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The Savage
Fleeing from arrest in London, Modesty Brown headed for the safety of wedded bliss in the New World. But the saucy wench had no sooner arrived in Virginia than a ruthless nobleman accused her of witchcraft and she had to marry a downright savage or burn at the stake. From the bestselling author of The Captive and To Tame the Wildest Heart.
368 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1995
199 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
About the author
Parris Afton Bonds
82 books52 followersI am dancing on sunshine that you are visiting my little part of Parris's paradise here on Goodreads.
I write for the reckless at heart Not surprisingly, I identify with my novels' characters, both the protagonists AND antagonists. I suffer with their angsts and bewilderments and rejoice in their joys and triumphs.
And I believe that if we heroically hold fast to our own vision for ourselves in our journey’s confrontations and challenges, Life WILL surely manifest our dreams and goals and visions, as it does for my characters in my novels.
***
Parris Afton Bonds is mother of five sons and author of nearly fifty published novels. She is co-founder and first vice president of Romance Writers of America, as well as, co-founder of Southwest Writers Workshop,
The Parris Award was established in her name by the Southwest Writers Workshop to honor a published writer who has given outstandingly of time and talent to other writers. Prestigious recipients of the Parris Award include Tony Hillerman and the Pulitzer nominee Norman Zollinger.
Declared by ABC's Nightline as one of the three-best-selling authors of romantic fiction, the award winning Parris Afton Bonds has been featured in major newspapers and magazines as well as published in more than a dozen languages. A New York Times best seller, she donates her time to teaching creative writing to both grade school children and female inmates ~ both of which are captive audiences.
I write for the reckless at heart Not surprisingly, I identify with my novels' characters, both the protagonists AND antagonists. I suffer with their angsts and bewilderments and rejoice in their joys and triumphs.
And I believe that if we heroically hold fast to our own vision for ourselves in our journey’s confrontations and challenges, Life WILL surely manifest our dreams and goals and visions, as it does for my characters in my novels.
***
Parris Afton Bonds is mother of five sons and author of nearly fifty published novels. She is co-founder and first vice president of Romance Writers of America, as well as, co-founder of Southwest Writers Workshop,
The Parris Award was established in her name by the Southwest Writers Workshop to honor a published writer who has given outstandingly of time and talent to other writers. Prestigious recipients of the Parris Award include Tony Hillerman and the Pulitzer nominee Norman Zollinger.
Declared by ABC's Nightline as one of the three-best-selling authors of romantic fiction, the award winning Parris Afton Bonds has been featured in major newspapers and magazines as well as published in more than a dozen languages. A New York Times best seller, she donates her time to teaching creative writing to both grade school children and female inmates ~ both of which are captive audiences.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 15, 2015
Unique Love Story from America’s Virginia Colony
Set in 1620, this is the story of Modesty Brown who was raised an educated young woman, but fled her sanctimonious father at age 12 to live on her own on the streets of London. There, she partners with the dashing Jack Holloway, a pickpocket and thief. Modesty uses her artistic talents to alter the appearance of the stolen items to look entirely different. Both are clever, quick-witted characters.
When Modesty and Jack are caught, Modesty sails to Jamestown in the Virginia Colony as a bride-to-be in order to escape Newgate and Jack becomes an indentured servant, both in Jamestown. And both in the home of one Mad Dog Jones, a gifted barrister of the Star Chamber who is now living on the Virginia frontier. Modesty only chose Mad Dog to be her husband to avoid being burned at the stake as a witch when a villain from her past shows up to accuse her. There is little affection between her and Mad Dog to begin with and their wedding night only a grudging acceptance of what must take place. Still, oddly enough, there is passion between them.
Bonds tells this well-written story through the eyes of the women who sailed to Jamestown to escape their former lives, prepared to become brides of the bachelors in the new colony. Modesty, Rose, Annie and Clarissa each choose a man they hope will make them happy. Meanwhile, Modesty plans to return to London on a ship Jack now sails for Mad Dog. There are lots of twists and turns and a villain we can all hate. It’s a great romp in the Colonial days of America with lots of well-researched historical detail.
Set in 1620, this is the story of Modesty Brown who was raised an educated young woman, but fled her sanctimonious father at age 12 to live on her own on the streets of London. There, she partners with the dashing Jack Holloway, a pickpocket and thief. Modesty uses her artistic talents to alter the appearance of the stolen items to look entirely different. Both are clever, quick-witted characters.
When Modesty and Jack are caught, Modesty sails to Jamestown in the Virginia Colony as a bride-to-be in order to escape Newgate and Jack becomes an indentured servant, both in Jamestown. And both in the home of one Mad Dog Jones, a gifted barrister of the Star Chamber who is now living on the Virginia frontier. Modesty only chose Mad Dog to be her husband to avoid being burned at the stake as a witch when a villain from her past shows up to accuse her. There is little affection between her and Mad Dog to begin with and their wedding night only a grudging acceptance of what must take place. Still, oddly enough, there is passion between them.
Bonds tells this well-written story through the eyes of the women who sailed to Jamestown to escape their former lives, prepared to become brides of the bachelors in the new colony. Modesty, Rose, Annie and Clarissa each choose a man they hope will make them happy. Meanwhile, Modesty plans to return to London on a ship Jack now sails for Mad Dog. There are lots of twists and turns and a villain we can all hate. It’s a great romp in the Colonial days of America with lots of well-researched historical detail.
April 11, 2016
Really good writing
Truly enjoyed reading this wonderfully written book. This is the second book I've read by Bonds and I'm sold on her skill as an author.
This book is hard to put down....no dead spots! The characters are charming! They're imperfect soles....every last one of them. And talk about adventure! I also laughed aloud several times while reading.
Bonds has a great sense of timing when it comes to the comedic side of her story, and the dialogue is gold!
I will definitely recommend this book very highly. The irony alone in this plot is worth the read.
Truly enjoyed reading this wonderfully written book. This is the second book I've read by Bonds and I'm sold on her skill as an author.
This book is hard to put down....no dead spots! The characters are charming! They're imperfect soles....every last one of them. And talk about adventure! I also laughed aloud several times while reading.
Bonds has a great sense of timing when it comes to the comedic side of her story, and the dialogue is gold!
I will definitely recommend this book very highly. The irony alone in this plot is worth the read.
September 29, 2013
Didnt finish it. Just couldn't get into it.
December 21, 2019
Evokes the hardship of life in an early settlement
Set in Jamestown it follows the story of Modesty Brown, forger and streetwise, who avoids gaol by signing up with other women to sail to the New World as potential brides for the settlers.
Once there she seizes her chance to buy back her marriage contract by trading with potential grooms on behalf of the women negotiating their contracts.
There is someone who recognises her from a previous, unfortunate circumstance back in England, in which he was humiliated and she is accused of witchcraft. She needs to bargain quickly to save her life and so enters 'Mad Dog' a settler who prefers his own company outside the main settlement.
Modesty is a woman of her time, a 17th century woman living off her wits and cunning, so it took me a while to appreciate her character, but I never really liked her. Mad Dog is a bear of a man and the reader does not get to know much about him until later on in the book. He is hard working and quite crude in his actions and in the way he treats Modesty, but times were rough in those days and women were very much treated as commodities You can see a subtle change As the story moves along. I
Alongside Modesty's story we have secondary events - Rose and Clarissa's marriages are totally different experiences. Then there is Jack, friend of Modesty in England, caught and transported as an indentured servant. A lot of the background history of Jamestown is intermixed in the story and you can feel for yourself the hardship, dangers and took the early settlers went through.
Set in Jamestown it follows the story of Modesty Brown, forger and streetwise, who avoids gaol by signing up with other women to sail to the New World as potential brides for the settlers.
Once there she seizes her chance to buy back her marriage contract by trading with potential grooms on behalf of the women negotiating their contracts.
There is someone who recognises her from a previous, unfortunate circumstance back in England, in which he was humiliated and she is accused of witchcraft. She needs to bargain quickly to save her life and so enters 'Mad Dog' a settler who prefers his own company outside the main settlement.
Modesty is a woman of her time, a 17th century woman living off her wits and cunning, so it took me a while to appreciate her character, but I never really liked her. Mad Dog is a bear of a man and the reader does not get to know much about him until later on in the book. He is hard working and quite crude in his actions and in the way he treats Modesty, but times were rough in those days and women were very much treated as commodities You can see a subtle change As the story moves along. I
Alongside Modesty's story we have secondary events - Rose and Clarissa's marriages are totally different experiences. Then there is Jack, friend of Modesty in England, caught and transported as an indentured servant. A lot of the background history of Jamestown is intermixed in the story and you can feel for yourself the hardship, dangers and took the early settlers went through.
