This was some of the worst writing I've read in a while. So, it is a 1 star for me but being so terrible really is an accomplishment!
( )

I've read a few of Ms. Deveraux's books with mixed reactions, but I decided to try one more and picked this, one of her best-known, on Sarah MacLean's recommendation. I love Ms. MacLean's books, but I disliked The Black Lyon.
The characters are awful; Lyonene is an airhead who never grows up and constantly gets involved in bad situations after being told to do the opposite. Ranulf is rude and abusive but somehow is soft inside though he never really shows it. The plot is ridiculous, just one stupid scrap after another, usually because Lyonene is afraid to talk to her husband. To be fair, he does backhand her once, so her fear is justified.
I don't necessarily care much about the historical details, especially in an older bodice-ripper, but so much was wrong with the history. The rules of inheritance were completely wrong, and I almost lost it when Edward I thought it'd be funny to give a drunken Lyonene white wine instead of water to get her even more drunk. I should have DNF'd this book but it was so bad I had to keep reading to see what happened next. Anyway, it wasn't for me, and Ms. Deveraux's books are off my TBR list. ( )

Jude Deveraux is an author I first read many years ago and while some of her books definitely do not age well I do think the Montgomery/Taggert saga books do continue to be basically enjoyable to read. I have always enjoyed the interactions her characters have had and the places she sets the story. The plot can be a bit thin but overall I think it's a good beach read. ( )

I think I read this a long time back and somehow was interested in revisiting some old Deveraux.
When I read it I was not impressed. Felt it was just boring and no great characterization. Both of their insecurities, their jealousies just didn't make much sense.
Not impressed ( )

First Edition paperback 1980 Autographed by author ( )