THE SERPENT PRINCE

Author: Elizabeth Hoyt ISBN: 044640053X 9/2007 HISTORICAL Publisher: WARNER
Time Period: Regency, Georgian

When the Devil Meets an Angel Country bred Lucy Craddock-Hayes is content with her quiet life. Until the day she trips over an unconscious man—a naked unconscious man—and loses her innocence forever. He Can Take Her to Heaven Viscount Simon Iddesleigh was nearly beaten to death by his enemies. Now he's hell-bent on vengeance. But as Lucy nurses him back to health, her honesty startles his jaded sensibilities—even as it ignites a desire that threatens to consume them both. Or to Hell Charmed by Simon's sly wit, urbane manners, and even his red-heeled shoes, Lucy falls hard and fast for him. Yet as his honor keeps him from ravishing her, his revenge sends his attackers to her door. As Simon wages war on his foes, Lucy wages her own war for his soul using the only weapon she has—her love.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Lucy Craddock-Hayes enjoys a simple country life. Then one day she discovers a badly beaten man, unconscious and naked in the road. She decides to take him home, where she nurses him back to health. As he recovers, she finds herself falling for his many charms.

As Viscount Simon Iddesleigh regains his strength, he finds himself fighting a growing desire for Lucy. Unfortunately, He does not have time in his life for a relationship. As soon as he is able, he plans to seek revenge against his enemies. When a second attempt is made on his life near Lucy's home, he knows he must leave to keep her safe.

THE SERPENT PRINCE by Elizabeth Hoyt is an exciting and fascinating tale of a man's need for revenge. It takes a wonderful character and shows how his life has been shaped by the people and events around him. When his life is at its worst, he finds someone that loves him and is willing to help him see the good in himself.

Simon is fascinating and complex character. His good looks and charming wit makes him quite appealing. When examined closely, it soon becomes apparent that he uses his talent for words to hide his pain. He is so consumed by his grief and anger, that he does not have a clear picture of himself. His story is sure to bring a few tears. Thankfully, Lucy is able to see past his words and into his heart. For this reason, I found myself hoping that they would find a way to work through their problems and find happiness.

I enjoyed THE SERPENT PRINCE as a fast moving story with a rich plot set in the Georgian era. Its fully developed characters and wonderful personalities interact in a truly believable manner to create an emotionally stirring story that I found totally captivating. It was a passionate romance in which I found myself hoping for a happy ending. THE SERPENT PRINCE is a story that readers will find themselves wanting to read again and again. A definite Top Pick that I hope many readers will enjoy.

Anita Hartsell