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Beauvallet Dynasty #2
Beauvallet
'Mad Nicholas' to his friends, 'Scourge of Spain' to the enemy, Sir Nicholas Beauvallet's exploits on the high seas have made him an equal to Sir Francis Drake and a favourite of the Queen.
When a captured galleon yields the lovely Doña Dominica de Rada y Sylva, he vows to return her and her father to the shores of Spain. But Beauvallet has never been known to resist a challenge. With his decision to stop at nothing to make Dominica his bride, he may have just taken on his most challenging adventure yet.
When a captured galleon yields the lovely Doña Dominica de Rada y Sylva, he vows to return her and her father to the shores of Spain. But Beauvallet has never been known to resist a challenge. With his decision to stop at nothing to make Dominica his bride, he may have just taken on his most challenging adventure yet.
301 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1929
522 people are currently reading
1865 people want to read
About the author
Georgette Heyer
253 books5,524 followersGeorgette Heyer was a prolific historical romance and detective fiction novelist. Her writing career began in 1921, when she turned a story for her younger brother into the novel The Black Moth.
In 1925 she married George Ronald Rougier, a mining engineer. Rougier later became a barrister and he often provided basic plot outlines for her thrillers. Beginning in 1932, Heyer released one romance novel and one thriller each year.
Heyer was an intensely private person who remained a best selling author all her life without the aid of publicity. She made no appearances, never gave an interview and only answered fan letters herself if they made an interesting historical point. She wrote one novel using the pseudonym Stella Martin.
Her Georgian and Regencies romances were inspired by Jane Austen. While some critics thought her novels were too detailed, others considered the level of detail to be Heyer's greatest asset.
Heyer remains a popular and much-loved author, known for essentially establishing the historical romance genre and its subgenre Regency romance.
In 1925 she married George Ronald Rougier, a mining engineer. Rougier later became a barrister and he often provided basic plot outlines for her thrillers. Beginning in 1932, Heyer released one romance novel and one thriller each year.
Heyer was an intensely private person who remained a best selling author all her life without the aid of publicity. She made no appearances, never gave an interview and only answered fan letters herself if they made an interesting historical point. She wrote one novel using the pseudonym Stella Martin.
Her Georgian and Regencies romances were inspired by Jane Austen. While some critics thought her novels were too detailed, others considered the level of detail to be Heyer's greatest asset.
Heyer remains a popular and much-loved author, known for essentially establishing the historical romance genre and its subgenre Regency romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 372 reviews
November 5, 2017
I had a bit of trouble persuading the Georgette Heyer Fans Group to read this title - I must be losing my touch! :D
Although this book was always a 3.5-4★ read for me, I can understand why that wouldn't be the case for all readers.
GH wrote
earlier about one of buccaneer "Mad" Nick Beavallet's ancestors. GH took her world building very seriously - my 1937 copy of Beauvallet even has a family tree at the back. It is too hard to reproduce the whole thing (its very wide) but here is a snippet;
Quite charming. I'll admit I used to create fictional family trees as a child! & GH is known to have had a well developed fantasy life as a teen writing & acting in her own dramas with friends.
The thing is, the strong minded GH decided Simon the Coldheart wasn't up to her usual standards & had it suppressed (her son thought his mother had been too hard on it & agreed to "Simon" being republished after her death.)
This left Beauvallet to be read as a standalone for generations & I don't think that really worked.
For Beauvallet is a very short book & quite a bit of it covers family history. I always knew about "Simon", as it was my father's favourite book as a teen & he spent a lot of time trying to find a copy. Even so, my eyes used to skim over the back history. Other readers could find this confusing.
I may be unromantic but I do find the main plot point
The first half of the book, the writing is very Ye Olde Englishe! But when Nick & his servant, Joshua the pace picks up & it becomes a much better book. The second half is right up with GH's best work & Dona Beatrice is one of her best (& most understated) villains.
I think this story could film very well. Is there a modern Errol Flynn around?
Although this book was always a 3.5-4★ read for me, I can understand why that wouldn't be the case for all readers.
GH wrote
earlier about one of buccaneer "Mad" Nick Beavallet's ancestors. GH took her world building very seriously - my 1937 copy of Beauvallet even has a family tree at the back. It is too hard to reproduce the whole thing (its very wide) but here is a snippet;
Quite charming. I'll admit I used to create fictional family trees as a child! & GH is known to have had a well developed fantasy life as a teen writing & acting in her own dramas with friends.
The thing is, the strong minded GH decided Simon the Coldheart wasn't up to her usual standards & had it suppressed (her son thought his mother had been too hard on it & agreed to "Simon" being republished after her death.)
This left Beauvallet to be read as a standalone for generations & I don't think that really worked.
For Beauvallet is a very short book & quite a bit of it covers family history. I always knew about "Simon", as it was my father's favourite book as a teen & he spent a lot of time trying to find a copy. Even so, my eyes used to skim over the back history. Other readers could find this confusing.
I may be unromantic but I do find the main plot point
The first half of the book, the writing is very Ye Olde Englishe! But when Nick & his servant, Joshua the pace picks up & it becomes a much better book. The second half is right up with GH's best work & Dona Beatrice is one of her best (& most understated) villains.
I think this story could film very well. Is there a modern Errol Flynn around?
December 23, 2013
My new favorite Heyer (topping Arabella by a slim margin).
Really enjoyed the old-fashioned, swashbuckling appeal of this one, which reads differently then her Regency/Georgian offerings. Many reviewers have likened this story to watching an old Errol Flynn movie, and I agree 100%. Brave deeds of derring-do, espionage and love in the Elizabethan Golden age (prior to Elizabeth's war with Spain) set our English pirate Nick Beauvallet and our Spanish heroine Dona Dominica on a wild, romantic ride. Great major and minor characters, an improbable plot (but entertaining nonetheless) and a good pace set against the backdrop of Spain and the specter of the Inquisition.
There was nothing I didn't love about this tale. Five stars all the way!
Buddy read with Jeannette (who unfortunately found it a "dud")
Really enjoyed the old-fashioned, swashbuckling appeal of this one, which reads differently then her Regency/Georgian offerings. Many reviewers have likened this story to watching an old Errol Flynn movie, and I agree 100%. Brave deeds of derring-do, espionage and love in the Elizabethan Golden age (prior to Elizabeth's war with Spain) set our English pirate Nick Beauvallet and our Spanish heroine Dona Dominica on a wild, romantic ride. Great major and minor characters, an improbable plot (but entertaining nonetheless) and a good pace set against the backdrop of Spain and the specter of the Inquisition.
There was nothing I didn't love about this tale. Five stars all the way!
Buddy read with Jeannette (who unfortunately found it a "dud")
March 2, 2017
This is quite different from Heyer's other books that I've read. It's set in Elizabethan times rather than around the Regency or Georgian eras, and involves England's conflict with Spain. Beauvallet is an English captain feared by the Spanish as a devil-worshiping pirate, although he is of course an honorable pirate who attacks Spanish ships in the name of the Queen and relies on luck, skill, daring, and a sense of humor.
I found that it had a really slow start - about 30 percent to set up the situation before any adventuring happened. This was necessary to provide a reason for Beauvallet to travel into Spain, where certain death awaited him if discovered. The reason is that he fell in love with a Spanish woman and would risk his life to carry her off. The romance was unfortunately sudden and not developed well enough for my liking. The first part of the book could have been used much better for this instead of being boring. But, once Beauvallet actually headed into Spain, it picked up, and daring escapes ensued.
I found that it had a really slow start - about 30 percent to set up the situation before any adventuring happened. This was necessary to provide a reason for Beauvallet to travel into Spain, where certain death awaited him if discovered. The reason is that he fell in love with a Spanish woman and would risk his life to carry her off. The romance was unfortunately sudden and not developed well enough for my liking. The first part of the book could have been used much better for this instead of being boring. But, once Beauvallet actually headed into Spain, it picked up, and daring escapes ensued.
November 12, 2017
I very nearly gave up on this book in the first act because I absolutely loathed the heroine, Dona Dominica de Rada y Sylva, who embodied all the worst negative traits of femininity. She sulked and pouted. She slapped men, safe in the knowledge that they are honourable fellows and won't slap her back. She tried to slap the hero who caught her wrist (naturally): a trope that I find highly irritating, not least because it's obvious that she wanted the pleasure of being thwarted and controlled by a masterful man. When she pushed it too far she had recourse to her strongest weapon, and burst into tears.
Urgh, she's altogether a manipulative, deceitful, little baggage and I can't see what Nick saw in her. He should've dropped her in the ocean.
I only read on because it was for book group, but I'm glad that I did.
By the third part, she's in the clutches of the villain, Nick's hard on her heels to save her, and I suddenly liked her a great deal more. All of the fake defiance and bitchiness that she'd displayed when she was Nick's 'captive' suddenly became real when she was truly in danger. The scene where she defies the villain at the hunting lodge, she fairly crackles with dignity and courage.
In the middle of the book, Dominica is mostly off-screen, and the story is swashbuckling and adventure as Nick gallavants about, merrily murdering people and laughing in the face of danger. This is all enjoyable stuff. Nick is rather too perfect as a character, although I liked him anyway. Most of the other characters are cardboard cutouts, but fun anyway. Nick's family in England are classic Heyer characters, and the menacing Dona Beatrice was wonderful. I wish there had been more of her!
Altogether the story and characters were a little thin for a book, but it would make a terrific film. There's some great sea battles, sword fights, prison breaks, and chases both in carriage and by horse. I can also imagine a film making the most of the wonderful tudor costumes, English country mansions, Spanish mountains and castles, and ball scenes. Get some beautiful actors on screen and the sudden love between Dominica and Nick might even become believable!
Urgh, she's altogether a manipulative, deceitful, little baggage and I can't see what Nick saw in her. He should've dropped her in the ocean.
I only read on because it was for book group, but I'm glad that I did.
By the third part, she's in the clutches of the villain, Nick's hard on her heels to save her, and I suddenly liked her a great deal more. All of the fake defiance and bitchiness that she'd displayed when she was Nick's 'captive' suddenly became real when she was truly in danger. The scene where she defies the villain at the hunting lodge, she fairly crackles with dignity and courage.
In the middle of the book, Dominica is mostly off-screen, and the story is swashbuckling and adventure as Nick gallavants about, merrily murdering people and laughing in the face of danger. This is all enjoyable stuff. Nick is rather too perfect as a character, although I liked him anyway. Most of the other characters are cardboard cutouts, but fun anyway. Nick's family in England are classic Heyer characters, and the menacing Dona Beatrice was wonderful. I wish there had been more of her!
Altogether the story and characters were a little thin for a book, but it would make a terrific film. There's some great sea battles, sword fights, prison breaks, and chases both in carriage and by horse. I can also imagine a film making the most of the wonderful tudor costumes, English country mansions, Spanish mountains and castles, and ball scenes. Get some beautiful actors on screen and the sudden love between Dominica and Nick might even become believable!
October 15, 2021
2021 Review
Not sure I would give this book 5 stars if I had to do it over again, but still quite fun. It is certainly a more dramatic, Shakespearean story than you usually get from Heyer. I liked it. Didn't love it. The heroine is a little too useless for my taste. But it is hard not to fall in love with Beauvallet.
2016 Review
A grand, romantic, swashbuckling adventure set in the Elizabethan era. "Mad Nicholas" Beauvallet is a privateer and favorite of Queen Elizabeth. After a sea battle with a Spanish ship, he finds himself confronted with unexpected prisoners: a wrathful Spanish lady and her dying Father. Determined to return them to Spain where there is a price on his head, Beauvallet finds himself falling in love with the lovely Dona Dominica, and determines to woo her. However, in order to claim her as his bride, he will have to venture through Spain, flaunt two monarchs, and snatch her away before she is given to another!
Pirates, monarchs, true love, what is not to love? I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the stereotypical Heyer characters come to life in a different setting. All the descriptions are richly researched but not overwhelming. I loved the cameos from Sir Francis Drake, Elizabeth I, Mary Stewart, and other historical figures. The book even references another Heyer novel, Simon The Coldheart, as a sort of predecessor.
Beauvallet had all the charm and courage of The Scarlet Pimpernel which also endeared him to me.
Not a perfect book, but a charming one if you are looking for a romp with romance and adventure!
Not sure I would give this book 5 stars if I had to do it over again, but still quite fun. It is certainly a more dramatic, Shakespearean story than you usually get from Heyer. I liked it. Didn't love it. The heroine is a little too useless for my taste. But it is hard not to fall in love with Beauvallet.
2016 Review
A grand, romantic, swashbuckling adventure set in the Elizabethan era. "Mad Nicholas" Beauvallet is a privateer and favorite of Queen Elizabeth. After a sea battle with a Spanish ship, he finds himself confronted with unexpected prisoners: a wrathful Spanish lady and her dying Father. Determined to return them to Spain where there is a price on his head, Beauvallet finds himself falling in love with the lovely Dona Dominica, and determines to woo her. However, in order to claim her as his bride, he will have to venture through Spain, flaunt two monarchs, and snatch her away before she is given to another!
Pirates, monarchs, true love, what is not to love? I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the stereotypical Heyer characters come to life in a different setting. All the descriptions are richly researched but not overwhelming. I loved the cameos from Sir Francis Drake, Elizabeth I, Mary Stewart, and other historical figures. The book even references another Heyer novel, Simon The Coldheart, as a sort of predecessor.
Beauvallet had all the charm and courage of The Scarlet Pimpernel which also endeared him to me.
Not a perfect book, but a charming one if you are looking for a romp with romance and adventure!
October 21, 2021
This is a Heyer I had never read before. I think the era and the setting put me off but boy am I glad now I didn't pass it up in the Heyer group read.
The opening chapter is thrilling. Grabs you straight away. There are imprisonments, escapes and rescues and all done in a way that puts you on the edge of your seat.
Nick Beauvallet is the quintessential hero. Daring and brave and going after what he wants without any qualms.
Dominica is feisty and not one to bow down easily to anyone. There was always going to be sparks when these two met. There are also some great side characters.
It drags a little in places and the language can slow the story down a bit but this doesn't spoil it.
A thoroughly enjoyable romp!
The opening chapter is thrilling. Grabs you straight away. There are imprisonments, escapes and rescues and all done in a way that puts you on the edge of your seat.
Nick Beauvallet is the quintessential hero. Daring and brave and going after what he wants without any qualms.
Dominica is feisty and not one to bow down easily to anyone. There was always going to be sparks when these two met. There are also some great side characters.
It drags a little in places and the language can slow the story down a bit but this doesn't spoil it.
A thoroughly enjoyable romp!
August 28, 2020
8/27/20 relisten- still a wonderful story and lots of fun!
In a word, wonderful! The tale of a daring (and dashing) privateer determined to seek out his lady-love in the heart of enemy Spain is superbly written and expertly narrated. Georgette Heyer may be a master at Regency romances, but this one set in Elizabethan times may be one of my all time favorites. The book is full of wonderful characters, wry humor, witty scenes and clever dialog. While the romance is sweet, and a driving force behind the action, this book is different from many of Heyer's other works. The first part of the book unfolds the romance, and the second half follows Beauvallet as he attempts to keeps his word to find Dominica and bring her to England. The story is action-packed and often very humorous. Joshua, Beauvallet's "man," is a great character and we get to see part of the story from his point-of-view. Cornelius Garrett does the voices superbly, especially Joshua's, and his timing is perfect. I'm sure I'd have enjoyed this book no matter what, but listening to it with such a great narrator was a real treat.
In a word, wonderful! The tale of a daring (and dashing) privateer determined to seek out his lady-love in the heart of enemy Spain is superbly written and expertly narrated. Georgette Heyer may be a master at Regency romances, but this one set in Elizabethan times may be one of my all time favorites. The book is full of wonderful characters, wry humor, witty scenes and clever dialog. While the romance is sweet, and a driving force behind the action, this book is different from many of Heyer's other works. The first part of the book unfolds the romance, and the second half follows Beauvallet as he attempts to keeps his word to find Dominica and bring her to England. The story is action-packed and often very humorous. Joshua, Beauvallet's "man," is a great character and we get to see part of the story from his point-of-view. Cornelius Garrett does the voices superbly, especially Joshua's, and his timing is perfect. I'm sure I'd have enjoyed this book no matter what, but listening to it with such a great narrator was a real treat.
August 13, 2016
In all honesty, I would rate most of Heyer's other stories above this one. The plot was flat and predictable. Still, there were good characterizations, (I will admit to laughing at the greedy, but totally honest about it, aunt), and the swashbuckling was great. What else do you want from me? I wasn't expecting the Spanish Inquisition—
God alone knew what might be done to Beauvallet. She had heard that those who fell into the clutch of the Inquisition were sometimes never heard of again.
God alone knew what might be done to Beauvallet. She had heard that those who fell into the clutch of the Inquisition were sometimes never heard of again.
September 19, 2014
This certainly wasn't my favourite Heyer novel so far, given the hero's grabby hands and ego, but at least the heroine was a match for him in many ways, and it is a fun set up. It's not a Regency novel like most of Heyer's others, but one of the more historical ones, and honestly I could've dispensed with the romance for more of Nick swashbuckling his way around Spain as a spy. That plot, I liked: I wonder what Heyer would have done if that was her focus.
While this isn't as amusing as most of her work, and the romance wasn't exactly to die for, I did enjoy it well enough. It's only the fact that I know Heyer also wrote The Talisman Ring and The Grand Sophy, both of which I love, that means this rather pales in comparison.
While this isn't as amusing as most of her work, and the romance wasn't exactly to die for, I did enjoy it well enough. It's only the fact that I know Heyer also wrote The Talisman Ring and The Grand Sophy, both of which I love, that means this rather pales in comparison.
September 20, 2023
The adventures of an English pirate across France and Spain in order to fetch his lover from her greedy relations. Set during the Tudor era (Elizabeth I is a character), this reminded me of Captain Blood or even a Dumas novel . . . except that it didn't have that depth of character that made me really root for anyone. Nick fell in love the moment he saw Dominica, and announced that he would marry her, and after some token resistance she was like, Well, all right. (I mean, he was handsomer, richer, and cooler than her awful cousin, so it was kind of a given.) Events then proceeded as one would think. A perfectly serviceable historical adventure, but without the humor and panache of her Regency novels.
December 26, 2022
My 51st Georgette Heyer
I liked the humor and disliked the manhandling, but the astrology references were quite endearing. Our born under a Venus-Jupiter conjunction hero goes full guns blazing after Dominica, but the romance is too early Hollywood flat for me. However, the servants were fun and Senora Beatriz was a revelation.
I liked the humor and disliked the manhandling, but the astrology references were quite endearing. Our born under a Venus-Jupiter conjunction hero goes full guns blazing after Dominica, but the romance is too early Hollywood flat for me. However, the servants were fun and Senora Beatriz was a revelation.
September 8, 2015
Nicholas Beauvallet is an English pirate. Dominica de Rada y Sylvan is his stubborn Spanish prisoner. He declares his love for her. She tries hard to spurn his advances but just can't seem to say no to the English Love Boat Technique. So then Beauvallet invades Spain with an army of 2 to steal away his love and thumb his nose at some arrogant Spanish papists.
1. If Heyer is channeling a slangy Austen in her Georgian/Regency romances, I would posit that she was attempting to channel the bard himself for Beauvallet. Set on Elizabethan waters with Francis Drake co-starring, it's clearly a new time for Heyer--but the prose itself seemed to deviate from Heyer's usual to try and "fit in" with the setting.
Not certain if Beauvallet succeeds at this, but thought it was worth a mention. Curious if her other historicals follow a similar trend, and am now interested in hunting down one of her thrillers to sample its prose!
2. Overall, Beauvallet was...entertaining. I thought Mad Nick was a suave, piratical hero and Dominica a decently fiesty heroine (i.e., not 21st-century-modern-fiesty but rebellious in ways a woman might be in that era--at least to my romance-educated eyes!).
That said, it never got its legs. I kept plodding along, waiting for that catch behind the breastbone, the moment when the narrative jolts to life and drags you along for the ride. But it never materialized: even in the midst of , I was able to put the book down for a week.
3. I should acknowledge that things did pick up once Beauvallet got his ass to Spain, but it wasn't a true take off? It went from a sedate walk to a heaving plod, basically.
4. I wish Dominica would have had the chance to go ape-shit on Diego. :( At one point in the novel, she wishes she were a man so she could revenge Beauvallet properly--but there's no follow through of that thought. Which I wanted, badly. Especially when Diego was being a snivelly weasel.
1. If Heyer is channeling a slangy Austen in her Georgian/Regency romances, I would posit that she was attempting to channel the bard himself for Beauvallet. Set on Elizabethan waters with Francis Drake co-starring, it's clearly a new time for Heyer--but the prose itself seemed to deviate from Heyer's usual to try and "fit in" with the setting.
Not certain if Beauvallet succeeds at this, but thought it was worth a mention. Curious if her other historicals follow a similar trend, and am now interested in hunting down one of her thrillers to sample its prose!
2. Overall, Beauvallet was...entertaining. I thought Mad Nick was a suave, piratical hero and Dominica a decently fiesty heroine (i.e., not 21st-century-modern-fiesty but rebellious in ways a woman might be in that era--at least to my romance-educated eyes!).
That said, it never got its legs. I kept plodding along, waiting for that catch behind the breastbone, the moment when the narrative jolts to life and drags you along for the ride. But it never materialized: even in the midst of , I was able to put the book down for a week.
3. I should acknowledge that things did pick up once Beauvallet got his ass to Spain, but it wasn't a true take off? It went from a sedate walk to a heaving plod, basically.
4. I wish Dominica would have had the chance to go ape-shit on Diego. :( At one point in the novel, she wishes she were a man so she could revenge Beauvallet properly--but there's no follow through of that thought. Which I wanted, badly. Especially when Diego was being a snivelly weasel.
February 13, 2011
Note to self: never take unread Georgette Heyer novels on trains.
I first read Beauvallet several years ago on a train leaving the capital for home. Unfortunately, not only was the train very over-crowded but it was stuck in Essex for approximately 3 hours if I remember correctly. I was feeling hot, tired, thirsty, claustrophobic and cranky. Poor Beauvallet was, as it were, in my hands, and ever since has been viewed with dislike by myself.
I can only conclude that I was blind as well. What Beauvallet is, is a rollicking adventure. Wildly improbable, action-packed and exciting, this book will surprise anybody who has only read Heyer's regency novels.
Nicholas Beauvallet is a descendant of Simon the Coldheart, also featured in a novel of the same name by Georgette Heyer, and a definite chip off the same block. Resisting the urging of his brother and sister-in-law to marry and settle down, Beauvallet sails around the world with Drake, and then builds his own ship and terrorises the Spanish enemies of his Queen, Elizabeth I. He becomes known as "Mad Nicholas" to his friends and the "Scourge of Spain" to his enemies. But then he captures a Spanish galleon with the lovely and spirited Dona Dominica de Rada y Sylva on board. After setting her and her father down in Spain, he makes a reckless promise - within the year he will brave the land of Spain itself to bring her home as his bride. Cue many adventures as Mad Nicholas braves the King of Spain, the Spanish nobility, Dominica's own family and the Inquisition to bring her to England.
I was genuinely surprised by how much I liked this book. Certainly it is not one of her best, but it is perfect on a cold, rather boring Sunday evening.
I first read Beauvallet several years ago on a train leaving the capital for home. Unfortunately, not only was the train very over-crowded but it was stuck in Essex for approximately 3 hours if I remember correctly. I was feeling hot, tired, thirsty, claustrophobic and cranky. Poor Beauvallet was, as it were, in my hands, and ever since has been viewed with dislike by myself.
I can only conclude that I was blind as well. What Beauvallet is, is a rollicking adventure. Wildly improbable, action-packed and exciting, this book will surprise anybody who has only read Heyer's regency novels.
Nicholas Beauvallet is a descendant of Simon the Coldheart, also featured in a novel of the same name by Georgette Heyer, and a definite chip off the same block. Resisting the urging of his brother and sister-in-law to marry and settle down, Beauvallet sails around the world with Drake, and then builds his own ship and terrorises the Spanish enemies of his Queen, Elizabeth I. He becomes known as "Mad Nicholas" to his friends and the "Scourge of Spain" to his enemies. But then he captures a Spanish galleon with the lovely and spirited Dona Dominica de Rada y Sylva on board. After setting her and her father down in Spain, he makes a reckless promise - within the year he will brave the land of Spain itself to bring her home as his bride. Cue many adventures as Mad Nicholas braves the King of Spain, the Spanish nobility, Dominica's own family and the Inquisition to bring her to England.
I was genuinely surprised by how much I liked this book. Certainly it is not one of her best, but it is perfect on a cold, rather boring Sunday evening.
March 9, 2017
What can I say? I am a fan of Heyer. This was my second historical fiction of her (or third if one counts An Infamous Army). I love Simon The Coldheart (I have read it in just three sessions, it was so engaging). I am a little disappointed with Beauvallet.
Yes, there is an action, a romance, sparking characters and some fun. But, something is lacking for me. I like this story, really, but... I have even read a few random pages from Devil's Cub (one of my favorite Heyer's books) to check if I am not exaggerating. No, definitely I am not exaggerating. Something is lacking in Beauvallet. There are some perfect scenes, dialogues. Characters are (as I have written) chosen well. I don't know, I can't explain it. Maybe I will understand more when I read a biography of Heyer.
The most I like the part on the ship.
Nevertheless, I can tell that every fan of Heyer should read this book. It is fascinating, reading her other books, not only her Regency romances or detective books (I haven't read the latter yet, but I am going to).
Yes, there is an action, a romance, sparking characters and some fun. But, something is lacking for me. I like this story, really, but... I have even read a few random pages from Devil's Cub (one of my favorite Heyer's books) to check if I am not exaggerating. No, definitely I am not exaggerating. Something is lacking in Beauvallet. There are some perfect scenes, dialogues. Characters are (as I have written) chosen well. I don't know, I can't explain it. Maybe I will understand more when I read a biography of Heyer.
The most I like the part on the ship.
Nevertheless, I can tell that every fan of Heyer should read this book. It is fascinating, reading her other books, not only her Regency romances or detective books (I haven't read the latter yet, but I am going to).
July 22, 2008
I have always been enthralled by Heyer's one 16th century historical romance. While Nick Beauvallet and his servant play more prominent roles than the heroine, she holds her own in terms of spirit and intelligence.
This is one I reread and enjoy often. As with some of her Regencies, the addition of "real" characters such as Philip II and Sir Francis Drake, adds another enjoyable element, as does the threat of the Spanish Inquisition should Nick be apprehended by his enemies. The concept of honor, as defined by an Elizabethan pirate, is essential to the plot although is hard for some modern readers to appreciate.
This is one I reread and enjoy often. As with some of her Regencies, the addition of "real" characters such as Philip II and Sir Francis Drake, adds another enjoyable element, as does the threat of the Spanish Inquisition should Nick be apprehended by his enemies. The concept of honor, as defined by an Elizabethan pirate, is essential to the plot although is hard for some modern readers to appreciate.
October 9, 2019
When the ship bearing her to Spain is attacked by Sir Nicholas Beauvallet - the daring English pirate christened "Mad Nick" - Dona Dominica de Rada y Sylva is at first outraged by the free and easy manners of this "villain." Soon won over, Dominica nevertheless disbelieves him when he states his intention of seeking her out in Spain and "making her an Englishwoman." After all, with war threatening between the two nations, and the Inquisition waiting to pounce on any non-Catholic, what Englishman would dare to venture into Spain?
The first Georgette Heyer novel I have read which was not set either in the Regency or Georgian periods, Beauvallet is a swashbuckling Elizabethan adventure, and provided me a few hours of lighthearted reading. It has all the improbable circumstances and well-known character-types that one would expect in a work of this genre, but for all that, it is well-paced and engaging. Well worth a read, especially for Georgette Heyer fans or readers interested in the Elizabethan Age.
The first Georgette Heyer novel I have read which was not set either in the Regency or Georgian periods, Beauvallet is a swashbuckling Elizabethan adventure, and provided me a few hours of lighthearted reading. It has all the improbable circumstances and well-known character-types that one would expect in a work of this genre, but for all that, it is well-paced and engaging. Well worth a read, especially for Georgette Heyer fans or readers interested in the Elizabethan Age.
February 12, 2010
When Dona Dominica sets sail on the Santa Maria, she wonders if she will ever meet the infamous El Beauvallet, the English pirate with a reputation of being able to do anything because of witchcraft. But she does not expect her ship to be taken by him, Nor does she expect to be kidnapped by him and taken abord his ship the Venture.
Sir Nicholas Beauvallet captures Dominica and her father and proclaims that he will take them home to Spain, as Dominica has demanded. But falling head over heels in love with her was never part of his plan. In order to please her, he agrees to returning her to her country, but also announces that he will wed her before the year is up. How is Sir Nicholas supposed to come back to Spain to claim fair lady as his bride if all of Spain wants his head? The answer is easily—because Beauvallet can do anything, of course.
This was such a sweet story! I cannot think of words enough to describe how much I adored Beauvallet. The romance was fast-paced, the adventure was exciting, and the language was eloquent. I absolutely loved it. It was a pretty fast read and I read it in a few days. Georgette has many little surprises spread all through the story and tells amazing creative adventures of Beauvallet’s wits, fights, and escapes. It was a perfect blend of a sweeping romance and a gripping adventure.
The story is told in third-person omniscient, so you don’t always have all the details. It was a little hard to get inside the character’s heads at first, but once I learned who they were It was very easy to relate to them.
A wonderful thing about Beauvallet is that when El Beauvallet falls in love with Dominica, he does not claim her as his “love” or as his “mistress” or, in our culture, his “girlfriend,” he claims her as his bride. Which is really the most romantic aspect of it all.
The end was so sweet I won’t tell what happened but rest assured it was wonderful.
I loved this story so much! I have already run out to pick up more books by Georgette Heyer, I am officially a new fan! I cannot wait to read other books by her.
Content: Gloriously clean: no language, no sex.
Recommendation: Boys and girls (it’s such an adventure that boys would like it too!) Ages 13-Adult. It’s not aimed specifically to teens or young people, and would be perfect for an adult as well.
(Beauvallet was first published first in 1929. Reprint copyright to Sourcebooks: 2010)
~Haleyknitz
Sir Nicholas Beauvallet captures Dominica and her father and proclaims that he will take them home to Spain, as Dominica has demanded. But falling head over heels in love with her was never part of his plan. In order to please her, he agrees to returning her to her country, but also announces that he will wed her before the year is up. How is Sir Nicholas supposed to come back to Spain to claim fair lady as his bride if all of Spain wants his head? The answer is easily—because Beauvallet can do anything, of course.
This was such a sweet story! I cannot think of words enough to describe how much I adored Beauvallet. The romance was fast-paced, the adventure was exciting, and the language was eloquent. I absolutely loved it. It was a pretty fast read and I read it in a few days. Georgette has many little surprises spread all through the story and tells amazing creative adventures of Beauvallet’s wits, fights, and escapes. It was a perfect blend of a sweeping romance and a gripping adventure.
The story is told in third-person omniscient, so you don’t always have all the details. It was a little hard to get inside the character’s heads at first, but once I learned who they were It was very easy to relate to them.
A wonderful thing about Beauvallet is that when El Beauvallet falls in love with Dominica, he does not claim her as his “love” or as his “mistress” or, in our culture, his “girlfriend,” he claims her as his bride. Which is really the most romantic aspect of it all.
The end was so sweet I won’t tell what happened but rest assured it was wonderful.
I loved this story so much! I have already run out to pick up more books by Georgette Heyer, I am officially a new fan! I cannot wait to read other books by her.
Content: Gloriously clean: no language, no sex.
Recommendation: Boys and girls (it’s such an adventure that boys would like it too!) Ages 13-Adult. It’s not aimed specifically to teens or young people, and would be perfect for an adult as well.
(Beauvallet was first published first in 1929. Reprint copyright to Sourcebooks: 2010)
~Haleyknitz
November 15, 2010
3 ½ stars. Not much romance or relationship development, but good as an entertaining swashbuckling adventure.
STORY BRIEF:
Sir Nicholas Beauvallet (Nick) practices piracy upon the Spanish as a form of unofficial warfare – at the behest of Queen Elizabeth I. He is captain of the Venture. The Spanish believe he achieves the impossible through witchcraft. When he captures a Spanish ship, he takes Dominica and her father aboard his own ship as guests. He promises to deliver them safely to the Spanish coast. While on board Dominica and Nick fall in love. Nick has to return to England but promises that he will come to Spain later, find her, and then take her to England to be his bride. This sounds impossible because he is a hated enemy of Spain. Nick makes a short trip to England. Then most of the story is how he gets a fake identity, travels to Spain, gets captured, escapes, and what he does when he finds Dominique.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
This is mostly about a daring courageous pirate who loves adventure and risking his life. He has always been lucky and expects luck to help him win against impossible odds. There is no romantic relationship development. Some of the characters are interesting, especially the evil aunt Beatrice who moves like a snail, but leaves a trail of slime behind her (I can’t remember the exact words). She grins as she plans to cut your throat (figuratively). I did not enjoy Dominique. When she was first kidnapped she was haughty, condescending, and angry. I did not see any interaction between the Dominique and Nick causing them to fall in love with each other. But apparently Nick fell in love at first sight. Then all of a sudden she became pleasant and said she loved him too. That was too quick for me. Later she doesn’t do anything interesting other than saying things like “I can’t believe you’re here” - or claiming she must help when there is nothing she can do.
What I don’t understand is why didn’t Nick take Dominique with him to England immediately instead of returning her to Spain and then risking his life later to find her and bring her out. Ah, but then we would have no story.
This was good as an adventure story. But there were a few times my mind began to wander. It reminds me of an Errol Flynn sword fighting adventure. It was fine as an audiobook to listen to while I was driving and doing other things. But I prefer some of the author’s other books. The narrator is very good.
DATA:
Unabridged audio length: 9 hours. Narrator: Cornelius Garrett. Swearing language: none. Sexual content: none. Setting: 1586 England, France, and Spain. Book published: 1929. Genre: high seas adventure suspense romance.
STORY BRIEF:
Sir Nicholas Beauvallet (Nick) practices piracy upon the Spanish as a form of unofficial warfare – at the behest of Queen Elizabeth I. He is captain of the Venture. The Spanish believe he achieves the impossible through witchcraft. When he captures a Spanish ship, he takes Dominica and her father aboard his own ship as guests. He promises to deliver them safely to the Spanish coast. While on board Dominica and Nick fall in love. Nick has to return to England but promises that he will come to Spain later, find her, and then take her to England to be his bride. This sounds impossible because he is a hated enemy of Spain. Nick makes a short trip to England. Then most of the story is how he gets a fake identity, travels to Spain, gets captured, escapes, and what he does when he finds Dominique.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
This is mostly about a daring courageous pirate who loves adventure and risking his life. He has always been lucky and expects luck to help him win against impossible odds. There is no romantic relationship development. Some of the characters are interesting, especially the evil aunt Beatrice who moves like a snail, but leaves a trail of slime behind her (I can’t remember the exact words). She grins as she plans to cut your throat (figuratively). I did not enjoy Dominique. When she was first kidnapped she was haughty, condescending, and angry. I did not see any interaction between the Dominique and Nick causing them to fall in love with each other. But apparently Nick fell in love at first sight. Then all of a sudden she became pleasant and said she loved him too. That was too quick for me. Later she doesn’t do anything interesting other than saying things like “I can’t believe you’re here” - or claiming she must help when there is nothing she can do.
What I don’t understand is why didn’t Nick take Dominique with him to England immediately instead of returning her to Spain and then risking his life later to find her and bring her out. Ah, but then we would have no story.
This was good as an adventure story. But there were a few times my mind began to wander. It reminds me of an Errol Flynn sword fighting adventure. It was fine as an audiobook to listen to while I was driving and doing other things. But I prefer some of the author’s other books. The narrator is very good.
DATA:
Unabridged audio length: 9 hours. Narrator: Cornelius Garrett. Swearing language: none. Sexual content: none. Setting: 1586 England, France, and Spain. Book published: 1929. Genre: high seas adventure suspense romance.
October 24, 2013
This is a distinctive novel from Georgette Heyer, totally swashbuckling! It takes place sometime along Elizabeth I reign (1558-1603 for those, like myself, needing a quick refresher); the time of the great discovers is not that far away and that of the major English privateers preying on gold-ladden gallions of the Spanish Empire is at its peak.
The hero is one of those privateers. He reminded me in a way of Errol Flynn as Robin Hood, for the humor, laughing eyes, easygoing charm, less the tighty hose and with a bit more testosterone. The heroine started up badly, as I thought she would be another too young, naive and slightly stupid heroine, typical of some Heyer's heroines. Indeed she was not: she engratiated quickly too me, with her humour, tentative to manipulate people around her with more or less success.
Dialogues were funny as usual, secondary characters quirky, the basic plot rather simple but nonetheless effective. It's shorter, the romance slightly less abstract and disembodied than usual but I really enjoyed it.
The hero is one of those privateers. He reminded me in a way of Errol Flynn as Robin Hood, for the humor, laughing eyes, easygoing charm, less the tighty hose and with a bit more testosterone. The heroine started up badly, as I thought she would be another too young, naive and slightly stupid heroine, typical of some Heyer's heroines. Indeed she was not: she engratiated quickly too me, with her humour, tentative to manipulate people around her with more or less success.
Dialogues were funny as usual, secondary characters quirky, the basic plot rather simple but nonetheless effective. It's shorter, the romance slightly less abstract and disembodied than usual but I really enjoyed it.
August 7, 2019
Such an adventure! I only found myself pausing at trying to understand a lot of the language. But the storytelling was fantastic and humorous and clever.
April 20, 2008
I've been a fan of Heyer's historical romances since I first read my mum's old copy of Beauvallet when I was a teenager. If you've never read one you don't know what you're missing! My edition is very old, actually it's the First Australian Edition from 1948, it has no dust jacket, and the pages are brown and brittle. I have 39 of her romances (she also wrote about eight detective books with the help of her detective husband, but I've not read any of them); there are about three or four I don't have, though I've read almost all of them.
It is 1586 and Dona Dominica and her father, the late governor of the island of Santiago, are returning to Spain by ship when their vessel is captured by a British pirate - by the infamous Sir Nicholas Beauvallet, no less! Dubbed "Mad Nick", he is a dashing figure, tall and dark with a "neat" head of curly black hair, bright, mocking blue eyes and a pointy beard as was the fashion, friend of Sir Francis Drake and pet of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. He's a bit of a devil and laughs at everything. Finding the beautiful Dominica on board the Spanish galleon is a surprise, but Beauvallet commits himself to taking them safely to a Spanish port despite how incredibly dangerous and reckless it is. He's fallen in love with the spirited Spanish woman, and pledges to come back for her within a year and "make an Englishwoman of her".
Dominica doesn't believe him, but despite everything finds herself wishing it were true. Once Beauvallet decides on a thing, he doesn't waste much time, but getting into Spain isn't an easy matter for any Englishman, let alone an infamous pirate whom the Spanish believe has witchcraft on his side. Circumstances see him and his valet, the finicky, chatty Joshua, enter Spain from France with a Frenchman's papers, and the disguise is a tenuous one. He has to fool the king of Spain, the French Ambassador, and the many Spanish nobles while locating Dominica and planning how to bring her out.
Tense with looming danger, Beauvallet is a rollicking ride of romance, sword fights, mad dashes across country, midnight escapes, scheming aunts, dastardly cousins and one very engaging, lovable hero. Dominica is spirited, fiesty and intelligent, quick-witted and interesting - it is not hard to see why Beauvallet would fall for her so quickly.
One of the most remarkable things about Heyer's work, of which most are set in Regency London, is the historical accuracy with which she writes. You could learn more from reading one of her books than from one written in the time it was set! From the details of the clothing, to the etiquette and social graces, types of equipage, dances, food, liqueur, sentiments, current affairs and manner of speech - Heyer has it all nailed down, and with effortless ease. Her prose is never stiff or self-conscious, but full of wicked humour and confidence. Her skill as a writer is especially manifest in her ability to write dialogue, which I've always wished to emulate, and her great cast of supporting characters. Reading Beauvallet is a bit like watching Blackadder the Second for me, from references to men's plate-sized ruffs to sneaky asides about Raleigh and here and there a "beshrew me!", making it one of the most comforting, familiar books for me to read in a day :)
It is 1586 and Dona Dominica and her father, the late governor of the island of Santiago, are returning to Spain by ship when their vessel is captured by a British pirate - by the infamous Sir Nicholas Beauvallet, no less! Dubbed "Mad Nick", he is a dashing figure, tall and dark with a "neat" head of curly black hair, bright, mocking blue eyes and a pointy beard as was the fashion, friend of Sir Francis Drake and pet of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. He's a bit of a devil and laughs at everything. Finding the beautiful Dominica on board the Spanish galleon is a surprise, but Beauvallet commits himself to taking them safely to a Spanish port despite how incredibly dangerous and reckless it is. He's fallen in love with the spirited Spanish woman, and pledges to come back for her within a year and "make an Englishwoman of her".
Dominica doesn't believe him, but despite everything finds herself wishing it were true. Once Beauvallet decides on a thing, he doesn't waste much time, but getting into Spain isn't an easy matter for any Englishman, let alone an infamous pirate whom the Spanish believe has witchcraft on his side. Circumstances see him and his valet, the finicky, chatty Joshua, enter Spain from France with a Frenchman's papers, and the disguise is a tenuous one. He has to fool the king of Spain, the French Ambassador, and the many Spanish nobles while locating Dominica and planning how to bring her out.
Tense with looming danger, Beauvallet is a rollicking ride of romance, sword fights, mad dashes across country, midnight escapes, scheming aunts, dastardly cousins and one very engaging, lovable hero. Dominica is spirited, fiesty and intelligent, quick-witted and interesting - it is not hard to see why Beauvallet would fall for her so quickly.
One of the most remarkable things about Heyer's work, of which most are set in Regency London, is the historical accuracy with which she writes. You could learn more from reading one of her books than from one written in the time it was set! From the details of the clothing, to the etiquette and social graces, types of equipage, dances, food, liqueur, sentiments, current affairs and manner of speech - Heyer has it all nailed down, and with effortless ease. Her prose is never stiff or self-conscious, but full of wicked humour and confidence. Her skill as a writer is especially manifest in her ability to write dialogue, which I've always wished to emulate, and her great cast of supporting characters. Reading Beauvallet is a bit like watching Blackadder the Second for me, from references to men's plate-sized ruffs to sneaky asides about Raleigh and here and there a "beshrew me!", making it one of the most comforting, familiar books for me to read in a day :)
September 24, 2021
ETA: 24 Sept 2021--in preparation for re-reading this with the GH fans group, I went hunting for the cover of the first copy I owned. And actually found it:
I love that cover!
Though written well before Errol Flynn made The Sea Hawk, I dare you to read this and >not< picture Flynn as dashing Nick Beauvallet. This is a sweeping romantic adventure, set in the age of Elizabeth I.
ETA: 10 Nov 2017. Just finished my umpteenth re-read with the GH Fan group.
One of our discussions got into movies, specifically who (among movie stars of yore) we pictured as Nick Beauvallet. This conversation brought to my mind the realization that 'Beauvallet' is a very visual book. Lots of action, lots of 'film-able' scenes. For me the whole book unfolds as if I were watching an old Errol Flynn or Tyrone Power swashbuckler (in Technicolor, of course).
The opening naval battle and ship-boarding bears a great resemblance to the opening scenes of Flynn's 1940 film 'The Sea Hawk'. Later, I can easily picture Nick, in his Chevalier du Guise persona, chatting with the king of Spain. His clever escape from the prison is straight out of Hollywood. The cross-country escape/rescue of Dominica/sword fight with Diego... Quite frankly, I do not know why it was never made into a movie.
GH was most likely familiar with Douglas Fairbanks Sr's swashbuckler movies of the '20s when she wrote this and it shows. That bit at the beginning of Nick's fight with Don Diego, when he bends his rapier--straight out of any number of movies of the era. I know, I've seen most of them. Though usually it is the bad guy (often played by Basil Rathbone) who shows off like that, not the hero.
Of all of her books, this is the one that most relies on action (rather than witty dialogue) to propel the story.
Anyway, a rather roundabout way to say that I love the book, not so much for the actual words on the page, but for the movie those words project in my mind.
I love that cover!
Though written well before Errol Flynn made The Sea Hawk, I dare you to read this and >not< picture Flynn as dashing Nick Beauvallet. This is a sweeping romantic adventure, set in the age of Elizabeth I.
ETA: 10 Nov 2017. Just finished my umpteenth re-read with the GH Fan group.
One of our discussions got into movies, specifically who (among movie stars of yore) we pictured as Nick Beauvallet. This conversation brought to my mind the realization that 'Beauvallet' is a very visual book. Lots of action, lots of 'film-able' scenes. For me the whole book unfolds as if I were watching an old Errol Flynn or Tyrone Power swashbuckler (in Technicolor, of course).
The opening naval battle and ship-boarding bears a great resemblance to the opening scenes of Flynn's 1940 film 'The Sea Hawk'. Later, I can easily picture Nick, in his Chevalier du Guise persona, chatting with the king of Spain. His clever escape from the prison is straight out of Hollywood. The cross-country escape/rescue of Dominica/sword fight with Diego... Quite frankly, I do not know why it was never made into a movie.
GH was most likely familiar with Douglas Fairbanks Sr's swashbuckler movies of the '20s when she wrote this and it shows. That bit at the beginning of Nick's fight with Don Diego, when he bends his rapier--straight out of any number of movies of the era. I know, I've seen most of them. Though usually it is the bad guy (often played by Basil Rathbone) who shows off like that, not the hero.
Of all of her books, this is the one that most relies on action (rather than witty dialogue) to propel the story.
Anyway, a rather roundabout way to say that I love the book, not so much for the actual words on the page, but for the movie those words project in my mind.
November 15, 2015
I've decided that this is one of my favorite Georgette Heyer novels. I can see it as a movie with Errol Flynn as the swashbuckling Beauvallet. British aristocrat younger-son-turned-pirate captures Spanish ship carrying a dying Spanish aristocrat and his lovely, feisty daughter, Doña Dominica de Rada y Sylva, back to Spain from the new world. Sparks fly, and the attraction is undeniable. Beauvallet puts the girl and her ailing father ashore safely in Spain, vowing to return within the year to claim her as his bride, in spite of being on every wanted poster in that country as a pirate and infidel. (Did I mention this was during the Inquisition?) Beauvallet laughs at danger at every turn, while the intrepid (now orphaned) Dominica attempts to defend herself from a forced marriage being pushed upon her by relatives who need her money, while she worries that her love won't come in time...or that he will, and will be caught and burned at the stake. A nail biter, this story is filled with interesting characters and humor.
December 24, 2018
upon my soul ! it was a rare masterpiece. never good to doubt georgette Heyer's ability to write such a piece of creativity and fun! I liked it. I really did! the heroine, Dominica, is a gem, a rare one if one is permitted to say and the hero is so enchanting and funny in his nonchalant mischievous way. the villain who was the aunt of the heroine was quite mesmerizing and witty just like her niece ! and this is my favourite line of the book and don't ask me why! ‘You live in a fool's paradise, cousin. There are no lengths to which I would not go for the purpose of frustrating your foul designs. Why, what does the world hold for me that I should cling to it? I am alone, amongst enemies, for such you and my aunt have shown yourselves to be.’
November 21, 2008
I'm a huge Heyer fan but this one took me a bit longer than usual to get into. It starts out a little slow (although I did really enjoy Beauvallet's visit to his family in the first part) but it picks up half-way through and becomes a fun swashbuckling adventure. I think the main problem for me were the leads... they were likable enough but I wasn't in love with them.
I seem to have problems when Heyer heads to Spain for some reason... I've been reading The Spanish Bride forever! Still, Heyer at her worst beats most authors at their best.
I seem to have problems when Heyer heads to Spain for some reason... I've been reading The Spanish Bride forever! Still, Heyer at her worst beats most authors at their best.
Read
August 5, 2010This is not a silver fork novel, more of an adventure in the Geoffrey Farnol tradition, based on real events. I don't think Heyer had the skills to pull it off: her research of facts is impeccable, but she doesn't understand the paradigm, so her characters read as cardboard cutouts.
November 5, 2017
What a fun old-school swash-buckling romance! The hero, Sir Nicholas Beauvallet, is an English seaman who has sailed with Drake and others; he has been knighted by Queen Elizabeth. His older brother is a wealthy Baron. Beauvallet is sailing from the West Indies when he is attacked by a Spanish ship; he defeats them and when he and his men board the Spanish ship, they find a lady, Dona Dominica de Rada y Sylva, and her father, Don Manuel, who is very ill with a fever.
Beauvallet is taken with her immediately. He swears he will deliver her and her father back home to Spain but that he will soon come for her to marry her. She half thinks he's mad, but she can't help falling in love with him, too. Honestly at this point, I think she is merely in love with the romance of it.
The main part of the book tells of Beauvallet's journey into Spain and his adventures to carry Dominica away with him. You must remember this was during the Spanish Inquisition, so the stakes are very high if he is caught. Ms. Heyer keeps the suspense at a high level throughout the second half of the book.
Dominica's character isn't perhaps as well developed as she might be, but Beauvallet is just wonderful. Think of any number of Errol Flynn movies! It would be quite fun to have a modern movie made of this book - someone like Benedict Cumberbatch could carry Beauvallet's part very well.
Two other characters that really stand out are Joshua, Beauvallet's valet, and Doña Beatrice, Dominica's aunt. Joshua brings a needed comic touch into the suspense; he is quite garrulous, by turns complainer and braggart.
If I have one complaint about the book it is that I think Ms. Heyer should have made Doña Beatrice the villainess. As I commented in the GH group, she would have been truly terrifying and efficient; instead, her son, Don Diego, is merely contemptible and inept.
Ms. Heyer's Regencies are well known for their use of period slang. Well, this one is awash with Elizabethan language. If you're not fond of Shakespeare, you probably won't enjoy the language here. As for me, if I'm reading a historical novel, I want it to be historical in more than merely clothing.
I don't think this will be one that I reread often like Frederica or The Unknown Ajax, but I still enjoyed it very much. 4.25 stars.
Beauvallet is taken with her immediately. He swears he will deliver her and her father back home to Spain but that he will soon come for her to marry her. She half thinks he's mad, but she can't help falling in love with him, too. Honestly at this point, I think she is merely in love with the romance of it.
The main part of the book tells of Beauvallet's journey into Spain and his adventures to carry Dominica away with him. You must remember this was during the Spanish Inquisition, so the stakes are very high if he is caught. Ms. Heyer keeps the suspense at a high level throughout the second half of the book.
Dominica's character isn't perhaps as well developed as she might be, but Beauvallet is just wonderful. Think of any number of Errol Flynn movies! It would be quite fun to have a modern movie made of this book - someone like Benedict Cumberbatch could carry Beauvallet's part very well.
Two other characters that really stand out are Joshua, Beauvallet's valet, and Doña Beatrice, Dominica's aunt. Joshua brings a needed comic touch into the suspense; he is quite garrulous, by turns complainer and braggart.
If I have one complaint about the book it is that I think Ms. Heyer should have made Doña Beatrice the villainess. As I commented in the GH group, she would have been truly terrifying and efficient; instead, her son, Don Diego, is merely contemptible and inept.
Ms. Heyer's Regencies are well known for their use of period slang. Well, this one is awash with Elizabethan language. If you're not fond of Shakespeare, you probably won't enjoy the language here. As for me, if I'm reading a historical novel, I want it to be historical in more than merely clothing.
I don't think this will be one that I reread often like Frederica or The Unknown Ajax, but I still enjoyed it very much. 4.25 stars.
May 3, 2025
2.5 stars
Didn't really vibe well with this one. It could be somewhat fun occasionally in a swashbuckling adventure sort of way, but it wasn't very witty, our leading lady was very flat, insta-love abounded, and the anti-Catholic sentiments liberally scattered throughout got real old. (yes, yes, I'm aware of the time period, state of the Church, etc etc. Still, it was mentioned often enough to be bothersome to me)
Didn't really vibe well with this one. It could be somewhat fun occasionally in a swashbuckling adventure sort of way, but it wasn't very witty, our leading lady was very flat, insta-love abounded, and the anti-Catholic sentiments liberally scattered throughout got real old. (yes, yes, I'm aware of the time period, state of the Church, etc etc. Still, it was mentioned often enough to be bothersome to me)
March 16, 2021
It's so mush fun. It reminds me of The Scarlet Pimpernel
October 6, 2024
Not the best I’ve read by Heyer, but full of humor and entertainment 😊
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