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Lavender Lies
HE'D PUT HER BEHIND BARS
When aristocratic Julian Westfield learned that the "Swallow" had caused his brother's disgrace and death, the vengeful young lord swore the conniving colonial wench would pay for her tricks. Determined to snare her in her own trap, Julian let it be known he had valuable information for the elusive female spy, the bloodthirsty Briton fully intended to hear the "Swallow's" last song — and see her dance at the end of a rope. But when the golden-haired beauty with lavender eyes appeared for their rendezvous, Julian was enchanted...and could think only of locking her in the cage of his embrace!
SHE'D PUT HIM IN HIS PLACE
Patriotic Lavender Daymond knew the raven-haired Englishman would endanger her mission from the moment she saw him. His intense brown gaze followed her swaying hips with too much hunger. His finely chiselled lips smiled too familiarly as she glanced his way. And his powerful muscled body was too much a temptation to resist! Still the spirited American agent felt she had to conquer him to prove her commitment to the Colonies. But when Julian tasted her trembling lips and traced her slender form, the "Swallow" took flight leaving only a woman who craved the sweet fulfillment of her lavender lies.
When aristocratic Julian Westfield learned that the "Swallow" had caused his brother's disgrace and death, the vengeful young lord swore the conniving colonial wench would pay for her tricks. Determined to snare her in her own trap, Julian let it be known he had valuable information for the elusive female spy, the bloodthirsty Briton fully intended to hear the "Swallow's" last song — and see her dance at the end of a rope. But when the golden-haired beauty with lavender eyes appeared for their rendezvous, Julian was enchanted...and could think only of locking her in the cage of his embrace!
SHE'D PUT HIM IN HIS PLACE
Patriotic Lavender Daymond knew the raven-haired Englishman would endanger her mission from the moment she saw him. His intense brown gaze followed her swaying hips with too much hunger. His finely chiselled lips smiled too familiarly as she glanced his way. And his powerful muscled body was too much a temptation to resist! Still the spirited American agent felt she had to conquer him to prove her commitment to the Colonies. But when Julian tasted her trembling lips and traced her slender form, the "Swallow" took flight leaving only a woman who craved the sweet fulfillment of her lavender lies.
512 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
13 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Constance O'Banyon
54 books199 followersEvelyn Gee was born on 1939 in Texas, USA. She makes her home in San Antonio with her husband, Jim and their son, Jason.
She signed her novels as Constance O'Banyon. She also wrote as Micah Leigh with Texan writer Emma Merritt. Her books range from historical to contemporary and include several novellas. Many of her books have been published in trade paperback.Among her many awards, she is the recipient of the 1996 Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. There are eight million copies of her books in print.
She says: "I have always loved history, and I loved storytelling — it was only natural that I would one day put them both together. I must have lived in another life and time, because when I write, I can almost feel I was there. My favorite part of writing is the research. Whenever possible, I will go to the place I am writing about to walk the land and smell the air."
https://www.facebook.com/Constanceobanyon/
She signed her novels as Constance O'Banyon. She also wrote as Micah Leigh with Texan writer Emma Merritt. Her books range from historical to contemporary and include several novellas. Many of her books have been published in trade paperback.Among her many awards, she is the recipient of the 1996 Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. There are eight million copies of her books in print.
She says: "I have always loved history, and I loved storytelling — it was only natural that I would one day put them both together. I must have lived in another life and time, because when I write, I can almost feel I was there. My favorite part of writing is the research. Whenever possible, I will go to the place I am writing about to walk the land and smell the air."
https://www.facebook.com/Constanceobanyon/
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 14, 2012
I love this book so much.
The hero of this story is an English duke named Julian. He's come to The Americas looking for an American Spy known as The Swallow. She'd tricked his younger brother into giving out important information about the war and he'd killed himself because of it.
The heroine is Lavender. By day she hides herself behind thick glasses, pulled back hair and dingy clothing that's too big for her. She pretends to be a drudge to her Aunt while secretly she's one of the top spies in the revolutionary war known as The Swallow.
Julian and Lavender meet when she hijacks the coach that Julian is traveling in so she can confront a traitor. She knows that he's hiding something and as it turns out, he is staying in her house as a tenant of her Aunt.
Appearing at a party for the British titled she learns the true identity of Julian when they have an encounter with lasting consequences. Lavender was there to free captured American troops, that included her brother.
Now Julian is after The Swallow not only to avenge his brother but also himself, since he fell for her trap as well. He has no idea that The Swallow is living right under his nose as the drudge he only looks on with pity.
Of course the book doesn't just settle in America but also goes to England when Lavender and Julian wind up forced together. Julian can't let go of his idea for revenge.
I loved this book because Lavender was a smart beautiful woman who did not make dumb moves and didn't sacrifice her sense of self.
In order for them to be together they both had to take a step down for each other.
The hero of this story is an English duke named Julian. He's come to The Americas looking for an American Spy known as The Swallow. She'd tricked his younger brother into giving out important information about the war and he'd killed himself because of it.
The heroine is Lavender. By day she hides herself behind thick glasses, pulled back hair and dingy clothing that's too big for her. She pretends to be a drudge to her Aunt while secretly she's one of the top spies in the revolutionary war known as The Swallow.
Julian and Lavender meet when she hijacks the coach that Julian is traveling in so she can confront a traitor. She knows that he's hiding something and as it turns out, he is staying in her house as a tenant of her Aunt.
Appearing at a party for the British titled she learns the true identity of Julian when they have an encounter with lasting consequences. Lavender was there to free captured American troops, that included her brother.
Now Julian is after The Swallow not only to avenge his brother but also himself, since he fell for her trap as well. He has no idea that The Swallow is living right under his nose as the drudge he only looks on with pity.
Of course the book doesn't just settle in America but also goes to England when Lavender and Julian wind up forced together. Julian can't let go of his idea for revenge.
I loved this book because Lavender was a smart beautiful woman who did not make dumb moves and didn't sacrifice her sense of self.
In order for them to be together they both had to take a step down for each other.
August 4, 2020
This review is of “Lavender Lies” by Constance O’Banyon.
The book begins in Williamsburg, Virginia, Christmas Eve, 1778. It is not a happy holiday for Lavender Daymond, the heroine of the book. She is living with her dour Aunt Amelia, and is missing her father Samuel, and twin brother Chandler, both of whom are spies in the effort to free America from English rule. Samuel returns home after being shot by British forces, and asks Lavender to complete his mission. Although not without peril, she does, and thus begins her journey to becoming one of America’s most successful spies, the Swallow.
Success for one, however, is failure for another, and one of the British soldiers whom Lavender got information from, William Westfield, committed suicide afterward. Angered by this, his older brother, Lord Julian Westfield, Duke of Mannington and the hero of the book, has come to America to personally capture the Swallow. He shortens his name to Julian West and takes on the persona of a painter from Georgia. He later takes rooms in Amelia Daymond’s boarding house, where Lavender lives when she’s not on her missions.
Playing with fire will get a person burned, and Lavender is when she answers a message ostensibly with information for her and is captured by Julian. It turns out to be a trap for both of them, however, as Lavender and Julian have sex. Shortly thereafter, Lavender’s partner, Nicodemus, knocks out Julian and she escapes. Because of her feelings for Julian, Lavender wishes to end her spying activities, but her handler, Brainard Thruston of the Virginia Militia, wants her to keep going.
Julian recovers from his injury and continues looking for the Swallow. He discovers that Lavender is the Swallow when Chandler comes to arrest him. While in American custody, Julian is severely beaten by Brainard, who is in love with Lavender and knows that Julian is attracted to her. Lavender finds out about Julian’s capture, and comes to aid him..Big mistake, as she is captured by British forces and put on trial. Julian rescues Lavender from the trial, forces her into a marriage, and takes her to England with him. He's doing this for two reasons: One, he wants to get revenge on her; and two, their one sexual encounter has left Lavender with child. Julian’s view: he will take the child-if it is a son-to replace his late brother. If it’s a daughter, he will keep Lavender with him until she produces a son.
One night, Brainard and Nicodemus arrive to take Lavender back to America. Julian fights Brainard and kills him. Julian then tries to fight Nicodemus, but Lavender takes his place. Soon after the fight, Lavender has an accident causing her to go into premature labor; she gives birth to a son. When Julian refuses to let her see their son, Lavender and Nicodemus leave England and return to America, which was Lavender’s original deal with Julian after the child was born. Julian realizes he loves her and goes to Virginia, says he’s sorry for all he’s done to Lavender. She forgives him, and they and their son Michael have their Happily Ever After.
Upside: The ONLY mildly redeeming feature of “Lavender Lies” is the titular character, who shows strength and courage when she is the Swallow. Having said that…
Downside: Lavender shows a total lack of self-esteem and pride by allowing Julian to emotionally and mentally abuse her, as well as sexual manipulation. This is completely contradictory to the person she is as the Swallow.
Julian is a bastard from beginning to end. While I understand his anger and pain over the loss of his brother, the things he does are neither acceptable nor justified. Julian’s abuse of Lavender is done with full intent and knowledge, and saying “I’m sorry” at the end of the book may be okay for Lavender; it isn’t for me. The characters, and the entire book, are shallow and undeveloped. Not one interesting thing happened in 509 pages.
Sex: The “love” scenes were just like the rest of the book: flat and uninteresting.
Violence: Shooting, stabbing, whipping. The violence is not graphic.
Bottom Line: Constance O’Banyon has written good books. “Lavender Lies” is not one of them.
The book begins in Williamsburg, Virginia, Christmas Eve, 1778. It is not a happy holiday for Lavender Daymond, the heroine of the book. She is living with her dour Aunt Amelia, and is missing her father Samuel, and twin brother Chandler, both of whom are spies in the effort to free America from English rule. Samuel returns home after being shot by British forces, and asks Lavender to complete his mission. Although not without peril, she does, and thus begins her journey to becoming one of America’s most successful spies, the Swallow.
Success for one, however, is failure for another, and one of the British soldiers whom Lavender got information from, William Westfield, committed suicide afterward. Angered by this, his older brother, Lord Julian Westfield, Duke of Mannington and the hero of the book, has come to America to personally capture the Swallow. He shortens his name to Julian West and takes on the persona of a painter from Georgia. He later takes rooms in Amelia Daymond’s boarding house, where Lavender lives when she’s not on her missions.
Playing with fire will get a person burned, and Lavender is when she answers a message ostensibly with information for her and is captured by Julian. It turns out to be a trap for both of them, however, as Lavender and Julian have sex. Shortly thereafter, Lavender’s partner, Nicodemus, knocks out Julian and she escapes. Because of her feelings for Julian, Lavender wishes to end her spying activities, but her handler, Brainard Thruston of the Virginia Militia, wants her to keep going.
Julian recovers from his injury and continues looking for the Swallow. He discovers that Lavender is the Swallow when Chandler comes to arrest him. While in American custody, Julian is severely beaten by Brainard, who is in love with Lavender and knows that Julian is attracted to her. Lavender finds out about Julian’s capture, and comes to aid him..Big mistake, as she is captured by British forces and put on trial. Julian rescues Lavender from the trial, forces her into a marriage, and takes her to England with him. He's doing this for two reasons: One, he wants to get revenge on her; and two, their one sexual encounter has left Lavender with child. Julian’s view: he will take the child-if it is a son-to replace his late brother. If it’s a daughter, he will keep Lavender with him until she produces a son.
One night, Brainard and Nicodemus arrive to take Lavender back to America. Julian fights Brainard and kills him. Julian then tries to fight Nicodemus, but Lavender takes his place. Soon after the fight, Lavender has an accident causing her to go into premature labor; she gives birth to a son. When Julian refuses to let her see their son, Lavender and Nicodemus leave England and return to America, which was Lavender’s original deal with Julian after the child was born. Julian realizes he loves her and goes to Virginia, says he’s sorry for all he’s done to Lavender. She forgives him, and they and their son Michael have their Happily Ever After.
Upside: The ONLY mildly redeeming feature of “Lavender Lies” is the titular character, who shows strength and courage when she is the Swallow. Having said that…
Downside: Lavender shows a total lack of self-esteem and pride by allowing Julian to emotionally and mentally abuse her, as well as sexual manipulation. This is completely contradictory to the person she is as the Swallow.
Julian is a bastard from beginning to end. While I understand his anger and pain over the loss of his brother, the things he does are neither acceptable nor justified. Julian’s abuse of Lavender is done with full intent and knowledge, and saying “I’m sorry” at the end of the book may be okay for Lavender; it isn’t for me. The characters, and the entire book, are shallow and undeveloped. Not one interesting thing happened in 509 pages.
Sex: The “love” scenes were just like the rest of the book: flat and uninteresting.
Violence: Shooting, stabbing, whipping. The violence is not graphic.
Bottom Line: Constance O’Banyon has written good books. “Lavender Lies” is not one of them.
May 16, 2012
I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!! This is the book that started my love affair with historical romance. I have read it so many times in the last 20 some odd years that I have to keep re-buying it. It gets harder and harder to find copies of it. I highly recommend that anyone who loves this genre should read this before I buy all the copies.
March 12, 2025
Once again (to my frustration) I've come across a good book that could have been better. It had a lot going for it, but the author didn't seem to realize how much and then just let things slide. I'll try to explain without too many spoilers, since I admit I'm too lazy to do the typing that will hide some things. (I wrote those symbols down, but it's just too bothersome for me.)
Anyway: I'll have to admit that I have a weakness for Revolutionary spies, most likely because of my fondness for our First President. Had I been around back then (and I'd like to think I was, but just can't recall past life memories) I would have gladly done what I could to aid the patriot cause and help Gen. Washington, even if that meant cozying up to British guys to get info. So, I could identify with Lavender, and since I tend to be a klutz at times, the awkward facade she used back home also rang a bell for me. Just like the lectures she got about being too plain and shy (meanwhile she's the attractive and alluring "Swallow" on the sly), I was always told to glam it up more and be more outgoing (meanwhile, there were times when I dressed up and turned heads) so in a sense I was Lavender, silly as that may sound.
But more seriously, I liked the fact that (and this is the case with several HR books I've read where the h is a spy) the job wasn't glamorized, and she didn't see herself as someone special or having a grand adventure. She was doing what she felt she had to do, both for her country and her late father, and was aware of the danger and didn't think herself invincible. There were many times she was lonely or unhappy, despite being glad she was helping her country and saving lives. She also felt bad about having to trick or play games with decent people when the situation called for it. Then, when she got tired of it and wanted to quit, her "boss", Brainard Thruston, doesn't want to let her go.
Another point: this was written in the mid 80's, a fact that I'm happy about, as HR novels became more morally grounded. Therefore, Lavender didn't let the men she was playing up to take a lot of liberties and disliked that part of her job. Had this book been written a few years earlier, no doubt she would have slept with all the men and had a lot of fun doing it.
That being said, I still understood the H, Julian, a Duke on a mission to capture The Swallow, as revenge for his brother William's suicide. (She lured him into a trap and stole papers from him that saved many American lives. Not being able to cope with the disgrace, he killed himself.) Julian uses his artistic talents to pretend he's working as an artist in Williamsburg and ends up staying in the very same house with the woman he's seeking, not knowing the clumsy Plain Jane is really The Swallow! She, however, finds out he's after her and continues to elude him, until one night.....
I won't give away all the details, but they're both set up and betrayed, Lavender's twin brother (whom she helped escape from prison) arrests Julian, and Brainard (who has feelings for Lavender) has him beaten up in jail, lavender arranges for his escape, then she's taken prisoner, and set to be executed, but when Julian discovers she's pregnant (he knew before she did) he has her life spared and marries her, because he wants an heir and also to take the baby from her, as revenge for Lavender taking his brother from him. Lavender honestly felt terrible about William, it was never her intention to cause him or anyone harm, she just needed to get the documents he had. Julian can't accept this and never ceases to remind her about William. He can't. however, deny his attraction to her and they have passionate sex, but for Lavender it's more than that, as she's fallen in love with Julian.
The novel lost its way when they get to his estate in England, where, ironically, patriot Lavender is now a Duchess, a member of the British elite! It doesn't take long for her to feel at home there, mostly due to Julian's grandmother, who welcomes her, despite being aware of everything. She's looking forward to her great-grandchild, and the two become good friends. The servants also adore her, as she's warmhearted and kind to them, and really cares. Julian's close friend visits, along with his sister (who was in love with Julian and had hoped to be his Duchess someday) and Lavender charms them both, first (in spite of a rather tense start) by sympathizing with the girl and admiring her show of happiness for Julian while hurting inside, and then by being friendly and a little flirtatious with the brother, hoping to get Julian a little jealous. There's also an amusing scene, where the Prince of Wales visits, a pompous, self-centered 19-year-old who makes rude remarks to Lavender, who (not knowing his identity) promptly puts him in his place, giving him a grudging respect for her.
Lots of potential in all this, but it all goes to waste. The idea is that Lavender's supposed to have the baby, give up all parental rights to Julian, then go back home to Williamsburg. Ms. O'Banyon should have invited more people into the mix, by having them entertain at home (I'm assuming they're not going to dinners and other social events because of Lavender's condition), where Julian's social set could get to know Lavender, and genuinely like her, same as the servants and his grandmother (whom Lavender's grown to love), which would have Julian second guessing his decision, rather than have him stubbornly cling to the "you killed my brother and you'll suffer for it" attitude. His grandmother told him she didn't blame Lavender, that William had always been weak and shallow, and something else would have triggered the same action. She also told him not to hold himself responsible for not helping his brother enough, as the truth was, William didn't want to help himself. But he still won't accept it. Lavender reminds him that her father was killed by a British officer but she's not blaming anyone for what happens during wartime, yet he can't let it go. It gets dragged out, and the author should have had more about William's character revealed, that could have convinced Julian he was being too harsh.
Meanwhile, Lavender loses a lot of her spirit, as she loves Julian and loves the estate, and would be happy there, if Julian loved her, but he's made it clear (denying his true feelings) that it's only physical attraction he feels for her.
So much time is wasted this way, with Julian caring and not wanting to care, keeping his distance then seducing her, hating her, and hating himself for not really hating her. Lavender tries to make the best of things, but the more she stays, the more she wants to leave, when she really wants to stay, and so on. Meanwhile, Grandmother's caught in the middle and gets more frustrated with them both. Time better served with more entertaining things.
Then it takes a silly turn, with Brainard and Nicodemus (Lavender's servant and partner, who went along on her assignments to protect her) show up in England, to rescue her (she never asked for their help) and Brainard goes off the rails, and declares his undying love for Lavender, and how he intends to take her back to America, by force if necessary, and won't accept that she loves Julian, becomes furious when he finds out she's pregnant and keeps saying she belongs to him, all because she kissed him one time. Yes, he's literally a madman, who soon breathes his last, after a sword fight with Julian, who enjoyed killing him (I was pretty fond of it, myself). But when he unnecessarily challenges Nicodemus, Lavender accepts the challenge instead, and the scene really goes over the top, when husband and wife (who's ready to pop out her baby) start dueling! It ends almost at once when Julian disarms her, then through an accident she's injured, and next thing you know, the son and heir is born!
The rest is really dumb, with Julian deliberately keeping the baby from Lavender, while she determines to stick to the bargain, despite longing for her baby. Julian stays away from her for long periods, then returns and wants her, and gets hurt when she rejects him, then she weakens, he remains stubborn, says he wants her to go back to Williamsburg, then warns her not to try to leave! (Maybe he needs medication?) Finally, she can't take anymore and arranges to sneak away with Nicodemus but first has a tender moment with her baby son. She dresses as a boy to avoid getting caught, becomes ill, and they have to leave the ship at Jamaica while she recovers. they take a later ship, but the one they were on was lost at sea, and now everyone fears she's dead, including Julian, who chased her to Williamsburg and got there before she did! He finally realized he loved her and proved it by bringing the baby to her. (Come on, we're supposed to believe this! He wanted his son and heir so badly and now he's just going to give him up and go back to England? He loves Lavender, yet he's planning to leave her without a fight, really???? He needs some bipolar herbs!)
The book ends on a BORING note, as page after page (after page after page) is devoted to the end of the war!!! Much as I love revolutionary history and enjoy when HR novels include historical details and real facts, this was a bit much! At this point the ending should have been devoted to Lavender and Julian, not Washington and Cornwallis! Their HEA was anticlimactic, melodramatic and just plain dull.
If only I had written this book.
Anyway: I'll have to admit that I have a weakness for Revolutionary spies, most likely because of my fondness for our First President. Had I been around back then (and I'd like to think I was, but just can't recall past life memories) I would have gladly done what I could to aid the patriot cause and help Gen. Washington, even if that meant cozying up to British guys to get info. So, I could identify with Lavender, and since I tend to be a klutz at times, the awkward facade she used back home also rang a bell for me. Just like the lectures she got about being too plain and shy (meanwhile she's the attractive and alluring "Swallow" on the sly), I was always told to glam it up more and be more outgoing (meanwhile, there were times when I dressed up and turned heads) so in a sense I was Lavender, silly as that may sound.
But more seriously, I liked the fact that (and this is the case with several HR books I've read where the h is a spy) the job wasn't glamorized, and she didn't see herself as someone special or having a grand adventure. She was doing what she felt she had to do, both for her country and her late father, and was aware of the danger and didn't think herself invincible. There were many times she was lonely or unhappy, despite being glad she was helping her country and saving lives. She also felt bad about having to trick or play games with decent people when the situation called for it. Then, when she got tired of it and wanted to quit, her "boss", Brainard Thruston, doesn't want to let her go.
Another point: this was written in the mid 80's, a fact that I'm happy about, as HR novels became more morally grounded. Therefore, Lavender didn't let the men she was playing up to take a lot of liberties and disliked that part of her job. Had this book been written a few years earlier, no doubt she would have slept with all the men and had a lot of fun doing it.
That being said, I still understood the H, Julian, a Duke on a mission to capture The Swallow, as revenge for his brother William's suicide. (She lured him into a trap and stole papers from him that saved many American lives. Not being able to cope with the disgrace, he killed himself.) Julian uses his artistic talents to pretend he's working as an artist in Williamsburg and ends up staying in the very same house with the woman he's seeking, not knowing the clumsy Plain Jane is really The Swallow! She, however, finds out he's after her and continues to elude him, until one night.....
I won't give away all the details, but they're both set up and betrayed, Lavender's twin brother (whom she helped escape from prison) arrests Julian, and Brainard (who has feelings for Lavender) has him beaten up in jail, lavender arranges for his escape, then she's taken prisoner, and set to be executed, but when Julian discovers she's pregnant (he knew before she did) he has her life spared and marries her, because he wants an heir and also to take the baby from her, as revenge for Lavender taking his brother from him. Lavender honestly felt terrible about William, it was never her intention to cause him or anyone harm, she just needed to get the documents he had. Julian can't accept this and never ceases to remind her about William. He can't. however, deny his attraction to her and they have passionate sex, but for Lavender it's more than that, as she's fallen in love with Julian.
The novel lost its way when they get to his estate in England, where, ironically, patriot Lavender is now a Duchess, a member of the British elite! It doesn't take long for her to feel at home there, mostly due to Julian's grandmother, who welcomes her, despite being aware of everything. She's looking forward to her great-grandchild, and the two become good friends. The servants also adore her, as she's warmhearted and kind to them, and really cares. Julian's close friend visits, along with his sister (who was in love with Julian and had hoped to be his Duchess someday) and Lavender charms them both, first (in spite of a rather tense start) by sympathizing with the girl and admiring her show of happiness for Julian while hurting inside, and then by being friendly and a little flirtatious with the brother, hoping to get Julian a little jealous. There's also an amusing scene, where the Prince of Wales visits, a pompous, self-centered 19-year-old who makes rude remarks to Lavender, who (not knowing his identity) promptly puts him in his place, giving him a grudging respect for her.
Lots of potential in all this, but it all goes to waste. The idea is that Lavender's supposed to have the baby, give up all parental rights to Julian, then go back home to Williamsburg. Ms. O'Banyon should have invited more people into the mix, by having them entertain at home (I'm assuming they're not going to dinners and other social events because of Lavender's condition), where Julian's social set could get to know Lavender, and genuinely like her, same as the servants and his grandmother (whom Lavender's grown to love), which would have Julian second guessing his decision, rather than have him stubbornly cling to the "you killed my brother and you'll suffer for it" attitude. His grandmother told him she didn't blame Lavender, that William had always been weak and shallow, and something else would have triggered the same action. She also told him not to hold himself responsible for not helping his brother enough, as the truth was, William didn't want to help himself. But he still won't accept it. Lavender reminds him that her father was killed by a British officer but she's not blaming anyone for what happens during wartime, yet he can't let it go. It gets dragged out, and the author should have had more about William's character revealed, that could have convinced Julian he was being too harsh.
Meanwhile, Lavender loses a lot of her spirit, as she loves Julian and loves the estate, and would be happy there, if Julian loved her, but he's made it clear (denying his true feelings) that it's only physical attraction he feels for her.
So much time is wasted this way, with Julian caring and not wanting to care, keeping his distance then seducing her, hating her, and hating himself for not really hating her. Lavender tries to make the best of things, but the more she stays, the more she wants to leave, when she really wants to stay, and so on. Meanwhile, Grandmother's caught in the middle and gets more frustrated with them both. Time better served with more entertaining things.
Then it takes a silly turn, with Brainard and Nicodemus (Lavender's servant and partner, who went along on her assignments to protect her) show up in England, to rescue her (she never asked for their help) and Brainard goes off the rails, and declares his undying love for Lavender, and how he intends to take her back to America, by force if necessary, and won't accept that she loves Julian, becomes furious when he finds out she's pregnant and keeps saying she belongs to him, all because she kissed him one time. Yes, he's literally a madman, who soon breathes his last, after a sword fight with Julian, who enjoyed killing him (I was pretty fond of it, myself). But when he unnecessarily challenges Nicodemus, Lavender accepts the challenge instead, and the scene really goes over the top, when husband and wife (who's ready to pop out her baby) start dueling! It ends almost at once when Julian disarms her, then through an accident she's injured, and next thing you know, the son and heir is born!
The rest is really dumb, with Julian deliberately keeping the baby from Lavender, while she determines to stick to the bargain, despite longing for her baby. Julian stays away from her for long periods, then returns and wants her, and gets hurt when she rejects him, then she weakens, he remains stubborn, says he wants her to go back to Williamsburg, then warns her not to try to leave! (Maybe he needs medication?) Finally, she can't take anymore and arranges to sneak away with Nicodemus but first has a tender moment with her baby son. She dresses as a boy to avoid getting caught, becomes ill, and they have to leave the ship at Jamaica while she recovers. they take a later ship, but the one they were on was lost at sea, and now everyone fears she's dead, including Julian, who chased her to Williamsburg and got there before she did! He finally realized he loved her and proved it by bringing the baby to her. (Come on, we're supposed to believe this! He wanted his son and heir so badly and now he's just going to give him up and go back to England? He loves Lavender, yet he's planning to leave her without a fight, really???? He needs some bipolar herbs!)
The book ends on a BORING note, as page after page (after page after page) is devoted to the end of the war!!! Much as I love revolutionary history and enjoy when HR novels include historical details and real facts, this was a bit much! At this point the ending should have been devoted to Lavender and Julian, not Washington and Cornwallis! Their HEA was anticlimactic, melodramatic and just plain dull.
If only I had written this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2023
Lavender Lies falls in pretty well with my last read by this author Velvet Chains.
Oddly enough, they even share several similarities; enough that I'd say they're inverses of one another and that if you like one, you'll likely enjoy the other, too. You can find my review for Velvet chains here.
It's a classic paperback romance full of melodrama and thrills as two enemies fall passionately in love and fight 'til the end, where they make up in a teary-eyed confession of devotion and forgiveness. It serves its genre well and overall I liked it.
Note: my rating is adjusted as a result of the age of the work and the genre; the bar can be very low, so ratings are more so a reflection of them against other vintage romances.
I'd say Lavender Lies is a little less on the dubious-consent meter than Velvet Chains was, but several of their interactions are tampered with some details that don't make it totally chill.
For example, when they first have sex, all is going well until Julian remembers that he thinks Lavender, The Swallow, has been with many men so he enters her pretty roughly in a moment of anger, so one can assume as his attitude shifted that Lavender's consent was withdrawn, but ultimately the encounter was deemed, in the prose, to be consenting.
Then, of course, later there are several times she says no to his advances but he persists and she immediately caves, a typical my mouth says no but my body says yes kind of reaction very common in books of this genre and era.
Ultimately, for a historical enemies-to-lovers from the 80s, I was expecting way worse, and overall get what the author was going for, even if the execution falls short: that despite being enemies their passion and feelings overcome all other protests and misunderstandings and loyalties and what not.
This book is a decent example of a good vintage historical romance. The writing, language, world building, plot, characters, were all pretty well fleshed out. My biggest dissatisfaction lies in just how quickly they claim to be in love; a few encounters and they're both convinced they're burning alive in the flames of passion and have lost their hearts. I prefer a slower burn with a much stronger foundation for love.
Also, on a note regarding the actual editions: I believe the kindle version may have been lifted from physical scans, as there were numerous formatting/typo issues. Like, a lot of I's were written 1's.
It wasn't so terrible that I couldn't read it, but it definitely could have used proofing before being available to buy digitally. If that bothers you, I'd recommend hunting down a used physical copy.
Oddly enough, they even share several similarities; enough that I'd say they're inverses of one another and that if you like one, you'll likely enjoy the other, too. You can find my review for Velvet chains here.
It's a classic paperback romance full of melodrama and thrills as two enemies fall passionately in love and fight 'til the end, where they make up in a teary-eyed confession of devotion and forgiveness. It serves its genre well and overall I liked it.
Note: my rating is adjusted as a result of the age of the work and the genre; the bar can be very low, so ratings are more so a reflection of them against other vintage romances.
I'd say Lavender Lies is a little less on the dubious-consent meter than Velvet Chains was, but several of their interactions are tampered with some details that don't make it totally chill.
For example, when they first have sex, all is going well until Julian remembers that he thinks Lavender, The Swallow, has been with many men so he enters her pretty roughly in a moment of anger, so one can assume as his attitude shifted that Lavender's consent was withdrawn, but ultimately the encounter was deemed, in the prose, to be consenting.
Then, of course, later there are several times she says no to his advances but he persists and she immediately caves, a typical my mouth says no but my body says yes kind of reaction very common in books of this genre and era.
Ultimately, for a historical enemies-to-lovers from the 80s, I was expecting way worse, and overall get what the author was going for, even if the execution falls short: that despite being enemies their passion and feelings overcome all other protests and misunderstandings and loyalties and what not.
This book is a decent example of a good vintage historical romance. The writing, language, world building, plot, characters, were all pretty well fleshed out. My biggest dissatisfaction lies in just how quickly they claim to be in love; a few encounters and they're both convinced they're burning alive in the flames of passion and have lost their hearts. I prefer a slower burn with a much stronger foundation for love.
Also, on a note regarding the actual editions: I believe the kindle version may have been lifted from physical scans, as there were numerous formatting/typo issues. Like, a lot of I's were written 1's.
It wasn't so terrible that I couldn't read it, but it definitely could have used proofing before being available to buy digitally. If that bothers you, I'd recommend hunting down a used physical copy.
June 14, 2020
I know that this book is from a long time ago, romance times. I was trying not be bothered by some of the language but i was not successful.
And now, the reasons I could not with this book:
1.) The Swallow. She is an enchantress. She is a spy. She has lied about being the sister of a dead man. She goes to parties and has an extraordinary voice. However, she fools all the people when she turns into Zoroaster. I mean the Sparrow.
2.). About every 4th I was typed as a 1. I thought I could ignore it but it made me batshit crazy.
3.). The holes in this plot make the Grand Canyon look small.
Clearly not all older books hold up. And just so u know, no one in this book had lavender eyes.
And now, the reasons I could not with this book:
1.) The Swallow. She is an enchantress. She is a spy. She has lied about being the sister of a dead man. She goes to parties and has an extraordinary voice. However, she fools all the people when she turns into Zoroaster. I mean the Sparrow.
2.). About every 4th I was typed as a 1. I thought I could ignore it but it made me batshit crazy.
3.). The holes in this plot make the Grand Canyon look small.
Clearly not all older books hold up. And just so u know, no one in this book had lavender eyes.
July 29, 2025
Read: 7/29/25
Setting: American Revolution War
Trope: enemies to lovers, class difference, spy
3.5 stars
Well, I liked most of it. The second half was a bit boring. This was just an average hr.
One problem was the H. He wasn't that likable. He was rigid, arrogant, and authoritarian through the whole book. He was the epitome of a royal duke. I didn't hate him, but I wasn't overly fond of him as the H.
The h was fantastic! I love a good female spy, and Lavander was good. She's strong and clever. Too bad this patriot falls in love with the enemy.
Conclusion: This was just an okay read. The author has written much better books, and now I can read them on KU. So silver lining 🥳
Setting: American Revolution War
Trope: enemies to lovers, class difference, spy
3.5 stars
Well, I liked most of it. The second half was a bit boring. This was just an average hr.
One problem was the H. He wasn't that likable. He was rigid, arrogant, and authoritarian through the whole book. He was the epitome of a royal duke. I didn't hate him, but I wasn't overly fond of him as the H.
The h was fantastic! I love a good female spy, and Lavander was good. She's strong and clever. Too bad this patriot falls in love with the enemy.
Conclusion: This was just an okay read. The author has written much better books, and now I can read them on KU. So silver lining 🥳
March 3, 2018
One of the first romance novels I ever read, around age 15 or 16. The cover really appealed to me, as well as the protagonist and her eventual lover. A violet-eyed patriot spy in the American Revolution and an English nobleman sent to eliminate "The Swallow", living as a mousy-looking woman right under his nose. Gosh, it makes me grin just remembering reading this book! I loved it so much. It was a great introduction to the genre of romance in a time when I knew very little of such things.
November 13, 2019
I loved this book. From the very beginning to the very end. You feel what everyone is feeling.
The only issue I had was it was rushed in the end... Other then that this was a wonderful read... Shes an excellent Author......
The only issue I had was it was rushed in the end... Other then that this was a wonderful read... Shes an excellent Author......
February 3, 2026
IM FREEEEEEEEEEWEWEEEEEE
December 1, 2010
description
HE'D PUT HER BEHIND BARS
When aristocratic Julian Westfield learned that the "Swallow" had caused his brother's disgrace and death, the vengeful young lord swore the conniving colonial wench would pay for her tricks. Determined to snare her in her own trap, Julian let it be known he had valuable information for the elusive female spy, the bloodthirsty Briton fully intended to hear the "Swallow's" last song -- and see her dance at the end of a rope. But when the golden-haired beauty with lavender eyes appeared for their rendezvous, Julian was enchanted ... and could think only of locking her in the cage of his embrace!
SHE'D PUT HIM IN HIS PLACE
Patriotic Lavender Daymond knew the raven-haired Englishman would endanger her mission from the moment she saw him. His intense brown gaze followed her swaying hips with too much hunger. His finely chiselled lips smiled too familiarly as she glanced his way. And his powerful muscled body was too much a temptation to resist! Still the spirited American agent felt she had to conquer him to prove her commitment to the Colonies. But when Julian tasted her trembling lips and traced her slender form, the "Swallow" took flight leaving only a woman who craved the sweet fulfillment of her lavender lies.
HE'D PUT HER BEHIND BARS
When aristocratic Julian Westfield learned that the "Swallow" had caused his brother's disgrace and death, the vengeful young lord swore the conniving colonial wench would pay for her tricks. Determined to snare her in her own trap, Julian let it be known he had valuable information for the elusive female spy, the bloodthirsty Briton fully intended to hear the "Swallow's" last song -- and see her dance at the end of a rope. But when the golden-haired beauty with lavender eyes appeared for their rendezvous, Julian was enchanted ... and could think only of locking her in the cage of his embrace!
SHE'D PUT HIM IN HIS PLACE
Patriotic Lavender Daymond knew the raven-haired Englishman would endanger her mission from the moment she saw him. His intense brown gaze followed her swaying hips with too much hunger. His finely chiselled lips smiled too familiarly as she glanced his way. And his powerful muscled body was too much a temptation to resist! Still the spirited American agent felt she had to conquer him to prove her commitment to the Colonies. But when Julian tasted her trembling lips and traced her slender form, the "Swallow" took flight leaving only a woman who craved the sweet fulfillment of her lavender lies.
June 2, 2022
4 1/2 stars. One of my fav books to read over and over. 1st I don't really like the h since a bit weak when it comes to H however I love how she loves her country more than him. So the first time I gave a poor rating, 3 but now I'd updated my rating. ;) The h is a female spy, badass heroine is one of my fav catnip when it comes to HR romance novel and if she's an American with aristocrat hero that's even better.
This book reminds me with The Duke's Redemption but imo 5 times better. The reason why I didn't give this full 5 stars I felt the ending is too rushed and I want more groveling and see them back in London. Basically I don't want the book to end.
I read this long time ago and just read it again, hence my so over due review.
This book reminds me with The Duke's Redemption but imo 5 times better. The reason why I didn't give this full 5 stars I felt the ending is too rushed and I want more groveling and see them back in London. Basically I don't want the book to end.
I read this long time ago and just read it again, hence my so over due review.
June 13, 2016
Loved loved this book, it must be placed on the top shelf of my re-read shelf, and my faves'. Been wanting to read books where the heroine is an American with English Nobleman set in Revolutionary War, and also lately I'm into this female spies in my historical romance (which this is the only genre I read when it comes to romance), and this book fulfilled my craves.
American heroine - checked
Female Spy, kicked ass heroine - checked
Strong, smart, and courageous - checked
A strong and powerful Hero - checked
The only thing that I don't like about this book it made me stayed up all night and the next morning I had to pay the price, drank 3 cups of coffee so I can survive 'til 5pm.
Please hit me with suggestions books to similar to this one.
American heroine - checked
Female Spy, kicked ass heroine - checked
Strong, smart, and courageous - checked
A strong and powerful Hero - checked
The only thing that I don't like about this book it made me stayed up all night and the next morning I had to pay the price, drank 3 cups of coffee so I can survive 'til 5pm.
Please hit me with suggestions books to similar to this one.
May 23, 2008
A great romance about a woman named Lavender who becomes a spy during the American Revolution. She falls in love with a British officer who is sent to America to find the spy known as "The Swallow." Full of passion and suspense.
September 19, 2015
Colonial Williamsburg
If you like a Williamsburg and the history of the American Revolution,you will enjoy this book. Throw in a Duke and you have a great romantic adventure. I would recommend this book.
If you like a Williamsburg and the history of the American Revolution,you will enjoy this book. Throw in a Duke and you have a great romantic adventure. I would recommend this book.
December 31, 2013
Love this book!!
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