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Louisiana Plantation Collection #1
Silver-Tongued Devil
Bestselling author Jennifer Blake is at her sensual best in this sultry tale of love and hate, revenge and redemption that moves from the spicy heat of New Orleans to a lush sugar plantation on the Mississippi. . . .
The Angel--He saved her life, then made her his prisoner. Now Renold Harden is demanding his due--as Angelica Carew's new husband. How easy it would be to surrender to Renold's name, his protection, his passion. But there is something unreal about his words of love, his determined seduction . . . .
The Devil--Renold had conspired to wed and bed her, forcing Angelica into a hellish marriage for the sake of the dowry bestowed upon Bonheur, the plantation stolen from his family. His bride would pay the price for her father's greed and trickery, every day--and night--for the rest of her life . . . .
Only her love could save him--Days of torment melt into nights of searing ecstasy as Angelica helplessly surrenders to the man who deceived and betrayed her. For what began as an act of vengeance becomes heedless, burning love--as the devil who ensnared her heart with duplicity dares to show her the meaning of forgiveness and the magic of forever. . . .
The Angel--He saved her life, then made her his prisoner. Now Renold Harden is demanding his due--as Angelica Carew's new husband. How easy it would be to surrender to Renold's name, his protection, his passion. But there is something unreal about his words of love, his determined seduction . . . .
The Devil--Renold had conspired to wed and bed her, forcing Angelica into a hellish marriage for the sake of the dowry bestowed upon Bonheur, the plantation stolen from his family. His bride would pay the price for her father's greed and trickery, every day--and night--for the rest of her life . . . .
Only her love could save him--Days of torment melt into nights of searing ecstasy as Angelica helplessly surrenders to the man who deceived and betrayed her. For what began as an act of vengeance becomes heedless, burning love--as the devil who ensnared her heart with duplicity dares to show her the meaning of forgiveness and the magic of forever. . . .
384 pages, Hardcover
First published December 30, 1995
94 people are currently reading
516 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Blake
171 books542 followersA pseudonym used by Patricia Maxwell.
Jennifer Blake has been called a “pioneer of the romance genre”, and an “icon of the romance industry.” A New York Times and international best selling author since 1977, she is a charter member of Romance Writers of America, member of the RWA Hall of Fame, and recipient of the RWA Lifetime Achievement Rita. She holds numerous other honors, including two “Maggies”, two Holt Medallions, multiple Reviewer’s Choice Awards, the Career Achievement Award from Romantic Times BookReviews Magazine, and the Frank Waters Award for literary excellence. She has written over 60 books with translations in 20 languages and more than 30 million copies in print worldwide.
Jennifer and her husband reside in a lakeside Caribbean-style retreat in North Louisiana where they often entertain family and friends. Always a gardener, she spends much of her time encouraging her garden to bloom with her favorite daylilies and antique roses. She also enjoys walking her two dogs, Buffy and Lucky, and indulging in needlework, painting, and travel.
Jennifer Blake has been called a “pioneer of the romance genre”, and an “icon of the romance industry.” A New York Times and international best selling author since 1977, she is a charter member of Romance Writers of America, member of the RWA Hall of Fame, and recipient of the RWA Lifetime Achievement Rita. She holds numerous other honors, including two “Maggies”, two Holt Medallions, multiple Reviewer’s Choice Awards, the Career Achievement Award from Romantic Times BookReviews Magazine, and the Frank Waters Award for literary excellence. She has written over 60 books with translations in 20 languages and more than 30 million copies in print worldwide.
Jennifer and her husband reside in a lakeside Caribbean-style retreat in North Louisiana where they often entertain family and friends. Always a gardener, she spends much of her time encouraging her garden to bloom with her favorite daylilies and antique roses. She also enjoys walking her two dogs, Buffy and Lucky, and indulging in needlework, painting, and travel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
February 10, 2016
This book was utterly devious. It sucked me in to a vortex of passion, intrigue, half truths and semi-scandalous love in order to not let me go until I practically inhaled the text from the very last page!
I have not read such a good novel in a very very long time.
The attention to particular items, places, people, and all around charm of America in that age..
Or was it the glitter and horror combined in one, from Steamboat explosions to the Mardi Gras, showcasing a breathtaking and picturesque view to the extreme?
I do not know.
Eye of newt, tong of a frog, all mixed in one, makes the head spin, but also turns the pages in a whirlwind, my dears!
Maybe I could dwell on the inner musings of the heroine and hero that were deep and thorough. Or the dialogues in their prime, shine and glory. Should I talk about secondary character development that made even those with little to nothing page space step out and breathe? Mention the heroes bastard son who had maybe half of minute to make his first and final stage entry and still haunt me to the last leafs just by implications and consequence?
I will not do any of it. One single word could spoil the experience. Know nothing but the important: this book should be bought. Plunge in to the unknown. Be charmed. Enjoy. And know one secret: The mysterious hero was the first one to profess love making me melt in good-natured envy.
His chest rose and fell with a long , difficult breath. "I love you, my angel."
This books was provided to me at NetGalley.
I have not read such a good novel in a very very long time.
The attention to particular items, places, people, and all around charm of America in that age..
Or was it the glitter and horror combined in one, from Steamboat explosions to the Mardi Gras, showcasing a breathtaking and picturesque view to the extreme?
I do not know.
Eye of newt, tong of a frog, all mixed in one, makes the head spin, but also turns the pages in a whirlwind, my dears!
Maybe I could dwell on the inner musings of the heroine and hero that were deep and thorough. Or the dialogues in their prime, shine and glory. Should I talk about secondary character development that made even those with little to nothing page space step out and breathe? Mention the heroes bastard son who had maybe half of minute to make his first and final stage entry and still haunt me to the last leafs just by implications and consequence?
I will not do any of it. One single word could spoil the experience. Know nothing but the important: this book should be bought. Plunge in to the unknown. Be charmed. Enjoy. And know one secret: The mysterious hero was the first one to profess love making me melt in good-natured envy.
His chest rose and fell with a long , difficult breath. "I love you, my angel."
This books was provided to me at NetGalley.
November 12, 2012
3.5 stars
Renold Harden's stepfather gambled and lost the plantation that's been in the family for over 100 years to a cheatin' card sharp, and then shot himself. Renold has vowed revenge against the gambler, who has gifted the plantation to his daughter Angelica as a bride gift. Renold's plan involves compromising Angelica (with witnesses!), so that she'll be forced to marry him and he'll save the plantation for his mother and stepsister. Simple right? Uh, no, this is romance after all. Renold is attracted to the beauteous Angelica (natch), and she seems to find him much more attractive than the childhood friend her father's engaged her to. I won't spoil, but events transpire to toss our pair off the riverboat and land Angelica firmly in Renold's clutches, including a wedding ceremony she doesn't even remember.
Yes there's more, but I'm three reviews behind and I have other things to do today. Angelica is somewhat at Renold's mercy, and he keeps her somewhat of a prisoner in his New Orleans mansion, although I suspect she could have left if she'd had money and somewhere to go - Blake's heroines are usually smart enough not to go wandering into the cold dark night on a whim. I wouldn't quite call it *forced seduction*, the first love scene doesn't happen until around page 200 or so, and it was consensual. Still, the prisoner trope might not appeal to all readers, YMMV. All in all, this was just the right book for a very chilly November afternoon. Blake's romances are always a nice treat, a good story and realistic character behavior and historical details - just enough to make you feel you are there, but without clubbing the reader over the head with mind numbing details. 3.5/5 stars.
