Customer Reviews

My Lady De Burgh (Harlequin Historical)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's always with anticipation when I begin the newest DeBurgh title, thinking each time that this one cannot possibly be as good as the prequel. Every time, I'm amazed at the creativity and imagination of Deborah Simmons and the way she exceeds my expectations. MY LADY DeBURGH is no exception. This, the latest release in the series, is an absolute delight to read. Robin's story unfolds to treat fans to one more unique personality of the DeBurgh clan.

Robin is one of seven sons born to Campion DeBurgh, and was quite young when his mother died in childbirth. With no female in the household to offer tenderness to the small boy, Robin turned to his older brothers. He loved the rough and tough bachelor home they shared, but suddenly life is changing. Who would believe his drunkard brother Stephen would ever marry, but here is the DeBurgh family --- celebrating his wedding. One by one his brothers are marrying and moving away, and Robin isn't happy to lose their camaraderie. He reasons there is a curse on the family, and heaven help him, he is next in line to be caught up in the spell. He is NOT going to marry; why even the thought makes him feel like his tunic is choking him. It's a very tense warrior who begins a quest to end the curse. Poor Robin; he hasn't a clue of what's in store for him! (I say this with a mischievous grin.)

The trail leads Robin to a sanctuary, and before he can enter, he hears a cry of Help! Murder! He rushes into the abbey to find chaos and a group of nuns circling a body lying prone - obviously dead. Acting as keeper of the closest estate on his brother's behalf, Robin is the coroner who must resolve this murder. When a novice voices suspicion over his appearance at this particular moment, Robin is outraged. But when the slender woman stands to confront him, he senses something else entirely. He recognizes her immediately -- She is `The One'! - He is going to fight this curse all the way. He will NOT marry! - Furthermore, she is a NUN!

Sybil (`The One') was brought to the abbey as a tiny child and has never known the love of a family, or experienced worldly ways. There's a longing that's prevented her from taking vows, and this strong, passionate woman is soon to learn why she will never become a nun. As punishment for her accusation against Robin, the abbess assigns her to work side by side with him to solve this mystery. Hmmm...this is one clever abbess (grin).

MY LADY DeBURGH is a story of rich characters, the pages filled with laughter and sensuality. DeBurgh fans are treated to a fun visit with Simon and Bethia, and all the rest of the family when they gather unexpectedly to show support for Robin. It was my personal pleasure to read and review this novel, but I'm now left with the dilemma of knowing there are only two stories left in the series - the brothers Reynard and Nicholas. Ms. Simmons - I'm ready - anytime you are (grin)!

Carol Carter, As Reviewed for Romance Reviews Today

Well, according to Robin, the next de Burgh brother who is still a bachelor, this is what he thinks - or at least that a curse has been laid upon the de Burgh family. Robin de Burgh is contemplating why this happy family of bachelors is succumbing to that marriagable state - and being led by the nose by these wives! Well not him, and he is going to find someone to get rid of the curse! His quest leads him to a convent, and don't you think that the first female he meets, he knows - this is the ONE!

This is a delightful tale, very humourous dialog and a bit of a mystery to solve. It's great to see Robin the young man, with some childlike notions - finally come into his own and grow up to be a real man!

Again, this novel stands on it's own - but is terrific when read along with the series.

I got one of the books from an old stack when we were cleaning out my grandmothers house and have been searching for the rest of the books online. I have not been dissapointed! Everyone is as good as the last. These are books I read over and over again and still feel the anticipation and tension between the characters every time.

The sad part is that without a current publisher Simmons will never be able to publish Reynold & Nicolas' stories.

I hold out hope that someday the right person will want these published and will have the power to do something about it.

This time, Robin is the chosen one! And he figures the rash of marriages is a curse on the De Burghs! Seeking a "cure" he finds just what he doesn't want - a wife! Again, Deborah Simmons sweeps me off to medieval times with vibrant characters and careful setting descriptions. I have loved every De Burgh story and will be sad when all the brothers are married off!

Each of Deborah Simmon's books stands alone, so if this is the first one you pick up -- you will enjoy it. But... you will want to collect all of the series!! Mine are on the KEEPER SHELF forever!

His Whole Family Was Cursed!

How else to Explain this rash of marriages by the Brothers De Burgh? Robin de Burgh alone swore to remain unwed, despite the ironic fate, which used foul murder to mate him with The One - spirited Sybil, a damsel in distress who insisted she needed him not!

When convent walls became more prison than refuge, restless novice Sybil knew `twas time to leave. But never did she expect to trade her wimple for a wedding veil, even when Sir Robin de Burgh, knight most impudent, demanded she put her life - and her heart - in his hands!

The latest in Ms. Simmons' De Burgh series, this is an enjoyable read, but the beginning starts out fairly slow and the plot seems somewhat weaker than the others in the series. Still Robin De Burgh is a likeable hero, a bit different from the happy go lucky sort he was in the previous novels, but compelling. The plot is basically that Robin feels that all the recent marriages of his brothers and father indicate that there is a curse on the De Burghs and while trying to have the "curse" removed, he stumbles upon a murder in a convent. The heroine, Sybil, is an unconventional novice who will never take her vows as a nun. After learning Sybil may be next, Robin marries her to protect her. I liked this book but I couldn't help feeling it didn't compare to the others in the series. As a novel on its own, if you had never read the other De Burghs, it would seem to begin slow and slightly silly with all the talk of the supposed "curse.

Poor Robin, he tries SO hard to resist his destiny. I found this book entertaining, though not quite as good as the first three.

I wonder if Simmons will ever write about the last two brothers, Reynold and Nicholas? I'd really love to read their stories, especially Reynold's.

The book was just great but I have enjoyed all the de Burgh series thus far. Four brothers have married now how about the last 3? When does Renyold's meet his match? I am looking forward to the last three in the series.