About the Author
Elizabeth Hoyt is a New York Times bestselling author of historical romance. She also writes deliciously fun contemporary romance under the name Julia Harper. Elizabeth lives in central Illinois with three untrained dogs, two angelic but bickering children, and one long-suffering husband.
About the Book
The Raven Prince debuted to rave reviews in November 2006, garnering a 4 ½ star Top Pick from RT Book Reviews magazine and much internet buzz. The story of an arrogant earl, an impoverished widow, and the most scandalous brothel in London, The Raven Prince is the first book in Hoyt’s Princes trilogy and is followed by The Leopard Prince and The Serpent Prince.
1. The hero of The Raven Prince, Edward de Raaf, is trying to create a family for himself, but he finds his definition of family changes during the book. How does Edward’s idea of family change? What is your personal definition of family?
2. Several key scenes between Edward and Anna take place in his mother’s walled flower garden. What do you think the flower garden represents to Anna? To Edward?
3. Edward and Anna argue about Anna taking in and helping the prostitute Pearl. What are they really arguing about? Who, if anyone, is in the right?
4. Anna has a rather odd reaction to finding the locket. Why do you think she doesn’t simply throw it away?
5. Why do you think Anna decided to meet Edward at Aphrodite’s Grotto? Should she have deceived him?
6. Why do you think Edward starts the brawl in Aphrodite’s Grotto?
7. Edward gives Anna a bunch of thorny sticks that turn out to be dormant rose bushes. It’s an odd gift, but right for Anna. Why? What would be your ideal gift from the man you love?
8. Why do you think Edward continues with his engagement plans even after he knows he is attracted to Anna?
9. There are several female relationships in the book. For instance, Anna and Mother Wren. What others can you remember? Which do you find most intriguing? Most realistic?
10. While talking to Anna in Chapter 17, Coral compares men to desserts in this way:
Coral: Have you ever noticed that once you have had a taste of certain sweets—raspberry trifle is my own despair—it is quite impossible not to think, not to want, not to crave until you have taken another bite?
Anna: Lord Swartingham is not a raspberry trifle—
Corral: No, more of a dark chocolate mousse, I should think.
What kind of dessert—or man—is your own despair?