Hour of the Rose

Draycott Abbey #1

by Christina Skye

The first book in the classic Draycott Abbey series from bestselling Christina Skye, now in a beautiful new package

Secrets gather in the shadows of Britain' s Draycott Abbey-intrigues of evil, unscrupulous men...and the astonishing mysteries of a star-crossed romance from centuries past. Dashing ex-Royal Marine Michael Burke has come to Draycott to unmask a treacherous conspiracy. Kelly Hamilton, a beautiful archaeologist gifted with second sight, is searching for a priceless historical relic. But soon both are caught up in the magic of the moon-drenched abbey-unexpectedly united in desire and sensuous need...as they are drawn deeper and deeper into a dangerous web of deceit and betrayal. For only Michael and Kelly hold the key to the future and the past. And only their bold new passion can lay the abbey' s ghosts to rest...by fulfilling the ancient promise of a rapturous love reborn.

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Time Travel, Paranormal Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Fantasy

400 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 1, 1994

About the author

AKA Roberta Helmer

Roberta Helmer is an American writer of Chinese art and culture and as Christina Skye is a best-selling USA Today and Publishers Weekly writer of over 23 romance novels. Her romance book have been translated into 8 languages.

Roberta Helmer was born in Dayton, Ohio, U.S.A., an is a descendant of Revolutionary War hero Adam Helmer. She attended the University of Pennsylvania and obtained a doctorate in classical Chinese literature at Ohio State University, where she learned to speak fluent Chinese, French, and Japanese. Later, she worked as translator and as a consultant to the National Geographic Society and the American Museum of Natural History. She lived in on the western slopes of McDowell Mountains in Arizona.

Reviews

[Alex is The Romance Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Christine Skye’s Draycott Abbey Series and have read all the books. There is something so magical about Draycott Abbey, so unforgettable. Home to the Draycott family for hundreds of years, it has been watched over by the ghost of Adrian, one of the Draycott ancestors and Gideon, his companion who just happens to be a fabulous, clever ghostly cat. They will do anything to protect the abbey and the people they love and have loved – I love the interaction between the two….it’s really amazing.

This is the first book in this series (although there are 2 novellas written previously about Draycott Abbey…more about those later).
Michael Burke, a dark, handsome and passionate ex-Royal Marine has come to Draycott Abbey to expose a conspiracy and there he meets Kelly Hamilton, a beautiful archeologist, who has been gifted with second sight and who is searching for an urn of historical and priceless value. Both feel an incredible attraction, which they try to deny at first but soon they begin to realize that they cannot stop the strong and deep feelings they have. It’s as if they both knew each other before.
From the moment she arrives at Draycott Abbey, Kelly is consumed by flashes of a past she feels she is part of and begins thinking that she may be losing her sanity. Danger, deceit and betrayal, evil men who will do anything to destroy Kelly and Michael as they did centuries ago with Aslin and Lyon – there are two stories which tie in with each other. Two soul mates who had lost each other centuries ago finally being together again.

Such powerful writing…..immerses you totally in the story that one is unable to stop reading.

I have read the entire series dozens of times and each time I take a trip to Draycott Abbey and let the magic take over.
Christina Skye – you rock!!!!!!

[Eastofoz · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting kind of romance novel where medieval and contemporary romance meet in the backdrop of the mysterious and ancient Draycott Abbey. You actually have two stories from two different time periods that come together as one.

Neither of the heroines like the heroes at the beginning and some good quips are exchanged. Both heroes are die hard “you do as I say” alphas but the heroines stand up to them more than once which leads to some testy/sizzling situations.

There is a bit too much information overload at the beginning that left me wondering if the story was ever going to start and it could’ve used a bit more steam detail, though what was there was good nonetheless, just thought it had potential for more. Sometimes the language used in the contemporary part of the story seemed like it should’ve been in the historical part but the historical was right on.

If you like the idea of lovers who stand the test of time and are destined to be together regardless of the pitfalls encountered then this may just be your next book :)

[•Mrs Pizza•]

Immediately no.
I will try again. But now it’s no

[Amanda Bhear · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm always up for a little action, fun & I love the ghost & his cat popping up somewhere to check things out! I love them. Just go over & pull one of the shelf. I've had them for at least 15 yrs. I don't know how many times I've read them in order. I do that with a lot series I have. It seems more fun for me that way.

[Dzura · Rating 1 out of 5]

Saya tidak bisa menyelesaikan novel ini -__- entah kenapa ceritanya agak sulit di mengerti dan mendingan aku berhenti membaca.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could be a stand alone

Nice twist, love 💘 mystery, history, enjoyable read, slightly adult but not overdone, clean and simple read for a rainy day

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Age: 18+
Language: Mild
Love Scenes: Definitely, but not explicit
Violence: Mild
Recommend: Yes

This one has got to be one of my favorites (My favorite is actually Adrian's (the ghost) story). The romance was believable and flowed wonderfully. It's an enemies to lovers tale, and I have to admit, it's one of my favorite tropes. I loved Kelly and the strength she carried through the book. I loved how she never backed down, and thought things through, except Michael. Ah, Michael, there were moments I wanted to slap some sense into him, but then he would straighten up and it would work out. Adrian and Gideon make an appearance, and so does Adrian's lady love, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I swear, I would read an entire series just for Adrian and his love along with the wonderful cat, Gideon. Don't you agree?

In the Draycott series, there are flashbacks to a time and love from the past. Each flash to the past is full of answers as to why the present day couple is struggling and drawn together. The flashbacks in this story are wonderful and full of love and pain. I literally teared up when reading the couple from the past and their struggles. *spoiler* happy ending.

The love scenes were tastefully done and I could see them happening when they did, which is not like other writers who put them in there just to add words or scenes, which I hate. These enhanced the story and only added more to the connection of the couple, not a hinderance.

Recommended: Yes, if you enjoy romance with mystery and a bit of mystical intrigue, then this is for you.

[Debby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Michael Burke has done several national security operations for England. He's also grown up next door to Draycott Abbey. Kelly Hamilton is an archaeologist with 2nd sight after an accident five years earlier. She's done several missions for the U.S. They're both sent to the Abbey to recover an urn hidden there only they don't know why the other one is really there. They eventually find it and uncover several traitors and fall in love.

Good basic story but somewhat choppy. There are ghosts at the Abbey, but why isn't well explained nor is their part in the present story.

[Lynda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I get the idea...responsible, professional people who act irresponsibly because they may be controlled by 900 year old spirits at usually inconvenient times. Both Kelly Hamilton, archeologist/intelligence specialist and Michael Burke, British Lord and intelligence specialist were characters I could not like. And the underlying story seemed as inconsistent as the characters' behavior. Sorry, this one was not to my liking.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I wasn't reading this book with a copy-editor's eye, I only noticed three errors within 372 digital pages: two missing commas and a few words out of order. By my standards, that makes Ms Skye technically a very good writer.

However, I don't care at all for her subject matter, which seems more appropriate for Hustler or Penthouse. Christina Skye will go on my list of authors not to be read again.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful read

Old fashioned love, two stories for the price of one, intertwined with that hint of paranormal. Marathon the butler deserves medals and is always charming.. I still wonder what the significance is between the bright orange or the neon green sneakers…;) English castles and intrigue, both modern and ancient. Knights in every age. A quick, well written, well researched read, with great “world building” : the old world and the new english world.

[Ruth Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first book is about Michael Burke and Kelly Hamilton. They are pitted together to find an urn which has the names of all contacts of a dead drug warlord. Throw in a ghostly guardian and mysterious cat and you have an entertaining story. The Draycott Abbey is chalk full of lore and ghostly happening. Get it and start your adventure.

[Liz Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swords and urns

Two love stories for the price of one! Nine hundred years separate the two couples, but love reigns supreme as each of pair deals with their own...but intertwined...fates.

[Mai · Rating 2 out of 5]

More a two and a half star. I didn't like this as much as the later ones in the series. A bit more threatening of rape than I prefer in my light romances. I think the series definitely improved as it went on. Still an interesting story though.

[Phylisha Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

An ancient relic lead a psychic archeologist and an ex-Royal marine to lasting love. A good action, mystery, intrigue love story.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great mystery. Very suspenseful right up to the end. Kelly’s visions are cool. Michael is arrogant. Glad he and Nick were able to patch up their relationship in the end.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book

You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so.Shelley MA

[Gary Helmick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner from Christina

Mystery and a love that transcends the ages, what more could you ask for? Add in a smoking hot commando that's the icing on the cake!

