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The English Gunslingers Duet #1
Леди опасность
Determined to find out if Viscount Radcliffe is the man responsible for her brother's murder, Liza Elliot poses as a maid in the house of the notorious Viscount Radcliffe and finds herself falling for the cold-blooded aristocrat.
From the Paperback edition.
From the Paperback edition.
Unknown Binding
First published February 1, 1994
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162 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Robinson
34 books59 followersLynda Suzanne Robinson (b. July 6, 1951 in Amarillo, Texas) is an American writer, author of romance (under the name Suzanne Robinson) and mystery novels (under the name Lynda S. Robinson). She is best known for her series of historical whodunnits set in Ancient Egypt during the reign of Tutankhamun and featuring Lord Meren, "the Eyes and Ears of Pharaoh". She lives in Texas with her husband and has a doctorate in anthropology from the University of Texas at Austin.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 26, 2024
The hero and heroine in this book are almost identical to the characters in Lady Gallant. Unfortunately, they don't work as well in this story for two key reasons:
1) Age: In Lady Gallant, the characters were very young (if I remember correctly, Nora was just 14). Their immaturity made sense in that context. However, in this book, the characters are older—over 25 years old—and their immaturity is more grating than endearing.
2) Time Period: The characters suited the Elizabethan era in Lady Gallant, but their behavior and the story's dynamics don't fit well in the late Victorian period. It feels out of place and somewhat forced.
I really wanted to love this book, but it just didn't come together for me. I highly recommend readers do themselves a favor and read Lady Gallant instead. It’s a far superior book.
1) Age: In Lady Gallant, the characters were very young (if I remember correctly, Nora was just 14). Their immaturity made sense in that context. However, in this book, the characters are older—over 25 years old—and their immaturity is more grating than endearing.
2) Time Period: The characters suited the Elizabethan era in Lady Gallant, but their behavior and the story's dynamics don't fit well in the late Victorian period. It feels out of place and somewhat forced.
I really wanted to love this book, but it just didn't come together for me. I highly recommend readers do themselves a favor and read Lady Gallant instead. It’s a far superior book.
December 27, 2024
3.5 stars 🌟
I found this a okay read. The old fashioned view of a man of 1857, and a lady who wants to be her own woman. With a murder in the background.
I found this a okay read. The old fashioned view of a man of 1857, and a lady who wants to be her own woman. With a murder in the background.
October 17, 2010
Another excellent book from Suzanne Robinson. This was a fun read with some darkness thrown in there to make it not quite so fluffy. The H has personal demons to deal with and the h is an advocate for women's rights and equality. Her father threw her out of the house for for being "abnormal" and not wanting to marry and become some man's property. Does she go running to the nearest aunt's house or some other relative and beg for refuge? No. She picks herself up and works as a maid and eventually opens her own domestic help agency, under a man's name of course. That was refreshing, maybe not realistic, but refreshing.
This book has it all, murder and other crimes, mystery, some angst and hot, hot love. The only thing that put me off enough to drop a star was the H's ability to slip into an American drawl and use phrases and words like "You got something against makin' love, honey?". This is a duke's son, a viscount himself, who spent some time in America. All of a sudden he's Wyatt Earp. I don't think so. Maybe it was supposed to make him more manly and alpha but it didn't work for me. Other that that, I liked both characters and loved how the story unfolded.
This book has it all, murder and other crimes, mystery, some angst and hot, hot love. The only thing that put me off enough to drop a star was the H's ability to slip into an American drawl and use phrases and words like "You got something against makin' love, honey?". This is a duke's son, a viscount himself, who spent some time in America. All of a sudden he's Wyatt Earp. I don't think so. Maybe it was supposed to make him more manly and alpha but it didn't work for me. Other that that, I liked both characters and loved how the story unfolded.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2020
It says a lot when the subplot is more interesting than the main romance.
The Heroine: Elizabeth Maud "Liza" Elliot
Likable Traits: She's intelligent, independent and clever.
Unlikable Traits: Pretty much turns to mush when the lead guy touches her.
Bottom Line: I wished that this was more of a mystery and that she left the lead guy in the end.
The Lead Guy: Jocelin Marshall, Viscount Radcliffe
Likable Traits: He helps other children who are sexually exploited as he was by his uncle.
Unlikable Traits: Robinson seems to think that giving him such a tragic backstory excuses his terrible behavior toward Liza. Throughout the novel, he repeatedly sexually assaults her. He's also chauvinist until the very last chapter, only willing to give Liza respect after she saves his life. Finally, he's got this weird habit where he goes into a Texas drawl when someone makes him upset or when he's trying to seduce Liza. I thought it maybe was some sort of defense mechanism, but even though it's acknowledged by Liza, she seems to enjoy it, never questions it, and we never get an explanation. Also, speaking of, he fought Comanches in America, and they do not come off well.
Love Scenes: He's terrible, so they left me cold.
Other Stuff: I do like that Robinson focused on a gritty aspect of Victorian life.
Bottom Line: A romance where the capable heroine deserves much better. At least the sexism and racism of the lead guy is historically accurate, so I suppose I'll give Robinson a star for that.
The Heroine: Elizabeth Maud "Liza" Elliot
Likable Traits: She's intelligent, independent and clever.
Unlikable Traits: Pretty much turns to mush when the lead guy touches her.
Bottom Line: I wished that this was more of a mystery and that she left the lead guy in the end.
The Lead Guy: Jocelin Marshall, Viscount Radcliffe
Likable Traits: He helps other children who are sexually exploited as he was by his uncle.
Unlikable Traits: Robinson seems to think that giving him such a tragic backstory excuses his terrible behavior toward Liza. Throughout the novel, he repeatedly sexually assaults her. He's also chauvinist until the very last chapter, only willing to give Liza respect after she saves his life. Finally, he's got this weird habit where he goes into a Texas drawl when someone makes him upset or when he's trying to seduce Liza. I thought it maybe was some sort of defense mechanism, but even though it's acknowledged by Liza, she seems to enjoy it, never questions it, and we never get an explanation. Also, speaking of, he fought Comanches in America, and they do not come off well.
Love Scenes: He's terrible, so they left me cold.
Other Stuff: I do like that Robinson focused on a gritty aspect of Victorian life.
Bottom Line: A romance where the capable heroine deserves much better. At least the sexism and racism of the lead guy is historically accurate, so I suppose I'll give Robinson a star for that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2018
The prose is readable. As to the content? If you like your heroes rapy and condescendivly paternalistic (this includes side characters), and the women with emotional maturity of 12-year old (if they are not completely helpless selflesh bitches), this book might be for you. Also excellent if you are in a mood for a cringy read. YMMV
March 17, 2023
Hummm.....
I read the Ladies series, book 1 to 3 were really good so I decided to try this one but wow, what a disappointment -_-
We have a serious case of Multiple Personnality Disorder here, actually 2!!
The so-called hero, Jocelin, was really weird.
When the story starts, he is getting back from America after serving in the war in the Crimea against Russia (what a coincidence given what is going on currently btw)
Anyway, our hero switches personnalities from a English peer to a Texas gunslinger? I mean, he will get aroused and starts talking with a Texas drawl while attempting to rape his maid, or when he wants to annoy his dad the Texas drawl is back? The gunslinger was supposed to show us his raw personality I guess
And then the vilain is also alternating between human and a growling beast when he is about to commit murder, wtf?
Back to the ''romance'': The female lead wasn't much better, in fact she was as horrible as Jocelin.
Elizabeth aka ''Liza'' thinks Jocelin murdered her brother, and because the police doesn't take her seriously, she decides to spy on him herself, through a disguise: She became Gamp, a stupid maid who couldn't keep her mouth shut and kept attracting the attraction of the master.
After the 3245123th rape attempt, she finally leave her position to meet later with Jocelyn under her non-servant persona.
And then the story becomes ridiculous because after we are told that Jocelyn has no hearts, no time for love, only uses and discards women, he turns into that lovesick puppy for absolutely no reason!
I want love, Liza mine. 'Love to faults is always blind, / Always is to joy inclined, / Lawless, winged, and unconfined, / And breaks all chains from every mind.'
WTH is that!? He kept acting stupid, she pushes him back, he forces himself on her, she gives into the tempation, they fight again, they kiss, back to fight, one more kiss... And so on!
That was quite exhausting! None of them was likable, by the end I was just reading for the mystery, only to discover the murderer's identity and see if I were right with my suspicions.
Do Not Recommend...
I read the Ladies series, book 1 to 3 were really good so I decided to try this one but wow, what a disappointment -_-
We have a serious case of Multiple Personnality Disorder here, actually 2!!
The so-called hero, Jocelin, was really weird.
When the story starts, he is getting back from America after serving in the war in the Crimea against Russia (what a coincidence given what is going on currently btw)
Anyway, our hero switches personnalities from a English peer to a Texas gunslinger? I mean, he will get aroused and starts talking with a Texas drawl while attempting to rape his maid, or when he wants to annoy his dad the Texas drawl is back? The gunslinger was supposed to show us his raw personality I guess
And then the vilain is also alternating between human and a growling beast when he is about to commit murder, wtf?
Back to the ''romance'': The female lead wasn't much better, in fact she was as horrible as Jocelin.
Elizabeth aka ''Liza'' thinks Jocelin murdered her brother, and because the police doesn't take her seriously, she decides to spy on him herself, through a disguise: She became Gamp, a stupid maid who couldn't keep her mouth shut and kept attracting the attraction of the master.
After the 3245123th rape attempt, she finally leave her position to meet later with Jocelyn under her non-servant persona.
And then the story becomes ridiculous because after we are told that Jocelyn has no hearts, no time for love, only uses and discards women, he turns into that lovesick puppy for absolutely no reason!
I want love, Liza mine. 'Love to faults is always blind, / Always is to joy inclined, / Lawless, winged, and unconfined, / And breaks all chains from every mind.'
WTH is that!? He kept acting stupid, she pushes him back, he forces himself on her, she gives into the tempation, they fight again, they kiss, back to fight, one more kiss... And so on!
That was quite exhausting! None of them was likable, by the end I was just reading for the mystery, only to discover the murderer's identity and see if I were right with my suspicions.
Do Not Recommend...
October 17, 2017
Leído en Marz 2011
Muy bueno.... me gusto mucho la trama y los protagonistas en el momento en que lo leí!!
Muy bueno.... me gusto mucho la trama y los protagonistas en el momento en que lo leí!!
March 19, 2012
Overall Rating: 4.85 // Action: 3.5 / Emotion: 4 / Romance: 3.5 / Sensuous: 1.5 / Suspense: 3.5 // Historical Flavor: 4 / Laughter: 22 / Tears: 0
In summary, Lady Dangerous , the first book in Suzanne Robinson's The English Gunslingers Duet was an intriguing, attention-grabbing, 'cannot put this book down' read. Liza was one of the strongest, driven, inspiring heroines to grace the pages of a historical romance. Loved that she would kowtow to neither her father nor her hero. Jocelin was a typical, gorgeous, angst-filled, womanizing hero who had to learn that even though she loved him, his heroine would not be owned. Liza and Jocelin's path to a happily-ever-after was filled with {1} humor, {2} suspense, {3} villains, {4} wonderfully-developed supporting characters, {5} emotion, and {6} warm sensuality. Found it to be a fun, entertaining, worthwhile read.
A more in-depth, detailed review of Lady Dangerous appears at Wolf Bear Does Books.
In summary, Lady Dangerous , the first book in Suzanne Robinson's The English Gunslingers Duet was an intriguing, attention-grabbing, 'cannot put this book down' read. Liza was one of the strongest, driven, inspiring heroines to grace the pages of a historical romance. Loved that she would kowtow to neither her father nor her hero. Jocelin was a typical, gorgeous, angst-filled, womanizing hero who had to learn that even though she loved him, his heroine would not be owned. Liza and Jocelin's path to a happily-ever-after was filled with {1} humor, {2} suspense, {3} villains, {4} wonderfully-developed supporting characters, {5} emotion, and {6} warm sensuality. Found it to be a fun, entertaining, worthwhile read.
A more in-depth, detailed review of Lady Dangerous appears at Wolf Bear Does Books.
February 26, 2019
The hero is maddeningly bold and brash towards the heroine, with rude manners he acquired during his stay in the Wild West of the Americas. His attitude towards everything female made him disagreeable to me. The heroine on the other hand was strong, clever, capable and independent. Although the hero was attracted and emotionally drawn to the heroine, he still did everything to quell her admirable characteristics. I loved to see how she outwitted him time and again so that finally he had to surrender.
September 27, 2018
I read this a million times as a teenager and I loved it.
Read it again. STILL LOVED IT.
It has my favourite trope: hero fucks up and then must grovel for forgiveness.
And a feminist heroine! Yes, please!
Small, baby complaint- the sex scenes are no beuno. At one point I was like, "wait, are they doing it?" After a closer read, yes. They were doing it. But should I have to guess in a romance novel? No. I should not.
One of my favourite historical romances of all time. So fun!
Read it again. STILL LOVED IT.
It has my favourite trope: hero fucks up and then must grovel for forgiveness.
And a feminist heroine! Yes, please!
Small, baby complaint- the sex scenes are no beuno. At one point I was like, "wait, are they doing it?" After a closer read, yes. They were doing it. But should I have to guess in a romance novel? No. I should not.
One of my favourite historical romances of all time. So fun!
March 26, 2022
yum. loved it! I felt very charmed by jocelin even though his name is spelled like that, and I LOVE liza! jocelin was kind of evil sometimes and I felt delighted that liza didn’t just take it. love her. also I liked the subplot of ruining pedophiles’ lives, I found that very perfect.
December 12, 2022
I just want to say that this book has a metaphorical werewolf. That is all.
August 15, 2023
I'm never taking a book rec from my mom again
February 17, 2013
Pues al fin termine de leer Una Dama Peligrosa de Suzanne Robinson y al principio me resulto muy interesante pero para el final no tanto sobre todo por la actitud sobreportectora y desesperante del protagonista, eso y que desde media novela ya me intuia quien era el asesino y no me equivoque. Entretenida pero nada mas.
July 1, 2014
Muy entretenido! Lo bueno era que a lo largo del libro uno podía incluso sentir lo mismo que los personajes. Lo unico mal para mi gusto fue pensar que la trama de la búsqueda del asesino terminó muy brusco :/
September 7, 2021
A little rapey hero aside, heroine had courage to be more than those plain women.
This pattern of SR’s story is just so freaking entertaining!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews