On one hand, the main characters make sense, are sympathetic, and have good chemistry. The story is actually set in the Georgian era, which is nice and different -- not that there are any real flavors of the era to back it up. There's also a dose of Mr Rochester in the male lead, which I'm not normally a fan of, but is played out nicely. On the other hand, the historical detail often falls short, people talk like they're living in the 90's, the heroine sometimes talks about the most inane things, and the 'dramatic payoff' bits are sort of bungled, mostly because the main 'villain' (or whatever) was constructed like an afterthought. It's a good story, but not necessarily good writing.

This is a debut novel, and frankly, I'm stunned. It was excellent. Sexy and earthy. The romance was firmly placed in the historical setting the author chose, without being dated. Great characterization. The plot was unexceptional, but very solid and very interesting. The characters are not typical romance novel hero/heroines, and worth reading about for that alone.

Hard to believe this is Ms. Hoyt's debut novel. Loved both the hero and heroine, the dialouge was witty and it was refreshing to see that the heroine's 'to stupid to live moment' only lasted about three pages. Oh, and adored the loved scenes. Read this one straight through and can't wait to get started on this author's next book.

An atypical romance set in the Georgian era. Both are in their 30s, both have lost spouses, neither is especially attractive. Very refreshong.

Truthfully, while I awww'd and sniffled and generally gushed for Edward and Anna, what really made the story for me were the side characters.
The leading romance was fairly typical -though sweet and entertaining- but the poor Steward with the fantastically horrible fashion sense,(I cheered for the neon pink pigs, I swear)the valet with the stoop and maliciously cheerful spirit, even the so called antagonist with all her foiled blackmail attempts made me grin. And giggle.
I found the whole thing wonderfully light- there were no great tragedies, unpleasant misunderstandings lasting longer than five pages, or terrible secrets coming between them. Oh, I was invested, but it played nicely with my poor, tender little emotions, and I came out of it feeling genuinely good rather than rung out and heart sore- some romance authors out there are sadists, I tell ya. Once in a while it's nice to be coddled, in story or out.

Not to say that a few things didn't bug me- the actual seduction lasted perhaps three pages, which seems to be skimping after waiting so patiently for it. Edward never actually seemed to get around to unleashing his "famous temper" after the beginning, so there didn't seem to be much to respect in Anna not being intimidated, and the author's ego just rubbed me the wrong way.
Since when do all heroes -except Edward- not fantasize about the heroine's chest? Or not get in fights? or... well yeah.)

Still, I felt deliciously happy when I put it down, and I might even spring for a hardcover if it ever comes out. 4 1/2 stars!

I ADORED this book! Started it in the evening and stayed up into the wee hours of the morning finishing it. Wonderful characters, witty dialogue, delicious tension and erotic heat!! Loved every minute!

One of the best romance novels I ahve read!!! Am looking forward to more by this suthor. Excellent!!!!!!

After reviewing her somewhat precarious financial situation, Anna Wren comes to the conclusion that she needs a job. When she discovers that Edward de Raaf, the Earl of Swartingham, requires a new secretary, it seems like the perfect solution to her employment problem. Having already lost two secretaries because of his temper, Edward reluctantly agrees to give Anna a chance. Much to Anna's surprise, she finds she likes working for the often stubborn but unexpectedly kind Edward, and Edward soon realizes that Anna is not only an excellent secretary but also an extraordinarily intriguing woman. Hoyt's superb debut historical romance will dazzle readers with its brilliant blend of exquisitely nuanced characters, splendidly sensual love story, and elegant writing expertly laced with a dash of tart wit.

Wish I could have loved this book because there were many wonderful elements: a Mr. Rochester type hero, the sensual attraction between the hero and heroine, historical time period. Loved the begging of the book and loved the end but I skimmed the middle which was just silly. I couldn't picture any woman of that time period getting away with visiting a brothel and not completely ruining her reputation. I know its fantasy and no suppose to be realistic but I still couldn't get past that one part of the story line. It was like trying to picture Elizabeth Bennett visiting a brothel...just not gonna happen.

I really enjoyed this book. Not your average hero and heroine. Author writes light and witty prose. A very fun, refreshing read.

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I found this amusing and annoying in about equal measures. In its pacing and humor, it read to me as if the author were strongly influenced by Loretta Chase, but at this point this author is nowhere near as skilled as Ms Chase. Her language is quite modern, lacking anything much in the way of period flavor, and she misuses some words (nobody, then or now, would say 'are you amenable to' when they mean 'is that agreeable to you').

For those who care, the sex scenes in this are more graphic than your average historical novel, and border on what I've seen in 'romantica' or 'erotica' romances. I wasn't totally grossed out, but I did feel that it was more information than I needed.

The best part of the book is the tale of The Raven Prince, sections of which begin each chapter.

Not a total waste of time, but I can't recommend it either, except to readers who are OK with wallpaper history and modern language and manners in their historicals.

The best book out of Hoyt's Princes series - Edward is a hilarious grump and Anna is his perfect match! Of course, the secondary characters don't disappoint either - Jock, Mr. Hopple, etc. Definitely my favorite book in the series!

This is by far the best of the series. The leads are both developed with wit and humor and I really got drawn into the chemistry between them. It would all have been so much better though if Ms Hoyt had used something other than an idiotic brothel literary device to bring the two characters together. Please. So stupid. Despite that, it was a fun book, a keeper.

A. Loved it... I slacked on so much stuff this weekend because of this book!!!!
B. NEW FAV WRITER... I add Ms. Hoyt to my facebook people because of this book... I love her writing style. Very fresh, witty, and words can't do her writing (at least my writting) justice.

Wonderful Story, I could not put this book down. This was a Great Series, I read all three books in a week...

Wonderful book! Read it in a day!

Not your typical hero and heroine but an absolutely terrific read!

This was a great love story. A Cranky, scarred hero and a great heroine. Hot. This is the first in a great trilogy. A keeper.

A wonderful debut novel from Elizabeth Hoyt. The hero and heroine are made for each other. I couldn't put this book down.

Great book, can't wait for the next one!

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