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Orphan #1
Prisoner
Filled with charm and humor, The Prisoner is Karyn Monk's passionate new romance of a proud Scottish nobleman, an unconventional beauty, and a love that defies allodds. He was a fugitive from justice... Once a powerful laird, now a convicted murderer, Haydon Kent, Marquess of Redmond, had no hope of eluding the hangman's noose- until a mysterious beauty appeared in the dark shadows of his cell. Escaping in the dead of night, he sought only to reclaim his life and prove his innocence. Instead he finds himselfimprisoned once again - by an exquisite woman with red-gold hair who soothes his fevered body and tormented soul ... and stirs in him a passion unlike any he has ever known. ...untilshe imprisoned his heart. An outcast from society, Genevieve MacPhail has devoted her life to rescuing wayward urchins from the brutalities of a corrupt prison system. Harboring an infamousescaped murderer will only imperil the beloved children who have become the center of her world. But she doesn't believe the disarmingly handsome nobleman is a cold-blooded killer - even if he does harbor apainful secret. Determined to solve the mystery of who was trying to kill him, Genevieve will assume the role of Haydon's wife, only to find herself succumbing to a dangerous desire that could destroythem both. "From the Paperback edition."
Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 4, 2018
3’5 Estrellas. Admito que lo he disfrutado bastante mientras lo he estado leyendo, es un libro en cierto modo bonito y agradable, pero no memorable. No es lo primero que leo de Karyn Monk, la conocí en su serie de Highlanders, que me gustó mucho, sobre todo los primeros libros.
En este caso, le he dado la oportunidad a ésta segunda serie que publicó, la de los Huérfanos, y que ocurre en la Inglaterra victoriana. En concreto, “El Prisionero” ocurre en Inveraray, en Escocia, de modo que nos alejamos del clima londinense de los grandes salones y sus barrios bajos.
Cuando empieza el libro, tenemos a Haydon, el protagonista y marqués de Redmond, prisionero en la cárcel de Inveraray, acusado de asesinato y a pocas horas de que lo ahorquen. Su compañero de celda es un muchacho de la calle condenado por robo; pero el destino de ambos cambia con la presencia de un ángel salvador.
Genevieve, nuestra protagonista, es una joven solterona con una buena educación, y mejor corazón que muchos de sus congéneres. Era la única hija de un vizconde, pero tras al fallecimiento de este, se quedó en la miseria tras llevarse su madrastra todos los fondos, y romper su prometido su compromiso. Y es que la decisión de Genevieve le costó su estatus: llevó a casa al bebé bastardo de una doncella, nacido en la cárcel, y en realidad éste bebé, era hijo de su padre. Su decisión de cuidarlo y criarlo le cerró las puertas a la hipócrita y estricta sociedad victoriana. Pero este no fue el único acto de puro amor desinteresado de Geneviene, también salvó a tres ancianos de la cárcel, que ahora trabajan para ella, pese a sus exiguas ganancias, y tiene a su cuidado a cinco niños, pilluelos criados en la calle y que acabaron en la cárcel por robo. Esta es la excéntrica familia de Genevieve, y pese a las estrecheces, son felices así.
La noche que empieza el libro, Genevieve acude de nuevo a la cárcel para sacar a Jack, el compañero de celda de nuestro protagonista, pero un desliz del bribón, provoca que Haydon pueda escapar y posteriormente, herido y enfermo, acuda a casa de Genevieve en busca de auxilio. Para añadirle más problemas a Genevieve, ahora se ve con un hombre desastrado y acusado de asesinato en su casa, no debería confiar en él, y además se metería en un buen lío si las autoridades lo descubrieran bajo su techo, pero Genevieve no puede abandonarle, no cuando mira todo lo que ha hecho por su servicio y sus niños.
De esta manera es como empieza el libro, si bien lo he disfrutado un montón mientras lo he leído, admito que no es un gran romance. Si algo se le puede criticar a esta autora es no darle demasiada redundancia al romance, tarda bastante en aparecer, y no es demasiado predominante. Es una autora que crea buenos personajes, pero casi da tanta importancia a los secundarios, como a sus protagonistas. En concreto en “El Prisionero” así ha sido, me han gustado sus protagonistas, pero también me han encantado los ancianos que hacen de sus criados y la caterva de críos, tan dispares y adorables.
En conjunto, la historia tratará los problemas económicos de la casa de Genevieve y cómo pueden salir adelante y conseguir dinero, en esto los críos aportarán su granito de arena de la manera más chapucera, mientras que las autoridades no puedan descubrir que el prisionero fugado de la cárcel está en su casa. Haydon tiene un problema, porque sabe que alguien lo traicionó y provocó la pelea en la que acabó matando a un hombre y por ello en la cárcel, pero Haydon tiene algo que hacer, y es intentar limpiar su nombre, descubrir quien lo traicionó y volver a sus tierras.
Así que esto es más o menos lo que puedo contar sobre el libro sin spoilear gran cosa. Como conclusión, es un libro agradable y se disfruta mientras lo lees, pero no es una gran joya. Aún así, seguiré leyendo el resto de la serie, pues sus protagonistas serán algunos de los niños delincuentes adoptados por Geneviene, cuando han pasado unos cuántos años, claro.
En este caso, le he dado la oportunidad a ésta segunda serie que publicó, la de los Huérfanos, y que ocurre en la Inglaterra victoriana. En concreto, “El Prisionero” ocurre en Inveraray, en Escocia, de modo que nos alejamos del clima londinense de los grandes salones y sus barrios bajos.
Cuando empieza el libro, tenemos a Haydon, el protagonista y marqués de Redmond, prisionero en la cárcel de Inveraray, acusado de asesinato y a pocas horas de que lo ahorquen. Su compañero de celda es un muchacho de la calle condenado por robo; pero el destino de ambos cambia con la presencia de un ángel salvador.
Genevieve, nuestra protagonista, es una joven solterona con una buena educación, y mejor corazón que muchos de sus congéneres. Era la única hija de un vizconde, pero tras al fallecimiento de este, se quedó en la miseria tras llevarse su madrastra todos los fondos, y romper su prometido su compromiso. Y es que la decisión de Genevieve le costó su estatus: llevó a casa al bebé bastardo de una doncella, nacido en la cárcel, y en realidad éste bebé, era hijo de su padre. Su decisión de cuidarlo y criarlo le cerró las puertas a la hipócrita y estricta sociedad victoriana. Pero este no fue el único acto de puro amor desinteresado de Geneviene, también salvó a tres ancianos de la cárcel, que ahora trabajan para ella, pese a sus exiguas ganancias, y tiene a su cuidado a cinco niños, pilluelos criados en la calle y que acabaron en la cárcel por robo. Esta es la excéntrica familia de Genevieve, y pese a las estrecheces, son felices así.
La noche que empieza el libro, Genevieve acude de nuevo a la cárcel para sacar a Jack, el compañero de celda de nuestro protagonista, pero un desliz del bribón, provoca que Haydon pueda escapar y posteriormente, herido y enfermo, acuda a casa de Genevieve en busca de auxilio. Para añadirle más problemas a Genevieve, ahora se ve con un hombre desastrado y acusado de asesinato en su casa, no debería confiar en él, y además se metería en un buen lío si las autoridades lo descubrieran bajo su techo, pero Genevieve no puede abandonarle, no cuando mira todo lo que ha hecho por su servicio y sus niños.
De esta manera es como empieza el libro, si bien lo he disfrutado un montón mientras lo he leído, admito que no es un gran romance. Si algo se le puede criticar a esta autora es no darle demasiada redundancia al romance, tarda bastante en aparecer, y no es demasiado predominante. Es una autora que crea buenos personajes, pero casi da tanta importancia a los secundarios, como a sus protagonistas. En concreto en “El Prisionero” así ha sido, me han gustado sus protagonistas, pero también me han encantado los ancianos que hacen de sus criados y la caterva de críos, tan dispares y adorables.
En conjunto, la historia tratará los problemas económicos de la casa de Genevieve y cómo pueden salir adelante y conseguir dinero, en esto los críos aportarán su granito de arena de la manera más chapucera, mientras que las autoridades no puedan descubrir que el prisionero fugado de la cárcel está en su casa. Haydon tiene un problema, porque sabe que alguien lo traicionó y provocó la pelea en la que acabó matando a un hombre y por ello en la cárcel, pero Haydon tiene algo que hacer, y es intentar limpiar su nombre, descubrir quien lo traicionó y volver a sus tierras.
Así que esto es más o menos lo que puedo contar sobre el libro sin spoilear gran cosa. Como conclusión, es un libro agradable y se disfruta mientras lo lees, pero no es una gran joya. Aún así, seguiré leyendo el resto de la serie, pues sus protagonistas serán algunos de los niños delincuentes adoptados por Geneviene, cuando han pasado unos cuántos años, claro.
March 15, 2018
Una dama que se dedica a sacar niños de la cárcel y reformar delincuentes pero con problemas financieros. Un Marqués a punto de ser colgado por homicidio. Juntos para resolver sus problemas, Entretenida, varias escenas hot. Tirando a 4 estrellas
January 10, 2008
The Prisoner - VG+
Monk, Karyn
Once a powerful laird, now a convicted murderer, Haydon Kent, Marquess of Redmond, had no hope of eluding the hangman's noose — until a mysterious beauty appeared in the dark shadows of his cell.
Escaping in the dead of night, he sought only to reclaim his life and prove his innocence. Instead he finds himself imprisoned once again — by an exquisite woman with red-gold hair who soothes his fevered body and tormented soul ... and stirs in him a passion unlike any he has ever known.
An outcast from society, Genevieve MacPhail has devoted her life to rescuing wayward urchins from the brutalities of a corrupt prison system. Harboring an infamous escaped murderer will only imperil the beloved children who have become the center of her world. But she doesn't believe the disarmingly handsome nobleman is a cold-blooded killer — even if he does harbor a painful secret.
Determined to solve the mystery of who was trying to kill him, Genevieve will assume the role of Haydon's wife, only to find herself succumbing to a dangerous desire that could destroy them both.
Very well done.
Monk, Karyn
Once a powerful laird, now a convicted murderer, Haydon Kent, Marquess of Redmond, had no hope of eluding the hangman's noose — until a mysterious beauty appeared in the dark shadows of his cell.
Escaping in the dead of night, he sought only to reclaim his life and prove his innocence. Instead he finds himself imprisoned once again — by an exquisite woman with red-gold hair who soothes his fevered body and tormented soul ... and stirs in him a passion unlike any he has ever known.
An outcast from society, Genevieve MacPhail has devoted her life to rescuing wayward urchins from the brutalities of a corrupt prison system. Harboring an infamous escaped murderer will only imperil the beloved children who have become the center of her world. But she doesn't believe the disarmingly handsome nobleman is a cold-blooded killer — even if he does harbor a painful secret.
Determined to solve the mystery of who was trying to kill him, Genevieve will assume the role of Haydon's wife, only to find herself succumbing to a dangerous desire that could destroy them both.
Very well done.
January 9, 2016
This was, in a word, phenomenal. Fantastic themes, fabulous writing, great characterization. If I had any complaint it's that character monologues longer than a few lines tend a bit too much toward soliloquy-ish.
This is the first Karyn Monk I've read, but it most definitely won't be the last.
Although the cover is terrible. And the back copy is pretty bad, too.
#2 in my read-through-the-bookshelf challenge.
This is the first Karyn Monk I've read, but it most definitely won't be the last.
Although the cover is terrible. And the back copy is pretty bad, too.
#2 in my read-through-the-bookshelf challenge.
August 30, 2025
The first in the Orphan series by Karyn Monk. Lord Haydon Redmond is in prison waiting to hang for a murder he didn't commit. He manages to escape and goes to the home of Genevieve MacPhail. Genevieve is a woman who rescues the children from the prison.
Overall, I did like it. It moved nicely and kept me drawn into the story. I will seek more by this author.
Overall, I did like it. It moved nicely and kept me drawn into the story. I will seek more by this author.
May 10, 2020
(Explícito). Es una historia que considero que te atrapa desde el principio. Los personajes están bien, creo que no hay ningún personaje vivo que puedes llegar a detestar, aunque sí que son molestos pero hay que recordar que es la época victoriana y el mundo estaba regido por quién eras en la sociedad (tu posición económica, política, social, etc.). No hay mucho romance entre Haydon y Genevieve, sucedió poco a poco pero se dejó ya casi al final. En lo referente a que Haydon iba a investigar quien había enviado a esos matones tras el nunca sucedió; no investigó nada y si no lo hubieran descubierto en Glasgow creo que se hubiera quedado cómodamente con Genevieve pero los problemas los encontraron. Después de algunos capítulos no fue más un misterio porque la escritora te pone la narración y con todo y nombres y motivos de quien es el responsable, solo era misterio para Haydon y la familia de Genevieve. Hubo algunas escenas y situaciones que solo me parecieron ridículas y absurdas. Hubo momentos en los que sentía que Genevieve se interesaba de una manera obsesiva de ayudar a los demás y perdonarlos por sus errores al instante. Fue agradable que Haydon encontrara una manera de ayudar a la familia de Genevieve con sus problemas financieros, solo que me resultó obvio desde que se supo que Genevieve sabía pintar; se la aso diciendo al principio que sus obras eran un desastre y que no abría nadie que las quisiera comprar, se equivocó pero fue una excelente idea utilizar un nombre falso para venderlas. Fue muy noble lo que hizo hacer Jack para ayudar a la familia pero obviamente iba a salir mal. .... Historia narrada en tercera persona y ofrece diferentes puntos de vista de los personajes.
February 6, 2025
3.5 🌟
I always enjoy a book that starts with the hero at death's door ( e.g. My One and Only Duke & The Bargain).
Hayden, the Marquess of Redmond is in a bad way. He was attacked by a group of unknown assailants leaving him badly beaten and charged and convicted of the murder of one of the men. Now he's in a nasty prison cell, burning with fever, awaiting his hanging scheduled for the following day.
Miss Genevieve MacPhail is a 28 year old spinster who is determined to help the orphaned child prisoners who are often maltreated in adult prisons and then sent to terrible situations in dreadful reformatory institutions. She is the head of a rag-tag found family of ex-cons and 6 children she has saved from prison by sponsoring them in her home.
She meets Haydon when she goes to rescue Jack, a 14 year old thief who has been placed in the same cell. When Jack helps Haydon escape, he finds himself drawn into Genevieve's household and in order to stay hidden from the authorities ends up masquerading as Genevieve's fictional new husband Mr Blake.
This book started perfectly and the storyline was fun but the romance was sort of rushed and it felt like something was missing in the middle to really sell that their feelings for one another were more than insta-love. The third act was short and the whole story was wrapped up a little too neatly with the villain's self-destruction.
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
I always enjoy a book that starts with the hero at death's door ( e.g. My One and Only Duke & The Bargain).
Hayden, the Marquess of Redmond is in a bad way. He was attacked by a group of unknown assailants leaving him badly beaten and charged and convicted of the murder of one of the men. Now he's in a nasty prison cell, burning with fever, awaiting his hanging scheduled for the following day.
Miss Genevieve MacPhail is a 28 year old spinster who is determined to help the orphaned child prisoners who are often maltreated in adult prisons and then sent to terrible situations in dreadful reformatory institutions. She is the head of a rag-tag found family of ex-cons and 6 children she has saved from prison by sponsoring them in her home.
She meets Haydon when she goes to rescue Jack, a 14 year old thief who has been placed in the same cell. When Jack helps Haydon escape, he finds himself drawn into Genevieve's household and in order to stay hidden from the authorities ends up masquerading as Genevieve's fictional new husband Mr Blake.
This book started perfectly and the storyline was fun but the romance was sort of rushed and it felt like something was missing in the middle to really sell that their feelings for one another were more than insta-love. The third act was short and the whole story was wrapped up a little too neatly with the villain's self-destruction.
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
September 19, 2019
Haydon Kent is Marquess of Redmond, but is a convicted murderer waiting in Inveraray Jail for his hanging the next morning. His jail mat Jack is a 14-year-old pickpocket who the warden tries to beat until Haydon pulls him off. Jack is then rescued by Genevieve MacPhail who has taken 4 other children out of the jail to raise and rescue. Before Jack leaves, he unlocks the cell and Haydon escapes. He follows Jack to Genevieve's house where they hide him. Through a series of adventures and misadventures, the family of misfits band together and the truth is revealed - including Haydon and Genevieve's love for each other.
A couple of bedroom scenes.
A couple of bedroom scenes.
September 27, 2019
Entretenido!
Me gustaron mucho los personajes y la trama.
La protagonista desde el principio me encanto y el protagonista también.
Me gustaron mucho los personajes y la trama.
La protagonista desde el principio me encanto y el protagonista también.
April 14, 2024
they can find me and make me a part of their found family or whatever idk cute
June 29, 2014
Haydon Kent, Marquess of Redmond, languishes in prison accused of murder and sentenced to hang. He is rescued by a street urchin whom he saved from a severe beating and is hidden in the house of Genevieve MacPhail. Genevieve is a gentlewoman who saves children from imprisonment and raises them in her modest household. Haydon doesn’t want to endanger her with his presence, but once he heals from his injuries, he is loath to leave. He’s become fond of the children and their benefactress, and wants to set aside his former profligate ways to help them. This historical romance has emotional depth and sympathetic characters, although I would have liked the hero to be more proactive in finding out who set out to kill him and then framed him for murder. Genevieve is the protector in this story. With his background as a drunken lothario and his passivity about his plight, Haydon doesn’t come across as very heroic until the final scenes.
October 9, 2012
3.5 stars I really enjoyed this book which is the start of a series. Haydon, Lord Redmond is awaiting hanging after being found guilty of murder, a crime he didn't commit. After a visit to another prisoner by an angel of mercy - he manages to escape and makes his way to her house. Genevieve MacPhail makes a habit of rescuing children who have been abandoned in jail. She has just rescued Jack, a boy of fifteen who was jailed alongside Haydon and helped him to escape. He joins her household of orphans and other cast offs from the world and attempts to help her find ways to support the household while finding out who framed him for murder. Genevieve is a wonderful heroine, fierce and protective and strong. Haydon is a tortured hero who wants redemption for past sins and finds it with her and these children. The children are a wonderful addition to the story. There are a few plot problems and improbable occurrences but it is a lovely romantic story.
February 7, 2011
This one started out great - a daring rescue out of a dark, damp prison cell, a tortured hero and a nursemaid heroine with a washcloth, the full Monty (ahem) - and then things started going downhill. Fast. And stayed there. For most of the rest of the book I felt like I was reading some cross between Oliver Twist and The Railway Children. Our intrepid heroes made a few appearances, but they seemed brought on only by the domestic necessity that our accused murderer hero is hiding out in plain sight as husband of the motley clan. Hopefully the next in the Orphan series does me better.
January 27, 2013
A good read with some nice erotic bedroom scenes set in a tale of forgiveness. Genevieve is an ostracized daughter of a Duke who finds herself in the uncomfortable position of helping a soon-to-be-hanged convicted murderer. Their road to HEA is not an easy one, and his path to forgiveness is particularly difficult, but get there they do. Eminently readable and unusual.
http://www.amazon.com/review/R3SWDAA8...
http://www.amazon.com/review/R3SWDAA8...
October 22, 2014
i really love it ♥ first, because virginia henley commented on this book (and i also love books of ms. virginia) and second is the story perse... i love the adventure of the family of genevieve :) i also like the love story of genevieve and harlon as well as the story of jack and charlotte. moreover, i love all the adopted children of genevieve and the three helpers ♥ i am just sad about what happened to the daughter of harlon and to vincent... but overall, its really a great story :) ♥
March 14, 2009
Not much to say about this. It's a romance, and very, um, romancey. (But not particularly romantic.) It was a quick read, but only vaguely amusing. I did like the children.
The woman was a bit too goody-good and too stupid about money.
The woman was a bit too goody-good and too stupid about money.
May 11, 2009
This one was easy to read, and funny at times, the hero was ok and so was the heroine, but the best were the children. I liked them the most.
October 24, 2011
Except for the stupid rescue, this would have been a four.
August 23, 2012
Not bad, but not exactly noteworthy.
July 16, 2013
I loved this book
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September 20, 2014#N/A
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