Renold Harden's stepfather gambled and lost the plantation that's been in the family for over 100 years to a cheatin' card sharp, and then shot himself. Renold has vowed revenge against the gambler, who has gifted the plantation to his daughter Angelica as a bride gift. Renold's plan involves compromising Angelica (with witnesses!), so that she'll be forced to marry him and he'll save the plantation for his mother and stepsister. Simple right? Uh, no, this is romance after all. Renold is attracted to the beauteous Angelica (natch), and she seems to find him much more attractive than the childhood friend her father's engaged her to. I won't spoil, but events transpire to toss our pair off the riverboat and land Angelica firmly in Renold's clutches, including a wedding ceremony she doesn't even remember.
Yes there's more, but I'm three reviews behind and I have other things to do today. Angelica is somewhat at Renold's mercy, and he keeps her somewhat of a prisoner in his New Orleans mansion, although I suspect she could have left if she'd had money and somewhere to go - Blake's heroines are usually smart enough not to go wandering into the cold dark night on a whim. I wouldn't quite call it *forced seduction*, the first love scene doesn't happen until around page 200 or so, and it was consensual. Still, the prisoner trope might not appeal to all readers, YMMV. All in all, this was just the right book for a very chilly November afternoon. Blake's romances are always a nice treat, a good story and realistic character behavior and historical details - just enough to make you feel you are there, but without clubbing the reader over the head with mind numbing details. 3.5/5 stars.
September 27, 2011
2.50*
I haven’t read a Jennifer Blake book in quite some time. My favorites of hers from the past are: Royal Seduction,Royal Passion, andFierce Eden. Those were published between 1983-1985 and are true bodice rippers. I love them! This one however, fell short of my expectations.
Renold Harden seeks out Angelica Carew to exact revenge against her father for stealing his family’s plantation. After saving her life, he marries her and begins his plan to destroy her father. He doesn’t expect to find Angelica impossible to resist nor does he expect to come to care so much about what she thinks of him. Soon he finds that he’s created a living hell of his own making and guilt begins to eat him alive; for Angelica suspects there is more to this marriage than meets the eye. Will she leave him when she discovers his deceit?
The novel begins with Renold and Angelica traveling on the same boat, when an accident occurs and the boat explodes. Renold just happens to be in a position to save Angelica’s life and therein begins their association. I felt the attraction and chemistry right away and felt there was a world of potential. However, the dialogue in this book is very wordy and confusing to me. Its hard to follow what Angelica and Renold are talking about. I gather the constant sparring is a form of foreplay, but it takes up way too much of the book for my tastes.
The description of the book states that Renold intends to make Angelica pay for her father’s crimes “every day—and night—for the rest of her life . . . .” and I was really looking forward to a steamy revenge book. Something along the lines of those books from the 80s that I loved so much. But Renold really disappointed me in that department. He wasn’t enough of a rogue, though he was extremely jealous at times and snapped at everyone quite a bit. He just let his conscience rule him too much, despite his best laid plans to get his revenge. He just couldn’t stand what he was doing to her. So, in the end I would have preferred him to be a bit more of a revenging rogue, determined in his plot and more demanding of his husbandly rights. The steam was not as hot as I’ve seen from JB.
I think I’m going to stick to my 1980s Jennifer Blake!
Find my reviews at page 317.
I haven’t read a Jennifer Blake book in quite some time. My favorites of hers from the past are: Royal Seduction,Royal Passion, andFierce Eden. Those were published between 1983-1985 and are true bodice rippers. I love them! This one however, fell short of my expectations.
Renold Harden seeks out Angelica Carew to exact revenge against her father for stealing his family’s plantation. After saving her life, he marries her and begins his plan to destroy her father. He doesn’t expect to find Angelica impossible to resist nor does he expect to come to care so much about what she thinks of him. Soon he finds that he’s created a living hell of his own making and guilt begins to eat him alive; for Angelica suspects there is more to this marriage than meets the eye. Will she leave him when she discovers his deceit?
The novel begins with Renold and Angelica traveling on the same boat, when an accident occurs and the boat explodes. Renold just happens to be in a position to save Angelica’s life and therein begins their association. I felt the attraction and chemistry right away and felt there was a world of potential. However, the dialogue in this book is very wordy and confusing to me. Its hard to follow what Angelica and Renold are talking about. I gather the constant sparring is a form of foreplay, but it takes up way too much of the book for my tastes.
The description of the book states that Renold intends to make Angelica pay for her father’s crimes “every day—and night—for the rest of her life . . . .” and I was really looking forward to a steamy revenge book. Something along the lines of those books from the 80s that I loved so much. But Renold really disappointed me in that department. He wasn’t enough of a rogue, though he was extremely jealous at times and snapped at everyone quite a bit. He just let his conscience rule him too much, despite his best laid plans to get his revenge. He just couldn’t stand what he was doing to her. So, in the end I would have preferred him to be a bit more of a revenging rogue, determined in his plot and more demanding of his husbandly rights. The steam was not as hot as I’ve seen from JB.
I think I’m going to stick to my 1980s Jennifer Blake!
Find my reviews at page 317.
December 4, 2014
A good story set in the world of a 19th century Louisiana plantation, with well drawn characters, however the dialogue was odd. The characters seemed to talk in riddles and it was hard to distinguish their real meaning, necessitating the characters to follow each line of dialogue with an explanation of what was really meant in between the lines. A lot of inner monologue expanding on the heroine's doubts and misinterpretations of every single action of the hero, which grew to be tedious. Nevertheless, there was also some rather flamboyantly romantic declarations and passionate scenes that made this a satisfying read.
January 20, 2013
I picked up a collection of Jennifer Blake's books on Amazon, very cheaply. I figured they would be a quick read. I was wrong about that one. I found it hard to get through this book at times, bored with the story. There are 3 more in the collection and not sure I will read them when I have so much other stuff I want to read.
I found the story boring and slow. I found the characters not at all likeable, besides maybe one of the main characters Michel. Renold was a complete jerk, and I am being nice using that word. I can't believe that Angelica would ever be with a man so pompous and as she puts it many times "the devil". He lies and lies and lies and takes her against her will yet in the end he is her savior. Blech.
I guess if you like romance novels you might enjoy reading this but for me, I have to have more substance when I read a romantic book.
I found the story boring and slow. I found the characters not at all likeable, besides maybe one of the main characters Michel. Renold was a complete jerk, and I am being nice using that word. I can't believe that Angelica would ever be with a man so pompous and as she puts it many times "the devil". He lies and lies and lies and takes her against her will yet in the end he is her savior. Blech.
I guess if you like romance novels you might enjoy reading this but for me, I have to have more substance when I read a romantic book.
November 13, 2023
My god did this story stress me out!
The angst; the banter; the fighting; the constant back and forth between the main couple had me stressed and on the edge of my seat the whole time I read this.
So much fighting and denial is not my thing but here it was so beautifully done and so realistically raw I had no choice but to submit to impressive display of feelings and words written.
The marriage troubles were so well displayed it was hurtful to witness, having been there at one time, it was so hard to see these two fight and suffer in silence when they could just talk it out!!!!
Writing about the deepest most troubling matters of the heart are always difficult to recreate but ofc Patricia Maxwell aces it with her impeccable view on the world of love.
I loved what this book made me go through, the good, the bad, the ugly, I loved all of it! 5 stars because for the first time in some time I felt my heart trembling for a book couple 🥹😍
The angst; the banter; the fighting; the constant back and forth between the main couple had me stressed and on the edge of my seat the whole time I read this.
So much fighting and denial is not my thing but here it was so beautifully done and so realistically raw I had no choice but to submit to impressive display of feelings and words written.
The marriage troubles were so well displayed it was hurtful to witness, having been there at one time, it was so hard to see these two fight and suffer in silence when they could just talk it out!!!!
Writing about the deepest most troubling matters of the heart are always difficult to recreate but ofc Patricia Maxwell aces it with her impeccable view on the world of love.
I loved what this book made me go through, the good, the bad, the ugly, I loved all of it! 5 stars because for the first time in some time I felt my heart trembling for a book couple 🥹😍
June 25, 2012
SILVER TONGUNED DEVIL by Jennifer Blake is a historical romance that is not for the faint of heart. Strong characters, rich description and agonizing drama make this novel an eloquent, yet emotional journey.
Angelica Carew knew the expected path of her life. She was to marry the man her father had chosen and live out her days on the property granted to her as her dowry, Bonheur. Little does she know, but Renold Harden is going to do everything he can to make sure Angelica is married...not to her current fiancé, but to him instead. Years ago Angelica's father, Edmund, won Bonheur in a card game against Renold's stepfather who eventually took his own life over regret from such a loss. Now Renold wants nothing more than revenge against the man and can see no greater punishment than taking away Edmund's daughter through marriage, which would also give him back Bonheur.
Angelica is shocked to wake up from an injury she sustained on the journey to America married to Renold. It causes her to question her situation, especially since her new husband is a man she barely knows and seems to have an ulterior motive for everything. What is even more confounding is that she eventually finds herself falling for this handsome devil. Despite his original intent and to Renold's shock, he too finds himself falling for the wife he never wanted. Yet by the time all the lies are revealed, will it be too late for forgiveness?
You are not going to find two characters more entertaining than Renold and Angelica. Renold is certainly not the most lovable hero to ever be created, far from it actually. If there is anything to have a difficult time accepting, it is the credibility of such a devious and manipulative character. He is exactly as the title describes, the silver-tongued devil who speaks seductive words yet always has a hidden agenda behind them. Yet underneath it all there is something terribly compelling about his character that draws you in. His heart seems to be the one unattainable thing for any woman to grasp, but as you read this, you can easily see Angelica is just the woman to do that.
Angelica is of course the complete opposite of Renold. She is all that is pure and honest in the world. She is the angel matched to Renold's devilish ways. While this elaborate web is being spun around her, she is far too intelligent to simply become lost in its midst. I was frankly amazed at the way her mind worked, constantly figuring out each mystery she faced. Perhaps what I loved best about her character is that no matter what Renold threw her way, she always took it in stride. While outwardly it appeared like defeat, she always gave her actions a purpose which exposed her extreme amount of courage. She was not timid and mild, but rather a formidable opponent to the man who sought to claim her.
If you read this novel for no other reason, let it be for the thrilling dialogue between the hero and heroine, Renold and Angelica. Oh, it is absolutely delightful! They are the perfect match of intelligence and strength and it is revealed through their playful verbal quarrels. Jennifer Blake can write dialogue that will make your head spin with its complexity, yet delight you with its authenticity and splendor. Renold and Angelica led the most interesting game of ‘cat and mouse' throughout this book. Each sentence is carefully constructed and their words seeking to give nothing away, yet subtly revealing everything. It was the ultimate power struggle yet underneath it all you could catch glimpses of longing and desire.
"Stop you, but why?" The words were so soft she was afraid he would not hear. She need not have worried.
"To prevent accusations of strength using unfair advantage over weakness. To preserve the status quo. To guarantee whatever vestige of freedom you might once have claimed, since I hold what I take, keep what is mine."
"Take me then," she whispered. "Keep me."
I will be the first to admit I've re-read the ending more than a few times now, which is something I don't normally do. Mainly because I became so fascinated with the plot and how the entire drama was concluded I felt compelled to experience it again and again. It was just fascinating and beautiful. The ending though is what leads me to my one and only complaint...that it wrapped up too soon. I was not entirely satisfied with where the novel ended and felt it deserved at least another chapter or two to fully conclude all the issues between Renold and Angelica. There were just so many issues between then, I would not have minded knowing just a little more about their future.
SILVER-TONGUED DEVIL by Jennifer Blake is a fabulous one-of-a-kind historical romance that is touching and compelling. This novel will pull you into its diabolical grasp and never let go. At its heart are two characters that will enthrall you with their intriguing and passionate romance. You will be hard pressed to find a novel with more authenticity, more emotion or more heart. Historical romance readers should delight in the fact that there are still talented authors like Jennifer Blake out there that know how romance should be done and execute it perfectly in novels like this.
Angelica Carew knew the expected path of her life. She was to marry the man her father had chosen and live out her days on the property granted to her as her dowry, Bonheur. Little does she know, but Renold Harden is going to do everything he can to make sure Angelica is married...not to her current fiancé, but to him instead. Years ago Angelica's father, Edmund, won Bonheur in a card game against Renold's stepfather who eventually took his own life over regret from such a loss. Now Renold wants nothing more than revenge against the man and can see no greater punishment than taking away Edmund's daughter through marriage, which would also give him back Bonheur.
Angelica is shocked to wake up from an injury she sustained on the journey to America married to Renold. It causes her to question her situation, especially since her new husband is a man she barely knows and seems to have an ulterior motive for everything. What is even more confounding is that she eventually finds herself falling for this handsome devil. Despite his original intent and to Renold's shock, he too finds himself falling for the wife he never wanted. Yet by the time all the lies are revealed, will it be too late for forgiveness?
You are not going to find two characters more entertaining than Renold and Angelica. Renold is certainly not the most lovable hero to ever be created, far from it actually. If there is anything to have a difficult time accepting, it is the credibility of such a devious and manipulative character. He is exactly as the title describes, the silver-tongued devil who speaks seductive words yet always has a hidden agenda behind them. Yet underneath it all there is something terribly compelling about his character that draws you in. His heart seems to be the one unattainable thing for any woman to grasp, but as you read this, you can easily see Angelica is just the woman to do that.
Angelica is of course the complete opposite of Renold. She is all that is pure and honest in the world. She is the angel matched to Renold's devilish ways. While this elaborate web is being spun around her, she is far too intelligent to simply become lost in its midst. I was frankly amazed at the way her mind worked, constantly figuring out each mystery she faced. Perhaps what I loved best about her character is that no matter what Renold threw her way, she always took it in stride. While outwardly it appeared like defeat, she always gave her actions a purpose which exposed her extreme amount of courage. She was not timid and mild, but rather a formidable opponent to the man who sought to claim her.
