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Monique
DESTINY MADE HER A QUEEN - AND PASSION, A REBELLIOUS SLAVE
Breathtaking Monique, love child of a gypsy princess and a French marquis. Stolen at birth by her mother's clan, to be raised in the untamed pride of their forest camps.
Born to rule, she saw her people crushed by the brutal power that terrorized all France - and she vowed to avenge them.
Born to love, she defied every law for Lucien Gastogne, elegant aristocrat of the French Court - notorious bandit and spy.
Even when she was torn from Lucien, taken brutally in marriage by the sinister Comte DeVille, Monique clung to her undying dream. With her lover by her side, she would one day secure her freedom. And then together they would find their destiny in the splendors of a golden passion.
Breathtaking Monique, love child of a gypsy princess and a French marquis. Stolen at birth by her mother's clan, to be raised in the untamed pride of their forest camps.
Born to rule, she saw her people crushed by the brutal power that terrorized all France - and she vowed to avenge them.
Born to love, she defied every law for Lucien Gastogne, elegant aristocrat of the French Court - notorious bandit and spy.
Even when she was torn from Lucien, taken brutally in marriage by the sinister Comte DeVille, Monique clung to her undying dream. With her lover by her side, she would one day secure her freedom. And then together they would find their destiny in the splendors of a golden passion.
543 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1979
127 people want to read
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November 19, 2022
MONIQUE
Hard sheets of rain tore slates from roofs and pressed the limbs of trees against walls. They fell, leaning against the driving rain, staggering toward the road that led upward from the town. Lightning flashed, shattering the gloom, and those who fled crossed themselves as if Satan himself frolicked above—for it seemed the day was cursed.
Above Reauxpaus stood the stone mass of Château Du Bois, shining black against the running sweeps of rain. The storm blurred its towers. The wind tore at the ancient trees along the road that wound upward from the town. The great trees swayed as the full weight of rain-heavy wind took them, made them shake like monsters in the deepening howl of the storm. On the road a trickle of humanity hurried upward for the shelter of the walls of Du Bois, as their ancestors had done for centuries in time of war or amid the outrages of nature.
Yet this time many came with dread, torn between fear of the storm and fear of something else. For it was said by some that in the high tower of the Château a child was being born. A child of a marriage that should never have been. A union perhaps cursed by God, visited by Satan—for the bride of the young Marquis was Romany, a Gypsy! And they saw now that the wrongful marriage at last had brought spawn, and now God could wait no longer to vent His rage.
In great bodice-ripper tradition this book starts out with a bang and does not let up in pace. Un-pc themes abound so beware. I go into triggering elements at the bottom of my review. Taken from her home as a child, Monique grows up among the Roma in France in early 1700s. Her grandmother is her band's phuri dai, and raises Monique with the belief that she is destined to be the next phuri dai.
“We should be in Spain within a month,” Ramon lectured. “And I remind you of a further thing—we are on the seven-year pilgrimage. It is a nearly religious thing and your conduct is not seemly for one who is someday to be phuri dai .”
Monique turned Savoy abruptly, making him rear, hooves pawing the air. Ramon shouted and she laughed.
The magnificent stallion broke into a hard, dust-chased gallop back down the winding road, his black tail and Monique’s golden hair flying.
“Damned Louis’s eyes!” cursed Ramon, wheeling the mare about. “What a one! Hellacious spirit and all!” He spurred in futile pursuit.
Monique's characterization is of a young woman who is unendingly beautiful, yet with a fiery, independent spirit that will not be tamed. While this sounds cliché, Monique comes across as immensely likable in this book. From the beginning the author puts her through tremendous hardship, and her will to survive no matter her circumstances is what comes across as most admirable to me.
Through a series of tragic events she is introduced to her love interest, and eventually, an important family member (remaining vague to be spoiler free).
Her reconnection with important loved ones was emotionally moving - and I think a testament to the times. How many people like her were forced to leave their homes, their loved ones to survive? I truly felt this book caught the spirit of the time period.
Before reaching the halfway point of this book, this story proved itself to be one of the best bodice rippers I've read. By that I mean the heroine is vulnerable, yet fierce. The storyline engaging. Memorable side-characters, in George RR Martin fashion characters you come to love will be killed. Nothing, no one is safe. This left me devastated, yet on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next.
I suppose my main criticism comes down to the villain, de Ville.
He was too evil, too unintentionally hilarious in his badness. I've read more complex and frankly, scarier villains in bodice rippers. He wasn't the worst by any means, but how good the hero was? Compared with how bad de Ville was? This felt rather flat compared to the characterization I've seen in other bodice rippers. This is what made the book 4 stars for me instead of 5.
What thus transpires in this book is coming of age of the heroine, plots of political intrigue, tragedy, including moments of triumph for each character as well as low moments of peril, love, loss, life, and gain.
Trigger Warnings:
Dubcon/rough sex
Graphic violence/murder/rape (not of the heroine)
A pet is killed
Racist depictions of the Roma that are product of the times of this book, but would not pass muster today:
The F word is used in a derogatory manner many times, insulting the characters for seeming "effeminate" and implying they're gay in an insulting manner.
Safety:
HEA: Yes. Though:
Hard sheets of rain tore slates from roofs and pressed the limbs of trees against walls. They fell, leaning against the driving rain, staggering toward the road that led upward from the town. Lightning flashed, shattering the gloom, and those who fled crossed themselves as if Satan himself frolicked above—for it seemed the day was cursed.
Above Reauxpaus stood the stone mass of Château Du Bois, shining black against the running sweeps of rain. The storm blurred its towers. The wind tore at the ancient trees along the road that wound upward from the town. The great trees swayed as the full weight of rain-heavy wind took them, made them shake like monsters in the deepening howl of the storm. On the road a trickle of humanity hurried upward for the shelter of the walls of Du Bois, as their ancestors had done for centuries in time of war or amid the outrages of nature.
Yet this time many came with dread, torn between fear of the storm and fear of something else. For it was said by some that in the high tower of the Château a child was being born. A child of a marriage that should never have been. A union perhaps cursed by God, visited by Satan—for the bride of the young Marquis was Romany, a Gypsy! And they saw now that the wrongful marriage at last had brought spawn, and now God could wait no longer to vent His rage.
In great bodice-ripper tradition this book starts out with a bang and does not let up in pace. Un-pc themes abound so beware. I go into triggering elements at the bottom of my review. Taken from her home as a child, Monique grows up among the Roma in France in early 1700s. Her grandmother is her band's phuri dai, and raises Monique with the belief that she is destined to be the next phuri dai.
“We should be in Spain within a month,” Ramon lectured. “And I remind you of a further thing—we are on the seven-year pilgrimage. It is a nearly religious thing and your conduct is not seemly for one who is someday to be phuri dai .”
Monique turned Savoy abruptly, making him rear, hooves pawing the air. Ramon shouted and she laughed.
The magnificent stallion broke into a hard, dust-chased gallop back down the winding road, his black tail and Monique’s golden hair flying.
“Damned Louis’s eyes!” cursed Ramon, wheeling the mare about. “What a one! Hellacious spirit and all!” He spurred in futile pursuit.
Monique's characterization is of a young woman who is unendingly beautiful, yet with a fiery, independent spirit that will not be tamed. While this sounds cliché, Monique comes across as immensely likable in this book. From the beginning the author puts her through tremendous hardship, and her will to survive no matter her circumstances is what comes across as most admirable to me.
Through a series of tragic events she is introduced to her love interest, and eventually, an important family member (remaining vague to be spoiler free).
Her reconnection with important loved ones was emotionally moving - and I think a testament to the times. How many people like her were forced to leave their homes, their loved ones to survive? I truly felt this book caught the spirit of the time period.
Before reaching the halfway point of this book, this story proved itself to be one of the best bodice rippers I've read. By that I mean the heroine is vulnerable, yet fierce. The storyline engaging. Memorable side-characters, in George RR Martin fashion characters you come to love will be killed. Nothing, no one is safe. This left me devastated, yet on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next.
I suppose my main criticism comes down to the villain, de Ville.
He was too evil, too unintentionally hilarious in his badness. I've read more complex and frankly, scarier villains in bodice rippers. He wasn't the worst by any means, but how good the hero was? Compared with how bad de Ville was? This felt rather flat compared to the characterization I've seen in other bodice rippers. This is what made the book 4 stars for me instead of 5.
What thus transpires in this book is coming of age of the heroine, plots of political intrigue, tragedy, including moments of triumph for each character as well as low moments of peril, love, loss, life, and gain.
Trigger Warnings:
Dubcon/rough sex
Graphic violence/murder/rape (not of the heroine)
A pet is killed
Racist depictions of the Roma that are product of the times of this book, but would not pass muster today:
The F word is used in a derogatory manner many times, insulting the characters for seeming "effeminate" and implying they're gay in an insulting manner.
Safety:
HEA: Yes. Though:
September 6, 2022
Read: 7/1/22
3.7 stars
A very well written, interesting book! It's different from your typical Bodice-ripper.
The story starts out with the beloved wife of a French Marquis dying in childbed. She was a Gypsy princess. In his grief, the begrieved husband leaves the nursery for two days. When he comes back, he discovers his newborn daughter has been stolen by her maternal "Gypsy " grandmother. The poor father spends his life trying to find his daughter.
For 15 years, Monique knows she is the last Gypsy princess. She is important because she carries the birthmark. Her tribe with others are heading to a special place to announce it. On the way there, she runs into some cruel French Dragoons with Hugeunots prisoners. These men have already murdered and raped a different Gypsy tribe. She is saved by the Hugeunot smuggler Lucien. Right away there is a connections between the two but it's not to be. Monique's grandmother can't let her marry outside of the tribe.
The old witch actually uses spells to mature her granddaughter. The witch knows she's dying and she can't train Monique until she marries. If stealing her grandchild wasn't bad enough, she's even willing to have her granddaughter raped so she'll stay with the tribe. All that magic never materializes, cause Monique's heart is with Lucien.
On the way back to France, an evil rich woman buys poison from the grandmother, then later a group of Dragoons murderers all the tribe. Not going to lie..I didn't cry when grandmom bites the dust! 😐 Monique only lives because she was out riding. Her and a friend barely escape but are evidently found in another town. While trying to escape rape, a town guard saves her and then sees her birthmark. He brings her limp body to the father that never gave up hope.
2 years living in seclusion with her father is a happy time for her but Monique can't forget what happen to her tribe. The Marquis decides to take Monique to King Louis XV 8th birthday party. There she meets the two evilest people in France.The cold bitch who bought the poison (de Buise) and grandiose "pious " man (De Ville) who owns the evil Dragoons. Monique vows to destroy them both but she is waaay over her head. WORSE, De Villes wants Monique as his wife because of her half slut blood. Monique is also attracted to a Dandy , who turns out to be Lucien.
Lucien is an interesting character with a fascinating past. He plays one role at court to learn information and the other as a man who smuggles the persecuted out of France. He doesn't have time for the beautiful woman he fell in love with. Love and trust are dangerous commodities!
Monique herself is two people as well. Though she is a Marquis's daughter, she is still a Gypsy as well. She has just the right amount of spirit tampered with caution. Still, she's playing a dangerous game.
The book introduces so many well defined characters. Each serves to enrich the harrowing story. I was truly impressed how well written it was and how many true historical facts were woven into the story.
Warning:
The book gets real dark at the end. ***spoiler alert***** Monique escapes death and rape so many times that I was not expecting it when it happens. In the end, she's forced to marry the sadist or he'll kill her father and Aunt. The details aren't completely revealed but you know some of the horrible things he does to her. Another side character is horrifically tortured. That was traumatizing!
Conclusion: This story has so many great elements for an incredible book. I forgot how the Hugeunots were treated and the book doesn't hold back atleast not to a degree. It could have been worse! This story had so many twist and turns. As long as you can handle the dark elements of the story then it's worth a try. It's definitely not your typical Bodice-ripper but it is memorable. Still, I wish the epilogue was longer!
Sidenote: instead of the word "dandy" as a description the writer used the f slang. This is what they probably called aristocrats who wore wigs, makeup, and heels still my modern brain rebelled at the word. I try to remember it was written in 1979 and I always appreciate politically incorrect books.
3.7 stars
A very well written, interesting book! It's different from your typical Bodice-ripper.
The story starts out with the beloved wife of a French Marquis dying in childbed. She was a Gypsy princess. In his grief, the begrieved husband leaves the nursery for two days. When he comes back, he discovers his newborn daughter has been stolen by her maternal "Gypsy " grandmother. The poor father spends his life trying to find his daughter.
For 15 years, Monique knows she is the last Gypsy princess. She is important because she carries the birthmark. Her tribe with others are heading to a special place to announce it. On the way there, she runs into some cruel French Dragoons with Hugeunots prisoners. These men have already murdered and raped a different Gypsy tribe. She is saved by the Hugeunot smuggler Lucien. Right away there is a connections between the two but it's not to be. Monique's grandmother can't let her marry outside of the tribe.
The old witch actually uses spells to mature her granddaughter. The witch knows she's dying and she can't train Monique until she marries. If stealing her grandchild wasn't bad enough, she's even willing to have her granddaughter raped so she'll stay with the tribe. All that magic never materializes, cause Monique's heart is with Lucien.
On the way back to France, an evil rich woman buys poison from the grandmother, then later a group of Dragoons murderers all the tribe. Not going to lie..I didn't cry when grandmom bites the dust! 😐 Monique only lives because she was out riding. Her and a friend barely escape but are evidently found in another town. While trying to escape rape, a town guard saves her and then sees her birthmark. He brings her limp body to the father that never gave up hope.
2 years living in seclusion with her father is a happy time for her but Monique can't forget what happen to her tribe. The Marquis decides to take Monique to King Louis XV 8th birthday party. There she meets the two evilest people in France.The cold bitch who bought the poison (de Buise) and grandiose "pious " man (De Ville) who owns the evil Dragoons. Monique vows to destroy them both but she is waaay over her head. WORSE, De Villes wants Monique as his wife because of her half slut blood. Monique is also attracted to a Dandy , who turns out to be Lucien.
Lucien is an interesting character with a fascinating past. He plays one role at court to learn information and the other as a man who smuggles the persecuted out of France. He doesn't have time for the beautiful woman he fell in love with. Love and trust are dangerous commodities!
Monique herself is two people as well. Though she is a Marquis's daughter, she is still a Gypsy as well. She has just the right amount of spirit tampered with caution. Still, she's playing a dangerous game.
The book introduces so many well defined characters. Each serves to enrich the harrowing story. I was truly impressed how well written it was and how many true historical facts were woven into the story.
Warning:
The book gets real dark at the end. ***spoiler alert***** Monique escapes death and rape so many times that I was not expecting it when it happens. In the end, she's forced to marry the sadist or he'll kill her father and Aunt. The details aren't completely revealed but you know some of the horrible things he does to her. Another side character is horrifically tortured. That was traumatizing!
Conclusion: This story has so many great elements for an incredible book. I forgot how the Hugeunots were treated and the book doesn't hold back atleast not to a degree. It could have been worse! This story had so many twist and turns. As long as you can handle the dark elements of the story then it's worth a try. It's definitely not your typical Bodice-ripper but it is memorable. Still, I wish the epilogue was longer!
Sidenote: instead of the word "dandy" as a description the writer used the f slang. This is what they probably called aristocrats who wore wigs, makeup, and heels still my modern brain rebelled at the word. I try to remember it was written in 1979 and I always appreciate politically incorrect books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2017
...Well. Nice to meet you, Madelyn Cunningham.
[N.B. This review is officially spoiler-free. You're welcome. ;P]
The author is a mystery that remains unsolved. Was "Madelyn" a man or a woman? Did he/she write under other pseudos? Was this book the result of a carefully sculpted manuscript, or a merrily churned-out product of the bodice-shredding Jove trenches? The world may never know, though I'm leaning toward the former. But whoever the author & whatever the circumstances, one thing is certain:
Monique is Madelyn Cunningham's only offering, & that's a great tragedy to the ripper oeuvre.
Our story opens with a gothicky scene wherein a woman dies in childbirth & her gypsy family steals the surviving daughter from her womb. That daughter is Monique, & she's destined to live the life of a true ripper heroine. Together with her foster-father/bodyguard Ramon, teenage Monique manages to escape the graphic slaughtering of her clan & retreat to the safety of her father's chateau. But Monique's driving desire is for revenge, not contentment. Unable to mesh her heated gypsy nature with the nuanced maneuverings of French aristocracy -- not to mention her tingly feelings for hero Lucien -- Monique follows her father to the corruption-swamped court of child-king Louis XV. It's there she encounters the scummy, pervy Comte De Ville, whom she's forced to marry by circumstances beyond her control (<--not a spoiler, as it's in the book blurb :P). As to the outcome of Monique's unholy union, I'll say only that De Ville is a sadistic shit & you'll feel nothing but satisfaction in the bloody finale.
Truly, there's a lot going on in this novel.
The OTT violence is a strong presence & keeps the plot whirling at a rapid pace. But Monique's journey was believable in its way, & the historical backdrop was vivid. Set in early 1700s France, the conflicts revolve around the Bourbon dynasty's Huguenot purging, particularly in the southern areas. Lucien & Monique have both been scarred by the violence inherent with Huguenot persecution, & their desire for revenge is equal to their desire for each other.
Also interesting is Monique's gypsy upbringing & the way it shadows her life. She receives harsh treatment from her grandmother & resents the all-consuming symbiosis between matriarch & clan -- yet she carries the guilt of what could have been, & Ramon's loyalty is both a comfort & a constant reminder of her dual heritage. She is a true phuri dai, albeit untrained, & she feels the weight of a lifestyle that no longer exists as she unconsciously gathers a new clan to fill that hole. Her matriarch-oriented mentality forces her into dreadful circumstances where she must bend without breaking -- until the night where she does nearly break & is faced with the human weakness that's so easily perverted by asswipes like De Ville.
I liked her spirit. And her lack of shrill foot-stomping. :D
On a more technical note, I'd like to mention the lack of Big Misunderstandings. THANK YOU. It was so nice that the characters weren't forced into brain-numbing stupidity. There were several instances where the Big Mis lurked behind the hedge, just waiting for a chance to leap out & strangle my fun -- but it never happened. Shocking!
So....there it is. Monique. Definitely not a book for everybody (see below), but an excellent read nonetheless.
- Squick List -
-extreme violence & bloodspray
-beheadings, eye gouging, & guts spilling
-horse shooting
-repeated rape attempts
-repeated marital rape/forced marriage
-bizarre gypsy herbal magic
-aphrodisiac oil
-secondary character abuse
-crass and/or un-PC language
-public sex at aristocratic birthday parties (ooh la la...)
-bad guys doing bad things
-H/h multiple long separations
-H/h forced seduction/rough sex
-very young heroine (15-21 years old)
Yeah. It's just THAT awesome. :D
[N.B. This review is officially spoiler-free. You're welcome. ;P]
The author is a mystery that remains unsolved. Was "Madelyn" a man or a woman? Did he/she write under other pseudos? Was this book the result of a carefully sculpted manuscript, or a merrily churned-out product of the bodice-shredding Jove trenches? The world may never know, though I'm leaning toward the former. But whoever the author & whatever the circumstances, one thing is certain:
Monique is Madelyn Cunningham's only offering, & that's a great tragedy to the ripper oeuvre.
Our story opens with a gothicky scene wherein a woman dies in childbirth & her gypsy family steals the surviving daughter from her womb. That daughter is Monique, & she's destined to live the life of a true ripper heroine. Together with her foster-father/bodyguard Ramon, teenage Monique manages to escape the graphic slaughtering of her clan & retreat to the safety of her father's chateau. But Monique's driving desire is for revenge, not contentment. Unable to mesh her heated gypsy nature with the nuanced maneuverings of French aristocracy -- not to mention her tingly feelings for hero Lucien -- Monique follows her father to the corruption-swamped court of child-king Louis XV. It's there she encounters the scummy, pervy Comte De Ville, whom she's forced to marry by circumstances beyond her control (<--not a spoiler, as it's in the book blurb :P). As to the outcome of Monique's unholy union, I'll say only that De Ville is a sadistic shit & you'll feel nothing but satisfaction in the bloody finale.
Truly, there's a lot going on in this novel.
The OTT violence is a strong presence & keeps the plot whirling at a rapid pace. But Monique's journey was believable in its way, & the historical backdrop was vivid. Set in early 1700s France, the conflicts revolve around the Bourbon dynasty's Huguenot purging, particularly in the southern areas. Lucien & Monique have both been scarred by the violence inherent with Huguenot persecution, & their desire for revenge is equal to their desire for each other.
Also interesting is Monique's gypsy upbringing & the way it shadows her life. She receives harsh treatment from her grandmother & resents the all-consuming symbiosis between matriarch & clan -- yet she carries the guilt of what could have been, & Ramon's loyalty is both a comfort & a constant reminder of her dual heritage. She is a true phuri dai, albeit untrained, & she feels the weight of a lifestyle that no longer exists as she unconsciously gathers a new clan to fill that hole. Her matriarch-oriented mentality forces her into dreadful circumstances where she must bend without breaking -- until the night where she does nearly break & is faced with the human weakness that's so easily perverted by asswipes like De Ville.
I liked her spirit. And her lack of shrill foot-stomping. :D
On a more technical note, I'd like to mention the lack of Big Misunderstandings. THANK YOU. It was so nice that the characters weren't forced into brain-numbing stupidity. There were several instances where the Big Mis lurked behind the hedge, just waiting for a chance to leap out & strangle my fun -- but it never happened. Shocking!
So....there it is. Monique. Definitely not a book for everybody (see below), but an excellent read nonetheless.
- Squick List -
-extreme violence & bloodspray
-beheadings, eye gouging, & guts spilling
-horse shooting
-repeated rape attempts
-repeated marital rape/forced marriage
-bizarre gypsy herbal magic
-aphrodisiac oil
-secondary character abuse
-crass and/or un-PC language
-public sex at aristocratic birthday parties (ooh la la...)
-bad guys doing bad things
-H/h multiple long separations
-H/h forced seduction/rough sex
-very young heroine (15-21 years old)
Yeah. It's just THAT awesome. :D
June 28, 2016
This is a very simple story told in such an elaborate manner that the storytelling itself is what truly radiated most to me. You may have heard the same theme and BR setup a thousand times, but so few are as detailed(not excessive purple prose monsterness) and captivating. Flames definitely dim and stoke to crescendos under its telling. So few hand delivered the gypsies' nomadic life to reader, in not just glimpses - but a God's eye-view. The heart of gypsy myth & lore ran vibrantly through the story, even if at times somewhat murky. There's groundwork here and a defiance for costume historical roles.
Cunningham conveyed these wandering mythos sympathetically more often than not, but even during less-than-acceptable phases I STILL commiserated with them, despite the lapse of judgment on some of their stunts. You understood these characters and their desperation, although pity wasn't actually banging on your skull for you to FEELZ PLEASE and overwhelm your bias. Their customs and beliefs extended further than palmistry and hoop earrings. (You cannot ever imagine how thankful I am and what a relief that was for me!)
The heroine, Monique, despite her beauty and perfectionism as far as aesthetics go, her gut-plated veneer cast out any erosive Mary Sue-isque vibes and redefined her as a rare breed of heroine whose wild-ass rough-shod over lessers (because lessers are gonna be lesser) to pursue her unimagined dreams. She's a speed-demon on horseback; bending and shifting to the harsh topography of her exotic life; carving the gizzards out of greasy mongrels who'd make a decision for her; to break her, or occupy her like Netflix and Chill suavecito(translated: Use you like a blow-up doll). She's her own master. Only she can break herself!
So, what convenience and bouts of melodrama I encountered, it truly felt as though it was its own unique vein, compared to the point-and-click road-map of predictability I'm so often beaten down with. The court of Louis XIV never tasted so jaded, blunted and teeming with bored sophistication, dulled out with a flow of over-indulged & delighted addiction and disease easily rendered by public lust. These hollow eyed, toothless creatures yawned through the story to consume and tarnish everything within sight; even our heroine was not spared, and held in the clutches of the Comte DeVille who breathed a personally distilled self-righteousness that condemned professed evils at whim. The sort of creature whose lust for imagined lewdness or depravity, a mere figment unto himself which would bring about sermons of abstinence, but who you'd find with a black ghost bobbing under those stately priest robes. The nastiest son of a bitch imaginable; who'd sleeve the Bible for the Lord's "Good and Pure" work and then wipe his wanker down with a nun's crocheted bookmaker. Yep. He's that fucking grotesque.
There are no idyllic PC landmines littering these pages, I assure you that, but what an unapologetically ruthless lit'l masterpiece unto itself.
Cunningham conveyed these wandering mythos sympathetically more often than not, but even during less-than-acceptable phases I STILL commiserated with them, despite the lapse of judgment on some of their stunts. You understood these characters and their desperation, although pity wasn't actually banging on your skull for you to FEELZ PLEASE and overwhelm your bias. Their customs and beliefs extended further than palmistry and hoop earrings. (You cannot ever imagine how thankful I am and what a relief that was for me!)
The heroine, Monique, despite her beauty and perfectionism as far as aesthetics go, her gut-plated veneer cast out any erosive Mary Sue-isque vibes and redefined her as a rare breed of heroine whose wild-ass rough-shod over lessers (because lessers are gonna be lesser) to pursue her unimagined dreams. She's a speed-demon on horseback; bending and shifting to the harsh topography of her exotic life; carving the gizzards out of greasy mongrels who'd make a decision for her; to break her, or occupy her like Netflix and Chill suavecito(translated: Use you like a blow-up doll). She's her own master. Only she can break herself!
So, what convenience and bouts of melodrama I encountered, it truly felt as though it was its own unique vein, compared to the point-and-click road-map of predictability I'm so often beaten down with. The court of Louis XIV never tasted so jaded, blunted and teeming with bored sophistication, dulled out with a flow of over-indulged & delighted addiction and disease easily rendered by public lust. These hollow eyed, toothless creatures yawned through the story to consume and tarnish everything within sight; even our heroine was not spared, and held in the clutches of the Comte DeVille who breathed a personally distilled self-righteousness that condemned professed evils at whim. The sort of creature whose lust for imagined lewdness or depravity, a mere figment unto himself which would bring about sermons of abstinence, but who you'd find with a black ghost bobbing under those stately priest robes. The nastiest son of a bitch imaginable; who'd sleeve the Bible for the Lord's "Good and Pure" work and then wipe his wanker down with a nun's crocheted bookmaker. Yep. He's that fucking grotesque.
There are no idyllic PC landmines littering these pages, I assure you that, but what an unapologetically ruthless lit'l masterpiece unto itself.
May 29, 2015
After 20 years I still remember this book and wish that I still had my copy. My best friend and I spent hours reading this book together and talking about it. It's the ultimate over-the-top 80's historical romance.
September 13, 2025
This was quite a tale of action, adventure, intrigue, romance and history all rolled into one, with emphasis on history and intrigue, action/adventure running a close second and romance taking a back seat, so if you're looking for a typical HR you'll be disappointed. The H and h don't spend all that much time together, and when they are together it's usually in the midst of other people, so all the usual verbal sparring, game-playing and lovemaking is kept to a minimum. This is somewhat made up for by the scenes when they are together being very intense.
The first part of the story is about Monique DuBois's life with her gypsy family (she was taken from her French father by her gypsy grandmother after her mother died giving birth to her) and her love of being free to ride her wild horse, Savoy, enjoy the gypsy way of life and the beauty of nature, only to have it all destroyed in a terrible act of violence, which stems from the court of Louis XIV, full of plots, back stabbings and decadence. Monique's grandmother had sold herbal poison to Madame du Maine, to be used as part of her plan to grasp political power (I won't reveal all the details) and she didn't want to chance being identified. With the help of dragoons, who have no more qualms about killing gypsies than they do Huguenots, her problem was solved.
(Before this tragedy, she has a memorable encounter with Lucien Gastogne, one her grandmother wishes her to forget, as she tries to push her toward one of the gypsy men. Monique cleverly escapes marriage, when it's declared there's to be a horserace in which eligible suitors will compete and the winner will be her husband, by entering the race herself in disguise and winning!)
The next part of the story sees Monique reunited with her father and being trained as a proper mademoiselle, though her gypsy nature rebels, with another powerful horse, Cinnabar, to replace Savoy. She's soon introduced to French court society, and all the corruption and decadence that goes with it but keeps her distance from it all.
She's also reunited with Lucien, though he's in disguise as the foppish Pernotte (think of "The Scarlet Pimpernel" and you'll get the idea), and their lives are entwined from that time on.
Lucien pretends to be a court dandy with a "Ganymede" appearance (a.k.a. gay) in order to get information on court intrigue, for the purpose of protecting the child King Louis XV and the regent, Philippe II, Duke of Orleans. He also helps to smuggle persecuted Huguenots out of the country.
Both Monique and Lucien have suffered terribly (he was orphaned at age 8 when his family was murdered by dragoons because of his father's Huguenot beliefs). There are so many emotions in the scenes where they first confront their true feelings. It starts at court, when Monique sees Lucien and Madame du Maine together and realizes they're lovers (reluctant on his part, as the only means of getting info on her plans) and retaliates by letting the Comte deVille (an ardent suitor, who has not yet revealed just how evil he is, though she suspects he was involved in the gypsy slaughter) talk her into doing a sensual gypsy dance, that excites the men and enrages Lucien. He drags her away to her room, they argue, he slaps her, and they make passionate love (tempered with some gentleness, as Monique's a virgin). Afterward, Lucien tells her everything he went through as a child, and she holds him close, telling him it's okay to cry. Then, after she tells of her gypsy family's slaughter, he does the same for her. Next thing you know, he abruptly leaves, stating he must continue with his court facade, but she tells him to stay out of Madame's bed from now on. So much emotion in so little time!
Later in the story after Monique has gone through a horrible ordeal (thinking Lucien dead, she was forced to make a sacrifice to save the lives of her father and Aunt Perle, whom she lived with in Paris) and Lucien returns to attempt a rescue, when he sees how she's suffered, much as he wants to make love to her, he just holds her, rocks her in his arms, and tells her how much he loves her, as they both find themselves crying. If anyone reading that scene doesn't feel like crying too, then they have a rock where a heart should be.
The book also gives plenty of detail about the history of the times (1716 to 1721), including the Mississippi stock fraud, which had people losing their fortunes investing in land shares, resulting in riots, suicides, debtors prison and one big mess. There's also plenty of description of Paris streets, neighborhoods, architecture, the whole atmosphere of the times. It was all well written, gives you the feeling of being there, and very impressive.
I would have rated it higher, were it not for several scenes of violence that I thought were way too graphic (I skipped over those, or I might have thrown up) and also, I thought the ordeal Monique went through went on far too long. I had thought the story would go a different way, as she wanted badly to get revenge on Madame du Maine and the Comte du Ville, and thought being at court would have enabled that, but having it backfire made more sense, as how could a young woman accomplish anything so dramatic on her own. Both Monique and the author realized how way over the top that would have been. However, that doesn't mean revenge isn't achieved, one way or another, and with some help.
I guess I've said enough. This is a book worth reading, and I'm surprised the author apparently didn't write any others.
The first part of the story is about Monique DuBois's life with her gypsy family (she was taken from her French father by her gypsy grandmother after her mother died giving birth to her) and her love of being free to ride her wild horse, Savoy, enjoy the gypsy way of life and the beauty of nature, only to have it all destroyed in a terrible act of violence, which stems from the court of Louis XIV, full of plots, back stabbings and decadence. Monique's grandmother had sold herbal poison to Madame du Maine, to be used as part of her plan to grasp political power (I won't reveal all the details) and she didn't want to chance being identified. With the help of dragoons, who have no more qualms about killing gypsies than they do Huguenots, her problem was solved.
(Before this tragedy, she has a memorable encounter with Lucien Gastogne, one her grandmother wishes her to forget, as she tries to push her toward one of the gypsy men. Monique cleverly escapes marriage, when it's declared there's to be a horserace in which eligible suitors will compete and the winner will be her husband, by entering the race herself in disguise and winning!)
The next part of the story sees Monique reunited with her father and being trained as a proper mademoiselle, though her gypsy nature rebels, with another powerful horse, Cinnabar, to replace Savoy. She's soon introduced to French court society, and all the corruption and decadence that goes with it but keeps her distance from it all.
She's also reunited with Lucien, though he's in disguise as the foppish Pernotte (think of "The Scarlet Pimpernel" and you'll get the idea), and their lives are entwined from that time on.
Lucien pretends to be a court dandy with a "Ganymede" appearance (a.k.a. gay) in order to get information on court intrigue, for the purpose of protecting the child King Louis XV and the regent, Philippe II, Duke of Orleans. He also helps to smuggle persecuted Huguenots out of the country.
Both Monique and Lucien have suffered terribly (he was orphaned at age 8 when his family was murdered by dragoons because of his father's Huguenot beliefs). There are so many emotions in the scenes where they first confront their true feelings. It starts at court, when Monique sees Lucien and Madame du Maine together and realizes they're lovers (reluctant on his part, as the only means of getting info on her plans) and retaliates by letting the Comte deVille (an ardent suitor, who has not yet revealed just how evil he is, though she suspects he was involved in the gypsy slaughter) talk her into doing a sensual gypsy dance, that excites the men and enrages Lucien. He drags her away to her room, they argue, he slaps her, and they make passionate love (tempered with some gentleness, as Monique's a virgin). Afterward, Lucien tells her everything he went through as a child, and she holds him close, telling him it's okay to cry. Then, after she tells of her gypsy family's slaughter, he does the same for her. Next thing you know, he abruptly leaves, stating he must continue with his court facade, but she tells him to stay out of Madame's bed from now on. So much emotion in so little time!
Later in the story after Monique has gone through a horrible ordeal (thinking Lucien dead, she was forced to make a sacrifice to save the lives of her father and Aunt Perle, whom she lived with in Paris) and Lucien returns to attempt a rescue, when he sees how she's suffered, much as he wants to make love to her, he just holds her, rocks her in his arms, and tells her how much he loves her, as they both find themselves crying. If anyone reading that scene doesn't feel like crying too, then they have a rock where a heart should be.
The book also gives plenty of detail about the history of the times (1716 to 1721), including the Mississippi stock fraud, which had people losing their fortunes investing in land shares, resulting in riots, suicides, debtors prison and one big mess. There's also plenty of description of Paris streets, neighborhoods, architecture, the whole atmosphere of the times. It was all well written, gives you the feeling of being there, and very impressive.
I would have rated it higher, were it not for several scenes of violence that I thought were way too graphic (I skipped over those, or I might have thrown up) and also, I thought the ordeal Monique went through went on far too long. I had thought the story would go a different way, as she wanted badly to get revenge on Madame du Maine and the Comte du Ville, and thought being at court would have enabled that, but having it backfire made more sense, as how could a young woman accomplish anything so dramatic on her own. Both Monique and the author realized how way over the top that would have been. However, that doesn't mean revenge isn't achieved, one way or another, and with some help.
I guess I've said enough. This is a book worth reading, and I'm surprised the author apparently didn't write any others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2021
Sweeping epic that takes place during France's Ancien Régime. The author puts the H/h in a conflict between Gypsy culture and the French government, executed by an abusive nobility that has absolute authority over all within its territories.
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