Monday, September 28

Blodeuedd Reviews: Me and Mr Darcy by Alexandra Potter

Blurb:
After a string of disastrous dates, Emily Albright decides she’s had it with modern-day love and would much rather curl up with Pride and Prejudice and spend her time with Mr. Darcy, the dashing, honorable, and passionate hero of Jane Austen’s classic. So when her best friend suggests a wild week of margaritas and men in Mexico with the girls, Emily abruptly flees to England on a guided tour of Jane Austen country instead. Far from inspiring romance, the company aboard the bus consists of a gaggle of little old ladies and one single man, Spike Hargreaves, a foul-tempered journalist writing an article on why the fictional Mr. Darcy has earned the title of Man Most Women Would Love to Date.
The last thing Emily expects to find on her excursion is a broodingly handsome man striding across a field, his damp shirt clinging to his chest. But that’s exactly what happens when she comes face-to-face with none other than Mr. Darcy himself. Suddenly, every woman’s fantasy becomes one woman’s reality. . . .


My thoughts:
I am torn. It was good at times, but at other times it was only ok. Hmmm. Maybe I will go with ok.
Emily loves the classics, and Austen. She goes on a Tour. Suddenly the book gets all paranormal cos there are timeslips and she sees Mr Darcy. I could so not see him fall for her, nope. Not like she acted. But oh well. If he had been called something else, if his friends had been called something else. Then it would have worked better for me.

Right. She befriends the other women in the tour, some have problems. There is this irritating man (that is still cute).

So it was ok, bordering on good. But the time slips kind of ruined it for me.

Paperback, 368 pages
Published June 12th 2007 by Ballantine Books
Romantic fiction

Own

Sunday, September 27

Joint Review: Sense & Sensibility by Joanna Trollope





This month Blodeuedd and I will be reading "Sense & Sensibility" by Joanna Trollope.


Author: Joanna Trollope
Title: Sense and Sensibility (Jane Austen Project)
Genre: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary set, & Retellings
Pages: 362
First Published: Jan 2013
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

John Dashwood promised his dying father that he would take care of his half sisters. But his wife, Fanny, has no desire to share their newly inherited estate with Belle Dashwood's daughters. When she descends upon Norland Park with her Romanian nanny and her mood boards, the three Dashwood girls-Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret-are suddenly faced with the cruelties of life without their father, their home, or their money.

As they come to terms with life without the status of their country house, the protection of the family name, or the comfort of an inheritance, Elinor and Marianne are confronted by the cold hard reality of a world where people's attitudes can change as drastically as their circumstances.

With her sparkling wit, Joanna Trollope casts a clever, satirical eye on the tales of Elinor and Marianne Dashwood. Reimagining Sense and Sensibility in a fresh, modern new light, she spins the novel's romance, bonnets, and betrothals into a wonderfully witty coming-of-age story about the stuff that really makes the world go around. For when it comes to money, some things never change. . . .





B: I do like Jane Austen fiction, and I have read quite a few *coughs A LOT* so of course I had to try to get one in ;) let’s start.


C: I do love some Jane Austen fiction myself! I especially love “what if” versions. SO. What did you think of this one?


B: Trollope can write, I will give her credit for that. It was a modern version of Sense and Sensibility, BUT, I wish some things could have been changed. Now it was just what it was, a modern version of a version we already know.


C: Yes, it certainly was a modern twist on the classic. Sadly, S&S was my least favorite of the Austen novels. So, yes, I enjoyed the ride, but it was a meh for me ultimately.


B: True, it has never been a favorite of mine either. Maybe that is why I wanted things to change. You know, spice things up. What I would do first is to have Brandon and Eleanor end up together. I have never understood him and Marianne. Ok he had the hots for her cos she was young and pretty, but she just gave up. What do you think?


C: Oooh! I completely agree! I always root for that couple! They make more sense and it would be a great relationship. I can see it ending badly for Marianne and Brandon. Even if it was modern. Honestly, I always think of them of the couple from that movie with Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey (Eternal Sunshine). They had a great month and great sex, but it ends up in flames, because SHE gets bored. Silly girl even in the modern version. smh.


B: I can see that. She will get bored, and she has an affair with Willoughby again, cos she still want him, and he still wants her. Brandon gets depressed and they all die. See, Brandon and Eleanor needs to be a couple! Marianne is young, she could find someone. And Ferrars is an idiot who can make his mind up, he could find someone else too. I never saw the love between E and him either. OH, and I wanted their mum to find someone too ;)


C: The mom was a silly woman too, but yes, I wanted her to end up with someone. Maybe Ferrars? hehehe But yes...poor Brandon. :/ Speaking of Eleanor, what did you think of the occupation the author gave her? I did not think it fit her and it seemed so unsensible! xI


B: I on the other hand thought it was a sensible choice. She likes it to be clean so she draws clean lines. Eh, it fits. I did not mind. Though I never loved her. I liked her, but none of the characters made me love them


C: I would have made her a lawyer or office girl or something organized and clean. I like Eleanor, but I didn’t connect with her (like I did in the original) or with anyone for that matter. Part of the reason it was a meh for me.


B: I did find it to be good. Even if I wished she had taken chances with the story. I do want to read more of the variations, but I guess they are all like this. No one changes anything.


C: It was a fun ride and it was to revisit the characters in a different, modern light. Yes, she should have taken some chances. I am curious to check out the others. Maybe I’ll like the other ones. Has she written the “Persuasion” one yet? It’s my favorite of the Austen’s.


B: They are all done by different authors, and there is Emma, Northanger Abbey already done and Pride in the works.


C: Hmmm, maybe we can do another one someday? haha. Maybe save Emma for last (I wasn’t a huge fan of that one).


B: Emma, well that works in the “olden days” ;) but a modern bossy Emma. Yikes, she would be somewhat of a bitch wouldn’t she?


C: That is why I am scared to check that one out! hahahaha. *shudders* But did you have anything else to add?


B: Hmm, no. I enjoyed it, I wish she had taken chances. That is all. I still want to check the other famous authors doing variations. But my heart belongs to Pride and P variations set when they should be set :)


C: Agreed. It’ll be cool to check out the others. You know what...I’ve never read a “Persuasion” variation! o_o I wonder if there are any out there!? I haven’t even thought about looking.


B: I do want to read one too! Everyone is so PP focused, but it would be cool


C: Maybe I’ll hunt one down for the future ;)


B: Yes :) And remember to pick a book now


C: Will do! The end?

B: The end.

**Carole's Conclusion**
In the end, this was okay. It was a nice ride and an interesting twist to an old story. I liked Eleanor still, but I wanted her to get with Brandon. I wished that the author had gone a little crazy and switch things up and take chances. I didn't connect with any of the characters. I'm curious to check out another book from the Jane Austen product. I shall stamp this with 2 stars.




Wednesday, September 23

Book Review: Flights of Love by Bernhard Schlink


Author: Flight of Love
Title: Bernhard Schlink
Genre: Short stories, Romance, drama, & Fiction
Pages: 307
First Published: 2000
Where I Got It: Borrowed from friend

A clutch of short stories that tell of the variety of love, distilled into seven splinters of narrative. The pick of the seven, the opening "Girl with Lizard," depicts a remote male character who fixates on a painting of his father's, which he is to discover, like his father, has a familiarly unsavory past, and which he is impelled to exorcise. In the book's centerpiece, "Sugar Peas," architect and amateur painter Thomas finds that his trio of lovers avenge themselves on his profligacy after he is left wheelchair-bound by an accident. "The Other Man" presents a widower corresponding with his dead wife's unwitting lover, and finding comfort through acquaintance. Less successfully, "The Circumcision" sees the pretext of a German man and his New York Jewish girlfriend to ponder huge, chewy rhetoric on the problems of reconciling the past, almost absentmindedly concocting an improbable denouement. Schlink too often presents scenarios rather than scenes, more intent on dislocated dilemma than language. In keeping with his legal training, he discerns lines of attack more suited to a drama, or perhaps a courtroom drama, than fiction. There can be no doubting Schlink's storytelling acumen or his undertaking to tackle the complicated identity of modern Germany. What is increasingly exposed, though, are the supporting mechanisms that too frequently serve to reinforce, rather than challenge, our assumptions with their didactic contrivance


Girl with Lizard
This was a meh for me. 
I really didn’t get the boy’s obsession with the painting. Why? Why choose a painting over real love? It seemed silly….it was probably symbolism for picking other things over love, but still a meh. 1 star for this.

A Little Fling
I’ll be honest….I was worried at first for this being a love story between the main guy and his friends’ daughter. Ugh, but it got worse and he had a fling with his friend’s wife. Geez. Why do people do this? I wanted to slap all three of the characters; especially the husband and wife. I could see both sides of their argument. 
The ending surprised me! I had mixed feelings though…it seemed too easy. But alas, overall this was okay. I was annoyed a lot, but it was okay. 3 stars. 

The Other Man
This was super sad! I felt so bad for the husband! I felt like this short story was giving Lisa excuses for being a cheating wench. Especially the ending…man, I hated the ending. I must admit that it was an interesting way to look at story. I gave it a 2.

Sugar Peas
Ugh. Thomas needed a punch in the face and the 3 girls irked me to no end. HOWEVER, it was my second favorite short story. I loved the ending, because karma is a bitch and karma hates you Thomas. This one surely did give me lots of emotion, mainly anger, but lots of emotions. It was certainly entertaining. I didn’t quite understand the title until an hour or so later! There are 3 girls… three peas in a pod. HA. Funny. Clever. In the end, I gave this a 4.

The Circumcision
The title certainly intrigued me. It confused me until the end….and it all made sense. I LOVED THIS STORY! I hated the girl, she was ignorant and I felt bad for the main guy. However, this was a great way to look at Judaism, Germans, and the Holocaust. It’s been 50 years since the Holocaust and a Jewish girl ends up dating a German man who had NOTHING to do with the event. The point this story makes is that prejudice can happen on both ends. Yes, it was horrible about what happened to the Jews, but one should not discriminate or hate a German that had nothing to do (especially if they weren’t born yet) with what happened. Poor guy…I would have railed the girl when she said, “It must be the Nazi in you.” 0_0 HE WASN’T EVEN BORN AND HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE KILLING OF YOUR PEOPLE AND YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS! The ending was perfect. I had to read it 3 times to truly realize what happened. I gave a good HUZZAH once it sank in. This book have me such emotion. I had to explain what was going on, because Boyfriend was in the room with me giving me odd looks. Since his Grandfather’s family is German, he was mad that they guy stayed with her and he was happy on how it ended as well.
I stamped this with 5 stars of course.

The Son
This was a meh and I skimmed until the last page. The last page made everything worth it for me. It was super sad. I stamped this with 3.

Woman at the Gas Station
The ending made me sad even though I knew it was going to happen (hint…the title). I was super hopeful, but not every relationship can be saved. In the end, a 3. 

Overall
I enjoyed the writing style of this author. One of his books was chosen in the book club I’m in, so I interested to read it and see if it’s better or worse than this. The short stories all showed in interesting take on love. All the stories had to do with love and how sometimes it can burn you. Hint…the title is “Flights of love”. Some of the short stories where meh and I didn’t like it, while some other I really liked. I would recommend this to those looking for a quick read about love. After averaging out all the numbers, it comes to 2.6, so since I don’t give decimals, I shall round this to 3 stars. 












Monday, September 21

B's Monday Review: Tall, Dark, & Hungry by Lynsay Sands

Blurb:
It bit: New York hotels cost an arm and a leg, and Terri had flown from England to help plan her cousin's wedding. The new in-laws offered lodging. But they were a weird bunch. There was the sometimes-chipper-sometimes-brooding Lucern, and the wacky stage-actor, Vincent. (She couldn't imagine Broadway casting a hungrier singing-and-dancing Dracula.). And then there was Bastien. Just looking into his eyes, Terri had to admit she was falling for him - someone even taller, darker and hungrier than the other two. She was feeling a mite peckish herself. And if she stayed with him, those bloodsucking hotel owners wouldn't get her!

My thoughts:
What I missed most in this book was the humour. The other ones had me giggling. This one, well the humour missed its mark, if it was supposed to be humour. It was still good cos it was light, and not PNR serious. So for that it still gets an ok mark, even if it was bordering good sometimes. I just missed the giggling!

Bastien meets Terri. A cousin of Kate who is marrying Bastien's brother. Most of the book takes place during 2 weeks. Terri is helping with the wedding and Bastien is falling for her. And of course at the end there is the usual OMG YOU ARE A VAMP! Drama, well with a twist.

So they help with the wedding. Sees NY. There is kissing, there is more. There is the part that was supposed to be funny? It wasn't. And there is a HEA.

Conclusion:
I still miss the funniness.

Mass Market Paperback, Reissue, 372 pages
Published December 1st 2009 by Leisure Books (first published July 1st 2004)
Argeneau #4
Paranormal romance

Own

Sunday, September 20

Book Review: My Brother Sam is Dead by James & Christopher Collier


Author: James & Christopher Collier
Title: My Brother Sam is Dead
Genre: Historical Fiction & YA
Pages: 240
First Published: 1974
Where I Got It: My shelf (From a Book Fair when I was like 12)

All his life, Tim Meeker has looked up to his brother Sam. Sam's smart and brave -- and is now a part of the American Revolution. Not everyone in town wants to be a part of the rebellion. Most are supporters of the British -- including Tim and Sam's father.
With the war soon raging, Tim know he'll have to make a choice -- between the Revolutionaries and the Redcoats . . . and between his brother and his father.



It has been yeaaaaaaaaaaars this I've read this. I believe I got this book when I was young. At the time I was super into the American Revolution. This was one of my first full novels in regards to the war. It was a different viewpoint and I loved it. A young boy is stuck between his father's ideals of being loyal to the King and his older brother's ideals for freedom from tyranny. They both make great points and both are wrong in many aspects.


What I loved and do still love about this is that it shows the American soldiers in the true light: they are human and not really different from the British. It's not a spoiler, so I'll say it. Sam is arrested by the American army for stealing cows. They want to execute him even though the proof is right there in their faces that he is innocent. Poor Sam. But yes, its beautiful that the novel took the American army off their "hero" pedestal and showed the reader that they are not perfect and amazing. They are simply men who make mistakes and can be as brutal and heartless as the British soldiers.

This is labeled as a YA and it is. There are some spots where it becomes very, very adult-ish. I would recommend not having anyone under 10 read this due to those scenes and the couple of swear words that pop up here and there. My only real complaint is the dry spots throughout the book. There was a couple that made me bored. Ugh. Once they were over, I was hooked. 

I feel SO bad for the mom. She is caught in the cross fire between son and father. She loves both, but she can't really do anything. :/

The irony! The son, Sam, and the father succumb to SO much irony in this. Like Sam being killed for those who supported and fought with. Even when I was younger and just learning that literary device was like "holy cow! There is so much of that irony thing in there".

Ooooh, the ending was good. I loved the ending still. Especially the epilogue. Even though I was and am a huge fanatic of this war, I still wonder if there wasn't an easier and better way to gain independence from England. I'm sure there was, but it would have taken more time. No families would been torn apart and so many people's lives would have been spared. 

In the end, this was a nice re-read for me. I still really like this book. It was one of my first American Revolution novels that I read. Honestly, it helped keep my peek in the time period alive. There are a couple dry spots and a couple non-YA scenes, but it was still good. I highly recommend this for those that like the time period and for those that have kids that are 10+. If your kid has any interest in history or the American Revolution, have them read this. 

I shall stamp this with 4 stars.


















Friday, September 18

Movie Review: Paper Towns (2015)



Length: 109 Mins
Released: 2015
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Comedy, & Romance
Rating: PG13
Where I Got It: Seen it in theaters

SUMMARY:

After an all night adventure, Quentin's life-long crush, Margo, disappears, leaving behind clues that Quentin and his friends follow on the journey of a lifetime.









TRAILER:


REVIEW:
Since the book club read the book, we all decided to see it in theaters as well. The book was okay, so I didn't have any expectations of the movie. It was pretty much how I expected it to be. 

I lied...it was WAY funnier than the book. The darn movie had me dying. I loved Q and his friends...they reminded me so much of BF and his pals. Nerdy and funny. And even one of them was a dirty little kid. XD It was great. I especially love that they sang the Pokemon theme song to get pumped up and gain courage. Me = happy. I nerded out to that and sang along!



The rest of the people where meh. I was more interested in Q and his friends. I did not like Margo still. A little stuck-up, selfish girl with ugly eyebrows. THOSE EYEBROWS ARE STARING INTO MY SOUL!!!!!!! I did like her voice tho. BUT THOSE EYEBROWS!



I am bummed that they cut the adventure with Q and Margo down a bit. I feel like there was more revenge and time together. ALSO, they changed the scene at the zoo. LAMMMMMMMME. I guess there was legalities involved...but c'mon...Margo would not venture to a business building. Again...lame.

The ending, in a way, I felt was better than the book ending. I can't really say WHY. But Q got his answer and he seems content and is moving on with life. Good. The book made me want to punch Q in his stupid face, but the movie made me respect him a little bit. Still...I have much hatred towards Margo. >_>

Overall, this was okay. The story-line bugged me, because I hate Margo (and her eyebrows) and it bothers me that Q was so in love with her. She's a selfish idiot. I did have a few good laughs and had a nerdy moment, but alas, this was just okay for me. Since we read the book, my expectations were not high and it fell in the bracket of my expectations. In the end, I shall stamp this with 3 stars


Re-watch?: Nah. One time was enough

Sunday, September 13

Book Review: India Black by Carol K. Carr


Author: Carol K. Carr
Title: India Black (Madam of Espionage #1)
Genre: Historical Fiction & Mystery
Pages: 296
First Published: November 2010 
Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

When Sir Archibald Latham of the War Office dies from a heart attack while visiting her brothel, Madam India Black is unexpectedly thrust into a deadly game between Russian and British agents who are seeking the military secrets Latham carried.


Blackmailed into recovering the missing documents by the British spy known as French, India finds herself dodging Russian agents-and the attraction she starts to feel for the handsome conspirator.



I have been eyeballing this book for a while now especially thanks to Blodeudd and Anachronist
 reading and reviewing this. When I got a gift card for Christmas, I went on a book binge and bought a few books. Since it was cheap on Amazon, I went ahead and nabbed it up. However, I continued to put it on the back-burner. Why? I have no idea. Other books found itself on my plate and so I pushed it back. What the hell is wrong with me? I'm an idiot of course.

This is a lot like my Pink Carnation series, but instead with a top whore playing spy. Love spies and I love that the government had to turn to this poor chit. Yes, I do feel bad for her. All she wants to do is run her whore house in piece, but the government can play nasty and force her to join or they'll shut her down. What is a girl to do in Victorian England? You must do what you have to do. 

I liked her a lot. She made me laugh with her honesty. It did read as a diary of sorts and I liked it. Maybe not a diary, but more of her writing her tale down. I am curious to see what happens next.

I  did enjoy French. I want to see more of him. I want to learn more him. He was daft some of the time. Do I think they should get together? Maybe....I am unsure, but I do like them working as a team. I am glad, though, that this didn't turn into a romance, I would have lost respect for India if she swooned over French and etc. India is a hardened mistress of her own establishment, so swooning would ruin her character. They do make an epic duo though: The whore and the prime minister's whore of a sort (doesn't matter who the PM is, he is to do whatever he wants for pay...so yes, I call him a whore of the PM). Honestly, she seems to be the brains and he the muscles at some points. 

Speaking of the word "whore". Such a strange word especially back then. Humanity has put such a strong disdain in that word. Its so harsh sounding and ugly. Just thought I'd add that bit.


My biggest complaint was indeed the lack of mystery. It was a mystery, mind you, but it not overly exciting and easily guessable. Especially with the conclusion. Everything seemed for naught. Maybe the next book will have a deeper mystery and challenge India more. Maybe this was a simple one just to warm her up? I am ever so hopeful. 

There also seemed to be some plot holes laying around.

In the end, this was a fun book. I loved the narration style and I loved India. I am interested to read the next one of the series. The mystery was meh and there seemed some plot holes scattered about. I highly recommend this to those that like some intrigue in their historical fictions. Or for those looking for something to shake up their reading. This shall be stamped with 3 stars.















Friday, September 11

Guest Post: What the Dystopian Genre Needs to Address by Maria Ramos

I would all like you to give another warm welcome to my guest here at CRR's!

Maria is a writer interested in comic books, cycling, and horror films. Her hobbies include cooking, doodling, and finding local shops around the city. She currently lives in Chicago with her two pet turtles, Franklin and Roy. You can follow her on Twitter @MariaRamos1889.





******
What the Dystopian Genre Needs to Address

The recent rise in popularity among young adult novels and films that started with the Harry Potter franchise has erupted into a massive market aimed at teenagers. Lately, authors have been preoccupied with placing their young protagonists into dystopian futures, where the government is corrupt and survival is often a brutal, arduous struggle. In the case of the upcoming film The Scorch Trials, the second in James Dashner's Maze Runner saga, a group of teenagers is imprisoned in a desolate and isolated landscape as part of a scientific experiment. So why is it that these stories resonate so much with their target audience?



Stories such as The Hunger Games and Divergent (which are both currently on demand if you have cable) place their characters in a society where the ruling class is unquestionably evil, and the heroes find themselves in a position to subvert the powerful and overthrow a fascist regime for the good of the common people. Adolescents generally view authority in a negative light, and they can identify with the desire to rebel and have an impact on the way their world is shaped. Some of the more perceptive teens who read these novels may recognize parallels to their own world, whether it is in the huge income disparity in modern America, or the way the rich manipulate the media to serve their own ends. And a larger portion of the audience is likely drawn to the budding romances that always seem to be a subplot in these novels.


While these stories do a good job of communicating ideas that most teens recognize and respond to, they neglect to examine issues that would likely be present in an actual dystopian society. Racism, which has been and continues to be a source of conflict in societies everywhere, somehow disappears in these fictional cultures. The casts of the Divergent and The Maze Runner films are completely white except for one select African American character in both. While The Hunger Games does feature some black characters, there is no mention of or allusion to any sort of bigotry or discrimination, or even the slightest hint of cultural differences - except unfortunately, by real-world fans.

Likewise, sexism, another important issue around the world, is completely absent from these stories. The tough-as-nails exteriors of heroines like Katniss Everdeen and Tris Prior almost seem to preemptively nullify any sexist behavior that might be directed at them, but in worlds filled with vile, unscrupulous people, it's laughable to think that they (or any females around them) wouldn't be looked down on or taken advantage of at some point in their journey. The irony of The Hunger Games' supposed feminist bent is that Katniss actually wins by not playing, avoiding conflict whenever possible, and only killing in self defense.

If dystopian fiction is going to continue to thrive, authors need to expand their worldview beyond politics and hand-to-hand combat. Today's teens are much more thoughtful and perceptive than we often give them credit for, and they deserve stories with more thematic depth and parallels to real world problems. Including these more serious issues would open up awareness and spark discussion that could go a long way towards creating actual change. Most of all, it would introduce shades of gray into what is quickly becoming a repetitive, cookie cutter, black and white struggle of good vs. evil.


Tuesday, September 8

Book Review: Still Life with Woodpecker by Tom Robbins


Author: Tom Robbins
Title: Still Life with Woodpecker
Genre: Fiction, Classic, Romance, and Comedy
Pages: ebook
First Published: 1980
Where I Got It: Borrowed it from Friend

Still Life with Woodpecker is a sort of a love story that takes place inside a pack of Camel cigarettes. It reveals the purpose of the moon, explains the difference between criminals and outlaws, examines the conflict between social activism and romantic individualism, and paints a portrait of contemporary society that includes powerful Arabs, exiled royalty, and pregnant cheerleaders. It also deals with the problem of redheads.




If I was asked to describe this book in one word....that word would be: Weird. 

It was certainly an interesting book with an interesting writing style. Honestly...I still do not quite know what happened or what to say.

Well....I honestly was entertained, but I was also neutral. 

I liked it, but I didn't like it. 

All the characters annoyed me and I wanted to slap them, but I was intrigued, because they were all complex.

The writing style was all over the place and followed no rules. It was refreshing and different, but I was annoyed with it as well. I was not a fan of the parts where the author talked to reader. I did love the short story of the princess and the frog. 

The ending was a twist and surprised me.

In the end, I was neutral. Some parts good, some parts bad. I can't say that I loved it or hated it. It was a story that I finished in one sitting. It was certainly a weird and unique book. I am interested to see what the book club has to say about this (yes, it was picked by a member - not me). I recommend this for those who are looking for something odd and different. This shall be stamped with...mmmm....3 stars. More like 2.5, but I rounded.








Monday, September 7

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: By Royal Decree by Kate Emerson

Blurb:
Charming. Desirable. Forbidden. Brought to court with other eligible young noblewomen by the decree of King Henry VIII, lovely Elizabeth "Bess" Brooke realizes for the first time that beauty can be hazardous. Although Bess has no desire to wed the aging king, she and her family would have little choice if Henry's eye were to fall on her. And other dangers exist as well, for Bess has caught the interest of dashing courtier Will Parr. Bess finds Will's kisses as sweet as honey, but marriage between them may be impossible. Will is a divorced man, and remarriage is still prohibited. Bess and Will must hope that the king can be persuaded to issue a royal decree allowing Will to marry again . . . but to achieve their goal, the lovers will need royal favor. Amid the swirling alliances of royalty and nobles, Bess and Will perform a dangerous dance of palace intrigue and pulse-pounding passions.



My thoughts:
I kept thinking Bess would have an affair with the king, the author played it like that. Saying how he thought she was pretty over and over again. Not that I wanted that, since she also said how disgusting Bess found him over and over again.

Oh I am getting a head of myself. This is the story of Bess Brooke. A noble woman at the Tudor court. She fell in love with Will Parr, who was divorced, but not allowed to marry again. So through out the entire book she wants to be his wife. But we all know the history. That wont be easy during that time. Crowns change heads. Religion is under watchful eyes.

Hers was an interesting story. I of course googled what happened to her after the book ended too. ..ok I might have googled before the book ended. I just like to google! And then I had to google other people too.

Though I must say it got a bit long winded at the end. That is a problem with historical fiction since things happen that isn't always interesting. Still a good book. 

Paperback, 353 pages
Published December 14th 2010 by Pocket 
Secrets of the Tudor Court, #3
Historical fiction
Own