If you read this novel for no other reason, let it be for the thrilling dialogue between the hero and heroine, Renold and Angelica. Oh, it is absolutely delightful! They are the perfect match of intelligence and strength and it is revealed through their playful verbal quarrels. Jennifer Blake can write dialogue that will make your head spin with its complexity, yet delight you with its authenticity and splendor. Renold and Angelica led the most interesting game of ‘cat and mouse' throughout this book. Each sentence is carefully constructed and their words seeking to give nothing away, yet subtly revealing everything. It was the ultimate power struggle yet underneath it all you could catch glimpses of longing and desire.
"Stop you, but why?" The words were so soft she was afraid he would not hear. She need not have worried.
"To prevent accusations of strength using unfair advantage over weakness. To preserve the status quo. To guarantee whatever vestige of freedom you might once have claimed, since I hold what I take, keep what is mine."
"Take me then," she whispered. "Keep me."
I will be the first to admit I've re-read the ending more than a few times now, which is something I don't normally do. Mainly because I became so fascinated with the plot and how the entire drama was concluded I felt compelled to experience it again and again. It was just fascinating and beautiful. The ending though is what leads me to my one and only complaint...that it wrapped up too soon. I was not entirely satisfied with where the novel ended and felt it deserved at least another chapter or two to fully conclude all the issues between Renold and Angelica. There were just so many issues between then, I would not have minded knowing just a little more about their future.
SILVER-TONGUED DEVIL by Jennifer Blake is a fabulous one-of-a-kind historical romance that is touching and compelling. This novel will pull you into its diabolical grasp and never let go. At its heart are two characters that will enthrall you with their intriguing and passionate romance. You will be hard pressed to find a novel with more authenticity, more emotion or more heart. Historical romance readers should delight in the fact that there are still talented authors like Jennifer Blake out there that know how romance should be done and execute it perfectly in novels like this.
January 14, 2022
The historical-fiction side of the book was great. Jennifer Blake has potential as an author of the genre.
Unfortunately, a romance was not to my taste. Too much misunderstanding, too many doubts between characters, too many assumptions with weak grounds. The idea, the setting of the love story was interesting, I can't tell that the writer made me feel stupid or annoyed (it is always the risk with the genre), moreover, the violence and sexuality were balanced in the best "the 90-ies" way --> the romance was just not much enjoyable.
So, 3.5 stars, not rounding up, but down. Still, I am going to try more of the author's historical romances because of her historical accuracy.
Unfortunately, a romance was not to my taste. Too much misunderstanding, too many doubts between characters, too many assumptions with weak grounds. The idea, the setting of the love story was interesting, I can't tell that the writer made me feel stupid or annoyed (it is always the risk with the genre), moreover, the violence and sexuality were balanced in the best "the 90-ies" way --> the romance was just not much enjoyable.
So, 3.5 stars, not rounding up, but down. Still, I am going to try more of the author's historical romances because of her historical accuracy.
February 14, 2024
My friend Hank asked me to read this with him because he found it at the library, I thought it would be fun.
Maybe this just isn’t my genre but I hated it. The way she writes is almost unreadable. Also, the plot to me didn’t make sense and 0 of the characters were interesting or redeemable in any way. Also for a 300 page book that’s supposed to be a smutty romance novel it’s about 295 pages of bad writing and annoying arguments/sword fights, 3 pages of the author talking about nipples, and maybe 2 pages of actual romance.
Angelica’s falling in love didn’t make any sense. The father’s acceptance of his daughter’s kidnapping and forced marriage didn’t make sense. The whole thing just made me angry.
Maybe this just isn’t my genre but I hated it. The way she writes is almost unreadable. Also, the plot to me didn’t make sense and 0 of the characters were interesting or redeemable in any way. Also for a 300 page book that’s supposed to be a smutty romance novel it’s about 295 pages of bad writing and annoying arguments/sword fights, 3 pages of the author talking about nipples, and maybe 2 pages of actual romance.
Angelica’s falling in love didn’t make any sense. The father’s acceptance of his daughter’s kidnapping and forced marriage didn’t make sense. The whole thing just made me angry.
January 1, 2012
Originally posted at: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
Along the Mississippi, in Louisiana and New Orleans in the late nineteenth century, life was not for the faint hearted. The thin veneer of society’s niceties cracks easily in the damp, steamy climate and the rough, cruel, greedy traits of humanity show through. Every one of the seven cardinal sins seems to thrive in the elite of society and in the most base of humanity.
Angelica Carew becomes a pawn in a revenge plot—a plot of which she has no knowledge.
Revenge by using an innocent person to get to his target sets Renold Harden’s life on a new course that challenges his alpha male determination as he pits his wits against the naïve but complex Angelica.
From past experiences, Renold does not trust the word or feelings of women—not even his mother’s. His intention is to degrade and make Angelica miserable to get back at her father. However, as the days go by, Angelica’s innate intelligence, her stern upbringing, common sense, intuition, and her ability to see more than what appears on the surface makes her an enigma to Renold. He finds himself wanting to make love to her and bring her to know all the passions and pleasures of man and woman together. He wants to consummate their marriage, Most of all he wants her love. Yet, he forges on toward his goal knowing that it is inevitable that she will come to hate him.
Angelica, reared by her spinster Aunt Harriet who believes in male authority and prerogative, has never been allowed to make decisions. When she regains consciousness after the steamboat explosion and believes her father and fiancé have been killed, she is at variance with what she should do. She is in the care of Renold who says they are married because that was the only way he could see to her care after the accident. She doesn’t trust him, but she admits to herself that he sends “her emotions swooping like a backyard swing”. Even though she knows he is arrogant and manipulative, Angelica cannot dismiss his gentle care, his introducing her protectively to the wonders of New Orleans and its French Quarter, his installation of a garden to please her and so many other things.
The secondary characters keep the undercurrents treacherous for the two main characters. Renold’s best friend, Michael Farness, stirs a jealousy when he champions Angelica’s cause. Clotilde, Renold’s former mistress, stirs up as much animosity as she can, while Renold’s enemies along with robbers and assassins make life perilous. Of course, his mother and half-sister add to the unease.
Jennifer Blake’s special way of bringing characters to life emotionally and physically makes the reader feel as if she is sharing the upheavals, dangers, and euphoric experiences with the hero and heroine. The vivid images she creates assail the senses. The steamboat is pregnant with sights, scents, smells, tastes, feel, and sounds as are the varied parts of New Orleans, and the hundred-year-old, well-tended, and beloved Bonheur plantation is replete with the best of them all.
Ms. Blake does a masterful job of weaving in conditions, mores, and perils of the late nineteenth century Louisiana; for example, the barrel houses, lawlessness, Mardi gras, social issues, and much more. But above all she weaves the characters’ lives together to create a memorable love story that sprouts from an alienating event to grow and bloom to a thing of beauty. The love scenes, like love on a hot afternoon, are breathtaking.
Silver-Tongued Devil, like other Jennifer Blake novels, is a keeper to enjoy reading more than once.
Along the Mississippi, in Louisiana and New Orleans in the late nineteenth century, life was not for the faint hearted. The thin veneer of society’s niceties cracks easily in the damp, steamy climate and the rough, cruel, greedy traits of humanity show through. Every one of the seven cardinal sins seems to thrive in the elite of society and in the most base of humanity.
Angelica Carew becomes a pawn in a revenge plot—a plot of which she has no knowledge.
Revenge by using an innocent person to get to his target sets Renold Harden’s life on a new course that challenges his alpha male determination as he pits his wits against the naïve but complex Angelica.
From past experiences, Renold does not trust the word or feelings of women—not even his mother’s. His intention is to degrade and make Angelica miserable to get back at her father. However, as the days go by, Angelica’s innate intelligence, her stern upbringing, common sense, intuition, and her ability to see more than what appears on the surface makes her an enigma to Renold. He finds himself wanting to make love to her and bring her to know all the passions and pleasures of man and woman together. He wants to consummate their marriage, Most of all he wants her love. Yet, he forges on toward his goal knowing that it is inevitable that she will come to hate him.
Angelica, reared by her spinster Aunt Harriet who believes in male authority and prerogative, has never been allowed to make decisions. When she regains consciousness after the steamboat explosion and believes her father and fiancé have been killed, she is at variance with what she should do. She is in the care of Renold who says they are married because that was the only way he could see to her care after the accident. She doesn’t trust him, but she admits to herself that he sends “her emotions swooping like a backyard swing”. Even though she knows he is arrogant and manipulative, Angelica cannot dismiss his gentle care, his introducing her protectively to the wonders of New Orleans and its French Quarter, his installation of a garden to please her and so many other things.
The secondary characters keep the undercurrents treacherous for the two main characters. Renold’s best friend, Michael Farness, stirs a jealousy when he champions Angelica’s cause. Clotilde, Renold’s former mistress, stirs up as much animosity as she can, while Renold’s enemies along with robbers and assassins make life perilous. Of course, his mother and half-sister add to the unease.
Jennifer Blake’s special way of bringing characters to life emotionally and physically makes the reader feel as if she is sharing the upheavals, dangers, and euphoric experiences with the hero and heroine. The vivid images she creates assail the senses. The steamboat is pregnant with sights, scents, smells, tastes, feel, and sounds as are the varied parts of New Orleans, and the hundred-year-old, well-tended, and beloved Bonheur plantation is replete with the best of them all.
Ms. Blake does a masterful job of weaving in conditions, mores, and perils of the late nineteenth century Louisiana; for example, the barrel houses, lawlessness, Mardi gras, social issues, and much more. But above all she weaves the characters’ lives together to create a memorable love story that sprouts from an alienating event to grow and bloom to a thing of beauty. The love scenes, like love on a hot afternoon, are breathtaking.
Silver-Tongued Devil, like other Jennifer Blake novels, is a keeper to enjoy reading more than once.
September 23, 2014
Did you come over here thinking you'd be reading a review of the fourth Sabina Kane book by Jaye Wells? Ha, nope. Barbara has that privilege, since she's read and loved the series. I'm sure you'll be reading her review soon...
In the meantime, Jennifer Blake's Silver-Tongued Devil is an old book outfitted with a fancy new cover and was re-released at the beginning of this month. It was originally published in 1995, and is truly an old-school "bodice ripper" novel. Jennifer Blake is one of those classic romance authors (I think) and has written sixty some odd books. When I saw this book on Netgalley, I thought to myself "what the heck?", requested it and here we are.
It's been awhile since I've read an older romance novel, and it took me awhile to back into the language and style of writing. I won't write a detailed synopsis, since the one I provided above does a pretty good job of explaining what happened. Renold seeks revenge against the man that inadvertently caused his father's death, by stealing the one thing that means most to him: his daughter. Enter Angelica. Her mother died at an early age, and her father practically abandoned her to live with a strict aunt. Angelica is very beautiful but a little naive. All of the characters come together on a steam boat, an accident happens and Angelica wakes up in Renold's bed where he promptly announces she is now his wife. Renold is the devil indeed, but sees salvation in Angelica's love and seeks to get that love at any cost.
I have never seen a heroine so resistant to the manly charms as Angelica was. She didn't capitulate until about halfway through the book, actually. I know Renold was extremely bossy and high-handed, but I would have liked for her to get over it and move on quicker than she did. The couple spent more time fighting the attraction and feelings than they did being together. It was a bit frustrating. Renold pulled out all the stops to get her to love him, and she kept resisting.
The characters were consistent throughout the novel. Although Renold softened a bit after falling in love, he never pretended to be anything other than he was. He knew what was best and did it without asking permission. Angelica was naive and delicate throughout the whole novel. I didn't find her to be a particularly strong woman, and she relied upon Renold to provide for her and save her. I'm not sure if that's Jennifer Blake's style of heroine, or if that is the overall style of romance heroines of that time. I can't remember. It seems like heroines this day and age can hold their own a bit more than heroines of the past.
The book was set in old world New Orleans, and Jennifer Blake did an excellent job at paiting a vivid and colorful setting. The way she described everything made me want to take a trip back in time, just to visit New Orleans and see the character it had even then.
My Summary: Overall, it was worth the read. Not my favorite book of the year, by any means, but it was fun to take a little trip down memory lane and think about all my old favorites I read back then. If you're looking for such a trip, Silver-Tongued Devil is perfect for the job. It's also perfect if you're in the mood for a bad boy novel. I'm not sure I could find a male character more devilish than Renold!
My Rating: B
In the meantime, Jennifer Blake's Silver-Tongued Devil is an old book outfitted with a fancy new cover and was re-released at the beginning of this month. It was originally published in 1995, and is truly an old-school "bodice ripper" novel. Jennifer Blake is one of those classic romance authors (I think) and has written sixty some odd books. When I saw this book on Netgalley, I thought to myself "what the heck?", requested it and here we are.
It's been awhile since I've read an older romance novel, and it took me awhile to back into the language and style of writing. I won't write a detailed synopsis, since the one I provided above does a pretty good job of explaining what happened. Renold seeks revenge against the man that inadvertently caused his father's death, by stealing the one thing that means most to him: his daughter. Enter Angelica. Her mother died at an early age, and her father practically abandoned her to live with a strict aunt. Angelica is very beautiful but a little naive. All of the characters come together on a steam boat, an accident happens and Angelica wakes up in Renold's bed where he promptly announces she is now his wife. Renold is the devil indeed, but sees salvation in Angelica's love and seeks to get that love at any cost.
I have never seen a heroine so resistant to the manly charms as Angelica was. She didn't capitulate until about halfway through the book, actually. I know Renold was extremely bossy and high-handed, but I would have liked for her to get over it and move on quicker than she did. The couple spent more time fighting the attraction and feelings than they did being together. It was a bit frustrating. Renold pulled out all the stops to get her to love him, and she kept resisting.
