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1. The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory | |
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our price: $10.20 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: 0743227441 Catlog: Book (2002-06-04) Publisher: Touchstone Sales Rank: 241 Average Customer Review: ![]() US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
Book Description When Mary Boleyn comes to court as an innocent girl of fourteen, she catches the eye of Henry VIII. Dazzled by the king, Mary falls in love with both her golden prince and her growing role as unofficial queen. However, she soon realizes just how much she is a pawn in her family?s ambitious plots as the king?s interest begins to wane and she is forced to step aside for her best friend and rival: her sister, Anne. Then Mary knows that she must defy her family and her king, and take her fate into her own hands. A rich and compelling tale of love, sex, ambition, and intrigue, The Other Boleyn Girl introduces a woman of extraordinary determination and desire who lived at the heart of the most exciting and glamorous court in Europe and survived by following her own heart. Reviews (235)
Serving as backdrop is Henry VIII's court in the 16th century, where Henry and Katherine of Aragon's marriage is coming to an end. Tired of Katherine for not being able to produce a male heir, Henry breaks away from the Catholic Church in England and starts his own, so that he may divorce his wife. Philippa Gregory describes all of this in startling detail, as we watch Anne and Mary Boleyn vie for the King's affection. Power and status is what drives everybody involved. Its a fascinating look into life at court under the reign of Henry VIII. We get to see what Anne Boleyn was really like. Of course, we've heard stories, but I was amazed to see just what kinds of things she could do. Mary was the best kind of narrator for this novel, as we got to see firsthand the court and its going-ons. We often see Katherine of Aragon depicted in the history books as the frumpy, housfrou; here she becomes a real, genuine, loyal woman, who wouldn't give up her religion, no matter how much she loved her husband. That spoke of real character and courage on her part. The book takes us up to Anne's beheading. Again dissatisfied with the fact that he does not have a male heir, Henry trumps up charges of adultery against Anne. The ending is frightening, an account of what such a gruesome moment might have been like. It is said that, when the executioner lifted up Anne's head afterwards, the mouth moved. Gregory uses exquisite details to describe this event, and many others throughout the book. I've read many other works on historical fiction, and none other compares to The Other Boleyn Girl. It is very definitely a book worth reading.
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2. Marriage Most Scandalous by Johanna Lindsey | |
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our price: $16.50 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: 1416505458 Catlog: Book (2005-06-14) Publisher: Pocket Sales Rank: 995 US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
Book Description With the dazzling blend of romance, humor, and poignant storytelling that has made her one of the world's best-loved authors, Johanna Lindsey presents the passionate Regency-era tale of an earl's daughter who dares to pose as the wife of a deadly mercenary in order to save her former guardian. Lady Margaret Landor first met Sebastian Townshend as a child, when he caught her peeking into her older sister's engagement ball. Tall, dashing, and charming, Sebastian was one of the most sought-after bachelors in Kent and cut a romantic figure she would not soon forget. Never did she dream that one day she would be living at his family's magnificent estate with Sebastian's father, the eighth Earl of Edgewood, as her guardian--while Sebastian is banished from his family due to the tragic results of a duel. When life at Edgewood takes a sinister turn with the earl suffering a suspicious number of life-threatening accidents, Margaret wonders if Sebastian's younger brother and his wife have grown impatient to inherit the earldom. Setting out to find the one man she believes can set the situation to rights, she discovers that Sebastian Townshend has forged a new identity for himself on the continent. Now known as The Raven, a deadly mercenary, notorious for accomplishing any mission no matter how seemingly impossible, he has vowed never to return to England. Not until Margaret meets his outrageous monetary demands does Sebastian agree to return home, reluctantly posing as her husband in order to facilitate his return to society. When he learns she cannot afford to pay his fee, he suggests a scandalous trade. As Margaret and Sebastian work to uncover the intrigue at his father's estate, a fierce passion blooms that neither of them anticipated and neither can resist. But can Margaret persuade Sebastian to abandon the dark path he believes is his fate and claim the life--and love--he deserves? Breathtaking in scope and wondrously passionate, Marriage Most Scandalous is Johanna Lindsey at her finest. |
3. Return of the Warrior by Kinley MacGregor | |
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our price: $6.29 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: 0060565438 Catlog: Book (2005-05-01) Publisher: Avon Sales Rank: 30537 US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
4. To Pleasure a Prince (Royal Brotherhood (Paperback)) by Sabrina Jeffries | |
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5. In the Prince's Bed (The Royal Brotherhood) by Sabrina Jeffries | |
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Book Description Miss Katherine Merivale is desperate to make a respectable match -- if only her childhood sweetheart would propose! Until he does, she can't touch the fortune she's inherited. So the last thing she needs is notorious rogue Alec Black putting her proposed marriage at risk with his distracting, smoldering gaze and moonlit kisses. Alec, the Earl of Iversley -- and one of three bastard sons of the Prince of Wales -- is secretly searching for an heiress bride to pay his debts. Fiery Katherine seems the answer to his prayers, and her passionate response to his practiced seduction soon assures him that she is his. But Alec knows Katherine is looking for a love-match, and he wonders...what will happen when she discovers his deception? |
6. A Loving Scoundrel by Johanna Lindsey | |
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our price: $7.99 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: 0743456300 Catlog: Book (2005-05-01) Publisher: Pocket Star Sales Rank: 41730 Average Customer Review: ![]() US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
Book Description #1 New York Times bestselling author Johanna Lindsey sweeps readers into the privileged world of English aristocrats as she presents a new novel of passion, intrigue, and romantic pleasures featuring the incomparable Malorys -- a family of dashing rogues, rakehell adventurers, and spirited ladies. Now Jeremy, the son of gentleman pirate James Malory, falls in love.... When Danny, a young woman who grew up on the streets of London with no memory of her real family, is banished from her gang because she helped handsome rakehell Jeremy Malory steal back the jewels his friend lost in a card game, Danny demands that Jeremy give her a job. She is determined to become respectable in order to fulfill her dream of marrying and starting a family. Intrigued by her beauty and spunk, Jeremy hires Danny as his upstairs maid, although he wants her as his mistress. Under the tutelage of Jeremy and his cousin Regina, Danny blossoms into a lady. Although she is drawn to Jeremy by passionate feelings she has never experienced before, she refuses to be anything more than a servant to him because she knows he is not the marrying kind. When Danny undergoes a Cinderella-like transformation and poses as Jeremy's new love in an attempt to help him avert a scandal, a few highly placed members of the ton remark on how familiar Danny looks. Now tongues are wagging, raising the question of her true identity, which threatens not only Danny's chances of capturing Jeremy's heart but her very life. With the humor, lovable characters, and romantic intensity that have placed Johanna Lindsey's six previous Malory novels in the ranks of the best-loved and most widely read romantic novels of our time, Johanna Lindsey delights readers with an emotionally powerful tale of an irresistible scoundrel who meets his match in a brave, strong-minded young woman and can't help but fall in love. Reviews (28)
Jeremy Malory sets up a trap to catch a thief. He needs this thief to help a friend retrieve jewels lost in a fixed card game. He gets more then he bargained for when he enlists Danny in his scheme. Danny had no memory of her life before she joined the street gang at the age of 5. She had disguised herself as a boy to fit in. By helping Jeremy she is kicked out of her gang. Danny figures Jeremy owes her. So, she strikes a bargain with him. Danny will work as his upstairs maid if he will help her refine herself. What comes to pass is a battle of wills. Jeremy to bed her and Danny to stay out of his bed. When trouble from her past comes to harm Danny, Jeremy will do anything to protect her. This is a wonderful continuation of the Malory clan, the witty conversations, smoldering passions and the interfering family. You can not go wrong with a Johanna Lindsey novel.
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7. It's in His Kiss by Julia Quinn | |
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8. A Lady of Expectations by Stephanie Laurens | |
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Book Description But where can he find the perfect woman? She has to be attractive, kind, a good conversationalist . . . and more important, she has to accept him as he is: devilishly handsome, charming and, as far as anyone knows, poor as a church mouse! If London society discovers his hidden wealth, he'll never find the right wife. Jack's heart races when he first lays eyes on Sophie Winterton. She is everything he desires -- and more -- but he is caught in his own trap. Believing that Jack needs to marry into wealth, Sophie rejects all his advances, certain he would never marry a poor girl like her. As they play out a game of cat and mouse, can Jack convince her that she is the woman he wants -- and that he is the husband she deserves? Reviews (4)
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9. River Rising by Dorothy Garlock | |
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our price: $10.36 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: 0446693944 Catlog: Book (2005-05-12) Publisher: Warner Books Sales Rank: 7504 Average Customer Review: ![]() US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
Reviews (1)
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10. Katherine by Anya Seton, Philippa Gregory | |
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our price: $10.17 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: 155652532X Catlog: Book (2004-05-01) Publisher: Chicago Review Press Sales Rank: 1175 Average Customer Review: ![]() US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
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Reviews (101)
This is of course a very fine and entertaining story. There is our heroine Katherine, with all of her trials and tribulations, and who finds herself unexpectedly thrust into a turbulent life with a turbulent royal family! It is interesting to note that through the children she had with John of Gaunt, she is a direct ancestress of all of ruling Kings and Queens of England from that time on (and a great many members of European royal families as well)! Katherine made her mark on history in many, many ways. This is an utterly charming and beautiful book. I was about 12 when I first picked it up and was immediately enchanted by the writing, the adventure and the history, and return to it time and time again. The book is peppered with other interesting historical characters - for example Geoffrey Chaucer was married to Katherine's sister, and appears from time to time full of wit and stories. So read it for yourself, and introduce it to a young lady in your life. You could not bestow a finer gift.
Born commoners to a herald who was knighted before he died, Katherine and her older sister Philippa, who went on to marry Geoffrey Chaucer, were left poor as church mice. While Philippa managed to obtain a post in the household of the Queen, wife to King Edward III of England, Katherine was sent to a convent. When she had grown into her early teens and become a raving beauty, Katherine left the convent to join her sister at Court. Upon doing so, her youthful beauty captivated a boorish knight, Sir Hugh Swynford, who lusted after her. He, eventually, married Katherine, when it became clear that it would be the only way by which he could satisfy his desire. At the same time that she met her husband to be, she also caught the eye of John of Gaunt, the Duke of Lancaster, son of King Edward III and brother to the heir to the throne, Edward, the Black Prince. John was, at the time, happily married to a beautiful woman named Blanche, who would befriend Katherine. After reluctantly becoming Lady Swynford, Katherine retired to her husband's estates. She would meet John of Gaunt again, igniting a passion that upon the death of Blanche and that of Sir Hugh Swynford would be consummated. For John of Gaunt, Katherine would remain the love of his life and his mistress, even though, for reasons of state, he could not marry her, at the time. He, instead, married the heiress to the throne of Castile. Still, Katherine remained with him, bearing him many children. Their illicit union was to cause much unrest and scandal throughout England, until they finally parted, only to reunite in their later years. John of Gaunt would then do something unprecedented. This act would bring them much happiness in their final years. This is a richly drawn portrait of a scintillating love affair in a time that was rife with political intrigue. Set in a medieval landscape with all the pageantry, strife, and turbulence that constituted fourteenth century England, this beautifully written narrative is peppered with those characters and individuals that made the period memorable. It is a novel to be savored and one with which the most discerning reader would be well satisfied. Bravo!
The story of Katherine Swynford and John of Gaunt is set against a backdrop of chivalry and heroic adventure during the 14th century. I thoroughly loved this novel; there are parts of it that still stay with me two months after reading it. Whenever I read historical fiction, I always look to see whether the author has done her research- Anya Seton most definitely did hers. I decided it doesn't matter whether or not you love the heroes of this book- they were real people, and that's what makes this book so much more vibrant. Thats what I loved most- I felt that I actually knew these characters, had actually sat down at a meal with Katherine Swynford or gone hunting with Prince John. The author Geoffrey Chaucer has become mythical in the annals of English literature; however here he becomes humanized, a real person with a wife and children of his own. I was absolutely amazed by it. Another great thing about this book is that the author never mentions what will happen in the future for these people (even though she, and the reader, obviously know). Anya Seton simply let the story take itself along. For example, at the end of Katherine, Richard III is a little boy, newly crowned king. Even though we know he was a tyrant, Seton never lets on that this is what, in fact, he will become. Richard seems like a lost, lonely little boy trying to fill shoes that are too big for him. Shame on the publishers for letting Katherine go out of print for so long. It is a book that should be read over and over again.
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11. Dragonfly in Amber by DIANA GABALDON | |
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our price: $7.99 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: 0440215625 Catlog: Book (1993-11-02) Publisher: Dell Sales Rank: 2774 Average Customer Review: ![]() US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
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Reviews (168)
The characters are so memorable, strong and resilient. It's great that they can be continued and the transition is well done. The strong Red Jamie and the mystical Claire, the healer. She doesn't spend too much time retelling and gives us enough glimpse of what happened during those missing years without boring you too much. Enter Brianna, Jamie and Claire's only child, who is unaware of the true origins of her heritage. Some of the events and scenes are little unbelievable. It seems that everybody wants Jamie the Warrior. Their plight in Paris and political escapades are intriguing and we are enlightened about Claire's husband, Frank Randall's relative, Black Jack Randall. Gaps are filled in that weren't there in the first book. As soon as you finish this book, the cliffhanger will make you get the third installment ASAP! All in all, you will highly enjoy the second installment of the series.
I was, however, disturbed in this book by the duplicity of Claire. She MADE the decision to stay with Jamie and not return to Frank. So why, then, does she keep Frank's ring on her finger and not let him go? She holds onto Frank out of duty and I felt sorry for poor Jamie and how fiercely he loves Claire. I just kept expecting her to come to a point where she was completely and wholly "with" Jamie! I truly don't understand it (maybe it's just me?). Perhaps it is all just a plot device by the author so we all don't feel too guilty that Claire WAS a married woman when she stepped through the stones and she DID get married again. That we have to feel some semblance of respect for Frank?? I dunno. This author has some guts, I tell you. It seems in this book everything pure was turned into the profane. I was constantly shocked that she actually went through with some of these things! I.e., before young Mary was raped, I thought surely.... But then it happens! In vivid detail! I approach Voyager with a sense of relief that at least Culloden is over!
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12. One Night of Sin : A NovelNationally bestselling author of Devil Takes a Bride by GAELEN FOLEY | |
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our price: $6.29 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: 0345480090 Catlog: Book (2005-05-31) Publisher: Ivy Books Sales Rank: 105827 US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
13. Lord of Sin (Seducer) by MADELINE HUNTER | |
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our price: $6.99 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: 0553587307 Catlog: Book (2005-04-26) Publisher: Bantam Sales Rank: 4333 Average Customer Review: ![]() US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
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Reviews (4)
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14. The Truth About Love : A Cynster Novel (Cynster Novels) by Stephanie Laurens | |
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our price: $16.07 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: 0060505753 Catlog: Book (2005-03-01) Publisher: William Morrow Sales Rank: 4496 Average Customer Review: ![]() US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
Book Description When New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens created the Cynsters, a phenomenon was born. Bold, passionate, and possessive, the Cynster men let nothing stand in their way when it comes to claiming the women of their hearts. Now, Stephanie Laurens has written her most romantic and powerful novel to date, one that dares tell The Truth About Love. Gerrard Debbington is one of the chosen few -- the gentlemen who've learned their social and amorous skills at the feet of the masters. Handsome and wealthy, protégé and brother-in-law of Vane Cynster, Gerrard is part of the charmed Cynster family circle. One of the most eligible gentlemen in the ton, Gerrard is constantly besieged by offers from London's most sought-after beauties, but as the ton's foremost artistic lion, there's only one offer he wants to accept -- the chance to paint the fantastical but seldom-seen gardens of reclusive Lord Tregonning's Hellebore Hall. That chance is dangled before Gerrard, but to grasp it he must fulfill Lord Tregonning's demand that he also create an open and honest portrait of the man's daughter. Gerrard loathes the idea of wasting his time and talents on some simpering miss, but with no alternative, he agrees ... Only to discover that Jacqueline Tregonning inspires him as no other lady has. Certainly she is beautiful, but Gerrard is stunned by the deep emotions she stirs and is captivated by her passionate nature and innate goodness. He is soon convinced that Jacqueline is the soul mate he needs as his wife. But something is horribly wrong at Hellebore Hall. Evil lurks in the beautiful gardens and along the rambling pathways. And that evil reaches out to ensnare Jacqueline, trapping her in a web of insidious whispers -- whispers that paint her as a double murderess. The rumors are false, but someone is actively spreading them. Convinced that Jacqueline is innocent of all wrongdoing, Gerrard is confident his portrait will open others' eyes to the truth he sees, but when a long-dead body is discovered in the gardens, the campaign to blame Jacqueline escalates -- Gerrard and she are running out of time. The days they spend together lead to nights of sweeping passion -- and Gerrard vows to move heaven and earth to protect the woman who, for him, personifies the truth about love. Reviews (14)
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15. Love Only Once (Malory Novels (Paperback)) by Johanna Lindsey | |
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Book Description A family of dashing rogues and rakehell adventurers -- and ladies of uncommon beauty and incomparable spirit -- their amorous exploits are spoken of in envious whispers from Regency London to America's shores. The exquisite niece of Lord Edward and Lady Charlotte Malory, Regina Ashton is abducted by Nicholas Eden -- an arrogant seducer hardened by a painful secret from his past. Reggie has vowed to marry the golden-haired rogue who has besmirched her good name--and who arouses her womanly desires to an unendurable level. But her beauty only stirs Nicholas's passion--giving rise to dangerous misunderstandings. . .and a love that can live only once in a lifetime. Reviews (50)
Imagine this, Nicholas is crazy about Regina, but would not consider marriying her, even after taking her virginity. The fact that she could well be carrying his child doesn't even enter his mind (...)And his reason for resisting marriage is that he is illegitimate and does not want to pass the stigma of his birth to his wife, if this fact comes to be known, as his supossed mother threatens to do. He has to be forced by Regina's uncles to marry her, which he longs to do, but resistes with all his might for the reason I mentioned above. Now, this could explain why he rejects the idea of marrying, but does not explain why, once he gives in and marries her he abandons her for almost a year instead of enjoying his wife and even trusting her with his secret. He should have known that she would not reject him after knowing he is illegitimate, since her favorite cousin (who, by the way, is his best friend) is also illegitimate and she loves and accepts him. But this is not all, when he finally returns to his wife, he doubts he is the father of her child. Oh, at this point I was boiling with fury and anticipating the part when he would grovel for his wife forgiveness. But guess what? It never came. He never apologizes for his despicable behavior, and his only thoughts are how to get his wife into bed again. And even more infuriating, she forgets about all he has done and wants him back in her bed too! This unrealistic behavior pretty much ruined the book for me. And what about all the mistakes with the forms of address? All the males in her family are called "Lord Malory", when the proper form of addres would be for Jason "Lord Haverston" since he is the Marquess of Haverston and for the other brothers "Lord Edward Malory", "Lord James Malory" and "Lord Anthony Malory". Derek could not be the heir to his father's title, since he is illegitimate. And how did the title fo Viscount of Ryding came to be held by James when he is the third son and everybody knows that all the titles are held by the firstborn? And why is Anthony called "Sir Anthony"? Does he have a knighthood? And how did Edward come to be an Earl? It is not a common occurrence for second, third and fourth sons to hold titles, so I think this deserves some kind of explanation. All the books in the series are full of these kind of mistakes and this makes me lose respect for the writer. I think that a good writer should know the details about the society she is writting about, to avoid making these silly errors that only cheapen her work and prevent the readers from taking her seriously. Other books of the series are amusing, in a light sort of way, but they are enternainning nonetheless. My favorites are "Tender Rebel", "Gentle Rogue" and "Say you love me".
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16. Tender Rebel (Malory Novels (Paperback)) by Johanna Lindsey | |
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Book Description A ruthless, irresistibly handsome English rogue, Malory's sensual blue eyes speak of limitless pleasures. How Roslynn wishes she dared love such a man, but believing his passionate promises will only lead her into uncertain realms--and to unimagined heights of love. Reviews (37)
During her second ball, whilst trying to escape from the persistent but clumsy Lord Bradley, Rosalynn disappears into the garden and runs straight into Lord Anthony Malory, a most handsome black haired, blue eyed rakehell. "...and she was staring at him with a new look, obvious fascination, and he was glad that women found him appealing to the senses." However, Rosalynn had been warned before about rakes and "He was one of them, one of the 'not to be considered'." I was looking forward to Anthony's story after reading about him in Love Only Once. As with the previous book, I found this book to be a run of the mill regency romp. I did find that Rosalynn spent too much time of the novel being jealous and angry at Anthony but then where would the fun be without the antagonism? You'll enjoy the book anyway if you are a JL fan like myself. Don't miss James' story in Gentle Rogue, the next in the series. Lealing
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17. McKettrick's Choice (McKettrick Cowboys Trilogy) by Linda Lael Miller | |
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our price: $11.53 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: 0373770294 Catlog: Book (2005-06-01) Publisher: HQN Books Sales Rank: 6292 US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
Book Description And he never looked back. He just prayed he'd be in time to save the man who raised him as a son and to keep his best friend from the gallows. He knew he'd encounter rustlers, scoundrels and thieves. But he'd never expected to find a woman like Lorelei Fellows. Setting fire to her wedding dress in the town square probably wasn't the best way to stand her ground. But Lorelei had had enough. She was sick of men and their schemes. All she wanted was to stake her claim on her own little piece of Texas. And with Holt McKettrick as a neighbor, things were beginning to look up. The man was a straight shooter with a strong will, a steady aim and a hungry heart. |
18. The Queen's Fool : A Novel by Philippa Gregory | |
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Book Description A young woman caught in the rivalry between Queen Mary and her half sister, Elizabeth, must find her true destiny amid treason, poisonous rivalries, loss of faith, and unrequited love. It is winter, 1553. Pursued by the Inquisition, Hannah Green, a fourteen-year-old Jewish girl, is forced to flee Spain with her father. But Hannah is no ordinary refugee. Her gift of "Sight," the ability to foresee the future, is priceless in the troubled times of the Tudor court. Hannah is adopted by the glamorous Robert Dudley, the charismatic son of King Edward's protector, who brings her to court as a "holy fool" for Queen Mary and, ultimately, Queen Elizabeth. Hired as a fool but working as a spy; promised in wedlock but in love with her master; endangered by the laws against heresy, treason, and witchcraft, Hannah must choose between the safe life of a commoner and the dangerous intrigues of the royal family that are inextricably bound up in her own yearnings and desires. Teeming with vibrant period detail and peopled by characters seamlessly woven into the sweeping tapestry of history, The Queen's Fool is another rich and emotionally resonant gem from this wonderful storyteller. Reviews (41)
This is the story of Hannah Green, a fourteen-year-old Jewish girl who flees Spain with her father after her mother is burned to death by the Spanish Inquisition for heresy. Arriving in London, they open a bookstore and pose as Catholics. All they want is to live quietly and escape persecution in their new country. But Hannah is no ordinary girl: possessed of a remarkable gift called the Sight, she sees visions of the future. Sir Robert Dudley discovers her and brings her to court to be a "holy fool" for the sickly boy-king Edward. Dazzled by Dudley's dashing good looks, Hannah falls in love with him, happily becoming his faithful servant; in her naivete, she fails to realize that she's becoming an accomplice to treason. After Edward's grisly death, Hannah begins a new life as a courtier, serving Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth as companion, friend, and spy - often at the same time. Struggling against her sense of duty to her father, her fiance, and the Jewish community, Hannah embraces the glamour of court life, only to founder in the swift and treacherous waters of political scheming. Gregory brings the Tudor era to life with vivid descriptions and period detail; she writes knowledgeably and entertainingly about every aspect of courtly life, from dress and etiquette at a royal banquet to the tortures of the Tower's dungeons. Her writing creatively imagines the much-maligned "Bloody Mary" as a tender-hearted, kindly woman, emotionally destroyed by her husband's rejection and her failed pregnancies, and driven to the burning of heretics by a genuine wish for their salvation. Elizabeth, the "Virgin Queen," is presented as a ruthless, amoral seductress who steals her married-to-England schtick - and the throne - from big sister Mary. Oddly, the great romance between Elizabeth and Dudley is glossed over; Gregory's Elizabeth is a calculating home-wrecker, exploiting her sexual desirability for narcissistic gratification and political clout. Although these unusual portrayals of Mary and Elizabeth aren't always convincing, it's an interesting experiment, and, for the most part, plays well enough. What the premise may lack in plausibility (Hannah is a kind of Elizabethan Forrest Gump, ricocheting blithely through the aristocratic Who's Who of her era), it makes up in enjoyably naughty intrigue, though the improbably warm-and-fuzzy ending pulls punches to satisfy the book-club target audience. Fans of Gregory's previous work will enjoy this behind-the-scenes foray into the darker side of sixteenth-century life at court, and the unconventional treatment of Mary and Elizabeth's conflicted relationship. The holy-visions angle turns out to be mostly a narrative tool, useful to readers only because it grants Hannah a backstage pass to the inner workings of court, and the license to speak freely; her most supernatural gift is her ability to conveniently be wherever the action is. It may not be the most historically accurate rendering of the Tudor royals, but The Queen's Fool is still an enjoyably down-and-dirty page-turner.Check it out! (...)
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19. Dreams Of Stardust (Jove Historical Romance) by LynnKurland | |
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20. Tapestry by Lynn Kurland, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Madeline Hunter, Karen Marie Moning | |
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our price: $7.19 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: 0515133620 Catlog: Book (2002-09-01) Publisher: Jove Books Sales Rank: 6225 Average Customer Review: ![]() US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
Reviews (21)
All in all - these were four SUPER GOOD stories by four extremely talented authors. Excellent offering and a keeper!
Lynn Kurland hailed as one of the best romantic writers today weaves an unconventional tale of pageantry when Lianna of Grasleigh rouses the jealousy of the palace maidens when the chivalrous knight Kendrick of Artane associates with her. The ward of King Henry despite her blemished beauty finds solace with Jason of Artane - Kendrick's brother who is a notorious sorceror of dark arts. He rescues her from a poisoned death schemed by the maidens - and when Lianna uncxpectedly becomes the prize in a contest of valor between Kendrick and his spiteful cousin, the path to love becomes a tad complicated... Madeline Hunter's tale evokes unexpected shades of honor and passion with a rich Venice merchant Andreas claiming back his lost love Giselle when she tries to sell him her cherished tapestry to rescue her debt-ladened brother. Karen Marie Moning tells a silly but entertaining tale of a romantic novelist who receives a tapestry and is transported to ancient Scotland to resuscitate the man of her destiny from 500 years of solitary confinement. While the stories mentioned above are equal parts poignant and fantasy, none can match the imaginative Sherrilyn Kenyon in her colourful patchwork of Greek myths like Moirae of the Fates, lycanthrope and exciting time-travel. Historian Channing McRae has no idea that the tapestry she is studying on will bring her to Sebastian, descendent and former sentinel of the Arcadian - a population with human instincts but animal traits. The tapestry made by his demised sister he failed to protect will provide him a chance to rescue his brother and string him to his mate... Tapestry is silky-smooth in its transition and the quartet of romance mavericks weave a common thread of passion and adventure. Quite possibly the most consistent anthology, this tapestry is of vintage quality and as fine as gossamer threads.
Madeline Hunter's story about old friends meeting again when she's poverty-stricken and he's wealthy and about to marry someone else is a very nice piece. Giselle pleads with Andreas to loan her some money, but he won't because her brother already owes him far more money than he could ever repay. But there is one thing Giselle owns which Andreas would pay large amounts for... her virtue. Sherrilyn Kenyon's short story belongs with her Dark-Hunter series, and is her first were-creature story. Unlike the Katagaria in her books, Sebastian is part-human, part-dragon. He has travelled into the future to 'borrow' the tapestry which Channon is studying; in order to get it from her, he sweet-talks her and takes her to dinner. But he has reckoned without the Arcadian gods, who make her his mate for life... Now what can he do? The weakest by far in this collection is Karen Marie Morning's Scottish story. Come on, publishers - romances with Scottish Highland characters are just *boring*, apart from having been done to death! This one is unconvincing, and the narrative rivals the heroine's novel for purple prose. Aeden has been kept prisoner by a faerie god (okay, start counting clichés here) for five hundred years. He's forgotten who he used to be. Jane Sillee (yes, the pun appears to be intentional by the author, but believe me, it fits!) has dreamed about having sex with him for most of her life. When she is transported back into the past, she has one month to make him remember himself and her. The dialogue here is wooden, and the narrative alternates between eye-rollingly over the top and plain boring. Zero stars for this one, two for the Kurland, three for the Hunter, but four for Kenyon. wmr-uk
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