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Summary: Whee! It's finally out!
Review: I'm so happy to finally be able to share THE BLACK ANGEL with readers. I had a blast writing this book, and even made a research trip to England and Ireland to better understand it. (Well, okay, I wanted to go to the UK and this book was a good excuse.) It's zesty and passionate and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
This is also the beginning of a family series....look for Cassandra's story next summer.BACK COVER COPY A Taste of Heaven
Ardor once foolishly led Lady Adriana St. Ives into the arms of a rake, an affair that cost her everything she held dear. Though that was five years ago, this golden English beauty still vows that no man will ever again ignite the sensual passion hidden deep in her soul--not even her new husband, Tynan Spenser, Earl of Glencove, a darkly handsome and rich Irish rogue. Known as the "Black Angel" for his wild and notorious past, Tynan is as determined to melt his icy bride as she is to resist his seductive charms. Vowing that she will be his in just one hundred kisses, Tynan sets out to win her with a kiss each day--a challenge Riana is sure she can withstand. But the willful beauty has no idea of the power of a single kiss... "Barbara Samuel is a sorceress, wielding her pen like a magic wand." --Romance and Women's Fiction Exchange "A dazzling, sensual tapestry...Barbara Samuel proves once again that she is one of the most gifted romance writers." --Mary Jo Putney FROM EARLY REVIEWS:
"There's plenty of underlying, potent sexuality and intense emotions in the Black Angel. Ms. Samuel skillfully draws the reader into the story. Her indelible characters and powerful plot are enhanced by the well drawn backdrop and hint of suspense. This is a must read for anyone craving a hard to put down, moving romance." --Romantic Times "The Black Angel is one of the very best historical romances I have read this year. I do not hesitate to recommend it to any and all. It is a superb book - simply superb." --Ellen D. Micheletti, All About Books
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Summary: Lady finds herself betrothed to notorious rake.
Review: Lady Adriana St. Ives had blotted her copy book with a scandalous affair with the illegitimate son of a Duke. In defense of her honor her brother had killed the sod in a duel and was forced to leave England to escape hanging. Several years pass, and Adriana is orphaned and finds herself betrothed by her deceased father to an ambitious Irishman known as 'the Black Angel,' Tynan Spenser, Earl of Glencove. Tynan wants to use the St. Ives name to further his plans to aid his people. He is surprised when Adriana's brother shows up after the wedding. Barbara Samuel's The Black Angel is a spirited interplay of romance and dramatic adventure. An innocent young woman's folly leads to exile, and a marriage will bring her family home to face a trial. A marriage of convenience proves to be inconvenient as each must learn their hearts needs. Romance par excellence.
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Summary: Wow!
Review: Ms. Samuel has mastered the world that she created. Her characters are powerful and strong and the readers are led through the emotions and relations of a fantastic creation. Her plot was realistic and heartrendering and her words eloquent and profound. She is a master of the genre and I am a new fan!
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Summary: A beautiful story, beautifully told
Review: Only a gifted writer like Barbara Samuel can tell a story of a man like this. He was so wild and sexy, I just WANTED him the whole time. There is both a fairy tale quality to this story that makes it timeless, and an earthiness that gives it immediacy. Every expectation was fulfilled for this reader!
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Summary: Where was The Black Angel?
Review: Sorry, but my disappointment in this book had to do with a poor definition of the hero. How did he get his reputation? I kept waiting to see the man behind the reputation--and all I saw was a strong heroine, with a weak hero. She showed more of a rakish personality than he did! Also didn't like all the tangents the story went on--feminism, racism, relgious freedom. One theme would have been plenty. Why did I give it 3 stars. Barbara Samuel's writing skills do shine thru!
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Summary: Non-Romance fan, loved "Black Angel"
Review: The story moves, the characters are complex not contrived, and the "romance" is integral instead of tacked on. Great job, Barbara Samuel! Best of all, this is obviously just the first of a many-part series featuring the members of this remarkable family. Is this RITA #4 for this talented and acclaimed author?
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Summary: I LOVED IT!
Review: This book has the most amazing heroine, young and naive in so many ways, struggling to do the right thing, tempted beyond imagination by her gloriously beautiful and sexy new husband, the BLACK ANGEL. I loved her spirit and seeing her grow and change and fall in love.
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Summary: Prose Perfection!
Review: This is my first time to read Barbara Samuel, but it certainly won't be the last. I would say that The Black Angel is probably the best historical romance of 1999. The writer's prose is clean, but lyrical, and this romance is about grown-ups. Nothing silly here. I especially enjoyed that her characters were flawed, that the romance was one of passion and longing, and that Ms. Samuel added secondary characters of deep feelings. Don't miss this book. It's a wonderful read that you will enjoy over and over again.
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Summary: Completely Fabulous
Review: This is one of the best historical romances I've read in years. Adriana and Tynan will dance through your head long after you put this book down. Barbara Samuel has done it again -- inhabited a story with characters who make you ache, make you smile, and make you long for the book to never end. Adriana is a complex woman and described by her sister as "of a thousand faces." And each is an unveiling of strength, character and honor. Each is a confrontration with the double standard women continue to face. Tynan is equally well-drawn, a man who is heroic in every sense of the word, but who struggles with his own prejudices about the tarnished wife he has chosen. The reader can't help but ache for him and can't help but empathize with his difficult choices. The difficult politics of the era are hinted at and the author deftly paints a poignant picture between the haves and the have nots without ever intruding on the real point of the story, which is the unfolding relationship between Tynan and Adriana. Whether you read this author as Barbara Samual or Ruth Wind, her books are sure to please.
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Summary: Truly enjoyed this great book!
Review: Tyanan and Riana for me were a very intriguing couple. First off, she was more of the rake for their time period. Living down a scandal that truly had such devistating effect on her family was rather incredible. Tyanan who was supposed to have a rakish reputation seemed with the death of his brother a truly changed person. The couple had much to deal with - with their arranged marriage. Riana was so determined to not allow her feelings to be real and Tyanan with so many complicated reasons for wanting to make this a real marriage. The slow patient way that Tyanan "courts" Riana is very real and by the time they are a true couple you feel the love between them. I think the only sad part is knowing what they would have to face down the road - so many many obsticles it is hard to imagine that they had a fairy tale ending after the book ends!
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