by Jasmyn | Jan 1, 2019 | Book Reviews, Historical Fiction, Readers
Alison Weir seamlessly merges two tales of English royal turmoil and runs them side by side, even though they happened many years apart, in a way that shows you just how history seems to repeat itself. These were also some of the darker times in English history, as the youngest and most vulnerable – notably the boy princes Edward and Richard that were locked away never to be seen again.
As for historical accuracy – I can honestly say I don’t know much about the real-life story of these individuals other than the couple paragraphs I read in history class.
The writing and characters really come to life, and I felt so mad about how the adults treated the younger generation – using them as pawns and political game pieces. It was common then, I know, but Alison Weir really showed me how it might have felt to be used that way. To fall in love and dream of being happy only to know that your life really isn’t your own.
The conflict surrounding the royalty of England is what draws me to the era. And there was definitely conflict here. But there were also softer moments where I really had a chance to enjoy life with the characters before things went crazy again.
I highly recommend Alison Weir’s books – they are always a pleasure to read.
*I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book*
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Title: A Dangerous Inheritance
Author: Alison Weir
Genre: Historical Fiction
Content Rating: PG-13
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England’s Tower of London was the terrifying last stop for generations of English political prisoners. A Dangerous Inheritance weaves together the lives and fates of four of its youngest and most blameless: Lady Katherine Grey, Lady Jane’s younger sister; Kate Plantagenet, an English princess who lived nearly a century before her; and Edward and Richard, the boy princes imprisoned by their ruthless uncle, Richard III, never to be heard from again. Across the years, these four young royals shared the same small rooms in their dark prison, as all four shared the unfortunate role of being perceived as threats to the reigning monarch.
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by Jasmyn | Nov 28, 2018 | Book Reviews, Readers, Romance
The Tyrell sisters seem to be good at running into and causing trouble. In Rebel Bride we meet Susannah Tyrell who is determined not to marry the man her father has said she will marry. When she somewhat unsuccessfully tries to seduce Hugh Beaufort, a favored courtier of Henry VIII, she decides to take matters into her own hands.
When Hugh is sent to track her down and bring her back to be married as her father wishes, he finds himself falling hard for the stubborn woman. But they will have much to overcome.
This was more of a traditional historical romance without as much of the Tudor legacy running through the plot. There is still danger all around, but we just don’t see quite as much of the court intrigue as we did before.
I found this to be a better read than the first, and I really enjoyed the way the characters grew toward each other.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book*
Title: Rebel Bride (Lust in the Tudor Court #2)
Author: Elizabeth Moss
Genre: Historical Romance
Content Rating: R
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Hilary Mantel meets Sylvia Day: the second installment in a deliciously erotic trilogy begun in Wolf Bride, set against the sumptuous backdrop of the scandal-ridden Tudor Court by Elizabeth Moss.
HE IS UNDER HER SPELL…
Hugh Beaufort, favored courtier of King Henry VIII, likes his women quiet and biddable. But Susannah Tyrell is neither of these things. She is feisty, beautiful, opinionated and brave. And Hugh is fascinated by her-despite himself.
When Susannah pulls an outrageous stunt and finds herself lost in the wilds of England, Hugh must go to her rescue. Neither of them is prepared for the dangers that lie in wait. But most deadly of all is their forbidden desire for one another. Hugh has long held himself in check, but even his iron will has its limits as they remain alone together in the forest, far from the restraints of court…
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by Jasmyn | Nov 26, 2018 | Book Reviews, Readers, Romance
Wolf Bride was a fun and exciting read. It took me back to the Tudor Era, which is one of my favorites, while Anne Boleyn still lived. She is very much a background character, but her death plays an important role in showing the character of our heroine, Eloise Tyrell.
When Anne Boleyn is accused of treason, all of her close friends and servants were under scrutiny for the same, and Eloise was no exception. Navigating the court and intrigue has never been more difficult or dangerous. This was by far my favorite aspect of the story.
The romance, while it was written to be the main stage, fell into second place for me. Eloise and Lord Wolf definitely had a bit of a spark between them, but they were both too stubborn and unwilling to listen to each other for me to truly root for. Lord wolf was very overbearing, and while Elizabeth Moss tried valiantly to make it come off as dominant, there were many times it just came off as him being a mean jerk.
This was also far more of an erotic read than most historicals tend to be – intentionally so. I think it could have been toned down with more time given to our characters growing, but for readers of the hotter contemporary that are looking to try a historical – this may be the one that draws you in.
I enjoyed this story for the non-romance aspects, and I did continue reading and enjoying it. Watch for my reviews of the rest of the Lust in the Tudor Court series soon.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book*
Title: Wolf Bride (Lust in the Tudor Court #1)
Author: Elizabeth Moss
Genre: Historical Romance
Content Rating: R
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England, 1536
Bound to him against her will…
Lord Wolf, hardened soldier and expert lover, has come to King Henry VIII’s court to claim his new bride: a girl who has intrigued him since he first saw her riding across the Yorkshire moors.
Eloise Tyrell, now lady-in-waiting to Queen Anne Boleyn, has other ideas. She has no desire to submit to a man she barely knows and who – though she is loath to admit it – frightens her not a little.
Then comes that first kiss…
It awakens in both a fierce desire that bares them to the soul. But as the court erupts into scandal around the ill-fated Queen, Eloise sees first-hand what happens when powerful men tire of their wives.
Dare she surrender her body and her heart?
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