To clarify, this is more a 4.5* book than a 4* book, but not quite a 5* due to the "abrupt" ending. Every romance reader knows what I mean by that . . . the wrap up of the hero and heroine "cementing" their love story and, in particular, a VERY central "mystery" detail of the entire plotline was virtually solved at the "closing line" of the book. ARRG! I definitely wanted MORE of a reaction from both the characters on that "little" detail . . . as it was a HUGE revelation for them. Not for the reader, mind you, we were privy to the information all along, but of course we wanted the reaction of the main characters!! Thus, I just couldn't give it a full 5* rating as a "4.5*" which I normally do if it's truly more than a 4* for me, as I like to round up, rather than round down. This is an old "bodice ripper" that I became intrigued with from a recommendation under a "theme" thread on the Amazon Romance boards. I couldn't remember if I'd ever read Shirlee Busbee, but the name sounded familiar, and even when I received the book through PBS, the cover seemed familiar as well. I read hundreds of romances in the '80s, until finally giving up the interest in the '90s to pursue other things. Consquently, I can't remember 90 percent of what I had read from those times. Once I started reading this book, I was certain I had read it before, and although I couldn't remember any of the details, I also had a distinct feeling it had been a "winner" for me back then. Fortunately, my gut instincts were correct, and I loved this storyline. This reading, did, like MOST of the '80s romances on a re-read have some dated qualities that weren't as paletable in the current times' romance style, but nevertheless, it was still a romantic and intiguing story. Our heroine, Leonie, lives a societal disenfranchised life as the granddaughter of a fading French aristocratic family in New Orleans, low on funds, and on the brink of bankruptcy. Her grandfather, her sole remaining relative (other than an unacknowleged by the family (but not Leonie) half-sister from her father's mistress) has gambled away most of the remainder of the family weath, and has few days of life left. Before he dies, he wants Leonie to be married to a "good" man who will take care of her. He meets our hero Morgan at a card party and events lead him to believe Morgan to be perfect for his granddaughter. Unfortunately, when Leonie's grandfather finally seeks "Morgan" out to cement a marriage deal with him, he mistakes Ashley, Morgan's nepharious, look-alike" cousin for Morgan, and marries poor Leonie off to the "VERY wrong" man. Ashley carries a long-time grudge against Morgan, and sets a plan into action to both swindle Leonie of her dowry (the only remaining funds she has left to her), and besmirch Morgan's good character as well, by marrying her while impersonating himself as Morgan. Of course, he deserts Leonie within days, and years later she comes searching for "Morgan" for repayment of the dowry and her last hope to save her home. Naturally, Morgan has no idea who the heck Leonie is, and their compelling love story unfolds as they spar with one another in efforts to find out exactly who the fraud is. I ended up enjoying this story tremendously, and other than the parallel mystery plotline I mentioned in the opening that wrapped up too fast for me in the end of the book, I have little to criticize, especially as a re-read of an older style romance (which can't be avoided). If you're in the mood for "older" flavor without too much of the "Stormfire" feel, I think you will enjoy this well-written oldy-but-goody!K.
A Case of Mistaken Identity and an Intriguing Love Story from old Louisiana—a Bodice Ripper!Originally published in 1984 and updated for the eBook version, this is a classic romance from a great historical romance author.Set in New Orleans and environs beginning in 1799, this is the story of 16-year-old Leonie Saint-Andre, whose only living parent is a gambling grandfather who has impoverished their family’s plantation. Knowing he does not have long to live, her grandfather decides to take care of Leonie’s future by finding her a wealthy husband. Unfortunately, the man he picks, Morgan Slade, is a bitter man whose first wife married him for his money and then left him for another. And what Leonie’s grandfather does not know is that Morgan has a look alike cousin who, unbeknownst to Morgan, has assumed his identity in order to wed Leonie to steal her dowry.Busbee has done her research and the history of Louisiana in the late 18th century is vividly portrayed. It was a time of plantations and the French creole families; and it was a time of dramatic change. Originally claimed by Spain, Louisiana was also claimed by France, and in 1803 most of it was acquired by America. The plot has many twists and turns and while the reader knows what is going on, the characters don’t. Lots of sexual tension and angst as Leonie is deceived yet rises as a courageous heroine to triumph in the end. I recommend it.
What do You think about Deceive Not My Heart (1984)?
A Case of Mistaken Identity and an Intriguing Love Story from old LouisianaOriginally published in 1984 and updated for the eBook version, this is a classic romance--a bodice ripper--from a great historical romance author.Set in New Orleans and environs beginning in 1799, this is the story of 16-year-old Leonie Saint-Andre, whose only living parent is a gambling grandfather who has impoverished their family’s plantation. Knowing he does not have long to live, her grandfather decides to take care of Leonie’s future by finding her a wealthy husband. Unfortunately, the man he picks, Morgan Slade, is a bitter man whose first wife married him for his money and then left him for another. And what Leonie’s grandfather does not know is that Morgan has a look alike cousin who, unbeknownst to Morgan, has assumed his identity in order to wed Leonie to steal her dowry.Busbee has done her research and the history of Louisiana in the late 18th century is vividly portrayed. It was a time of plantations and the French creole families; and it was a time of dramatic change. Originally claimed by Spain, Louisiana was also claimed by France, and in 1803 most of it was acquired by America. The plot has many twists and turns and while the reader knows what is going on, the characters don’t. Lots of sexual tension and angst as Leonie is deceived yet rises as a courageous heroine to triumph in the end. I recommend it.
—Regan Walker
The story opens in the summer of 1799. Set in Louisiana on the plantation, Chateau Saint-Andre, a deteriorating graceful lady.Her bare foot mistress, 16 year old Leonie Saint-Andre, has taken sole responsibility to care for the Chateau and what is left of the land and her people. The obstacle in her way, whom she butts heads with is her grandfather, Claude Saint-Andre.Claude has gambled and drank away all the money. When Leonie brings this subject up early in the story, it's a treat to see the sparks ignite between these 2 arrogant, stubborn, hard-headed characters. Leonie might be tiny, but she gives her grand-pere no quarter. His MO is to fly into an arrogant rage while making it clear NOBODY tells Claude Saint-Andre what to do and then he proceeds to the nearest gambling and drinking function, signing markers and owing everybody. I found myself chuckling every time those 2 had at it. The family was killed when Leonie was 2 years old, leaving her grandfather to raise her. Since drinking and gambling was his priority, Leonie raised herself. Wild, out-spoken, hard headed, Leonie's character is wonderful.Well, Claude gets hit with a reality punch, and for the 1st time realizes he has to do something about assuring Leonie's future. That something turns into finding her a husband and it doesn't take him long to find a prospect...Morgan Slade.Morgan Slade, yum.The story picks up 5 years later after the marriage of Morgan and Leonie. (They struck an agreement, a marriage of convenience and Morgan was to return Leonie's dowry ($5,000 in gold) to her.)She needs that money, the Chateau needs that money, so she tracks Morgan down. But Morgan Slade denies he ever set eyes on her, let alone married the "lying little whore", and he sure as hell isn't going to give her any money.Oh yes, those sparks light up the pages. These 2 are great together.Shirlee Busbee's style of writing grabbed me from the 1st page and not once did I get bored or frustrated with the characters interaction with each other.Her characters are well defined, and so fleshed out they could have been in the room as I read each page. I loved them all.There is a rape scene,political intrigue between the Spaniards, the French and the English in Louisiana,reference to slavery,violence,death,marriage of convenience,and good sexI really enjoyed this book.
—Sharon
I was in 8th grade when I read this book for the first time. I would smuggle it into Algebra and sneak in a couple of chapters. It has remained one of my favorite books since then, and I've re-read it many times. It has everything that you could want in a romance novel. Mystery, suspense, murder, intrigue and the list goes on and on. It's hard not to fall in love with Morgan Slade, a creole in Natchez, spy, emotionally injured rogue, as well as the whole Slade family. I recommend this book to everyone. Don't be put off my the racy cover, which has the look of a cheesy romance novel. Give it a chance, you won't be disappointed.
—Amanda