The characters were consistent throughout the novel. Although Renold softened a bit after falling in love, he never pretended to be anything other than he was. He knew what was best and did it without asking permission. Angelica was naive and delicate throughout the whole novel. I didn't find her to be a particularly strong woman, and she relied upon Renold to provide for her and save her. I'm not sure if that's Jennifer Blake's style of heroine, or if that is the overall style of romance heroines of that time. I can't remember. It seems like heroines this day and age can hold their own a bit more than heroines of the past.
The book was set in old world New Orleans, and Jennifer Blake did an excellent job at paiting a vivid and colorful setting. The way she described everything made me want to take a trip back in time, just to visit New Orleans and see the character it had even then.
My Summary: Overall, it was worth the read. Not my favorite book of the year, by any means, but it was fun to take a little trip down memory lane and think about all my old favorites I read back then. If you're looking for such a trip, Silver-Tongued Devil is perfect for the job. It's also perfect if you're in the mood for a bad boy novel. I'm not sure I could find a male character more devilish than Renold!
My Rating: B
December 28, 2011
Did you come over here thinking you'd be reading a review of the fourth Sabina Kane book by Jaye Wells? Ha, nope. Barbara has that privilege, since she's read and loved the series. I'm sure you'll be reading her review soon...
In the meantime, Jennifer Blake's Silver-Tongued Devil is an old book outfitted with a fancy new cover and was re-released at the beginning of this month. It was originally published in 1995, and is truly an old-school "bodice ripper" novel. Jennifer Blake is one of those classic romance authors (I think) and has written sixty some odd books. When I saw this book on Netgalley, I thought to myself "what the heck?", requested it and here we are.
It's been awhile since I've read an older romance novel, and it took me awhile to back into the language and style of writing. I won't write a detailed synopsis, since the one I provided above does a pretty good job of explaining what happened. Renold seeks revenge against the man that inadvertently caused his father's death, by stealing the one thing that means most to him: his daughter. Enter Angelica. Her mother died at an early age, and her father practically abandoned her to live with a strict aunt. Angelica is very beautiful but a little naive. All of the characters come together on a steam boat, an accident happens and Angelica wakes up in Renold's bed where he promptly announces she is now his wife. Renold is the devil indeed, but sees salvation in Angelica's love and seeks to get that love at any cost.
I have never seen a heroine so resistant to the manly charms as Angelica was. She didn't capitulate until about halfway through the book, actually. I know Renold was extremely bossy and high-handed, but I would have liked for her to get over it and move on quicker than she did. The couple spent more time fighting the attraction and feelings than they did being together. It was a bit frustrating. Renold pulled out all the stops to get her to love him, and she kept resisting.
The characters were consistent throughout the novel. Although Renold softened a bit after falling in love, he never pretended to be anything other than he was. He knew what was best and did it without asking permission. Angelica was naive and delicate throughout the whole novel. I didn't find her to be a particularly strong woman, and she relied upon Renold to provide for her and save her. I'm not sure if that's Jennifer Blake's style of heroine, or if that is the overall style of romance heroines of that time. I can't remember. It seems like heroines this day and age can hold their own a bit more than heroines of the past.
The book was set in old world New Orleans, and Jennifer Blake did an excellent job at paiting a vivid and colorful setting. The way she described everything made me want to take a trip back in time, just to visit New Orleans and see the character it had even then.
My Summary: Overall, it was worth the read. Not my favorite book of the year, by any means, but it was fun to take a little trip down memory lane and think about all my old favorites I read back then. If you're looking for such a trip, Silver-Tongued Devil is perfect for the job. It's also perfect if you're in the mood for a bad boy novel. I'm not sure I could find a male character more devilish than Renold!
My Rating: B
In the meantime, Jennifer Blake's Silver-Tongued Devil is an old book outfitted with a fancy new cover and was re-released at the beginning of this month. It was originally published in 1995, and is truly an old-school "bodice ripper" novel. Jennifer Blake is one of those classic romance authors (I think) and has written sixty some odd books. When I saw this book on Netgalley, I thought to myself "what the heck?", requested it and here we are.
It's been awhile since I've read an older romance novel, and it took me awhile to back into the language and style of writing. I won't write a detailed synopsis, since the one I provided above does a pretty good job of explaining what happened. Renold seeks revenge against the man that inadvertently caused his father's death, by stealing the one thing that means most to him: his daughter. Enter Angelica. Her mother died at an early age, and her father practically abandoned her to live with a strict aunt. Angelica is very beautiful but a little naive. All of the characters come together on a steam boat, an accident happens and Angelica wakes up in Renold's bed where he promptly announces she is now his wife. Renold is the devil indeed, but sees salvation in Angelica's love and seeks to get that love at any cost.
I have never seen a heroine so resistant to the manly charms as Angelica was. She didn't capitulate until about halfway through the book, actually. I know Renold was extremely bossy and high-handed, but I would have liked for her to get over it and move on quicker than she did. The couple spent more time fighting the attraction and feelings than they did being together. It was a bit frustrating. Renold pulled out all the stops to get her to love him, and she kept resisting.
The characters were consistent throughout the novel. Although Renold softened a bit after falling in love, he never pretended to be anything other than he was. He knew what was best and did it without asking permission. Angelica was naive and delicate throughout the whole novel. I didn't find her to be a particularly strong woman, and she relied upon Renold to provide for her and save her. I'm not sure if that's Jennifer Blake's style of heroine, or if that is the overall style of romance heroines of that time. I can't remember. It seems like heroines this day and age can hold their own a bit more than heroines of the past.
The book was set in old world New Orleans, and Jennifer Blake did an excellent job at paiting a vivid and colorful setting. The way she described everything made me want to take a trip back in time, just to visit New Orleans and see the character it had even then.
My Summary: Overall, it was worth the read. Not my favorite book of the year, by any means, but it was fun to take a little trip down memory lane and think about all my old favorites I read back then. If you're looking for such a trip, Silver-Tongued Devil is perfect for the job. It's also perfect if you're in the mood for a bad boy novel. I'm not sure I could find a male character more devilish than Renold!
My Rating: B
June 20, 2013
Silver-Tongued Devil is an acquired taste. It feels a little strange at the beginning, but the more you read the more you like it.
The story The heroine's, Angelica's, father is a gambler and has won Bonheur in a game of cards. Bonheur is a house and plantation that belonged to the hero's stepfather. The hero, Renold, loved him as a father and when he kills himself because he lost his fortune, the hero swears to avenge his death. It seems that Angelica's father cheated at cards, which only made the situation worse. So Renold decides to marry Angelica to take his revenge from her father. The story begins on a ship with the hero having formed a plan to make Angelica marry him. He plans to find himself caught in a compromising position with Angelica and then offer for her as she won't have another choice but to accept. The plan goes awry when there's an explosion on the ship. However, Renold saves Angelica and marries her while she's still injured and unconscious.
My problem with the book was that the writting style was a little... well... difficult. I can't find a better term. Especially the dialogues between the characters were hard to follow. Many times I had to go back and re-read a whole passage because I didn't understand what they wanted to say. They either were the most intelligent people on earth or I don't know... Sometimes they jumped from one topic to the next, they gave answers that seemed irrelevant but, nevertheless, they could understand each other perfectly (whether the reader could understand them or not is a different matter altogether). They just assumed things about each other (usually correct) and the reader was left with a feeling of "What did just happen here?" However, once you get used to that and the way the characters talk, you start understanding them better and enjoying the book more and more.
The author couldn't have found a more fitting title for the hero. A silver-tongued devil indeed he was. I love the man! I thought, what with this book having a revenge plot and everything, that he would be merciless and a bad boy, but he fell in love with the heroine quickly and treated her really well and he actually tried to compensate for what he had done to her. He had a consciousness and he thought he did the right thing, that he had to avenge his stepfather's death, but that didn't mean that he couldn't understand that Angelica was not to blame and that what he did to her was wrong. On the other hand, he was possessive and jealous of everyone and he snapped at people quite a lot and don't you just love a possessive hero? Plus, the hero was the first to confess his love and I love when that happens!
The heroine was intelligent and proud and I can say I liked her enough. That is until the end of the book because then I wanted to hit her hard on the head with the book!!! Also her insecurities started grating on me at some point. She just couldn't believe that the hero loved her, although it was obvious!
Well, what can I say? I'm a sucker for forced-marriage-themed romances and once I got used to Jennifer Blake's style I fell in love with this book.
The story The heroine's, Angelica's, father is a gambler and has won Bonheur in a game of cards. Bonheur is a house and plantation that belonged to the hero's stepfather. The hero, Renold, loved him as a father and when he kills himself because he lost his fortune, the hero swears to avenge his death. It seems that Angelica's father cheated at cards, which only made the situation worse. So Renold decides to marry Angelica to take his revenge from her father. The story begins on a ship with the hero having formed a plan to make Angelica marry him. He plans to find himself caught in a compromising position with Angelica and then offer for her as she won't have another choice but to accept. The plan goes awry when there's an explosion on the ship. However, Renold saves Angelica and marries her while she's still injured and unconscious.
My problem with the book was that the writting style was a little... well... difficult. I can't find a better term. Especially the dialogues between the characters were hard to follow. Many times I had to go back and re-read a whole passage because I didn't understand what they wanted to say. They either were the most intelligent people on earth or I don't know... Sometimes they jumped from one topic to the next, they gave answers that seemed irrelevant but, nevertheless, they could understand each other perfectly (whether the reader could understand them or not is a different matter altogether). They just assumed things about each other (usually correct) and the reader was left with a feeling of "What did just happen here?" However, once you get used to that and the way the characters talk, you start understanding them better and enjoying the book more and more.
The author couldn't have found a more fitting title for the hero. A silver-tongued devil indeed he was. I love the man! I thought, what with this book having a revenge plot and everything, that he would be merciless and a bad boy, but he fell in love with the heroine quickly and treated her really well and he actually tried to compensate for what he had done to her. He had a consciousness and he thought he did the right thing, that he had to avenge his stepfather's death, but that didn't mean that he couldn't understand that Angelica was not to blame and that what he did to her was wrong. On the other hand, he was possessive and jealous of everyone and he snapped at people quite a lot and don't you just love a possessive hero? Plus, the hero was the first to confess his love and I love when that happens!
The heroine was intelligent and proud and I can say I liked her enough. That is until the end of the book because then I wanted to hit her hard on the head with the book!!! Also her insecurities started grating on me at some point. She just couldn't believe that the hero loved her, although it was obvious!
Well, what can I say? I'm a sucker for forced-marriage-themed romances and once I got used to Jennifer Blake's style I fell in love with this book.
September 7, 2012
This book was both a satisfying and frustrating read! Some of the prose was purple, but what a lovely shade of lavender it was!
I'll start with the frustrating points, then move on to the satisfying...
The Frustrating
This is a paraphrased version of a conversation between the hero and the heroine:
H: I have loved you from the moment I laid eyes on you!
h: ... {How I love him! But is he lying about loving me?}
h: I cannot trust you, you lied to get my inheritance!
Now imagine that conversation taking place multiple times per chapter, and in many chapters. It got old. Fast.
The other frustration was a common one for me; that sometimes chapters end mid-scene and start right back in the action in the next chapter, but then sometimes the next chapter starts months later with no indication until you are paragraphs in. It gets confusing, and having to go back and re-read to change how I processed the information I was given is, well, frustrating. This happened twice here that I can remember.
The Satisfying
The story was gripping, but there were several times where I wanted to knock some sense into characters.
The love scenes were just wonderful (particularly the first), and did not feel gratuitously sprinkled in.
Finally, I was very pleased to actually see character growth in the hero. His actions and decisions at the end of the book actually showed that he had learned a valuable lesson.
This was my first Jennifer Blake book, and will not be my last!
hh
I'll start with the frustrating points, then move on to the satisfying...
The Frustrating
This is a paraphrased version of a conversation between the hero and the heroine:
H: I have loved you from the moment I laid eyes on you!
h: ... {How I love him! But is he lying about loving me?}
h: I cannot trust you, you lied to get my inheritance!
Now imagine that conversation taking place multiple times per chapter, and in many chapters. It got old. Fast.
The other frustration was a common one for me; that sometimes chapters end mid-scene and start right back in the action in the next chapter, but then sometimes the next chapter starts months later with no indication until you are paragraphs in. It gets confusing, and having to go back and re-read to change how I processed the information I was given is, well, frustrating. This happened twice here that I can remember.
The Satisfying
The story was gripping, but there were several times where I wanted to knock some sense into characters.
The love scenes were just wonderful (particularly the first), and did not feel gratuitously sprinkled in.
Finally, I was very pleased to actually see character growth in the hero. His actions and decisions at the end of the book actually showed that he had learned a valuable lesson.
This was my first Jennifer Blake book, and will not be my last!
hh
April 17, 2012
Did not like this book at all. The H was horrible to the h. Revenge against her father should not mean lying and seducing her. He did not treat her right, and expected all the giving to come from her.
SPOILER******
When he carried her on the boat against her will, and had sex (no making love here) to distract her that they were on a steam ship. Any H who drags his h on a steamship after she has just been on a steamship wreck and disaster, isn't a H.
SPOILER******
When he carried her on the boat against her will, and had sex (no making love here) to distract her that they were on a steam ship. Any H who drags his h on a steamship after she has just been on a steamship wreck and disaster, isn't a H.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2020
I love a good romance novel and while this one had some good points, I found it kind of tedious.
He's a liar, but I love him.
I want revenge, but I love her.
Duel, duel, duel.
The beginning was promising but towards the middle and the end, well I just wanted it to end so I could start another book.
Also, sometimes I really wish there was another option for women than, I might as well stay married to this manipulative handsome jerk because there's really no other alternative... Sigh
He's a liar, but I love him.
I want revenge, but I love her.
Duel, duel, duel.
The beginning was promising but towards the middle and the end, well I just wanted it to end so I could start another book.
Also, sometimes I really wish there was another option for women than, I might as well stay married to this manipulative handsome jerk because there's really no other alternative... Sigh
September 7, 2015
Not sure I understood the characters. I actually didn't like Renold and I really didn't understand Angelica sometimes. I thought the dialogue was a little too biting to be charming and often it was just plain mean spirited without being addressed later. I did like the research for the timeframe and I did learn from that about the time, culture and daily life.
June 29, 2014
I rated this a 3.5.
December 12, 2015
1.5 stars
Never did warm up to Angelica - her snootiness got in the way of me actually liking her. Renold seemed okay until he acted like an asshat.
Never did warm up to Angelica - her snootiness got in the way of me actually liking her. Renold seemed okay until he acted like an asshat.
November 15, 2020
This one is dense.
Dense prose, dense plot, dense characterizations.
That dense prose does not make it a quick or light read, and sometimes it's to the detriment of book. I enjoyed the witty repartee and such wordplay was the convention and currency of the mini-Regency that set itself at the delta in Louisiana in those days, but as it came in the exposition, and dialogue from every character, it gets too weighty at times.
This also means truly excellent turns of phrase are lost in the mire of pages and pages of turns of phrase and double meaning.
It also hinders the protags' ability to both communicate and stand apart from the rest; I found that I wanted them to speak this way, as a sort of secret language, while the rest were a touch simpler. (This would even have fit into the characterization already there, with the heroine wishing she had just one person who understood all about her, and she them, completely.)
The hero is imperfect, and hard, but he falls for the heroine almost from the start and is tortured the rest of the way to their HEA, torn between have to go all the way through with his revenge plot and loving her to distraction while fearing he'd lose her in the end. His redemption begins the moment he does wrong.
The heroine is smart and doesn't let the circumstances best her, and she sees the hero for who he is, perhaps the only person to do such, and she uses both backbone and retreat deftly.
But both run over a few insecurities and half-exchanges too many times; it becomes tedious and could have been resolved or heightened several times but instead the trod the same ground.
The action isn't always spatially relatable. The many physical exchanges and duels are more sensation and impressions. The world-building is suffuse, the details detailed, the motivations and arcs solid and clear built around the conflict.
Reading this was a bit like slipping into a different language, or a Shakespeare play. At first it's sounds that knock against one another, a scattershot of meaning. But the more you hear it and your mind attunes, the more musical and sensical it becomes.
I don't know as I /enjoyed it/, in the sense of heartswoops and escapism and rooting for the leads and such, because there wasn't a lot for me to hook into and feel either via or about. Again, that denseness. But I didn't outright dislike it either and it kept me reading.
Modern sensibility note: the revenge plot hinges around ownership of a plantation, with all that encompasses. It's handled both at a remove and matter of factly, but might not be everyone's cuppa to read a book where owning a plantation is a thing above pride, but pride of place as home, and nothing more critically thought of it.
Dense prose, dense plot, dense characterizations.
That dense prose does not make it a quick or light read, and sometimes it's to the detriment of book. I enjoyed the witty repartee and such wordplay was the convention and currency of the mini-Regency that set itself at the delta in Louisiana in those days, but as it came in the exposition, and dialogue from every character, it gets too weighty at times.
This also means truly excellent turns of phrase are lost in the mire of pages and pages of turns of phrase and double meaning.
It also hinders the protags' ability to both communicate and stand apart from the rest; I found that I wanted them to speak this way, as a sort of secret language, while the rest were a touch simpler. (This would even have fit into the characterization already there, with the heroine wishing she had just one person who understood all about her, and she them, completely.)
The hero is imperfect, and hard, but he falls for the heroine almost from the start and is tortured the rest of the way to their HEA, torn between have to go all the way through with his revenge plot and loving her to distraction while fearing he'd lose her in the end. His redemption begins the moment he does wrong.
The heroine is smart and doesn't let the circumstances best her, and she sees the hero for who he is, perhaps the only person to do such, and she uses both backbone and retreat deftly.
But both run over a few insecurities and half-exchanges too many times; it becomes tedious and could have been resolved or heightened several times but instead the trod the same ground.
The action isn't always spatially relatable. The many physical exchanges and duels are more sensation and impressions. The world-building is suffuse, the details detailed, the motivations and arcs solid and clear built around the conflict.
Reading this was a bit like slipping into a different language, or a Shakespeare play. At first it's sounds that knock against one another, a scattershot of meaning. But the more you hear it and your mind attunes, the more musical and sensical it becomes.
I don't know as I /enjoyed it/, in the sense of heartswoops and escapism and rooting for the leads and such, because there wasn't a lot for me to hook into and feel either via or about. Again, that denseness. But I didn't outright dislike it either and it kept me reading.
Modern sensibility note: the revenge plot hinges around ownership of a plantation, with all that encompasses. It's handled both at a remove and matter of factly, but might not be everyone's cuppa to read a book where owning a plantation is a thing above pride, but pride of place as home, and nothing more critically thought of it.
September 5, 2022
A tried and true HR trope where the hero is seeking revenge against someone by planning to mess around with the totally innocent daughter who had nothing to do with anything. I normally have no problem with Jennifer Blake's work but this one was so watered down and bland. Renold Harden and Angelica Carew have absolutely no chemistry together. None. Zip. I don't know who this silver-tongued devil in the title is because these two couldn't even make decent small talk. It became downright painful to witness Renold and Angelica work so hard to try and generate some kind of non-existent spark between them. The supporting cast wasn't given enough time and development to help shore up the story. This was a complete waste of my time.
May 10, 2020
Reynold and Angelica
I enjoyed this book. What started off as a plot for revenge turn into a real love. Even though Reynold went about it the wrong way in order to get his step father's plantation back I believe if he would have been honest with Angelica she would have did the right thing but maybe not because her tongue was just as slick as his. But everything worked out well in the end.💛💛
I enjoyed this book. What started off as a plot for revenge turn into a real love. Even though Reynold went about it the wrong way in order to get his step father's plantation back I believe if he would have been honest with Angelica she would have did the right thing but maybe not because her tongue was just as slick as his. But everything worked out well in the end.💛💛
August 14, 2018
It's Not Bad
The funny thing is that as I read it, I realized that I had already read it a long time ago. I read it once more for good measure. It's not perfect and honestly, I wanted to slap the heroine for being a doormat. The hero was pretty awesome though. He was tortured, but it wasn't overdone.
The funny thing is that as I read it, I realized that I had already read it a long time ago. I read it once more for good measure. It's not perfect and honestly, I wanted to slap the heroine for being a doormat. The hero was pretty awesome though. He was tortured, but it wasn't overdone.
May 23, 2021
Fun story to read, but I could not give it a higher rating in my mind because of the difficult vocabulary used. I constantly was looking up word to make sure I was getting the correct thoughts. The writing style might be of the period, but at times made it hard to read. Enjoyed the love story of course
June 27, 2021
I never DNF a book. This is the closest I've ever came to completely giving up on a book. The conversations were confusing. The plot was good, it was the writing and the character interactions that were so bad. Then an abrupt ending. I do not recommend this one. Just skip it.
December 17, 2021
The hero though is redeemed at the end, frequently appears as a jerk. The heroine is forced into a marriage that she can remember. The hero either outrightly lies or constantly hiding things from her.
March 1, 2018
I wanted fluff. Something mindless but entertaining. What I got was unlikeable characters speaking in riddles. I downloaded the set by the author but won’t be reading past book one.
February 19, 2025
Angelica was a shallow nitwit.
Want to read
March 22, 2025summer pile
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