Secrets of the Tudor Court by Darcey Bonnette

 

About the Book:

Image from Google

Book One in the Tudor Court Trilogy

 

Rating: Good

Pages: 336

Released: 2010

Published by: Kensington Publishing

 

-information from Goodreads

 

 

Synopsis:

Mary Howard is overjoyed when she arrives at court to become lady-in-waiting to Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII's mistress. She is certain Anne will become Queen. But as she comes to understand Henry's fickle nature and witnesses how quickly his favour can be taken away, worry for Anne's safety clouds her mind. Everything changes when she becomes betrothed to Henry Fitzroy, the King's illegitimate son. But then, it doesn't and Mary finds herself fighting to be truly free, and as she fights she uncovers dangerous secrets. Secrets that she must guard with her life if she is to survive.

  

 

First Line:

"Elizabeth Stafford Howard, Spring 1519 -

He is pulling my hair - it is going to be torn from my scalp, I am sure of it."

 

Review:

I love any historical fiction based on the Tudors, so I was already predisposed to enjoy this book. But I was still pleasantly surprised by how good I found this book. The factual elements of this book were amazing - it was like a mini history lesson! If you have prior knowledge of the Tudor era then the plot/some of the characters will be of no surprise. But if you are a beginner to this period of English History this book will give you a wonderful insight. Regardless is you are interested in history or not this is still a good read. The characters really made the book for me, they are definitely the driving force of this story. I commend Darcey for her wonderful ability to combine fact and fiction and create completely believable characters.  

 

Recommended Audience:

 History nuts, Tudor buffs or people looking to dip their toes into the world of historical fiction.

Book Review: The Dark Heroine (Dinner with a Vampire) by Abigail Gibbs

About the book:

Inage from Google

Book One in The Dark Heroine Series

 

Amazing: Good

Pages: 549

Released: 2012

Published: Harper Collins

 

-information by Goodreads

 

 

Synopsis:

Violet Lee is kidnapped by vampires after she witnesses something she shouldn't have and is whisked away to live in a mansion that she can't escape from. Taken away from her family, and kept as a prisoner only fuels Violet's hatred for the vampires she now lives with. But the more she gets to know these creatures the more her resolve to hate them weakens - especially towards Kasper Varn. As Kasper and Violet surrender to their passion neither quite realises the cost of their action or the price they'll have to pay.

 

First Line:

"Trafalgar Square is probably not the best place to stand at one o'clock in the morning."

 

Review:

On the whole this was a good read. The plot was unique and I enjoyed Abigail's take on vampires. The main character Violet is a very strong female protagonist. She's funny and feisty both of which are great qualities to have in a female lead. The only downside to Violet's character is that she is far to accepting for my liking. She is kidnapped by a group of vampires who she witnessed killing thirty men and she is making friends with them! This fast change in attitude contradicts Violet's feistiness which lets her character down as she appears to not know her own mind. I also thought the romance between Kasper and Violet escalated a bit too fast - it almost felt rushed at times. One minute she hated him for kidnapping her and the next she loves him? I did like Abigail's writing style, even if her characters left something to be desired. Its incredibly descriptive and has a witty yet dry sense of humour to it. Although a good read, this book hasn't made me want to run out and grab its sequel. This book claims to be the "sexiest romance you'll read this year" but I strongly disagree with this statement. There are some sexual scenes/ references in this book but its no 50 Shades of Grey... I actually found this quite a dark read with graphic images of violence and sexual references which I found a bit much at times.  

 

Recommended Audience:

Adults only as there are scenes of strong violence, sexual references/scenes and use of strong language throughout this book. If you are easily offended by these things this book is not for you.  

Rivals in the Tudor Court by Darcey Bonnette

 

About the Book

Image from Google

Book Two in the Tudor Court Trilogy

 

Rating: Great

Pages: 337

Released: 2011

Published by: Kensington Publishing

 

-information by Goodreads

 

 

Synopsis:

As the daughter of a Duke, Elizabeth Stafford's future seems bright. But when she is betrothed to Thomas Howard she must sacrifice all for duty. Elizabeth is surprised by her new husbands passion, but when he takes a mistress she is determined to fight for her love and honour. Together Elizabeth and Bess Holland compete for Thomas's affections, but neither can satisfy Thomas's desire for the Howard name to become part of the Royal bloodline. 

 

First Line:

"Thomas Howard, January 1547 -

Two bitches, a bewildered dolt, and a hothead have condemned me to this wretched place."

 

Review:

Rivals in the Tudor Court beautifully captures the many facets of human nature. This book completely lays bare all the characters souls and allows you to see every inch of their character. I have never read a book quite like this. Its told from three POV's: Thomas Howard, Elizabeth Howard and Bess Holland. The story is beautifully written. You follow each character as they struggle with the ups and downs of life as part of the Tudor Court. Each went on a journey of self discovery that by the end of the book they have all self reflected and know who they truly are, and they can all be at peace with their actions of the past. Darcey Bonnette's writing style is one of the best I've ever read, and it was a shame to finish reading this book.   

 

Recommended Audience:

Anyone over 18 as there are scenes of an adult nature.

Betrayal in the Tudor Court by Darcey Bonnette

 

About the Book:

Image from Google

 Book Three in the Tudor Court Trilogy

 

Rating: Amazing

Pages: 347

Released: 2012

Published by: Kensington Publishing

 

-information from Goodreads

 

 

Synopsis:

Lady Cecily Burkhart is orphaned at eight years old and sent to live with Lord Hal and his family. There she meets Hal's devout daughter, Mirabella and the family's tutor and priest: Father Alec. As the family slowly falls apart, Cecily must hold them together. But as a mutual attraction between her and Father Alec grows, Mirabella becomes plagued with jealousy and she starts a chain of dramatic events that threaten to destroy them all...

 

First Line:

"Lincolnshire, England. Summer, 1527 -

She hid in her mother's wardrobe."

 

Review:

This was definitely my favourite of the Tudor Court Trilogy. I loved everything about this book. The characters, the plot, everything. For me, this book gave me a more emotional response then the others. Again, this was due to Darcey's beautifully created characters. She can create a lead character you can route for from the start, a romance that makes you heart ache and a villain you actually want to punch in the face. The villain in this book is what made this book the best of the trilogy in my eyes. To have such an emotional reaction to a character is rarely something I experience, so when I experience it (with a character/plot) I know I'm holding a truly fantastic book in my hands.

 

Recommended Audience:

Anyone whose over 18, or a history fanatic, or anyone looking for a new book.