Gypsy Lady

Rating:
Summary: I've read better
Review: Catherine Tremayne's aristocratic lovliness was a flower no man had yet dared to pluck. But when Jason Savage first beheld the violet-eyed beauty, she was disguised as a Gypsy-a maiden long ago stolen from her father's Cornish estate. Only after he had carried her off to Paris on a dangerous mission for President Jefferson did Jason bare Catherine's secret. Yet Catherine's destiny drew her on, into a world of intrigue and danger, and she fled fron Jason to the city of New Orleans-through an odyssey of peril and sexual captivity-to ecstatic reunion with the fearless adventurer who at last would quench the fire in her burning Gypsy soul. I have read much better work fron Shirlee. But we must remember this book was wrote in the 70's when it was cool to read about the torn bodice and viciousness of the main male character. At least Catherine had spunk! But the pride thing from both of them! Give it a rest and just talk! They presumed too much through the whole book.

Rating:
Summary: An old favorite (but not very P.C.)
Review: I first read this book when I was...hmmn, about fourteen or so. I found it on my mother's bookshelf and began reading, and was instantly captivated and transported to the world of Jason and Catherine/Tamara. I remember being fascinated by the historical detail, enthralled and frightened by Blood Drinker and the Aztec side-story, and thrilled by the tumultuous relationship between the two "protagonists". Some people on this page have mentioned the aggression and violence of Jason towards Catherine; personally, I don't remember being particularly struck by this at fourteen. I am adamantly opposed to violence against women, and work personally for education about abuse in our society. BUT...and it may not be considered "cool" to say this...as any of you who have read any of Nancy Friday's books (My Secret Garden, Forbidden Flowers, Women On Top etc.) will know, many, many women fantasize about being "taken" violently by a man; this by no means implies that they really want it to happen. Perhaps it is "wrong" or a symptom of our somewhat twisted society, but it is nevertheless true. We must remember that we are reading FICTION here - escapist fiction, a fantasy. And in that respect, this novel succeeds in every area. It is well-balanced, interesting, exciting, even educational - but most of all, it is a GREAT escape. I can't wait to finally read it again - it's been nearly ten years, and I've finally found a copy!

Rating:
Summary: horrible
Review: I have read almost every book Ms. Busbee has written but this was the worst! I do not like to read about raping or beating women. There are no redeeming qualities about the "hero". I was truly disappointed by this book. I think I will go read A Heart For The Taking agin!

Rating:
Summary: horrible
Review: I have read almost every book Ms. Busbee has written but this was the worst! I do not like to read about raping or beating women. There are no redeeming qualities about the "hero". I was truly disappointed by this book. I think I will go read A Heart For The Taking agin!

Rating:
Summary: Tooooooooooo much
Review: I just finished this book and I feel somewhat guilty here but I think Ms Busbee could have omitted many paragraphs; actually, chapters. There is alot of history and unnecessary information involved in this book. Be it accurate or not, I can't say for sure because I'm not a history buff BUT it looked awful close to me and really wasn't important to me given the fact that I was reading fiction. It seemed the romance between Katherine and Jason were seconday.

One certainly gets a very good education of the background of the characters; who they're related to, their connection to each other, and how they get to where they are sort of thing. I was annoyed and frequently read the first sentence and scanned the rest of the paragraph because it went on and on with a lot of detail that said it all in the first sentence. BUT, I couldn't just discard the book either. I wanted to know what happened which tells me, that the story line is good but there were too many second thoughts, politics, and questioning of of thoughts. There were 581 pages and I feel several could have been avoided.

I hate to ruin it for you but Jason rapes Katherine, repeatedtly, sort of. They are definitely attracted to one another but she fights him saying no but being glad it happens, (only to herself and with great difficulty) because he makes her feel as no other has (except for the 1st time). Given her only experience is wicked Clive's kiss and that doesn't make her react the way Jason's does so being the typical virgin she is 'confused'. She on the other hand says no and means yes (unconsicously). Jason is an alpha male; what he dictates, IS which doesn't sit well with Katherine. Katherine being strong (emotionally) fights him most of the way even though her body says yes. She cannot physically compete with him but she does give him a run for his money. I liked the battle between them but even that became tedious. I prefer when the hero and heroine have their disputes, 'make love', which is precisely what they do; they may not recognize it at first but this story leads me to believe it was simply lust that drove Jason to Katherine, at first which is ok for fiction.

To me, the challenge (meaning Davolas) and history was primary and the romance between Jason and Katherine was secondary. The others in the story were well plotted. Her mother and his father for example, Adam and Blood Drinker not to mention Jefferson so why do I give this 3 stars..........because of the detail. There was just too much. The sex scenes, and in the beginning that is all they appeared to be, were forceful even though Katherine unconsciously wanted and did eventually enjoy them but never openly admitted it to Jason and for a time to herself nor did he to either himself or to Katherine. Yes, there were some real love scenes in the book but it was mostly one sided and it took to near the end of the book to become acknowledged by both Katherine and Jason.

I've not read Ms Busbee before but I'm really not tempted to read another at this time. It's not entirely fair to base an opinion on one book so in the end I say the story line is good, detailed, but good. Katherine and Jason are believable but I prefer Stephanie Laurens, Kat Martin and yes even Andrea Kane. I can't argue with Dara Joy either.

All in all I will say if you are one who enjoys the history primarily and the romance secondary AND the constant animosity between Katherine and Jason then by all means, read it. If you are weary of a wordy, bitter book, do not attempt it. However, I'm not sorry I took the time to read it but knowing what I know now, I would not have pursued it.

Rating:
Summary: I love it
Review: I wish I knew how it ended but, I just lost it today. It was my mom's from 1977, and it even had type errors in it. I left it on the bus after I got up I guess... I hope the guy sitting next to me didnt take it. I already called the MTA and there wasnt any sign of it :( - I cried, and my mom doesnt know yet.. As long as the 1998 version is exactly the same story I'll just buy it and finish the beautiful story.

Rating:
Summary: Groovy Baby
Review: ok well I'm 15 and I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was romantic sweet and interesting. at the moment my nana has the story and i keep telling mum to tell her to give it back but my nana loves it too much as well! i suggest u buy it...NOW

Rating:
Summary: Lovely.
Review: Raised to ravishing womenhood by Gypsies - a stunning, violet eyed beauty stolen a lifetime ago from her father's Cornish estate - innocent Catherine Tremyne's destiny drew her into a world of intrigue and danger. Carried off to Paris by Jason Savage, she began an odysee of peril and sensuous captivity, finind no escape from her fearless adventurer who at last would quench the fire burning in her Gypsy soul. (text refers to book back cover)

Intresting book. Very readable. Yes i admit the hero is a bit overly harsh with the heroine but this did not detract from the pleasure i got from reading this book. in fact it was fascinating to watch how these two opposing characters would finally find happiness together. Literally from hatred to love.

Rating:
Summary: Very good story, characters come to life!
Review: Shirley Busbee takes the reader frome England to France, then to America. The characters and the time table of the Louisiana purchase brings history to life.

Rating:
Summary: Very good story, characters come to life!
Review: Shirley Busbee takes the reader frome England to France, then to America. The characters and the time table of the Louisiana purchase brings history to life.