The Irish Earl (Zebra Regency Romance) [Paperback]

Kensington (Producer)

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Zebra (March 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0821765361
• ISBN-13: 978-0821765364
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,775,495 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Patricia Bray began her career writing historical novels set in Regency-era England before making the leap to epic fantasy with the sale of her "Sword of Change" trilogy. A resident of upstate New York, Patricia balances her writing with a full-time career in I/T.

In 2003 her novel DEVLIN'S LUCK received the Compton Crook award for the best first novel in the field of Science Fiction or Fantasy.

Her latest novel is THE FINAL SACRIFICE, was released in July 2008.
To learn more and read excerpts from her books, visit the author's website at: www.patriciabray.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Love o' the Irish, March 1, 2000

By 

Jennifer Dunne (Upstate NY, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Irish Earl (Zebra Regency Romance) (Paperback)

Patricia Bray turns her sharp eye and sharper wit on Regency Ireland in her latest novel. The rootless Felicity is shopping for a husband with whom to create a home. The Earl of Kilgarvan catches her attention when the impoverished (but hunky!) noble is the only one to give money to a beggar. They soon discover they have much in common, including a pragmatic streak that lets them calmly arrange a marriage that will give them both what they want... Kilgarvan gets Felicity's money, and Felicity gets a home of her own. But Felicity's lawyers have crafted a marriage contract that keeps her money firmly in her control, and Kilgarvan wants to leave Felicity in Dublin with his mother. Their efforts to build an understanding are thwarted at every turn by their steadfast insistance that they know best, and their indomitable pride that prevents them from admitting when they don't.

Set in the "wilds" of Ireland (hoping to convince her to stay in civilized Dublin, Kilgarvan takes Felicity to the estate using the most roundabout route he knows), the beauty and challenge of the countryside comes through clearly. The lifestyle and manner of the people is deftly sketched with telling details, and the Irish are portrayed neither condescendingly nor with sentimental sugar coating.

I enjoyed seeing such a strong female character, especially one who is so convinced of her selfworth that she is willing to take a hard line and stick to it, rather than diminishing herself by caving to societal pressure.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing Regency tale, September 5, 2000

By 

Ann (Northeastern US) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Irish Earl (Zebra Regency Romance) (Paperback)

A marriage of convenience is a conventional Regency plot, but the author has made this her own through her vibrant characters and the unique richness of the Irish setting. I enjoyed the clash of wills between Felicity and Gerald, two people who have strong opinions and are unused to bending to suit others.

A nice change from the ordinary. Highly recommended.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A pleasant Regency romance set in Ireland, January 7, 2004

By 

Ulrike Horstmann (Aschaffenburg, Germany) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Irish Earl (Zebra Regency Romance) (Paperback)

I enjoyed reading this novel very much, and will be on the lookout for more of Patricia Bray's novels. Here she writes about two strong-willed and practical people who enter a marriage of convenience that slowly develops into so much more ... In contrast to some of the other reviewers, I thought the battle of wills between Felicity and Kilgarvan believable and interesting to read about - it is what you get when two equally strong-minded people who are both used to getting their own will are matched. I also enjoyed reading descriptions of Ireland and the Irish that were sympathetic without being sentimental. All in all, a very pleasant read!