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Pink Carnation #2
The Masque of the Black Tulip
The Barnes & Noble Review
In this sequel to her delightful debut novel, The Secret History of the Pink Carnation, Lauren Willig brings all the exuberance of a swashbuckler movie to the page -- action, romance, intrigue, swordplay, and history.
As modern-day graduate student Eloise Kelly goes through the Selwick archive, she uncovers the story of Lady Henrietta Selwick, who ultimate unmasks the identity of the Black Tulip, France's deadliest spy circa 1803. Henrietta had been angling to become involved in the war effort against Napoleon ever since her brother's exploits as the Purple Gentian; her cousin Jane spied most productively as the Pink Carnation. This left both Henrietta and Miles Dorrington, her brother's best friend, at home, on the shelf, and dying for action. How Henrietta deciphers secret messages and how she and Miles track down the notorious spy, all the while falling in love, makes for a wonderful romp through history. Ginger Curwen
In this sequel to her delightful debut novel, The Secret History of the Pink Carnation, Lauren Willig brings all the exuberance of a swashbuckler movie to the page -- action, romance, intrigue, swordplay, and history.
As modern-day graduate student Eloise Kelly goes through the Selwick archive, she uncovers the story of Lady Henrietta Selwick, who ultimate unmasks the identity of the Black Tulip, France's deadliest spy circa 1803. Henrietta had been angling to become involved in the war effort against Napoleon ever since her brother's exploits as the Purple Gentian; her cousin Jane spied most productively as the Pink Carnation. This left both Henrietta and Miles Dorrington, her brother's best friend, at home, on the shelf, and dying for action. How Henrietta deciphers secret messages and how she and Miles track down the notorious spy, all the while falling in love, makes for a wonderful romp through history. Ginger Curwen
415 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2005
188 people are currently reading
3711 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Willig
41 books4,738 followersLauren Willig is the New York Times bestselling author of nineteen works of historical fiction. Her books have been translated into over a dozen languages, awarded the RITA, Booksellers Best and Golden Leaf awards, and chosen for the American Library Association's annual list of the best genre fiction. After graduating from Yale University, she embarked on a PhD in History at Harvard before leaving academia to acquire a JD at Harvard Law while authoring her "Pink Carnation" series of Napoleonic-set novels. She lives in New York City, where she now writes full time.
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June 23, 2013
If you’ve never read a Historical Fiction/Romance revolving around espionage here's what you can expect:
• A heroine that stands above her peers. She’s schmart you see. She’s spechul. All the other debutantes are shallow, vapid young girls more concerned with title chasing and ribbons than the state of the nation. If you’re really lucky the heroine will have a few friends or a sister or two that are also spechul and you won’t be subjected to three hundred pages of the heroine’s lady boner for misogyny.
• A hero that’s tall, dashing, in between mistresses (Ah the good ole days of raging double standards and female oppression. I miss you), works for the War Department and avoids social functions and the Marriage Mart at all costs.
• A mission of upmost importance. There's an enemy spy in the realm and the main characters need to capture and unmask her before her dastardly plans can come to fruition.
There are a lot of other themes that are pretty much interchangeable between the books of this genre but for efficiency’s sake I’ll leave the list where it is.
Now on to our characters!
Let’s call our female lead Mary Sue. Because that’s what she’ll be. EVERY. TIME. But hey, it’s the 1800s so that’s what’s expected I suppose. Heaven forbid we get a widow or even a married woman that doesn’t flush to her hairline every time anyone from the opposite sex even looks at her or actually knows where a penis goes.
And why don’t we call our male lead Shoulders because you can bet your sweet ass that the width of them will be mentioned more than the hero’s actual name.
Both of these characters are morons. They have no business being in the espionage game but they blunder along to the best of their ability nonetheless. Expect one of them to get shot at some point…or captured by enemy agents…or kidnapped by a third party…or held at gunpoint...or be burglared…or…well, you can see what I’m getting at. If you’re really lucky, all of these things will happen in the same book!
Also, expect some serious angst. You see, there will be reasons the main characters can’t be together. Reasons, I tell you. Usually these reasons are on the hero's part, because unlike our heroine, he hasn’t been cloistered his entire life. He has a past. And within that past there lies something dark for him to brood over for most of the damn book. Then about two thirds to three quarters of way through this scene finally happens:
Dramatization:
Shoulders: “I can’t be with you Mary Sue. Don’t you see, in all that time I spent roaming the continent, sleeping with exotic prostitutes and fighting in gambling dens I could have picked up Syphilis. I could infect you with it. You could go crazy, end up in Bedlam, be lobotomized and then die! You deserve better Mary Sue.”
Mary Sue: “I don’t care Shoulders, I don’t care. I want to be with you. I love you!”
Shoulders: “No. I’m not worthy of your love.”
*bites his knuckle*
Mary Sue: “Yes you are, Shoulders. You’re all I’ve ever wanted.”
Shoulders: “Oh, Mary Sue, I love you too. I always have.”
