What do you think?
Rate this book
Gypsy Lover
"YOU ARE NOTHING BUT A GYPSY!"
So the haughty Lord Lonsdale accused Dante at the reading of his grandfather's will. To the astonishment of the ton, the late marquis had disinherited the petulant lord, leaving his vast estate to the darkly handsome Romany horse trader. Acres of land, fabulous wealth, rich manor houses --- all these were his for the taking, provided Dante would also take the bride his grandfather had specified.
"YOU STOLE A KISS FROM ME THE FIRST TIME WE MET."
So claimed lovely Lady Esme Harcourt. The arrogant gypsy had swept her into his arms at a country fair, awakening both her desire and her disdain. Though her hand might be promised to the new Marquis of Alston, she swore she would never agree to wed a man whose birth put him so far beneath her. But no matter how she protested against Dante as her husband, her heart had already accepted the free-spirited Rom as her wild ... Gypsy Lover
So the haughty Lord Lonsdale accused Dante at the reading of his grandfather's will. To the astonishment of the ton, the late marquis had disinherited the petulant lord, leaving his vast estate to the darkly handsome Romany horse trader. Acres of land, fabulous wealth, rich manor houses --- all these were his for the taking, provided Dante would also take the bride his grandfather had specified.
"YOU STOLE A KISS FROM ME THE FIRST TIME WE MET."
So claimed lovely Lady Esme Harcourt. The arrogant gypsy had swept her into his arms at a country fair, awakening both her desire and her disdain. Though her hand might be promised to the new Marquis of Alston, she swore she would never agree to wed a man whose birth put him so far beneath her. But no matter how she protested against Dante as her husband, her heart had already accepted the free-spirited Rom as her wild ... Gypsy Lover
357 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2005
5 people are currently reading
242 people want to read
About the author
Connie Mason
140 books534 followersConnie Mason or Cara Miles is the best-selling author of more than fifty historical romances and novellas. Her tales of passion and adventure are set in exotic as well as American locales. Connie was named Story Teller of the Year in 1990 by Romantic Times and was awarded Career Achievement award in the Western category by Romantic Times in 1994. Connie makes her home in Tarpon Springs, Florida with her husband Jerry.
Prior to her first published work in 1984, Connie was a full time homemaker. Always an avid reader, writing was one of Connie's dreams.
In 1995 Connie was featured on a segment of the CBS news show 48 Hours, a television production that devoted an entire program to the romance novel industry. Connie was also featured in an article published by National Inquirer.
In addition to writing and traveling, Connie enjoys telling anyone who will listen about her three children and nine grandchildren, and sharing memories of her years living abroad in Europe and Asia as the wife of a career serviceman. In her spare time Connie enjoys reading, dancing, playing bridge and freshwater fishing with her husband.
Prior to her first published work in 1984, Connie was a full time homemaker. Always an avid reader, writing was one of Connie's dreams.
In 1995 Connie was featured on a segment of the CBS news show 48 Hours, a television production that devoted an entire program to the romance novel industry. Connie was also featured in an article published by National Inquirer.
In addition to writing and traveling, Connie enjoys telling anyone who will listen about her three children and nine grandchildren, and sharing memories of her years living abroad in Europe and Asia as the wife of a career serviceman. In her spare time Connie enjoys reading, dancing, playing bridge and freshwater fishing with her husband.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 2, 2012
I was looking for a bodice ripper, since I have been on a contemporary kick lately, and this was not a good one. Laughable story line, very shallow development in characters, sex scenes and there were quite a few, were typical of a bodice ripper (lots of talk about tasting the h's nectar and nubbin). The only bright spot in the whole book was the hero, Dante. He was sexy, loyal, honorable, romantic and put up with lots of insults from the h regarding his gypsy heritage. By the end I felt like I was reading an episode of Scooby Doo and the villain was going to say "if not for you measly kids I would have gotten away with it". In other words lots of eye rolls from me.
I have read a lot of Connie Mason's books and she is a go to for some good Bodice Rippers. This one fell way short, but she does have some I have read over the years that I have enjoyed much more; A Taste of Sin, The Lion's Bride, Bold Land, Bold Love.
January 19, 2016
This was a fun book to read! Full of adventure, romance and a bit of suspense.
June 18, 2018
2 stars.
It's got one of those TSTL heroines who just kept getting herself in stupid situations and also quite prejudiced against gypsies.
It's got one of those TSTL heroines who just kept getting herself in stupid situations and also quite prejudiced against gypsies.
June 13, 2015
To be perfectly honest I am at 74% in this book. I have not completely finished it.
But I think it gives me enough material to write a review. I don't think I will discover anything new in this book. The story is ok and a significant improvement from the last 2 disasters I have read this week. It has a half gypsy hero with a ridiculous name Dante (seriously, what is wrong with good old William, David, even John?) and a really really really hard-to-like heroine Esme.
This book reminds me of 2 books: Thunder and Roses by Mary Jo Putney and The Leopard Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt. Both have earned a soid place on my keepers shelf. Gypsy Lover by Connie Mason, however, pales in comparison to the said wonderful romance novels. It reminds me Thunder and Roses because it also features a half gypsy hero. It reminds me of The Leopard Prince because the hero also calls and refers to the heroine as "milady". That however, is where the similarity ends.
The story is standard and the blurb says pretty much all there is to say. I like Dante well enough. A gypsy bastard who got his title when his grandfather decided that he wanted his bastard grandson to inherit after all. Proud of his heritage, Dante wanted to turn down the offer but was encouraged to accept by his maternal grandparents who are gypsies. He met Esme at a fair and was attracted to her, but never got to know her name. They saw each other again at a party when Dante entered the polite society. An old agreement bound them to each other in matrimony. So it goes the story. Dante wants Esme. Esme hates him because he is gypsy. Dante tries to win Esme over, to no avail. Then Dante has enough of Esme's nonsense and leaves her. Now Esme wants to marry him because all of a sudden she loves him. And oh yeah they had sex multiple times. Someone wants Dante dead and his grandfather was murdered, I imagine that is how the rest of the 30% going to be about.
I have no problems with the unsurprising plotlines. The story reads well and progressed at an ok speed. But I absolutely hate Esme. She despises Dante because he is gypsy. And that is a pretty bad dealbreaker for me. I cannot like her as a person. I care very little whether she gets her happily ever after. I want to slap her for being the idiot that she is. Seriously I am all for female pride but a stupid heroine with a pride issue, UNBEARABLE.
This is another romance that equates lust with love. Dante is attracted to Esme and apparently wants to sleep with her. That much is clear. Esme is soooooooo stupid. I don't have another word for her. But do they care for each other? I cannot say. Maybe Dante cares for Esme a little, yeah. Esme is just a bitch. Maybe that was a little harsh because she was portrayed more positively in the book. But if you ask me, damn this woman is a hyprocrite.
This was a ok read. Nothing to recommend but is not the worst of the genre.
But I think it gives me enough material to write a review. I don't think I will discover anything new in this book. The story is ok and a significant improvement from the last 2 disasters I have read this week. It has a half gypsy hero with a ridiculous name Dante (seriously, what is wrong with good old William, David, even John?) and a really really really hard-to-like heroine Esme.
This book reminds me of 2 books: Thunder and Roses by Mary Jo Putney and The Leopard Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt. Both have earned a soid place on my keepers shelf. Gypsy Lover by Connie Mason, however, pales in comparison to the said wonderful romance novels. It reminds me Thunder and Roses because it also features a half gypsy hero. It reminds me of The Leopard Prince because the hero also calls and refers to the heroine as "milady". That however, is where the similarity ends.
The story is standard and the blurb says pretty much all there is to say. I like Dante well enough. A gypsy bastard who got his title when his grandfather decided that he wanted his bastard grandson to inherit after all. Proud of his heritage, Dante wanted to turn down the offer but was encouraged to accept by his maternal grandparents who are gypsies. He met Esme at a fair and was attracted to her, but never got to know her name. They saw each other again at a party when Dante entered the polite society. An old agreement bound them to each other in matrimony. So it goes the story. Dante wants Esme. Esme hates him because he is gypsy. Dante tries to win Esme over, to no avail. Then Dante has enough of Esme's nonsense and leaves her. Now Esme wants to marry him because all of a sudden she loves him. And oh yeah they had sex multiple times. Someone wants Dante dead and his grandfather was murdered, I imagine that is how the rest of the 30% going to be about.
I have no problems with the unsurprising plotlines. The story reads well and progressed at an ok speed. But I absolutely hate Esme. She despises Dante because he is gypsy. And that is a pretty bad dealbreaker for me. I cannot like her as a person. I care very little whether she gets her happily ever after. I want to slap her for being the idiot that she is. Seriously I am all for female pride but a stupid heroine with a pride issue, UNBEARABLE.
This is another romance that equates lust with love. Dante is attracted to Esme and apparently wants to sleep with her. That much is clear. Esme is soooooooo stupid. I don't have another word for her. But do they care for each other? I cannot say. Maybe Dante cares for Esme a little, yeah. Esme is just a bitch. Maybe that was a little harsh because she was portrayed more positively in the book. But if you ask me, damn this woman is a hyprocrite.
This was a ok read. Nothing to recommend but is not the worst of the genre.
November 19, 2013
This is one of those rare books where you just have to feel sorry for the hero and I could have cheerful slapped the heroine for her hurtful words. I understand totally that such prejudices were even more prevalent back then but there was no need for the heroine to belabor the point especially since she had absolutely no problem sleeping with the hero. What a total hypocrite! As usual though Ms. Mason still comes through with some steamy loves scenes but I'm still peeved about the heroine's attitude.
July 26, 2017
I love to read Historical Romance. Connie Mason has long been a favorite author and this story was not a disappointment. I enjoyed the story line Dante our sexy gypsy meets and becomes enchanted with the lovely Esme. Dante's true heritage is revealed and the love hate attraction blossoms. Esmes heart belongs to Dante but her learned prejudice overshadow her true feelings. Will Dante's love for the lady be enough to win her heart?
December 29, 2023
Stayed up all night reading this book!!!! Awesome storytelling and great characters! Lots of fun.
January 20, 2010
I love stories with gypsies!
Dante is the illegitimate son of the Viscount Lonsdale, Dante's grandfather the Marquis of Alston had warned his son never to see his gypsy lover again. When Alston finds out that his son has become a father and that Dante's mother has died in child birth he makes the decision to never tell his son about Dante, and leaves him with his maternal gypsy grandparents to rase, but not before making arrangements to properly educate him!
Almost 30 years later Alston finds Dante and calls him to his estate, reluctantly Dante goes. Alston has petitioned to have Dante recognized as his grandson and heir, it is too late for Dante to meet his father but Alston makes an effort to right the wrongs he has caused... Alston mysteriously dies leaving Dante as the heir to the surprise of Dante's cousin the new Viscount Lonsdale, not only does Dante take the title and fortune Lonsdale thought he would inherit, but the fiance he thought he would have!
Esme snuck away from the crowded gypsy fair to steal some quiet, little did she know that she was followed by the overly handsome gypsy man who defied all of her preconceptions about gypsies... especially when he steals a kiss and instead of revolting her the gyspy's kiss egnites a feeling in Esme that she's never experienced...
Lady Esme has been engagged to the heir of Alston for as long as she can remember.... too bad she doesn't know who the heir is... she thought it was Lonsdale, but after Alston's death she finds herself engaged to Dante, the gypsy who stole a kiss!
Esme must decide wither or not she can accept Dante despite her prejudices against his gypsy heritage, little does she know that it's not only her acceptance that is needed.... after weeks of pushing Dante away (and I mean she really jerks poor Dante around) she realizes that she has loved Dante from the beginning despite the prejudices she thought were so important... but now can she convince Dante that she loves him for him and hot just his title before it is too late?
Dante is the illegitimate son of the Viscount Lonsdale, Dante's grandfather the Marquis of Alston had warned his son never to see his gypsy lover again. When Alston finds out that his son has become a father and that Dante's mother has died in child birth he makes the decision to never tell his son about Dante, and leaves him with his maternal gypsy grandparents to rase, but not before making arrangements to properly educate him!
Almost 30 years later Alston finds Dante and calls him to his estate, reluctantly Dante goes. Alston has petitioned to have Dante recognized as his grandson and heir, it is too late for Dante to meet his father but Alston makes an effort to right the wrongs he has caused... Alston mysteriously dies leaving Dante as the heir to the surprise of Dante's cousin the new Viscount Lonsdale, not only does Dante take the title and fortune Lonsdale thought he would inherit, but the fiance he thought he would have!
Esme snuck away from the crowded gypsy fair to steal some quiet, little did she know that she was followed by the overly handsome gypsy man who defied all of her preconceptions about gypsies... especially when he steals a kiss and instead of revolting her the gyspy's kiss egnites a feeling in Esme that she's never experienced...
Lady Esme has been engagged to the heir of Alston for as long as she can remember.... too bad she doesn't know who the heir is... she thought it was Lonsdale, but after Alston's death she finds herself engaged to Dante, the gypsy who stole a kiss!
Esme must decide wither or not she can accept Dante despite her prejudices against his gypsy heritage, little does she know that it's not only her acceptance that is needed.... after weeks of pushing Dante away (and I mean she really jerks poor Dante around) she realizes that she has loved Dante from the beginning despite the prejudices she thought were so important... but now can she convince Dante that she loves him for him and hot just his title before it is too late?
July 6, 2010
Dante, the Marquis of Alston and Lady Esme Harcourt. The two main characters are well crafted, fully dimensional characters with plenty of flaws and confusion. I liked the emotional confusion on the part of both, which gave them depth. There is a good plot twist concerning the villian, who ia one-dimensional through most of the story. Good plot with an interesting twist, lots of hot romance that moves things along and yet works within their relationship. I do think it's a stretch, historically speaking, to believe society would have accepted Dante, a gypsy, under any conditions, given the rigid thinking of the time, but I suspended my belief of that well enough to enjoy the story. Sucked me in and I really enjoyed it. Have read twice and am keeping a copy of this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2008
Set in England, 1813, and I thought this book had a lot of potential, but the character (Esme) looked down on Dante through most of the book because he was a gypsy and beneath her class. When she was alone with him, she couldn't keep her hands off of him, but when she saw him with others, she ignored or snubbed him.
Also, there is a great deal of reiteration that only dragged the story out. I didn't like Esme and thought Dante needed to hold his pity party and move on with his life.
Also, there is a great deal of reiteration that only dragged the story out. I didn't like Esme and thought Dante needed to hold his pity party and move on with his life.
February 21, 2009
"There's no escaping me, love. When we leave this room, you'll never again doubt to whom you belong." Dante (the virile hero).
I liked this book. The writing wasn't as fluid as say a Lisa Kleypas book, but it got better as a murder mystery evolved. The heroine was a real bitch. She looked down her nose at the hero because he was part gypsy. Her prejudice was disgusting and finally the hero got sick of her. Of course, she realized how much he meant to her after the fact. Ugh!
I liked this book. The writing wasn't as fluid as say a Lisa Kleypas book, but it got better as a murder mystery evolved. The heroine was a real bitch. She looked down her nose at the hero because he was part gypsy. Her prejudice was disgusting and finally the hero got sick of her. Of course, she realized how much he meant to her after the fact. Ugh!
June 2, 2010
This book was bad from start to end. The writing was ok, the character devolpment was aweful. Did this man have no pride? Couldn't this woman think anything through? The reader is suppose to believe that a life long prejudice disapears in a mater of a few stolen kisses. That bad decision after decision does not have any long term consequences.
June 8, 2016
A solid 4 stars. Connie Mason has done it again. Gypsy Lover is a refreshing change from typical English regencies. A strong hero and recklessly impulsive but still lovable heroine have lots of delightfully steamy (graphic) sex scenes mixed in with exciting plot twists.
May 27, 2013
I always enjoy Mason's work, and Dante's story is no different. Though there was some predictability, I was engrossed, especially when Dante is in his natural element of the caravan. Makes me wish these romantic views were real so could find my own gypsy.
March 4, 2008
oooohhhhh
October 16, 2010
oKAY, BUT SHE HAD SO MUCH PREDGIDICE IT WAS PRETTY HARD TO BELIEVE HE WOULD KEEP AFTER HER.
August 3, 2015
every now and again you need a little " Mills & Boons " kinda romantic book for a Sunday on the couch...Good Clean fun
historical
January 8, 2019"YOU ARE NOTHING BUT A GYPSY!"
So the haughty Lord Lonsdale accused Dante at the reading of his grandfather's will. To the astonishment of the ton, the late marquis had disinherited the petulant lord, leaving his vast estate to the darkly handsome Romany horse trader. Acres of land, fabulous wealth, rich manor houses --- all these were his for the taking, provided Dante would also take the bride his grandfather had specified.
"YOU STOLE A KISS FROM ME THE FIRST TIME WE MET."
So claimed lovely Lady Esme Harcourt. The arrogant gypsy had swept her into his arms at a country fair, awakening both her desire and her disdain. Though her hand might be promised to the new Marquis of Alston, she swore she would never agree to wed a man whose birth put him so far beneath her. But no matter how she protested against Dante as her husband, her heart had already accepted the free-spirited Rom as her wild ... Gypsy Lover
So the haughty Lord Lonsdale accused Dante at the reading of his grandfather's will. To the astonishment of the ton, the late marquis had disinherited the petulant lord, leaving his vast estate to the darkly handsome Romany horse trader. Acres of land, fabulous wealth, rich manor houses --- all these were his for the taking, provided Dante would also take the bride his grandfather had specified.
"YOU STOLE A KISS FROM ME THE FIRST TIME WE MET."
So claimed lovely Lady Esme Harcourt. The arrogant gypsy had swept her into his arms at a country fair, awakening both her desire and her disdain. Though her hand might be promised to the new Marquis of Alston, she swore she would never agree to wed a man whose birth put him so far beneath her. But no matter how she protested against Dante as her husband, her heart had already accepted the free-spirited Rom as her wild ... Gypsy Lover
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews