Category Archives: Romance

The Cold Light Of Dawn by Anna Belfrage – Review

1 Reply

Title – The Cold Light Of Dawn (The King’s Greatest Enemy #4)
Author – Anna Belfrage
Genre – Historical Fiction/Romance
My Rating – 5/5 Stars

Synopsis

After Henry of Lancaster’s rebellion has been crushed early in 1329, a restless peace settles over England. However, the young Edward III is no longer content with being his regents’ puppet, no matter that neither Queen Isabella nor Roger Mortimer show any inclination to give up their power. Caught in between is Adam de Guirande, torn between his loyalty to the young king and that to his former lord, Roger Mortimer.

Edward III is growing up fast. No longer a boy to be manipulated, he resents the power of his mother, Queen Isabella, and Mortimer. His regents show little inclination of handing over their power to him, the rightful king, and Edward suspects they never will unless he forces their hand.

Adam de Guirande is first and foremost Edward’s man, and he too is of the opinion that the young king is capable of ruling on his own. But for Adam siding with his king causes heartache, as he still loves Roger Mortimer, the man who shaped him into who he is.

Inevitably, Edward and his regents march towards a final confrontation. And there is nothing Adam can do but pray and hope that somehow things will work out. Unfortunately, prayers don’t always help.

Review

The Cold Light of Dawn is book four in the highly enjoyable The King’s Greatest Enemy series by Anna Belfrage.

You can read my reviews for the rest of the series by clicking the links below.

In the Shadow of the Storm

Days of Sun and Glory

Under the Approaching Dark

I had high hopes for book 4 of this series. I’m invested in Kit and Adam’s future and I just hope one day they get the peace they deserve..will they get this in book 4??? Not bloody likely ha.

King Edward is growing up fast and he’s starting to resent his mother’s control and Lord Rogers more so. Lord Roger may have become regent with the best of intentions but power has a way of changing a person and Lord Roger is no exception.

The this tale Adam is torn even more in two and both the King and Lord Roger questioning his loyalty..the trouble is he’s loyal to both but that’s not going to be acceptable by either of them..it’s time he picks a side one way or another and without giving the game away something rather personal for Adam happens that really tests loyalty to both.

The plot is strong but also balanced well with the personal aspect of Kit and Adams relationship. I’ve said it every time but I’m no fan of romance in novels but the romance in the Cold Light of Dawn builds on the story for me rather than distract from it.

We see more of Queen Phillipa in this tale and Kit has her own issues when she finds herself a pawn being controlled by two Queens.. how can she please them both while not betraying either?

The ending of the story does give the reader a little closure as the tension that has been brewing finally plays out but at the same time leaves the door open for more tales from our favourite knight.

This series is exactly what I love about historical fiction. A tale of the authors imagination written around facts. While the life of King Edward and Lord Roger have already been written in history but Kit and Adam’s story belongs to the author and her alone and what a wonderful, heart wrenching tale of love and loyalty we’ve been given.

I challenge anyone to read this series and not enjoy it..it would be impossible not to love it.

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.

Hidden in Her Heart by Thomas Dellenbusch – Review

Leave a reply

Title – Hidden in Her Heart
Author – Thomas Dellenbusch
Genre – Romance
Length – 118 Pages
Publication – 3rd June 2017
My Rating – 5/5 Stars

Synopsis

Translated Version from the popular German book series
of Movie-Length-Stories
A young, attractive single mother moves into a small Lower Bavarian village in the Summer of 1963. She is not looking for a job, nor is she looking to make friends. When the villagers discover that several men are visiting her regularly, they are horrified. They assume that this stranger is a prostitute, and look for ways to chase her away. The only one to take her side and stand by her is a young journalist living in the village. He suspects she is hiding here. But from whom or what? And is his support genuine, or was he sent to discover her secret?

Review

Romance?? Yes you read that correctly.. I’m reviewing a romance novella. Yes it’s not my genre but the more I read the more I actually quite enjoy it. I think the author just needs to get the balance of romance and plot right for me to enjoy the tale which Thomas Dellenbusch certainly has.

This isn’t the first book I’ve reviewed by Dellenbusch but the others were thrillers, this couldn’t be any more different. This was one of the main reasons I wanted to read this book.. I needed to see how well Thomas could turn his hand to a completely different genre, and let me tell you he didn’t let me down.

This is a very sweet tale about a woman with a past she’s running away from and a journalist with his own issues in life whose worlds collide.

It’s a tale about looking beneath the surface and not to judge a book by it’s cover.

I enjoyed the characters and how the relationship developed. It’s only 118 pages so it’s fast following but not rushed in my opinion and is perfect to read in one sitting if you have a spare couple of hours.

As much as I enjoyed the story I really thing this book is more about the author, it shows he’s able to write multiple genres and can even make someone like me enjoy a romantic story.

If you’re after a short read or something to cleanse the palate after some heavier reads then get this one, I hope you’ll enjoy it just as much as I did.

Credit to the author, I was intrigued by his characters immediately and that reason alone had me hooked.

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon

Under the Approaching Dark by Anna Belfrage – Review

2 Replies

Title – Under the Approaching Dark (The King’s Greatest Enemy #3)
Author – Anna Belfrage
Genre – Historical Fiction/Historical Romance
Length – 432 Pages
Publication – 10th April 2017
My Rating – 5/5 Stars

Synopsis

Adam de Guirande has cause to believe the turbulent times are behind him: Hugh Despenser is dead and Edward II has been forced to abdicate in favour of his young son. It is time to look forward, to a bright new world in which the young king, guided by his council, heals his kingdom and restores its greatness. But the turmoil is far from over… After years of strife, England in the early months of 1327 is a country in need of stability, and many turn with hope towards the new young king, Edward III. But Edward is too young to rule, so instead it is his mother, Queen Isabella, and her lover, Roger Mortimer, who do the actual governing, much to the dislike of barons such as Henry of Lancaster. In the north, the Scots take advantage of the weakened state of the realm and raid with impunity. Closer to court, it is Mortimer’s increasing powers that cause concerns – both among his enemies, but also for men like Adam, who loves Mortimer dearly, but loves the young king just as much. When it is announced that Edward II has died in September of 1327, what has so far been a grumble grows into voluble protests against Mortimer. Yet again, the spectre of rebellion haunts the land, and things are further complicated by the reappearance of one of Adam’s personal enemies. Soon enough, he and his beloved wife Kit are fighting for their survival – even more so when Adam is given a task that puts them both in the gravest of dangers. Under the Approaching Dark is the third in Anna Belfrage’s series, The King’s Greatest Enemy, the story of a man torn apart by his loyalties to his lord, his king, and his wife.

Review

So we are back with Adam and Kit. I must admit I’ve missed these two. This is the third book in The King’s Greatest Enemy series, If you’ve not read the previous books you can read my reviews here –

In the Shadow of the Storm – Book 1

Days of sun and Glory – Book 2

Immediately I was struck by the cover of this book much more so than the previous two, the image and the colours used are definitely to my taste and suit the tale which is a mix of historical fiction and romance.

Hugh Despenser is dead..Finally Adam can relax! Nope.. not a chance.

King Edward II has been forced from the throne and his son Edward now rules as King Edward III. This king is young but he likes to keep those he likes close to him.. Adam included.. He’s sworn to the king and will serve him until the day he dies or is released from service.

There’s a lot of growing tension in this book. First and foremost some of the most powerful lords and businessmen don’t like the fact Mortimer and the Queen mother are acting as the king’s advisers, more so when it’s clear they are lovers even though both are still married! Add to this a brewing conflict with Scotland and a difference of opinion on how it should be handled means rebellion is on the cards.

One issue keeps bubbling to the surface..what to do with the old king? Well this is where Adam and Kit come in, I don’t want to spoil the tale at all but I really enjoyed their involvement in this part of the tale.

As the young king grows it’s clear to Adam that one day this king will not appreciate the input of the Queen mother and Mortimer but they have tasted power and it doesn’t look like they will give up control easily. He even starts to take his frustrations out on Adam during training but as the tale progresses I do feel the king learns Adam’s worth.

An old foe reappears in Kit’s life..and it spells trouble. Again I won’t spoil it but this foe drives a wedge between Adam and Kit by hitting them with a very sensitive issue indeed.

Of course Kit and Adam can get through anything..They may not make it out unscathed but as long as they have each other they will be fight and stay together. They each have their cross to bear during this tale and it can only make them stronger and more determined to be with each other and no other.

For me the book is certainly a 5* story, I won’t lie though..the romance was a little much for my personal tastes but the reason the story still warrants a 5* is because I can understand why it’s there.. the books wouldn’t be the same without it..I feel the book needs this romance and it certainly does build on the truly loving relationship and connection Adam and Kit have which brings that something extra to the tale.

For me this is the best installment in the series so far and it gives Adam more chance to shine. As much as I love Kit it’s Adam who leaves the lasting impressions on me during this books,  I loved the writing and there’s so much going on to really get you hooked in. Well worth reading.

For more information or to purchase check out Amazon or Goodreads.

Fool Me Twice by Philippa Jane Keyworth – Review

5 Replies

Title – Fool Me Twice
Author – Philippa Jane Keyworth
Genre – Historical Romance
Length – 211 Pages
Publication – December 2016
My Rating –4/5 Stars

Synopsis

In the gaming hells of eighteenth century London, orphan Caro Worth is leading a double life. By day she plays a proper gentlewoman on the lookout for a wealthy husband. By night she plays the infamous Angelica, her fictional half-sister with a talent for cards and an ability to finance the life her respectable self has built. An introduction to a rich Marquis brings marriage and security within Caro’s grasp…until the arrival of the unpredictable and totally ineligible Mr. Tobias Felton.

Dismayed by Felton’s persistent appearances, shocking frankness, and enigmatic green eyes, Caro watches helplessly as he comes closer than anyone to guessing her secret, but when complete and utter ruin threatens, she finds that Felton’s suspicions just might become her salvation. As the walls she has built to protect herself crumble down around her, Caro learns that no matter how careful your plans, life and love have a habit of falling quite spectacularly out of control!

Review

If you’ve read any of my reviews before you’ll know I’m not a fan of romance novels..it’s just not my genre but this book has a plot that easily overshadows the underlying romance of the tale.

Caro Worth has been left penniless and alone except for her trusting servants. She leads a double life as Angelica in order to pay her debts and to keep a roof over her head.

During the day Caro is looking for a suitor to save her. She isn’t intent on finding love..what she needs is safety and protection that can be given by a man of worth.

I didn’t really like that side to Caro,  she’s only after a man for the money and safety he can provide at first but you learn she does this with the best intentions, she’s not a black widow or a gold digger..just a woman in need.

In walks Felton, loved him. He’s a misfit and a constant embarrassment to his family. Felton and Caro’s worlds collide and he finds himself drawn to her.

There’s a lot of back and forth between the two, neither wanting to fully admit the attraction that grows.

The plot thickens when another suitor appears on the scene..but he’s after Angelica, and he wants to treat her like his property. This man forces his way into Caro’s life by way of gossip and debt so she is stuck not knowing how to get rid of this unwanted attention.

When Felton puts things together you can see him change, he wants to help her as any respectable man should.

It would spoil the book if I told you what happens next but let’s just say Caro struggles to keep her secret and let anyone get close to the real Caro.

The book is well written and easy to follow. I loved the plot and was eager to see if Caro could find a way out of this mess.

The ending suited the tale perfectly for me and the romance while always a present undertone didn’t overwhelm the story.

Will Caro be saved? Will Felton become a man and take some responsibility for his life? Well why not have a read and find out?

My thanks go to the author and Rosanne at MStPublishing for the chance to read/review the book.

 To find out more head to Amazon or Goodreads.

And Baby Makes Two by Debra Benson

1 Reply

Title – And Baby Makes Two (Endless Affair, #2)
Author – Debra Benson
Genre –  Short Stories/Romance
Length –    70 Pages
My Rating – 5/5 Stars

Synopsis                 

Melvin’s life fell apart as his wife’s rationality seemed to deteriorate. She left him, taking her son with her, but then a phone call out of the blue drew him back into Andrea’s life. The revelation that the child he’d watched grow in her belly was in fact his son pushed the clouds darkening his heart away, letting a small spark of hope for a future began to build. But first he had to win Andrea’s heart.

Review

This is book 2 in the Endless Affair series. You can see my review of the first book here

The story follows on from the last book and we see the strain on Melvin and Andrea increase now that a baby is on the way.

Again I felt the author did well to pack so much into a short story.. it’s 70 pages but in that short space you’ve given the perspective from both sides and it honestly left you feeling that even though the relationship started as an affair that these two need each other

Melvin has to deal with the consequences of his affair also in this book. I won’t spoil it but I think this was handled really well.

This isn’t the nice fairy-tale story , it’s real.. this could happen to anyone but it does give you a more balanced perspective which is hard to do as in these situations blame will always be attributed one way or another.

The other thing I really liked is it showed Andrea coming to terms with having a baby.. it’s not easy.. you never truly know what the baby needs until it arrives.. no amount of preparation helps, trust me, I know 🙂

For me this tale is a true reflection of life, people fall in and out of love and people don’t always start out to hurt people but inevitably someone will have their life torn to bits.. I’m a big believer in love but I also know that you have to work at it and things don’t always go as you’d want or expect.

To find out more head to Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

I Can I Will – Debra Benson – Review

3 Replies

Title –  I Can I Will
Author – Debra Benson
Genre –  Short Stories/Romance
Length –    52 Pages
My Rating – 5/5 Stars

Synopsis

Andrea’s life fell apart when she was laid off from a good paying job, but she found comfort in church, and then in the gentle arms of the Reverend. That would have been the perfect solution if he wasn’t already married to her best friend, one thing led to another and things just happened. What happens when two people in need of love find each other? Can Andrea and Melvin find their way past sin and salvage their personal lives, as well as their standing with God?

Review

At 52 pages this book is short but like me you’ll be surprised how much has been crammed in.

One of the biggest issues you can have is leaving the reader feeling deflated like they haven’t got their monies worth from a short story.. well not this stories.

The author managed to weave what felt to me as a complete story in so few pages and actually had me feeling for the characters.  When each new character is introduced the author gives you a little insight but as the story progresses you get to see things from their point of view and things aren’t as clear cut as they might appear.

I think the story has done well to highlight what can happen in relationships; as much as we love someone everyone has the human need to feel loved. Romance is not a genre I tend to enjoy but this was a real treat

For me the way the author wrote this book was brilliant, with the story moving from one person’s perspective to another. This give the book a great feel and I constantly changed my views on the characters with every turn of a page

If you enjoy a good short story this is perfect, it didn’t feel lacking in anything. The pace of the story was perfect, the writing style made it all flow nicely and my biggest love in any story. Character development was there in abundance.

If you’ve not read a short story before then give this one a go! I doubt you’ll be disappointed

My thanks go to the author for the chance to read and review the book

To find out more head to Goodreads, Smashwords, Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com