Mary Sue: “Oh, Shoulders.”
*coitus*
Then they catch the bad guy and get married. And live happily ever after. The end.
Okay. So this all sounds rather clichéd, repetitive, tropish, etc, etc, etc. And most of them are. The difference between a lot of these novels and what Willig writes is that Willig is actually a Historian. The “current events” in her books are accurate, the dialog and dress are period precise and the political environment is explored to much greater detail than you might expect. Not only that but she avoids the more off-putting tropes that some of her peers tend to overuse and though her main characters do a little bit of blundering you’re usually laughing your ass off while reading about it because she also has a great sense of humor.
For these reasons I’ll pretty much read anything she writes and hers is the standard that I compare all other books in this genre to.
Bottom Line : You should read this series.
• A heroine that stands above her peers. She’s schmart you see. She’s spechul. All the other debutantes are shallow, vapid young girls more concerned with title chasing and ribbons than the state of the nation. If you’re really lucky the heroine will have a few friends or a sister or two that are also spechul and you won’t be subjected to three hundred pages of the heroine’s lady boner for misogyny.
• A hero that’s tall, dashing, in between mistresses (Ah the good ole days of raging double standards and female oppression. I miss you), works for the War Department and avoids social functions and the Marriage Mart at all costs.
• A mission of upmost importance. There's an enemy spy in the realm and the main characters need to capture and unmask her before her dastardly plans can come to fruition.
There are a lot of other themes that are pretty much interchangeable between the books of this genre but for efficiency’s sake I’ll leave the list where it is.
Now on to our characters!
Let’s call our female lead Mary Sue. Because that’s what she’ll be. EVERY. TIME. But hey, it’s the 1800s so that’s what’s expected I suppose. Heaven forbid we get a widow or even a married woman that doesn’t flush to her hairline every time anyone from the opposite sex even looks at her or actually knows where a penis goes.
And why don’t we call our male lead Shoulders because you can bet your sweet ass that the width of them will be mentioned more than the hero’s actual name.
Both of these characters are morons. They have no business being in the espionage game but they blunder along to the best of their ability nonetheless. Expect one of them to get shot at some point…or captured by enemy agents…or kidnapped by a third party…or held at gunpoint...or be burglared…or…well, you can see what I’m getting at. If you’re really lucky, all of these things will happen in the same book!
Also, expect some serious angst. You see, there will be reasons the main characters can’t be together. Reasons, I tell you. Usually these reasons are on the hero's part, because unlike our heroine, he hasn’t been cloistered his entire life. He has a past. And within that past there lies something dark for him to brood over for most of the damn book. Then about two thirds to three quarters of way through this scene finally happens:
Dramatization:
Shoulders: “I can’t be with you Mary Sue. Don’t you see, in all that time I spent roaming the continent, sleeping with exotic prostitutes and fighting in gambling dens I could have picked up Syphilis. I could infect you with it. You could go crazy, end up in Bedlam, be lobotomized and then die! You deserve better Mary Sue.”
Mary Sue: “I don’t care Shoulders, I don’t care. I want to be with you. I love you!”
Shoulders: “No. I’m not worthy of your love.”
*bites his knuckle*
Mary Sue: “Yes you are, Shoulders. You’re all I’ve ever wanted.”
Shoulders: “Oh, Mary Sue, I love you too. I always have.”
Mary Sue: “Oh, Shoulders.”
*coitus*
Then they catch the bad guy and get married. And live happily ever after. The end.
Okay. So this all sounds rather clichéd, repetitive, tropish, etc, etc, etc. And most of them are. The difference between a lot of these novels and what Willig writes is that Willig is actually a Historian. The “current events” in her books are accurate, the dialog and dress are period precise and the political environment is explored to much greater detail than you might expect. Not only that but she avoids the more off-putting tropes that some of her peers tend to overuse and though her main characters do a little bit of blundering you’re usually laughing your ass off while reading about it because she also has a great sense of humor.
For these reasons I’ll pretty much read anything she writes and hers is the standard that I compare all other books in this genre to.
Bottom Line : You should read this series.
February 24, 2022
After recently reading the first in the series, The Secret History of the Pink Carnation, The Masque of the Black Tulip dove right back into the contemporary plot line and then introduced the historical plot line shortly after. Like any good series worth its salt, the second book can tell a lot about how it will go now that the introductions are out of the way. I happily dove in now knowing what to expect from writing, characters, and plot.
The Masque of the Black Tulip picks up with a reluctant Colin Selwick driving Harvard post-grad historical scholar, Eloise, down to his house so she can peruse the family archives in search of more of the Pink Carnation’s activities. Colin leaves her with the correspondence and papers of Henrietta from the year 1803 and she delves in. Off and on, she comes up for a dose of twenty-first century English country air and discovers Colin isn’t so bad at times and she might have an eensy-teensy attraction toward him, but so does a local woman who makes no bones about how its going to be. Eloise isn’t the most graceful or gracious so she is well aware that a guy like Colin is well out of her league, but a gal can dream, right?