[Sharyn Wheatley]

good

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4 stars

OK, so this book isn't connected with it's paperback/mass paperback counterpart. But I like this cover much better, and it's the Kindle cover, so...

I really enjoyed this introduction to Draycott Abbey - to it's ghost guardians (Adrian 8th Viscount and Gideon the cat), to its current Viscount Nicholas and his wife Kacey (their story is in another book), to the almost omniscient butler Marston with his proper suit and neon running shoes, and to the beautiful grounds.

But this story is about Kelly Hamilton/Aislann and Michael "Misha" Burke/Lyon of St. Vaux... how their meeting in the present at Draycott Abbey causes their "past" lives from the

Kelly is an American archeologist with a special "gift"; 5 years ago, she had an accident where she fell (or was thrown?) from a cliff, putting her into a coma for months. When Kelly awakened, she could do "remote viewing" - able to describe any place simply from map coordinates, including the terrain, structures, hidden rooms, occupants, and objects. Kelly could see them all. After discovering her abilities, Kelly sometimes works for Miles O'Halloran through his U.S. government connections to do her remote viewing and provide intel. But Kelly's done - the gift takes a lot out of her, and she wants to focus on her current archaeological work. Not to mention that the job Miles has for her is in England, a place she doesn't want to return to after her accident.

But Miles persuades Kelly by promising her anything and everything she needs for her current dig if she'll only help locate an object that happens to be buried near Draycott Abbey... an urn. But Kelly doesn't know why Miles or the government wants the urn, just that it's important. Her cover is as an archaeologist trying to locate a sword in the Norman ruins - the same ruins where the urn is buried.

Michael (Mikhail) "Misha" Burke is ex-Royal Marine (Commander) and the current Viscount Dunwell and Marquess of Selton, neighbor and childhood friend of Nicholas Draycott... until 10 years ago, when an incident involving Michael's Russian mother and Nicholas' English father came to light. But Michael has a job to do: he's to locate the missing urn, too. A few years ago, Nicholas was taken captive and tortured by an Asian drug lord; when Nicholas was able to finally escape from his Thai prison, he brought the urn filled with microfilm of the drug lord's connections and records with him back to England and buried it - somewhere. The Problem is that Nicholas doesn't remember taking the urn or where it's buried - just that it's somewhere "safe". The British government not only wants the urn, they believe it's booby-trapped with enough explosives to blow Draycott Abbey off the map - or at least a significant portion of it.

When Kelly and Michael meet, sparks fly. But the sparks intensify with Kelly's "gift" in action, especially when the atmosphere of Draycott Abbey and it's ghosts (Adrian and Gideon) have both Kelly and Michael dreaming about the ancient past... when they were both living other lives, as star-crossed lovers, Aislann the Saxon woman accused of being a witch and Lyon St. Vaux the Norman conqueror who's trying to capture Aislann and stop her witchery and rebellion against him once and for all. The events of Aislann's and Lyon's lives cross-over into Kelly's and Michael's present, even though they can't quite accept it.
------------
I liked the chemistry between Kelly and Michael. The author did a great job of building the suspense, even over what really happened between Michael and Nicholas. She expertly wove the past and present stories together, using Adrian and Gideon as our Chorus, if you will, to guide us through how the past is affecting the present.

Enjoyable, steamy, sassy, romance with ghostly elements and past lives intertwined.

[Shelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed with this book. I didn't really care for either of the storylines and I thought the characters were kind of boring. Also, the conflict felt forced to me. The villian was just kind of thrown in at the end.

[Jessi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is the proper start of the Draycott Abbey series. There is another short story that introduces us to the Viscount Draycott and his wife but this is the first full-length book.
In the book, Both Michael Burke and Kelly Hamilton have been summoned to the Abbey to find an urn that the viscount brought back with him after he was tortured. Unfortunately, the Viscount couldn't remember where he put the urn. He's gone to the hospital with his wife, expecting the birth of their first child, and Michael and Kelly therefore have run of the grounds.
Kelly, an archaeologist, is there under the premise that she's looking for a lost sword. She's also hiding another secret, since a life-altering accident, she has been psychometric, able to find lost objects. She's been working for the American government locating objects and has been sent here.
Like early books in the Suzanne Brockmann Troubleshooters series, Christina Skye layers two love stories, one from the past and one in the present. Unlike Brockmann, Skye's love stories involve the same two people, just in different centuries.
A good, fast read, if you like Skye in general, you will enjoy this book. It's interesting that she uses the same premise (mistaken identity, specifically, hero assumes heroine is a prostitute sent to... relieve... him) in this story as in the short story I mentioned earlier, but it's a small part of the book and, really, a meet-cute.

[Linda (NOT RECEIVING NOTIFICATIONS) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pleasant introduction to the Draycott Abbey series. Mixed with some paranormal elements and intrigue, Kelly Hamilton and Michael Burke first meet under the auspices of a mythical sword and a missing urn. We are also introduced to several other characters that I assume will have their own story in another book.

Kelly is a professor and archeologist looking for a missing urn. She has a 'gift' of living in moments of the past that help her find things in the present day. Not quite a psychic, she has no control over when an episode will happen. In turn, Michael performs dangerous missions for the British government. He is also looking for the urn but works best alone until kismet intrudes.

An attempt on their life, unwanted intense attraction and flashes to the past are just a few of the situations going on in HOUR OF THE ROSE. At times too busy, the author still provides you with enough conditions to draw you in. Unfortunately, early on, I was able to figure out who the villain was so it took away some of the punch of the plot. I was going to continue with the series but I read that most of the succeeding stories are similar in quality.

[Maura · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting story in which Michael and Kelly are looking for artifacts on Draycott Abbey ground. Kelly has the ability to see what is under the ground before digging (she can't control it) and Michael is a spy for the government looking for an urn. The two are not happy to be working together, or near each other as it is. And Michael is pretty dominant and controlling...not an asshole exactly, but he toes the line on occasion. And each of them is plagued with memories from a past life which influence the development of emotions toward one another...as I've said before, a justification for insta-love. Because as soon as they each recall their previous life together, they love each other. Just like that. But then there's still the action and suspense as they face off against the bad guys.

[Tania · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel is a nice mix of the natural and supernatural, the romantic and the historical, love from centuries before and love from today. The story moves along quite nicely, the characters are likeable, and the intrigue is engaging.

The heroes are well developed, but the villains are a bit one-dimensional. Their motives are never really understood. For the most part they are used as the "big bad" without too much background. In fact the background thrown in was just explanatory to propel the story forward, rather than organic within the course of the storytelling.

Overall this is a great stand-alone romance novel, though I understand it is also the first in a series.

[Gypsie Holley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really don't know why I waited so long to read this one. It was an excellent read and I love the ghost stories. I am now looking foward to continuing with the series. I thought Michael and Kelly were made for each other and her special gift was amazing. The inner past story was by far the best, of Aislann and Lyon. Of course their souls were of that in Michael and Kelly. Talk about soul mates finding each other hundreds of years later. I so want that!



No quotes.

[Carmussel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the great 'Draycott Abbey' series. Strong heroines, always some interesting theme to learn about (archeology, ancient firearms, security systems, etc.) Christina Skye really does her homework, develops a great plot, and oh yeah, there's the sizzling sex!! She's adding the first title to this series in a decade, so watch out!

[david l hutchison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heat warming

Heat warming

Harcourt Abbey is source of much delight. Ghosts, legend, history love. The romance comes on slowly builds with warmth and leaves the reader feeling pleased at the end. I ran across a novel of the Abbey about a year ago and have delighted ever since. Hopefully you will find the delight that I have.

[Sam Spencer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marquis
Marquis
MARQUIS
if I see an man addressed as a Maquess one more time so help me
AAAAARRRRRRGGGGGHHH
if it ends in -esss it is a WOMAN no male title ends in -ess
Now that I've gotten that off my chest, I quite enjoyed the storyline. I'm a sucker for a happy ending after all. It's got sweet and, intruige and oh the sexy bit.

[Mary Rowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining Bodice-Ripper-Paranormal Romance-Thriller

Not my usual choice for reading, and for me a bit overdone with the "romance" aspect. I had no clue about the identity of the shooter at all. The final chapter made no sense to me but was nice for the characters. Solid writing and well-edited.