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Brazen #1
Brazen Angel
Giles Corliss, Lord of Trahern, races through the streets after the sapphire-eyed Brazen Angel, determined to catch London's most audacious thief. Unknown to the lord, the masked mistress leads a double life as the beautiful, fragile Lady Sophia d'Artiers...Giles' intended.
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 7, 1997
438 people are currently reading
756 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Boyle
80books2,053followersElizabeth Boyle is the New York Times bestselling author of 27 historical romance novels and several novellas. Her upcoming novel, O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM, is a mix of women's fiction and historical fiction, with a bit of magic thrown in. This story of friendship and empowerment is already getting rave reviews.
Her first novel, Brazen Angel, won Dell's Diamond Debut Award and the Romance Writers of America's RITA Award for Best First Book. Her books are called "fast-paced," "adventurous," and "funny."
Not sure where to begin? If you love adventure, try THIS RAKE OF MINE or ONE NIGHT OF PASSION.
If you need to laugh, SOMETHING ABOUT EMMALINE, LOVE LETTERS FROM A DUKE, or THE VISCOUNT WHO LIVED DOWN THE LANE.
Want a little magic in your romance? Try HIS MISTRESS BY MORNING.
When not writing, Elizabeth enjoys knitting, gardening, travel and reading a wide variety of stories. She lives with her family in Seattle.
Sign up for her weekly newsletter, Five Things for Friday on her website. A weekly roundup of books, shows, and things to cook or laugh over, her readers love this weekly laugh.
Her first novel, Brazen Angel, won Dell's Diamond Debut Award and the Romance Writers of America's RITA Award for Best First Book. Her books are called "fast-paced," "adventurous," and "funny."
Not sure where to begin? If you love adventure, try THIS RAKE OF MINE or ONE NIGHT OF PASSION.
If you need to laugh, SOMETHING ABOUT EMMALINE, LOVE LETTERS FROM A DUKE, or THE VISCOUNT WHO LIVED DOWN THE LANE.
Want a little magic in your romance? Try HIS MISTRESS BY MORNING.
When not writing, Elizabeth enjoys knitting, gardening, travel and reading a wide variety of stories. She lives with her family in Seattle.
Sign up for her weekly newsletter, Five Things for Friday on her website. A weekly roundup of books, shows, and things to cook or laugh over, her readers love this weekly laugh.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
September 5, 2017
I m not really sure what to say about this book. It's my first historical romance book and it was ok. The story was interesting but a lil slow in parts. I found that it would get good that I would get bored it didn't really hold my attention. I did want to know how things turned out with the Brazen Angel and Lord Trahern. I wish I could actually say more about the book but I didn't hate it or love it. I don't really think historical romance are my thing but I m glad I gave it ago.
December 23, 2021
Took place after the French Revolution.
Giles was a marquess, fluent in many languages &
Sophia a French-speaking lady of many personas.
Giles thought Sophia a thief? true? She lead Giles
on a merry chase.
Sophia flirted with & tangled with dangerous men
who could have her killed. She flaunted curfews &
'pushed the envelop.' Author depicted her as strong
& daring, but she skirted TSTL territory. The rescue
strained credibility. The story contained a love story?
Giles was a marquess, fluent in many languages &
Sophia a French-speaking lady of many personas.
Giles thought Sophia a thief? true? She lead Giles
on a merry chase.
Sophia flirted with & tangled with dangerous men
who could have her killed. She flaunted curfews &
'pushed the envelop.' Author depicted her as strong
& daring, but she skirted TSTL territory. The rescue
strained credibility. The story contained a love story?
January 27, 2015
Lady Sophia d'Artiers disguised as the Brazen Angel seduces and steals from wealthy nobles. The Marquess of Trahern, Giles Corliss, is determined to find out the true identity of this brazen thief. (Honestly I feel that sums up the plot and everything else was just padding)
It started off good but I found this book to be kinda slow and boring. I didn't like any of the characters much. Didn't see any real passion let alone love between Sophia and Giles. The 'larger' story about the french revolution and 'daring escapes' was equally boring. For saying Giles is supposed to be an Agent for England he was really slow about somethings. Sophia just came off as a chronic liar and very reckless in the extreme.
