Rose Bride by Elizabeth Moss: Book Review

Rose Bride by Elizabeth Moss: Book Review

by | Jan 3, 2019 | Book Reviews, Readers, Romance

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Rose Bride is my absolute favorite of the Lust in the Tudor Court series by Elizabeth Moss. I think seeing the court from a different perspective, but still close enough to all the nobility and even the King, really allowed the book to weave its own story while still giving that amazing Tudor feel.

I did not like Margerie the first time I met her. I thought she was a little bit up in everyone’s business, but I was quickly proven wrong. She’s a sweet woman that has had her past manipulated and she has only recently come into her own self.

Virgil was a great character. Trying his best to help King Henry get his new queen pregnant, he has to resort to some new herbs and medicine, but he isn’t allowed to use them on the King until he has tested them himself. I loved how this set up some very interesting confrontations between him and Margerie. 

I wish there was more to the series, but it also ended in a really great place for all our characters. I think this is a series (especially book three) that I will have to revisit again sometime soon.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Title: Rose Bride (Lust in the Tudor Court #3)
Author: Elizabeth Moss
Genre: Historical Romance
Content Rating: R
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Hilary Mantel meets Sylvia Day: the final installment in a deliciously erotic trilogy begun in Wolf Bride, set against the sumptuous backdrop of the scandal-ridden Tudor Court by Elizabeth Moss.

SHE’S FALLEN TOO FAR…
Margerie Croft yielded her virginity before her wedding night, and then fled King Henry VIII’s court, knowing she couldn’t marry a man she did not love. Now she is viewed as soiled goods, fit only for the role of a courtier’s plaything.

Virgil Elton has heard the wicked rumors, but something about Margerie calls to him. Drawn close despite himself, he invites her to help in his work to restore the king’s flagging health. But as he comes to know her, Virgil discovers beneath the layers of protective reserve a woman who is as intelligent and passionate as she is beautiful. He will stop at nothing to heal the damage the court has inflicted, even if it means falling himself…

Weekend Warriors by Fern Michaels: Book Review

Weekend Warriors by Fern Michaels: Book Review

by | Jan 2, 2019 | Book Reviews, Contemporary Fiction, Readers

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I’m not entirely sure what to think about this one. The setup and introduction to the characters were really good, and I couldn’t wait to see what they would do to “fix” things. They formed the Sisterhood and set out to right the wrongs vigilante style. But they have the help of a woman with a seemingly endless income and an ex-British special ops guy. 

As the book progressed, I had to suspend belief more and more. For contemporary fiction, it seemed to border on fantasy with the way the special ops guy and their funding never seemed to let them down. It was just a little too much to take in and think could happen even in the far reaches of the possible.

But, I was still intrigued and kept reading. Then it hit me like a car accident and I just couldn’t look away. These women do things that are just as awful as the people they are supposedly getting revenge on. It was horrible. I’m all for a punishment fitting the crime, but this went way over that line. It was incredibly violent – which really surprised me, and I found slightly disturbing
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I think I’ll give the series another chance, but this was not the best series starter by a long shot. I have loved some of Fern Michaels’ other stories (particularly the Christmas ones) and this is nothing like them at all.
Title: Weekend Warriors (The Sisterhood #1)
Author: Fern Michaels
Genre: Woman’s Lit
Content Rating: R
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The first in an exhilarating new series following a group of extraordinary women who are out to see justice done … a step at a time. Nikki Quinn is devastated when her best friend Barbara is knocked down and killed by a hit-and-run driver who claims diplomatic immunity. But Nikki has her work and her lover, fellow lawyer Jack Nolan, to keep her going, whereas Barbara’s mother, Myra, has nothing. Festering in a sea of recriminations and hatred, unable to gain a sense of perspective, Myra is lost…until one day she switches on the evening news and sees Marie Lewellen, mother of a murder victim, take matters into her own hands and stab her daughter’s killer. An idea is born, and within months Myra and Nikki have drawn together a group of women who have one thing in common: they have been failed by the American justice system, they’re down but they’re not out, and they’re ready to find their nemeses and make them pay. First up is Kathryn, a long-distance truck driver who was raped at a road stop by three motorcyclists as her paralysed husband watched, helpless. Banding together, the Sisterhood plot the ultimate revenge — but with dissension from inside the group and out, there’s no saying if the plan will work until the moment of truth arrives.

A Dangerous Inheritance by Alison Weir: Book Review

A Dangerous Inheritance by Alison Weir: Book Review

by | Jan 1, 2019 | Book Reviews, Historical Fiction, Readers

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​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*

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.

Rebel Bride by Elizabeth Moss: Book Review

Rebel Bride by Elizabeth Moss: Book Review

by | Nov 28, 2018 | Book Reviews, Readers, Romance

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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…

Wolf Bride by Elizabeth Moss: Book Review

Wolf Bride by Elizabeth Moss: Book Review

by | Nov 26, 2018 | Book Reviews, Readers, Romance

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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?

Lover Mine by J.R. Ward: Book Review

Lover Mine by J.R. Ward: Book Review

by | Feb 26, 2018 | Book Reviews, Readers, Romance

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John Mattew is quite an intriguing character to me. His mysterious background, his strange link to Darius, and the bond he has with Bella all made him really stand out among the strong characters in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Since then, he’s grown into quite the vampire and fighter, but not quite fully finding his place yet.

Xhex is one of the physically strongest females we’ve seen in the series and I love how she just doesn’t take any crap from anyone. One of my biggest overall complaints about the series is the lack of recurring female characters. Yes, the shellens pop up from time to time, but I thought Xhex had real potential to be part of the team and give the series a female character that is more than just a utility. We see a lot of her potential and strength showcased during her ordeal and recovery from Lash.

Tons of things happening in the background including a bombshell with Payne. Blay and Qhuinn continue to tip-toe around each other, but with the addition of Saxon and Layla to the scene things might just be reaching their tipping point. 

The fight with the Lessers continues and on one hand, I really enjoy the continuity this brings to the series, but I’m also sort of hoping that a new “bad guy” will pop up and really add some twists and turns. ​

Title: Lover Mine (Black Dagger Brotherhood #8)
Author: J.R. Ward
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Content Rating: R
Format: Audiobook
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John Matthew has come a long way since he was found living among humans, his vampire nature unknown to himself and to those around him. After he was taken in by the Brotherhood, no one could guess what his true history was- or his true identity. Indeed, the fallen Brother Darius has returned, but with a different face and a very different destiny. As a vicious personal vendetta takes John into the heart of the war, he will need to call up on both who he is now and who he once was in order to face off against evil incarnate.

Xhex, a symphath assassin, has long steeled herself against the attraction between her and John Matthew. Having already lost one lover to madness, she will not allow the male of worth to fall prey to the darkness of her twisted life. When fate intervenes, however, the two discover that love, like destiny, is inevitable between soul mates.

Esmeralda and the Second-Hand Suitor by Hebby Roman: Book Review

Esmeralda and the Second-Hand Suitor by Hebby Roman: Book Review

by | Feb 14, 2018 | Book Reviews, Readers, Romance

Esmeralda and the Second-Hand Suitor by Hebby Roman

As an affiliate at retail sites, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. See my disclaimer for more details.

About Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy by Janice Lynn

Title: Esmeralda and the Second-Hand Suitor
Author: Hebby Roman
Series: Snowbirds #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Clean Romance

Esmeralda and the Second-Hand Suitor by Hebby Roman

What’s a forty-year-old virgin doing in a predicament like this? Looking for a husband because her late father’s will decrees she must marry or forfeit her orchard, her only means of support. Hank McCall, as a perspective husband, leaves a great deal to be desired—he’s twice divorced and older than Esmeralda. Scarred by their pasts and challenged by the gap in their ages, Esmeralda and Hank struggle with their new-found relationship. But when Hank is faced with losing Esmeralda or surrendering to her yearning to have a real family, their fates hang in the balance.

My Review of Esmeralda and the Second-Hand Suitor:

Esmeralda and the Second-Hand Suitor by Hebby Roman was a cute story. At times a little unbelievable, but other times incredibly down to earth. It was also quite refreshing to see an older couple portrayed as….an older couple. I know, crazy right? Esmerelda and Hank are both over 40 and living real life with real-life problems. Divorce, paying bills, meeting people, family drama, and wondering if it’s even worth looking anymore.

Esmerelda was a bit on the unbelievable side for me. A little too much of her character seemed to be determined by what would help the story work better. She’s a virgin – which I know can still happen – but let’s be honest. It isn’t very likely anymore. She can only have her inheritance if she’s married – because her father is a chauvinistic jerk – which I am more inclined to believe, but it still seems far-fetched. Especially to have all these things fall on one person’s shoulders.

Hank is divorced, fighting to keep enough from his recent ex so that he can retire in peace, and is really and truly going through what seems to be a mid-life crisis. Flying south to spend some time away from it all, he meets Esmerelda, and they are both faced with some serious adult-like problems (such a refreshing prospect).

This book dealt with real-life people facing real-life issues that would (mostly) affect any one of us that is no longer hovering in that 20-something age group. I really enjoyed seeing an older couple than I usually see in a romance with experiences and personalities that fit them well.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Pick up your copy today!

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A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin: Book Review

A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin: Book Review

by | Mar 14, 2011 | Book Reviews, Readers, Science Fiction, Fantasy

A Game of Thrones by George RR Martin

As an affiliate at retail sites, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. See my disclaimer for more details.

About Christmas Charms by Teri Wilson

Title: A Game of Thrones
Author: George R.R. Martin
Series: A Song of Ice and Fire #1
Genre: Epic Fantasy

A Game of Thrones by George RR Martin

Winter is coming. Such is the stern motto of House Stark, the northernmost of the fiefdoms that owe allegiance to King Robert Baratheon in far-off King’s Landing. There Eddard Stark of Winterfell rules in Robert’s name. There his family dwells in peace and comfort: his proud wife, Catelyn; his sons Robb, Brandon, and Rickon; his daughters Sansa and Arya; and his bastard son, Jon Snow. Far to the north, behind the towering Wall, lie savage Wildings and worse—unnatural things relegated to myth during the centuries-long summer, but proving all too real and all too deadly in the turning of the season.
 
Yet a more immediate threat lurks to the south, where Jon Arryn, the Hand of the King, has died under mysterious circumstances. Now Robert is riding north to Winterfell, bringing his queen, the lovely but cold Cersei, his son, the cruel, vainglorious Prince Joffrey, and the queen’s brothers Jaime and Tyrion of the powerful and wealthy House Lannister—the first a swordsman without equal, the second a dwarf whose stunted stature belies a brilliant mind. All are heading for Winterfell and a fateful encounter that will change the course of kingdoms.
 
Meanwhile, across the Narrow Sea, Prince Viserys, heir of the fallen House Targaryen, which once ruled all of Westeros, schemes to reclaim the throne with an army of barbarian Dothraki—whose loyalty he will purchase in the only coin left to him: his beautiful yet innocent sister, Daenerys.

My Review of A Game of Thrones:

A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin sends us to the Seven Kingdoms, united under one ruler, have lived a life of peace and comfort since King Robert took the throne. But nothing is ever as it seems. Within the king’s court, there is murder and treason, with no one aware of what is really going on. Across the seas, the last remnants of the previous royal family gather forces to reclaim their throne. To the north, the unthinkable gathers, the creatures of myth and legend that have been forgotten.

The first book in the series centers around the Stark family, the lords of the northernmost part of the kingdom, and the last Targaryens. The Starks, close friends of King Robert, are quickly drawn into the turmoil at court without realizing it. The Stark children are fascinating. I find it difficult to pick a favorite of the four (five if you count Lord Stark’s bastard).

The last of the Targaryens plot revenge and invasion from across the seas to reclaim their throne. Daenarys Targaryen is one of my absolute favorite characters of all time. The Princess is soft and delicate, yet hard and proud when the situation calls for it.

I find it very difficult to describe the story without giving too much away about the characters and the plot. I admire Martin’s honest writing. He does not flinch from including practices that were very common in real-life medieval kingdoms: murder, execution, brothels, arranged marriages, and abuse. The way he weaves it into the story only enhances the sense of realism.

Now, I don’t want to scare anyone away. While the times were brutal, Martin is not overly graphic in a way some writers can be. It’s there for a reason, not only for shock effect.

The kingdom sits on the brink…on the brink of war, destruction, and invasion. But no one realizes it yet. The noble families of the kingdom are about to be plunged into a web of lies and intrigue. Even the most honorable among them will find themselves doubting those they trusted the most and doing things would have never considered in the past.

The peace has lasted too long and people are growing soft, but as they say, “Winter is coming.” And this one promises to be long.

Pick up your copy today!

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The Mackintosh Bride by Debra Lee Brown: Book Review

The Mackintosh Bride by Debra Lee Brown: Book Review

by | Jul 21, 2009 | Book Reviews, Readers, Romance

The Mackintosh Bride by Debra Lee Brown

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About The Mackintosh Bride by Debra Lee Brown

Title: The Mackintosh Bride
Author: Debra Lee Brown
Series: The Mackintosh Brides #2
Genre: Scottish Historical Romance

The Mackintosh Bride by Debra Lee Brown

Brazen, Bareback – and Beautiful!

But little did Iain Mackintosh, determined laird of a scattered clan, suspect that Alena, the secretive woman who stirred his very blood, was the same gamin girl he’d loved – and lost – in childhood…and so held the key to his future!

Her brutish betrothal. His marriage alliance. They could never be together, yet Alena knew their hearts beat as one. Still, fear gripped her when she thought of their future. For Iain Mackintosh, her soul’s own, had unknowingly vowed to war against her clan – putting her in a danger as deep as their love!

My Review of The Mackintosh Bride:

The Mackintosh Bride by Debra Lee Brown is full of secrets. Alena has a secret. The secret she hid for the Mackintosh when they were but children shortly before he disappeared. Will they ever find each other again, and if they do will the realize who they are?

Alena also has a decision to make. She can either marry the man she hates or watch as her family is cast out of the clan.

The story unfolds around multiple mysteries to be solved and main characters that evolve more and more with every page. A novel set in the Highlands, the scenery, and historical background captured my attention quickly. It is written in dialect, lots of lasses and lads and bluidy hell, but in a way that draws you in instead of making it difficult to read. The wonderful writing and the strong characters stay with you after the book is finished.

Pick up your copy today!

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The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber: Book Review

The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber: Book Review

by | Jun 19, 2009 | Book Reviews, Historical Fiction, Readers

The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber

As an affiliate at retail sites, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. See my disclaimer for more details.

About The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber

Title: The Crimson Petal and the White
Author: Michel Faber
Genre: Historical Fiction

The Crimson Petal and the White by Michael Faber

London, 1870s. At the heart of this panoramic narrative is a young woman’s struggle to lift her body and soul out of the gutter. Sugar, a nineteen-year-old whore in the brothel of the terrifying Mrs. Castaway, yearns for a better life. Her ascent through the strata of Victorian society begins with the egotistical perfume magnate William Rackham. Infatuated with Sugar, William’s patronage brings her into the circles of his family and milieu: his wife who barely overcomes chronic hysteria to make her appearances during “the Season”; his mysteriously hidden-away daughter, left to the care of minions; his pious brother, foiled in his devotional calling by his lust for the Widow Fox; as well as preening socialites, drunken journalists, untrustworthy servants, vile guttersnipes, and whores of all stripes and persuasions.

My Review of The Crimson Petal and the White:

I picked up The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber after seeing that its form of storytelling debated on librarything.com. It is the story of Sugar the prostitute. Sugar is a reasonably famous specimen, well known for never saying no. And this is the story of how she works to pull herself out of the slums and make a better life for herself.

I was hooked to Sugar’s story within the first chapter and would have read non-stop the entire 900 pages or so if life had allowed me that luxury.

Sugar pulls many people into her life, and actually works to help them whether she realizes it or not. She is the primary “friend” of William Rackham, and she eases herself into his life. This is her first shot to leave her poor life behind her.

While there have been debates about the book and its sexuality and language used. I did not see any descriptions that I would consider to be unnecessarily repulsive. The language used is the language that was actually used in the time period instead of the flowery language that is used in fiction written during the era. I did not detect any scenes where the author used sex for the sake of writing about sex.

Each scene in the book was an important step in Sugar’s journey to her new life, for better or worse. Overall, it was a story that balanced the ups and downs and gave enough detail for the many places and people to bring the book to life.

However, this book should be reserved for a mature reader that can handle the subject matter of prostitutes and sex with respect and an adult attitude.

Pick up your copy today!

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