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A Midwinter Prince #1
A Midwinter Prince
Laurence Fitzroy is trapped in a golden cage. The only son of a wealthy London baronet, he’s struggling to escape his father’s suffocating world. But Laurie is losing his fight. At nineteen years of age, bright and imaginative, he’s no match for the brutal Sir William. Laurie wants to be an actor – bad enough as far as Sir William is concerned, but, worse than that, he’s gay.
One bitter winter night, he meets a young homeless man huddled in blankets outside the opera house. The two form a bond straight away, and Laurie takes him home, wanting only to offer him food and a warm bed. But Sasha is a passionate Romani immigrant, and his beauty and sweet nature soon overwhelm Laurie’s chaste intentions, leaving him hopelessly in love.
Laurie and Sasha reach out desperately to one another from their different worlds, and against all odds begin an affair, hidden in the attics of Laurie’s sumptuous home and on the bleak moorland of a Romani encampment. For Laurie, it’s a delicious sexual awakening, and Sasha returns his affections, opening up to him a whole new world of freedom.
But Sasha has secrets, and a murky, violent past. When he vanishes, he leaves Laurie bereft and alone in a city he hardly recognises any more. Now Laurie has to stand on his own two feet and find the strength to rescue his lover – and himself.
Note: This is not a historical series. They are titled aristocrats in contemporary society.
Word Count: 77,877
One bitter winter night, he meets a young homeless man huddled in blankets outside the opera house. The two form a bond straight away, and Laurie takes him home, wanting only to offer him food and a warm bed. But Sasha is a passionate Romani immigrant, and his beauty and sweet nature soon overwhelm Laurie’s chaste intentions, leaving him hopelessly in love.
Laurie and Sasha reach out desperately to one another from their different worlds, and against all odds begin an affair, hidden in the attics of Laurie’s sumptuous home and on the bleak moorland of a Romani encampment. For Laurie, it’s a delicious sexual awakening, and Sasha returns his affections, opening up to him a whole new world of freedom.
But Sasha has secrets, and a murky, violent past. When he vanishes, he leaves Laurie bereft and alone in a city he hardly recognises any more. Now Laurie has to stand on his own two feet and find the strength to rescue his lover – and himself.
Note: This is not a historical series. They are titled aristocrats in contemporary society.
Word Count: 77,877
154 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 9, 2010
22 people are currently reading
768 people want to read
About the author
Harper Fox
58 books1,176 followersHarper Fox is an M/M author with a mission. She’s produced six critically acclaimed novels in a year and is trying to dispel rumours that she has a clone/twin sister locked away in a study in her basement. In fact she simply continues working on what she loves best– creating worlds and stories for the huge cast of lovely gay men queuing up inside her head. She lives in rural Northumberland in northern England and does most of her writing at a pensioned-off kitchen table in her back garden, often with blanket and hot water bottle.
She lives with her SO Jane, who has somehow put up with her for a quarter of a century now, and three enigmatic cats, chief among whom is Lucy, who knows the secret of the universe but isn't letting on. When not writing, she either despairs or makes bread, specialities foccacia and her amazing seven-strand challah. If she has any other skills, she's yet to discover them.
She lives with her SO Jane, who has somehow put up with her for a quarter of a century now, and three enigmatic cats, chief among whom is Lucy, who knows the secret of the universe but isn't letting on. When not writing, she either despairs or makes bread, specialities foccacia and her amazing seven-strand challah. If she has any other skills, she's yet to discover them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
September 16, 2013
4.5 stars. This book was released in what seems to have been the author's first year of publication. (Just three years ago - wow, she's done so much good writing in such a short span.) It is a little less crafted, less layered with the gorgeous language that makes a Harper Fox novel something unique, but there are flashes and moments that are stunning. The basic story is a classic, of the rich boy who has material wealth but nothing else good or real in his life, meeting the poor boy who changes his world.
Laurie is an interesting character, a young man with talent and intelligence but who has learned a passive approach to life around his overbearing and volatile father. He's a little absent, feeling colorless when we meet him. The only thing that rouses him to effort and real engagement is protecting and nurturing his younger sister, to whom he is brother and father-figure both. But one cold night he spots a homeless man just about his age, huddled in a doorway, and has a moment of connection that becomes an epiphany. A few days later he tracks Sasha down, and takes him in for the night. And in turn, Sasha unlocks Laurie from the fog of distance in which he is living his life and makes him feel real, urgent and necessary passion within himself, for someone new.
But Sasha is an illegal immigrant with a shady past, and Laurie's father is a bigot and homophobic. Being together isn't simple in any way. The story plays out with a fair bit of drama and unexpected moments of hard-won joy. The plot is eventful, the resolution sweet. Like almost everything this author writes, I read this in one sitting, and will come back to it. Not my favorite Harper Fox, but that bar is very high indeed. Still going on my favorites list, and a reread.
I won a free copy of this book on the M/M group, but I'd been searching for it and would have bought it anyway. I'll read anything Harper Fox cares to write.
Laurie is an interesting character, a young man with talent and intelligence but who has learned a passive approach to life around his overbearing and volatile father. He's a little absent, feeling colorless when we meet him. The only thing that rouses him to effort and real engagement is protecting and nurturing his younger sister, to whom he is brother and father-figure both. But one cold night he spots a homeless man just about his age, huddled in a doorway, and has a moment of connection that becomes an epiphany. A few days later he tracks Sasha down, and takes him in for the night. And in turn, Sasha unlocks Laurie from the fog of distance in which he is living his life and makes him feel real, urgent and necessary passion within himself, for someone new.
But Sasha is an illegal immigrant with a shady past, and Laurie's father is a bigot and homophobic. Being together isn't simple in any way. The story plays out with a fair bit of drama and unexpected moments of hard-won joy. The plot is eventful, the resolution sweet. Like almost everything this author writes, I read this in one sitting, and will come back to it. Not my favorite Harper Fox, but that bar is very high indeed. Still going on my favorites list, and a reread.
I won a free copy of this book on the M/M group, but I'd been searching for it and would have bought it anyway. I'll read anything Harper Fox cares to write.
January 9, 2014
I will preface this review by saying that I LOVE HARPER FOX. I know she’s not for everyone. But, I could read her any time. I get swept away by her prose and her descriptions and the way her characters talk to one another. It’s TRUE romance people! Everything about her books, even the worst dangerous parts, feel romantic!
That being said, The Midwinter Prince is my least favorite of her books to date. Where most of her books…flow…this one felt stagnant. It was really hard to get through. Not only was it a tad bit boring, it lacked the signature Harper Fox lyricism that I’ve come to expect.
Laurie, the son of a wealthy London baronet, was a prisoner in his life. His father was an awful, cruel man and his mother too weak to protect he and his sister. He has a brief meeting with a street kid, Sasha, and he can’t get him out of his head. The book follows their friendship, their love, and their struggles for survival.
The first ¾ of the book was slow and I really didn’t care too much about the young couple. I wasn’t quite sure about the why’s of Laurie’s obsession with the homeless Sasha and there were times that I really wanted to shake Laurie and yell “grow up, kid!”. Though I typically love the otherworld feel of most of Fox’s writing, it proved to be a bit frustrating with this story and these characters.
As HF’s books tend to do, a huge part of all the action is crammed into the last bits of the book…and to be honest, I kinda loved that aspect of this particular one. The revelation of Sasha’s true background and then danger they face because of it was exciting. Laurie’s attempts to make it on his own were also interesting (though, a bit too convenient…) And the end, wrapped up nicely in a perfect bow, made me happy…as these tend to do.
I think it was decent. I liked it. It wouldn’t be the first book I’d recommend if anyone wanted to read Harper Fox (I’d go with Half Moon Chambers or The Salisbury Key …though I think most would say Scrap Metal). But if you are a fan of the author and are working your way through her backlist of books, this is an ok read.
Want to read
June 18, 2012Not a historical! I thought it was, from the blurb and the cover, although neither actually says, "historical".
The blurb doesn't say what era, but it starts off with the "son of a wealthy London baronet" rescuing a "homeless young man off the bitter winter streets." And then the cover - maybe especially the cover photo which is sooo very typical of other historical romances - completely persuaded my subconscious that this was a historical, maybe set in the 1800s. I see that a few others have shelved this under 'historical' too, so I wasn't the only one with the wrong impression. (Also, the 3 people who voted for it in the "Best Gay Historical Romance" list.)