It started off good but I found this book to be kinda slow and boring. I didn't like any of the characters much. Didn't see any real passion let alone love between Sophia and Giles. The 'larger' story about the french revolution and 'daring escapes' was equally boring. For saying Giles is supposed to be an Agent for England he was really slow about somethings. Sophia just came off as a chronic liar and very reckless in the extreme.
June 8, 2011
Both Giles and Sophia are spies and in this story often cross the channel between England and France during the French Revolution. Well lets say, given the difficulties of traveling at that time,made this part of the story highly unrealistic. Basically the revolution is wallpaper to this character driven book. The true gritty details of that time were glossed over and the language was modernistic. Probably not for those who like authentic historical novels.
BUT when the author offered occasional glimpses of the soullessness of that time, those pages shined. Notable are her day/nightmares of blood and the masses slaughtering the old veteran.
The characters were well drawn and their interactions, fun and sexy.
I would categorize the book as more light historical with engaging characters.
A good read.
My take.
BUT when the author offered occasional glimpses of the soullessness of that time, those pages shined. Notable are her day/nightmares of blood and the masses slaughtering the old veteran.
The characters were well drawn and their interactions, fun and sexy.
I would categorize the book as more light historical with engaging characters.
A good read.
My take.
December 19, 2012
This book carries you along. After you've finished it, you might think that there are one or two flaws in the plot; nevertheless, and in spite of sometimes getting a bit cross with the heroine for never confiding in the hero, it's a good read, and I always make extra allowances for first published books by an author I like.
June 21, 2020
Great, interesting read. I love how the hr is the rescuer and not the one who need rescuing.
April 12, 2012
J'ai trouvé cette histoire superbement bien écrite et émouvante.
September 4, 2017
DNF'd, This just wasn't for me.
August 24, 2019
Aug 2019 “reread� (I am not sure I ever read this book despite GR saying that I read this book over a year ago):
This was a fun rompy adventure-romance novel - sort of like a gender bent . The story revolves around a heroine stealing from the Ton but don't worry she has a reason. And it’s a pretty good one. Our spy-titled-hero, who is also her fiancé but has never met her, is trying to catch her and bring her to justice. Trust me, its crazy and somehow fun at the same time.
The book is a little too long - it could have been trimmed by like 20% for a tighter plot - the extra length put this more in the adventure category than romance which was fine but not unique. .
Despite this unnecessary third act, I enjoyed my time with this book - 3 star overall.
This was a fun rompy adventure-romance novel - sort of like a gender bent . The story revolves around a heroine stealing from the Ton but don't worry she has a reason. And it’s a pretty good one. Our spy-titled-hero, who is also her fiancé but has never met her, is trying to catch her and bring her to justice. Trust me, its crazy and somehow fun at the same time.
The book is a little too long - it could have been trimmed by like 20% for a tighter plot - the extra length put this more in the adventure category than romance which was fine but not unique. .
Despite this unnecessary third act, I enjoyed my time with this book - 3 star overall.
May 3, 2012
Great story set in the French Revolution era when Fouche and Rospierre were in power. Sophia is from an aristocratic family who are going to Madame Guillotine any day. Giles is a British agent seeking to find out who betrayed another agent, Webb. Little does he know that his betrothed (arranged by his father before his death) is Sophia. Meanwhile she is stealing from English aristocrats to raise enough money to free her family. It is a dagerous path for her-a long ago lover complicates everything. Lots of action and ramance.
June 11, 2013
A trilogy of suspense...Brazen Angel was a little too brazen for me. This story takes place during the French Revolution and involves a lot of daring rescues. Since this is a 'Romance' novel, I knew all would end well. It was a complete fantasy. I could never convince myself that the heroine could have been so 'brazen' during that time period of history. Hoping for something better in the next book "Brazen Heiress"...which takes place in Russia during the reign of Catherine the Great. hmmmm?
July 26, 2016
I love a good spy novel. With lots of intrigue and terror. In probably one of the scariest moments of French history, this novel uses the back drop to show how fleeting life is, and how important love is in these circumstances. The Brazen Angel, though a thief, becomes heroic- a robin hood figure, which creates a tempting and diverting read. Each page brings a new smile.
June 3, 2015
I have huge expectations about this book since it was widely praised for Boyle's debut novel. However, the drama surrounding their romance fell short and repetitive like it's trying to put some real historical facts instead of "wallpaper history" but in the process, the added conflicts didn't blend well with the romance.
July 15, 2015
I keep picking up these romances, in the hope of finding an author that comes somewhere close to Georgette Heyer... I'll just have to continue trying. I managed to get a quarter of the way through this before relegating it to the discard pile; but perhaps if you're fond of bodice rippers this book might be to your taste.
September 12, 2017
This book is the first book of the Brazen Trilogy. It is filled with Suspense, Romance, lots of twists and turns and is so action packed that it keeps you turning those pages quickly. The story is set in the French Revolution Era.
Giles Corliss, Lord Trahern, is an undercover British Agent who has been betrothed to Lady Sophia d'Artiers, by his father on his deathbed.
Sophia leads a double life, one as a fragile, sickly miss and the other as the beautiful, seductress known as the Brazen Angel. With one look and smell the Brazen Angel can get you to follow her anywhere. Sophia is stealing from the most fluently, rich-aristocrats to raise money to free her family from the Guillotine.
Unbeknownst to both as being betrothed, they are attracted to each other and find that each has met their own match. Giles is on the search for the person who has betrayed his friend and co-worker, Webb. While on the hunt to find out the identity of the Brazen Angel he pieces together the clues and finds out that she is involved with the betrayal of Webb.
This story carries you along with lots of suspenseful, twists and turns that allows us to read how these two who are full of themselves but love with their whole hearts can unravel the path to their own HEA.
Giles Corliss, Lord Trahern, is an undercover British Agent who has been betrothed to Lady Sophia d'Artiers, by his father on his deathbed.
Sophia leads a double life, one as a fragile, sickly miss and the other as the beautiful, seductress known as the Brazen Angel. With one look and smell the Brazen Angel can get you to follow her anywhere. Sophia is stealing from the most fluently, rich-aristocrats to raise money to free her family from the Guillotine.
Unbeknownst to both as being betrothed, they are attracted to each other and find that each has met their own match. Giles is on the search for the person who has betrayed his friend and co-worker, Webb. While on the hunt to find out the identity of the Brazen Angel he pieces together the clues and finds out that she is involved with the betrayal of Webb.
This story carries you along with lots of suspenseful, twists and turns that allows us to read how these two who are full of themselves but love with their whole hearts can unravel the path to their own HEA.
August 31, 2017
This is another one of those free books I got off of Amazon. I thought it looked interesting enough to give it a try.
I thought it might be one of those cheesy romance novels that had more smut than story, but I was actually wrong in that way of thinking this time. The story was well thought out and had lots of twists and turns and kept me on the edge, wanting to know how it would turn out.
The romance (and smut) was also good. It was a good tease, leaving me feeling like i wanted more and when it did deliver, it was pretty hot. *fans self*
I could go into the story, but I don't want to give away spoilers. I loved the characters. They had depth and weren't too unrealistic. The setting was an interesting choice, and made the story more compelling.
It was a good read (see what I did there?) and would recommend it to anyone who wants a good suspenseful romance and doesn't mind a couple of descriptive sex scenes.
I thought it might be one of those cheesy romance novels that had more smut than story, but I was actually wrong in that way of thinking this time. The story was well thought out and had lots of twists and turns and kept me on the edge, wanting to know how it would turn out.
The romance (and smut) was also good. It was a good tease, leaving me feeling like i wanted more and when it did deliver, it was pretty hot. *fans self*
I could go into the story, but I don't want to give away spoilers. I loved the characters. They had depth and weren't too unrealistic. The setting was an interesting choice, and made the story more compelling.
It was a good read (see what I did there?) and would recommend it to anyone who wants a good suspenseful romance and doesn't mind a couple of descriptive sex scenes.
January 10, 2022
Well... Let me start by saying that the angst in this book made me almost cry. I'll admit that I don't know much about the French Revolution, except that it was a very necessary change for the people of France. However, to be held under suspicion and executed by association to the French monarchy must have been a very horrible and painful time for many people of that era. And where people suspect even the neighbours they have grown up with, I shudder to think just how many innocents met Madame Guillotine on a daily basis.
The kind of challenging and kind-of fun relationship Sophia has with Giles is probably something many people would want. Needless to say, without all the killing and intrigue and danger involved. I really liked it a lot. 😍 Hoping to read Lily's book next. 😊
The kind of challenging and kind-of fun relationship Sophia has with Giles is probably something many people would want. Needless to say, without all the killing and intrigue and danger involved. I really liked it a lot. 😍 Hoping to read Lily's book next. 😊
May 25, 2018
Brazen Angel is an awesome historical romance by Elizabeth Boyle. Ms. Boyle has provided us with a well-written book. The characters are amazing. Giles is on the hunt for London's notorious Brazen Angel, not aware that she's the same woman he's soon to wed. Sophia plays the part of the Brazen Angel to steal from her targets. Giles and Sophia's story is packed with drama, humor, sizzle, action and suspense. I enjoyed reading Brazen Angel and look forward to reading more from Elizabeth Boyle soon. Brazen Angel is book 1 of the Brazen Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
August 3, 2017
I actually read this book a couple of years ago when I picked up this book at the bookstore. Once I read this one I was hooked and read every book Elizabeth Boyle had published that was available! Lady Sophia D'Artiers is living a double like, unknown to the Ton or her admirers. Her persona during the day, a weak and sickly woman. But at night, she was a seductress and unknown to her victims! That was all to change once she met her betrothed, Giles Corliss, Marquess of Trahern, Follow this adventure, with suspense, intrigue and a wonderful connection of love that Boyle's does so well!!
August 20, 2017
Worth Reading
I really enjoyed reading this book. I read a lot of different types of romance novels and find that most of the time they run along the same type of story line. The author of the Brazen Angel added more to the story and the female character was written well. She remained strong throughout the book and did not give up herself to be with her love. Nothing was taken away from the main characters to remain true to themselves and I enjoyed the twist and turns of the story line.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I read a lot of different types of romance novels and find that most of the time they run along the same type of story line. The author of the Brazen Angel added more to the story and the female character was written well. She remained strong throughout the book and did not give up herself to be with her love. Nothing was taken away from the main characters to remain true to themselves and I enjoyed the twist and turns of the story line.
April 28, 2020
What a delight! I read this as part of the Brazen Trilogy (thanks, Kindle Unlimited!).
Once I gave up skipping ahead and trying to figure out when Giles would identify the titular Brazen Angel and what would happen when he did, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Giles and Sophia are good for each other - although they are each formidable on their own, they each slowly learned that they make quite an impressive team.
I also liked the twist at the end with Emma, and how the nogoodniks that the Robin-Hood-esque Brazen Angel stole from got their just desserts. 👏🏽
On to Lily’s and Webb’s story!
Once I gave up skipping ahead and trying to figure out when Giles would identify the titular Brazen Angel and what would happen when he did, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Giles and Sophia are good for each other - although they are each formidable on their own, they each slowly learned that they make quite an impressive team.
I also liked the twist at the end with Emma, and how the nogoodniks that the Robin-Hood-esque Brazen Angel stole from got their just desserts. 👏🏽
On to Lily’s and Webb’s story!
August 10, 2017
An absolutely delightful story of love and loving that takes the reader right into the heart of the French Revolution and gives you an insight as to what could possibly have occurred.
The two main characters play a wonderful cat and mouse game with each other and it has been written in a way that keeps you guessing from scene to scene.
Full of surprises, twists and turns, good wit and a page turner of note.
I loved and totally enjoyed this book.
The two main characters play a wonderful cat and mouse game with each other and it has been written in a way that keeps you guessing from scene to scene.
Full of surprises, twists and turns, good wit and a page turner of note.
I loved and totally enjoyed this book.
September 2, 2017
completely unbelievable
The first thing the hero should have done was unmask the heroine and not the last thing. I am so disappointed that I wasted my time reading this story but I kept thinking that with all the great ratings it would surely get better but I was wrong! So very wrong! I personally could not get over the fact that the unmasking did not happen sooner.
The first thing the hero should have done was unmask the heroine and not the last thing. I am so disappointed that I wasted my time reading this story but I kept thinking that with all the great ratings it would surely get better but I was wrong! So very wrong! I personally could not get over the fact that the unmasking did not happen sooner.
January 14, 2018
Super gonzo spy plot set against French revolution. But I'll tell you why I love Elizabeth Boyles stories even if they are six shades of implausible, the details she dreams up can be magical. As soon as I read the description of the brazen angels first costume, the morality play embroidered dress and half skull mask, I knew I'd be reading the whole book looking for more amazing ideas like that.
January 18, 2018
Brazen Angel
This story was a little different from the other books I've read by Elizabeth Boyle. Still taking place in England, this particular book also involves a turbulent France. Not sure how spies actually operated in those days, but loved how brazen and sure of herself that the main female character was.
This story was a little different from the other books I've read by Elizabeth Boyle. Still taking place in England, this particular book also involves a turbulent France. Not sure how spies actually operated in those days, but loved how brazen and sure of herself that the main female character was.
May 24, 2018
Bravo! Another strong independent heroine
I love Elizabeth Boyle's work. The idea of a young woman being strong enough to accomplish all that she did in that time period is wonderful to contemplate. One point for feminism. I do feel that Boyle's earlier work lacks the humor that she develops in her later books. It is definitely worth a read
I love Elizabeth Boyle's work. The idea of a young woman being strong enough to accomplish all that she did in that time period is wonderful to contemplate. One point for feminism. I do feel that Boyle's earlier work lacks the humor that she develops in her later books. It is definitely worth a read
August 5, 2017
Liked
Suspenseful humorous and some historical data tossed into the mix. Strong willed characters who have a hidden past and set out to keep secrets. But find each other passionate and caring.
Suspenseful humorous and some historical data tossed into the mix. Strong willed characters who have a hidden past and set out to keep secrets. But find each other passionate and caring.
August 7, 2017
An amazing adventure
This book is intriguing and the lady is brazen. There is nothing Sophia won't do for those she loves. Giles Trahern must realize this if he is ever to capture the "brazen angel". This story will hold you till the very end.
This book is intriguing and the lady is brazen. There is nothing Sophia won't do for those she loves. Giles Trahern must realize this if he is ever to capture the "brazen angel". This story will hold you till the very end.
August 18, 2017
AMAZING and AMUSING!
This was a FABULOUS historical book. How the agents were fooled by a mere woman and the tales of French Revolution intertwined with love and arranged has were astounding! I m looking forward to more of Brazen tales.
This was a FABULOUS historical book. How the agents were fooled by a mere woman and the tales of French Revolution intertwined with love and arranged has were astounding! I m looking forward to more of Brazen tales.
November 5, 2017
Wonderful
Elizabeth Boyle is one of the best Historical Romance Author's in the literary world today. The first book in her brazen series is humorous and action packed. I recommend it highly!
Elizabeth Boyle is one of the best Historical Romance Author's in the literary world today. The first book in her brazen series is humorous and action packed. I recommend it highly!
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