Meanwhile, in 1803, Henrietta is bored. She hoped that her last adventure with her brother, Richard and his wife Amy, along with Jane, the Pink Carnation, would land her with more adventures thwarting Napoleon and his spies. But, instead, she is looking at a season in London. At least, she can help Jane’s work by receiving innocent girlish correspondence about social events and people in Paris, taking out the handy code book Jane gave her their last meeting, and sending the vital decoded letters to the spymaster at the War Office. The latest letter mentions a deadly Napoleonic spy and assassin headed for London. She is determined that it will be herself who brings down the Black Tulip.
Very well, she will be forced to partner with the sometimes outrageous, but affable Miles, family friend and secret crush. Miles is in the same place as Henrietta in that he’s always been the subordinate to the real spies because his appearance of a large blond with big personality is not understated enough to do the job and he’s forced to courier work, admin and busting the obvious spy rings in London, but then Wickham gives him the task of hunting down the Black Tulip and Miles is given a target. He has no trouble believing the man is the Black Tulip and it is NOT jealousy that the rake is interested in Henrietta.
Henrietta and Miles were fun side characters in the last book. They have wit and fab dialogue. They have known each other since childhood because her brother and Miles went to school together and have remained best friends and worked in espionage work. It takes the pair time to admit to themselves they have a more than friendly attraction and then they get into a few social contretemps as they work separately and together to land the Black Tulip. I already liked them and found this a fun romp and adventure. I’m not sure why beyond the characters themselves, but I could tolerate the antics and comedic moments better than I did in the first book. This romance and partnership worked much better for me.
As to Eloise, she still isn’t my favorite character and got on my nerves at times, but I think she’s growing on me even when her awkward moments make me wince. Colin, I’m ambivalent about. He’s reserved and can be caustic. I’ll have to give him a wait and see. Hopefully, I’ll continue warming to the contemporary plot line.
The end of the historical line shows where the next book will be taking things and left me anticipating the new adventures in the Pink Carnation world. I think those who enjoy historical RomCom or cozy mysteries with humor are the target readers for this series.
The Masque of the Black Tulip picks up with a reluctant Colin Selwick driving Harvard post-grad historical scholar, Eloise, down to his house so she can peruse the family archives in search of more of the Pink Carnation’s activities. Colin leaves her with the correspondence and papers of Henrietta from the year 1803 and she delves in. Off and on, she comes up for a dose of twenty-first century English country air and discovers Colin isn’t so bad at times and she might have an eensy-teensy attraction toward him, but so does a local woman who makes no bones about how its going to be. Eloise isn’t the most graceful or gracious so she is well aware that a guy like Colin is well out of her league, but a gal can dream, right?
Meanwhile, in 1803, Henrietta is bored. She hoped that her last adventure with her brother, Richard and his wife Amy, along with Jane, the Pink Carnation, would land her with more adventures thwarting Napoleon and his spies. But, instead, she is looking at a season in London. At least, she can help Jane’s work by receiving innocent girlish correspondence about social events and people in Paris, taking out the handy code book Jane gave her their last meeting, and sending the vital decoded letters to the spymaster at the War Office. The latest letter mentions a deadly Napoleonic spy and assassin headed for London. She is determined that it will be herself who brings down the Black Tulip.
Very well, she will be forced to partner with the sometimes outrageous, but affable Miles, family friend and secret crush. Miles is in the same place as Henrietta in that he’s always been the subordinate to the real spies because his appearance of a large blond with big personality is not understated enough to do the job and he’s forced to courier work, admin and busting the obvious spy rings in London, but then Wickham gives him the task of hunting down the Black Tulip and Miles is given a target. He has no trouble believing the man is the Black Tulip and it is NOT jealousy that the rake is interested in Henrietta.
Henrietta and Miles were fun side characters in the last book. They have wit and fab dialogue. They have known each other since childhood because her brother and Miles went to school together and have remained best friends and worked in espionage work. It takes the pair time to admit to themselves they have a more than friendly attraction and then they get into a few social contretemps as they work separately and together to land the Black Tulip. I already liked them and found this a fun romp and adventure. I’m not sure why beyond the characters themselves, but I could tolerate the antics and comedic moments better than I did in the first book. This romance and partnership worked much better for me.
As to Eloise, she still isn’t my favorite character and got on my nerves at times, but I think she’s growing on me even when her awkward moments make me wince. Colin, I’m ambivalent about. He’s reserved and can be caustic. I’ll have to give him a wait and see. Hopefully, I’ll continue warming to the contemporary plot line.
The end of the historical line shows where the next book will be taking things and left me anticipating the new adventures in the Pink Carnation world. I think those who enjoy historical RomCom or cozy mysteries with humor are the target readers for this series.
January 5, 2015
★★★★★ (This is a review of the audiobook.) Kate Reading narrates the audiobook perfectly! I can’t believe this one is even better than the first in the Pink Carnation series.
It’s not easy to pull off a “time warp” book, running two timelines in parallel, but Ms. Willig does it with aplomb. Not only that, but this novel is really two genres: historical romantic suspense (with a ton of humor), and a contemporary chick-lit romance. It is witty and clever and sophisticated. So much so, I had to get the paperback, so I could actually read the words after I had already just listened to them. Such a delight! Sure, some scenes have been done before – ad infinitum; however, these are written so well, they are like a breath of fresh air. And there is always a twist! Making the “buddy read” I was in ever more fun! Can't wait until we read the next.
P.S. I could totally picture Cary Grant in the hero, Miles Dorrington’s, role. He is an actor who could get away with this degree of humor and sophistication. Alas, Miles is a blond Adonis and I wouldn’t dye a hair on Cary’s head.
February 21, 2022
Looming. LOOMING. Hen and Miles remain the best, it's honestly one of the best these dumbasses have been in love all along books that I have ever read and I am so grateful it exists. No notes.
April 1, 2016
A colorful cast of characters is the highlight of this historical drama with doses of comedy typically tied into romance.
Great voice acting by Kate Reading.
OVERALL GRADE: B.
Great voice acting by Kate Reading.
OVERALL GRADE: B.
September 2, 2014
In my eyes, this is a mystery through and through. I think some readers would classify this as chic-lit because much of the story is written from a female point of view. I guess an argument could even be made for calling this a romance.
However, whatever genre you choose to put this book in, you need to read it!!!
As usual, I never did figure out who the French spy was until the author “spoon-fed” me the name. Willig tells a story so well that I had four different suspects right up to the end.
The Masque of the Black Tulip is part of a series of spy mysteries set during Napoleon Bonaparte’s rule of France. Willig uses historical events as a basis for her stories, but if you aren’t a history buff, it can actually sound like something that could have happened.
The story weaves fact and fiction so well together that the reader will easily be caught up in the suspense of that time in history. Additionally, Willig’s writing talent is apparent when you consider that she is coming at these stories from a contemporary historian’s perspective.
This is the second in the series and I can’t wait to read the next book.
However, whatever genre you choose to put this book in, you need to read it!!!
As usual, I never did figure out who the French spy was until the author “spoon-fed” me the name. Willig tells a story so well that I had four different suspects right up to the end.
The Masque of the Black Tulip is part of a series of spy mysteries set during Napoleon Bonaparte’s rule of France. Willig uses historical events as a basis for her stories, but if you aren’t a history buff, it can actually sound like something that could have happened.
The story weaves fact and fiction so well together that the reader will easily be caught up in the suspense of that time in history. Additionally, Willig’s writing talent is apparent when you consider that she is coming at these stories from a contemporary historian’s perspective.
This is the second in the series and I can’t wait to read the next book.
November 26, 2023
Kate Reading narrating Lauren Willig's romance novels...that's luxury to me.
March 3, 2011
OK, you've heard of the Scarlet Pimpernel and all that mess in France, right? Well, the Pink Carnation picks up where the Pimpernel stopped (due to the discovery of his identity). At the same time in the story, but taking place in the present there is a grad student finding decedents of the Pink Carnation with letters from and about that time in history.
If the story plot sounds complicated, it really isn't. While it jumps around, pulling you from character to character, making you wonder who might be a spy, the real story centers around this complicated relationship and emotional dance between Henrietta and Miles. Although you realize there is a spy story going on, the tension mainly focuses on the misunderstandings and social pressures between the two love birds.
As with the last story, there is a good deal of romance involved in the story, but isn't developed until the later part of the novel. In this particular installment, there seemed to be less storytelling done from the present, which I actually missed...strangely enough. I have been curious about Eloise, and can sense that she has developed feelings for the man who's family owns the journals she is reading. Honestly, I did want a bit more from the present, and grew to care a little more about our grad student. For some reason, now that she has uncovered the story behind The Pink Carnation, I wanted to know more about what Eloise was going to do with her story, and hope to get more in the novels that follow!
I just ADORE this series and I can hardly wait for the next installment!! This second book leaves you with a bit of a cliffhanger with Eloise, and dropped Henrietta and Miles a bit, even though you knew they were all right and happy. There is a certain playfulness to these stories that just makes me smile and laugh, and I enjoy following along to see how the spies will catch their enemy, and how their female spy love interest will help them. These really are fun stories to follow as they unfold, and while you could probably read them individually I strongly suggest reading them in order. Having knowledge of the previous story really allows you to dive in deep!
If the story plot sounds complicated, it really isn't. While it jumps around, pulling you from character to character, making you wonder who might be a spy, the real story centers around this complicated relationship and emotional dance between Henrietta and Miles. Although you realize there is a spy story going on, the tension mainly focuses on the misunderstandings and social pressures between the two love birds.
As with the last story, there is a good deal of romance involved in the story, but isn't developed until the later part of the novel. In this particular installment, there seemed to be less storytelling done from the present, which I actually missed...strangely enough. I have been curious about Eloise, and can sense that she has developed feelings for the man who's family owns the journals she is reading. Honestly, I did want a bit more from the present, and grew to care a little more about our grad student. For some reason, now that she has uncovered the story behind The Pink Carnation, I wanted to know more about what Eloise was going to do with her story, and hope to get more in the novels that follow!
I just ADORE this series and I can hardly wait for the next installment!! This second book leaves you with a bit of a cliffhanger with Eloise, and dropped Henrietta and Miles a bit, even though you knew they were all right and happy. There is a certain playfulness to these stories that just makes me smile and laugh, and I enjoy following along to see how the spies will catch their enemy, and how their female spy love interest will help them. These really are fun stories to follow as they unfold, and while you could probably read them individually I strongly suggest reading them in order. Having knowledge of the previous story really allows you to dive in deep!
August 1, 2008
Another excellent book from the author of "The Secret History of the Pink Carnation". I loved being sucked back into the world of flower-named spies. The book had romance, mystery, plenty of wit, and even a high-speed carriage chase! I also enjoy the interludes with Eloise, the modern-day historian, doing research into these fascinating characters... but I wish she and Colin's thing would move juuuust a bit faster.
March 21, 2015
Encore mieux que le premier parce que Miles et Henrietta sont absolument parfaits ♥
Je suis très fâchée contre Richard parce qu'il prend très mal un truc alors que bon, la paille et la poutre hein ! bref ^^
De bonnes choses en perspective pour la suite, avec The Pink Carnation en route pour une mystérieuse mission mystérieuse, et un Lord Vaughn effectivement bien intrigant !
Et Eloise et Colin !!!! Rhaaaaaaaa !!!
Je suis très fâchée contre Richard parce qu'il prend très mal un truc alors que bon, la paille et la poutre hein ! bref ^^
De bonnes choses en perspective pour la suite, avec The Pink Carnation en route pour une mystérieuse mission mystérieuse, et un Lord Vaughn effectivement bien intrigant !
Et Eloise et Colin !!!! Rhaaaaaaaa !!!
July 24, 2019
It's always been Miles and Henrietta!! Everyone but them knew it!!! What good shit. I can't write reviews for these books because it's just me sitting there as the jenny slate scream.jpg. Anyway. Lots of fun. Richard not being happy about their compromising position was deeply hysterical after what he and Amy did.
March 8, 2015
Un coup de coeur ! J'ai aimé l'histoire, les personnages (gentils ou méchants), les retournements de situation...Tout ! Hâte de lire la suite !!
July 18, 2019
Such a delight to read. Miles, although not the brightest bulb in the box, was such a funny pleasant guy to read about. He was basically worthless as a spy but made up for it in being nice. Hen was also hardly helpful. She is kind of like Marguerite from the OG Scarlet Pimpernel in that she tries to help, gets caught, needs help to be rescued. I did greatly enjoy Miles and Hen. They were darling together. The scene when they were catching the Black Tulip was seriously funny though.
May 22, 2022
3.5 stars
June 28, 2013
Specific to this book - I found the heroine much more enjoyable in this book than in the last. Her personality and character fit the story better to my personal point of view. Lovely book.
Since I will say nearly the same thing for every book in this series - this part will be the same in all of them. Fun regency mystery/romance. I’m not really much of a mystery reader, but these are more of an intrigue than a mystery and tied up with the regency style, they are delightful.
The author bounces us back and forth between a student researching information for her thesis in our time period, and the story of the people in the time period she is researching. Two stories for the price of one! Both are entertaining and engaging. In each book, the contemporary story and characters are carried further while the historical story begins anew, fresh characters are introduced, and the plot is resolved by the end.
Each book has a new heroine in the regency time period. If you didn’t like the heroine in the first book, you may love the one in the second. Additionally, while their stories don’t rely on each other, they are all tied together socially so the reader gets repeat characters and different perspectives of some situations, which is also a familiar and enjoyable reading experience. It really is fun to have read about one character in several books, and then to finally read from that character’s perspective and see them develop in a new light.
Most of the historical stories have a “near sex scene” and a sex scene. This is more prevalent in the earlier books than the later. The contemporary story doesn’t have any sex scenes (though some mildly descriptive private musings occur) but does have an F bomb every now and then. They are few, and far between.
I am a fan of the regency novel. I have read the greats (Austen and Heyer) and I have read the contemporaries. I love the ones that make me laugh, and there are laughs in these books. My one complaint is that in some of the latter books, she starts slipping in modern references (Calvin and Hobbes, modern phrases) here and there in the regency portion of the book. While I’m not expecting Austen-exact writing, it is annoying to come across the really obvious modern references when I’m sunk in a different time period.
Overall - good series, I read the first and then checked out all the others and read them non-stop until I was done. I look forward to the next in the series.
Since I will say nearly the same thing for every book in this series - this part will be the same in all of them. Fun regency mystery/romance. I’m not really much of a mystery reader, but these are more of an intrigue than a mystery and tied up with the regency style, they are delightful.
The author bounces us back and forth between a student researching information for her thesis in our time period, and the story of the people in the time period she is researching. Two stories for the price of one! Both are entertaining and engaging. In each book, the contemporary story and characters are carried further while the historical story begins anew, fresh characters are introduced, and the plot is resolved by the end.
Each book has a new heroine in the regency time period. If you didn’t like the heroine in the first book, you may love the one in the second. Additionally, while their stories don’t rely on each other, they are all tied together socially so the reader gets repeat characters and different perspectives of some situations, which is also a familiar and enjoyable reading experience. It really is fun to have read about one character in several books, and then to finally read from that character’s perspective and see them develop in a new light.
Most of the historical stories have a “near sex scene” and a sex scene. This is more prevalent in the earlier books than the later. The contemporary story doesn’t have any sex scenes (though some mildly descriptive private musings occur) but does have an F bomb every now and then. They are few, and far between.
I am a fan of the regency novel. I have read the greats (Austen and Heyer) and I have read the contemporaries. I love the ones that make me laugh, and there are laughs in these books. My one complaint is that in some of the latter books, she starts slipping in modern references (Calvin and Hobbes, modern phrases) here and there in the regency portion of the book. While I’m not expecting Austen-exact writing, it is annoying to come across the really obvious modern references when I’m sunk in a different time period.
Overall - good series, I read the first and then checked out all the others and read them non-stop until I was done. I look forward to the next in the series.
May 9, 2013
So, this was ridiculous. In a good way.
Probably really 3.5 stars, but I'm rounding up.
I really enjoyed Miles and Henrietta's banter. It was generally hysterical. I will say, I definitely enjoyed the first half of the book mroe than the second though.
All of the literary illusions were tremendous fun.
I'm really ridiculously invested in Eloise and Colin at this point as well.
However,
Probably really 3.5 stars, but I'm rounding up.
I really enjoyed Miles and Henrietta's banter. It was generally hysterical. I will say, I definitely enjoyed the first half of the book mroe than the second though.
All of the literary illusions were tremendous fun.
I'm really ridiculously invested in Eloise and Colin at this point as well.
However,
October 20, 2009
I listened to the audiobook, which kept me constantly amazed at the narrator's ability to switch between English and American accents and sound totally natural either way. I'm a sucker for the Dashing Hero's Steadfast Best Friend, whether it's B.J. from M*A*S*H or Ron from Harry Potter, so a book about Miles Dorrington, the steadfast best friend from The Secret History of the Pink Carnation, was more interesting to me than the first installment.
This is not Possession by A.S. Byatt. (I couldn't get more than 50 pages into Possession by A.S. Byatt.) Willig is an unabashed fan of romance novels, and this is basically a romance novel, with accurate history thrown in. Swashes are buckled, there's a lot more hanky-panky (or havey cavey, as one of the characters points out) than in Jane Austen, and everyone knows that nothing in the final showdown is going to be allowed to stop the HEA. If you get tired of historical romances where the author seemed to think using the words "rake" and "curricle" were all it took, you will love this series. :)
This is not Possession by A.S. Byatt. (I couldn't get more than 50 pages into Possession by A.S. Byatt.) Willig is an unabashed fan of romance novels, and this is basically a romance novel, with accurate history thrown in. Swashes are buckled, there's a lot more hanky-panky (or havey cavey, as one of the characters points out) than in Jane Austen, and everyone knows that nothing in the final showdown is going to be allowed to stop the HEA. If you get tired of historical romances where the author seemed to think using the words "rake" and "curricle" were all it took, you will love this series. :)
October 24, 2012
Usually Willig's books are fun, light reading for me but this one was a bit much. The plot followed her usual romps with Eloise, the graduate student studying spying activities during the English/French war with Napoleon at the head of his troops. And, of course, Eloise falls for her host, Colin Selwig, hoping for a romantic adventure. However, all this is normal for this series. What bothered me was some of the dialog. I doubt that women of this period used the phrase, "Chop, Chop!" In addition, the sappy conversation between Henrietta and Miles during their fight with the Marquise de Montval and her men was silly. I almost put the book down at this point but continued to the end. And, the last chapter seemed like an afterthought to me. I thought the book should have ended with the previous chapter. I did enjoy her historical notes at the end where she explains while her spies did not exist there were operatives who bore floral names. However, I have read others in the series that I enjoyed more. You may agree.
June 13, 2016
A rollicking yarn, well told. Willig's writing is a cut above many HR authors, but for me this is only a two-star read for two reasons -
1) Lauren Willig adopts the same approach to each of the "Pink Carnation" books: there are two stories - the "main" (historical) one, and a modern one where Eloise researches the historical story and slowly develops a relationship with Colin (a descendant of the historical characters). This approach really doesn't do it for me: every time I get caught up in the main story, I'm yanked back to soppy Eloise and Colin, whose story progresses at a snail's pace.
2) the historical characters therefore have a very short time to make a mark, convince the reader of their characters and trot briskly though a technicolour plot. There are some later stories where Willig pulls this off (The Seduction of the Crimson Rose is a particular favourite of mine) - but TMotBT is not one of them.
1) Lauren Willig adopts the same approach to each of the "Pink Carnation" books: there are two stories - the "main" (historical) one, and a modern one where Eloise researches the historical story and slowly develops a relationship with Colin (a descendant of the historical characters). This approach really doesn't do it for me: every time I get caught up in the main story, I'm yanked back to soppy Eloise and Colin, whose story progresses at a snail's pace.
2) the historical characters therefore have a very short time to make a mark, convince the reader of their characters and trot briskly though a technicolour plot. There are some later stories where Willig pulls this off (The Seduction of the Crimson Rose is a particular favourite of mine) - but TMotBT is not one of them.
October 4, 2021
This series remains one of my favourite guilty pleasures, even on a reread. It’s so much fun!
It was probably a good four years after reading 'the Secret History of the Pink Carnation' that I ordered this book. Uni and life got in the way of my reading, unless it was a set text for a literacy unit. When I finally got back to picking whatever I wanted to read, I got back I to this series. Remembering that I didn't think it was the best writing I had ever read, I also remembered having an absolute blast with the story and the characters. Nothing changed with this one. The characters are fun and the time is intriguing. I shall definitely continue :-)
It was probably a good four years after reading 'the Secret History of the Pink Carnation' that I ordered this book. Uni and life got in the way of my reading, unless it was a set text for a literacy unit. When I finally got back to picking whatever I wanted to read, I got back I to this series. Remembering that I didn't think it was the best writing I had ever read, I also remembered having an absolute blast with the story and the characters. Nothing changed with this one. The characters are fun and the time is intriguing. I shall definitely continue :-)
September 8, 2015
Second in the Pink Carnation series. I liked it. Maybe not quite as much as the first but close. I would have liked to see more of Eloise and Colin but I guess I'll have to continue the series to see how they do. This one is the romance between Lady Henrietta and Miles Dorrington. A friends to lovers theme, they have known each other since they were children. Miles was called upon to watch out for Henrietta and keep her out of trouble. Meanwhile, a french spy is loose in London and Miles is tasked with finding out who he is. Flowed nicely with no great lags. Very entertaining.
October 26, 2015
well, there was no bodice ripping (though there was shift ripping =])!
I liked that Ms. Willig had a parallel story line going on with the researcher and her subject- though she's now sucked me into reading the next novel to see what happens with the researcher and her potential love interest...
It was fun, a nice flouncy romp (if those can be flouncy) through regency England and it's nest of spies and potentialspyees..er, those spied upon.
I liked that Ms. Willig had a parallel story line going on with the researcher and her subject- though she's now sucked me into reading the next novel to see what happens with the researcher and her potential love interest...
It was fun, a nice flouncy romp (if those can be flouncy) through regency England and it's nest of spies and potential
October 26, 2014
10/25/2014--just finished a re-read in keeping with the Pink for All Seasons challenge in honor of book 12 coming out August 2015. I thoroughly enjoyed this, and had forgotten what an adorable and likable couple Miles & Henrietta are! I actually changed the rating from 4 stars to 5 because it was so delightful. I am looking forward to next month's read of book 3... :D
July 11, 2022
MY LOVES. this is an EXTREMELY formative book, I love and adore it so much.
November 4, 2015
aaawww Miles *soupirs* ♥
et on a du Turnip en action xD et le mystérieux Lord Vaughn hm hm hm...
Eloise et Colin c'est toujours rhaaaaaaaaaa.....
et on a du Turnip en action xD et le mystérieux Lord Vaughn hm hm hm...
Eloise et Colin c'est toujours rhaaaaaaaaaa.....
July 19, 2019
Grad student Eloise Kelly is in England researching the network of spies surrounding the English hero, the Pink Carnation, when dreamy Colin Selwick invites her to investigate the archives at his ancient manor house. In between trying to ascertain whether Colin is flirting with her and enduring the slings and arrows of outraged locals, Eloise stumbles across some old letters. They tell the story of Henrietta Selwick, the sister to the Purple Gentian, who is determined to be a spy in her own right.
The novel weaves back and forth between the modern narrative and the early 1800s tale, giving Henrietta and her lovelorn swain Miles the preponderance of airtime. An archvillain named the Black Tulip is on the loose in England, concealing his (or her?) own identity while casting about to discover the identity of the Pink Carnation. Miles Dorrington, a blond, athletic, stand-up sort of fellow, is tasked by the government with unmasking the villain. At the same time, his friend Richard tasks him with squiring little sister Henrietta around the ton. Much to his consternation, Miles finds his attraction to his best friend's sister developing at an alarming rate. To make matters worse, the effervescent Hen(rietta) is in correspondence with the Pink Carnation, making herself a target the Black Tulip won't be able to resist.
I enjoyed this book far more than the first in the series. Henrietta was exceedingly more endearing than the previous heroine Amy (and there were even a few scenes where Amy showed up to remind you how dippy and annoying she was). Miles was a reliable though not overly expressive hero (of the Freddy Standish variety, from Georgette Heyer's Cotillion). While there was still some risque content, this novel was not quite as over-the-top in that regard as the initial book. Lauren Willig always delights with her literary allusions and witty turn of phrase, and I enjoyed the dual storyline with the modern and Napoleonic time periods.
The novel weaves back and forth between the modern narrative and the early 1800s tale, giving Henrietta and her lovelorn swain Miles the preponderance of airtime. An archvillain named the Black Tulip is on the loose in England, concealing his (or her?) own identity while casting about to discover the identity of the Pink Carnation. Miles Dorrington, a blond, athletic, stand-up sort of fellow, is tasked by the government with unmasking the villain. At the same time, his friend Richard tasks him with squiring little sister Henrietta around the ton. Much to his consternation, Miles finds his attraction to his best friend's sister developing at an alarming rate. To make matters worse, the effervescent Hen(rietta) is in correspondence with the Pink Carnation, making herself a target the Black Tulip won't be able to resist.
I enjoyed this book far more than the first in the series. Henrietta was exceedingly more endearing than the previous heroine Amy (and there were even a few scenes where Amy showed up to remind you how dippy and annoying she was). Miles was a reliable though not overly expressive hero (of the Freddy Standish variety, from Georgette Heyer's Cotillion). While there was still some risque content, this novel was not quite as over-the-top in that regard as the initial book. Lauren Willig always delights with her literary allusions and witty turn of phrase, and I enjoyed the dual storyline with the modern and Napoleonic time periods.
May 23, 2017
I liked The Secret History of the Pink Carnation, but I absolutely loved reading this installment in the series! I've been rereading the first few Pink Carnation books before I go on to finish the series, and while I remembered that this one had been a favorite, I'd forgotten just how charming it was. I enjoy the slowly unfolding tale of Eloise and Colin, but in this installment, the historical tale just sparkles.
Henrietta has known her brother's friend Miles forever. And now, in the midst of all manner of spy capering, the attraction just clicks. It's sweet, endearing, sometimes awkward and it just drew me in. I loved the historical detail and all the moving parts of the spy plot, but what really made me love this book were the lead characters. I really found Miles and Henrietta each delightful on their own, and together they are fabulous.
Henrietta has known her brother's friend Miles forever. And now, in the midst of all manner of spy capering, the attraction just clicks. It's sweet, endearing, sometimes awkward and it just drew me in. I loved the historical detail and all the moving parts of the spy plot, but what really made me love this book were the lead characters. I really found Miles and Henrietta each delightful on their own, and together they are fabulous.
December 30, 2019
Loved this! The romance is of the 'oh no, but she's my best friend's sister' trope which, while not my favourite, is done really well here. I liked both Henrietta and Miles.
Best things:
- The humour is off the charts, this was SO funny.
- There's a forced proximity carriage scene that took me ages to get through because I was laughing so much
- A masked ball
- Women being awesome at spying
- Lots of great female friendship (Amy, Henrietta and Jane)
- Lauren Willig is one of those authors who can write food and there are several passages that were more mouth-watering than any book has the right to be.
Wonderful stuff!
Best things:
- The humour is off the charts, this was SO funny.
- There's a forced proximity carriage scene that took me ages to get through because I was laughing so much
- A masked ball
- Women being awesome at spying
- Lots of great female friendship (Amy, Henrietta and Jane)
- Lauren Willig is one of those authors who can write food and there are several passages that were more mouth-watering than any book has the right to be.
Wonderful stuff!
March 1, 2022
Chaaaaarming! Once I tuned into the fact that this less a full-on romance and more a historical romp with a great romantic sidestory I just sped through it. The other messier bits kind of fold in well with the "romp" vibe too - including the chaos of that climatic scene, and the two-dimensional-ness of Richard as the "older brother / best friend" archetype here. And Miles and Hen are cute as fuck, fumbly and earnest and total dummies.
I just realised I read (and deeply adored) the Turnip story so I must reread that one next, though I did really like the glimpse of Lord Vaughn I got in here too.
I just realised I read (and deeply adored) the Turnip story so I must reread that one next, though I did really like the glimpse of Lord Vaughn I got in here too.
June 10, 2024
I really did enjoy this book. It was extremely similar to its predecessor book, ‘The Secret History of the Pink Carnation’ — in its storyline and plot, but with a different couple.
It was a cute historical romance and I’ll leave it at that. Definitely not entirely historically accurate but neither was the first book.
I’m not sure if I’m going to read the next book in the series immediately, I might need a little break from her style of writing— move to something a bit more thought provoking for the moment, but I know that in due time I’ll read it.
Cute and simple, would recommend.
It was a cute historical romance and I’ll leave it at that. Definitely not entirely historically accurate but neither was the first book.
I’m not sure if I’m going to read the next book in the series immediately, I might need a little break from her style of writing— move to something a bit more thought provoking for the moment, but I know that in due time I’ll read it.
Cute and simple, would recommend.
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