August 27, 2018
Fine historical romantic friction
This book is set in the area around Jamestown in the 1620s and includes a cast of characters from British society from the lower to the higher rungs. Almost all are in the new world because they do not fit into the strict guidelines of the old world. In colonial Virginia a group of 100 young women are brought to Jamestown to become wives to the mostly make settlers. A.plucky waif of a woman named Modesty leads this band of sisters when they reach Jamestown. She has no plans to get married herself but a series of unfortunate events lead to her marriage to a recluse known only as Mad Dog Jones. Modesty and her special friends end up seeking redemption as they adjust to their new circumstances. Brimming with historical detail this book is exciting, suspenseful and touching. There are some somewhat sensuous scenes. The writing is excellent and the characters unforgettable.
This book is set in the area around Jamestown in the 1620s and includes a cast of characters from British society from the lower to the higher rungs. Almost all are in the new world because they do not fit into the strict guidelines of the old world. In colonial Virginia a group of 100 young women are brought to Jamestown to become wives to the mostly make settlers. A.plucky waif of a woman named Modesty leads this band of sisters when they reach Jamestown. She has no plans to get married herself but a series of unfortunate events lead to her marriage to a recluse known only as Mad Dog Jones. Modesty and her special friends end up seeking redemption as they adjust to their new circumstances. Brimming with historical detail this book is exciting, suspenseful and touching. There are some somewhat sensuous scenes. The writing is excellent and the characters unforgettable.
October 17, 2018
Blah... No character development
Little character development, and abrasive sex scenes that were both too frequent and totally unbelievable. The author was in such a rush to tell their story that it felt disconnected and more like a bunch of stacked details than a well written story. When I got to the end I rolled my eyes and wondered why I had bothered finishing at all. Two stars instead of one because at least the spelling and grammar were fine.
Little character development, and abrasive sex scenes that were both too frequent and totally unbelievable. The author was in such a rush to tell their story that it felt disconnected and more like a bunch of stacked details than a well written story. When I got to the end I rolled my eyes and wondered why I had bothered finishing at all. Two stars instead of one because at least the spelling and grammar were fine.
October 27, 2016
Modesty is a con artist and a forger and she paints pretty pictures over stolen items to camouflage them for resell. When the soldiers come to arrest her she slips away and contracts to become a bride in America. However she is accused of being a witch. At her trial Mad Dog Jones defends her. His fee, her hand in marriage.
September 7, 2018
I enjoyed the historical insights of this novel, but the 'romance' and the characters' behaviours towards each other? Not so much. I did feel oddly compelled to keep reading in order to see what depths would be plumbed and whether either main character could come to a reflexive understanding of their own emotional state. But it wasn't a comfortable read...
January 21, 2018
Pilgrims adventure
This was an incredible story about Jamestown and women - victims struggling to survive and making a life. Thoroughly riveted by the detail and writing of the multi- talented Parrish Afton Bonds.
This was an incredible story about Jamestown and women - victims struggling to survive and making a life. Thoroughly riveted by the detail and writing of the multi- talented Parrish Afton Bonds.
August 26, 2018
I found this book a bit annoying. It was so choppy, as soon as you got involved in one story it would jump to the next. All of the characters just felt like caricatures of themselves. The love stories felt so abrupt, oh they are in love now... Rose’s story was especially frustrating.
December 22, 2019
Intriguing
This trope is one of my favorites - wed and eventually falling in love. Interesting setting and interesting characters. Would have liked to see more character depth, but the story kept me reading to see the outcome of the relationship.
This trope is one of my favorites - wed and eventually falling in love. Interesting setting and interesting characters. Would have liked to see more character depth, but the story kept me reading to see the outcome of the relationship.
March 24, 2021
Wonderful
Started so tragically, ended so beautifully. Thank you for such a wonderful read, wrapped in history, revenge, hate and love. Most try that and are successful; some are not. Your books are beyond successful and fill many hours waiting on the turn of a page.
Started so tragically, ended so beautifully. Thank you for such a wonderful read, wrapped in history, revenge, hate and love. Most try that and are successful; some are not. Your books are beyond successful and fill many hours waiting on the turn of a page.
December 5, 2017
A Good Read
A page Turner! Couldn't wait for the next chapter. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has romance as well as adventure.
A page Turner! Couldn't wait for the next chapter. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has romance as well as adventure.
August 29, 2018
This book was not what I thought it would be. I really liked Modesty but I hated the "romance" between her and Mad Dog. The book was okay over all...
December 10, 2018
couldn't finish
December 22, 2019
Audible Romance Package
AUDIOBOOK: Read 20 December 2019
7hrs 50min
Narrator: Julie Hoverson does a good job
I did like it thought they were a couple of things and words I am sure weren't known in the 17th century.
And...
The end was rushed.
AUDIOBOOK: Read 20 December 2019
7hrs 50min
Narrator: Julie Hoverson does a good job
I did like it thought they were a couple of things and words I am sure weren't known in the 17th century.
And...
The end was rushed.
May 11, 2021
Excelent
Exciting, funny, colorful characters, dialog and a page turning story! Very entertaining! Can't wait to read more from this Author.
Exciting, funny, colorful characters, dialog and a page turning story! Very entertaining! Can't wait to read more from this Author.
September 11, 2013
This was certainly an intriguing read with an interesting setting and a compelling storyline. Following the blooming relationships of the other couples that were wed through the Virginia Company was a great touch, but I found that I had a very difficult time sympathizing with or even liking the two main characters. The information needed to make them sympathetic characters came too late in the story for me. They didn't deal well with the troubles that were heaped upon them, they were angry at each other most of the time, and they were just flat out mean to each other. The intimate scenes sometimes seemed like they were written for another book entirely.
A warning for those who have triggers with violence:
This Kindle version had some of what I suspect are OCR-related errors, with many words being broken where a hyphen might have otherwise appeared. For example, the word "barrage" would be separated into "bar" "rage" with one half of the word being on a different line or even page. This was very extremely annoying, as several times this changed the whole meaning of a sentence and required it to be re-read.
Overall, this was a good read and I will not hesitate to read another title from this author.
P.S. - I understand the title change in context of the story (I will not spoil it, it was a giggle-worthy moment), but it is rather... cringe-inducing. I was embarrassed to write it down in my reading log, when I am the only one who would ever see it!
A warning for those who have triggers with violence:
This Kindle version had some of what I suspect are OCR-related errors, with many words being broken where a hyphen might have otherwise appeared. For example, the word "barrage" would be separated into "bar" "rage" with one half of the word being on a different line or even page. This was very extremely annoying, as several times this changed the whole meaning of a sentence and required it to be re-read.
Overall, this was a good read and I will not hesitate to read another title from this author.
P.S. - I understand the title change in context of the story (I will not spoil it, it was a giggle-worthy moment), but it is rather... cringe-inducing. I was embarrassed to write it down in my reading log, when I am the only one who would ever see it!
September 14, 2013
this book was a bit different from what I would normally read, well I guess I should say since I read a wide variety of romance, that this book is different from anything I had read before. the time period and the setting were new for me, although I know basic history it was interesting to see how someone else imagines life would have been for the average person (although I wouldn't necessarily call these characters average). It was entertaining, I rather enjoyed it. The only real issue I had was the use of vernacular spelling but that is just an issue of personal preference. I enjoyed the large amount of characters and how their individual stories were weaved together to form a whole. It was definitely epic, there was a big finale that was written well. I felt like I really got to know some of the characters and came to generally care about their well being. I loved how all of the characters that had questionable beginnings came to be somewhat redeemed to themselves and each other ( I am not a religious person at all and that was a reoccurring theme but it was not something that was forced down the readers throat, I also like that the author differentiated between religiousness and spirituality)
Overall I thought it was a very interesting book, it was worth the time to read.
Overall I thought it was a very interesting book, it was worth the time to read.
May 25, 2015
I don't normally like historic books but this one was a nice story. The Virginia Company of London was advertising to get women to move to the Jamestown colony and become wives to the bachelors there. Modesty got in trouble with the law and saw this as a way to escape. Once there, she started pairing up the women with men who would be a good match - for a small price. She was going to use her earnings to buy out her contract and head back to London. Unfortunately, one of the men recognized her and soon everything started going downhill for her and she was almost burned alive as a witch. She had to agree to marry one of the mean in order to save her life. A good read about the way some of the Indians accepted the newcomers to America, how people bartered to get their needs met and how marriages of necessities became marriages of love
March 22, 2015
Three romances in one
This was a really interesting story that had not only one romance but two other secondary romances as well. The characters were all wonderful and I enjoyed each and every one of them but at times I just wanted the story to get back to Mad Dog and Modesty. I did enjoy Jack but felt his romance with Rose happened rather quickly and even felt that Jack and Rose could have had their own book because both characters were interesting and had background stories that I would have liked to know more about. Despite this, I really did enjoy this novel and highly recommend it. This is only my own opinion and doesn't reflect on the storyline or characters which were all very well done.
This was a really interesting story that had not only one romance but two other secondary romances as well. The characters were all wonderful and I enjoyed each and every one of them but at times I just wanted the story to get back to Mad Dog and Modesty. I did enjoy Jack but felt his romance with Rose happened rather quickly and even felt that Jack and Rose could have had their own book because both characters were interesting and had background stories that I would have liked to know more about. Despite this, I really did enjoy this novel and highly recommend it. This is only my own opinion and doesn't reflect on the storyline or characters which were all very well done.
November 27, 2016
A 'reality show' of early America in print
This book features the mismatched people who came to the new world and how they found their way to a kind of happiness that worked for them. The characters are a varied lot, some blending with kindness, shared experience and empathy and others very needy of someone with those emotions while they all push on and try to stay alive long enough to bloom in a new world.
It's historical with fictional license. A good book for readers who enjoy wittiness with thier reality.
This book features the mismatched people who came to the new world and how they found their way to a kind of happiness that worked for them. The characters are a varied lot, some blending with kindness, shared experience and empathy and others very needy of someone with those emotions while they all push on and try to stay alive long enough to bloom in a new world.
It's historical with fictional license. A good book for readers who enjoy wittiness with thier reality.
February 4, 2017
A Thief Saver..
Modesty, the female lead, is in a bit of trouble but she is able to escape to England in the nick of time where she meets the male lead, Mad Dog.
A deal is made and a bargain struck and this is when the book really begins.
The story was an overall Interesting Read.
Audrey Lusk did well with the narration.
Note:
"This audio book was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review."
December 29, 2015
Maidenhead
Modesty escaped England to go to the new world to avoid jail. She was accepted as one of the 100 brides being brought to be sold. The bargain being they would have a new life and security. She ends up with MadDog and he and she fight like cats and dogs. A light read with a little Indian interaction with the white man.
Modesty escaped England to go to the new world to avoid jail. She was accepted as one of the 100 brides being brought to be sold. The bargain being they would have a new life and security. She ends up with MadDog and he and she fight like cats and dogs. A light read with a little Indian interaction with the white man.
October 29, 2016
I read non stop until I finished this story, but now I miss the characters. I feel true grief that it had to end. Thank you for sharing your gift with all of us.
I read non stop until I finished this story, but now I miss the characters. I feel true grief that it had to end. Thank you for sharing your gift with all of us.
I read non stop until I finished this story, but now I miss the characters. I feel true grief that it had to end. Thank you for sharing your gift with all of us.
September 5, 2015
Lots of history
Very informative about the goings on in the early days of the Colonies. You have to like early history to like this story, but I do therefore I liked this book. Just a touch of romance and lots of feisty talk. Only to preserve her self worth.
Very informative about the goings on in the early days of the Colonies. You have to like early history to like this story, but I do therefore I liked this book. Just a touch of romance and lots of feisty talk. Only to preserve her self worth.
July 9, 2015
She was a shrew and he SOLD her only to decide two pages later he loved her. No, thanks. This book had potential, but just never pulled it off.
October 30, 2016
Good Story
An unusual novel about English women who came to the New World in the early 1600s to be sold as brides. Great assortment of characters.
An unusual novel about English women who came to the New World in the early 1600s to be sold as brides. Great assortment of characters.
November 8, 2016
It was ok but there is nothing more I can say for the book. The two main characters had no chemistry whatsoever and the plot was not good enough to keep me interested.
March 23, 2017
Must Read
I never thought I would enjoy a story written with the 1600's being the era it had taken place. This was the ONE!
I never thought I would enjoy a story written with the 1600's being the era it had taken place. This was the ONE!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews