Veena’s review of Rose Bride (Lust in the Tudor Court, Book 3) by Elizabeth Moss
Erotic Historical Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 05 Jul 16
These are dark and turbulent times in the court of King Henry VII. Anne Boleyn is imprisoned in the tower of London accused of treason, adultery, and incest. The King has his sights set on Jane Seymour to be his next wife and queen just as soon as he’s free. He also has no qualms during this time of waiting to romp with other ladies in his court, if they will have him or not. Readers, get ready for another wild ride as Virgil and Margarie’s lustful story plays out against the backdrop of the decadent Tudor court.
Years ago Margarie made some mistakes for which she’s paid a hefty price. Back at court after a long absence, her reputation precedes her and she has an unjustified reputation of being free and available. She tries hard to keep a low profile, but, unfortunately, her beauty and her reputation make that almost impossible. So she settles for trading her reputation to provide a beard for a high-placed gay courtier. Even as she trades her reputation for money and property to secure her future, she finds the handsome court physician, who’s come to her assistance a few times, irresistible. So, like most women, she decides to have her cake and eat it too.
Virgil is tasked with preparing an aphrodisiac for the King that will restore his libido while ensuring that he doesn’t expire from excitement. He decides to use himself as a test subject to calibrate the right potency for the king and makes Margarie his unwitting partner in the experiment, when she sleepwalks her way into his bed. The author builds in some suspense and throws enough curve balls to keep the story interesting by introducting Virgil’s childhood sweetheart and court intrigue that goes all the way to the queen.
As in her previous books, Ms. Moss does a great job weaving in the history of the time and bringing alive the mood of the court as Anne pays for the crime of having outlived her husband’s lust, while her rival, Jane Seymour, puts her own stamp on the court. She also takes the courage to weave in a gay romance and the fear that leads the gentleman in question to pay a woman to play the role of his mistress in order to guard his secrets. I’m sorry to see the series come to an end and will look for more by this author.
Grade: B
Summary:
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…
No excerpt available.
Other books in this series:
