So if you've read my previous posts you know that I've been reading Deanna Raybourns 'Lady Julia Grey' series which seems to me like it should have been a trilogy but must have been popular enough because I know a fourth book is coming out soon. Anywhoo... I made the mistake of reading another book of hers Dead Travel Fast immediately after finishing Silent in the Moor. Given how much I loved Nicholas Brisbane I can't help but compare the two 'heroes' from each of the books.
First, we have Nicholas Brisbane, hot in a hard life, Gypsy momma, learn as you go, still acts the gentleman, what's up with those headaches and he's kind of a druggie sexy. Born the bastard son of a gypsy woman, Nicholas has had a lot to prove. He makes a somewhat successful living as an inquiry agent and uses his skills to help Julia find out who killed her husband. Brisbane is tortured by headaches the stem from his trying to avoid his gift of 'sight'. As a result he dabbles in the narcotics to help lessen the pain. He's also an accomplished violinist, bad ass fighter and master of disguise. He's a little cranky at times but oh well, who isn't?
Theodora LeStrange's Count Andrei Dragulescu is rich, brought up to be a 'Count', has an uber messed up family, dabbles in the opiates and fancies himself quite the womanizer. Is he hot? Um yeah. Dark hair, light eyes and built like granite. Brought up in a life of privilege, he's the only male heir to an aging, decaying castle in Transylvania. Andrei's father dies and he is home to tie up the loose ends and make sure his father is actually dead. Enter Theodora, friend of Andrei's cousin, Cosmina. At one time Cosmina was to marry Andrei but he has since refused her.
Dead Travel Fast is more of a Gothic romantic thriller. Set in a dark and falling apart castle in Transylvania, it alludes to werewolves and vampires yet never actually proves there are any. A little mind bender there that I can appreciate. A hill town living in fear based on gossip and rumor but with no substantial proof. Performing ceremonies and rituals to prevent something that may never happen.
The Julia Grey books were based in England mostly, minus a trip to Italy and mentions of Egypt in the third book. Julia is a daughter of wealth who married for wealth and not love. Her husband was murdered and as a result of the findings while investigating her husbands death Julia is left to grow up quickly. With her newly fattened bank account and her widow title, Julia has many things to look forward to, including Nicholas Brisbane.
So, why am I partial to Brisbane? He's less the playboy douchebag. Did I just call the Count Dragulescu a douchebag? Yes. There are two parts in Dead Travel Fast where he describes at length his prowess with the ladies. He can read the situation, determine how they want to be seduced then give them what they desire. Huh? Conceit is not very sexy. But wait! He was trapped in a snare of his own making and he fell victim to love... thus, happy ending. Brisbane is a man who has actually 'lived'. He's had adventures yet he's living in the shadow of his youth and circumstances that were out of his control. He seems like a more rugged and established kind of man and to me, way more likable than Andrei Dragulescu.
As I mentioned before, had I not read Silent in the Moor and Dead Travel Fast back to back I may have had a better opinion of Dragulescu. Sadly, he's no Nicholas Brisbane. I'm not sure anyone could have lived up to old Nicky once I finished reading that series. Maybe I should have read something of a non romantic nature.... Oh well. I'll pay more attention next time. Oh, and on a side note I'd take Julia Grey over Theodora LeStrange in a cat fight any day. But in true Raybourn fashion, that's a story for another day.
and what's up with all the opium?
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