Anne and Louis: Rulers and Lovers

Anne of Brittany #3

by Rozsa Gaston

Anne and Louis: Rulers and Lovers is the stand-alone sequel to Anne and Louis, General Fiction Winner of the Publishers Weekly 2018 BookLife Prize.

The year is 1501. Europe’s fate rests in the hands of two monarchs at loggerheads.

Anne of Brittany meticulously orchestrates the perfect match for her only child by Louis XII, King of France. Her daughter will become the most powerful woman in Europe by marrying the future Holy Roman Emperor.

But when Louis abandons her wishes in favor of having their daughter marry his successor, Anne soon finds herself locked in a political struggle with the fate of Europe hanging between them. Things only get worse when Louis hatches a plan to conquer southern Italy.

Anne orders him to stay away from Italy, but Louis is determined to gain a foothold there for France. Joining Ferdinand of Spain in a secret pact to divide southern Italy between them, he plans to secure glory for France and expand his empire. But with rivals on all sides and allies he can’t trust, Louis discovers, with devastating results, that the age of chivalry is over.

As lovers, Anne and Louis are alive with passion. As rulers, they’re at each other’s throats. The future of Europe rests in their hands. Who will prevail?

Book Three of the Anne of Brittany Series of which Anne and Charles is Book One, Anne and Louis is Book Two.

Genres: Historical Fiction, France

336 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 2019

About the author

ROZSA GASTON writes books on women who reach for what they want out of life. Her focus is on 16th century European female rulers.

GASTON studied history at Yale, and then received her master's degree in international affairs from Columbia. She lives in Bronxville, NY with her family. Be sure to follow her on Bookbub for the latest on special offers. https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rozsa...

Her motto? History matters.

Reviews

[Melisende · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me.

The two stars is for tackling someone other than Eleanor of Aquitaine, Elizabeth I, or whoever is the current flavour of the month with historical fiction authors.

I am familiar with this period and the style of narrative just did not drawn me in and the characters left me flat. I could easily have left this unfinished but decided to persevere to the end.

For continuity purposes, I suggest reading the first two and the prequel, especially if new to this period and the characters.

[ErinAlise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this. I discovered this book quite by accident as I was searching for historical fiction and this certainly delivered. Incredible in-depth detail of what life at court was truly like and well researched. Anne twice crowned queen of France and Louis Xll had an ideal marriage for royals in which not only did they actually like each other but they were in fact passionately in love. Unfortunately though their marriage only has produced one child, a princess and many failed attempts at an heir. Their daughter Claude who is currently betrothed to Charles of Luxembourg is only two and unaware of what expectations will be required of her as she ages. Anne’s deepest wish is that she’ll be able to pass down her Birthright of Ruler in Brittany over to Claude and knows that only this marriage will allow her to do this. When the king becomes severely ill he realizes that he may never have a male heir from his own blood line and in a desperate attempt to achieve this he voids the marriage contract and outlines in his will that she is to marry his current heir Francis d’Angoulême. But what he really fears is just how angry his queen will be when she finds out and if she’ll honors his orders.
Although I very much enjoyed the history and art I was a little put off by the writing style and almost felt as if there were gaps within the chapters. I also felt that Anne was entirely too shallow at times and naive, which may just be how the author portrayed her. Nevertheless I would definitely recommend for an history lover or anyone looking to learn more about French monarchs.

[Fyo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

I intended to have this read and reviewed much earlier in the year. Unfortunately everything that's happened in the last few months, coupled with school and work has put me very behind in reading and reviewing.

This book, like its predecessors Anne and Charles and Anne and Louis: Passion and Politics in Early Renaissance France: The First Years of Anne of Brittany's Marriage to Louis XII, follows the life of Anne of Brittany, the last fully independent Duke of Brittany. Rulers and Lovers begins in 1501, with the proceedings for the engagement of Claude of France and Charles of Luxembourg and ends, leaving us in suspense, with Anne pregnant in January 1508. It focuses on Anne's marriage to Louis XII of France, their daughter Claude, and Anne's struggles to secure the independence of her people of Brittany.

This book frustrated me a great deal. It has a great deal of potential, and there were several parts I enjoyed-- Anne's tour of her duchy was done well and I especially liked the conversation between her and Philippe de Montauban about the bond between father and daughter-- what she is frustrated with, Claude's adoration of her father, is the same thing she had for her own father Francis. I also liked the acknowledgement of the heartbreak of loss- Anne losing so many babies and Louis seeing his men die in combat. Louis seeing the similarities and differences of the two was moving-- it made me think how both have to suffer and see people they love be lost for them to do their duties. Little Claude was adorable and I accept her as my queen already. If I were a romance fan (kind of the target audience, people who like historical romance), I probably would have enjoyed Anne and Louis's relationship.

Despite these strengths, there was a great deal in it that disappointed me and prevents me from rating it higher-- which I really wanted to do. I had two main issues with this book.

First, the exposition. Exposition is admittedly difficult to avoid when writing historical fiction, and in fact impossible when writing historical fiction that covers long periods of time. The first few chapters were strong from a narrative standpoint and I hoped that would continue throughout the book, and it did intermittently, but so much of it was expository, especially Louis's campaigns in Italy. I got the feeling that I was reading an essay on the war, not a novel (or I was having quarantine-induced flashbacks to when I taught history, that may also be a possibility). My mind wandered frequently during these sections, and I would have enjoyed more of them had there been actual scenes of the wars-- battles, Louis planning, anything more than just telling me where the troops moved. However, these parts are, as far as I know, accurate. I confess I don't know a lot about Louis XII, I know far more about his father, but nothing seemed hugely amiss. This holds true for the whole book, and the ones before it. Gaston studied history and she does a great job of getting the facts down, which is far more than I can say for most historical novels I've read. As I'm a historian by trade, I read a lot of nonfictional treatments of things like these, and I would have enjoyed a break from that and had more story to go with the history.

The other issue, and probably the most serious, was Anne herself. I found myself several times asking myself "Why do I like Anne again?" which is a terrifying question. Gaston is kind to Anne, and one of the overarching themes of her writing is, as her biography says, is "women getting what they want out of life." Anne had a very rough life, and to her credit Gaston does not make it worse, and she seeks to find happy moments for the queen. However, while she's portrayed positively, I didn't enjoy Anne as a character. The narration tells us that she's feisty and smart, but most of that comes out just with her arguing with Louis. She rarely actually works with Louis, since the central issues are his campaigns in Italy (which she thinks are stupid) and the question of Claude's betrothal to Charles of Luxembourg or Francis the Dauphin, on which they disagree to say the least. I think this missed out on what makes them an interesting paring historically-- they worked well together, despite their disagreements about Claude's future, and I had looked forward to seeing that in story form. Anne also never seems to take any part in ruling, all she does is order works of art made, make matches for her cordelières, and try to make babies. Historically she served as regent for Louis twice when he was away at war or sick, but that never comes into the story. She also doesn't do any administrative work for Brittany, except fight against Claude being married into France. I forgot what it was that made Anne such a fascinating figure and was sorely disappointed with that part.

There were parts I enjoyed, as I say above, and Gaston has a strong footing in the history of the era, which as a historian I greatly appreciate. You can also tell she very much cares about Anne and wants to tell her story, which is also very important in historical fiction. This book is perhaps best suited to readers who just want an overview of the era without having to read a 700 page nonfiction book, and readers looking for a light romance with a historical setting. My impressions of Anne in this book will probably be completely different than those of the next person to read it. I hope Gaston continues to write about this era, each successive book in the series has improved on the last. This book as a whole just didn't work for me.

[Ginger Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Court is my favorite place to be! I'm sure I was born in the wrong era! Rozsa Gaston makes being in the Court of France so easy and intriguing. This is the third in a series, but each book can be a stand alone. Her books will appeal to Young Adult readers as well as old Royal watchers like myself. Highly recommended!
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. Thank you, Netgalley!
All opinions are my own.

[Christine Cazeneuve · Rating 5 out of 5]

The saga continues

This is book three of what is to be a four book series and I enjoyed this very much. Fast paced and I have come to know and appreciate Anne as a woman, mother, wife and ruler. The marriage between Louis and Anne was unique and a joy to experience. Looking forward to the final book.

[Stanley McShane · Rating 5 out of 5]

History buffs will love this tale. Ms. Gaston has brought to life a period in history with great sympathy. Follow Anna as she tries to keep Brittany free from French rule while being married to Louis the king. What a spunky and smart ruler she was! This historical drama is rife with intrigue and castle politics.

Add in Isabella and Ferdinand of Spain and you get a particularly spicy and turbulent dynamic. Ferdinand does not keep his word or treaties whenever he thinks he can get away with it. Marriage intrigue is also a pivotal part of inter-royalty life.

Miscarriages plague Anne and the attempt to provide a male heir to the French throne is heartbreaking. Her daughter loves her step-father Louis but is betrothed at a very young age to a scoundrel. I was amazed at the way Anne tried to get her daughter to learn the fine art of manipulating men. Most men get no preparatory training in the art of manipulating the fairer sex!

Political intrigue throughout the kingdom is a never-ending struggle. It makes me wonder how anyone survived those turbulent times. Historically accurate fiction well written, easily envisioned and engrossing. Book 3 of the series but can easily be read as an immersive standalone. My hat is off to Rozsa, she did an exemplary job on this book.

We received this digital download from the publisher through NetGalley and appreciated the opportunity to read and review. Totally recommended! 5/5 Stars CE Williams

[Danny Lamar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is that series Jessica recommended and I forgot about it for awhile due to some drama in my life. This is a reminder how good it is!! I highly recommend this series. Very few books out there about Anne of Brittany and this author does an awesome job with it!!

[DrewB161 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ann and Louis: Rulers and Lovers is the third in Rozsa Gaston’s Anne of Brittany series.

Opening in 1501, Ann and Louis must arrange their daughters’ future. Salic law prohibits a woman inheriting Louis XII’s crown. Louis is becoming increasingly conscious of the importance of his daughter, Claude’s, future marriage. So much so he begins making secret plans. However, no such law prohibits Claude from ruling Brittany - a priority of Anne’s.

Gender and social politics frame much of this instalment. Our protagonists understand that they are navigating the territory that will have consequences.

I know little of the period but never felt lost as Gaston deftly instructs the reader of the setting, characters and historical basis. With elegant, lucid prose it never overwhelms and the penmanship is engaging - she shows rather than tells. The characters are fully formed, and one can empathise with their situations. I loved the craftsmanship and evident research Gaston does.

I had missed the second instalment, Passion and Politics in Early Renaissance France. For this reason, I spent the last week reading both volumes. I was sad to finish.

I both enjoyed and recommend the series. I've purchased all three for a friend for Christmas. It’s a real joy. I’m grateful to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this series.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read the first two books in the Anne of Brittany series I was very happy to receive the third book from Netgalley in return for a review. I enjoyed this book as much if not more than the first book. The first two books covered Anne from her childhood through her her first marriage with Charles VIII of France and after his death her subsequent marriage to Louis XI. This book opens with Anne and Louis awaiting the arrival of Philip of Flanders and Juana of Spain. Anne and Louis hope to betroth their daughter the Princess Claude to Philip and Juana's son Charles. The book also relates Louis' wars in Italy and Anne's heartbreaking attempts to try and provide France with an Heir. Although this is a work of historical fiction it is quite accurate and an excellent and enjoyable read. There is a bibliography if the reader wishes to reader more in depth about Anne of Brittany. There are also numerous illustrations scattered through this book which make this book even more interesting.

[Kitty Pollock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know much about Anne and Louis but i love finding people like this through Historical Fiction. You get your main characters from history that, what seems like everyone writes about, when there are so many fascinating people waiting to be written about. I liked how that author wrote their story and the dynamic of the couples relationship. They go though a lot of drama together but they love passionately! Unfortunately, there was one or two part i felt the book could have been without but it really doesn't take away from the cosy read that this book is!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jessica Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I have said before, I am so glad I stumbled upon this great author. This is what historical fiction books are meant to be: historically accurate and able to take you into a bygone era, and this book does exactly that. The relationships are vivid and real and the characters multi-dimensional. There is a perfect balance of history and romance, which is rarely done these days. Most books masquerading as historical fiction rely on graphic sex, profanity or overdone love scenes to propel them along. THIS books gives the perfect balance of loves scenes, historical facts and culture immersion, and that is not an easy balance to navigate. Gaston is now officially one of my favorite authors.

[Yaya507 · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book on the history of the French monarchy and it left me wanting to know more! Well written and easy to follow; couldn't put it down once I started reading.
The only issue I had was that there were some paragraphs in several of the chapters that were not part of the story and could have been left out. Other than that it was a great lesson in French history and I'm on to my next one to learn more!

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC copy!

This review sat in my "drafts" folder and I didn't know it. Now posting 2 years after reading it.

[Mary Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now a mature couple they rule

With different expectations. Anne, Queen of France and Duchess of Britanny is exacting, yet generous. She was born to rule and has the head to do so.

[Elese Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical fiction - so I'm a sucker for this kind of writing...

Well done!

[Eaweishaupl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and free review. I’m a big fan of historical fiction and was intrigued about learning about the French Royal Family in the same historical period as the Tudors in England. The book like its predecessors centers on Anne of Brittany and her husband Louis. The book begins in 1501 with the engagement of Claude of France and Charles of Luxembourg and ends seven years later in 1508 with Anne pregnant again.

The book is well researched and chock full of interesting historical tidbits about the French court and Anne as the last independent Duke of Burgandy. This was an era of strong Queens with Isabella of Castile and Elizabeth Woodville for comparison. The book centers on the marriage and very real love story between Anne and Louis and their daughter Claude. Anne suffers much loss in pregnancy, true to the life of women of this time and the loss and heartache that she suffers from this matches the loss that Louis suffers in losing his men and comrades in the nearly constant wars at this time. There is also the relationship between Claude and her father and a feeling of real love and adoration between them. Rare in a time when princesses were mostly used as political pawns without thought to the outcome of a political marriage. In addition Anne struggles to maintain the independence of Brittany as a female ruler with a strong husband.
However, it took me a very long time to read this book. It is very heavy on exposition. There is a lot of historical ground to cover and give context. And to give the author credit this context is given in detail. It is well researched but sometimes feels more like a graduate thesis than a book of historical fiction. There are many many characters, many of whom are interesting, but so many details and characters who may or may not be important make it confusing to understand the main story of the book. It was very slow going through the eight years that the book covers. It is clear that the author is very knowledgeable and cares about these historical figures. It just is difficult for the reader to follow and care in the same way. Thus my three star rating. If a reader wants to learn about this period of time without reading a nonfiction account and is willing to commit the attention to figuring out who is who and why they are important during this seven year period then this is the book for you.

[HalKid2 · Rating 3 out of 5]

At best, I can sum up this third novel in a three-book series on Anne of Brittany as UNEVEN and an apparent set up for a fourth novel.

Covering the years 1501 -09 Anne and Louis XII of France are now settled in their marriage and in their administration of Brittany and France respectively. Theirs is a love match, though each prioritizing the governing of their individual realms above anything else. After a sad history of miscarriages, stillbirths, and young children dying from illness -- they have only one living daughter Claude. And while both love her dearly -- they have different visions for her future. In the absence of a living son (though they are still trying for one), Louis wants Claude to marry his male heir, Francois, Count of Angoulême, and become Queen of France. Anne wants Claude to take over Brittany and marry the heir to the more powerful Holy Roman Empire.

The sections of the book I enjoyed most were those that showed the close and loving relationship between Anne and Louis, where each partner, despite their political and temperamental differences, treasures the strength and independence of the other. As well as the relationship between Claude and her father which closely parallels Anne's memories of her own relationship with HER father.

But, unfortunately, too much of the book reads like a dry history text. Long passages with details about battles involving Louis and treaty disputes with Ferdinand of Aragon. And equally long passages about Anne's support for the arts -- including quite tedious and UNinteresting conversations with various artists working on the elaborate tombs Anne wants for her parents and dead children as well as planning and executing an opulent "Book of Hours" (a Christian devotional work). The material simply was not very compelling.

Though I expected the book to end either with the death of one or both of these rulers, instead it ends quite abruptly in 1509 with Anne in the middle of labor. (This is why I assume there will be a sequel since Anne lives another 5 years beyond 1509.) It seemed like a strange place for an ending.

I can't say I recommend the series, except to those who have an interest in either Anne or Louis or both. I can say I learned more about these two historical figures.

[Melissa Muldoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is lovely to learn about a strong female who influenced history and it is obvious this book is well-researched and the author is passionate about her subject. However, this book reads like a history book accounting of Anne and Louis's life over seven years. There are many names, dates, treaties, battles, and births to keep track of, and as the book progresses, these all become overwhelming and a little dry. I was hoping to read a novel based on historical facts that would bring Anne and Louis's characters to life in an imaginative way and that there would be an engaging plot. Still, as a historian, I enjoyed learning about Anne of Brittany and Louis King of France.

[J. A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction series

I love history, for setting & time line. Cultures & world building. Understanding characters , why they made the decisions they made. Often depends on the culture they & their parents were born in. & Their decisions depend on the world they live in. Events they experienced & survived.

[Meredith Michaels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks for the recommendation Jessica! This was a good find. I stupidly read out of order l think but it does not detract from the book at all. This is a 5 star series. If you are interested in this time period this is a great choice because few authors write about it and most don't get it right but this is a winner!! Great history wrapped around a tremendous story!

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a novel for me. Interesting and well- researched facts and characters on the one hand (hence the 3*), and dialogues which seemed to aim to YA readers on the other hand. Too much discrepancy for me.

[Hildie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to commend this author because there were pictures by the explanations of people or things, which is SO RARE in an adult historical fiction or non-fiction! What a joy to not only learn about Anne and her life, but to get the history alongside it. I wish more books would made like this!

[RainLady777 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome. Thanks for recommending this, Jessica! I had some drama going on and it took me while to finish but that had nothing to do with the book. When I finally got back to it, I found it HIGHLY enjoyable reading!!

[Janice Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Transported in time!

[Dori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3

I didn't read the series in order last time
I am enjoying rereading the ones I have read - the ones I missed make it all the more alive.

[Blubonnet1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

06/12/2022

[Justine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish there were 20 in this series! Five star all the way!

[Teresa A. Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like the other two

An excellent read. Can't wait to read the fourth. She has written others as well. Be glad to read those too.