The Leopard Prince Reviews

• S'Wonderful

  
  By A37E6RW5BUX4U0 on 2007-04-14
  I think Ms. Holt proved she is not a one hit wonder with her second book, The Leopard Prince. She wrote another exciting and thoughtful historical romance, it kept me turning the pages into the wee hours of the morning.
  
  Once again Ms. Holt created characters that aren't exactly the norm for historical fiction. They aren't perfect Barbie and Ken type characters; they are flawed but extremely likeable and relatable. The heroine in this story, Lady Georgina Maitland (George), is a single woman and a major land owner. An aunt left her a considerable fortune and a lot of land. George isn't gorgeous, but she's pretty, it's her personality that makes her beautiful. She's a little unconventional, very personable, loving and caring. She has hired a land steward to run her estates, Harry Pye. He's a good looking man with stunning green eyes. He tries to remain professional and standoffish, but is caught trying not to smile and showing his amusement more often than not. Harry has had some trouble in his past and soon George's choice of land steward is challenged by the neighboring land owner, someone is poisoning sheep and all signs point to Harry.
  
  From the start George doesn't believe that Harry is guilty of these crimes, she surprises Harry with her loyalty, and in turn he starts to see her as more than his boss. Harry and Georgina have an attraction for each other that they are both trying to ignore, because of their social positions. Their relationship builds naturally and feels completely genuine. It is easy to fall for both of these characters as she has made them very human and real. Together they burn up the pages with some very hot, extremely sensual and erotic love scenes.
  
  While I believe this is being billed as a series, I think this book is more of a stand alone. You only briefly encounter De Raaf from The Raven Prince, and its way at the end of the book. For me, it would have been impossible for Ms. Hoyt to top the first book, The Raven Prince. This one definitely doesn't top it, but comes very close to matching it in its splendor. I am not in the least disappointed and eagerly await the next book, The Serpent Prince.
  
  
  

• Get real! (or at least "likely" or "possible")

  
  By A2VWE5SGNDS8HW on 2007-07-02
  I bought this book because I wanted to find a new author (maybe not this new!). There is real potential there, don't get me wrong but a little more contact with what passes for reality in period fiction would be nice.
  
  We are expected to believe that this 19th century heroine is experiencing the opposite of past-life regression (future life progression?). She is pure 21st century at its most impure. The story line is merely an excuse to thread one sex scene with another. The other characters also have 21st century sensibilities and broad mindedness.
  
  Then there is this ongoing fairy tale (thus the title of the book) which could have just as well have been skipped w/o altering the story line in any way (just the title). This is like those 1940's musicals where people suddenly burst into song except here she bursts into fairy-tale-telling at the most inappropriate moments (and the hero eats it up, no less!)
  
  Frankly, a few pages into the book and I already knew the middle, before the middle, I knew the end. No surprises or subtlety here. The bad characters were very bad, the good characters were very good or soon would be, there were no intermediate major characters, there are no unimportant issues, but very important issues (who is your father? who is your brother?)are just addressed as if you could say "Oh, well..." and go your merry way.
  
  I am willing (and eager) to suspend reality somewhat in order to enter a fictional world. Why else would I be reading historical romances and escapist literature? But I have to be able to believe the characters could exist as fully-formed people, consistent to themselves, the experiences that formed them, and to the social framework in which they live.
  
  You can't take 21st century characters, dress them in period costume, mount them on a horse and then manipulate them to behave in whatever manner best suits the ending. These are characters with little depth who never really become people. They never react or behave the way "real" people would have back then (and probably not now, either).
  
  Something or someone has to be belieable at some point or the story just won't work.
  
  

• Three Stars

  
  By AYSGFQ8IISIZ4 on 2007-03-26
  Elizabeth Hoyt is one of the best new authors out there. Her writing is fresh and witty and The Raven Prince is one of my "keepers". However, "The Leopard Prince" fell short of the mark.
  
  The plot was a bit too ominous; the atmosphere held a dark pall over it. I felt the romance took a back seat to the mystery and intrigue.
  
  When Harry and George did come together I never felt the connection or chemistry. The sensual tension was minimal and the love scenes were warm rather than hot.
  
  The author employed the "big misunderstanding" plot device which is not a favorite of mine.
  
  If you are trying Elizabeth Hoyt for the first time and did not enjoy this book, please read "The Raven Prince".
  
  

• Great author, but the plot was a little too dark for me

  
  By A1CNQTCRQ35IMM on 2007-03-23
  I loved the author's first book, The Raven Prince. But this second book had a downer element that caused me to give it 4 stars instead of 5. In this story, the Lord of the area who also had police powers had the ability to arrest any innocent person he chose, lock them in a cell, and torture them without any local person being able to do anything about it. He had absolute power and was so evil in his treatment of others, that it took away too much from the romance story for me. I'm still glad that I read it, but it's not a favorite. I enjoy this author's writing style and characters. I plan to read her next book.
  
  

• Harry and His Lady do shine, but plot a little tepid (B Grade)

  
  By A1AKQ1YUS4BT82 on 2007-03-27
  This second release by Hoyt is not as well written as her first,(mainly the plot drags) but her two main characters are very original and the author may have gotten the idea for the story by reading DH Lawrence's "Lady Chatterly's Lover"
  Georgina or "My Lady" as Harry Pye her land stewart calls her is a very assured, rich spinster of the mid 18th century. One day she realizes Harry is so much more than one of her servants. They begin a passionate love affair as someone is killing sheep (insert laugh) and murdering women all over the countryside... and Harry is the one being accused.
  Harry has alot of baggage from a mother who cheated on her father with a rich landowner(who is much like the sterotypical uber villian you find in historical romances) and what his true place is in life. Butone positive thing is Harry is not all that brooding and angsty. His love her his lady is sweet and a little heartbreaking because he is just a simple man and Georgina is rich and an aristocrat.
  Other than the whole murder mystery plot, this story is really about Harry and George and how can they overcome their positions in life in order to be together.
  The love scenes do sizzle and Harry is the type you would want to cuddle up to, much like Georgina does.
  An okay sophomore effort!
  
  Katiebabs
  
  The Raven Prince
  The Serpent Prince
  
  
• The Lady, the commoner and the sheep killer
  By A2NICGGIGIFU22 on 2007-04-04
  Independently wealthy spinster Lady Georgina Maitland travels to the wilds of her Yorkshire estate and makes several disturbing discoveries. First of all she discovers that her land steward, Harry Pye, is a MAN and not just a *man* but someone whose mere presence turns her into a quivering bowl of jelly. Second, someone has been killing the sheep on her neighbors land and all fingers point toward Mr. Pye. And lastly her fifteen year old sister Violet has been acting very strange. So George has to help solve the sheep murders, get over (or indulge in ;)) her infatuation with her employee and find out what is exactly going on with her hysterical sister.
  
  Lots of sex, murder and dark secrets in this one. I frankly didn't like it as much as I thought that I would (I loved The Raven Prince). Kind of a dark novel with some disturbing behavior, but thats not what turned me off. Its the hero, he was just TOO common. Yes, I know that there have been plenty of books written about a common heroine pairing with gentleman hero's , but I'm not so sure that it works well the other way around -at least not in this one IMHO. Harry is just too crude. Using words like tupping, pri*k etc was not a turn on. The loves scenes are not -just sex really ( but very HOT none the less). And then Georgina starts using crude language too!-BLECH! No love words (or inner struggle), no emotional connection with the heroine. Just two people really horny for each other - not that thats bad, but I didn't get the feeling that they were falling in love at all -even at the end. It made me care less about the H/H. The murder mystery was far more entertaining than the romance and Hoyt (author) did a good job trying to keep the reader guessing who it was. I actually wanted to know more about the creepy neighbor and his son with the skin-crawling secret. Those secondary characters were quite good, especially Harry's brothers and the triangle of relationships between them.
  
  So if your looking for a romantic romance -this isn't it. Great writing, good murder mystery and well fleshed out characters, but the romance? -just wasn't very touchy feely. I suspect most people will enjoy this one either way, but its not going on my *sigh* romantic fluff list. And that's the point of a romance book -isn't it?
  
  
• Sophisticated Fairy Tale Passion
  By A1EJKQD72ZO2AP on 2007-04-13
  Elizabeth Hoyt captivated romance fans with her previous story The Raven Prince. In The Leopard Prince she mesmerizes fans with a sexy and passionate story about a bastard land steward and an aristocrat lady who fall in love. Harry Pye has led a tragic and rough life. As the bastard son of Lord Granville he has lost his father, a part of his hand, his home, and good name in an attempt to save his father's life and mother's honor from the evil Lord Granville who uses and discards not just women, but anything around him. In a strange twist Harry became one of his discards, while Lord Granville kept Harry's brother Bennett as his heir. The handsome Harry is exiled for years, but then recently returns to the land of his birth and becomes the land steward to Lady Georgina Maitland. The beautiful, charming and independent Georgina has inherited the lands next to Lord Granville from her grandmother. Already gossips are focused on her because it is shocking for a lady of the ton to own and operate her own lands. The rumor mill is really brewing now that it is rumored she is infatuated with her handsome steward. Georgina is more than infatuated with Harry. The moment they meet desire sparks and passion grows. She is captivated with his looks, strength and talent for working her lands, as well as his talent for animal wood carvings. As they meet for many moments of passion, Georgina begins to tell Harry the story of a Leopard Prince. The story and Georgina captivate Harry and he gifts her with a carving of a Leopard in a cage. Soon their idyll is interrupted as Harry is accused of poisoning the sheep of local farmers and in a further shocking incident where he is accused of poisoning a local woman. And to make matters worse, Georgina's family become involved with trying to drive a wedge between them and lure her away from Harry. As Georgina and those close to Harry work at proving his innocence, Georgina and Harry's love grows. But then Georgina begins to feel that maybe her love may hurt more than help Harry. She makes a difficult decision to free the Leopard from his cage, obey her family, and marry within the nobility. As the many truths in Harry's past are revealed and numerous accusations are overcome, can Harry prove to Georgina that he truly loves her before she makes a mistake and marries the wrong man for her? Will Georgina come to realize that true love is what can set the Leopard free? The Leopard Prince is a touching and moving story with characters and a storyline so interesting that the reader does not want the story to end. A series destined for romance collectors, fans are looking forward to the next book in the Prince Series, The Serpent Prince.
  
  
• Unique Characters, Humor and Passion
  By AXW9PCV9C1RS6 on 2007-04-14
  This is the story of Georgina (called George) and Harry, George's steward. An unlikely attraction springs up between them just as it becomes clear that someone in the village is out to frame Harry for the poisoning of several sheep. George, a thoroughly modern heroine who is both intelligent and emotionally vulnerable in a believable way, believes in Harry's innocence and seeks to help him get to the bottom of the mystery. Although their class status makes Harry resistant to romance with George, he's very attracted to her and their love affair unfolds very naturally and leads to a) some hot scenes and then b) some Big Misunderstandings and then c) a very satisfying ending.
  
  I agree with other reviewers who said the plot is dark, and I do think those who don't care for suspense with their romance might be put off a bit. But I also think the suspense storyline was well done, and helped develop some great secondary, non-romantic connections between supporting characters.
  
  As with The Raven Prince, there's a lot of wit and humor in this book and the sex scenes, although perhaps not quite as vivid as those in Hoyt's first book, are still hot and more explicit than those in your average historical.
  
  What I think is very commendable about this novel is that it's very different from Hoyt's first book, but still well done and original. The lead characters are extremely likeable and well drawn; Hoyt really excels at creating unique heros and heroines.
  
  I also think those who liked Hoyt's book are likely to enjoy this one as well, even if it's different in tone. It's definitely one of the best historical romances I read this year.
  
  
• "superb!!!"
  By A2LJCQ7PXVFBVG on 2007-03-29
  I felt like this was a very well thought out book. It's not your normal everyday historical romance. And I believe that's what I liked most about it. I loved the way the author represented the hero, Henry Pye, in this story. He is not your typical, "Lord of the Manor", but a person that feels alive, not just a fantasy. And the heroine, Lady Georgina Maitland, is not the steroetypical, "Lady". This book really left me wanting more. Thank you, Mrs. Hoyt, it was a pleasure and I can't wait for your next book the, "Serpent Prince".
  
  
• My expectations were too high.
  By A33J2VWP9HXDU9 on 2007-04-06
  I allowed myself to get too excited about this book after I read The Raven Prince. That book was so very good and met all my criteria for a truly 5 star rating that I forgot to be cautious. This book is good, not very good which would rate a 4.5 from me, and not great, which would rate a 5 from me - just good. That in and of itself is not bad but I had allowed myself to expect more. The writing is still first rate and a true delight to read but the actual plot (and how the characters moved around within the plot) was not quite so satisfactory.
  
  The hero, Harry Pye, is the saving element in this novel from my standpoint. I liked the fact that he was not of noble birth but had made something of himself by hard work and determination. Those qualities made his personality believable and turned him into a sympathetic character for me. He took his job very seriously and tried to show his employer the proper amount of deference without becoming a toad. He was patient with her when she didn't understand the significance of certain occurances. Very patient and forebearing.
  
  Georgina on the other hand just seemed like a spoiled, rich, self-absorbed 28 year old spinster. Wonder why we were not allowed to be in at the initial meeting of these two characters when Harry applied for the job and was hired? Why did we not get to observe the interaction of these two people on that long carriage ride from London to Yorkshire? I have made that trip by car on modern roads and I can tell you it is not a short trip. I cannot even imagine how tedious and long it must have been in a horse-drawn carriage, in the rain. I could never, even at the end of the book, make a connection with Georgina. I actually did not like her very much. We don't have any insight into her personality traits previous to the beginning of the story so was her behaviour in going to visit Harry's cottage at night something unusual for her? I realize she was still a virgin so had not visited men in this way before but what made her so bold? She made me feel that she was forcing herself on him and that made me uncomfortable because his position on her staff did not give him much opportunity to turn her down - not that he wanted to in this case. Sorry, I just can't figure her character out.
  
  I agree with other reviewers, the sheep killing and murder mystery went on too long. I'm afraid that I think the whole book went on too long. I truly admire the way Elizabeth Hoyt writes. She has a way with words which I find extremely pleasing. I thought this time she had to force the fairy tale into the story. In this book, instead of being told at the beginning of each chapter (as in The Raven Prince) we had Georgina telling the story to Harry. It just began, out of the blue, without any rhyme or reason. It became fully woven into the story in the later stages of the book but at first it was just sitting there, like a bump on a log, and it didn't seem relevant to me because Georgina didn't seem to be comparing Harry to a leopard or his/her life to the fairy tale. Maybe I just missed the significance. I also did not like her character being called George. Her name was Georgina, why not call her that? I very definitely did not like the intimacy which took place in the church. A VERY inappropriate time and place!
  
  I will read The Serpent Prince when it comes out but I will definitely be glad for some time to pass before it is released. I will also try very hard to make no comparisons, just enjoy it for what it is. Hopefully another great 5 star read. (By the way, does anyone think we might see Bennet later on? He was wearing the falcon carving!)
  
  
• I didn't think I could love this as much as I loved the Raven Prince...
  By A1CDH6FBMM5FL6 on 2007-06-15
  But I do. I LOVED the Raven Prince not just because it was a wonderfully written story (such a unique plot), but because Elizabeth Hoyt's heroine was a strong, independent, passionate, intelligent woman. I loved that book so much that I actually considered NOT reading this one, The Leopard Prince, for fear that it wouldn't live up to my expectations. But I'm so glad that I did. I LOVED her characters...and Georgina is much like Anna Wren, but so much more carefree and bubbly. The author creates heroines that are so amazing...they're women that we'd like to be, women we identify with. And the love scenes! Oh my goodness, they're so amazing. I love that even though it's very explicit, it's written in such a way that the reader knows it's not just a "roll in the hay", but that there's a connection between them. It means something.
  
  Oh, and the side plot with Bennett and Will...that was such a touching story that just made me fall in love with Harry Pye even more!!
  
  Oh! and I love how she puts Edward de Raaf in at the end!! How awesome was that?! I can't wait to read the next book! I hope Violet and Bennett get together! And I would love to get tidbits about how Anna and Edward are doing...and Georgina and Harry. Such a fantastic book...I love the writing, the plot, and most importantly I love how the author has created incredible, wonderful heroines!!
  
  
• Good, but not great second novel from the author of The Raven Prince
  By A22TZUXUKA11SQ on 2007-04-04
  Lady Georgina Maitland, daughter of the Earl of Maitland, neither wants, nor needs, a husband. She was bequeathed land and wealth by her aunt and runs her own estates without the assistance of a man. However, at 28, George is beginning to discover that while she might not want or need a husband, there are some things for which one might come in handy. For instance, whenever George is around her land steward, Mr. Harry Pye, she finds herself feeling the strangest things. Never having had any serious encounters with men, despite one failed engagement, George doesn't really know what these feelings mean, but she does know that she wants Harry to be the one to teach her.
  
  Mr. Harry Pye has returned to his former home a prouder and more important version of the gamekeeper's son who left so many years ago. In his position as George's land steward, he hopes to show the people who shunned him and his family when he was a boy that he has grown into a mature and responsible adult. However, not everyone in his old neighborhood is happy to see him. When the sheep on the neighboring farms start turning up dead, the first person the locals suspect is Harry. When he left their countryside so many years ago, he did so with anger in his face and a grudge in his heart. Many believe that he has returned to settle the score. What they can't know is that revenge is the furthest thing form Harry's mind. He's too busy being consumed with the lust he feels for his employer, which he knows is silly as the woman is the daughter of an earl. But when George and Harry join forces to find the real culprit who is killing the sheep, the heat between them reaches fever pitch, and the last thing on either of their minds is who has a higher rank in society...
  
  The Leopard Prince is Elizabeth Hoyt's second novel, and while I liked it, it wasn't nearly as explosively passionate as I found her first book (The Raven Prince). It took awhile for things to heat up between Harry and George, and the mystery that they are trying to solve detracted from the romance for me. This book was kind of a cross between the heat and romance of The Raven Prince and the mystery and intrigue of an Amanda Quick novel. The problem is that Hoyt doesn't have the chops just yet to pull off both without one suffering. At times the mystery was at the forefront and it was what I focused on, but at those same times the romance was suffering. At the times when the heat was blazing between Harry and George, the reason that they got together (to find the real killer) was somehow lost in their passion. This book was good, but not great. I'd recommend it to anyone who likes Amanda Quick romantic mysteries, but if you are in the mood for a passionate romance where the relationship is at the forefront, I'd suggest you look to Hoyt's previous novel, The Raven Prince.
  
  
• Sucker for regency & gothic romance
  By A3DIYVQC32FHOJ on 2007-05-17
  I have now read both of Elizabeth Hoyt's books and am looking forward to the third one because of her fully developed charactors, never anything out of charactor. The carved animals are a delicious delight to the story which add a touch of tenderness to Harry Pye. The 3 brothers who care for Georgina but allow her to pretty much lead her own life. The murder and the sheep killing just adds a mystery element that only improves the overall story. The sex scenes sizzle with realism and are not for the "faint of heart". Let's face it, I'm a sucker for regency romances...I dote on tortured souls and imperfect individuals finding true love with soulmates and living happily ever after.
  
  
• A very enjoyable, sensual historical romance.
  By A13A1OLJIIYJCH on 2007-03-26
  E Hoyt once again shows us her fine writing skills with this fresh take on an old plot - a gentry falling for a commoner. However, in this twist the gentry is our heroine, the wealthy twenty-eight old Lady Georgina (aka George), who falls hard for her new land steward, commoner Harry Pye. A forbidden passion erupts between them, and as you can imagine circumstances try to pull them apart. Laced throughout the book is of course the wonderful fairytale of The Leopard Prince. Instead of being at the top of each chapter (as was in The Raven Prince), Hoyt has incorporated the tale into the story itself. I loved how this fairytale played into the romance, and was yet another example of Hoyt's great writing skills.
  
  A background subplot included the mystery of dieing sheep, a crime that Harry is wrongly accused of committing. This subplot was a bit far-fetched in my opinion, but then again I have never been a fan of mystery romances so I may not be the best person to critique this genre. However, it did keep our hero and heroine in close proximity, which gave way to the fiery passion that I very much enjoyed. When we finally find out who really did kill the sheep, I was just glad that subplot was done and over with. It is why I give the book 4 stars instead of 5.
  
  The hero and heroine were both great, likable characters. Harry Pye made a great hero. He is quiet and reserved, but he has a dark passionate side that any romance fan will fall in love with. He was also strong willed, and not one to cower to the upper gentry or the magistrate who wrongly accused him. He made a great match for George. George was raised in a world of wealth a privilege, and as a result is understandably disconnected from the plight and day-to-day life of the common folk. She has a great heart and is intelligent, and by no means a meek minded person. Watching these two find common ground and understanding was wonderful. There were unexpected twists to the story, and their happily-ever-after ending doesn't come as easily as one would hope. It was a great book, I only wish the sheep subplot didn't take up so much of the story or was at least more interesting. Regardless, I still loved this book and I can't wait for the Serpent Prince!!
  
  
  
• DELIGHTS LIKE THIS ARE HARD TO FIND!
  By A1CVOIMGLVUDSZ on 2007-07-06
  I LOVED this book! I never write reviews on Amazon (at least up 'til now - maybe I'm just getting started?), but I'm delighted to write this one.
  
  IMO, a REALLY GOOD BOOK is - plain and simple - one that holds my interest all the way to the end (and I consider this a gigantic achievement!).
  
  The Leopard Prince held my interest and kept me entertained ALL THE WAY TO THE END! I read it in one day! The writing is excellent, the story is engaging, and the romance is sexy, sexy, sexy. In a romance, what I care about the most is the sexiness, and this one's got it! Sexy and fun! What's a crack-up is that the oh-so-sexy hero is named Harry Pye!
  
  
• BEST COMBINATION-Witty, HOT, and a story you can't put down!
  By A3GY30FFXXO2PB on 2007-07-17
  I first discovered Elizabeth Hoyt with the Raven Prince, and I have to write that The Leopard Prince didn't disappoint me either. The characters have such depth, the dialogue witty, the passion HOT, and plot twists and a story that I just couldn't put down. My only complaint is that I discovered Hoyt's work early in her career I can't go and buy a bunch of her books and enjoy weeks of reading!
  
  
• Perfect
  By A1A76X4BEGF77P on 2007-03-22
  This is the second in the prince series and I couldn't decide which I liked better. Hoyt is willing to take risks with her characters and commit the romantic author's taboo. In Raven Prince her leading man is ugly and pock marked. In Leopard Prince, Harry Pye blends into the scenery and is often not noticed by those standing right next to him. The characters are not forced into the romantic profile which makes them infinitely more interesting and endearing.
  
  There are also appearences by familiar characters from The Raven Prince. Often, returning characters over shadow the book or they just irritate me with their smug happiness. Hoyt kept the appearence small and didn't let their story interfere with Harry and George.
  
  Hoyt is at the top of my must buy list. My only regret is that she has just begun and I will have to wait months before her next one.
  
  
• Elizabeth Hoyt has her own style of writing and characters - what a nice change. Enjoy !
  By A18FUHNBP90IB4 on 2007-04-19
  The Leopard Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt is a historical romance with dash of mystery. Lady Georgina and Harry Pye (her secretary) find themselves trying to solve the mystery of sheep being killed in the area. Georgina finds herself falling for Harry but would their difference in class and Harry stop them? Check out other books by Elizabeth Hoyt; The Raven Prince and The Serpent Prince coming out September 2007
  
  
  
• Hoyt could become my favorite author
  By A3BNKKIVKI0RCR on 2007-08-12
  This is Hoyt's second book but, aside from fresh story lines, you'd never know it. Her writing has a "maturity" to it that gives that feeling that she's been your favorite author for years. She is definitely becoming a favorite of mine.
  
  In this story, George is a rich aristocratic landowner. As such she has no need to marry. Harry is her land steward. He is serious and business minded. But, as the two work together they start to enjoy being together. An attraction starts and Hoyt does a nice job of building the tension between them. When they come together it seems natural, not unbelievable as one reviewer said.
  
  One surprised, though, was that the character actually talk to each other, even after sleeping together. They get to know one another and it is possible to see that they could actually fall in love. Further, one can see how the relationship could work outside the bedroom. Even with the difference in their social standings.
  
  The love scenes are steamy and erotic. But, I didn't feel that the love story was an excuse for a lot of sex scenes. Rather, it felt more like a love story where the sex furthered the relationship.
  
  I really adored THE LEOPARD PRINCE, as well as Hoyt's first story THE RAVEN PRINCE. Her third book, THE SERPENT PRINCE, is due out in a few weeks and I've already pre-ordered it. Her works are a delight.
  
  
  
  
• The Leopard's Story
  By A2FPD5N9PM5I6X on 2007-08-28
  I read one review of this that said Harry Pye (the hero) was awesome but Lady Georgina (the heroine) was boring. I beg to differ. I mean, truly, it is Harry Pye's story. He's even the subject of the title (debatably-- He is SYMBOLICALLY the leopard prince). Still, I enjoyed reading Lady Georgina just as much as reading Harry Pye. I thought she was a compelling heroine, especially given the difficult situation of being gentry in love with a commoner. Great story, lots of politics and class issues, good villains, and even some really great funny moments. I enjoyed it very much!
  
  
• so glad that the hero is an alpha, the very best kind
  By AXHEVH3H93VV7 on 2008-07-26
  I was reluctant to read THE LEOPARD PRINCE. I tend to avoid romance novels about poor and low-ranked heroes who fall in love with wealthy and aristocratic heroines. I like my men alpha, and it's hard for a man to be alpha when the woman he loves has all the advantages. Even worse, I thought, when the hero is actually in the heroine's employ.
  
  Luckily, THE RAVEN PRINCE gave me some faith in Elizabeth Hoyt and I'm grateful because THE LEOPARD PRINCE is a wonderful book and its hero, Harry Pye, is delicious. He is absolutely an alpha male, and it takes a whole lot of inner alpha to close the gap that separates a talented land steward from his aristocratic employer.
  
  I was reminded more than once while reading of Lady Chatterley's Lover - Harry Pye's father was a gamekeeper, after all, and Harry's pure, unvarnished masculinity is what makes him so desirable to Georgina Maitland (George). He's manly in the best of ways - disciplined, intelligent, earthy and resolute. He's the kind of man who you'd say is like a rock - he is a hard man, but also reliable.
  
  If Harry is masculinity personified, George is femininity personified. That's why they're such a perfect match. She's soft but not weak, warm but not cloying, charming and good at putting others at ease. She's incredibly likable, and I rooted for her from the start.
  
  Once George decides to support Harry against nearly the entire local populace and believe that he is not responsible for a recent spate of sheep-poisonings, it's them against the world. Harry knows the region and it's people, while George is a city girl, and that gives him a measure of authority as they work together to find out who's really behind the killings.
  
  There are many barriers to a love match between George and Harry, and it's incredibly moving to see them tumble one by one as the two grow closer. It's a very sweet and heartwrenching romance, but meanwhile their physical relationship is raw and so sizzling hot that sparks practically fly off the page. It's this combination of tenderness and violence that Hoyt seems to excel at, and I enjoyed seeing it here in THE LEOPARD PRINCE.
  
  
  
  
• Even better than Raven Prince!
  By A2R0TRX5P5BY9O on 2007-04-06
  When the Raven Prince came out I thought Elizabeth Hoyt was very gifted. I enjoyed the way she took a genre I already loved and put a fresh "tweak" on it. She writes fresh interesting vibrant characters and a lush plot. I was looking forward to the Leopard Prince.
  
  I did not get what I expected in the Leopard Prince... I got far more. This book is absolutely fantastic. I loved the heat between George and Harry. I loved the fact that he was "undercover" to others, but irresistable to George. I felt the twists in the plot all worked seamlessly together to explain why each person was who they were, felt what they felt, and did what they did. It made the emotional payoff even greater when they had to stretch out of their comfort zones.
  
  I could go on and on about this book. I have never written a review before, but I felt this book was so good it was worth stretching out of my comfort zone to write one!
  
  
• interesting Georgian romance
  By AFVQZQ8PW0L on 2007-04-07
  In 1760 twenty-eight years old Georgina Maitland is wealthy so she can enjoy being single; she has no plans for a spouse as that means giving up her independence. When her sister pleads with her to return to the family estate in Yorkshire, she flees London with her land manager Harry Pye.
  
  At her home she learns that their neighbor Magistrate Silas Granville blames Harry for poisoning his sheep and demands she fire him before he arrests him. George refuses and directs Silas to leave her home. As tension mounts because Silas and Harry have a history involving his father, George and her estate manager fall in love. However, he will do nothing to jeopardize her position while she fears losing her autonomy if she boldly goes after the man she loves.
  
  This is an interesting Georgian romance between an aristocrat and her commoner employee that showcases what happens when a person in authority abuses their public trust. The story line is at its best when it concentrates on the lead pair including incidents fostered on them by their odious neighbor. Silas is so nasty he is more a caricature of an abusive person though his actions serve as a warning not to allow one person so much authority even in a localized setting. He affirms Lord Acton's admonition on power and another of his cautionary commentaries that "Every thing secret degenerates, even the administration of justice; nothing is safe that does not show how it can bear discussion and publicity". Elizbath Hoyt provides an exhilarating historical romance that will have waiting for the next prince to appear.
  
  Harriet Klausner
  
  
  
• Loved it. Hoyt is my new automatic buy!!!
  By A29ZE892N6TZRV on 2007-05-10
  This book was awesome. I think most of the reviews are in agreement so I won't go into too deeply. BUT, take a moment to ask your sons, or friends between the age of 14 and 24 if the name Harry Pye is funny and I think you'll get a reaction. Tee Hee....I love dirty jokes!!!
  
  
• Different and delightful...a real treat!
  By A14GEA3EZCYCRK on 2007-06-17
  Lady Georgina ("George") Maitland travels alone in her coach with her new land steward, Harry Pye, from London to her country estate. A severe rainstorm disables their coach and, when the driver goes for help, George and Harry take shelter in a deserted cottage where they spend the night. Nothing improper occurs, but the intimate accommodations and oddly charming banter make them most aware of each other as male and female. And they like what they see. But Harry is far below George in social rank, so nothing serious and lasting - or even frivolous and temporary - can ever come of their acquaintance. This is fine with Harry, who wants no part of any aristocratic virgin. He wants (or so he thinks) a strictly employer-employee relationship. George is not so sure. She truly does not know WHAT she wants from Harry, but she knows it's more than crop advice. And in her own unique and endearingly funny way, she is determined to find out.
  
  What a fantastic read! George and Harry are wonderful romantic leads and PERFECT foils for one another. Harry has been solemn for far too long, and George's charming effervescence simply bowls him over. Their conversations and intimacies are a joy to read. The humor is wonderful and is nicely balanced with some mystery, some suspense, and some rather dark moments. There are so many little things to like in this story, particularly the many contradictions lurking beneath the surface. Such as clever George clueless about her own feelings; her tender nature hidden beneath an out-spoken veneer. And Harry's deadpan façade masking his warmth and inner mischief. There may be readers who find some terminology a bit raunchy, but I'm well past that...and it totally fits with the story and style of writing. Ms. Hoyt has expertly combined humor and passion to create a most compelling read, and better than the first (The Raven Prince). Very well done.
  
  
• Disappointing follow up
  By A387O4YSBMAXRT on 2008-02-29
  I was SOOO looking forward to this one after The Raven Prince, which in my mind was just about perfect. While I liked both the characters, the chemistry just wasn't as believable to me this time around or as subtly expressed. There is a very good villain, however his demise is contrived to occur at the most opportune time for the story, and there are oh-so-convenient misunderstandings between the two lovers designed to delay gratification and make the book longer. Another complaint of mine is that there is no resolution of of the primary barrier in their relationship (class differences) at the end - simply their stated commitment that they would find a way and live "happily ever after." I would have liked the author to have presented an actual solution to the problem that Harry and Georgina spent so much time fighting with, and therefore I spent a fair amount of time reading about. What common ground did they find? How did they find a way to live that they could both accept? I was glad to see Edward de Raaf and Iddesleigh make brief apearances in this volume, and will look forward to The Serpent Prince, but not too much.
  
  
  
• 3 stars is generous.....
  By A1OP4JV3DLZRBZ on 2008-04-25
  I loved The Raven Prince. It was so sexy and unique that I immediately couldn't wait to read the next book in the series The Leopard Prince. I should've waited and perhaps not even bothered.
  
  The Leopard Prince starts out wonderful...the first couple of chapters are so witty and sweet that I was devouring every page...and then something happenend.
  
  A ridiculous plot (sheep killing), a contrived villain, an unlikely couple with no resolution to their class difference, and this is only the beginning. I will say this...the love scenes are as scorching as they were in The Raven Prince, but this just doesn't matter if you don't like the plot and people in the book...which I didn't.
  
  I recommend The Raven Prince highly, but this one is mediocre at best.
  
  
• Elizabeth Hoyt doesn't disappoint
  By AIYEJ4U7RJWJP on 2007-04-07
  I loved the Raven Prince and I was not disappointed by the Leopard Prince. Can't wait for the next book.
  
  
• An excellent sophmore effort
  By A18ZSMR1DW4VFW on 2007-06-21
  Loved the premise, loved the characters. Loved the ending. I want a book about Bennet.
  
  
• Almost a 4 star, not in love with the last part of the novel
  By A3M3W5GV0HIQK4 on 2008-01-20
  This was a very enjoyable read. I instantly liked the characters even if the heroine was a bit of a modern thinker for her time. Lady Georgina owns her own lands and has her own mind. She is attracted to her land steward Mr. Harry Pye. The sparks are there right from the beginning of the story.
  
  Harry is being framed for sheep killings in the area and for a related murder. There are lots of skeletons in his closet. He is a self made man, sure of himself, with a compassionate heart. The locals are convinced he is guilty of the crimes in the area because of his past difficulties with one of the weatlhy land owners. There is an obvious villian and the mystery was easy to solve but it is very secondary to the love story.
  
  Lady George is falling fast for Mr. Pye. He is reluctant to engage in an affair as he recognizes their station differences and believes they will have no future. Lady George, however, is living for the moment.
  
  So with all of these wonderful characters, why does this book not get 5 stars? Well, the ending has the book dropping to just 3 1/2 stars. Georgina acts totally out of character in the last third of the book. For a woman with her own mind, she allows her brothers to make all the important decisions in her life. I had a hard time believing this was the same Lady George who fell in love with her land steward. She is so under her brother's control that she gives up her future to their most incapable hands. Really, where is the Lady George who defies convention? Somewhere along the way she became the kind of heroine I really do not like, the simpering can't make up my mind, do what the strongest male in my family wants aristocrat. This would be an understandable ploy if we were not introduced to a spunky, carefree, unconventional heroine throughout most of the novel. Despite the ending, I still recommend this novel. The idea is fresh and Mr. Pye is quite the hero.
  
  
  

• The Raven Prince
• The Serpent Prince
• And Then He Kissed Her
• Too Wicked to Tame
• Mine Till Midnight (The Hathaways, Book 1)