This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.Expected Release Date: July 19, 2011
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Mira
Author’s Website:
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 1, The Three Graces
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Hot
This is my first "Tudor" historical that I've ever read, and I have to say, it was a nice change of pace.
Lady Isabel Milton has lived a life of relative security in a time where women are treated as both pawns and possessions. Following a series of coincidences, she and her friends have bandied about a tale of a curse supposedly afflicting her and her two sisters -- that any man married to them without love was destined to die.
Forced into an arranged marriage with a man who is far beneath her socially, Isabel is incredibly resentful of her new husband, but unfortunately, the alternative could be even worse.
Rand is baseborn, and befriended the king during the king's exile. In reward for his service to the crown, he's been awarded not only his biological father's land, but also the delectable Lady Isabel, whom he simply cannot wait to bed.
When their wedding is interrupted by charges of child murder, Isabel and Rand are taken before the king, where their marriage vows are completed and they await investigation into the charges. Reluctantly, Isabel gives into Rand's incredible sensuality, and finds not only great pleasure but true affection for her unwanted husband, and is stunned when a shocking turn of events causes Rand to be imprisoned in the Tower, leaving her impotent to avoid a fate that would not only cost Rand his life, but would also in turn ruin hers.
Overall, it was enjoyable. While I was a bit put off by how quickly Isabel's lust for her handsome husband overcame her qualms and reservations about the marriage, the storyline itself was absolutely captivating. The court intrigues, politics, and dangers, especially as concerns a woman in those times, were completely fascinating and kept me glued to the pages. Despite my dismay at Isabel's easy capitulation, I must be fair and say that the chemistry between Rand and Isabel was delicious, as were their various trysts. Ms. Blake managed to weave an incredible tale that beautifully balanced romance, lust, intrigue, mystery, and danger, and blended in some very interesting secondary characters as well.
A deliciously solid 4/5 Stars.
