What do you think?
Rate this book
Tudor Series #2
Behind Closed Doors
Scorned for his Swedish heritage, Count Rugar Kalisson vows to beat Queen Elizabeth's knights in a battle of strength and to win her ladies--among them Corinna Huntington--in a battle of hearts
371 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1991
21 people are currently reading
1514 people want to read
About the author
Betina Krahn
60 books312 followersKrahn, born Betina Maynard, is the second daughter of Dors Maynard and Regina Triplett. Krahn learned to read at the age of four, and began making up her own stories when she was only six. In fifth grade she won a silver "Noble Order of Bookworms" pin for her achievements in reading, and the following year she began writing down her stories.
Krane was graduated from high school in Newark, Ohio and received a B.S. in Education (Biological Sciences) at Ohio State University. After college, Krahn taught science in Newark, and studied for a graduate degree at Ohio State in the summers. It was during those summers that she met her future husband, physics graduate student Donald Krahn.
The family moved to Oklahoma, where Krahn finished the work for her Masters of Education in Counseling in 1973. In 1974, she gave birth to her first child, Nathan, with the second son Zebulun arriving in 1978. With two young children, Krahn became a stay-at-home mother for a time, also finding time to volunteer on a community board working to get funding for mental health care in part of Western Oklahoma. Once the funding was secured, Krahn worked as an HR director for a mental health center.
Krane was graduated from high school in Newark, Ohio and received a B.S. in Education (Biological Sciences) at Ohio State University. After college, Krahn taught science in Newark, and studied for a graduate degree at Ohio State in the summers. It was during those summers that she met her future husband, physics graduate student Donald Krahn.
The family moved to Oklahoma, where Krahn finished the work for her Masters of Education in Counseling in 1973. In 1974, she gave birth to her first child, Nathan, with the second son Zebulun arriving in 1978. With two young children, Krahn became a stay-at-home mother for a time, also finding time to volunteer on a community board working to get funding for mental health care in part of Western Oklahoma. Once the funding was secured, Krahn worked as an HR director for a mental health center.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 31, 2023
Read:1/31/23
2.5 stars
This was a very boring read! The h was too brazen, and Queen Elizabeth is just crazy in this book. I know Elizabeth was possessive, but this book took it to another level.
I would recommend skipping this one!
2.5 stars
This was a very boring read! The h was too brazen, and Queen Elizabeth is just crazy in this book. I know Elizabeth was possessive, but this book took it to another level.
I would recommend skipping this one!
November 3, 2019
I really, really love Betina Krahn’s latest books, especially her current series about the Bumgarten family of ‘dollar princesses’, but this isn’t one of those. It was originally published in 1991, which I realised to my dismay a few pages into it when I started thinking that it read very ‘old skool’ and went to Goodreads to check. I mean… it’s not old skool like something from the 1970s which features forced kisses and other icky nonconsensual things, but it does start off with a hero having revenge fantasies about heartlessly seducing women he doesn’t even know, something which is a pretty instant turn-off and I don’t think you’d see published in a romance today.
The book needs trigger warnings for child sexual abuse (the hero was raped by an older woman at court when he was 13) and for animal cruelty (there’s a way-too-graphic scene where a bear, bull and ape are baited and killed by dogs for the entertainment of the Elizabethan court). Rugar, the hero, starts off overbearing but it’s slowly revealed that he does have a difficult history which has had the logical result of turning him into something of a control freak who hates to lose at anything. Pitting himself against Queen Elizabeth, however, is nothing short of foolhardy, because Elizabeth really didn’t tolerate losing well at all, and Rugar’s not the only one the queen’s anger falls upon.
Which brings us to Corinne, our heroine, a favourite of the queen because of her innocence, her quick mind, her beauty and, frankly, her being a massive Mary-Sue. Corrie is quite literally too perfect for words and as perfect people do, she really quickly started to get on my nerves. Even a potential enemy is charmed into becoming an ally by Corinne being just her adorably artless self, something which came off really unlikely given the Mean Girls vibe the court ladies gave off in general. That’s actually very historically accurate given what we know of Elizabeth I’s court; historical accuracy is probably this book’s strongest point and I found nothing to quibble with on that front at all. Scenes featuring the queen herself were fascinating, showing Elizabeth as strong-willed, tireless and perpetually Angry at the world she found herself living in. I wanted more of her and less of the perfect Corinne.
No matter how well-written and historically accurate the book, though, the fact that I didn’t like either of the two main protagonists in the romance leave this as a three-star for me. It’s not terrible, but it’s not up to the standard of Betina Krahn’s more recent writing.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
The book needs trigger warnings for child sexual abuse (the hero was raped by an older woman at court when he was 13) and for animal cruelty (there’s a way-too-graphic scene where a bear, bull and ape are baited and killed by dogs for the entertainment of the Elizabethan court). Rugar, the hero, starts off overbearing but it’s slowly revealed that he does have a difficult history which has had the logical result of turning him into something of a control freak who hates to lose at anything. Pitting himself against Queen Elizabeth, however, is nothing short of foolhardy, because Elizabeth really didn’t tolerate losing well at all, and Rugar’s not the only one the queen’s anger falls upon.
Which brings us to Corinne, our heroine, a favourite of the queen because of her innocence, her quick mind, her beauty and, frankly, her being a massive Mary-Sue. Corrie is quite literally too perfect for words and as perfect people do, she really quickly started to get on my nerves. Even a potential enemy is charmed into becoming an ally by Corinne being just her adorably artless self, something which came off really unlikely given the Mean Girls vibe the court ladies gave off in general. That’s actually very historically accurate given what we know of Elizabeth I’s court; historical accuracy is probably this book’s strongest point and I found nothing to quibble with on that front at all. Scenes featuring the queen herself were fascinating, showing Elizabeth as strong-willed, tireless and perpetually Angry at the world she found herself living in. I wanted more of her and less of the perfect Corinne.
No matter how well-written and historically accurate the book, though, the fact that I didn’t like either of the two main protagonists in the romance leave this as a three-star for me. It’s not terrible, but it’s not up to the standard of Betina Krahn’s more recent writing.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
January 17, 2020
This is a book from 1991 that is being rereleased to ebook version. It takes place during the reign of Elizabeth, mostly at her court and a small bit in Sweden.
Rugar has come to the English court as an ambassador for Sweden, but he comes bearing a grudge. Corinna has been sheltered and protected her whole life. She is invited to Elizabeth's court to be one of her maids of honor and they meet.
So this book. Well, there was a lot I really liked about it! And yet, a lot that bothered me. I think you should try this book if you are interesting in reading about a different time period. Seeing the court during Elizabeth's reign was fun, different. Betina Krahn did a great job of pulling me into that world, experiencing the fun and drama of court life as it could have been. If you like a busy plot you might like this. If you want to read about Elizabeth and her reign, you would probably like this too. The queen is in this book a lot and interfering in their relationship.
There's a bit of tension, a few kisses, a few scenes. I wouldn't say it's overly steamy, but its not clean. Middle of the road.
Thing things I didn't like about this book was it felt like it was all shenanigans. There was always SOMETHING going on. It never seemed to be just about the two of them. Someone was always being abducted or manipulated and just non stop drama. I felt like the book was half about the queen and half about their relationship. The other thing that bothered me was that Rugar was actively attempting to get with other women after he met and liked Corinna. Nothing ends up happening and he was always thinking about driving her out of his head, but it still bothered me. It only lasts a chapter or so, but still.
Anyone else try Betina Krahn? I don't think I've ever heard her talked about. I would definitely try another one of her novels though
I was able to receive an ARC copy complimentary from netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Rugar has come to the English court as an ambassador for Sweden, but he comes bearing a grudge. Corinna has been sheltered and protected her whole life. She is invited to Elizabeth's court to be one of her maids of honor and they meet.
So this book. Well, there was a lot I really liked about it! And yet, a lot that bothered me. I think you should try this book if you are interesting in reading about a different time period. Seeing the court during Elizabeth's reign was fun, different. Betina Krahn did a great job of pulling me into that world, experiencing the fun and drama of court life as it could have been. If you like a busy plot you might like this. If you want to read about Elizabeth and her reign, you would probably like this too. The queen is in this book a lot and interfering in their relationship.
There's a bit of tension, a few kisses, a few scenes. I wouldn't say it's overly steamy, but its not clean. Middle of the road.
Thing things I didn't like about this book was it felt like it was all shenanigans. There was always SOMETHING going on. It never seemed to be just about the two of them. Someone was always being abducted or manipulated and just non stop drama. I felt like the book was half about the queen and half about their relationship. The other thing that bothered me was that Rugar was actively attempting to get with other women after he met and liked Corinna. Nothing ends up happening and he was always thinking about driving her out of his head, but it still bothered me. It only lasts a chapter or so, but still.
Anyone else try Betina Krahn? I don't think I've ever heard her talked about. I would definitely try another one of her novels though
I was able to receive an ARC copy complimentary from netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 30, 2019
Good book. I especially enjoyed the setting of this one. Historical romances are overwhelmingly Regency era, but this one takes place mostly at the court of Elizabeth I with a little bit in Sweden. I felt that the portrayal of the intrigue and attitudes of the time were very well done. That said, the first 20% or so of the book dragged a little for me, but once Corrie and Rugar met, the story picked up quite nicely.
Corrie is eighteen years old and has been kept very sheltered by her parents. That comes to an end when Queen Elizabeth stops while on her progress around the country and takes a liking to Corrie. She insists that Corrie becomes one of her maids of honor. This horrifies her parents who are very familiar with the Queen's court and its ways, but they have no choice. Meanwhile, Corrie is thrilled with the opportunity to experience a wider world. It isn't long before Corrie becomes the queen's favorite. There are drawbacks to this, as Elizabeth is very possessive and warns off anyone who threatens her relationship with Corrie - especially the men. In spite of her intelligence and extensive education, Corrie is oblivious to the queen's machinations.
Meanwhile, Rugar is named ambassador to England by the king of Sweden and sent to establish good relations with the queen. This suits him to a T as he has personal reasons for going. As a lad of twelve, Rugar visited the court with his father, who was sent to propose a marriage between Elizabeth and the Swedish king. They were not treated kindly but mocked and derided for their differences. Rugar's father never recovered from the shame he felt at his failure, leaving Rugar burning with the desire for revenge. He arrives at the court determined to beat all the men in their manly contests and to seduce the queen's ladies.
It's at this point that the story picks up interest for me. Rugar is bowled over by his first sight of Corrie and makes her the target of his attentions. He is certain that she is just as immoral as all the other women of the court. Corrie is overwhelmed by Rugar's attentions, having never experienced anything like it. Her forthright nature supports Rugar's assumptions and his single-minded pursuit of her. I really enjoyed their interactions. Corrie's innocent reactions and questions draw Rugar closer to her. He is enchanted by her inquisitive nature and the passion he senses below her surface. As Rugar's attention stirs her senses, Corrie is determined to experience everything that she can. But as she becomes bolder, Rugar has to face the fact that he misjudged Corrie's experience, and tries to pull away. I ached for both of them at this point, because Corrie has fallen hard for Rugar, even though she feels that there is no future in it. Rugar, who has reasons for avoiding innocents, is determined to stay away from her but finds it impossible to do so. Dismayed to realize that he has fallen in love with her, Rugar is determined to protect her, even from himself.
There are outside forces that are determined to interfere. Elizabeth is angered by Rugar's attention to Corrie, even though she warned him off. She sets one of her spies on him, looking for a reason to send him away. Unfortunately, her spy has his own agenda. He has harbored a grudge against Corrie's parents for many years and looks on this a chance to even the score. When Corrie and Rugar are discovered in a compromising position, Elizabeth's rage knows no bounds.
The last part of the book flew by for me, as Corrie and Rugar escape the queen's attempts to keep them apart and flee to Sweden. I loved Corrie's joy in being there and ached for her as she faced resistance from Rugar's people. It was interesting to see Rugar's reaction to what happened and the effect it had on his view of the past. I was glued to the pages as the queen's fury continued to build and ripped Corrie and Rugar apart. I loved Rugar's determination to get her back, no matter what he had to do. The final showdown with the queen was a nailbiter. I loved Rugar's reaction to her demands and how he regained the upper hand. The epilogue was a terrific wrap-up to the story.
There was also a secondary romance between Corrie's cousin Anne and Rugar's friend Torgne. The sparks flew between them from the start. Torgne, like Rugar, had a low opinion of English morals. Anne, a relatively recent widow, is not ashamed of her needs and gets a great deal of satisfaction out of tempting him. When an unexpected mix-up throws the two of them together, the sparks burst into flame. I loved the scene on the ship as Anne goes all-out to break through Torgne's resistance. With both of them caught up in Elizabeth's outrage, there was some question as to their chances of a future together. I loved the scene at the end, as Rugar suggests the perfect "punishment" for Torgne's crimes.
Corrie is eighteen years old and has been kept very sheltered by her parents. That comes to an end when Queen Elizabeth stops while on her progress around the country and takes a liking to Corrie. She insists that Corrie becomes one of her maids of honor. This horrifies her parents who are very familiar with the Queen's court and its ways, but they have no choice. Meanwhile, Corrie is thrilled with the opportunity to experience a wider world. It isn't long before Corrie becomes the queen's favorite. There are drawbacks to this, as Elizabeth is very possessive and warns off anyone who threatens her relationship with Corrie - especially the men. In spite of her intelligence and extensive education, Corrie is oblivious to the queen's machinations.
Meanwhile, Rugar is named ambassador to England by the king of Sweden and sent to establish good relations with the queen. This suits him to a T as he has personal reasons for going. As a lad of twelve, Rugar visited the court with his father, who was sent to propose a marriage between Elizabeth and the Swedish king. They were not treated kindly but mocked and derided for their differences. Rugar's father never recovered from the shame he felt at his failure, leaving Rugar burning with the desire for revenge. He arrives at the court determined to beat all the men in their manly contests and to seduce the queen's ladies.
It's at this point that the story picks up interest for me. Rugar is bowled over by his first sight of Corrie and makes her the target of his attentions. He is certain that she is just as immoral as all the other women of the court. Corrie is overwhelmed by Rugar's attentions, having never experienced anything like it. Her forthright nature supports Rugar's assumptions and his single-minded pursuit of her. I really enjoyed their interactions. Corrie's innocent reactions and questions draw Rugar closer to her. He is enchanted by her inquisitive nature and the passion he senses below her surface. As Rugar's attention stirs her senses, Corrie is determined to experience everything that she can. But as she becomes bolder, Rugar has to face the fact that he misjudged Corrie's experience, and tries to pull away. I ached for both of them at this point, because Corrie has fallen hard for Rugar, even though she feels that there is no future in it. Rugar, who has reasons for avoiding innocents, is determined to stay away from her but finds it impossible to do so. Dismayed to realize that he has fallen in love with her, Rugar is determined to protect her, even from himself.
There are outside forces that are determined to interfere. Elizabeth is angered by Rugar's attention to Corrie, even though she warned him off. She sets one of her spies on him, looking for a reason to send him away. Unfortunately, her spy has his own agenda. He has harbored a grudge against Corrie's parents for many years and looks on this a chance to even the score. When Corrie and Rugar are discovered in a compromising position, Elizabeth's rage knows no bounds.
The last part of the book flew by for me, as Corrie and Rugar escape the queen's attempts to keep them apart and flee to Sweden. I loved Corrie's joy in being there and ached for her as she faced resistance from Rugar's people. It was interesting to see Rugar's reaction to what happened and the effect it had on his view of the past. I was glued to the pages as the queen's fury continued to build and ripped Corrie and Rugar apart. I loved Rugar's determination to get her back, no matter what he had to do. The final showdown with the queen was a nailbiter. I loved Rugar's reaction to her demands and how he regained the upper hand. The epilogue was a terrific wrap-up to the story.
There was also a secondary romance between Corrie's cousin Anne and Rugar's friend Torgne. The sparks flew between them from the start. Torgne, like Rugar, had a low opinion of English morals. Anne, a relatively recent widow, is not ashamed of her needs and gets a great deal of satisfaction out of tempting him. When an unexpected mix-up throws the two of them together, the sparks burst into flame. I loved the scene on the ship as Anne goes all-out to break through Torgne's resistance. With both of them caught up in Elizabeth's outrage, there was some question as to their chances of a future together. I loved the scene at the end, as Rugar suggests the perfect "punishment" for Torgne's crimes.
February 25, 2020
3.5 stars.
This was one of those reads where if I read it at any other time, or if I reread it, I probably would have had a lot of issues with it that would put this more in the 2/2.5 star range but I did read it at the right time.
Now I've been wanting/needing a historical romance set in Late Plantagenet/Tudor/Elizabethan era, I have a couple on my shelf (set I think when Henry VIII was King) but this one caught my eye.
Corrie is one of Elizabeth's maids of honor, actually she's a favorite of Elizabeth's maids of honor. Rugar is a Swedish Count and is an ambassador for the King, he also wants to get revenge for slights that Elizabeth gave his father years ago and essentially get all the women close to Elizabeth into his bed, which would tick the Queen off. However he is instantly captivated by Corrie and sets out to make her the first he defiles. Rugar thinks she's more experienced than she actually is and when he finds out she's never been with a man in any way he casts her aside and pursues every other woman in the court.
Behind Closed Doors started out really slowly. The first 50 pages were kind of boring but then finally when Rugar gets to court the story picks up a lot and from there stuff started happening.
As I was reading this, I didn't really like either Corrie or Rugar. Rugar because of how he treated Corrie after he found out she was still very innocent and Corrie because she kept going after him. She would catch him walking, being close with, or whispering in other women's ears and still think the best of him and chase after him. Both got on my nerves.
However I really enjoyed this. Didn't want to put it down.
This was one of those reads where if I read it at any other time, or if I reread it, I probably would have had a lot of issues with it that would put this more in the 2/2.5 star range but I did read it at the right time.
Now I've been wanting/needing a historical romance set in Late Plantagenet/Tudor/Elizabethan era, I have a couple on my shelf (set I think when Henry VIII was King) but this one caught my eye.
Corrie is one of Elizabeth's maids of honor, actually she's a favorite of Elizabeth's maids of honor. Rugar is a Swedish Count and is an ambassador for the King, he also wants to get revenge for slights that Elizabeth gave his father years ago and essentially get all the women close to Elizabeth into his bed, which would tick the Queen off. However he is instantly captivated by Corrie and sets out to make her the first he defiles. Rugar thinks she's more experienced than she actually is and when he finds out she's never been with a man in any way he casts her aside and pursues every other woman in the court.
Behind Closed Doors started out really slowly. The first 50 pages were kind of boring but then finally when Rugar gets to court the story picks up a lot and from there stuff started happening.
As I was reading this, I didn't really like either Corrie or Rugar. Rugar because of how he treated Corrie after he found out she was still very innocent and Corrie because she kept going after him. She would catch him walking, being close with, or whispering in other women's ears and still think the best of him and chase after him. Both got on my nerves.
However I really enjoyed this. Didn't want to put it down.
November 2, 2019
A young naive Corrie becomes one of Queen Elizabeth's maids of honor, against her parents wishes, but she has no choice. An entire world opens up for her and she soon becomes a favorite of the Queen. The drawbacks though are numerous as she is possessive of Corrie and almost keeps everyone away.
Rugar Kalisson, a Swede, is sent by his King as an ambassador to England. He dislikes the English and especially the virtuous English women plus he has revenge on his mind and when he sees Corrie, he sets his sights.
The author takes us into the historical times of Queen Elizabeth and makes the world come alive. Intrigue, revenge, humor, an obsessive Queen and the sparks of a romance that are bound to burn bright.
Really enjoyed this story and know you will too!
Rugar Kalisson, a Swede, is sent by his King as an ambassador to England. He dislikes the English and especially the virtuous English women plus he has revenge on his mind and when he sees Corrie, he sets his sights.
The author takes us into the historical times of Queen Elizabeth and makes the world come alive. Intrigue, revenge, humor, an obsessive Queen and the sparks of a romance that are bound to burn bright.
Really enjoyed this story and know you will too!
February 27, 2012
Great Elizabethan Sequel to CAUGHT IN THE ACT
Set in England (and a small bit in Sweden) in 1576, this is the story of Corinna Huntington, daughter of Jack and Merrie, the Earl and Countess of Straffen (from CAUGHT IN THE ACT) and a Swedish aristocrat. When Corrie is sought by Queen Elizabeth to be one of her ladies, Corrie’s father, a former rake, is horrified, knowing the immoral cesspool that is the court. Meanwhile, in Sweden, tall, blond Rugar Kalisson, Count of Aelthar, is sent by his king as a special ambassador to England. Rugar has a low opinion of the English and an even lower opinion of the virtue of English women, but he is happy to oblige his king, thinking it’s time the English learned some respect for Swedish men—time for his revenge. And the first woman he identifies for his conquest is innocent Corrie.
Krahn makes the court of Queen Elizabeth come alive, adding rich detail to the story and providing us an interesting glimpse into the life of the virgin Queen. (You might want to read the Author’s Note at the end first!) The hero and heroine are wonderfully complex and other characters richly drawn. The dialog is interesting and believable. (Sometimes Krahn’s wit had me laughing out loud.)
I loved this romance as much as I did CAUGHT IN THE ACT (to which I also gave 5 stars). You won’t be disappointed. It is a delightful and absorbing love story.
Set in England (and a small bit in Sweden) in 1576, this is the story of Corinna Huntington, daughter of Jack and Merrie, the Earl and Countess of Straffen (from CAUGHT IN THE ACT) and a Swedish aristocrat. When Corrie is sought by Queen Elizabeth to be one of her ladies, Corrie’s father, a former rake, is horrified, knowing the immoral cesspool that is the court. Meanwhile, in Sweden, tall, blond Rugar Kalisson, Count of Aelthar, is sent by his king as a special ambassador to England. Rugar has a low opinion of the English and an even lower opinion of the virtue of English women, but he is happy to oblige his king, thinking it’s time the English learned some respect for Swedish men—time for his revenge. And the first woman he identifies for his conquest is innocent Corrie.
Krahn makes the court of Queen Elizabeth come alive, adding rich detail to the story and providing us an interesting glimpse into the life of the virgin Queen. (You might want to read the Author’s Note at the end first!) The hero and heroine are wonderfully complex and other characters richly drawn. The dialog is interesting and believable. (Sometimes Krahn’s wit had me laughing out loud.)
I loved this romance as much as I did CAUGHT IN THE ACT (to which I also gave 5 stars). You won’t be disappointed. It is a delightful and absorbing love story.
June 9, 2012
This is book 2 of the Tudor Series and the sequel to CAUGHT IN THE ACT. It is a sweet love story. The heroine of the story, Corinna Huntington, is entirely too reasonable, responsible, and mature for an 18 year old. She is a very likable character and so was the hero and "rogue" of the story, Count Rugar Kalisson. They fall in love and find that they are at the mercy of a jealous Queen Elizabeth 1. There was not enough angst in the story line for me, and so, my level of interest began to wane. I do enjoy Betina Krahn's writing and wouldn't hesitate to read more of her books.
December 3, 2019
I completely loved this, a fabulous and exciting tale of a wickedly attractive but flawed Viking hero, Rugar determined to best Queen Elizabeth for her slights against his people and his father, once an emissary to her court from Sweden. He decides to best all her knights and seduce his way through her retinue but is stopped in his tracks by his inconvenient attraction to the beautiful and clever Corina Huntington, The queen’s beloved and newest Lady in Waiting.
I know that this is an old fashioned romance, and so the heroine is impossibly perfect, beautiful, innocent, kind and selfless, as well as intelligent and learned, but heck this is a romance,, and so I do love this type of heroine when written well, and Corina is not stuffy, I like the way she accepts and befriends her scandalous cousin for instance.. Rugar is a rugged alpha hero, who is brought down to earth with a bump because of his love for Corina, and the way his own prejudice against the English are reflected back to him by the way the Swedish court treat Corina when he takes her there as his bride. Once Corina and Rugar are compromised by their behaviour, they are wed, but as Elizabeth and others plot to separate the lovers and destroy Rugar, can they outwit their powerful adversaries and find a way to be happy across their two cultures.
The joy in this book for me was the way that Bettina Krahn depicts life at court, with its shallowness, frustrations, and how she portrayed the queen as vindictive yes, trying to keep Corina with her, and hurt Rugar, but also how isolated and difficult her position was, and how she was human underneath her rank and court intrigues. It was a really exciting plot with lots of interesting historical detail, and characters I really rooted for.
Highly recommended, if you like an old school historical.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book via Netgalley and all opinions are my own.
I know that this is an old fashioned romance, and so the heroine is impossibly perfect, beautiful, innocent, kind and selfless, as well as intelligent and learned, but heck this is a romance,, and so I do love this type of heroine when written well, and Corina is not stuffy, I like the way she accepts and befriends her scandalous cousin for instance.. Rugar is a rugged alpha hero, who is brought down to earth with a bump because of his love for Corina, and the way his own prejudice against the English are reflected back to him by the way the Swedish court treat Corina when he takes her there as his bride. Once Corina and Rugar are compromised by their behaviour, they are wed, but as Elizabeth and others plot to separate the lovers and destroy Rugar, can they outwit their powerful adversaries and find a way to be happy across their two cultures.
The joy in this book for me was the way that Bettina Krahn depicts life at court, with its shallowness, frustrations, and how she portrayed the queen as vindictive yes, trying to keep Corina with her, and hurt Rugar, but also how isolated and difficult her position was, and how she was human underneath her rank and court intrigues. It was a really exciting plot with lots of interesting historical detail, and characters I really rooted for.
Highly recommended, if you like an old school historical.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book via Netgalley and all opinions are my own.
January 26, 2020
As Queen Elizabeth’s prized new lady-in-waiting, Corrina Huntington is beautiful, innocent, and eager to know the world beyond her sheltered home—especially the mysteries of love. Despite the queen’s vow of protection, Corrie soon finds herself swept into the intrigues of the court, rampant with plots and pleasures—and discovers more than she ever imagined. Manly and magnificent, Count Rugar Kalisson swears vengeance on the insulting, overbearing English who scorn him for his Swedish heritage. He vows to best the vain queen’s knights in contest, and her ladies in seduction—including her latest pet. Love is not part of his plan, yet he and the sheltered English rose are soon drawn together by a reckless passion—a forbidden bond that will not only inflame the wrath of a jealous Queen, but provoke a diplomatic scandal.
This was an ok story. I don’t know why, but any books I’ve read that are rereleases from years past just haven’t worked for me and this one is the same. I don’t know why. I think part of it is the way females were written in previous decades that just don’t work anymore.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
This was an ok story. I don’t know why, but any books I’ve read that are rereleases from years past just haven’t worked for me and this one is the same. I don’t know why. I think part of it is the way females were written in previous decades that just don’t work anymore.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
April 12, 2020
The start of the book was slow. If not for the "stay at home" order I may have stopped reading this book. It is this reason that I only rated this book 3 stars. That is not to say there was nothing good about the start of the book. The pace picks up once the primary hero Rugar realizes that he is well and truly smitten with the primary heroine Corrina. I saw "primary" because there is secondary couple that can also be called "hero" Torgne and "heroine" Anne but they are supporting characters. With the main setting being the court of Queen Elizabeth I, there is a lot of court intrigue. While it is difficult to know how historically accurate, the book shows "behind the scenes" views of the Queen's life and decision making. Those scenes are entirely believable yet one questions how quickly she would have made a decision based on one conversation with an advisor.
The latter part of the story does prove surprising in how the issue of where both couples live (Sweden or England) is resolved.
The latter part of the story does prove surprising in how the issue of where both couples live (Sweden or England) is resolved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2019
Corinna Huntington, daughter of Jack and Merrie, the Earl and Countess of Straffen is sought by Queen Elizabeth to be one of her ladies. Her father being the rake that he was is horrified that his daughter will be among the immoral cesspool that is the court. Rugar Kalisson, Count of Aelthar, is sent by his king as a special ambassador to England. He has his own opinion of English women at court and their morals and he sets his sights on young and innocent Corrie as his conquest. They fall in love and find that they are at the mercy of a jealous Queen. A captivating story with details galore in the intriguing story of court life and love. An excellent story I loved and I voluntarily wrote a review.
March 10, 2020
really enjoyed Betina Krahn's Behind Closed Doors! In it, Ms. Krahn gives her readers a fictionalized view of what life could have been like in Elizabeth I's court. She tells it from the point of view of one of her ladies in waiting, young Corrina Huntington, a once sheltered innocent newly arrived at court. Corrie, who while fulfilling her tasks for the queen finds herself often confused by the actions of those around her. When she meets Count Rugar Kalisson, Corrie's life changes drastically, but is it for the better?
I believe this novel is a re-release from several years ago, as evidenced by its somewhat outdated language however, that does not lessen its appeal.I
Provided complimentary copy by Netgalley for honest and unbiased review.
I believe this novel is a re-release from several years ago, as evidenced by its somewhat outdated language however, that does not lessen its appeal.I
Provided complimentary copy by Netgalley for honest and unbiased review.
October 31, 2019
Behind Closed Doors by Betina Krahn is book Two in the Tudor Series. This is the story of Corrina Huntington and Rugar Kalisson. I haven't yet read the previous book so for me this was a standalone book. Corrina is the new lady-in-waiting for the Queen. Corrina is a young innocent women, something you don't see to much in the lady's court. Rugar has left Sweden to come to the Queen's court as ambassador and is quickly smitten with Corrina. But nothing goes easy for either of them.
This is a re-release of this book. I first read it a few years back and enjoyed it so I was happy to read it again this year.
This is a re-release of this book. I first read it a few years back and enjoyed it so I was happy to read it again this year.
October 31, 2019
4.5 stars - Betina Krahn is fast becoming one of my new favorite authors. Her characters possess an honesty about them that is attractive and engaging. The story itself is filled with nuggets of history that bring an authenticity to the telling that is not usually present in newer historical romances, and the romance itself is allowed to build and grow so that the reader is swept away with the characters. I thoroughly enjoyed Behind Closed Doors and can’t wait to read more from Ms. Krahn!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 7, 2020
Behind Closed Doors by Betina Krahn is book 2 of Tudor Series. It is set in Elizabethan England with a little in Sweden. It centers on how Corrina Huntington who is Queen Elizabeth's lady in waiting becomes involved in the intrigue of court life. Corrina starts out as an innocentand becomes invovled in a diplomatic scandal. It is an interesting read. Betina Krahn does a good job of including history in the story that helps the story move along.
I received a copy thru a Goodreads Giveaway.
I received a copy thru a Goodreads Giveaway.
dnf
March 1, 2021If I were to rate this book it would be somewhere between 2 -3 stars.
Writing is great, the characters are interesting and there is depth to the story. Plus I love that it takes place during the Elizabethan era. But it's the plot that is boring. The romance between the two characters is not interesting to me at all.
Partly it is also me. I have been in a book slump for the past few months.
I think my taste for books is changing and I didn't find what would fit my current state of mind, yet.
Writing is great, the characters are interesting and there is depth to the story. Plus I love that it takes place during the Elizabethan era. But it's the plot that is boring. The romance between the two characters is not interesting to me at all.
Partly it is also me. I have been in a book slump for the past few months.
I think my taste for books is changing and I didn't find what would fit my current state of mind, yet.
September 30, 2019
When this book was originally released, I read it and fell in love with the characters, the intrigue, and the suspense. I felt drawn into the story and taken away to Queen Elizabeth's court in England. I just reread this story because it's being released again, and find it as engrossing as the first time. It is one of my favorite historical romances. I recommend it highly. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Netgalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.
October 29, 2019
This was an entertaining, well-written book. Corinna is innocent and eager to learn more about the world now that she is become a lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth. Rugar has left Sweden to join the Queen's court as ambassador. Corinna and Rugar find unexpected passion, but there are also intrigues, plots, jealousy and vows of vengeance causing difficulties on their journey. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.
February 29, 2020
I enjoyed this. I noticed in the front of the book that the original copyright date is right around the time I began reading the Romance genre and I recall that Betina Krahn was a favorite author at that time. I don't recall reading this at that time though, so it's not like rereading a favorite. Corrie and Rugar are engaging as characters and the storyline flows well. There are times that the descriptions are a bit overly detailed. Fortunately, not too often.
Well done.
Well done.
June 12, 2024
Count Rugar Kalisson swears vengeance on the insulting, overbearing English who hate and scorn him for his Swedish heritage, so he makes a move on one of the Queen's Ladies-in-Waiting and ends up falling in love.
This book was okay, but I don't like reading about the English court. I'm not that into King and Queen stories.
This book was okay, but I don't like reading about the English court. I'm not that into King and Queen stories.
November 25, 2019
THIS IS A STORY THAT HAS A FEW TWISTS AND TURNS. DEFINITELY BETTER THAN I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE
August 27, 2014
Will the real Elizabeth I please stand up?
Behind Closed Doors is the sequel to Caught in the Act. It is the story of Merrie and Jacks daughter Corrie. Like it's predecessor, Caught in the Act is a wonderful read, although there were a couple of things that made it not quite as good.
In Behind Closed Doors we are presented with another delightful heroine, who has grown up to be much like her mother, at least in personality. Her father, Jack, seems to have grown into an overprotective father who is trying to protect the light of his eyes from all males that were like him in his younger days. So, he's not a happy camper when a command from Elizabeth I arrives demanding his daughter become one of her maids of honor. There's not too much he can do but allow his lovely daughter to become part of the licentious court that was Elizabeth I.
It is here that I arrived at my first problem - the portrait painted of Elizabeth I. She was a secondary character in Caught in the Act, but she was not yet on the throne and she is portrayed as a rather nice person. In this book, she is anything but. She is filled with jealousy, she is demanding, and she has hissy-fits of gigantic proportions. I have read quite a bit about Elizabeth I, both fictional and non-fiction. What I've read presents so many different images of her that I often wonder what she was really like. Sometimes she is portrayed has a highly intelligent, loyal person and sometimes she is portrayed as a crafty, dominating, obsessive villain. In this book she is the villain, and I suspect that while she probably had many insecurities, she wasn't quite the monster that she was in this story.
Anyway, honest, loyal, trusting Corrie is soon Elizabeth's pet. Elizabeth is very possessive of Corrie, to the point that she warns anyone (mostly males) off if they even sneeze in Corrie's direction. However, Corrie is never aware of any of Elizabeth's maneuvering. She is steadfast in her adoration of the Queen, sort of like Horton the elephant. "I meant what I said and I said what I meant...an elephant's faithful 100%."
Enter Rugar, our hero with thighs as big as tree trunks. You know ladies, if I ever saw a man who had thighs as big as a tree trunk I might take off running in the other direction. Of course it could be a sapling, but I doubt it. Anyway, Rugar is big and strong and sexy and golden and just made to make young innocent girls drool, which is what Corrie does. However, Rugar's got an axe to grind. You see when he was just a wee seedling, his father was humiliated by Elizabeth and her court. Rugar has never overcome his hatred of the English and Elizabeth and he has come to wreak revenge on all of them. His plan is to win every game there is, make all the men in court look ridiculous and make all the women want him, and seduce all of Elizabeth's ladies...starting with the stunning Corrie.
This book is similar in its layout to Caught in the Act. Our couple rather quickly fall in love, are separated, and get back together. While I loved both Rugar and Corrie, I did grow a tad bit irritated by one too many kidnappings. Just one would have been fine, thank you very much. But that was just a minor bump in the road.
Also present in this story was a strong secondary romance between Corrie's cousin Anne and Rugar’s friend, another tree but bigger, Baron Torgne Sigurd. These two are different in so many ways. Anne is a widow who is very aggressive, and she's got an itch that she wants some man to scratch. She's very up front about her sexuality and she's pretty salty in her language. She and innocent Corrie have quite a fun friendship. Torgne on the other hand is a proper stick in the mud male who has no use for tarts (not the kind you bake.) The secondary romance is highly combustible and almost steals the show.
Behind Closed Doors like Caught in the Act, is filled with Tudor intrigue, an interesting portrayal of Elizabeth I, and two delightful couples. Even though there was one too many kidnappings and I wasn't too fond of the mean queen, I highly recommend this book and you should try to find both of these rare stories for your collection.
KaysBlog
Behind Closed Doors is the sequel to Caught in the Act. It is the story of Merrie and Jacks daughter Corrie. Like it's predecessor, Caught in the Act is a wonderful read, although there were a couple of things that made it not quite as good.
In Behind Closed Doors we are presented with another delightful heroine, who has grown up to be much like her mother, at least in personality. Her father, Jack, seems to have grown into an overprotective father who is trying to protect the light of his eyes from all males that were like him in his younger days. So, he's not a happy camper when a command from Elizabeth I arrives demanding his daughter become one of her maids of honor. There's not too much he can do but allow his lovely daughter to become part of the licentious court that was Elizabeth I.
It is here that I arrived at my first problem - the portrait painted of Elizabeth I. She was a secondary character in Caught in the Act, but she was not yet on the throne and she is portrayed as a rather nice person. In this book, she is anything but. She is filled with jealousy, she is demanding, and she has hissy-fits of gigantic proportions. I have read quite a bit about Elizabeth I, both fictional and non-fiction. What I've read presents so many different images of her that I often wonder what she was really like. Sometimes she is portrayed has a highly intelligent, loyal person and sometimes she is portrayed as a crafty, dominating, obsessive villain. In this book she is the villain, and I suspect that while she probably had many insecurities, she wasn't quite the monster that she was in this story.
Anyway, honest, loyal, trusting Corrie is soon Elizabeth's pet. Elizabeth is very possessive of Corrie, to the point that she warns anyone (mostly males) off if they even sneeze in Corrie's direction. However, Corrie is never aware of any of Elizabeth's maneuvering. She is steadfast in her adoration of the Queen, sort of like Horton the elephant. "I meant what I said and I said what I meant...an elephant's faithful 100%."
Enter Rugar, our hero with thighs as big as tree trunks. You know ladies, if I ever saw a man who had thighs as big as a tree trunk I might take off running in the other direction. Of course it could be a sapling, but I doubt it. Anyway, Rugar is big and strong and sexy and golden and just made to make young innocent girls drool, which is what Corrie does. However, Rugar's got an axe to grind. You see when he was just a wee seedling, his father was humiliated by Elizabeth and her court. Rugar has never overcome his hatred of the English and Elizabeth and he has come to wreak revenge on all of them. His plan is to win every game there is, make all the men in court look ridiculous and make all the women want him, and seduce all of Elizabeth's ladies...starting with the stunning Corrie.
This book is similar in its layout to Caught in the Act. Our couple rather quickly fall in love, are separated, and get back together. While I loved both Rugar and Corrie, I did grow a tad bit irritated by one too many kidnappings. Just one would have been fine, thank you very much. But that was just a minor bump in the road.
Also present in this story was a strong secondary romance between Corrie's cousin Anne and Rugar’s friend, another tree but bigger, Baron Torgne Sigurd. These two are different in so many ways. Anne is a widow who is very aggressive, and she's got an itch that she wants some man to scratch. She's very up front about her sexuality and she's pretty salty in her language. She and innocent Corrie have quite a fun friendship. Torgne on the other hand is a proper stick in the mud male who has no use for tarts (not the kind you bake.) The secondary romance is highly combustible and almost steals the show.
Behind Closed Doors like Caught in the Act, is filled with Tudor intrigue, an interesting portrayal of Elizabeth I, and two delightful couples. Even though there was one too many kidnappings and I wasn't too fond of the mean queen, I highly recommend this book and you should try to find both of these rare stories for your collection.
KaysBlog
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2018
I am absolutely enamored with historical romances.
I enjoyed every plot, twist, line and description.
It was amazing!
I enjoyed every plot, twist, line and description.
It was amazing!
November 22, 2013
Most historical romances are sober affairs, with tortured heroes, Gothic settings, and haunted heroines being pursued by satanic villains. But this 1500's romance features laughter, bed-play, horseplay, and hi-jinks, with enough slapstick and teasing to lighten the darkest dungeon.
A deliciously innocent young lady in waiting, Corrie has no idea that men are different from women. But after a wickedly exciting initiation by her cousin Anne, Corrie is immediately enchanted by a handsome Swedish visitor to the English court. Rugar Kallisson has plans of his own, and seduction is merely a means to an end. But innocent Corrie responds to him with such adoring and trusting passion that before long he is fighting for right and justice and sacrificing everything just to make the innocent blonde his bride.
This is an original story, full of romance and fun, with great period research and a charming mixture of erotic sex, innocent laughter, and historical romance.
A deliciously innocent young lady in waiting, Corrie has no idea that men are different from women. But after a wickedly exciting initiation by her cousin Anne, Corrie is immediately enchanted by a handsome Swedish visitor to the English court. Rugar Kallisson has plans of his own, and seduction is merely a means to an end. But innocent Corrie responds to him with such adoring and trusting passion that before long he is fighting for right and justice and sacrificing everything just to make the innocent blonde his bride.
This is an original story, full of romance and fun, with great period research and a charming mixture of erotic sex, innocent laughter, and historical romance.
August 8, 2014
I LOVE Betina Krahn and have read many of her books. This one is perhaps the truest ROMANCE of all. The focus is so fully on the two lovers. The background Elizabethan England...and the villain is the queen herself. What I truly love is a Krahn ending. No, I won't spoil it, but I will say that when all seems hopeless, count on Krahn to find a way.
January 19, 2011
4.5. Really, really, really good story!!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews