What do you think?
Rate this book
English Tudor #3
Unexpected Pleasures
A mistress of medieval romance. -- RT Reviews
A Dangerous Game
As Lady Justina Wincott's brutal guardian, Viscount Biddeford promises any disobedience from her will cost her son dearly. A pawn in his games of court treachery, the beautiful widow is forced to tempt secrets from his enemies and seduce allegiance from his friends. Yet even Biddeford's wrath won't make Justina sully the only man of honor she's ever known. . .
Sir Synclair has earned his honor in blood and muck. War taught him the way to victory is rarely clean--but the passion Justina sparks in him is not to be ignored. Never mind the predators who crave her beauty, or Biddeford's ruthless wiles; he will have her as his wife. And yet if he is to wed Justina, his fiercest battle may be with the lady herself. . .
Praise for the Novels of Mary Wine
"A wonderful summer read." -- RT Reviews on My Fair Highlander
"Readers. . .will be glued to the passion, humor, escapades, and court intrigue till the very last page." -- Publishers Weekly on Improper Seduction , starred review
A Dangerous Game
As Lady Justina Wincott's brutal guardian, Viscount Biddeford promises any disobedience from her will cost her son dearly. A pawn in his games of court treachery, the beautiful widow is forced to tempt secrets from his enemies and seduce allegiance from his friends. Yet even Biddeford's wrath won't make Justina sully the only man of honor she's ever known. . .
Sir Synclair has earned his honor in blood and muck. War taught him the way to victory is rarely clean--but the passion Justina sparks in him is not to be ignored. Never mind the predators who crave her beauty, or Biddeford's ruthless wiles; he will have her as his wife. And yet if he is to wed Justina, his fiercest battle may be with the lady herself. . .
Praise for the Novels of Mary Wine
"A wonderful summer read." -- RT Reviews on My Fair Highlander
"Readers. . .will be glued to the passion, humor, escapades, and court intrigue till the very last page." -- Publishers Weekly on Improper Seduction , starred review
262 pages, Paperback
First published May 29, 2012
65 people are currently reading
365 people want to read
About the author
Mary Wine
84 books820 followersMary Wine has written over twenty novels that take her readers from the pages of history to the far reaches of space. Recent winner of a 2008 EPPIE Award for erotic western romance, her book LET ME LOVE YOU was quoted “Not to be missed…” by Lora Leigh, New York Times best-selling author.
When she’s not abusing a laptop, she spends time with her sewing machines…all of them! Making historical garments is her second passion. From corsets and knickers to court dresses of Elizabeth I, the most expensive clothes she owns are hundreds of years out of date. She’s also an active student of martial arts, having earned the rank of second degree black belt.
When she’s not abusing a laptop, she spends time with her sewing machines…all of them! Making historical garments is her second passion. From corsets and knickers to court dresses of Elizabeth I, the most expensive clothes she owns are hundreds of years out of date. She’s also an active student of martial arts, having earned the rank of second degree black belt.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 20, 2017
Wonderful Tudor romance with tons of sex and intrigue -- much darker than the usual historical romance!
Justina is a very dangerous choice for a heroine. Everyone knows that readers want virgins -- or widows with clean reputations. But Juliana, through no fault of her own, is a slut. Her husband is dead and her hateful legal guardian Lord Biddeford literally pimps her out to any nobleman at court with money or influence to offer.
The only man who sees Justina's secret pain is Synclair, a knight who earned his title in combat in France. If Justina is a dangerous and edgy type of heroine, Synclair is a very traditional hero. He's not only noble and brave, he's good and kind, and once he makes up his mind he desires Justina he'll do anything to set her free and save her son from the clutches of the evil Bidddeford.
What most impressed me about this book was the courage it took to write a heroine who's not only not a virgin, but is openly quite promiscuous, even against her will. The other thing that struck me was the unusually blunt and cynical way the author describes the sexual politics of the court. There are two villains in this story, Biddeford and his henchman DeCanis. Both of them are pure evil, the typical sneering, scenery chewing types that we've all seen many times before. But Mary Wine does an amazing job of making it clear that these villains aren't just sickos or madmen -- they're just typical noblemen of the time.
You see, if women have no rights and men have all the power, the idea that it's lawful to drug, rape, or imprison women for political advantage starts to seem more like how the system works, instead of just being one person's evil behavior.
I enjoyed this book, and I'm definitely going to look for more by Mary Wine. But this is a much darker and more disturbing read than most historical romances.
Justina is a very dangerous choice for a heroine. Everyone knows that readers want virgins -- or widows with clean reputations. But Juliana, through no fault of her own, is a slut. Her husband is dead and her hateful legal guardian Lord Biddeford literally pimps her out to any nobleman at court with money or influence to offer.
The only man who sees Justina's secret pain is Synclair, a knight who earned his title in combat in France. If Justina is a dangerous and edgy type of heroine, Synclair is a very traditional hero. He's not only noble and brave, he's good and kind, and once he makes up his mind he desires Justina he'll do anything to set her free and save her son from the clutches of the evil Bidddeford.
What most impressed me about this book was the courage it took to write a heroine who's not only not a virgin, but is openly quite promiscuous, even against her will. The other thing that struck me was the unusually blunt and cynical way the author describes the sexual politics of the court. There are two villains in this story, Biddeford and his henchman DeCanis. Both of them are pure evil, the typical sneering, scenery chewing types that we've all seen many times before. But Mary Wine does an amazing job of making it clear that these villains aren't just sickos or madmen -- they're just typical noblemen of the time.
You see, if women have no rights and men have all the power, the idea that it's lawful to drug, rape, or imprison women for political advantage starts to seem more like how the system works, instead of just being one person's evil behavior.
I enjoyed this book, and I'm definitely going to look for more by Mary Wine. But this is a much darker and more disturbing read than most historical romances.
June 12, 2012
This book had real potential, in the end I just found it mediocre. Enjoyable enough to keep reading, but one that will be forgettable. I loved that this book took place during the end of King Henry VIII reign. His health was rapidly declining, death was eminent. His last wife, Queen Catherine Parr cleared her name and head from the block. All children of Henry's are re-legitimized and court games and intrigue about. This book is supposed to be loosely connected to two other books, but can be read as a stand alone, which is how I read it.
Lady Justina Winscott, Dowager Baroness is a pretty pawn of Viscount Biddeford. A man one will truly hate. Appointed as guardian to Justina's young son, Brandon, the viscount lords threats and her son over her head to do her bidding. Mainly finding out information in any way possible. Resigned to her fate, the idea of her son keeps her sane. During a treacherous moment while visiting Baron Ryppon's Amber Hill she meets a knight, Sir Synclair who intrigues her as no other man has before. Synclair who recently fulfilled his duty as knight sets of to court to pursue Justina. Things do eventually work out for a happily ever after and reuniting this new family together.
As an aside, I loved this beautiful cover, but I am no historical fashion expert. The gown appears to me to look Gerorian and the accessories in the background, including the lamp are definitely not from the Tudor era. I have to say some on the art department for their historical inaccuracies.
Lady Justina Winscott, Dowager Baroness is a pretty pawn of Viscount Biddeford. A man one will truly hate. Appointed as guardian to Justina's young son, Brandon, the viscount lords threats and her son over her head to do her bidding. Mainly finding out information in any way possible. Resigned to her fate, the idea of her son keeps her sane. During a treacherous moment while visiting Baron Ryppon's Amber Hill she meets a knight, Sir Synclair who intrigues her as no other man has before. Synclair who recently fulfilled his duty as knight sets of to court to pursue Justina. Things do eventually work out for a happily ever after and reuniting this new family together.
As an aside, I loved this beautiful cover, but I am no historical fashion expert. The gown appears to me to look Gerorian and the accessories in the background, including the lamp are definitely not from the Tudor era. I have to say some on the art department for their historical inaccuracies.
June 1, 2012
Author Mary Wine's "Unexpected Pleasures" is well-written with a wounded heroine, a seductive knight, and more than one dastardly villain. However, this book is a sequel to "Improper Seduction", picking up where the first book ended. I have not read "Improper Seduction", and I felt like I was really missing the first three quarters of a big book. "Unexpected Pleasures" would be the fourth quarter of the book--a sensual and suspenseful conclusion. It does indeed offer "pleasures" from a skilled storyteller who has created unique characters and offers vivid word imagery, evoking the feel of the medieval era. First read "Improper Seduction", and then follow it up with "Unexpected Pleasures". If you love historical romantic fiction with brave, beautiful heroines and handsome, valiant heroes, then you will be in for some very enjoyable reading.
Review Copy Gratis Brava Books
Review Copy Gratis Brava Books
December 25, 2014
What a disappointment. Neither main character was very interesting to me nor was the thin plot, which was too tame and boring. Justina is under the thumb of a terrible man, Biddeford. He's the most interesting character in the book. Predictably, bad things come his way.
Synclair is very alpha and I never understood his obsession with wanting to marry Justina. The sex scenes were very explicit and I enjoyed them. Sadly, the sex was the best part of the whole story.
This was my first Mary Wine book and I think it'll be my last.
I received this from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Synclair is very alpha and I never understood his obsession with wanting to marry Justina. The sex scenes were very explicit and I enjoyed them. Sadly, the sex was the best part of the whole story.
This was my first Mary Wine book and I think it'll be my last.
I received this from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 10, 2020
This was a miss. Did not connect with heroine nor hero. More sex driven and the Justina written in Lord Ryppon's book was not the same in this book. That Justina was stronger in sprit.
Mary Wine's is a mostly miss for me. I am done. Thank goodness this was a library read and not a purchase.
Mary Wine's is a mostly miss for me. I am done. Thank goodness this was a library read and not a purchase.
January 18, 2021
Absolutely Loved This Story!
All 3 were wonderful books to read. Each one got better and this was so great to read. I’m almost finished all of my Mary Wine Books. 4 books left! Loved this series! 💜💜💜💜💜🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰😊😊😊😊😊🍷
All 3 were wonderful books to read. Each one got better and this was so great to read. I’m almost finished all of my Mary Wine Books. 4 books left! Loved this series! 💜💜💜💜💜🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰😊😊😊😊😊🍷
June 14, 2012
Lady Justina Wincott has been under the thumb of her guardian, Viscount Biddeford, since she became a widow. She has played his games for way to long and is yearning for her freedom. Unfortunately she has her son to think of and Biddeford has threatened to bring him to court is he doesn’t obey. During a very tumultuous time (King Henry is on his deathbed) greed has become prominent in many men. Justina’s wealth has many men campaigning for her hand. The dashing Synclair only wants Justina, not her wealth. Justina’s guardian wants more land and money and will only let her go to the highest bidder, who at the moment is the conniving de Canis.
Unexpected Pleasures is a standard historical romance. Fast read and filled with the alpha man trying to protect the meek woman but the evil foe stands in the way. I honestly felt that Synclair, who is supposed to be this dashing prince coming to save Justina, could have been in the same league as the brutal guardian Biddeford. He forced Justina to do a lot of things too and wouldn’t take no for an answer (because, obviously, a woman really doesn’t know what she wants.) This was not my cup of tea in the aspect that I just need more from my characters. I didn’t enjoy how they interacted with each other and I couldn’t fully connect with any of them.
(Book was received from publisher for an honest review)
Unexpected Pleasures is a standard historical romance. Fast read and filled with the alpha man trying to protect the meek woman but the evil foe stands in the way. I honestly felt that Synclair, who is supposed to be this dashing prince coming to save Justina, could have been in the same league as the brutal guardian Biddeford. He forced Justina to do a lot of things too and wouldn’t take no for an answer (because, obviously, a woman really doesn’t know what she wants.) This was not my cup of tea in the aspect that I just need more from my characters. I didn’t enjoy how they interacted with each other and I couldn’t fully connect with any of them.
(Book was received from publisher for an honest review)
October 23, 2012
UNEXPECTED PLEASURES by Mary Wine is another wonderful historical romance set in Regency era. English court at it's worst! Lady Justina Wincott is manipulated by a brutal guardian,Viscount Biddeford into doing his bidding in order to save guard her son.Enter,Sir Synclair,who gained his knighthood through honor,blood and muck,he is not so easily manipulated as Biddeford would like,although,tempted by the beautiful Justina. Follow, Synclair and Justina as they endure court treachery,betrayal,secrets,love,passion,romance,saving a child from a most evil man,and finding their own happiness. A wonderful story full of emotion and treachery. Written with depth and details,with engaging characters who will stal your heart. It gives insight into what women of court had to endure to survive the times rather they wanted to or not. I love this author's work and "Unexpected Pleasure" did not disappoint. A must read for anyone who enjoys English court goings on,historical and Regency romance. Received for an honest review from the publisher. Details can be found at the author's website,and My Book Addiction and More.
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews
December 12, 2023
3 Stars (2019)
1 Star (2023)
It's strange to me that I gave this three stars when after this last reread I realized how utterly dumb this book was. I actually skimmed far more than I should have and that's only because it was filled with nonsense and repetitiveness courtesy of the heroine Justina. Whine a little more, yeah?
This book was so frustrating but just as boring. How I thought it was so good previously is a mystery to me.
All I can recall of this book was reading this repeat till the end:
We can't be together. You will be mine. I can't be your wife, I must think of my son! I am determined we wed, lady! I cannot put my son at risk else my villainous guardian will give him to boy lovers! You must leave me alone so I can continue to whore the rest of my life at his demand. I SAID YOU WILL BE MINE. But I can't! I must return to my guardian! WHY Can you not trust me?! BUT MY SON!!!! I am determined to make you my wife! But but but everyone else will be mad and punish us!
Blah, blah, blah. The back and forth was so unimaginative I could cry. Jesus Christ, y'all.
1 Star (2023)
It's strange to me that I gave this three stars when after this last reread I realized how utterly dumb this book was. I actually skimmed far more than I should have and that's only because it was filled with nonsense and repetitiveness courtesy of the heroine Justina. Whine a little more, yeah?
This book was so frustrating but just as boring. How I thought it was so good previously is a mystery to me.
All I can recall of this book was reading this repeat till the end:
We can't be together. You will be mine. I can't be your wife, I must think of my son! I am determined we wed, lady! I cannot put my son at risk else my villainous guardian will give him to boy lovers! You must leave me alone so I can continue to whore the rest of my life at his demand. I SAID YOU WILL BE MINE. But I can't! I must return to my guardian! WHY Can you not trust me?! BUT MY SON!!!! I am determined to make you my wife! But but but everyone else will be mad and punish us!
Blah, blah, blah. The back and forth was so unimaginative I could cry. Jesus Christ, y'all.
August 20, 2012
You can put a nice little bow on this series for it was ended perfectly in this book. From the first one, there had always been a tension between Justina and Synclair. And you always knew things were bad for her back in court, but you don't get to find out how bad till you see things from her POV.
Due to the evil Viscount Biddeford's threats against her son, Justina must do as he says, including whore herself out to half the nobles. But Synclair will have no more of it, going so far as to chain her naked to his bed.
There was tons of sweet moments, including him bringing her son to her and, of course, lots of hottness in bed. Even with the drama, death and all, it is still a pretty fluffy read with a beautiful happy ending.
Due to the evil Viscount Biddeford's threats against her son, Justina must do as he says, including whore herself out to half the nobles. But Synclair will have no more of it, going so far as to chain her naked to his bed.
There was tons of sweet moments, including him bringing her son to her and, of course, lots of hottness in bed. Even with the drama, death and all, it is still a pretty fluffy read with a beautiful happy ending.
June 16, 2013
Good historical romance that really emphasizes how powerless women were in Henry VIII's reign. Lots of back room dealings and skullduggery, evil guardians, honorable knights, innocent victims, and the power hungry people. This is a sequel to Improper Seduction and My Fair Highlander, and really should be read in sequence.
July 11, 2014
Loved the book and the love story between Justina and Synclair. You talk about a man in love with a widowed women who was prisoner for 2 years at Curans castle and Synclair as her guard!!! Justina escapes back to Whitehall Castle back into her guardians grasp, with Synclair on her tails!!! This is a wonderfully written story.
August 20, 2014
Loved the book
This is the story of Lady Justina and Synclair and there was no denying Synclair. He has loved her from afar and is at a point in his life that he can pursue her and pursue her he does! some of the pursuing gets pretty steamy!
This is the story of Lady Justina and Synclair and there was no denying Synclair. He has loved her from afar and is at a point in his life that he can pursue her and pursue her he does! some of the pursuing gets pretty steamy!
August 12, 2012
Enjoyed it once it got going.
June 4, 2012
Sex, sex and more sex. And, so few pages for the actual storyline. Truly a disappointment because the characters were rich with potential.
Read
June 23, 2012Did not finish.
July 12, 2012
it was good. that's all just good.
March 11, 2020
3 Stars
Read
November 14, 2012loved it
July 30, 2013
I liked it, but it is not one my favorites. Took me while to get into it because I did not like the characters in the beginning.
January 14, 2014
easy fast read good for my readers block. romantic passionate scenes that were not to over the top
March 20, 2014
Ugh. This was disappointing. I definitely prefer this author's later novels.
February 5, 2016
No, just no. When your hero, right from the start, acts in a way that is essentially the same as the villain where the heroine is concerned, you are doing it all wrong.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews