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The Sin of Seduction
Sex was his weapon.
Joan Larke is everything a Tudor virgin should be; she has beauty, innocence and piety. But her ambitious brother throws all this away without a moment’s hesitation when the up-and-coming Tom Wolsey casts his lustful eyes on her.
Being little more than a mere chattel to the men who should protect her, Joan is thrust into the intrigues of the salacious Tudor court, where virtue has no value and ambition is the order of the day.
Her lover, Wolsey, knows how many secrets are passed in the bedchamber, and shamelessly enlists any woman who comes within his influence as his spy. He turns each one, under duress, into an informer who brings him information from her pillow talk with the movers and shakers of the early 16th century. But he needs love, too, and he keeps Joan to himself—for a time.
When Joan finds that she is no longer wanted and in peril of spending the rest of her life in a convent, she turns to Lady Anne Boleyn, who is rapidly supplanting Queen Catherine in Henry’s affections. But treachery is a double-edged sword, and the betrayer often becomes the betrayed in the shadowy world of Tudor court intrigue.
Although many before her have ended up disappearing or going under the headsman's axe because their usefulness was over, Joan hoards secrets she can trade, for her life is on the line as the would-be queen and the ruthless cardinal battle behind the scenes to secure the favour—and love—of their king.
Joan Larke is everything a Tudor virgin should be; she has beauty, innocence and piety. But her ambitious brother throws all this away without a moment’s hesitation when the up-and-coming Tom Wolsey casts his lustful eyes on her.
Being little more than a mere chattel to the men who should protect her, Joan is thrust into the intrigues of the salacious Tudor court, where virtue has no value and ambition is the order of the day.
Her lover, Wolsey, knows how many secrets are passed in the bedchamber, and shamelessly enlists any woman who comes within his influence as his spy. He turns each one, under duress, into an informer who brings him information from her pillow talk with the movers and shakers of the early 16th century. But he needs love, too, and he keeps Joan to himself—for a time.
When Joan finds that she is no longer wanted and in peril of spending the rest of her life in a convent, she turns to Lady Anne Boleyn, who is rapidly supplanting Queen Catherine in Henry’s affections. But treachery is a double-edged sword, and the betrayer often becomes the betrayed in the shadowy world of Tudor court intrigue.
Although many before her have ended up disappearing or going under the headsman's axe because their usefulness was over, Joan hoards secrets she can trade, for her life is on the line as the would-be queen and the ruthless cardinal battle behind the scenes to secure the favour—and love—of their king.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2016
2 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Adrienne Blake
30 books129 followersAdrienne Blakes lives in the Mid-Atlantic surrounded by rarely-seen neighbors whose lives are shrouded in mystery. Forever peeping through the curtains, she dreams of catching one to learn of their covert ways and the secret behind their bizarre WiFi handles. Adrienne lives to read and write and is forever in search of that one character that makes sense of it all. You’ll find her stalking out her next adventure at her website AdrienneBlake.com, on Facebook, www.facebook.com/AuthorAdrienne/, or send her an email: authoradrienneblake@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 24, 2020
AS HE GOT MORE POWERFUL, HE BECAME GREEDIER AND SOMEHOW LOST HIS WAY
Publisher’s Note: This is a rerelease of the book previously titled The Cardinal’s Whore.
I found this to be a fascinating story based on historical facts around King Henry, his reign, his wives, and mistresses, along with certain people in his court. Thomas Wolsey, a man of God under the Catholic faith, serves the King, and steadily gains positions, with more power and wealth. By chance, he sees Joan Larke, sister to Tom Larke, and he wants her and is determined to have her. There can be no marriage, but he promises her his love, a home, and care for any children.
“The Lord works in mysterious ways, my dear. And who are we to interfere?”
Joan Larke was an innocent woman, hoping for a decent marriage, and was in a way a pawn used by Thomas Wolsey and her own brother Tom Larke. She is a bit impetuous, and her loose lips, hasty judgment, and rash decisions lead to the demise of her brother and place others in grave danger.
The plot of the story is told with artistic creativity based on actual historical facts recorded during the reign of Henry the Eighth, and those surrounding him. Lust, love, desire, greed, power, control, and deceit all play critical roles in this story. Wolsey is a charismatic man, has the ear of the King, and in reality, he does hold allegiance with England, the Crown, and the Catholic church.
Even right before Wolsey’s death, he stated, “I see the matter against me how it is framed. But if I had served God as diligently as I have done the King, he would not have given me over in my gray hairs.” Thomas Wolsey let his own greed become his downfall, it ruined his love affair with Joan, taking on several other lovers, and eventually his battle with Anne Boleyn.
Note: For typical readers of Blushing Books, this story has no discipline, spanking, or BDSM elements. It is, in fact, a detailed erotic story with explicit sex scenes throughout the book
Publisher’s Note: This is a rerelease of the book previously titled The Cardinal’s Whore.
I found this to be a fascinating story based on historical facts around King Henry, his reign, his wives, and mistresses, along with certain people in his court. Thomas Wolsey, a man of God under the Catholic faith, serves the King, and steadily gains positions, with more power and wealth. By chance, he sees Joan Larke, sister to Tom Larke, and he wants her and is determined to have her. There can be no marriage, but he promises her his love, a home, and care for any children.
“The Lord works in mysterious ways, my dear. And who are we to interfere?”
Joan Larke was an innocent woman, hoping for a decent marriage, and was in a way a pawn used by Thomas Wolsey and her own brother Tom Larke. She is a bit impetuous, and her loose lips, hasty judgment, and rash decisions lead to the demise of her brother and place others in grave danger.
The plot of the story is told with artistic creativity based on actual historical facts recorded during the reign of Henry the Eighth, and those surrounding him. Lust, love, desire, greed, power, control, and deceit all play critical roles in this story. Wolsey is a charismatic man, has the ear of the King, and in reality, he does hold allegiance with England, the Crown, and the Catholic church.
Even right before Wolsey’s death, he stated, “I see the matter against me how it is framed. But if I had served God as diligently as I have done the King, he would not have given me over in my gray hairs.” Thomas Wolsey let his own greed become his downfall, it ruined his love affair with Joan, taking on several other lovers, and eventually his battle with Anne Boleyn.
Note: For typical readers of Blushing Books, this story has no discipline, spanking, or BDSM elements. It is, in fact, a detailed erotic story with explicit sex scenes throughout the book
July 1, 2020
t's not often that I read other reviews and think to myself "Did we read the same book?" This book is loosely based on Henry VIII's Tudor Court and specifically Thomas Wolsey and his long term relationship with his mistress Joan Larke. This book is too long, too drawn out, and was a challenge to complete. I think the author tried to describe the intrigues that were rampant in the Tudor court, but fell short for me. I felt the se* was gratuitous, the drama boring, and just left me feeling cheated. Not So Hot
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2020
3 1/2 - 4 stars
I thought this story was good. It had plenty of intrigue and drama. There was betrayal which was heartbreaking because I wanted her to be loved without someone using her. The review is based off my opinion which is diminished because this is a similar if not the same story which I read previously under a different title. That was not indicated prior to reading so I was surprised and disappointed by the omission.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I thought this story was good. It had plenty of intrigue and drama. There was betrayal which was heartbreaking because I wanted her to be loved without someone using her. The review is based off my opinion which is diminished because this is a similar if not the same story which I read previously under a different title. That was not indicated prior to reading so I was surprised and disappointed by the omission.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 30, 2020
Entertaining read with loads of drama, suspense and intrigue. The story takes place during the Tudor Court where Joan is thrust into this dark world and is used as a pawn by her own brother and Wolsey. Secrets and information and the cash in this court and hopefully Joan has enough to keep her safe from harm. Fast-paced read with loads of twists and turns, great characters and an entertaining story. I was hooked from beginning to end. I loved it.
July 2, 2020
This is a new to me author so I didn't know what to expect. This was an entertaining and fast-paced read with an intriguing storyline. The story is based on historical facts around King Henry, his reign, his wives, and mistresses. Very creatively written, but word of caution it does have quite explicit mature scenes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 30, 2020
I've read this author's work before and really enjoyed it - this did not disappoint
Really enjoyed the characters and the story
Look forward to more
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Really enjoyed the characters and the story
Look forward to more
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 30, 2020
Such a great read. So many moving parts that I couldn't put the book down. There was mystery, back stabbing, love, and broken hearts. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2020
I love historical romance. This is one dramatic Tudor romance. Back drop of Henry vlll regin Cardinal Wolsey staunch catholic serves the king. When he sees Joan Larke he must have her. He will manipulative her in a way she will be her downfall. Lots of Angst
July 1, 2020
I enjoyed Tom & Joan's book. This was an intriguing, fast-paced read. And a new author for me. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews