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Outlaws, Scoundrels & Lawmen #3
Silver Mistress
Laurel Wentworth locks herself in a steamer trunk to escape from her harsh uncle, and is rescued by Ruel Delaney, a handsome gunrunner
509 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 1988
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 16, 2013
this is one of the two best romance novels i've read in my life. Carla Simpson captures what it really means to love in this wonderfully appealing novel. Don't miss it.
August 12, 2020
This review is of “Silver Mistress” by Carla Simpson.
The book starts in Boston, Winter, 1868. Laurel Wentworth, 18, the heroine of the book, is arguing with her uncle Edwin about her wish to go to California with her cousin Andrew and his wife, Jessica, who are going there so Andrew can take over a branch of the family’s shipping business. The crux of the argument: Laurel wants to go to California to find her father, Jason Cameron, whom Edwin views as a ne’er-do-well who caused the death of his sister, Rebecca, Laurel’s mother. Laurel tells Edwin she won’t go, but then sneaks into one of Jessica’s clothing trunks and boards the ship Jessica and Andrew are taking to the west coast. Laurel is later found in the trunk by Ruel Delaney, the “hero” of the book, who mistakes her for a woman who betrayed him in the past. Refusing to believe that Laurel isn’t the woman from his past, Ruel rapes Laurel.
After a two-week stopover in New Orleans, where we learn a little more about Ruel, who rapes Laurel again,. Later, Laurel, Andrew and Jessica make their way to San Francisco. There, Laurel gets several pieces of shocking news: 1. Jason Cameron is dead. 2. Laurel has a twin sister, Delia (Delia is Ruel’s former lover and the woman who Ruel was attempting to get revenge on when he raped Laurel twice). 3. Laurel has inherited a silver mine, the Rebecca, in Virginia City, California. The good news: the mine has a major vein of silver. The bad news: Laurel lacks the money and resources to work the mine.
After being turned down by every bank in San Francisco, Laurel makes a deal with Ruel; he’ll invest in the mine, and she’s the collateral to be put up. However, others also want the silver, and to ruin both Laurel and Ruel.
In the end, the bad people are dealt with-they are killed-Laurel and Ruel marry, have twins, and have their Happily Ever After.
Upside: The ONLY upside to “Silver Mistress” is the surprise twist that takes place toward the end of the book. It was something I didn’t see coming.
Downside: “Silver Mistress” trafficks in a trope I loathe.
That trope: The rapist “hero” trope. Once that happens, that person is dead to me. There is no redemption from sexual assault. Ever.
Laurel starts the book as a typical 1980’s brainless act-without thinking romance novel heroine, but does mature as the book crawls along. However, neither she nor any of the other characters in the book have any depth, nor is there any character development whatsoever, as Ms. Simpson is more concerned with describing the characters' wardrobes than she is with those things. None of the characters in the bok are interesting, nor are the things that happen in the book. Ms. Simpson never made me feel that the words on the page were real people. They were just words on a page.
Sex: There are “love” scenes between Laurel and Ruel, but they, like the rest of the book, are flat and uninteresting.
Violence: As mentioned, Ruel rapes Laurel twice. There are also shootings, attempted murder and actual murder. The violence is not graphic.
Bottom Line: Do you like books with rapist heroes where the author spends 500+ pages and thousands of words to say and achieve absolutely nothing? If you are, you’ll like “Silver Mistress”. I most certainly didn’t.
The book starts in Boston, Winter, 1868. Laurel Wentworth, 18, the heroine of the book, is arguing with her uncle Edwin about her wish to go to California with her cousin Andrew and his wife, Jessica, who are going there so Andrew can take over a branch of the family’s shipping business. The crux of the argument: Laurel wants to go to California to find her father, Jason Cameron, whom Edwin views as a ne’er-do-well who caused the death of his sister, Rebecca, Laurel’s mother. Laurel tells Edwin she won’t go, but then sneaks into one of Jessica’s clothing trunks and boards the ship Jessica and Andrew are taking to the west coast. Laurel is later found in the trunk by Ruel Delaney, the “hero” of the book, who mistakes her for a woman who betrayed him in the past. Refusing to believe that Laurel isn’t the woman from his past, Ruel rapes Laurel.
After a two-week stopover in New Orleans, where we learn a little more about Ruel, who rapes Laurel again,. Later, Laurel, Andrew and Jessica make their way to San Francisco. There, Laurel gets several pieces of shocking news: 1. Jason Cameron is dead. 2. Laurel has a twin sister, Delia (Delia is Ruel’s former lover and the woman who Ruel was attempting to get revenge on when he raped Laurel twice). 3. Laurel has inherited a silver mine, the Rebecca, in Virginia City, California. The good news: the mine has a major vein of silver. The bad news: Laurel lacks the money and resources to work the mine.
After being turned down by every bank in San Francisco, Laurel makes a deal with Ruel; he’ll invest in the mine, and she’s the collateral to be put up. However, others also want the silver, and to ruin both Laurel and Ruel.
In the end, the bad people are dealt with-they are killed-Laurel and Ruel marry, have twins, and have their Happily Ever After.
Upside: The ONLY upside to “Silver Mistress” is the surprise twist that takes place toward the end of the book. It was something I didn’t see coming.
Downside: “Silver Mistress” trafficks in a trope I loathe.
That trope: The rapist “hero” trope. Once that happens, that person is dead to me. There is no redemption from sexual assault. Ever.
Laurel starts the book as a typical 1980’s brainless act-without thinking romance novel heroine, but does mature as the book crawls along. However, neither she nor any of the other characters in the book have any depth, nor is there any character development whatsoever, as Ms. Simpson is more concerned with describing the characters' wardrobes than she is with those things. None of the characters in the bok are interesting, nor are the things that happen in the book. Ms. Simpson never made me feel that the words on the page were real people. They were just words on a page.
Sex: There are “love” scenes between Laurel and Ruel, but they, like the rest of the book, are flat and uninteresting.
Violence: As mentioned, Ruel rapes Laurel twice. There are also shootings, attempted murder and actual murder. The violence is not graphic.
Bottom Line: Do you like books with rapist heroes where the author spends 500+ pages and thousands of words to say and achieve absolutely nothing? If you are, you’ll like “Silver Mistress”. I most certainly didn’t.
December 18, 2024
I picked this up for $2.99 at a used bookstore. The original zebra cover hooked me. I had low expectations not being familiar with the author and reading the plot on goodreads which is basically “girl locks herself in trunk and goes on adventure”. I am very very happy I gave this a chance.
I get that people might be put off by that 1970s and 80s SA trope. That is fair. I thought those scenes were not completely necessary but I was also put off by his confusion about her identity. She literally had relatives there telling you she is not who you mistook her for. The first 50 pages were a rough go and I almost stopped. I would say to prospective readers however that it gets really really really good from that low point. I couldn’t put it down by page 100. This is a huge sleeper novel that I want to tell the world about. I’m a big fan of this genre and can say in comparing this to some of the other HR greats I was impressed by the sprawling plot line that moved at a roaring pace from sea adventures to New Orleans secret spying gov agents to San Franciso and then the wild adventures into Virginia City. Don’t know if I’m totally on board with the evil twin thing in terms of him having a hard time separating the two at first. I did read a review that Delia was a caricature of evil. I respectfully disagree. That is often one of the quickest criticisms I have of villains but I really thought she was understandable as a villain. Her desperate greed was born out of a need for survival and her deep resentment resulted in an inability to connect with people. But you could also see moments when it was clear she wanted nothing more than to connect. Laurel as a HR heroine I will say is one of the best and only examples of a character who ended up in a different place than where she started the book. The Jean wearing, gun toting, mine obsessed, fierce protector of family and memory is not the wispy naive young girl from Boston who boarded the Waveril. This was a complete and believable character arc there. I also appreciated that Ruel was developed but not all of his mystery was ever completely exposed. Did he steal the gold in the end? Dunno. Why was he in prison at one time? Dunno. What was the complete story behind Cass fishing out a bullet? Dunno. I thought that what was held back about him regarding his past complimented the effort he was making to put in a pin in the past and create a future rather than be tormented by demons and doubt. I am surprised at the level of writing here. There were so many memorable scenes that I went back to re read. Some favourites were the halting the horses on the runaway carriage scene, the surprise reveal in the gaming house in San Fran, and of course Laurel’s champagne and card game fuelled taking back her power scene. I also laughed at loud at the scene where she chugs whiskey and then is hiccuping and trying not to die while making an important business deal. The scene at the corals at Cass’ and when Laurel witnesses Ruel interact with Cass’ son. I definitely called the Cappy reveal at the line of “blue eyes met blues eyes”. The Delia twist was a surprise and maybe I’m reading too much into her decision to dress like Laurel when she knew the assassin was on his way but- was this a character redeeming act of selflessness? I loved the angsty build to resolution between the leads. It would build to a crest and then fall to a cool simmer again as the pair separated. It is crazy reading some of the other reviews here that two people can read the same book and come away completely differently. That is the beauty of reading I guess. I am so glad I kept reading this despite the early jolts. Best 3 bucks I’ve ever spent. Ms. Simpson, I’m glad this exists. This was written a year before I was born and I’m glad it stumbled into my hands. What a hidden gem… or should I say seam of silver ore….
I get that people might be put off by that 1970s and 80s SA trope. That is fair. I thought those scenes were not completely necessary but I was also put off by his confusion about her identity. She literally had relatives there telling you she is not who you mistook her for. The first 50 pages were a rough go and I almost stopped. I would say to prospective readers however that it gets really really really good from that low point. I couldn’t put it down by page 100. This is a huge sleeper novel that I want to tell the world about. I’m a big fan of this genre and can say in comparing this to some of the other HR greats I was impressed by the sprawling plot line that moved at a roaring pace from sea adventures to New Orleans secret spying gov agents to San Franciso and then the wild adventures into Virginia City. Don’t know if I’m totally on board with the evil twin thing in terms of him having a hard time separating the two at first. I did read a review that Delia was a caricature of evil. I respectfully disagree. That is often one of the quickest criticisms I have of villains but I really thought she was understandable as a villain. Her desperate greed was born out of a need for survival and her deep resentment resulted in an inability to connect with people. But you could also see moments when it was clear she wanted nothing more than to connect. Laurel as a HR heroine I will say is one of the best and only examples of a character who ended up in a different place than where she started the book. The Jean wearing, gun toting, mine obsessed, fierce protector of family and memory is not the wispy naive young girl from Boston who boarded the Waveril. This was a complete and believable character arc there. I also appreciated that Ruel was developed but not all of his mystery was ever completely exposed. Did he steal the gold in the end? Dunno. Why was he in prison at one time? Dunno. What was the complete story behind Cass fishing out a bullet? Dunno. I thought that what was held back about him regarding his past complimented the effort he was making to put in a pin in the past and create a future rather than be tormented by demons and doubt. I am surprised at the level of writing here. There were so many memorable scenes that I went back to re read. Some favourites were the halting the horses on the runaway carriage scene, the surprise reveal in the gaming house in San Fran, and of course Laurel’s champagne and card game fuelled taking back her power scene. I also laughed at loud at the scene where she chugs whiskey and then is hiccuping and trying not to die while making an important business deal. The scene at the corals at Cass’ and when Laurel witnesses Ruel interact with Cass’ son. I definitely called the Cappy reveal at the line of “blue eyes met blues eyes”. The Delia twist was a surprise and maybe I’m reading too much into her decision to dress like Laurel when she knew the assassin was on his way but- was this a character redeeming act of selflessness? I loved the angsty build to resolution between the leads. It would build to a crest and then fall to a cool simmer again as the pair separated. It is crazy reading some of the other reviews here that two people can read the same book and come away completely differently. That is the beauty of reading I guess. I am so glad I kept reading this despite the early jolts. Best 3 bucks I’ve ever spent. Ms. Simpson, I’m glad this exists. This was written a year before I was born and I’m glad it stumbled into my hands. What a hidden gem… or should I say seam of silver ore….
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2023
I liked the premise of the story; Woman goes west to learn about the father she thought had died when she was a baby. Unfortunately, I couldn't buy into the interaction between the characters. They seemed really thin and more like caricatures. Spoiler for beginning of book: In the beginning, the hero, Ruel, treats Laurel very badly because he mistakes her for her slutty sister. The bad treatment not only includes calling her a whore, among other things but tearing her clothes and roughing her up. He even sends her an expensive dress without apology, which she accepts(?). Her cousins don't seem to notice or be bothered even by the little they see of this or provide chaperonage for her safety in a wild place. Laurel, of course, is attracted to Ruel in spite of all this instead of running a mile. When the evil twin sister is introduced into the story, she is also a caricature of immorality. none of these people moved me or made me care about them. For those who like stories about good girls attracted to really bad boys this story may be for you but it wasn't my cup of tea.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 1, 2023
A story of wonderful characters. The hardy early American settlers showcase the many ways they made a life for themselves. Laurel leaves the comforts of her Boston upbringing to search out her fathers roots in the wild western states of the silver rush. Ruel is a rogue and a businessman who she meets on board the ship and becomes fascinated with her. The plot has deceit and action as well as surprises. It is well written and the dialogue adds greatly to the enjoyment of the story.
February 17, 2023
Laurel has been sheltered and protected by her aunt and uncle her entire life. Cherished, loved but lied to. She was led to believe her father was dead yet a letter comes from a lawyer telling of his recent passing and her inheritance. Deciding she needs to go to San Francisco to find whatever she can of a man she never knew she does everything including sneaking aboard a ship that her cousin and his wife are traveling on, in order to get to where she needs to go.
Ruel is a gambler, a scoundrel, a businessman and many other things. He doesn’t expect his life ti be turned inside out when he finds a stowaway in the ship he’s traveling on. She looks so familiar but protests she’s who he thinks she is. Now he tries to prove that she isn’t who she claims, and tries to ignore the feelings she engenders in him.
This is the second book in the series that I’ve read and for the most part I enjoyed it. It has it’s dark moments. Ruel and Laurel’s first meeting came very very close to rape. Anti hero is one thing that is quite another. Secondly this is a very very long story. Over 500 pages is quite a commitment. At times the story drags. I think it could’ve benefited from a bit of pruning. On to the positives. The opposites attract is very appealing and a society girl from Boston and a gambler from the rough and ready west are about as opposite as you can get. They do bring balance to each other. I enjoyed the bad guys getting their comeuppance, it was very satisfying. I enjoyed Laurel’s bravery and determination in her traveling, her willingness to face any adversity and her fierce courage in keeping the mine and working it. The twin thing is kinda meh. How they were separated is just weird. If their mother was sick why was on twin with her? The constant companions in the beginning before we even know of a twin aside from the blurb is just irritating. I hate to say it but it’s kinda cliche the good twin and the evil twin.
There are definite highs and lows in the book. As such I’ve mixed feelings. I do like the love story and the stubborn determination of Laurel. I would have liked it a lot more in a more streamlined version. That’s my two cents, your mileage may vary.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ruel is a gambler, a scoundrel, a businessman and many other things. He doesn’t expect his life ti be turned inside out when he finds a stowaway in the ship he’s traveling on. She looks so familiar but protests she’s who he thinks she is. Now he tries to prove that she isn’t who she claims, and tries to ignore the feelings she engenders in him.
This is the second book in the series that I’ve read and for the most part I enjoyed it. It has it’s dark moments. Ruel and Laurel’s first meeting came very very close to rape. Anti hero is one thing that is quite another. Secondly this is a very very long story. Over 500 pages is quite a commitment. At times the story drags. I think it could’ve benefited from a bit of pruning. On to the positives. The opposites attract is very appealing and a society girl from Boston and a gambler from the rough and ready west are about as opposite as you can get. They do bring balance to each other. I enjoyed the bad guys getting their comeuppance, it was very satisfying. I enjoyed Laurel’s bravery and determination in her traveling, her willingness to face any adversity and her fierce courage in keeping the mine and working it. The twin thing is kinda meh. How they were separated is just weird. If their mother was sick why was on twin with her? The constant companions in the beginning before we even know of a twin aside from the blurb is just irritating. I hate to say it but it’s kinda cliche the good twin and the evil twin.
There are definite highs and lows in the book. As such I’ve mixed feelings. I do like the love story and the stubborn determination of Laurel. I would have liked it a lot more in a more streamlined version. That’s my two cents, your mileage may vary.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 14, 2023
I liked the premise of the story; Woman goes west to learn about the father she thought had died when she was a baby. Unfortunately, I couldn't buy into the interaction between the characters. They seemed really thin and more like caricatures. In the beginning, the hero, Ruel, treats Laurel very badly because he mistakes her for her slutty sister. The bad treatment not only includes calling her a whore, among other things but tearing her clothes and roughing her up. He even sends her an expensive dress without apology, which she accepts(?). Her respectable cousins don't seem to notice or be bothered even by the little they see of this or provide much chaperonage for her safety in a wild place. Ruel improves somewhat when he discovers his mistake but he and Laurel still seemed like cliches instead of real people. When the evil twin sister is introduced into the story, she is also a caricature of evil. None of these people moved me or made me care about them. For those who like stories about good girls attracted to really bad boys this story may be for you but it wasn't my cup of tea.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 28, 2023
The third book in the Outlaws, Scoundrels & Lawmen series. Laurel Wentworth and Gambler Ruel Delaney meet when she stows away on the ship bound for San Francisco. Laurel has to find out about the lies she has lived, her family and the twin she did not know she had. This is a long story of 427 pages, so be prepared for a long time to read and enjoy this story.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews