.
I had no idea how anything was going to be okay especially when John Andre got involved. It seemed so hopeless! I was legit on the edge of my seat! Such a fun ride.
I really adore spies and espionage. It was done so well. I also love the American Revolution so the blend was amazing and worked well.
The cover is so pretty. Sorry random thought there.
Yes, lots of drama, intrigue, and action in this one. I was worried Jenny and Severin would be torn apart by this bloody war. John Andre is a scary fellow! I wouldn’t want to mess with him especially when comes down to intrigue.
Overall, this was really good. The beginning was meh and it took me a while to fall in love with our two main characters. Besides that, I really enjoyed this journey. So good. There is romance but there is also action and intrigue mixed in! A very good blend. I recommend this. I’ll give it 4 stars.
.
And let me tell you what…it was worth it. This was sooooooo good. Super good. I would even venture to say almost great.
The story follows Jenny and Severin. Severin is a seasoned British spy and Jenny is an actress who gets sucked into the world of spies through no real fault of her own. She lands on the side of the Americans. Things happen and things go wrong. Terribly wrong.
The beginning was the only issue I had with it. It took me a while to really get into the story. I didn’t like Jenny or Severin. Can’t put my finger on WHY. After a few pages and one event that happened, I grew to LOVE them. Jenny is who I would want to be back then if I couldn’t be royalty. Severin was drool-worthy. I couldn’t help picture a very young Jason Momoa (before he got super-duper beefed out) as him. But yes – I grow to love them.
I had no idea how anything was going to be okay especially when John Andre got involved. It seemed so hopeless! I was legit on the edge of my seat! Such a fun ride.
I really adore spies and espionage. It was done so well. I also love the American Revolution so the blend was amazing and worked well.
The cover is so pretty. Sorry random thought there.
Yes, lots of drama, intrigue, and action in this one. I was worried Jenny and Severin would be torn apart by this bloody war. John Andre is a scary fellow! I wouldn’t want to mess with him especially when comes down to intrigue.
Overall, this was really good. The beginning was meh and it took me a while to fall in love with our two main characters. Besides that, I really enjoyed this journey. So good. There is romance but there is also action and intrigue mixed in! A very good blend. I recommend this. I’ll give it 4 stars.
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