Many more years ago than I'd care to admit, I picked this book up. It's gone through many changes, at least the cover has, and though I have a first edition copy, I chose the newer picture as I like pink. The Raider by Jude Deveraux was a book that did something that no romance had done for me before. It made me laugh.
Ms. Jude's beloved Montgomery family was coming to America, but you are led to believe it will die out with the insipid, foppish Alexander Montgomery, who minced his way through the scenery much to Jessica Taggert's disgust. These two trade barbs with such obvious relish that you know in your heart something must come of it, but what? How can she love this overblown, overpadded, lace-loving twit of a man? Especially when The Raider is swinging his way through the town in his big black mask and *sighs* tight black leather pants. I mean really, what girl doesn't love a hot bad boy?
The Raider is The Scarlett Pimpernell meets Zorro meets Batman meets.. The Boston Tea Party and I laughed so hard I almost passed out. I was 16 and left to wonder why in the heck no other authors made me laugh as well as love in the romance novels quite so much. Ms. Deveraux did it so well, so much and so often, that she will be one of my favorites of all time. Now, if she'd only do historicals again.
I may not write historicals, but I still read every one I can get my hands on in the hopes that there will be another to fill her shoes. So far some have come close, but no body beats The Raider or outdoes the Deveraux, at least to me. Her Montogomery's are at the top of the list, followed by the Malory's, the Bridgertons, and the Sherbrookes.
She's the reason I write romance and she's also one of the reasons I write romantic comedy. Smiling is good for you, I feel that laughter burns calories.
Laugh, love, read
Jenna Leigh
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4 comments:
It's been a long time since I've read a Jude Deveraux's book. I never read that one though. I've been itching to read some vintage good ole romance. I might check that one out.
That's so neat to find out your inspiration.
I haven't read her. Will have to check her out.
ROCK ON! The Raider was the first hostorical romance I ever read. And HOLY COW did it Rock. I've bought so many copies of it because I keep wearing it out. It almost makes me believe in the hot studmuffin hero that we all daydream about. I think I shall pull out copy number 15 and read it again. Though I don't have that cover. Hmmm, off to the bookstore goes I.
Awesome, Jenna! Now I reallyreallyreallyreally have to get this book. I've never read it.
There was a book that did this to me too, however, instead of "laughter", it instilled in me a love for the western genre.
Johanna Lindsey's A HEART SO WILD. Johanna will always be my fave, but I do so love Jude and Kathleen. I really enjoyed KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOR by Jude (although I had issues with the ending LOL). I'll have to pick this up next time I see it.
Ain't nothin' wrong with a sexy, funny highwayman in tight leather pants! WHEEE!
~~Becka
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