The Rebel

Rating:
Summary: MY KIND OF HERO!
Review: Before you read this book, be sure to read "THE PROMISE" first otherwise the surprise in store in that book will be exposed in "THE REBEL".

I've always have a penchant for rebel stories and this noblelady disguised as a rebel is one of my favourites.

Sir Nicholas Spencer was on his way to Ireland for a holiday at the invitation of an acquaintance, Sir Thomas Purefoy, when he came to the aid of the victims of a highway robbery. His interference brought him face-to-face with the rebel leader, Egan - and instead of a ruffian, Nicholas found himself gazing upon the beautiful face of a woman and was instantly smitten.

Egan later turned out to be none other than Jane Purefoy, the elder daughter of Sir Thomas. Jane's haunting past shadowed her life and shaped her future after a tragic event in her youth catapulted her into outlawness.

It is refreshing to note that this story is written mostly from Nicholas's viewpoint. Compassionate and protective, Nicholas has to be the strongest hero character ever written by May McGoldrick todate. Characters from "THE PROMISE" are also prominently featured with further developments in this book.

What with one hair-raising incident after another, combined with a suitably nasty and persistent villain dogging Egan's footsteps, "THE REBEL" prove to be a very exciting read indeed.

Rating:
Summary: MY KIND OF HERO!
Review: Before you read this book, be sure to read "THE PROMISE" first otherwise the surprise in store in that book will be exposed in "THE REBEL".

I've always have a penchant for rebel stories and this noblelady disguised as a rebel is one of my favourites.

Sir Nicholas Spencer was on his way to Ireland for a holiday at the invitation of an acquaintance, Sir Thomas Purefoy, when he came to the aid of the victims of a highway robbery. His interference brought him face-to-face with the rebel leader, Egan - and instead of a ruffian, Nicholas found himself gazing upon the beautiful face of a woman and was instantly smitten.

Egan later turned out to be none other than Jane Purefoy, the elder daughter of Sir Thomas. Jane's haunting past shadowed her life and shaped her future after a tragic event in her youth catapulted her into outlawness.

It is refreshing to note that this story is written mostly from Nicholas's viewpoint. Compassionate and protective, Nicholas has to be the strongest hero character ever written by May McGoldrick todate. Characters from "THE PROMISE" are also prominently featured with further developments in this book.

What with one hair-raising incident after another, combined with a suitably nasty and persistent villain dogging Egan's footsteps, "THE REBEL" prove to be a very exciting read indeed.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Fan... very disappointed!
Review: In 1771, Sir Nicholas Spenser, his mother and his sister travel to Cork, Ireland at the invitation of Sir Thomas Purefoy, who wants the aristocrat to marry his younger daughter Clara. Nicholas needs an heir and Clara seems the ideal candidate. On the trek, an agitated secretary to the bishop stops Nicholas' coach insisting that the Irish rebel Shanavests had accosted them. Nicholas helps the bishop by punching the rebel leader in the mouth, but is shocked that he hits a girl, who escapes. He learns that he fought with the vicious Egan.

Later Nicholas asks Clara about the Shanavests. She contends they represent morality unlike the detached bishop. That night Nicholas and his family meet Clara's older sister Jane. Nicholas and Jane recognize one another, but he remains silent that she is Egan. Jane finds the nobleman desirable, but believes he will harm her cause. Nicholas pursues Jane as she fascinates him. As he learns from Jane about the Irish plight, they feel bound by love, but with the Irish question between them love may not be enough to bind their relationship permanently.

The sequel to the entertaining THE PROMISE, THE REBEL is an exciting well-written historical romance that allows readers time to believe in the relationship between the lead protagonists. No one can claim that the idealistic activist Jane is not part of the solution. Nicholas' compassion towards the poor makes him a wonderful male protagonist, he pales next to Jane. Though the ending wraps up deep-rooted social problems much too neatly, fans have quite an exhilarating treat that will amplify the esteem received by May McGoldrick.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: exciting well-written historical romance
Review: In 1771, Sir Nicholas Spenser, his mother and his sister travel to Cork, Ireland at the invitation of Sir Thomas Purefoy, who wants the aristocrat to marry his younger daughter Clara. Nicholas needs an heir and Clara seems the ideal candidate. On the trek, an agitated secretary to the bishop stops Nicholas' coach insisting that the Irish rebel Shanavests had accosted them. Nicholas helps the bishop by punching the rebel leader in the mouth, but is shocked that he hits a girl, who escapes. He learns that he fought with the vicious Egan.

Later Nicholas asks Clara about the Shanavests. She contends they represent morality unlike the detached bishop. That night Nicholas and his family meet Clara's older sister Jane. Nicholas and Jane recognize one another, but he remains silent that she is Egan. Jane finds the nobleman desirable, but believes he will harm her cause. Nicholas pursues Jane as she fascinates him. As he learns from Jane about the Irish plight, they feel bound by love, but with the Irish question between them love may not be enough to bind their relationship permanently.

The sequel to the entertaining THE PROMISE, THE REBEL is an exciting well-written historical romance that allows readers time to believe in the relationship between the lead protagonists. No one can claim that the idealistic activist Jane is not part of the solution. Nicholas' compassion towards the poor makes him a wonderful male protagonist, he pales next to Jane. Though the ending wraps up deep-rooted social problems much too neatly, fans have quite an exhilarating treat that will amplify the esteem received by May McGoldrick.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: A Great Fan... very disappointed!
Review: It seems that the authors have lost a lot of the magic that made their previous books such wonderful novels to read. This book was the story of the (rather boring) Nicholas Spencer, whom we met in The Promise. He is the best friend of (the extremely boring) Lord Stanmore.
I think that the authors are trying to dive too deep into the social problems of the times. In their previous books, the stories were exciting tales of the kings and nobility of Scotland. They so adeptly told those stories introducing fictional characters with those who actually existed. I found that I didn't really care what happened to these characters at any point in the book. The relationship between the heroin and her parents was totally unbelievable and the hero used the same frustrating "curse" throughout the book. If I had read the words "By's blood" one more time I think I would have just put the book down. I would highly recommend any one of the author's previous books (that is, before The Promise). I hope that they will revisit their earlier writing styles in the future.

Rating:
Summary: I loved it!
Review: It was a page turner with enough mystery to keep me interested.I love this authors work!

Rating:
Summary: Average romance
Review: The book is well written, but the characters are somewhat lacking. I have to agree that Sir Nicholas is rather boring, just a sketch of a character, with not enough depth. Even Jane was not as strong as sugested. It is difficult to pinpoint exactly its faults, maybe it would have benefited from better editing. Fun read, anyway.

Rating:
Summary: Loved it!!
Review: What an incredibly strong and dedicated character Jane was. And what a welcome change to have the man pining after the woman, trying to win her love instead of the other way around!!

Rating:
Summary: Loved it!!
Review: What an incredibly strong and dedicated character Jane was. And what a welcome change to have the man pining after the woman, trying to win her love instead of the other way around!!