Still enjoyed it very much as a modern read, but I think I might have liked it better if my mind had been in the right time period when I started. Then I wouldn't have had to pause to keep puzzling out the date - as when I realized, hmm, cars, it must be at least the early 1900s; and then later, oh, they have cell phones, I'd better move them up to present day, which meant I had to go back and reset the story in my mind each time.
The blurb doesn't say what era, but it starts off with the "son of a wealthy London baronet" rescuing a "homeless young man off the bitter winter streets." And then the cover - maybe especially the cover photo which is sooo very typical of other historical romances - completely persuaded my subconscious that this was a historical, maybe set in the 1800s. I see that a few others have shelved this under 'historical' too, so I wasn't the only one with the wrong impression. (Also, the 3 people who voted for it in the "Best Gay Historical Romance" list.)
Still enjoyed it very much as a modern read, but I think I might have liked it better if my mind had been in the right time period when I started. Then I wouldn't have had to pause to keep puzzling out the date - as when I realized, hmm, cars, it must be at least the early 1900s; and then later, oh, they have cell phones, I'd better move them up to present day, which meant I had to go back and reset the story in my mind each time.
February 21, 2023
Very much a meh book, I really only took away from this that the plot is
"Rich boy, fancies poor boy, saves poor boy, becomes poor boy, but becomes richer for it and then becomes rich again"
Dross at its finest, but it kept me entertained on a long drive.
"Rich boy, fancies poor boy, saves poor boy, becomes poor boy, but becomes richer for it and then becomes rich again"
Dross at its finest, but it kept me entertained on a long drive.
October 21, 2014
3.80 stars
This was lovely at its essence (if not its execution) and so much more than a coming-of-age love story.
When Laurie, wealthy scion and pampered rich boy meets Sasha, a homeless, street hustler, his eyes are opened up to a whole new world that has been right in front of him. His (totally evil and repulsive) father does not take well to Laurie’s new infatuation and kicks him to the curb, literally, where he must make his own way with nothing more than the clothes on his back.
Sasha belongs to a tribe known as ‘gypsies’ or Romani. These people with nothing take Laurie in and show him more caring than his own family. The commentary about the Romani and their ‘invisibility’ can be extrapolated out to any alienated, homeless person living anywhere in the world. Woven here with the love story we get a view of bustling London streets from both sides of the divide. Through Laurie’s eyes we see how easy can be the path to poverty, shame, and neglect, how quickly one can lose everything and be at the mercy of the elements and the kindness of strangers. It is this depiction of a young man’s coming of age that pulls at my heart.
I did find the style of the story-telling odd: formal, with an old-fashioned, quasi-Dickensian feel that didn’t match the modern day setting. Sudden mention of mod tech such as cell phones and the internet would snap me back to present day. In fact, this story could have easily been set during the Victorian era. If you are willing to overlook that, this is an interesting world made more-so with the added depiction of theatre life that Laurie finds refuge in. There’s a lot of color and depth to this sweet, coming-of-age love story with the added spice of an underworld crime/adventure thrown in.
November 15, 2010
Nineteen years old Laurie Fitzroy is the son of wealthy Sir William Fitzroy. He has everything ... but he is also lonely and imprisoned in his life of having to become what his father is needed. Then one freezing night, he meets an illegal homeless boy, Sasha, and his life forever changes. Because Sasha teaches him to dream, to fight for what he wants, and to love ...
Oh, Harper Fox, how I adore your stories. I have to admit, I still struggle with Ms. Fox's very British language/style -- it is somehow feels too layered, too detached. BUT, the story itself is just amazing. It's not as angsty/emotional roller coaster ride as her two previous books, ALTHOUGH, it doesn't mean that this doesn't have that. It does and my how it will break your heart. This story is more on Laurie's point of view. In a way, it's his journey, to get out from his father's tyrant way of life ... to find his true self through his love for Sasha. I adore his determination when he needs to find a job for himself and a place to stay for him and Sasha. I love his affection for his little sister. There are so many scenes here that just touches me and I just want to hug the two men and keep them from the cold winter and harm.
Plus point for tidbits scene of the life of the theater. I want to read more M/M stories that takes place around the theater ... with actual scene of audition, performing on stage, as well as the acceptance from the audience. This one has that, and I love it so.
Oh, Harper Fox, how I adore your stories. I have to admit, I still struggle with Ms. Fox's very British language/style -- it is somehow feels too layered, too detached. BUT, the story itself is just amazing. It's not as angsty/emotional roller coaster ride as her two previous books, ALTHOUGH, it doesn't mean that this doesn't have that. It does and my how it will break your heart. This story is more on Laurie's point of view. In a way, it's his journey, to get out from his father's tyrant way of life ... to find his true self through his love for Sasha. I adore his determination when he needs to find a job for himself and a place to stay for him and Sasha. I love his affection for his little sister. There are so many scenes here that just touches me and I just want to hug the two men and keep them from the cold winter and harm.
Plus point for tidbits scene of the life of the theater. I want to read more M/M stories that takes place around the theater ... with actual scene of audition, performing on stage, as well as the acceptance from the audience. This one has that, and I love it so.
December 30, 2010
Can't understand why this is on the gay historical list because it's NOT historical. There were too many egregious things in the first couple of chapters (the absolute nonsense about the Lyceum theatre being the first I spotted) for me to continue - it really reads like a historical that has been badly converted to a contemporary. Did not finish.
Read
January 3, 2022While I LOVE this author and the intensity she gifts us with, this book felt like too much. It was too morose, too wintery, too stacked against them. I find myself thinking I would not be up for the tone of the second and happy just leaving it here for now. I had a really long pause on this and just kind of needed to finish it to see if it picked up. Lovely, just not for me. No rating.
August 3, 2016
I am a huge Fox fan, but this story was missing the one thing I cherish in every Fox book: Romanticism. That sense of awe for the natural world that comes through so palpably that one can live it by reading it. This story is set in London; it doesn't not have the wilds.
Yes, there have been other stories that are set in urban areas, but there is always this contrast of the civilized versus the raw, unvarnished space that the reader via the MC is privileged to view intimately without interference. Here the open space, the heath, is never given that due. It is described in chorus with others whom Laurie is sharing it. That precious solitary commune is absent. So, this greatly affected my perception of this work because it is something I look forward to with anticipation.
Now, back to the story itself. The conflict of social spheres and expectations as well as both Laurie's and Sasha's external familial relationships drive the story. It is brash, presenting reality harshly in places and leaving a portion of the blame on the reader's shoulders as a culpable witness. The references to theater are elusive and I'm not an expert on Shakespeare; I had to carefully follow parts so as to not be left behind.
In the end, there is a lovely character arc for both protagonists and is quite an enjoyable story that I didn't want to set aside when life demanded. This rating reflects not only the work itself, but how I have compared it to other works by Fox. Still a good read.
Favorite quote:
Yes, there have been other stories that are set in urban areas, but there is always this contrast of the civilized versus the raw, unvarnished space that the reader via the MC is privileged to view intimately without interference. Here the open space, the heath, is never given that due. It is described in chorus with others whom Laurie is sharing it. That precious solitary commune is absent. So, this greatly affected my perception of this work because it is something I look forward to with anticipation.
Now, back to the story itself. The conflict of social spheres and expectations as well as both Laurie's and Sasha's external familial relationships drive the story. It is brash, presenting reality harshly in places and leaving a portion of the blame on the reader's shoulders as a culpable witness. The references to theater are elusive and I'm not an expert on Shakespeare; I had to carefully follow parts so as to not be left behind.
In the end, there is a lovely character arc for both protagonists and is quite an enjoyable story that I didn't want to set aside when life demanded. This rating reflects not only the work itself, but how I have compared it to other works by Fox. Still a good read.
Favorite quote:
If he did not expect, he could not be disappointed, and his solitude would not get the chance to consume him.
January 5, 2013
A very beautiful, bitter sweet love story.
The beginning has a dreamlike/fairytale quality in a snowy, timeless London. Made me think of "The prince and the pauper" and also the Oscar Wilde fairy tale about the golden prince, although there is no real connection or relation.
The writing was brilliant, and with two so very young lovers the falling in love and feeling it so strongly and "forever" felt naturally.
I enjoyed this very much as it was a very romantic story, but still held enough realism to be convincing.
The beginning has a dreamlike/fairytale quality in a snowy, timeless London. Made me think of "The prince and the pauper" and also the Oscar Wilde fairy tale about the golden prince, although there is no real connection or relation.
The writing was brilliant, and with two so very young lovers the falling in love and feeling it so strongly and "forever" felt naturally.
I enjoyed this very much as it was a very romantic story, but still held enough realism to be convincing.
September 7, 2014
I loved this story from Harper Fox. It's been a while since I read it but I can remember enjoying he characters so much. And the love between tthese two MC's who are pretty much as far apart socially as it's possible to be. Yet they have more in common than they first realise. Just thinking about yhese two is making me want to re-read it. I am all gooey from the intense love they share...and the difficulties they faced because of it.
A recommended read.
A recommended read.
November 12, 2010
4,5 stars.
BIG drama. Romeo and Julian in London - only with HEA.
Just a tiny bit too stagy and pompous.What shall I say - this is Harper Fox.
BIG drama. Romeo and Julian in London - only with HEA.
Just a tiny bit too stagy and pompous.What shall I say - this is Harper Fox.
December 20, 2010
I found Midwinter Prince a mixed story. It’s a decent romance but loses the contemporary feel often enough that I kept thinking this was a historical, then references to pop culture would get thrown in and I’d be jolted once again. The writing is very typical of the author, complex layered language that is often too wordy and awkward to make for a smooth, easy read. It’s not bad if you enjoy slight tongue twisting to your prose and there is an attempt at intense, dramatic romance. Overall an ok to good story but not one I’d read again.
The story is set in London with young, wealthy but sheltered Laurie. He’s the only son of a Baron and still adrift in his life. He comes across homeless Sasha on the streets and their brief connection stays with Laurie. He can’t help himself from seeking out Sasha and the two connect again in secret. Yet Laurie’s controlling father, ineffective mother, and sweet sister are all parts of Laurie’s life and he can’t quite find his way out. When events start spiraling out of control, Laurie has no idea who to trust or what’s real.
The setting is modern London but never quite felt that way. There are enough modern references to keep reminding readers, such as pop culture shows, celebrities, and gadgets. Yet the Baron, near royalty feel and oppressive reminders of wealth and action make this feel very historical. Most of the characters behave, speak, and feel as they’re in a historical novel. There is the isolated sense of education, the huge gap between wealth and poverty. The actions of the various characters from the servants to the tutor and even Laurie’s parents never feel contemporary or modern. This juxtaposition in time frames kept jarring me from the story. Just when the feel is too historical, modern references are thrown in and would disturb me again. I wish the story had been steeped in one or the other time frames instead of straddling the two.
The plot is ok if you can suspend disbelief. Again since it’s not exactly the most modern telling, the actions and plot twists aren’t exactly believable. They’d be more at home in historical times so you really have to just be willing to go with the story. It has a romantic bent and a love conquers all theme so this will please romantics regardless. There is a nice tension and progression to the story as the two men come together but there’s a real question if they’ll work out. Given their personalities and secrets, it may not happen so the tension and intense connection is very nicely developed and kept interesting.
The characters are very well crafted. Laurie is a somewhat shallow, but the writing does a commendable job in explaining and showing why he lacks a lot of strength. His stereotypical parents are the catalysts for Laurie’s lack of maturity and strength but he slowly changes, matures, and really grows within the space of the story. This is an especially nice progression and change to see as Laurie grows from an understandably weak and spoiled boy to someone standing on his own merits. Sasha is much more mysterious as the lover that kind of darts in and out of Laurie’s life. He is the motivator for change but lacks the support Laurie desperately needs. There are reasons for this and that makes for some good intensity of emotion and story tension.
The writing is uneven. Since the setting is so back and forth, the writing tends to be as well. The prose is often awkward, very verbose and not the easiest to read. This tends to be the author’s style I think and thus won’t appeal to everyone. Fans are going to enjoy this story much more than those that find this writing style clumsy. Overall this is a decent romance but it couldn’t quite decide which it was – contemporary or historical – and that killed my engagement more than anything.
The story is set in London with young, wealthy but sheltered Laurie. He’s the only son of a Baron and still adrift in his life. He comes across homeless Sasha on the streets and their brief connection stays with Laurie. He can’t help himself from seeking out Sasha and the two connect again in secret. Yet Laurie’s controlling father, ineffective mother, and sweet sister are all parts of Laurie’s life and he can’t quite find his way out. When events start spiraling out of control, Laurie has no idea who to trust or what’s real.
The setting is modern London but never quite felt that way. There are enough modern references to keep reminding readers, such as pop culture shows, celebrities, and gadgets. Yet the Baron, near royalty feel and oppressive reminders of wealth and action make this feel very historical. Most of the characters behave, speak, and feel as they’re in a historical novel. There is the isolated sense of education, the huge gap between wealth and poverty. The actions of the various characters from the servants to the tutor and even Laurie’s parents never feel contemporary or modern. This juxtaposition in time frames kept jarring me from the story. Just when the feel is too historical, modern references are thrown in and would disturb me again. I wish the story had been steeped in one or the other time frames instead of straddling the two.
The plot is ok if you can suspend disbelief. Again since it’s not exactly the most modern telling, the actions and plot twists aren’t exactly believable. They’d be more at home in historical times so you really have to just be willing to go with the story. It has a romantic bent and a love conquers all theme so this will please romantics regardless. There is a nice tension and progression to the story as the two men come together but there’s a real question if they’ll work out. Given their personalities and secrets, it may not happen so the tension and intense connection is very nicely developed and kept interesting.
The characters are very well crafted. Laurie is a somewhat shallow, but the writing does a commendable job in explaining and showing why he lacks a lot of strength. His stereotypical parents are the catalysts for Laurie’s lack of maturity and strength but he slowly changes, matures, and really grows within the space of the story. This is an especially nice progression and change to see as Laurie grows from an understandably weak and spoiled boy to someone standing on his own merits. Sasha is much more mysterious as the lover that kind of darts in and out of Laurie’s life. He is the motivator for change but lacks the support Laurie desperately needs. There are reasons for this and that makes for some good intensity of emotion and story tension.
The writing is uneven. Since the setting is so back and forth, the writing tends to be as well. The prose is often awkward, very verbose and not the easiest to read. This tends to be the author’s style I think and thus won’t appeal to everyone. Fans are going to enjoy this story much more than those that find this writing style clumsy. Overall this is a decent romance but it couldn’t quite decide which it was – contemporary or historical – and that killed my engagement more than anything.
September 24, 2014
I liked this story. I did. But at the same time, it saddened me. At the same time I had a hard time accepting some parts of it. So it settles at 3 stars.
One note. Romania also has Romanians, not just gypsies (Roma). Just putting it out there, in case you were wondering.
This was a story that can impress you, if you let it.
One note. Romania also has Romanians, not just gypsies (Roma). Just putting it out there, in case you were wondering.
This was a story that can impress you, if you let it.
May 26, 2013
OK! it's a foregone conclusion that I should love this story as I love Ms Fox's writing......and I did!
Even the sex didn't turn my stomach. This story is a little like "The Little Princess" the Gay version and although I felt the ending was wrapped up a little too quickly, the whole story, language, plot, sensualism, theme just made me happy.
Aristocrat meets down and out gypsy boy. A HEA.
The reader is forewarned to suspend disbelief for this is a Harper Fox novel and strange things happen.
Even the sex didn't turn my stomach. This story is a little like "The Little Princess" the Gay version and although I felt the ending was wrapped up a little too quickly, the whole story, language, plot, sensualism, theme just made me happy.
Aristocrat meets down and out gypsy boy. A HEA.
The reader is forewarned to suspend disbelief for this is a Harper Fox novel and strange things happen.
October 24, 2017
I'm kind of reading Harper Fox a little back to front, having read most of her recent books, and now starting with the older ones =- and you can really see how the writing and plot development has grown and matured.
This was lovely, up there for me on the angst scale, and in places it reminded me of Suki Fleet's Foxes - mainly because of the ages of Laurie and Sasha, and the life on the streets, and I think that both authors have an element of poetry in their writing as well.
I'm curious as to where the sequel will go.
This was lovely, up there for me on the angst scale, and in places it reminded me of Suki Fleet's Foxes - mainly because of the ages of Laurie and Sasha, and the life on the streets, and I think that both authors have an element of poetry in their writing as well.
I'm curious as to where the sequel will go.
August 6, 2021
3.5
This is written so weird that at times it felt like a historical.
November 20, 2011
Harper Fox once again provides a great story that emphasizes making choices in life and how freeing and difficult that can be. Laurie and Sasha are such sweet characters, Laurie exudes innocence and Sasha is understated strength. Most of the action in this book is within the second part of the story and I'm glad this came when it did, otherwise the story would have been to even keeled. Great read!
January 9, 2013
This came up under historical and unless they had broadband and limos sometime in history then that is not correct. This is a contemporary romance for sure. I usually love love love Harper Fox books but this one was just okay. It seem much longer than the GR page count and half the book was spent in some kind of poetic prose or something. Had to read an awful lot of pages to get to the action. But...the story was excellent under all the wordy parts.
August 21, 2014
Loved this story. I was a bit confused at first, wondering if it was a historical romance or a contemporary romance, but that was soon cleared up. I think it was just the author's writing style, it's maybe a bit old fashioned. But I loved the characters, especially Sasha. And I loved how Laurie grew as a man, how he learned to be self-reliant and strong as a person. Beautiful love story.
March 26, 2023
Some sentences were recorded twice but it did not lessen the performance quality. I liked the story but was very confused in the beginning because Audible tagged this as 'historical'. I don't often read the blurb, so I was waiting for a time portal to open or a second storyline to start.
I was entertained and will read part 2.
Follow my reviews on http://hemmelm.blogspot.com
I was entertained and will read part 2.
Follow my reviews on http://hemmelm.blogspot.com
April 1, 2011
This book is like the sweetest lover's kiss - the one you will remember for a long time afterwards - so poetic and gentle, so haunting. I'm going to gush now - I'm compelled to! And I'm not generally a gusher. I've read Ms. Fox's other books and loved them all, but this one is by far the best (and the others are outstanding). A must read - no question about it! Five stars isn't nearly enough - this novel is so far above most everything else I've read in the genre.
MILD SPOILERS FOLLOW:
As I read this book, transfixed, I despaired that there was any possibility of a HEA for these two young men, these true soul mates. I didn't care. I couldn't put the book down. I didn't care if I cried my eyes out - I had to know what would become of them. I was not disappointed, nor will you be. The ending was simply beautiful - better than I could have imagined. The characters and the story are believable and will stay with you for a long time after you read the last page.
Don't hesitate to purchase this book - this is a stunner. Literature amongst much M/M fluffiness (of which I do enjoy my fair share!). And read Ms. Fox's other books, as well. She has a true gift for writing that you should not miss.
MILD SPOILERS FOLLOW:
As I read this book, transfixed, I despaired that there was any possibility of a HEA for these two young men, these true soul mates. I didn't care. I couldn't put the book down. I didn't care if I cried my eyes out - I had to know what would become of them. I was not disappointed, nor will you be. The ending was simply beautiful - better than I could have imagined. The characters and the story are believable and will stay with you for a long time after you read the last page.
Don't hesitate to purchase this book - this is a stunner. Literature amongst much M/M fluffiness (of which I do enjoy my fair share!). And read Ms. Fox's other books, as well. She has a true gift for writing that you should not miss.
September 24, 2017
Really enjoyed this one. Rusty Coles narration was accomplished, and very soothing on the ears. Accents were no problem, and this may have been one of Harper Fox's earliest stories, but the lyrical prose and storyline were terrific as always.
Laurie was an absolute star considering the dreadfully dysfunctional family he had, Sasha was a very willing tutor in lessons of love, and Clara was a resilient little sister. As for the drunken brute, Fitzroy senior...well, the less said about him the better 😡, and their mother wasn't exactly helpful either. 4.5 stars from me and the sequel The Lost Prince is up next.
Laurie was an absolute star considering the dreadfully dysfunctional family he had, Sasha was a very willing tutor in lessons of love, and Clara was a resilient little sister. As for the drunken brute, Fitzroy senior...well, the less said about him the better 😡, and their mother wasn't exactly helpful either. 4.5 stars from me and the sequel The Lost Prince is up next.
don-t-bother
November 28, 2010I abandoned this about a quarter of the way even though I found it okay to read. I liked it much better than the first book by this author - I barely got through the first page of that one (sorry, forgot the title). My big problem with Midwinter Prince is that I felt as if I were reading about a couple of children rather two nineteen year-olds. at least, I recall Laurie being 19. I can't remember how old Sasha is but the way Laurie behaved, Sasha appears years older by comparison. Laurie complains (in his internal monologue) of being treated like a child. He's right about that except that he does live as if he were a helpless child without any power to make changes in his life. He mopes around in his gilded cage, hides Sasha as if he were a stray kitten Laurie found but dare not tell his parents he -wants to keep it.
It goes on in that vein and while it's well-written, it's not the kind of book I like as far as romance-reading goes. If you forget about the romance label and are willing to try something new and different despite the old coming-of-age theme, A Midwinter Prince would be an excellent choice so don't pay attention to my 2 stars - that's for MY reference only.
It goes on in that vein and while it's well-written, it's not the kind of book I like as far as romance-reading goes. If you forget about the romance label and are willing to try something new and different despite the old coming-of-age theme, A Midwinter Prince would be an excellent choice so don't pay attention to my 2 stars - that's for MY reference only.
July 26, 2013
I really enjoy Harper Fox's books. I originally thought this was a historical book, I think it was because Laurie's family held a title. I found the book very poetic, beautifully written.
Laurie is the son of Sir William Fitzroy. His Dad is a brutal man. Laurie encounters Sasha, a homeless boy, one evening leaving the opera. Laurie awakens to the sharp contrast of the wealthy vs poor.
I Loved Laurie's character. He could not simply return to his entitled way of life. Of course it helped that Laurie immediately fell for Sasha.
Sasha is much deeper than he seems at first glance. The culture of the Romanian gypsies was fascinating.
My only complaint was that the conflict with Laurie's sister was wrapped up a little too easily. It felt rushed, like someone said, Let's just get this part over with.But overall I really loved the characters and the story.
Laurie is the son of Sir William Fitzroy. His Dad is a brutal man. Laurie encounters Sasha, a homeless boy, one evening leaving the opera. Laurie awakens to the sharp contrast of the wealthy vs poor.
I Loved Laurie's character. He could not simply return to his entitled way of life. Of course it helped that Laurie immediately fell for Sasha.
Sasha is much deeper than he seems at first glance. The culture of the Romanian gypsies was fascinating.
My only complaint was that the conflict with Laurie's sister was wrapped up a little too easily. It felt rushed, like someone said, Let's just get this part over with.But overall I really loved the characters and the story.
July 18, 2013
I enjoyed this story. To me the beauty of it resides in the characters more than the plot. With the latter I had to suspend my belief a couple of times, and I had to get past the historical air that kept confusing me.
The characters were well drawn out, especially Laurie. Even when at times he seemed pathetic, I was able to understand and empathize with him. He seemed weak, but later he morphed into a very resilient individual. It was beautiful and heartbreaking to witness his survival and his growth. Sasha was more of a mystery, but no less real because of it.
I would recommend it.
The characters were well drawn out, especially Laurie. Even when at times he seemed pathetic, I was able to understand and empathize with him. He seemed weak, but later he morphed into a very resilient individual. It was beautiful and heartbreaking to witness his survival and his growth. Sasha was more of a mystery, but no less real because of it.
I would recommend it.
June 4, 2011
I admit I wasn't into this read from the get-go. One minute it was a historical, then they were watching a singing movie and had cell phones?! The father's drinking, the mother's pills, and the ending about the little girl, did not flow well and was really unbelievable. Not my type of read.
March 22, 2014
Re read this, enjoyed it a little more the 2nd time round. Think it is an earlier book of hers, and found it less tightly written than some of her others. A bit hazy and fluffy and hard to keep track of what was going on.
Good contemporary romance.
Good contemporary romance.
December 28, 2017
4.5 Stars
Wow, that was not the book I was expecting...and yet it was sooo gooood! Well, it's Harper Fox, so that's really a given.
Wow, that was not the book I was expecting...and yet it was sooo gooood! Well, it's Harper Fox, so that's really a given.
February 16, 2018
I liked this a lot, I some times find it difficult to connect to the paranormal aspects of Fox's writing so it was great to read something that didn't have that. The connection between the MCs was a bit fast, but it worked well. There are a lot of social issues dealt with in this story, many of them regarding rich vs. poor, but it was well-handled, making points without either demonizing or cannonizing either side. I appreciate that. I am going to read the second book soon.
The narrator was very good. He handled a number of accents well (although I was a little confused why the main cop had an US accent ... because Interpol maybe) and did a great job of giving each character their own identity.
The narrator was very good. He handled a number of accents well (although I was a little confused why the main cop had an US accent ... because Interpol maybe) and did a great job of giving each character their own identity.
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