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Prince of Swords
She is an impoverished noblewoman who lives by her wits as a Tarot reader for the English nobility. He is London's most notorious cat burglar.
They met one dark, glittering night. Yet even Jessamine Maitland cannot foresee the destiny that will sweep her into the adventure of her life with the proud, arrogant thief who has no intention of ever being caught—by man or woman.
But Alastair MacAlpin has not reckoned on Jessamine—and a passion that will turn a game of cat-and-mouse into a matter of life and death. As the elusive aristocrat attempts the most daring coup of his checkered career, he is undone by this elegant beauty who sees the tenderness behind his mocking façade... and who will pursue him over rooftops and to the ends of the earth, if she must, for the love only he can give her.
They met one dark, glittering night. Yet even Jessamine Maitland cannot foresee the destiny that will sweep her into the adventure of her life with the proud, arrogant thief who has no intention of ever being caught—by man or woman.
But Alastair MacAlpin has not reckoned on Jessamine—and a passion that will turn a game of cat-and-mouse into a matter of life and death. As the elusive aristocrat attempts the most daring coup of his checkered career, he is undone by this elegant beauty who sees the tenderness behind his mocking façade... and who will pursue him over rooftops and to the ends of the earth, if she must, for the love only he can give her.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 1996
41 people are currently reading
721 people want to read
About the author
Anne Stuart
203 books2,063 followersAnne Stuart is a grandmaster of the genre, winner of Romance Writers of America's prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, survivor of more than thirty-five years in the romance business, and still just keeps getting better.
Her first novel was Barrett's Hill, a gothic romance published by Ballantine in 1974 when Anne had just turned 25. Since then she's written more gothics, regencies, romantic suspense, romantic adventure, series romance, suspense, historical romance, paranormal and mainstream contemporary romance for publishers such as Doubleday, Harlequin, Silhouette, Avon, Zebra, St. Martins Press, Berkley, Dell, Pocket Books and Fawcett.
She’s won numerous awards, appeared on most bestseller lists, and speaks all over the country. Her general outrageousness has gotten her on Entertainment Tonight, as well as in Vogue, People, USA Today, Women’s Day and countless other national newspapers and magazines.
When she’s not traveling, she’s at home in Northern Vermont with her luscious husband of thirty-six years, an empty nest, three cats, four sewing machines, and one Springer Spaniel, and when she’s not working she’s watching movies, listening to rock and roll (preferably Japanese) and spending far too much time quilting.
Anne Stuart also writes as Kristina Douglas.
Her first novel was Barrett's Hill, a gothic romance published by Ballantine in 1974 when Anne had just turned 25. Since then she's written more gothics, regencies, romantic suspense, romantic adventure, series romance, suspense, historical romance, paranormal and mainstream contemporary romance for publishers such as Doubleday, Harlequin, Silhouette, Avon, Zebra, St. Martins Press, Berkley, Dell, Pocket Books and Fawcett.
She’s won numerous awards, appeared on most bestseller lists, and speaks all over the country. Her general outrageousness has gotten her on Entertainment Tonight, as well as in Vogue, People, USA Today, Women’s Day and countless other national newspapers and magazines.
When she’s not traveling, she’s at home in Northern Vermont with her luscious husband of thirty-six years, an empty nest, three cats, four sewing machines, and one Springer Spaniel, and when she’s not working she’s watching movies, listening to rock and roll (preferably Japanese) and spending far too much time quilting.
Anne Stuart also writes as Kristina Douglas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
November 11, 2021
3.5 stars
This Georgian historical romance typifies Anne Stuart's best writing in many ways. There's the sparkling chemistry, witty dialogue, fast-paced plot, and a secondary yet equally compelling romance. And of course, the cynical alpha hero who only does women—not emotions—and the ordinary heroine whom he finds extraordinary.
One of the reasons I enjoyed this romance so much was due to the lighthearted tone. My favorite scene by far has to be Alistair and Jessamine's first solo scene together. Alistair thinks he's being all seductive and charming. But unassuming Jessamine cockblocks him without even trying, forcing him to plainly state what he wants from her:
Alistair: "I want your body."
Jessamine: "What for?" (LOL)
Alistair's characterization is another reason this is Stuart lite. Alistair isn't as alphahole-y as some of the author's other heroes. In fact, I liked him a lot.
Jessamine, too, breaks the mold by being one of Stuart's stronger-willed heroines. Alistair had to work extra hard to seduce her. Needless to say these two fight their feelings and each other to varying degrees, but it's clear they belong together. Their HEA comes about abruptly in the author's typical fashion, but I found it surprisingly satisfying.
Now on to the story's big plot hole.
With that said, this weakness in the plot didn't diminish my enjoyment too much.
This Georgian historical romance typifies Anne Stuart's best writing in many ways. There's the sparkling chemistry, witty dialogue, fast-paced plot, and a secondary yet equally compelling romance. And of course, the cynical alpha hero who only does women—not emotions—and the ordinary heroine whom he finds extraordinary.
One of the reasons I enjoyed this romance so much was due to the lighthearted tone. My favorite scene by far has to be Alistair and Jessamine's first solo scene together. Alistair thinks he's being all seductive and charming. But unassuming Jessamine cockblocks him without even trying, forcing him to plainly state what he wants from her:
Alistair: "I want your body."
Jessamine: "What for?" (LOL)
Alistair's characterization is another reason this is Stuart lite. Alistair isn't as alphahole-y as some of the author's other heroes. In fact, I liked him a lot.
Jessamine, too, breaks the mold by being one of Stuart's stronger-willed heroines. Alistair had to work extra hard to seduce her. Needless to say these two fight their feelings and each other to varying degrees, but it's clear they belong together. Their HEA comes about abruptly in the author's typical fashion, but I found it surprisingly satisfying.
Now on to the story's big plot hole.
With that said, this weakness in the plot didn't diminish my enjoyment too much.
May 8, 2020
“I’m going to kill you,” she announced.
He glanced around him. “I’m afraid I’m fresh out of headmen’s axes, sweeting. You want to saw away at my neck with a butter knife?”
"Prince of Swords" is the story of Jessamine and Alistair.
Our heroine is the impoverished noblewoman who lives by her wits as a Tarot reader for the English nobility, our hero London's most notorious cat burglar. They meet when he is strutting after robbing a rich woman, and she arrives to predict their fortune. The hero is instantly enchanted, and thus begins a cat and mouse game between a smart heroine and a cunning hero. The secondary plot revolves around the lives of two bow street runners, one evil and the other good, as well as the heroine's sister, whom the heroine has been trying to protect, yet ends up falling for the good guy- making it the parallel storyline.
I think one of the most fascinating aspects of this book was the dark humor and shades of grey the hero portrayed- which reminded me a lot of Ms Stuart's heroes from the House of Rohan series. Shamelessly arrogant, he stole for amusement and seduced for fun. Utterly bored with his illicit exploits, he is intrigued by the seemingly virginal heroine, and decides to seduce and discard her. Alas fate has other plans.. The heroine is a sweet, sacrificing woman- who is as strong as she is vulnerable. I admired her loyalty for those she loved!
“I can give you the home,” he said. “In the hills of Scotland, miles away from any city. It’s huge and rambling and drafty, but the roof won’t fall down anytime soon, and there’s a loch with the best salmon in the world.
“And I can give you children. I can quite willingly see that you’re eternally pregnant if that’s what you want.” He paused, oddly frightened.
“Is that all you can give me?” she asked him, calm and clear-eyed.
He raised his eyes to look at her. “I can give you a man who loves you so much that he would likely die without you,” he said simply.
There is angst, mystery, romance, humor, bloodshed, evil villains, drama and ends in a HEA. Totally enjoyed the kickass slaying at the climax. Reminded me of "Catspaw" series- which is another gem by Ms Stuart.
Recommended for a fun read!!
Safe
4/5
He glanced around him. “I’m afraid I’m fresh out of headmen’s axes, sweeting. You want to saw away at my neck with a butter knife?”
"Prince of Swords" is the story of Jessamine and Alistair.
Our heroine is the impoverished noblewoman who lives by her wits as a Tarot reader for the English nobility, our hero London's most notorious cat burglar. They meet when he is strutting after robbing a rich woman, and she arrives to predict their fortune. The hero is instantly enchanted, and thus begins a cat and mouse game between a smart heroine and a cunning hero. The secondary plot revolves around the lives of two bow street runners, one evil and the other good, as well as the heroine's sister, whom the heroine has been trying to protect, yet ends up falling for the good guy- making it the parallel storyline.
I think one of the most fascinating aspects of this book was the dark humor and shades of grey the hero portrayed- which reminded me a lot of Ms Stuart's heroes from the House of Rohan series. Shamelessly arrogant, he stole for amusement and seduced for fun. Utterly bored with his illicit exploits, he is intrigued by the seemingly virginal heroine, and decides to seduce and discard her. Alas fate has other plans.. The heroine is a sweet, sacrificing woman- who is as strong as she is vulnerable. I admired her loyalty for those she loved!
“I can give you the home,” he said. “In the hills of Scotland, miles away from any city. It’s huge and rambling and drafty, but the roof won’t fall down anytime soon, and there’s a loch with the best salmon in the world.
“And I can give you children. I can quite willingly see that you’re eternally pregnant if that’s what you want.” He paused, oddly frightened.
“Is that all you can give me?” she asked him, calm and clear-eyed.
He raised his eyes to look at her. “I can give you a man who loves you so much that he would likely die without you,” he said simply.
There is angst, mystery, romance, humor, bloodshed, evil villains, drama and ends in a HEA. Totally enjoyed the kickass slaying at the climax. Reminded me of "Catspaw" series- which is another gem by Ms Stuart.
Recommended for a fun read!!
Safe
4/5
December 6, 2010
Wow, the hero and heroine REALLY GOT ON MY NERVES!!
I know Anne Stuart always write about masterful, amoral and ruthless men, with "strong" but actually incredibly foolish and vulnerable females who just can't help but fall for 'em. I have read a number of her books, and enjoyed them, because she usually inter-cut the hero's apparent cruelty with realistic (above-par for the genre) and poignant inner dialogue of him slow coming to care /love the heroine. While I most certainly do not read Stuart to imagine myself into her heroines' shoes (yeech!), I can definitely appreciate well-written anti-heroic, handsome as angel /demon /whatever men.
Not so in this one. He is bored, and intends to use her, and uses her, and uses her, and uses her, with only rare consideration for her feelings, unto literally the last 5 pages. And of course, the whole time she's all "angry" but really pathetically turned on and grateful for his attentions. Even after the climax, where he literally throw her to the "enemy", she longs for his return.
Can we at least have some SEMBLANCE of equality in a romantic relationship?? This book made my blood boil, and I threw pillows at the wall in an attempt to divert violence away from my ebook reader.
HIGHLY NOT RECOMMENDED!
I know Anne Stuart always write about masterful, amoral and ruthless men, with "strong" but actually incredibly foolish and vulnerable females who just can't help but fall for 'em. I have read a number of her books, and enjoyed them, because she usually inter-cut the hero's apparent cruelty with realistic (above-par for the genre) and poignant inner dialogue of him slow coming to care /love the heroine. While I most certainly do not read Stuart to imagine myself into her heroines' shoes (yeech!), I can definitely appreciate well-written anti-heroic, handsome as angel /demon /whatever men.
Not so in this one. He is bored, and intends to use her, and uses her, and uses her, and uses her, with only rare consideration for her feelings, unto literally the last 5 pages. And of course, the whole time she's all "angry" but really pathetically turned on and grateful for his attentions. Even after the climax, where he literally throw her to the "enemy", she longs for his return.
Can we at least have some SEMBLANCE of equality in a romantic relationship?? This book made my blood boil, and I threw pillows at the wall in an attempt to divert violence away from my ebook reader.
HIGHLY NOT RECOMMENDED!
December 19, 2014
4.5*
Another winner from Anne Stuart! Alistair (or the Cat) is an impoverished Earl who has resorted to stealing jewels in order to rebuild his fortune. But even after he's filled his coffers, he can't seem to stop his night walks that keep him from being bored. And everything becomes way more interesting when he meets Jessamine, a respectable woman clearly fallen on hard times, who tries to support her family by reading the cards. She claims to be able to read the past and future in them and in truth she seems to look into the soul of people and read their secrets. Is she trully gifted or is she a clever impostor? In both cases, she is a threat to his identity, what with her working together with the Bow Street runner that's after the Cat. So the Cat decides to start playing an interesting game with the Mouse. But he still hasn't decided what to do when he'll get what he wants: kill her or eat her?
The book features the usual dangerous, bad boy AS hero, who can be cruel and passionate at the space of a single breath. The heroine is spunky, strong and clever and able to stand on her own and fight for her family. There is also a lovely secondary romance between the heroine's sister and a Bow Street runner. It had action, suspense, humor even and a quick plot but i would have liked the hero to realize his feelings for the heroine a tad earlier at last.
Recommended for all Anne Stuart fans.
Another winner from Anne Stuart! Alistair (or the Cat) is an impoverished Earl who has resorted to stealing jewels in order to rebuild his fortune. But even after he's filled his coffers, he can't seem to stop his night walks that keep him from being bored. And everything becomes way more interesting when he meets Jessamine, a respectable woman clearly fallen on hard times, who tries to support her family by reading the cards. She claims to be able to read the past and future in them and in truth she seems to look into the soul of people and read their secrets. Is she trully gifted or is she a clever impostor? In both cases, she is a threat to his identity, what with her working together with the Bow Street runner that's after the Cat. So the Cat decides to start playing an interesting game with the Mouse. But he still hasn't decided what to do when he'll get what he wants: kill her or eat her?
The book features the usual dangerous, bad boy AS hero, who can be cruel and passionate at the space of a single breath. The heroine is spunky, strong and clever and able to stand on her own and fight for her family. There is also a lovely secondary romance between the heroine's sister and a Bow Street runner. It had action, suspense, humor even and a quick plot but i would have liked the hero to realize his feelings for the heroine a tad earlier at last.
Recommended for all Anne Stuart fans.
April 6, 2014
Anne Stuart can write Historical Romances as well. YAY
I don't think I've ever cheered on a secondary romance this much. I loved the romance almost as much as the primary one.
I loved how the two love interests completely contradicted each other in so many ways yet you couldn't help fall in love with both of them.
Gahh so much sweetness in this book. MUST HAVE MORE.
I don't think I've ever cheered on a secondary romance this much. I loved the romance almost as much as the primary one.
I loved how the two love interests completely contradicted each other in so many ways yet you couldn't help fall in love with both of them.
Gahh so much sweetness in this book. MUST HAVE MORE.
March 13, 2016
Perhaps this might actually be one of the first books I've read that was both supernatural and historical, with romance thrown in as well. I had no idea this was actually any of those genres when I first read it. Frankly, most of Ms. Stuart's books haven't been up to par as A Rose at Midnight [my favourite book of hers] but this was ok. Apparently it wasn't memorable to me enough to remember that I've read this already hah. I might come back to this review eventually, but then again I might forget again. Anyway, the book starts off very interestingly, it definitely caught my attention as I was reading the demo version on Amazon, basically, it must've been one of Stuart's early works because it has hints of her previous books. The 'hero' is another anti-hero and is actually more of a caring villain if you can think of it that way [Stuart is the queen of villainous heroes], and immediately upon seeing the heroine, he already wants to 'rut' with her.
OK..... but this is something that is repeatedly through the first few chapters of the book, so it's with both dread and anticipation that makes me want to read through Alistar's (the 'hero') point of view [*note, this book goes through various character's points of view] , anticipation because it's what's supposedly pulling the story through, and dread because we get these unimpressive and banal thoughts through the book. An example can be viewed here (context; the heroine is trying to escape his seductive clutches, because if she happens to have intercourse, she will lose her extraordinary card-reading abilities, which is what's keeping her family afloat, and as she does this, she breaks the glass door behind her with her back, thus getting her back all scratched up and Alistair (the 'hero') carries her away to get it bandaged up, here are his thoughts
'She was more rounded than he realized, a fact that pleased him. He had every intention of discovering just how rounded she was, and he was going to taste those curves, luxuriate in them- once he managed to wake her up and bandage the scrape along her back.'
WHAT THE....OK then....
Honestly, this book was rather vulgar, not something I was expecting at all, but I went on regardless because I knew that my brain would eventually filter out the bad stuff and make the best of this book. After all, I've been craving a book where the hero was 'charming', sly, aloof and a Cat burglar. [Ok.... I've been obsessing over Miraculous Ladybug, I'll admit :')
And yes, this is exactly what I got. It's definitely a story out of the norm, and very original, in comparison to newer historical romance. Having also that added sense of paranormal stuff, it made it even better... once you get past the bad fillers (because, let's be honest, this was a ploy to make the story longer.....) I'm re-reading it again and hopefully I can remember having read it this time around :D I would recommend it if you want something new, are tired of this 'new adult' stuff that's passing off as romance [really, though, this 'vulgarity' isn't something that strange to read, knowing how it's what everybody who's reading new adult books are used to it], if you want some anti-hero and of course to pass the time and be entertained, because it held my attention [long enough that it made me want to check and see if I read it before... and have a bit of time to write this weird review. Read it!
EDIT: I finished the book for the second time (I believe...) and realised why I didn't remember the storyline: it was because it was rushed! What...There was no character development, no context to actions performed by the characters. Most of the things that happened in the book were definitley unbelievable in a very cringy way, and that ending was not worth all the reading I did on the first half of the book. The characters were all flatly expressed and not memorable at all, we were told what they did, what they thought and briefly, what they looked like, but other than that they were just there. I'll just leave this edit/review here in case my future self decides to re-read this again without knowing. OKthanxbye
OK..... but this is something that is repeatedly through the first few chapters of the book, so it's with both dread and anticipation that makes me want to read through Alistar's (the 'hero') point of view [*note, this book goes through various character's points of view] , anticipation because it's what's supposedly pulling the story through, and dread because we get these unimpressive and banal thoughts through the book. An example can be viewed here (context; the heroine is trying to escape his seductive clutches, because if she happens to have intercourse, she will lose her extraordinary card-reading abilities, which is what's keeping her family afloat, and as she does this, she breaks the glass door behind her with her back, thus getting her back all scratched up and Alistair (the 'hero') carries her away to get it bandaged up, here are his thoughts'She was more rounded than he realized, a fact that pleased him. He had every intention of discovering just how rounded she was, and he was going to taste those curves, luxuriate in them- once he managed to wake her up and bandage the scrape along her back.'
WHAT THE....OK then....
Honestly, this book was rather vulgar, not something I was expecting at all, but I went on regardless because I knew that my brain would eventually filter out the bad stuff and make the best of this book. After all, I've been craving a book where the hero was 'charming', sly, aloof and a Cat burglar. [Ok.... I've been obsessing over Miraculous Ladybug, I'll admit :')
And yes, this is exactly what I got. It's definitely a story out of the norm, and very original, in comparison to newer historical romance. Having also that added sense of paranormal stuff, it made it even better... once you get past the bad fillers (because, let's be honest, this was a ploy to make the story longer.....) I'm re-reading it again and hopefully I can remember having read it this time around :D I would recommend it if you want something new, are tired of this 'new adult' stuff that's passing off as romance [really, though, this 'vulgarity' isn't something that strange to read, knowing how it's what everybody who's reading new adult books are used to it], if you want some anti-hero and of course to pass the time and be entertained, because it held my attention [long enough that it made me want to check and see if I read it before... and have a bit of time to write this weird review. Read it!
EDIT: I finished the book for the second time (I believe...) and realised why I didn't remember the storyline: it was because it was rushed! What...There was no character development, no context to actions performed by the characters. Most of the things that happened in the book were definitley unbelievable in a very cringy way, and that ending was not worth all the reading I did on the first half of the book. The characters were all flatly expressed and not memorable at all, we were told what they did, what they thought and briefly, what they looked like, but other than that they were just there. I'll just leave this edit/review here in case my future self decides to re-read this again without knowing. OKthanxbye
December 14, 2024
3.5/5.
Not my favorite Anne Stuart, but it picked up toward the end with some truly crazy shenanigans, including the hero being like "I mean I guess there's nothing else to live for so I might as well steal the crown jewels."
And also, the classic Anne Stuart hero pitch of "Listen. I've got a lot of money. I'm wanted in three countries and the U.S. territory of Guam. I have three to five undiagnosed psychological conditions and I just tanked my credit score. You could describe me as True Neutral, though Wednesday through Friday I am Chaotic Evil. The happiest I've ever been was when I was balls deep inside you 45 minutes ago. Be my bride. (It's not a question.)"
So I mean. I can't complain that much.
Not my favorite Anne Stuart, but it picked up toward the end with some truly crazy shenanigans, including the hero being like "I mean I guess there's nothing else to live for so I might as well steal the crown jewels."
And also, the classic Anne Stuart hero pitch of "Listen. I've got a lot of money. I'm wanted in three countries and the U.S. territory of Guam. I have three to five undiagnosed psychological conditions and I just tanked my credit score. You could describe me as True Neutral, though Wednesday through Friday I am Chaotic Evil. The happiest I've ever been was when I was balls deep inside you 45 minutes ago. Be my bride. (It's not a question.)"
So I mean. I can't complain that much.
Read
March 10, 2016OK insta-lust is most definitely not my thing. I closed the book as soon as I read the hero telling the heroine "I want your body" the first time they ever had a conversation.
January 28, 2024
Stuart likes to write bad guy heroes and this one felt the most natural from what I’ve read of her HR, there’s still that annoying tendency for them to talk about how bad they are but in this case he was just being frank about his attraction to the heroine and his intention to ruin her, I appreciate the directness.
November 5, 2024
This is not a fav for me. Seemed kind of boring to me.
November 29, 2025
Many Years Ago = 4 stars
2025 = 3 stars / Read and skimmed to write a review.
I was surprised to find the KU book had quite a few errors, like missing punctuation and words. Usually, I don't notice, but there was enough to be noticeable.
I enjoyed this more years ago when I was a big fan of the author. Now, I’m less fond of insta-lust turning into insta-love. All it takes for the strong attraction to start is for the MCs to see each other at a social event, and exchange a few less than friendly words. Love happens before there are any meaningful interactions, like talking and getting to know each other. I found it all highly unlikely.
Impoverished noblewomen Jessamine and her younger sister Fleur share their romance stories simultaneously. Both fall quickly in love and have to pursue their men. Much melodrama and many tears are shed before they achieve their HEAs.
🪦 Evil villains are easily defeated, as they usually are.
📕 Story Info. with Some Spoilers: 📕
Fleur chases Brennan, an honorable Bow Street runner, who sees her as too fragile and genteel for him. She forces his hand by claiming she spent the night in his room at a country house party, compromising herself. Although Brennan is initially upset that Fleur chose someone not of her own station who can't give her the life she deserves, he quickly proves he's in love with her just as she is with him. He quits his job in London and plans to return home to become a Yorkshire farmer.
Jessamine and Alistair MacAlphin, the sixth Earl of Glenshiel, have a tense push-pull. He's a bored aristocrat known as The Cat, daring, cunning, and agile. He steals jewelry from wealthy acquaintances who deserve it, never twice from the same person. He enjoys playing cat-and-mouse with Jessamine, though he insists he only wants to bed her and is incapable of love. It's obvious he's only fooling himself. He runs out on Jess a few times, and she has to chase him (one of the things I disliked).
Intimacy will cause Jess to forfeit her gift of reading cards and telling fortunes—her means of feeding and caring for herself, Fleur, and their mother. But after Alistair's steamy seduction, she easily lets it go, trading her gift for a night of passion.
The story ends with Alistair planning one last heist—to steal the crown jewels from the Tower of London before retiring. He's pursued by Brennan and the villain, Josiah Clegg, a ruthless Bow Street runner who kills both guilty and innocent for money. All end up at the Tower for a final showdown. Hilariously, Jessamine is the one to kill Josiah by chopping off his head with an axe. She faints, and Alistair runs off yet again.
After days of moping in bed, Jess is rousted by news of their upcoming wedding in the paper. She goes to him (again), and he finally reveals his true feelings. He says they will marry and he'll take her to live at his estate in Scotland. There he'll love her and give her many children. It’s a sweet, but rather abrupt ending.
︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵
I found some parts of the story a bit dull, like when Alistair and Jess spent a night of thievery in London. However, a few enjoyable moments include Alistair's supportive friends, who helped the MCs.
The sexual tension was well done, but the one lengthy sex scene between Alistair and Jess was too flowery and wordy for my taste, so I skimmed through it. Fleur and Brennan's short sex scene was much preferred.
Overall, a pretty good reread. Sadly, it's now an oldie but no longer a goodie. 🥀
2025 = 3 stars / Read and skimmed to write a review.
I was surprised to find the KU book had quite a few errors, like missing punctuation and words. Usually, I don't notice, but there was enough to be noticeable.
I enjoyed this more years ago when I was a big fan of the author. Now, I’m less fond of insta-lust turning into insta-love. All it takes for the strong attraction to start is for the MCs to see each other at a social event, and exchange a few less than friendly words. Love happens before there are any meaningful interactions, like talking and getting to know each other. I found it all highly unlikely.
Impoverished noblewomen Jessamine and her younger sister Fleur share their romance stories simultaneously. Both fall quickly in love and have to pursue their men. Much melodrama and many tears are shed before they achieve their HEAs.
🪦 Evil villains are easily defeated, as they usually are.
📕 Story Info. with Some Spoilers: 📕
Fleur chases Brennan, an honorable Bow Street runner, who sees her as too fragile and genteel for him. She forces his hand by claiming she spent the night in his room at a country house party, compromising herself. Although Brennan is initially upset that Fleur chose someone not of her own station who can't give her the life she deserves, he quickly proves he's in love with her just as she is with him. He quits his job in London and plans to return home to become a Yorkshire farmer.
Jessamine and Alistair MacAlphin, the sixth Earl of Glenshiel, have a tense push-pull. He's a bored aristocrat known as The Cat, daring, cunning, and agile. He steals jewelry from wealthy acquaintances who deserve it, never twice from the same person. He enjoys playing cat-and-mouse with Jessamine, though he insists he only wants to bed her and is incapable of love. It's obvious he's only fooling himself. He runs out on Jess a few times, and she has to chase him (one of the things I disliked).
Intimacy will cause Jess to forfeit her gift of reading cards and telling fortunes—her means of feeding and caring for herself, Fleur, and their mother. But after Alistair's steamy seduction, she easily lets it go, trading her gift for a night of passion.
The story ends with Alistair planning one last heist—to steal the crown jewels from the Tower of London before retiring. He's pursued by Brennan and the villain, Josiah Clegg, a ruthless Bow Street runner who kills both guilty and innocent for money. All end up at the Tower for a final showdown. Hilariously, Jessamine is the one to kill Josiah by chopping off his head with an axe. She faints, and Alistair runs off yet again.
After days of moping in bed, Jess is rousted by news of their upcoming wedding in the paper. She goes to him (again), and he finally reveals his true feelings. He says they will marry and he'll take her to live at his estate in Scotland. There he'll love her and give her many children. It’s a sweet, but rather abrupt ending.
︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵
I found some parts of the story a bit dull, like when Alistair and Jess spent a night of thievery in London. However, a few enjoyable moments include Alistair's supportive friends, who helped the MCs.
The sexual tension was well done, but the one lengthy sex scene between Alistair and Jess was too flowery and wordy for my taste, so I skimmed through it. Fleur and Brennan's short sex scene was much preferred.
Overall, a pretty good reread. Sadly, it's now an oldie but no longer a goodie. 🥀
March 2, 2015
Jessamine is a tarot card fortuneteller gentlewoman down on her luck, living with her beautiful younger sister and mother in poverty. Alister is a foppish gentleman jewelry thief, bored with life. I liked Jessamine and Alister together, they hated but lusted after each other and their conversations made me smile. However, when they were apart all the other plot points bored me. There is a lot going on here: the evil Bowstreet runner using Jessamine's talent, secondary roamance of her sister and another Bowstreet runner, Alister's continued thievery. I just wanted to read Jessamine and Alister together. He kept her guessing until the last page, when would he confess his love and what was his future plan, I wanted to see them happy for a few pages.
July 28, 2015
I thought this was awesome. Anne Stuart's heroes are often really evil people, like murderers and stuff, so it was a nice break that this one was only a thief. I was really into both romances, it's one of the only times where I am equally into the primary & secondary romance. Full of adventure, and romance, and sex, it was a pretty great book.
May 19, 2014
Jessamyn and Alasdair are as opposite as night and day. she is a genteel woman who is on hard times and makes her living by reading Tarot cards for the wealthy. Alasdair is an Earl, also on hard times, who fills the empty family coffers by stealing the rich people's jewels. Both are delightful characters, and of course when the meet, sparks fly. This was a good read and recommended.
October 10, 2013
A poorly written mess.
tbr-later
November 5, 20155 April 2014: $0.00 FREE on Kindle
August 28, 2016
I disliked this enough that I'm trying to track down how I even found it. Entirely too rape-y and poorly researched, which is saying something. I'm even a bit irritated that I bothered finishing it.
August 13, 2021
Di quest'autrice avevo letto solo un romanzo contemporaneo e anche se sapevo di una petizione organizzata per la pubblicazione dei suoi romanzi storici non mi sono lasciata influenzare.
Se pensavo di trovarmi il solito protagonista maschile costretto a rubare per motivi nobili mi sono dovuta ricredere sin dalle prime pagine del romanzo.
Alistair ruba a quei ricchi boriosi e antipatici che possono permetterselo così da poter sistemare i debiti causati dalla vita dissoluta del fratello maggiore poi morto. Tornato in auge decide di continuare la sua attività di ladro per non morire di noia.
Caratterialmente è cattivo, non che sia violento o ama far del male alle persone, ma è un uomo sarcastico e insensibile (ciò traspare chiaramente nei suoi gesti e nelle sue parole) ma che riesce a mascherare bene.
A volte ho pensato di volerlo uccidere tanto era insopportabile, altre volte l'ho apprezzato ma pensare che sia il genere di uomo che preferisco nei romance è da escludere.
Sempre per noia decide di sedurre Jessamine una ragazza finita in disgrazia e costretta a vivere in una parte di Londra poco raccomandabile. L'unica sua fonte di reddito è il particolare dono lasciatole da una zingara: saper prevedere il futuro attraverso i tarocchi. Una donna decisamente ingenua e molto malleabile per niente all'altezza di un ladro come il Gatto (incredibile come venga trattata e come reagisce con poca convinzione).
Per compensare questa storia alquanto sui generis l'autrice decide di contrapporre una storia classica: la sorella di Jessamine che dovrà salvare le sorti della famiglia sposando un ricco possidente, s'innamorerà di un semplice poliziotto di Bow Street coraggioso e con il senso dell'onore.
Una trama molto particolare, uno stile scorrevole e dei personaggi secondari che non fanno solo da cornice.
Un romanzo diverso sotto molti aspetti ma che non mi fa rimpiangere i romance a cui sono abituata.
Se pensavo di trovarmi il solito protagonista maschile costretto a rubare per motivi nobili mi sono dovuta ricredere sin dalle prime pagine del romanzo.
Alistair ruba a quei ricchi boriosi e antipatici che possono permetterselo così da poter sistemare i debiti causati dalla vita dissoluta del fratello maggiore poi morto. Tornato in auge decide di continuare la sua attività di ladro per non morire di noia.
Caratterialmente è cattivo, non che sia violento o ama far del male alle persone, ma è un uomo sarcastico e insensibile (ciò traspare chiaramente nei suoi gesti e nelle sue parole) ma che riesce a mascherare bene.
A volte ho pensato di volerlo uccidere tanto era insopportabile, altre volte l'ho apprezzato ma pensare che sia il genere di uomo che preferisco nei romance è da escludere.
Sempre per noia decide di sedurre Jessamine una ragazza finita in disgrazia e costretta a vivere in una parte di Londra poco raccomandabile. L'unica sua fonte di reddito è il particolare dono lasciatole da una zingara: saper prevedere il futuro attraverso i tarocchi. Una donna decisamente ingenua e molto malleabile per niente all'altezza di un ladro come il Gatto (incredibile come venga trattata e come reagisce con poca convinzione).
Per compensare questa storia alquanto sui generis l'autrice decide di contrapporre una storia classica: la sorella di Jessamine che dovrà salvare le sorti della famiglia sposando un ricco possidente, s'innamorerà di un semplice poliziotto di Bow Street coraggioso e con il senso dell'onore.
Una trama molto particolare, uno stile scorrevole e dei personaggi secondari che non fanno solo da cornice.
Un romanzo diverso sotto molti aspetti ma che non mi fa rimpiangere i romance a cui sono abituata.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2018
I normally like Anne Stuart for really well developed characters. This just fell flat for me. Jessamine's abilities seemed really interesting and Alastair was a great anti-hero. I really liked the idea of them together, but their romance seemed forced. Jessamine seemed unwilling to be seduced and that sounded rapey to me. She eventually goes along with it, even though she knows she will lose her mystical abilities. Which I couldn't understand why. And then the ending was resolved too quickly.
Good premise, but disappointing overall.
Good premise, but disappointing overall.
February 12, 2022
Super slow for me. The description of the book was really appealing but it turned out to be such a let down. Didn’t get attached to any of the character. I found Alistair to be quite selfish and led by his own needs.
Between the characters, slow pace, and predictability I was soooooo over it by the end.
Between the characters, slow pace, and predictability I was soooooo over it by the end.
April 9, 2022
DNF
too dark with bad bow street runner Clegg and his threats, and sadist major domo, impoverished Jess, glorious Fleur, obvious good bow street runner romance, and hero's banality all in first chapters. too much overtone, maybe will read the last five pages. did like that Clegg was axed from reading reviews.
too dark with bad bow street runner Clegg and his threats, and sadist major domo, impoverished Jess, glorious Fleur, obvious good bow street runner romance, and hero's banality all in first chapters. too much overtone, maybe will read the last five pages. did like that Clegg was axed from reading reviews.
October 8, 2017
A wonderful adventure
Anne Stuart writes stories that are so enjoyable that I can't stop reading. I know when i start one of her stories that it will be a good book filled with twists and turns and end on a high note. Good writing and cha r caters make her stories stand out .
Anne Stuart writes stories that are so enjoyable that I can't stop reading. I know when i start one of her stories that it will be a good book filled with twists and turns and end on a high note. Good writing and cha r caters make her stories stand out .
June 21, 2018
As usual Anne Stuart writes a good book.
This book is a page Turner, it is very hard to put down. She always writes a keeper. I am looking forward to reading another one of her books.
This book is a page Turner, it is very hard to put down. She always writes a keeper. I am looking forward to reading another one of her books.
November 6, 2019
Sotto l'ombrellone cercavo un romance puro, di quelli alla harmony, senza troppe pretese. Una storia coinvolgente ma non troppo perché non avevo modo di tirare tutta la notte come mio solito per divorare un libro fino all'ultima pagina. Beh, diciamo che in un certo senso ha rispettato le aspettative ma speravo in un intreccio un po' più strutturato e personaggi un filino più complessi. Basic.
June 22, 2020
I pochi romanzi della Stuart che devo ancora leggere li sto centellinando. Li lascio per i momenti "di bisogno", quando ho voglia di farmi una coccola.
Questo non è il migliore e non è nemmeno memorabile, ma...ce ne fossero!
Questo non è il migliore e non è nemmeno memorabile, ma...ce ne fossero!
April 9, 2019
Would have liked an epilogue.
Story has quite a few plot holes, but I enjoyed it. 3 1/2 stars.
Story has quite a few plot holes, but I enjoyed it. 3 1/2 stars.
May 23, 2022
Read this years ago. Witty and amusing historical romance
Read
June 20, 2023Putting it away for now…
June 14, 2024
2 stars
I enjoyed the beginning but then thought the story got a bit muddled. I think I’d have preferred for the tarot card reading to be fake.
I enjoyed the beginning but then thought the story got a bit muddled. I think I’d have preferred for the tarot card reading to be fake.
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