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hrjones's review against another edition
4.0
I was looking for a fun enjoyable read and was delighted that Rebeccah and the Highwayman delivered what I was in the mood for. In early 18th century England, Rebeccah is dangerously fascinated by the dashing highwayman who holds up her family’s coach but—in a moment of sentimentality—allows her to keep her late father’s signet ring. Amidst the bustle of her older sister Anne’s marriage arrangements, Rebeccah’s path intersects with that of “Blue-Eyed Nick” several more times, culminating in a rescue that leaves “Nick” wounded and under Rebeccah’s care and in possession of the highwayman’s closely-held secret.
Kate is the prototypical “highwayman with a heart of gold”: taking to robbery, disguised as a man, to support her senile mother and her late brother’s family. One of the few who shares her secret is her landlady…who also shares her bed. But as with any outlaw, the shadow of an end on the gallows haunts her nightmares, and she risks much when she rides to the rescue of one of her erstwhile victims—a respectable young woman who has captured her heart.
The story is solidly written with a wealth of historic detail and exactly the right frisson of suspense. Given the genre, the initial plot structure is somewhat predictable, and it isn’t exactly a spoiler to guess that Kate’s brush with the gallows will come off well (after all, this isn’t a Sarah Waters novel!) but there is sufficient story remaining after that resolution that I was kept on edge trying to guess what other obstacles would rise before our heroines. Davies has a thorough grounding in the history of the era and the opportunities (and problems) for women who desired each other. The use of the relationship between Queen Anne and Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough (who is conveniently Rebeccah’s distant cousin) to convey understandings and attitudes towards women’s romantic relationships works well. (It felt a little over-emphasized to me, but those less familiar with the history probably won’t find it so.)
There are only a few dollops of “researcher’s syndrome” where descriptions seem to have been included to make use of the author’s research rather than necessarily supporting the plot. Another minor flaw is the tendency for the heroines to show a few modern-feeling sensibilities and esthetics. (It doesn’t rise anywhere near the level of “modern character in historic dress”, but some attitudes felt odd to me, such as Rebeccah’s body-modesty.) Conversely, some of the events that worked solidly for me (such as Kate’s eventual change of profession) may seem jarring to someone less steeped in the era. Such is the paradox of historical fiction!
The various sexual relationships are handled lightly: the “on-page” details go little farther than passionate kissing, but with a clear implication of more. In retrospect, the pacing trailed off a bit at the end, but not in a way that spoiled the story entirely. I could have done with another secondary crisis in the later part of the book rather than a simple long, slow tying up of loose ends. But all in all, an enjoyable romantic adventure that will stand up to those who look for good writing and good history.
Kate is the prototypical “highwayman with a heart of gold”: taking to robbery, disguised as a man, to support her senile mother and her late brother’s family. One of the few who shares her secret is her landlady…who also shares her bed. But as with any outlaw, the shadow of an end on the gallows haunts her nightmares, and she risks much when she rides to the rescue of one of her erstwhile victims—a respectable young woman who has captured her heart.
The story is solidly written with a wealth of historic detail and exactly the right frisson of suspense. Given the genre, the initial plot structure is somewhat predictable, and it isn’t exactly a spoiler to guess that Kate’s brush with the gallows will come off well (after all, this isn’t a Sarah Waters novel!) but there is sufficient story remaining after that resolution that I was kept on edge trying to guess what other obstacles would rise before our heroines. Davies has a thorough grounding in the history of the era and the opportunities (and problems) for women who desired each other. The use of the relationship between Queen Anne and Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough (who is conveniently Rebeccah’s distant cousin) to convey understandings and attitudes towards women’s romantic relationships works well. (It felt a little over-emphasized to me, but those less familiar with the history probably won’t find it so.)
There are only a few dollops of “researcher’s syndrome” where descriptions seem to have been included to make use of the author’s research rather than necessarily supporting the plot. Another minor flaw is the tendency for the heroines to show a few modern-feeling sensibilities and esthetics. (It doesn’t rise anywhere near the level of “modern character in historic dress”, but some attitudes felt odd to me, such as Rebeccah’s body-modesty.) Conversely, some of the events that worked solidly for me (such as Kate’s eventual change of profession) may seem jarring to someone less steeped in the era. Such is the paradox of historical fiction!
The various sexual relationships are handled lightly: the “on-page” details go little farther than passionate kissing, but with a clear implication of more. In retrospect, the pacing trailed off a bit at the end, but not in a way that spoiled the story entirely. I could have done with another secondary crisis in the later part of the book rather than a simple long, slow tying up of loose ends. But all in all, an enjoyable romantic adventure that will stand up to those who look for good writing and good history.
reginamea's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
rogue_lurker's review against another edition
4.0
This was definitely a fun read. How can you resist a woman masquerading as a highwayman and winning the heart of the lovely young lady?
One of the things that stood out for me was the fact that there was no sex (I've been reading too many lesbian themed books with the prerequisite scorching sex scene which is getting rather old). And it didn't need one - especially as the book is a historical romance and a smutty scene would have ruined the overall tone of the book.
From a historical perspective, there's tons of details and information that make the scenes and people come to life. Davies doesn't candycoat or romanticize the time. The characters are engaging and the pace doesn't slow down as the plot gallops along.
One of the things that stood out for me was the fact that there was no sex (I've been reading too many lesbian themed books with the prerequisite scorching sex scene which is getting rather old). And it didn't need one - especially as the book is a historical romance and a smutty scene would have ruined the overall tone of the book.
From a historical perspective, there's tons of details and information that make the scenes and people come to life. Davies doesn't candycoat or romanticize the time. The characters are engaging and the pace doesn't slow down as the plot gallops along.
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