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The Big Cat Trilogy #3
The Silver Lion
The Golden Leopard and Heart of the Tiger were hailed as "absolutely riveting" (Romance Reviews Today) and "unforgettable."* Now, Lynn Kerstan wraps up her acclaimed trilogy with a novel of honor, sacrifice, and the redeeming power of love...
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
About the author
Lynn Kerstan
30 books18 followersLynn Kerstan is a former college professor, folksinger, professional bridge player, and nun.
Her first book, A Spirited Affair, published in 1993, was a double RITA finalist. In 1996, she took home a prestigious RITA Award for Gwen's Christmas Ghost, written with Indianapolis resident Alicia Rasley via E-Mail. A pioneer of on-line collaboration, she had previously collaborated with Rasley and Julie Caille on Lessons in Love, the world's first Electronic Regency Romance.
A four-time RITA finalist and regularly featured on awards lists, Kerstan has won the CRW Award of Excellence, the Golden Quill Award, two San Diego Book Awards, two Romance Communications Awards, and been a finalist for the National Readers' Choice Award, several Romantic Times awards, and the Holt Medallion.
Kerstan lives in Southern California, where she plots her books while riding her boogie board and does character research at the San Diego Zoo.
Her first book, A Spirited Affair, published in 1993, was a double RITA finalist. In 1996, she took home a prestigious RITA Award for Gwen's Christmas Ghost, written with Indianapolis resident Alicia Rasley via E-Mail. A pioneer of on-line collaboration, she had previously collaborated with Rasley and Julie Caille on Lessons in Love, the world's first Electronic Regency Romance.
A four-time RITA finalist and regularly featured on awards lists, Kerstan has won the CRW Award of Excellence, the Golden Quill Award, two San Diego Book Awards, two Romance Communications Awards, and been a finalist for the National Readers' Choice Award, several Romantic Times awards, and the Holt Medallion.
Kerstan lives in Southern California, where she plots her books while riding her boogie board and does character research at the San Diego Zoo.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 5, 2013
3.5 stars
The Silver Lion is the final book in Lynn Kerstan’s Big Cat Trilogy, (the others being The Golden Leopard and Heart of the Tiger ) and although, like the others, it can be read independently, it actually picks up some of the plot threads left behind at the end of Heart of the Tiger, so it might be an idea to have read that first.
We have already met the two protagonists. The super-efficient, mysterious Helena Pryce appeared at the start of the series as Jessica Carville’s assistant and secretary in The Golden Leopard, and made several appearances in that book and in Heart of the Tiger. She has an unrivalled skill when it comes to acquiring knowledge – much of it gleaned through her numerous contacts in the less salubrious areas of London – is an expert negotiator and organiser and fiercely intelligent. Although she is a servant, she is not subservient, yet it is clear that there is more to her than meets the eye. Her appearance is marked by the unusual spectacles she has to wear to protect her eyes from the light – and more than that, she hides her true self from the world behind them.
Derek Leighton, Earl of Varden also appeared previously, as an adversary of Michael Keynes in Tiger. Nicknamed “The Archangel” because of his golden good looks, Varden and Keynes hate each other, and while the matter of the death of Keynes’ detestable brother has, to all intents and purposes been solved, Varden is still convinced of Keynes’ guilt and is determined to bring him to justice.
This, together with a series of mysterious attacks on influential members of the aristocracy, thrusts Varden and Helena into a deadly search for incriminating documents relating to extortion and murder.
This part of the story is very well done and I enjoyed the mystery. The set-up is established quite early on, and the clues and reveals come gradually at first, with the pace quickening as we get closer to the end.
I also enjoyed finding out more about the enigmatic Helena – and I can honestly say that I hadn’t the faintest idea about the fact that she was living under an assumed name and identity, and that the reveal came as a complete surprise.
I didn’t feel that Varden was as well characterised as Helena, or as Keynes or Hugo in the earlier books. He’s handsome, clever, rich and honourable, knows his duty as the head of his family and, at Helena’s prompting, begins to take more of an interest in political issues. But he’s never more than two-dimensional really, and that made it hard for me to buy into the romance between him and Helena.
The two of them get off to a shaky start. Varden needs a new secretary; Helena applies for the job, but he isn’t interested in employing her, despite her experience and spectacular references. So he sets her a seemingly impossible task – which of course she performs without any problem – and he has to retain her services. But instead of keeping her employed himself, he sets her to organising his nieces’ come-out, which is not the sort of thing she is at all accustomed to (or enjoys) doing. He knows that Helena will find these duties dull and uninspiring; in the light of this, Varden comes across as small-minded and prejudiced – and yet, not long after Helena has informed him she desires to leave his service, he takes her to bed and they share one night of unbridled and life-changing passion.
There are indications that Helena has had feelings for Varden for some time, but nothing to explain his sudden impulse to sleep with her – she is spinsterish and not especially attractive, even though Varden is intrigued by her and enjoys their verbal ‘fencing’. After their one night, he is determined there should be more, despite his admission that he is deeply in love with the Duchess of Tallant (previously Mira Holcombe).
Varden’s motivations and actions are therefore confusing and I felt that made it difficult to believe in the relationship between him and Helena. That said however, they do begin to forge a trusting friendship as the story progresses which is based on a mutual respect for each other’s abilities rather than lust or attraction, which eventually, which I felt formed a much stronger basis for a long-term future.
I enjoyed the book although I found it a little slow to start. It’s not the strongest of the three (I think that is the middle book) but still has plenty to recommend it, not the least of which are some of the final scenes between Varden and Keynes as the two adversaries realise that they are going to have to bury their animosity and learn to get along.
With thanks to Bell Bridge Books and NetGalley for the review copy.
NB - I think that the blurb as posted on Amazon is somewhat misleading. While the romance is a large element in the story, the search for the murderer/blackmailer is just as (if not more) important, and anyone expecting a story about an Earl and his secretary struggling to find social acceptance of their relationship is going to be disappointed.
The Silver Lion is the final book in Lynn Kerstan’s Big Cat Trilogy, (the others being The Golden Leopard and Heart of the Tiger ) and although, like the others, it can be read independently, it actually picks up some of the plot threads left behind at the end of Heart of the Tiger, so it might be an idea to have read that first.
We have already met the two protagonists. The super-efficient, mysterious Helena Pryce appeared at the start of the series as Jessica Carville’s assistant and secretary in The Golden Leopard, and made several appearances in that book and in Heart of the Tiger. She has an unrivalled skill when it comes to acquiring knowledge – much of it gleaned through her numerous contacts in the less salubrious areas of London – is an expert negotiator and organiser and fiercely intelligent. Although she is a servant, she is not subservient, yet it is clear that there is more to her than meets the eye. Her appearance is marked by the unusual spectacles she has to wear to protect her eyes from the light – and more than that, she hides her true self from the world behind them.
Derek Leighton, Earl of Varden also appeared previously, as an adversary of Michael Keynes in Tiger. Nicknamed “The Archangel” because of his golden good looks, Varden and Keynes hate each other, and while the matter of the death of Keynes’ detestable brother has, to all intents and purposes been solved, Varden is still convinced of Keynes’ guilt and is determined to bring him to justice.
This, together with a series of mysterious attacks on influential members of the aristocracy, thrusts Varden and Helena into a deadly search for incriminating documents relating to extortion and murder.
This part of the story is very well done and I enjoyed the mystery. The set-up is established quite early on, and the clues and reveals come gradually at first, with the pace quickening as we get closer to the end.
I also enjoyed finding out more about the enigmatic Helena – and I can honestly say that I hadn’t the faintest idea about the fact that she was living under an assumed name and identity, and that the reveal came as a complete surprise.
I didn’t feel that Varden was as well characterised as Helena, or as Keynes or Hugo in the earlier books. He’s handsome, clever, rich and honourable, knows his duty as the head of his family and, at Helena’s prompting, begins to take more of an interest in political issues. But he’s never more than two-dimensional really, and that made it hard for me to buy into the romance between him and Helena.
The two of them get off to a shaky start. Varden needs a new secretary; Helena applies for the job, but he isn’t interested in employing her, despite her experience and spectacular references. So he sets her a seemingly impossible task – which of course she performs without any problem – and he has to retain her services. But instead of keeping her employed himself, he sets her to organising his nieces’ come-out, which is not the sort of thing she is at all accustomed to (or enjoys) doing. He knows that Helena will find these duties dull and uninspiring; in the light of this, Varden comes across as small-minded and prejudiced – and yet, not long after Helena has informed him she desires to leave his service, he takes her to bed and they share one night of unbridled and life-changing passion.
There are indications that Helena has had feelings for Varden for some time, but nothing to explain his sudden impulse to sleep with her – she is spinsterish and not especially attractive, even though Varden is intrigued by her and enjoys their verbal ‘fencing’. After their one night, he is determined there should be more, despite his admission that he is deeply in love with the Duchess of Tallant (previously Mira Holcombe).
Varden’s motivations and actions are therefore confusing and I felt that made it difficult to believe in the relationship between him and Helena. That said however, they do begin to forge a trusting friendship as the story progresses which is based on a mutual respect for each other’s abilities rather than lust or attraction, which eventually, which I felt formed a much stronger basis for a long-term future.
I enjoyed the book although I found it a little slow to start. It’s not the strongest of the three (I think that is the middle book) but still has plenty to recommend it, not the least of which are some of the final scenes between Varden and Keynes as the two adversaries realise that they are going to have to bury their animosity and learn to get along.
With thanks to Bell Bridge Books and NetGalley for the review copy.
NB - I think that the blurb as posted on Amazon is somewhat misleading. While the romance is a large element in the story, the search for the murderer/blackmailer is just as (if not more) important, and anyone expecting a story about an Earl and his secretary struggling to find social acceptance of their relationship is going to be disappointed.
August 18, 2013
When I read this story I wasn’t aware that it was a part of a trilogy and that this was the last one of the series, but now I’ll make sure to read all of them even though this book left me torn about if I liked it enough to bother with the other books.
Have you ever read a book that was well written and plotted, but still left you feeling somehow robbed of the connection to either hero or the heroine?
That’s exactly what this book did to me!
I liked the fast pace of it, the plot and the mystery; intrigue and dialogue all came perfectly together, yet I felt no chemistry between the hero and heroine, and I’m not sure why. I want to say it’s because I wasn’t there in the first two books of the series where they initially get introduced to the series, but that can’t be it. The author does fairly good job in making sure I’m brought up to speed on the other ‘happenings’.
So that leaves me with characterization of the two main protagonists, Derek Leighton and Helena Pryce. While I thought that Helena was a well fleshed out and three-dimensional, Derek on the other hand felt more like he needed a bit more added to him to feel like a three-dimensional character.
From the start of the story I thought him cold and callous; selfish and uncaring and really hoped that my feelings toward him would change as I kept reading, but alas I came to dislike him even more, especially after bedding Helena, yet admitting his love for another woman. That just rubbed me the wrong way! After that, nothing could convince me that these two should or could be together.
The part I enjoyed, and the reason for me giving this series another chance is the mystery aspect of the story. That was well-developed and executed and kept me reading on.
Because this is the last book in this series, I recommend [if you decide you want to read it] you read them in order, as I should have [The Golden Leopard, Heart Of The Tiger and Silver Lion].
Also, if you’re more into the ‘romance’ of the story, then you might not like it as much, because this reads more like a ‘who done it’ rather than a ‘romance’ book.
Melanie for b2b
*Book provided by publisher through NetGalley
Have you ever read a book that was well written and plotted, but still left you feeling somehow robbed of the connection to either hero or the heroine?
That’s exactly what this book did to me!
I liked the fast pace of it, the plot and the mystery; intrigue and dialogue all came perfectly together, yet I felt no chemistry between the hero and heroine, and I’m not sure why. I want to say it’s because I wasn’t there in the first two books of the series where they initially get introduced to the series, but that can’t be it. The author does fairly good job in making sure I’m brought up to speed on the other ‘happenings’.
So that leaves me with characterization of the two main protagonists, Derek Leighton and Helena Pryce. While I thought that Helena was a well fleshed out and three-dimensional, Derek on the other hand felt more like he needed a bit more added to him to feel like a three-dimensional character.
From the start of the story I thought him cold and callous; selfish and uncaring and really hoped that my feelings toward him would change as I kept reading, but alas I came to dislike him even more, especially after bedding Helena, yet admitting his love for another woman. That just rubbed me the wrong way! After that, nothing could convince me that these two should or could be together.
The part I enjoyed, and the reason for me giving this series another chance is the mystery aspect of the story. That was well-developed and executed and kept me reading on.
Because this is the last book in this series, I recommend [if you decide you want to read it] you read them in order, as I should have [The Golden Leopard, Heart Of The Tiger and Silver Lion].
Also, if you’re more into the ‘romance’ of the story, then you might not like it as much, because this reads more like a ‘who done it’ rather than a ‘romance’ book.
Melanie for b2b
*Book provided by publisher through NetGalley
December 5, 2017
This was not such an easy read as the first two books in the series, and to start with I had difficulty getting into it.
Helena has set up barriers between herself and the world. Physical, as in the coloured glass spectacles she wears, and emotional in the absolutely efficient persona, the lists, the remoteness she also wears. This also makes it more difficult as a reader to empathise with her.
Persevere though and the story gains pace, and all the strange things are explained. The story comes together with a couple of twists and a dramatic finale.
Helena has set up barriers between herself and the world. Physical, as in the coloured glass spectacles she wears, and emotional in the absolutely efficient persona, the lists, the remoteness she also wears. This also makes it more difficult as a reader to empathise with her.
Persevere though and the story gains pace, and all the strange things are explained. The story comes together with a couple of twists and a dramatic finale.
January 29, 2013
Not one of my favorite regency book, although it had all, or so it seemed reading the blurb. My problem is that in the end the couple doesn't really fall in love, but still they are in love, but it's such a strange relationship and when they decided to go to bed together I didn't expect that and since that moment many things they did were not reasonable to me, so the problem is that i couldn't get "into" the characters. But I'm sure it's just my problem.
Non uno dei miei favoriti tra i libri refency, anche se in teoria c'era tutto a dare retta alla quarta di copertina. Il mio problema è stato che alla fine la coppia si ama, ma non si è mai innamorata ed è tutta una strana relazione la loro: quando decidono di andare a letto assieme non me l'aspettavo e poi fanno tutta una serie di cose, sia lui che lei, che per me non stanno nè in cielo nè in terra, quindi non sono riuscita affatto ad immedesimarmi, ma sono sicura che è stato un problema solo mio.
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND BELLEBOOKS INC. FOR THE PREVIEW
Non uno dei miei favoriti tra i libri refency, anche se in teoria c'era tutto a dare retta alla quarta di copertina. Il mio problema è stato che alla fine la coppia si ama, ma non si è mai innamorata ed è tutta una strana relazione la loro: quando decidono di andare a letto assieme non me l'aspettavo e poi fanno tutta una serie di cose, sia lui che lei, che per me non stanno nè in cielo nè in terra, quindi non sono riuscita affatto ad immedesimarmi, ma sono sicura che è stato un problema solo mio.
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND BELLEBOOKS INC. FOR THE PREVIEW
June 30, 2013
I would actually give this book a solid 3.5 stars. I enjoyed the mystery and its solution, and it wasn't convoluted like the mysteries in the other two books of the series. Further, I really liked the banter between Varden, the hero in this book, and his nemesis Michael, the hero from book two. You realize that however much they want to fight it, they're destined to be friends. This book was my favorite of the series.
October 10, 2007
This book was a fun read. Nice little adventure story with all the necessary elements: espionage, blackmail, mistaken identity, murder...and a satisfactory ending. The story was a bit tedious with details at times, and the characters frequently did things that seemed in conflict with their personalities. Certainly not for those seeking a thought-provoking read.
December 5, 2014
Disclaimer: This ARC was given to me for free in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley.
This book again, was okay, for the genre. I mean, it's not anyway realistic, but this is the romance genre we are talking about. I did find it a bit boring and bland, but that's just me.
This book again, was okay, for the genre. I mean, it's not anyway realistic, but this is the romance genre we are talking about. I did find it a bit boring and bland, but that's just me.
August 28, 2009
#3 Derek & Helena
June 5, 2013
Review Rating: 3.5 Stars
Review by: Caz
Link to Review: http://romantichistoricallovers.wordp...
Review by: Caz
Link to Review: http://romantichistoricallovers.wordp...
September 22, 2015
Great book, Cant find much to complain about. Well written, exciting plot, wonderful characterization. A nice end to the trilogy.
March 14, 2012
Very enjoyable
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews