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Lust in the Tudor Court #1
Wolf Bride
Hilary Mantel meets Sylvia Day: the first installment in a deliciously erotic trilogy, set against the sumptuous backdrop of the scandal-ridden Tudor Court by Elizabeth Moss.
BOUND TO HIM AGAINST HER WILL...
Lord Wolf, hardened soldier and expert lover, has come to King Henry VIII's court to claim his new bride: a girl who has intrigued him since he first saw her riding across the Yorkshire moors.
Eloise Tyrell, now lady-in-waiting to Queen Anne Boleyn, has other ideas. She has no desire to submit to a man she barely knows and who-though she is loath to admit it-frightens her more than a little.
Their first kiss awakens in both a fierce desire that bares them to the soul. But as the court erupts into scandal around the ill-fated Queen, Eloise sees firsthand what happens when powerful men tire of their wives...
Lust in the Tudor Court:
Wolf Bride
Rebel Bride
Rose Bride
Praise for Erotic Romances by Elizabeth Moss:
"Fifty Shades of Tudor sex." -The Sunday Times
"For a terrific historical romance with a couple who can't keep their hands off each other, this is perfect."-RT Book Reviews
"Infused with political intrigue, royal pageantry, infidelity, scandal, historical authenticity, romance and love, this story brings yesteryear to life while heating up the pages and fascinating readers."-Romance Junkies
BOUND TO HIM AGAINST HER WILL...
Lord Wolf, hardened soldier and expert lover, has come to King Henry VIII's court to claim his new bride: a girl who has intrigued him since he first saw her riding across the Yorkshire moors.
Eloise Tyrell, now lady-in-waiting to Queen Anne Boleyn, has other ideas. She has no desire to submit to a man she barely knows and who-though she is loath to admit it-frightens her more than a little.
Their first kiss awakens in both a fierce desire that bares them to the soul. But as the court erupts into scandal around the ill-fated Queen, Eloise sees firsthand what happens when powerful men tire of their wives...
Lust in the Tudor Court:
Wolf Bride
Rebel Bride
Rose Bride
Praise for Erotic Romances by Elizabeth Moss:
"Fifty Shades of Tudor sex." -The Sunday Times
"For a terrific historical romance with a couple who can't keep their hands off each other, this is perfect."-RT Book Reviews
"Infused with political intrigue, royal pageantry, infidelity, scandal, historical authenticity, romance and love, this story brings yesteryear to life while heating up the pages and fascinating readers."-Romance Junkies
336 pages, Paperback
First published August 29, 2013
204 people are currently reading
2129 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Moss
31 books142 followersI also write historicals as Victoria Lamb, romcoms as Beth Good, thrillers as Jane Holland, and NEW FOR 2016, doggy fiction as Hannah Coates, with a feel-good Christmas novel, BERTIE'S GIFT, out October 2016.
If you have enjoyed my Elizabeth Moss stories, why not try some of my other types of books? My #1 bestselling book is GIRL NUMBER ONE (did you see what I did there?) written under my real name Jane Holland. Do please give it a try if you like my other writing.
I always wanted to be a writer like my mum, Charlotte Lamb. Now I spend my life reading and writing, mostly historical romance but other books too. I live with my large family of noisy kids and animals in a rural corner of South-West England, where I'm a keen walker and gardener with VERY muddy boots. When not writing, I spend as much time as possible outdoors, often with my youngest kids, whom I enjoy home schooling.
Photo Credit: Anna Rybacka
If you have enjoyed my Elizabeth Moss stories, why not try some of my other types of books? My #1 bestselling book is GIRL NUMBER ONE (did you see what I did there?) written under my real name Jane Holland. Do please give it a try if you like my other writing.
I always wanted to be a writer like my mum, Charlotte Lamb. Now I spend my life reading and writing, mostly historical romance but other books too. I live with my large family of noisy kids and animals in a rural corner of South-West England, where I'm a keen walker and gardener with VERY muddy boots. When not writing, I spend as much time as possible outdoors, often with my youngest kids, whom I enjoy home schooling.
Photo Credit: Anna Rybacka
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 272 reviews
May 3, 2015
I'm glad I hung in there for the Anne Boleyn beheading scene (roughly 70-80% in) because it was done really well and the sense of history had my nerdy self jonesing.
The rest, well, umm, do you like nipples (this is extremely important here), amazingly dumb bratty heroines, and heroes without first names who call themselves rapists but aren't...sort of...kind of...not? This was also billed as erotic but honestly, I've gotten more out of a well baked chocolate chip cookie.
I really was going to write more of a review but seriously, they never mention the heroes first name, so this is all I have in me. The writing itself was good but the story never came together and the lead couple sucked (like that scholarly word?).
I'm off to bake some chocolate chip cookies
The rest, well, umm, do you like nipples (this is extremely important here), amazingly dumb bratty heroines, and heroes without first names who call themselves rapists but aren't...sort of...kind of...not? This was also billed as erotic but honestly, I've gotten more out of a well baked chocolate chip cookie.
I really was going to write more of a review but seriously, they never mention the heroes first name, so this is all I have in me. The writing itself was good but the story never came together and the lead couple sucked (like that scholarly word?).
I'm off to bake some chocolate chip cookies
December 31, 2015
This book was a Hot Historical Romance!!!
"Your body is so beautiful, and your innocence so alluring. I would have to be a saint to keep my hands off you any longer, and heaven help me, I've always been more sinner than saint."
Lord Wolf
Lord Wolf has spent his life fighting for the king. He has the scars and the muscles to prove it! He is now ready to settle down, but refuses to marry just anyone. He has had his eye on Eloise Tyrell since first seeing her.
"Eloise, you want this consummation as much as I do," he said thickly, lowering his head to her breast, "and this day I intend to make you admit it. Now beg me to fuck you."
Eloise is the young lady in waiting to Queen Anne Boleyn. She's afraid to marry a man hardened from battle that has no courtly manners. Besides that, she is in love with another man.
"I wanted to kill him," he muttered. "For daring to put his hands on your body, his mouth...god's blood, I have never wanted so badly to kill a man, even in battle."
Eloise's new husband has no patience for her past love attempting to touch what belongs to him. He wants a faithful wife, but Eloise is a very desirable woman and many men want her in their bed.
"The king...the king desires a wife?"
"The king, my beautiful fool, desires my wife."
"If His Majesty discovers your deceit, you could pay for it with you life."
"You think my life is worth more to me than your honor?"
Lord Wolf and Eloise find themselves caught up in a web of desire and deceit. King Henry VIII has no problem taking what he wants, even if the woman is married to one of his best soldiers.
This book was full of action, passion, lust, and deceit. No one is safe in the King's Court, and each day is a chess match to come out on top. Fortunately Lord Wolf is a master of deceit.
I totally enjoyed this book. If I could change anything, I would have loved better communication between Lord Wolf and Eloise. But she was so naive that maybe is was best that she remained in the dark. Everything worked out best because of it!
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a semi-erotic historical romance with a plot. I look forward to much more from this author!
ARC received from Sourcebooks Casablanca via Netgalley
"Your body is so beautiful, and your innocence so alluring. I would have to be a saint to keep my hands off you any longer, and heaven help me, I've always been more sinner than saint."
Lord Wolf
Lord Wolf has spent his life fighting for the king. He has the scars and the muscles to prove it! He is now ready to settle down, but refuses to marry just anyone. He has had his eye on Eloise Tyrell since first seeing her.
"Eloise, you want this consummation as much as I do," he said thickly, lowering his head to her breast, "and this day I intend to make you admit it. Now beg me to fuck you."
Eloise is the young lady in waiting to Queen Anne Boleyn. She's afraid to marry a man hardened from battle that has no courtly manners. Besides that, she is in love with another man.
"I wanted to kill him," he muttered. "For daring to put his hands on your body, his mouth...god's blood, I have never wanted so badly to kill a man, even in battle."
Eloise's new husband has no patience for her past love attempting to touch what belongs to him. He wants a faithful wife, but Eloise is a very desirable woman and many men want her in their bed.
"The king...the king desires a wife?"
"The king, my beautiful fool, desires my wife."
"If His Majesty discovers your deceit, you could pay for it with you life."
"You think my life is worth more to me than your honor?"
Lord Wolf and Eloise find themselves caught up in a web of desire and deceit. King Henry VIII has no problem taking what he wants, even if the woman is married to one of his best soldiers.
This book was full of action, passion, lust, and deceit. No one is safe in the King's Court, and each day is a chess match to come out on top. Fortunately Lord Wolf is a master of deceit.
I totally enjoyed this book. If I could change anything, I would have loved better communication between Lord Wolf and Eloise. But she was so naive that maybe is was best that she remained in the dark. Everything worked out best because of it!
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a semi-erotic historical romance with a plot. I look forward to much more from this author!
ARC received from Sourcebooks Casablanca via Netgalley
June 29, 2016
***3.75 scorching stars***
Set in an era where loving and being loved was believed to be just fantasy, where men dominated the society and woman were considered as a possession, a source of pleasure and their only purpose is to produce an heir. And there’s Eloise Tyrell one of the queen Anne Boleyn’s maid, who is determined to marry for love and submit here body to the one who loves her. All her dreams come crumbling down when her father decides to marry her to a solider of King Henry VIII, Lord Wolf
Wolf is the toughest soldier known in the court, he was married at a young age to a beautiful woman he was in love with but she runs away with somebody else leaving him broken hearted. He swore to never be so gullible and fall for another woman ever. Reason he agrees to marry Eloise is because she’s already in love with another man so he don’t have to worry about love which will never come between them and he just wants her to give him a son.
With so many things threatening their marriage, against all the odds they find themselves being more loyal and possessive about each other and are trying desperately to save their marriage and finally accept that it’s never too late to love again.
Three words to describe this book- HOT HOT and FUCKING HOT!!!
Ok that’s more than three, but you got what I mean right?! *winks* though I’ve read way more erotic books than this, the thing which makes it stand out is blend of historical and erotica giving it a touch of “Caveman hotness” (yep! I made that up)
Need I say more ladies???
The only annoying thing about them was that they had a huge misunderstanding right from the beginning, it’s not like they didn’t have chance to sort it out mostly because they are busy having sex (not that I’m complaining) or ruin everything, the very minute they open their mouth. All in all it was a good laid back sizzling story of falling in love.
ARC kindly provided by SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca via Netgalley, for an honest review.
May 20, 2016
5 Words: lust, passion, intrigue, treason, love.
I was extremely sceptical when I started this - I didn't think it'd be my cup of tea. At all. But it has a pretty cover and I'd read some amazing reviews so I thought I'd give it a go. So I shadow read it a little. Or rather, I shadow read it to the 50% mark.
And I was pleasantly surprised.
So up it went on my Currently Reading for all to see.
I'm not sure about the whole "Fifty Shades of Tudor Sex" thing, this does not compare at all to Fifty Shades - and thank goodness. But it's probably a good marketing gimmick.
Wolf Bride is full of passion and lust and misunderstandings. It is heartbreaking, frustrating, empowering and incredibly sexy, and it was a roller-coaster of a read. I enjoyed every moment. This book took my breath away more than once and for many different reasons.
I loved how confused and conflicted and innocent Eloise was. And how naive. She really came to life in the pages and I felt for her so much. I even felt like crying.
Wolf is smart and cunning and ruthless, but he is so intensely passionate. And he turns out to be nothing like your first impressions of him.
This is Fifty Shades with all of the passion and none of the sickening abuse. It is an intense and passionate romance set in the turmoil of the Tudor Court as Queen Anne is trialled and executed.
I received a copy of this for free via NetGalley for review purposes. And then promptly went out and pre-ordered the whole series.
I was extremely sceptical when I started this - I didn't think it'd be my cup of tea. At all. But it has a pretty cover and I'd read some amazing reviews so I thought I'd give it a go. So I shadow read it a little. Or rather, I shadow read it to the 50% mark.
And I was pleasantly surprised.
So up it went on my Currently Reading for all to see.
I'm not sure about the whole "Fifty Shades of Tudor Sex" thing, this does not compare at all to Fifty Shades - and thank goodness. But it's probably a good marketing gimmick.
Wolf Bride is full of passion and lust and misunderstandings. It is heartbreaking, frustrating, empowering and incredibly sexy, and it was a roller-coaster of a read. I enjoyed every moment. This book took my breath away more than once and for many different reasons.
I loved how confused and conflicted and innocent Eloise was. And how naive. She really came to life in the pages and I felt for her so much. I even felt like crying.
Wolf is smart and cunning and ruthless, but he is so intensely passionate. And he turns out to be nothing like your first impressions of him.
This is Fifty Shades with all of the passion and none of the sickening abuse. It is an intense and passionate romance set in the turmoil of the Tudor Court as Queen Anne is trialled and executed.
I received a copy of this for free via NetGalley for review purposes. And then promptly went out and pre-ordered the whole series.
February 20, 2015
5 Words: lust, passion, intrigue, treason, love.
Do you know something? I read this last year as an ARC and I loved it so much I went out and bought a copy and gushed about it EVERYWHERE! So if you haven't picked it up yet get yourself a copy. And ignore the big red sticker thing on the front. Unless that's your sort of thing.
This book is fabulously passionate. The characters just click in the most delicious and addictive away, and the sumptuous and tense setting of the Tudor Court just adds to it.
Do you know something? I read this last year as an ARC and I loved it so much I went out and bought a copy and gushed about it EVERYWHERE! So if you haven't picked it up yet get yourself a copy. And ignore the big red sticker thing on the front. Unless that's your sort of thing.
This book is fabulously passionate. The characters just click in the most delicious and addictive away, and the sumptuous and tense setting of the Tudor Court just adds to it.
August 11, 2018
I'd give this book a shrug, but that would mean putting in the effort to actually move my shoulders and I don't really feel like it at the moment. Wolf Bride really wasn't bad, but I can't say I got much out of it. There's just nothing to say about it.
It mostly made me miss The Tudors. Natalie Dormer is a national treasure.
It mostly made me miss The Tudors. Natalie Dormer is a national treasure.
February 22, 2018
Here’s my problem with biographies, even these books written around historical events, they are subjective.
None of us were there (unless you are immortal) (I read a lot of fantasies so my hope lives on). So, how do we know what Anne Boleyn or Henry VIII were really like. We only know what people have written. They are either deified or demonized, depending on the author.
As for our hero and heroine in the book? He’s ok but overbearing and secretive. Not always in a fun way. She is often flighty. She will be hurt and angry but apparently he has a magic penis. He touches her and she forgets what a jerk he was and jumps into bed with him. Apparently she loses all cognizant thoughts.
So, since I am a fan of great characters, this book failed me. I didn’t stop reading it because I kept hoping it would improve. But, every time it started to improve our heroine started to talk. Right after she meets him she calls him the enemy. I thought, “what? When did that happen?” Then she kept going back and forth. Very flighty!
None of us were there (unless you are immortal) (I read a lot of fantasies so my hope lives on). So, how do we know what Anne Boleyn or Henry VIII were really like. We only know what people have written. They are either deified or demonized, depending on the author.
As for our hero and heroine in the book? He’s ok but overbearing and secretive. Not always in a fun way. She is often flighty. She will be hurt and angry but apparently he has a magic penis. He touches her and she forgets what a jerk he was and jumps into bed with him. Apparently she loses all cognizant thoughts.
So, since I am a fan of great characters, this book failed me. I didn’t stop reading it because I kept hoping it would improve. But, every time it started to improve our heroine started to talk. Right after she meets him she calls him the enemy. I thought, “what? When did that happen?” Then she kept going back and forth. Very flighty!
October 6, 2022
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
First Impressions
Wolf Bride is a book that I have been meaning to get to. I remember when this book was released, (crazy it’s almost been ten years, it doesn’t feel that old at all) but this book and this series were a big deal. I believe this is when the movies for Fifty Shades were coming out, so the whole sexier historicals were a big thing back then. I wouldn’t exactly call these erotic historicals or even BDSM related at all, but in comparison to historical steam back then, I can see why they were labeled super high steam. However, reading this now, yeah these books were steamier than I normally find in historical’s but not crazy heat, just what you find in most books these days. I will say that I was hooked by this story, and it’s been months since a historical has grabbed my attention like this and I was so in for this one, and the trope of an arranged marriage probably aided that, and the unique set up of the Tudor era. If you are looking for something super engaging, set in a unique era, I can’t recommend this one enough.
Summary
Eloise Tyrell, is a lady of the court, she is a lady maid to Queen Anne and enjoys her time in court. Her father sent her here, and even though there are advantages and disadvantages in court with all the secrets and wanting to protect the Queen in those secrets. When her father arranges a marriage with Lord Wolf, she is stunned when she discovers the intimidating and domineering man she is to be married to, was once the boy she fell in love with as a girl. When he catches her in a kiss with another man, mistrust between them grow. But once they are married, Eloise is determined to make this marriage work, no matter how challenging Wolf might make it for her. At first, it seems like their marriage is just for the alliance, but soon passion rises between them and an abiding love grows. But there are political games happening and Wolf and Eloise will be caught in the middle of them. They will have to choose whom they have trust in and if their love is strong enough to last through it all…
What I Loved
I ended up so in love with this one here, and I am so happy that I did. I was really interested to see where this story would go and it definitely went in a way that I never expected. But this is what I love about Tudor era historicals because at the end of the day, you will get plenty of twists that you don’t see coming. This book is set around the time of Anne Boleyn and her unfortunate demise and yes we definitely see the scene of the beheading which was so fascinating as a lover of history. Most of us know the heartbreaking story of Queen Anne but I really felt like Elizabeth Moss handled these historical moments so well without being too heavy on the historical facts. She implemented it into the romance in a solid balanced way. I will say that the romance itself was super sexy and I really liked that. I am not used to historicals having heavier sex scenes, but I really enjoyed the style in which this one was written. It’s not erotic romance, just steamier scenes. I enjoyed both characters, I just wanted them to make their relationship work. For the majority of the book I was going to five rate this book, however, toward the end, there were lots of secrets and mistrust that grew that I didn’t care for too much and affected my enjoyment of the story as a whole. But I will say that the story is still an impressionable one and I can’t wait to read the other two books in the series. This book has gotten me back into historical reading and it had such a rich tone to the writing. The plot of the story was fascinating, Elizabeth Moss puts her own spin on the historical tale, but is fleshed with the romance quite well. The pacing is steady and engaging, and I found I was so fascinated with how it kept me wanting to read and not put it down.
What I Struggled With
I really struggled with the third act of the story, I don’t think many people will, I just struggled with some of the plot developments that occur between the couple.
The Narration
I really enjoyed this narrator, I am picky about narrators for historicals as some of them turn me off but this one really drew me into the story and I loved the way she handled the tones of the characters and implemented the story as a whole. This definitely won’t be the last time that I listen to this narrator because I was very impressed, as the narrator just kept me wanting to get back to the story.
Overall View
I found Wolf Bride to be a stunning portrayal of a romance. It’s rich in history, authentic without being heavy, sensually portrayed in intimacy, and vibrant in the emotion that delivers in every way!
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
First Impressions
Wolf Bride is a book that I have been meaning to get to. I remember when this book was released, (crazy it’s almost been ten years, it doesn’t feel that old at all) but this book and this series were a big deal. I believe this is when the movies for Fifty Shades were coming out, so the whole sexier historicals were a big thing back then. I wouldn’t exactly call these erotic historicals or even BDSM related at all, but in comparison to historical steam back then, I can see why they were labeled super high steam. However, reading this now, yeah these books were steamier than I normally find in historical’s but not crazy heat, just what you find in most books these days. I will say that I was hooked by this story, and it’s been months since a historical has grabbed my attention like this and I was so in for this one, and the trope of an arranged marriage probably aided that, and the unique set up of the Tudor era. If you are looking for something super engaging, set in a unique era, I can’t recommend this one enough.
Summary
Eloise Tyrell, is a lady of the court, she is a lady maid to Queen Anne and enjoys her time in court. Her father sent her here, and even though there are advantages and disadvantages in court with all the secrets and wanting to protect the Queen in those secrets. When her father arranges a marriage with Lord Wolf, she is stunned when she discovers the intimidating and domineering man she is to be married to, was once the boy she fell in love with as a girl. When he catches her in a kiss with another man, mistrust between them grow. But once they are married, Eloise is determined to make this marriage work, no matter how challenging Wolf might make it for her. At first, it seems like their marriage is just for the alliance, but soon passion rises between them and an abiding love grows. But there are political games happening and Wolf and Eloise will be caught in the middle of them. They will have to choose whom they have trust in and if their love is strong enough to last through it all…
What I Loved
I ended up so in love with this one here, and I am so happy that I did. I was really interested to see where this story would go and it definitely went in a way that I never expected. But this is what I love about Tudor era historicals because at the end of the day, you will get plenty of twists that you don’t see coming. This book is set around the time of Anne Boleyn and her unfortunate demise and yes we definitely see the scene of the beheading which was so fascinating as a lover of history. Most of us know the heartbreaking story of Queen Anne but I really felt like Elizabeth Moss handled these historical moments so well without being too heavy on the historical facts. She implemented it into the romance in a solid balanced way. I will say that the romance itself was super sexy and I really liked that. I am not used to historicals having heavier sex scenes, but I really enjoyed the style in which this one was written. It’s not erotic romance, just steamier scenes. I enjoyed both characters, I just wanted them to make their relationship work. For the majority of the book I was going to five rate this book, however, toward the end, there were lots of secrets and mistrust that grew that I didn’t care for too much and affected my enjoyment of the story as a whole. But I will say that the story is still an impressionable one and I can’t wait to read the other two books in the series. This book has gotten me back into historical reading and it had such a rich tone to the writing. The plot of the story was fascinating, Elizabeth Moss puts her own spin on the historical tale, but is fleshed with the romance quite well. The pacing is steady and engaging, and I found I was so fascinated with how it kept me wanting to read and not put it down.
What I Struggled With
I really struggled with the third act of the story, I don’t think many people will, I just struggled with some of the plot developments that occur between the couple.
The Narration
I really enjoyed this narrator, I am picky about narrators for historicals as some of them turn me off but this one really drew me into the story and I loved the way she handled the tones of the characters and implemented the story as a whole. This definitely won’t be the last time that I listen to this narrator because I was very impressed, as the narrator just kept me wanting to get back to the story.
Overall View
I found Wolf Bride to be a stunning portrayal of a romance. It’s rich in history, authentic without being heavy, sensually portrayed in intimacy, and vibrant in the emotion that delivers in every way!
October 4, 2015
4 "The Truth & Lies About Innocence" Stars! Having been an ardent fan of The Tudors Showtime Series, and just generally of accounts surrounding the historical period during King Henry VIII's reign, I took one look at the blurb for the Wolf Bride, and just knew I had to read it. While most accounts of this period center around the principal players themselves, the Wolf Bride provides an interesting glimpse of what these history altering events may have seemed like via the eyes of less famous participants, and how their lives were nonetheless equally affected by the drama that unfolded. Moreover, it is interesting to also get a taste of what may have been expected of women of that age, particularly as it relates to infatuation, love and marriage. As would be expected of women back then, the passion also bears an element of submission that while tame by today's standards, would nonetheless appeal to lovers of dominant alpha heroes.
The Wolf Bride takes place in England, 1536. Eloise Tyrell, one of Anne Boleyn's ladies-in-waiting who hails from the North, has just been claimed by Lord Wolf, a well regarded soldier in King Henry VIII's army, who is also a rich landowner and while a bit older, remembers Eloise from their childhood days as neighbors in the Yorkshire moors. Lord Wolf is a hardened man, who though having taken a fancy to Eloise's unusual beauty, has sworn off love as a result of a prior bad experienced with a betrothed.
Eloise, in turn, while still somewhat naive, has not led a totally sheltered life. During her tenure at court, she has not only attracted the attention of a handsome courtier, but even the eye of the King. She will do her wifely duty, but she will not submit her heart. For surely if she has learned one thing at court, it's that when the innocence wears off, her husband will no doubt go in search of other attentions.
When scandal breaks out though, and Eloise is summoned back to testify against the Queen, she must quickly discern who to trust and just what truths and lies about innocence must be told. Will Wolf stand by her when all is said and done? Even if he does, when an even more sinister threat sets his sites on Eloise, will Wolf be able to keep her safe?
Through the Wolf Bride, we get a view of what court life may have been like for one of Anne Boleyn's ladies-in-waiting, at around the time that she was accused of adultery, among other crimes. We also, no surprise, are exposed to King Henry VIII's lecherous ways and just generally to the ways of life in the Sixteenth Century. While I can not attest to the complete accuracy of the historical facts in the Wolf Bride, the story seemed to generally comport with my knowledge of the era and combined it with an interesting romance, with a bit of hot, dominant passion to boot! I look forward to reading more of Elizabeth Moss' works in the future.
Source: Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
The Wolf Bride takes place in England, 1536. Eloise Tyrell, one of Anne Boleyn's ladies-in-waiting who hails from the North, has just been claimed by Lord Wolf, a well regarded soldier in King Henry VIII's army, who is also a rich landowner and while a bit older, remembers Eloise from their childhood days as neighbors in the Yorkshire moors. Lord Wolf is a hardened man, who though having taken a fancy to Eloise's unusual beauty, has sworn off love as a result of a prior bad experienced with a betrothed.
Eloise, in turn, while still somewhat naive, has not led a totally sheltered life. During her tenure at court, she has not only attracted the attention of a handsome courtier, but even the eye of the King. She will do her wifely duty, but she will not submit her heart. For surely if she has learned one thing at court, it's that when the innocence wears off, her husband will no doubt go in search of other attentions.
When scandal breaks out though, and Eloise is summoned back to testify against the Queen, she must quickly discern who to trust and just what truths and lies about innocence must be told. Will Wolf stand by her when all is said and done? Even if he does, when an even more sinister threat sets his sites on Eloise, will Wolf be able to keep her safe?
Through the Wolf Bride, we get a view of what court life may have been like for one of Anne Boleyn's ladies-in-waiting, at around the time that she was accused of adultery, among other crimes. We also, no surprise, are exposed to King Henry VIII's lecherous ways and just generally to the ways of life in the Sixteenth Century. While I can not attest to the complete accuracy of the historical facts in the Wolf Bride, the story seemed to generally comport with my knowledge of the era and combined it with an interesting romance, with a bit of hot, dominant passion to boot! I look forward to reading more of Elizabeth Moss' works in the future.
Source: Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
May 21, 2015
~Arc provided by Netgalley in exchange for honest review~
One of the goals I set for myself this year when it comes to reading is to try some genres I rarely read. One of them is historical romance, so that was one of the main reasons beside the sexy cover I picked this book up.
One of the goals I set for myself this year when it comes to reading is to try some genres I rarely read. One of them is historical romance, so that was one of the main reasons beside the sexy cover I picked this book up.
~ Why it didn't work out for me:
~ Unfortunately, after reading this book I'm even more sure than ever that historical romances aren't the right genre for me and that I should stick to contemporary. Why is that? First of all, I'm not a fan of the courteous way people communicate in historical romances.
Secondly and probably the most important reason is the inferior portrayal of women in this genre. Women are seen only as a source for increasing population and they have little to none right in comparison to men which bothered me a lot while reading this book. Yes, I've read a lot of classics from this genre which are still one of my favorite books ever, but no offense to anyone- I don't think this book is on the same level.
~ I couldn't connect to the characters or their story. This refers especially to the main character Eloise who I considered weak, naive and at times- a true drama queen. But then again, I also think that the biggest reason for that is the era she was born in. She was raised to keep her mouth shut and be the obedient woman, daughter and wife like the rest of the women of that time, so I can't really blame her.
~ The over-used plot. To be honest I feel that we've seen/read this plot too many times so far. It lacked originality and therefore I was bored through the most of the book.
I did enjoy some of the sexy banter between the main couple occasionally, but the book as a whole failed to leave some bigger impression on me. That is why 2 stars. Read it and decide for yourself.
This review is posted on Way Too Hot Books.
January 27, 2018
Sweet mother of pearl, spare me from romances that hinge on Big Misunderstandings. *rubs temple*
Seriously, these two knuckleheads drop-kick their brains at the least provocation, over & over & over with the same damn arguments. And while the hero annoyed me with his 'all women are faithless whores because I got my heart broken' routine, it was the heroine who killed all joy in a fifty mile radius. Her repeated sensitivity to literally any comment he made was absolutely excruciating. The poor mimbo can't even admit he desires her, because he desires her FOR THE WRONG REASONS. How dare he! How dare he find her attractive! How dare he marry her & encourage her to enjoy boffing him! He only desires her body because he thinks she's chattel & has no personal value in their marriage & therefore every kind word is a patronizing reminder of how worthless she is beyond boffing, which she can't help enjoying! THE SMOTHERING BASTARD!!
...Puh-lease.
The continual miscommunication + brain-numbing Cunning Plans in the last third (combined with further Big Mis antics, natch) spelled doom for further reading. The one positive was the scene in the cave, where they admire a prehistoric horse painting & enjoy a brief moment of connectivity to past couples who might have lain beneath said painting thousands of years back. That bit was good. The rest, alas, was junk.
Seriously, these two knuckleheads drop-kick their brains at the least provocation, over & over & over with the same damn arguments. And while the hero annoyed me with his 'all women are faithless whores because I got my heart broken' routine, it was the heroine who killed all joy in a fifty mile radius. Her repeated sensitivity to literally any comment he made was absolutely excruciating. The poor mimbo can't even admit he desires her, because he desires her FOR THE WRONG REASONS. How dare he! How dare he find her attractive! How dare he marry her & encourage her to enjoy boffing him! He only desires her body because he thinks she's chattel & has no personal value in their marriage & therefore every kind word is a patronizing reminder of how worthless she is beyond boffing, which she can't help enjoying! THE SMOTHERING BASTARD!!
...Puh-lease.
The continual miscommunication + brain-numbing Cunning Plans in the last third (combined with further Big Mis antics, natch) spelled doom for further reading. The one positive was the scene in the cave, where they admire a prehistoric horse painting & enjoy a brief moment of connectivity to past couples who might have lain beneath said painting thousands of years back. That bit was good. The rest, alas, was junk.
July 27, 2021
Modern language in historical times???....not for me. Even the erotic nature of the book couldn’t overlook its inability to seem historical. They would have conversations that we would have, none of the ‘thee’s or thous or heed’ you know the good ol’ stuff.
May 4, 2017
I have had this one on the shelf for some time. I initially got excited when I read the blurb and saw a couple of reviews, but would you believe the comparison line was what held me back? Telling me a book is the historical version of Fifty Shades of Gray or a cross between Hilary Martel and Sylvia Day actually had the opposite effect of what they wanted. I was less than enthused about either possibility. And, in the end, for my part, it wasn't an apt set of comparisons. Might need to have a Yakkety Yak about that on a different day.
But anyhoots, this turned out to be something more in line of a steamy Tudor era court intrigue arranged marriage piece which was much more appealing to me when I actually sat down to read it making me sorry I dragged my feet.
The story caught my attention from the very first pages when the heroine, Eloise Tyrell, is part of Queen Anne's ladies and she notes the Queen is stepping out on her husband, Henry VIII (and he's flagrantly stepping out on her, but that is neither here nor there back in that time). Henry and Anne's court is a dangerous place to be with ambitions high and Henry's volatile temper. This was exciting and I enjoyed that part.
I did struggle a bit with the heroine. I didn't hate her, but she's kind of a passive-aggressive type. Eloise faces an arranged marriage that she does not want with a noble who looks great in person and on paper and puts the playful flirty puppy type guy she was mooning over to shame, but still she tries for a silent battle of snippy attitude and refusal to really see that she's getting quite a fantastic deal for those days. She kept getting caught in situations that made her look bad because she froze up and wasn't thinking which did make me feel sorry for her a little. I felt her real issue with the marriage was that it wasn't her own idea and Wolf isn't easily manipulated by her.
But getting past Eloise's control games, I really enjoyed the rest of the story. I even enjoyed how Eloise's fiery nature paired well with Wolf. It was quite steamy and probably a tad over-balanced with the sexy times, but lust is the game with this series afterall so I was expecting it. I thought the court intrigue and the way Wolf slowly earned his new wife's respect and love was the best part. Wolf plays a deep game with King Henry himself as the other player which made for a nice, taunt build to the finish.
So, all in all, it was a nice Tudor era lusty romp and I was glad to have read it. This is definitely for those who like their historicals steamy and want a bit of medieval court intrigue on the side.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
But anyhoots, this turned out to be something more in line of a steamy Tudor era court intrigue arranged marriage piece which was much more appealing to me when I actually sat down to read it making me sorry I dragged my feet.
The story caught my attention from the very first pages when the heroine, Eloise Tyrell, is part of Queen Anne's ladies and she notes the Queen is stepping out on her husband, Henry VIII (and he's flagrantly stepping out on her, but that is neither here nor there back in that time). Henry and Anne's court is a dangerous place to be with ambitions high and Henry's volatile temper. This was exciting and I enjoyed that part.
I did struggle a bit with the heroine. I didn't hate her, but she's kind of a passive-aggressive type. Eloise faces an arranged marriage that she does not want with a noble who looks great in person and on paper and puts the playful flirty puppy type guy she was mooning over to shame, but still she tries for a silent battle of snippy attitude and refusal to really see that she's getting quite a fantastic deal for those days. She kept getting caught in situations that made her look bad because she froze up and wasn't thinking which did make me feel sorry for her a little. I felt her real issue with the marriage was that it wasn't her own idea and Wolf isn't easily manipulated by her.
But getting past Eloise's control games, I really enjoyed the rest of the story. I even enjoyed how Eloise's fiery nature paired well with Wolf. It was quite steamy and probably a tad over-balanced with the sexy times, but lust is the game with this series afterall so I was expecting it. I thought the court intrigue and the way Wolf slowly earned his new wife's respect and love was the best part. Wolf plays a deep game with King Henry himself as the other player which made for a nice, taunt build to the finish.
So, all in all, it was a nice Tudor era lusty romp and I was glad to have read it. This is definitely for those who like their historicals steamy and want a bit of medieval court intrigue on the side.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 9, 2024
One reviewer (on the back of the book, of course) described this series as Hilary Mantel meets Sylvia Day. I disagree— it’s more like Philippa Gregory-lite meets Sylvia Day-lite.
Nevertheless— this is a lot less historical fiction and a lot more of a healthy romp in the hay, in the garden, in the master suite, in the... you get the picture. There are some scenes featuring King Henry, Queen Anne and Thomas Cromwell, but more often it’s more redundant musings of “what is love” and “am I in love” between Eloise and Lord Wolf.
Unfortunately, that’s not enough for this fan of both HF and Tudor tales.
(Reviewed 3/2/19)
Nevertheless— this is a lot less historical fiction and a lot more of a healthy romp in the hay, in the garden, in the master suite, in the... you get the picture. There are some scenes featuring King Henry, Queen Anne and Thomas Cromwell, but more often it’s more redundant musings of “what is love” and “am I in love” between Eloise and Lord Wolf.
Unfortunately, that’s not enough for this fan of both HF and Tudor tales.
(Reviewed 3/2/19)
July 31, 2018
This is spicy, but it is between a husband and wife. I really enjoyed this story set around King Henry and his second wife who lost her head.
October 28, 2018
(3.5 stars) I actually enjoyed this book :P I thought it was just going to be a whatever romance novel but I was pretty engaged into the story. Sure there could have been a more dense story to it rather than about love but this is a Romance novel. It's the genre. I must accept it lol. The romance was realistic and believable.
Within the Romance genre I've only ever read the 50 Shades series. Wolf Bride was interesting in a different way because it takes place in the 1800's and there's kings and queens and adultery and murder and treason etc.
I'll be reading the next one!
Within the Romance genre I've only ever read the 50 Shades series. Wolf Bride was interesting in a different way because it takes place in the 1800's and there's kings and queens and adultery and murder and treason etc.
I'll be reading the next one!
March 12, 2014
BRILLIANT
Set in one of my favourite periods in history. Eloise is a lady in waiting to Anne Boleyn, second wife and queen of Henry VIII. The tension at court is high as Henry is already tiring of Anne who has failed to produce a son. Rumours about the queen and certain gentlemen at court are being bandied about. Eloise is a country girl born and bred, the machinations at court are far removed from her life at home in Yorkshire.
When Eloise's father arrives at court with Lord Wolf whose estate is near her fathers back home. She is shocked that her father has promised her to Lord Wolf in marriage. For Eloise there's no escape, to refuse would bring shame and disgrace to her family and ruin her younger sisters chances at making a good match. Lord Wolf is a loyal servant of the kings having fought in many battles. But he's ready to marry and needs an heir to carry on his name. With the kings permission they marry, and return home to Yorkshire. But it's not long before they are both summoned back to court. Eloise is to face questions about the queen who is now imprisioned in the tower. This is a dangerous time, and Lord Wolf will need to use all his cunning to keep Eloise from the executioners block.
I really loved this story, it's beautifully written with characters that just come alive on the page. Wolf and Eloise are so good together in and out of the bedroom. Plus there's a whole cast of supporting characters that help to bring this story alive. With plenty of drama, tension and danger, this is a highly recommended read.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley
Set in one of my favourite periods in history. Eloise is a lady in waiting to Anne Boleyn, second wife and queen of Henry VIII. The tension at court is high as Henry is already tiring of Anne who has failed to produce a son. Rumours about the queen and certain gentlemen at court are being bandied about. Eloise is a country girl born and bred, the machinations at court are far removed from her life at home in Yorkshire.
When Eloise's father arrives at court with Lord Wolf whose estate is near her fathers back home. She is shocked that her father has promised her to Lord Wolf in marriage. For Eloise there's no escape, to refuse would bring shame and disgrace to her family and ruin her younger sisters chances at making a good match. Lord Wolf is a loyal servant of the kings having fought in many battles. But he's ready to marry and needs an heir to carry on his name. With the kings permission they marry, and return home to Yorkshire. But it's not long before they are both summoned back to court. Eloise is to face questions about the queen who is now imprisioned in the tower. This is a dangerous time, and Lord Wolf will need to use all his cunning to keep Eloise from the executioners block.
I really loved this story, it's beautifully written with characters that just come alive on the page. Wolf and Eloise are so good together in and out of the bedroom. Plus there's a whole cast of supporting characters that help to bring this story alive. With plenty of drama, tension and danger, this is a highly recommended read.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley
Read
December 14, 2015DNF
I gave it a shot, hoped and thought I'd like it, but I couldn't go past the first half of the book.
The female lead is not likable (I think she's smiled once in the span of 150 pages and not yet really shown this streak of strong will that she apparently has), the male lead seems to suffer from split personality since I still don't know what kind of person he is, and there's no substantial plot that I can grasp--maybe it happens later on in the story, but I can't waste my time on a novel that I don't enjoy so far along it.
Don't think I'll be attempting to read the second book in the series.
I gave it a shot, hoped and thought I'd like it, but I couldn't go past the first half of the book.
The female lead is not likable (I think she's smiled once in the span of 150 pages and not yet really shown this streak of strong will that she apparently has), the male lead seems to suffer from split personality since I still don't know what kind of person he is, and there's no substantial plot that I can grasp--maybe it happens later on in the story, but I can't waste my time on a novel that I don't enjoy so far along it.
Don't think I'll be attempting to read the second book in the series.
April 10, 2015
To be honest, what started promising, went downhill really fast. Too much unnecessary angst, anachronistic for the historical era, unconvincing main characters and the mention of FSoG on the cover will only harm this book in comparison. They have nothing in common. Unfortunately, not recommended.
May 11, 2015
THE WRITING
It was so hard for me to rate Wolf Bride. On one hand, I loved the mixture of Tudor royalty and semi-accurate (this is historical romance after all) history. Moss excellently introduced historical royalty into this book, it was the only thing I actually loved about this book. I am such a fan of historical romances that introduce real historical figures and it felt like the author did a swell job of researching the time period.
On the other hand, I barely made it through the book. In fact, I was determined to DNF this book until I got bored with watching TV and just decided to finish the book. It felt as if there was a huge chasm between the emotion Moss was trying to portray and the writing. I could read the emotion she tried to express but I couldn’t feel it. This was a major problem for me and ultimately wound up making it difficult for me to feel anything for the characters but frustration.
THE STORY
My family and friends will tell you that I am a huge fan of history though I wouldn’t necessarily consider myself a history buff. I always enjoy learning about it, but I like a fictional spin on history so I’m always delighted to read a historical romance that introduces real historical royalty and nobles. If it weren’t for the big parts that King Henry VIII and Queen Anne Boleyn played in the plot, I probably would have DNFed it before it got to the best part – Queen Anne’s beheading.
While I wasn’t such a big fan of the characters in Wolf Bride, I love how embroiled they were in King Henry’s hunt for “the truth” of his wife’s treachery and ultimate demise. My favorite scene in the entire book took place on the day of Anne's beheading. It was the only part of the book that drew any real emotion from me.
THE CHARACTERS
As I’ve said, the main characters were a major source of disappointment for me. I found Lord Wolf petty, manipulative and a downright jerk for the most part. He spent most of the book punishing Eloise for crimes his former fiancé committed which made me so annoyed. At least blame her for the stupid mistakes that Eloise herself made - and she made plenty. He seems to prescribe to the theory that all women share the same mind and the same motives...which in turn pissed me off.
Eloise wasn’t much better. She was flighty, naïve to the point of stupidity and just as petty as Lord Wolf. They did not make a healthy couple and by the end of the book I found myself glad to be through with them.
THE END
This book was both a source of both frustration and fascination for me. It wasn’t an easy adventure, but at the same time, I’m pretty proud that I managed to finish it – though that probably had more to do with boredom on my part and not so much curiosity. I don’t regret reading Wolf Bride, but I honestly don’t think I can recommend a book that I didn’t like. I hope y'all will still give it a try for yourselves if it sounds like something you would enjoy and let us know how you liked it for yourself. I might one day try another book by Elizabeth Moss, but I doubt it will be anytime soon. If nothing else, Wolf Bride expressed how much women were seen as nothing more than broad mares for nobles to spawn heirs.
This review was originally posted on One Curvy Blogger
It was so hard for me to rate Wolf Bride. On one hand, I loved the mixture of Tudor royalty and semi-accurate (this is historical romance after all) history. Moss excellently introduced historical royalty into this book, it was the only thing I actually loved about this book. I am such a fan of historical romances that introduce real historical figures and it felt like the author did a swell job of researching the time period.
On the other hand, I barely made it through the book. In fact, I was determined to DNF this book until I got bored with watching TV and just decided to finish the book. It felt as if there was a huge chasm between the emotion Moss was trying to portray and the writing. I could read the emotion she tried to express but I couldn’t feel it. This was a major problem for me and ultimately wound up making it difficult for me to feel anything for the characters but frustration.
THE STORY
My family and friends will tell you that I am a huge fan of history though I wouldn’t necessarily consider myself a history buff. I always enjoy learning about it, but I like a fictional spin on history so I’m always delighted to read a historical romance that introduces real historical royalty and nobles. If it weren’t for the big parts that King Henry VIII and Queen Anne Boleyn played in the plot, I probably would have DNFed it before it got to the best part – Queen Anne’s beheading.
While I wasn’t such a big fan of the characters in Wolf Bride, I love how embroiled they were in King Henry’s hunt for “the truth” of his wife’s treachery and ultimate demise. My favorite scene in the entire book took place on the day of Anne's beheading. It was the only part of the book that drew any real emotion from me.
THE CHARACTERS
As I’ve said, the main characters were a major source of disappointment for me. I found Lord Wolf petty, manipulative and a downright jerk for the most part. He spent most of the book punishing Eloise for crimes his former fiancé committed which made me so annoyed. At least blame her for the stupid mistakes that Eloise herself made - and she made plenty. He seems to prescribe to the theory that all women share the same mind and the same motives...which in turn pissed me off.
Eloise wasn’t much better. She was flighty, naïve to the point of stupidity and just as petty as Lord Wolf. They did not make a healthy couple and by the end of the book I found myself glad to be through with them.
THE END
This book was both a source of both frustration and fascination for me. It wasn’t an easy adventure, but at the same time, I’m pretty proud that I managed to finish it – though that probably had more to do with boredom on my part and not so much curiosity. I don’t regret reading Wolf Bride, but I honestly don’t think I can recommend a book that I didn’t like. I hope y'all will still give it a try for yourselves if it sounds like something you would enjoy and let us know how you liked it for yourself. I might one day try another book by Elizabeth Moss, but I doubt it will be anytime soon. If nothing else, Wolf Bride expressed how much women were seen as nothing more than broad mares for nobles to spawn heirs.
This review was originally posted on One Curvy Blogger
March 31, 2015
I would like to thank NETGALLEY AND SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC of the book.
This book had me right out of the gate! I love this is set in Tudor times. I love all things Tudor. It starts out in Queen Anne's chambers, but this isn't about her and Henry, even though they are in the book. The main characters of this book are Eloise and Lord Wolf.
Eloise is one of Queen Anne's maids. She thinks she is in love with some jerk named Simon, he has her convinced they are to be married. Fortunately, her dad comes to court and announces she is to be married to Lord Wolf. They have to get permission from King Henry and Queen Anne since she is a maid of Anne's. Anne doesn't want to give her over but Henry lets her go.
Eloise is livid that her father has done this to her. She wants to marry Simon. When she is taking a walk with Simon talking about running away together etc, because they are in love, he says it will be ok they can be lovers when she comes to court with her husband. She is stunned of course, he tries to rape her, but alas her soon to be husband, Lord Wolf comes to her rescue.
As the story grows so does the lust and love Eloise and Lord Wolf have for each other. They have a very passionate and argumentative way of getting to know each other. Now they did know each other a little when they were younger so it's not exactly the first time they have ever seen each other.
During the book Queen Anne is beheaded. At one point Eloise has to make sure she isn't implicated in anything for being a maid. I'm thinking they will give little tidbits of the King Henry in the other books. It's just awesome!
I have to say again I love this book, it is not for the faint of heart and I wouldn't think for the younger generation. It's very erotic and down right narly. Either way, I loved it and I can't wait to buy it when it comes out and the others in the trilogy!
www.melissa413readsalot.blogspot.com
This book had me right out of the gate! I love this is set in Tudor times. I love all things Tudor. It starts out in Queen Anne's chambers, but this isn't about her and Henry, even though they are in the book. The main characters of this book are Eloise and Lord Wolf.
Eloise is one of Queen Anne's maids. She thinks she is in love with some jerk named Simon, he has her convinced they are to be married. Fortunately, her dad comes to court and announces she is to be married to Lord Wolf. They have to get permission from King Henry and Queen Anne since she is a maid of Anne's. Anne doesn't want to give her over but Henry lets her go.
Eloise is livid that her father has done this to her. She wants to marry Simon. When she is taking a walk with Simon talking about running away together etc, because they are in love, he says it will be ok they can be lovers when she comes to court with her husband. She is stunned of course, he tries to rape her, but alas her soon to be husband, Lord Wolf comes to her rescue.
As the story grows so does the lust and love Eloise and Lord Wolf have for each other. They have a very passionate and argumentative way of getting to know each other. Now they did know each other a little when they were younger so it's not exactly the first time they have ever seen each other.
During the book Queen Anne is beheaded. At one point Eloise has to make sure she isn't implicated in anything for being a maid. I'm thinking they will give little tidbits of the King Henry in the other books. It's just awesome!
I have to say again I love this book, it is not for the faint of heart and I wouldn't think for the younger generation. It's very erotic and down right narly. Either way, I loved it and I can't wait to buy it when it comes out and the others in the trilogy!
www.melissa413readsalot.blogspot.com
March 8, 2015
Wolf Bride by Elizabeth Moss is exciting, lustful, and a powerfully told erotic romance set during the wife killing King Henry of England. First off, don't pay any attention to the marketing idiot who campaigned this with the blurb of "50 shades", that should be an insult to the quality of writing and storytelling in Wolf Bride. This novel is for all those readers who enjoy the time period of the Tudor reign and the detail that Phillipa Gregory brings to her novels, just turn up the heat. Turn it up a lot!
"...'Eloise Tyrell is a lively and intelligent lady, to be sure, and goodly enough to look upon. That cannot be denied. But when I eventually marry, I hope to find a bride with a less mettlesome nature. Like our Queen Anne, your intended is of an argumentative bent. While I admired her fiery responses at supper last night, I agreed with her father that a woman like that needs to be disciplined. I would not wish to share my bed with such an opinionated lady.' He sounded rueful. 'I fear your wife will not take kindly to brindle and bit..."
Eloise Tyrell is one of Queen Anne's ladies in waiting when her father betroths her to Lord Wolf. She knows little of the Lord, only that he is a hardened man, a soldier and favored by the King. It is a marriage made to save her father from ruin and to give Lord Wolf heirs. So far from the love match Eloise sought out.
But in this time, when men rule, Eloise is like the Queen she serves. Head strong and opinionated. She has no intention to submit her will to any man. No less a man she does not know and in truth, frightens her with his harsh manners.
But Lord Wolf has other ideas, he will marry Eloise and teach her how to be his wife and his lover. Eloise soon learns that her new husband is as expert in love making as he is a warrior. But the specter of a lost love hangs over them. A woman Eloise knows her husband still loves. In her heart she is falling for Lord Wolf, but believes her love will never be returned.
But the Court of King Henry will not leave the newlyweds alone as the Queen Eloise is loyal to is tried for adultery and treason against the Crown. Eloise and Lord Wolf are called back to the Palace to face interrogation. Besides the lost lovers of both, waiting to destroy their happiness.
If you remove the erotica from this novel you would have a wonderfully written tale of the Tudor court. The times and mannerisms have been meticulously detailed. But why? Moss does a terrific job of developing the relationship between Eloise and Wolf, but fighting their emotions and exploring the blossoming love affair happening between them.
Wolf's Bride is wonderfully told and hotly paced! A very good read!
"...'Eloise Tyrell is a lively and intelligent lady, to be sure, and goodly enough to look upon. That cannot be denied. But when I eventually marry, I hope to find a bride with a less mettlesome nature. Like our Queen Anne, your intended is of an argumentative bent. While I admired her fiery responses at supper last night, I agreed with her father that a woman like that needs to be disciplined. I would not wish to share my bed with such an opinionated lady.' He sounded rueful. 'I fear your wife will not take kindly to brindle and bit..."
Eloise Tyrell is one of Queen Anne's ladies in waiting when her father betroths her to Lord Wolf. She knows little of the Lord, only that he is a hardened man, a soldier and favored by the King. It is a marriage made to save her father from ruin and to give Lord Wolf heirs. So far from the love match Eloise sought out.
But in this time, when men rule, Eloise is like the Queen she serves. Head strong and opinionated. She has no intention to submit her will to any man. No less a man she does not know and in truth, frightens her with his harsh manners.
But Lord Wolf has other ideas, he will marry Eloise and teach her how to be his wife and his lover. Eloise soon learns that her new husband is as expert in love making as he is a warrior. But the specter of a lost love hangs over them. A woman Eloise knows her husband still loves. In her heart she is falling for Lord Wolf, but believes her love will never be returned.
But the Court of King Henry will not leave the newlyweds alone as the Queen Eloise is loyal to is tried for adultery and treason against the Crown. Eloise and Lord Wolf are called back to the Palace to face interrogation. Besides the lost lovers of both, waiting to destroy their happiness.
If you remove the erotica from this novel you would have a wonderfully written tale of the Tudor court. The times and mannerisms have been meticulously detailed. But why? Moss does a terrific job of developing the relationship between Eloise and Wolf, but fighting their emotions and exploring the blossoming love affair happening between them.
Wolf's Bride is wonderfully told and hotly paced! A very good read!
June 17, 2018
4 Wolf Bride Stars
Doing the audible challenge and reading something from each category isn’t as easy as one might think. I am not a huge fan of historical romance, but I am going in open minded.
That being said I really enjoyed this book. Eloise isn’t a timid female in the least, she might be a little naive about somethings but she sure learns fast.
I like that it wasn’t love at first sight and that Lord Wolf and Eloise had to get to know each other he might have been all, I MAN and everything but when it comes right down to it he was very in tuned to her and I liked that.
Trust didn’t happen right away or even for quite a long time and I think that made me like this book because to me that was very believable and not so farfetched.
I really enjoyed the narration too; the accents and the tone she uses were perfect for this story.
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
Doing the audible challenge and reading something from each category isn’t as easy as one might think. I am not a huge fan of historical romance, but I am going in open minded.
That being said I really enjoyed this book. Eloise isn’t a timid female in the least, she might be a little naive about somethings but she sure learns fast.
I like that it wasn’t love at first sight and that Lord Wolf and Eloise had to get to know each other he might have been all, I MAN and everything but when it comes right down to it he was very in tuned to her and I liked that.
Trust didn’t happen right away or even for quite a long time and I think that made me like this book because to me that was very believable and not so farfetched.
I really enjoyed the narration too; the accents and the tone she uses were perfect for this story.
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
July 7, 2021
This book had a fantastic start (and the first couple of sex scenes were really hot) but around 40%, it started feeling overwrought and repetitive. By 60%, Wolf is still being a jackass to Eloise, to the point where it doesn’t even feel buyable when they finally confess their love for one another. It’s a super repetitive book and it ends up feeling anticlimactic. Like. Things just start Happening to people. It was almost funny when Eloise’s ex-boyfriend got exiled, primarily because the story does not convince me why I should give a shit. Also, I feel like Eloise being a fiery young lady was mostly an informed attribute, as her personality seemed to disappear about halfway through.
So yes. A middling three stars for me, because the set up and (some of) the initial intrigue was gripping. I need to do some meditating on whether or not I feel like getting the next book from the library.
So yes. A middling three stars for me, because the set up and (some of) the initial intrigue was gripping. I need to do some meditating on whether or not I feel like getting the next book from the library.
January 22, 2014
Okay, I was sceptical. A controlling "Fifty Shades-esque" sexual relationship set to the background of the Tudor Court of 1536 and the trial and execution of Anne Boleyn. I was expecting the heroine to meander from one up-against-the-wall assignation to the other, heaving bosoms a-plenty, with Pantomime Villian six-fingered Anne Boleyn ranting and railing in the background.
What I got was a genuine love story that still managed to stay true to its setting. Secondary characters like Henry and Anne and the denizens of their court are also drawn well - and I loved the snippets we saw into the story of Susannah and Hugh, protagonists of the next in the series.
What I got was a genuine love story that still managed to stay true to its setting. Secondary characters like Henry and Anne and the denizens of their court are also drawn well - and I loved the snippets we saw into the story of Susannah and Hugh, protagonists of the next in the series.
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September 13, 20242.5
fun to read but a bit cheesy and slightly uncomfortable sometimes. I couldn't take Wolf seriously as a romantic lead, for some reason. and Eloise was just ... Eloise, I guess.
fun to read but a bit cheesy and slightly uncomfortable sometimes. I couldn't take Wolf seriously as a romantic lead, for some reason. and Eloise was just ... Eloise, I guess.
April 29, 2015
One of the great things about video on demand is that you can blow through season after season and not have to wait between episodes. I think that is what is so hard about Outlander – having to wait! My husband and I discovered the Tudors on demand and spent the past week watching all about King Henry’s court. I’m so glad that I didn’t pick up this book (which was a fluke) until I had finished watching the series. I would have enjoyed this book regardless, but since I had just been immersed in the world of Henry and Anne Boleyn, the book really came to life for me.
The elaborate costumes, the halls of palaces and the courtly manners of the time are all well described in the book. Maybe it’s because I had just finished watching countless hours of this time in period, but I had no trouble imagining the beautiful dresses Eloise wore or the lush rooms of Whitehall Palace. The author seems to understand that this may not be a time period that readers are familiar with and does a great job describing and explaining the customs of the time without it feeling like a history lesson.
Eloise is a lady in waiting to Anne Boleyn. She seems comfortable with her life at court, although the danger and intrigue does not appear to have corrupted her. While she has the hots for this courtier Simon, she is to be wed to her neighbour in the North and the King’s favourite soldier, Lord Wolf. The author really explores her fears, passions, thoughts and emotions. While it is well written, it was important to know her thoughts otherwise you wanted to shake her at times for her worries. Wolf is a man through and through. He doesn’t want to play the games that courtiers engage in. He lusts after Eloise and she is scared at times by his manner.
Wolf is described as tall, dark haired and walks with a limp due to his military campaigns. He has had his heart broken as a young man when his fiancé ran away. He vows to never love again and has not developed his wooing skills. To say they are rusty is an understatement. Instead of allying Eloise’s fears, he seems to say the wrong thing and enflame her fears, anger and pride.
When the crisis at court over the Queen’s behaviour threatens their new marriage, it is crunch time. Will they survive the deadly games afoot or lose more than each other? This plot point brings a lot of tense and nervous moments for the reader. It was fascinating to see the trial of Queen Anne from their perspective, even though we all know how things play out.
This book is wickedly hot. Like scorching off the pages. One thing I really liked was that Eloise had an interest in sex even though she was a virgin. She experienced desire and wants. She certainly was exposed to a lot at court, but was still very innocent and didn’t quite know how to deal with the feelings she had for her new husband. They definitely do not have the typical marriage where the husband visits for ‘conjugal visits’. Wolf wants to possess Eloise and he is driven mad by her passionate responses.
This book has it all for those who like historical romances. Great historical plot points and well developed. Hot and very steamy love scenes featuring two characters who are interesting. I really liked the secondary characters, especially Hugh and Eloise’s sister Suzanna. They are the subjects of the next book so it will be fascinating to see how the story continues along the time line of King Henry.
The elaborate costumes, the halls of palaces and the courtly manners of the time are all well described in the book. Maybe it’s because I had just finished watching countless hours of this time in period, but I had no trouble imagining the beautiful dresses Eloise wore or the lush rooms of Whitehall Palace. The author seems to understand that this may not be a time period that readers are familiar with and does a great job describing and explaining the customs of the time without it feeling like a history lesson.
Eloise is a lady in waiting to Anne Boleyn. She seems comfortable with her life at court, although the danger and intrigue does not appear to have corrupted her. While she has the hots for this courtier Simon, she is to be wed to her neighbour in the North and the King’s favourite soldier, Lord Wolf. The author really explores her fears, passions, thoughts and emotions. While it is well written, it was important to know her thoughts otherwise you wanted to shake her at times for her worries. Wolf is a man through and through. He doesn’t want to play the games that courtiers engage in. He lusts after Eloise and she is scared at times by his manner.
Wolf is described as tall, dark haired and walks with a limp due to his military campaigns. He has had his heart broken as a young man when his fiancé ran away. He vows to never love again and has not developed his wooing skills. To say they are rusty is an understatement. Instead of allying Eloise’s fears, he seems to say the wrong thing and enflame her fears, anger and pride.
When the crisis at court over the Queen’s behaviour threatens their new marriage, it is crunch time. Will they survive the deadly games afoot or lose more than each other? This plot point brings a lot of tense and nervous moments for the reader. It was fascinating to see the trial of Queen Anne from their perspective, even though we all know how things play out.
This book is wickedly hot. Like scorching off the pages. One thing I really liked was that Eloise had an interest in sex even though she was a virgin. She experienced desire and wants. She certainly was exposed to a lot at court, but was still very innocent and didn’t quite know how to deal with the feelings she had for her new husband. They definitely do not have the typical marriage where the husband visits for ‘conjugal visits’. Wolf wants to possess Eloise and he is driven mad by her passionate responses.
This book has it all for those who like historical romances. Great historical plot points and well developed. Hot and very steamy love scenes featuring two characters who are interesting. I really liked the secondary characters, especially Hugh and Eloise’s sister Suzanna. They are the subjects of the next book so it will be fascinating to see how the story continues along the time line of King Henry.
May 9, 2015
The review was first up on For The Love of Fictional Worlds.
I received a digital copy of the book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest reviews.
There were majorly two reasons why I requested this book - The Cover and the fact that it is based in the Tudor Times.
Tudor times in the British Monarchy is quite an interesting times for a history buff like me! And the fact that this book revolved, not around Queen Anne and King Henry but to the characters around them. I have always wondered about them, you know?
The people whose lives were centered around the King and the Queen, yet had their own lives. How would their lives go? How would the scandal surrounding the court, would affect theirs? These are all the questions that went into my mind, when I read the blurb for this book!
While this has Queen Anne and King Henry in the background, this book is about Eloise and Lord Wolf.
Now, Eloise is one of Queen Anne's lady-in-waiting. She is a little apprehensive of the court life - with the kind of relationship that Queen has with her King. And yet, she is also naive; never understanding that the Court is more scandalous and shallow than she could have ever imagined. She is a little naive, but even then she is an intelligent woman who while understands that it isn't looked at favorably, still does speak her mind!
Lord Wolf, on the other hand, is a hardened soldier, who marries Eloise because he was intrigued by her. For him, this is supposed to be nothing but a marriage of convenience with a lot of lovemaking thrown in of course ;) Now he is arrogant, chauvinistic (which is to be expected of course!), yet has a vulnerable side that he closed off after his long lost love and it is Eloise who slowly gets him back to life :D
Eloise and Lord Wolf together are absolutely scorching! I mean literally "off the pages and burn you with the heat" kind of hot together! I absolutely loved their interactions and the slow way the fell in love with each other. In fact, their relationship progressed quite nicely for two people who believed the worst of each other at the start ;)
Perfectly working with the story is the background arc of non - fiction surrounding the story of Eloise and Lord Wolf. The scandal surrounding Queen Anne and her relationship and subsequent beheading moves perfectly in sync with the Eloise and Wolf's lives. Ms. Moss has perfectly captured the time and essence of the Tudor Times.
Oh and ignore the "Fifty Shades of Tudor" marketing job, because while this is an exciting, lustful and beautifully bold story, it is nothing like the massacre that Fifty Shades of Grey! It is a perfect blend of non - fiction and fictional erotic romance set in the times of wife killing King Henry of England.
I received a digital copy of the book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest reviews.
There were majorly two reasons why I requested this book - The Cover and the fact that it is based in the Tudor Times.
Tudor times in the British Monarchy is quite an interesting times for a history buff like me! And the fact that this book revolved, not around Queen Anne and King Henry but to the characters around them. I have always wondered about them, you know?
The people whose lives were centered around the King and the Queen, yet had their own lives. How would their lives go? How would the scandal surrounding the court, would affect theirs? These are all the questions that went into my mind, when I read the blurb for this book!
While this has Queen Anne and King Henry in the background, this book is about Eloise and Lord Wolf.
Now, Eloise is one of Queen Anne's lady-in-waiting. She is a little apprehensive of the court life - with the kind of relationship that Queen has with her King. And yet, she is also naive; never understanding that the Court is more scandalous and shallow than she could have ever imagined. She is a little naive, but even then she is an intelligent woman who while understands that it isn't looked at favorably, still does speak her mind!
Lord Wolf, on the other hand, is a hardened soldier, who marries Eloise because he was intrigued by her. For him, this is supposed to be nothing but a marriage of convenience with a lot of lovemaking thrown in of course ;) Now he is arrogant, chauvinistic (which is to be expected of course!), yet has a vulnerable side that he closed off after his long lost love and it is Eloise who slowly gets him back to life :D
Eloise and Lord Wolf together are absolutely scorching! I mean literally "off the pages and burn you with the heat" kind of hot together! I absolutely loved their interactions and the slow way the fell in love with each other. In fact, their relationship progressed quite nicely for two people who believed the worst of each other at the start ;)
Perfectly working with the story is the background arc of non - fiction surrounding the story of Eloise and Lord Wolf. The scandal surrounding Queen Anne and her relationship and subsequent beheading moves perfectly in sync with the Eloise and Wolf's lives. Ms. Moss has perfectly captured the time and essence of the Tudor Times.
Oh and ignore the "Fifty Shades of Tudor" marketing job, because while this is an exciting, lustful and beautifully bold story, it is nothing like the massacre that Fifty Shades of Grey! It is a perfect blend of non - fiction and fictional erotic romance set in the times of wife killing King Henry of England.
December 31, 2020
It’s been five years since I have read this book and let me tell you that it is still as steamy as I remember it being. I increased my review to 4 stars. As this was my first adult romance book I wasn’t used to romance heavy stories or lots of sex scenes but I am now. 😉
2015:
I will start by saying this is my first romance and erotica novel. I don't know what the standards are for a romance or erotica novel. I assume lots of sexual tension and then a lot of sex which is exactly what was in Wolf Bride.
The story takes place in the Tudor Era, on the cusp of Anne Boleyn being tried as a witch, adulterer, etc. and Eloise Tyrell is a Anne's lady-in-waiting. Basically, Eloise planned to marry Simon, the man she believes herself to be in love with, but then her father decides she will marry Lord Wolf who is a solider and a favorite of King Henry VIII.
There was a burning romance and steamy sex between them. Yet, it turned out to be a believable romance in the end. We get to see Eloise and Wolf's perspectives so we know how they both feel about each other and there is no secrecy. When Eloise gets into trouble and is summoned by Thomas Cromwell for questioning about Queen Anne's past romances, Wolf really steps up and helps her. He even gets angry during Eloise's harsh questioning. I totally liked Eloise and Wolf's growing relationship. I was actually worried one of them would die.
Now let's get to the sex. I have read sex scenes before that took place in the Tudor Era because there really is no better time to have vivid sex in books apparently. I think it was a bit overwhelming. I actually got dizzy after the first time they had sex. Even now I'm getting a little shaky. (I'm totally laughing at myself right now) It was incredibly vivid. VERY descriptive. My eyes were really wide when reading those scenes. This book is not for faint hearted people let me make that clear.
Overall I liked it a lot more than I thought I would but I didn't love it. I may have been too distracted by the sex to pay much attention to the historical plot even though I know it by heart and didn't really have to pay attention. I plan to start Rebel Bride next which is about Eloise's rebel sister, Susannah.
Overall: 3.5 stars
Recommendation: Maybe. Depending on how you feel about reading descriptive sex scenes and romance novels.
2015:
I will start by saying this is my first romance and erotica novel. I don't know what the standards are for a romance or erotica novel. I assume lots of sexual tension and then a lot of sex which is exactly what was in Wolf Bride.
The story takes place in the Tudor Era, on the cusp of Anne Boleyn being tried as a witch, adulterer, etc. and Eloise Tyrell is a Anne's lady-in-waiting. Basically, Eloise planned to marry Simon, the man she believes herself to be in love with, but then her father decides she will marry Lord Wolf who is a solider and a favorite of King Henry VIII.
There was a burning romance and steamy sex between them. Yet, it turned out to be a believable romance in the end. We get to see Eloise and Wolf's perspectives so we know how they both feel about each other and there is no secrecy. When Eloise gets into trouble and is summoned by Thomas Cromwell for questioning about Queen Anne's past romances, Wolf really steps up and helps her. He even gets angry during Eloise's harsh questioning. I totally liked Eloise and Wolf's growing relationship. I was actually worried one of them would die.
Now let's get to the sex. I have read sex scenes before that took place in the Tudor Era because there really is no better time to have vivid sex in books apparently. I think it was a bit overwhelming. I actually got dizzy after the first time they had sex. Even now I'm getting a little shaky. (I'm totally laughing at myself right now) It was incredibly vivid. VERY descriptive. My eyes were really wide when reading those scenes. This book is not for faint hearted people let me make that clear.
Overall I liked it a lot more than I thought I would but I didn't love it. I may have been too distracted by the sex to pay much attention to the historical plot even though I know it by heart and didn't really have to pay attention. I plan to start Rebel Bride next which is about Eloise's rebel sister, Susannah.
Overall: 3.5 stars
Recommendation: Maybe. Depending on how you feel about reading descriptive sex scenes and romance novels.
May 6, 2016
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
5 Stars.
Elizabeth Moss is a new-to-me author, and I'm ashamed to admit the copy of Wolf Bride sat on my Kindle since the release. With the third in the series offered for review, I decided to dive in, and I am so glad I did.
I was hooked from page one of Wolf Bride, never reading a historical romance set at court, especially not during the reign of the wife-hoarding Henry the Eighth. The story was fresh, fast paced, intriguing, and a page-turner.
Eloise is a strong yet naive character, but not a damsel in distress, no matter how those around her treated her. The lines didn't get blurred in this novel as they do in most historical romances. Eloise's civil freedoms were in the hands of her father, then her husband, but always the King's. The loss of control on your own destiny was difficult to swallow, but I appreciated the truth of it while reading it.
For the most part, the story had me clicking page after page, but a few instances between Wolf & Eloise had me a bit frustrated. Wolf was so blind to how his words affected Eloise, and not in the 'she's and irrational female, making more out of it' sort of way. Basically, I felt Wolf a hypocrite, never explaining the 'plot' to his wife, yet acting without asking questions when it came to the woman who was more than dignified and understanding in his position.
Wolf Bride was one of the first books out of several, I've read of late that had me eager to get to the finish yet not wishing it to end, as I was taken on an intriguing emotional journey along with the narrators.
This isn't fade to blade romance- be prepared for many scorching scenes of between the sheets action, not all of them happening within a marital bed.
Recommended to fans of steamy Historical Romance.
5 Stars.
Elizabeth Moss is a new-to-me author, and I'm ashamed to admit the copy of Wolf Bride sat on my Kindle since the release. With the third in the series offered for review, I decided to dive in, and I am so glad I did.
I was hooked from page one of Wolf Bride, never reading a historical romance set at court, especially not during the reign of the wife-hoarding Henry the Eighth. The story was fresh, fast paced, intriguing, and a page-turner.
Eloise is a strong yet naive character, but not a damsel in distress, no matter how those around her treated her. The lines didn't get blurred in this novel as they do in most historical romances. Eloise's civil freedoms were in the hands of her father, then her husband, but always the King's. The loss of control on your own destiny was difficult to swallow, but I appreciated the truth of it while reading it.
For the most part, the story had me clicking page after page, but a few instances between Wolf & Eloise had me a bit frustrated. Wolf was so blind to how his words affected Eloise, and not in the 'she's and irrational female, making more out of it' sort of way. Basically, I felt Wolf a hypocrite, never explaining the 'plot' to his wife, yet acting without asking questions when it came to the woman who was more than dignified and understanding in his position.
Wolf Bride was one of the first books out of several, I've read of late that had me eager to get to the finish yet not wishing it to end, as I was taken on an intriguing emotional journey along with the narrators.
This isn't fade to blade romance- be prepared for many scorching scenes of between the sheets action, not all of them happening within a marital bed.
Recommended to fans of steamy Historical Romance.
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