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Tudor Vampire Chronicles #1
Kiss of the Rose
First in a sexy new series that takes a bite out of the court of King Henry VIII
Desperate to defeat King Richard III and gain the English crown, Henry Tudor made a pact with the Druids that bound him and his heirs to the Druid’s deadly struggle against the Vampires. Ever since, the Llewellyns, an ancient Vampire slaying family, have been in the permanent employ of the monarchy.
Now Henry VIII is on the throne, and his father’s bargain has almost been forgotten. Until corpses drained of blood start turning up in the most inappropriate of places, including the king’s bedchamber. But are these people the victims of the Vampires-or of the Druids?
To save the king from a nameless assassin, Rosalind Llewellyn, Vampire hunter extraordinaire, must form an uneasy alliance with a known Druid slayer. Sir Christopher Ellis hails from a family that has protected the Vampires for centuries, yet Rosalind has no choice but to rely on his help. And with her life threatened and her loyalty tested, Rosalind may even have to acknowledge the unthinkable. This sworn enemy may be her soul mate.
Desperate to defeat King Richard III and gain the English crown, Henry Tudor made a pact with the Druids that bound him and his heirs to the Druid’s deadly struggle against the Vampires. Ever since, the Llewellyns, an ancient Vampire slaying family, have been in the permanent employ of the monarchy.
Now Henry VIII is on the throne, and his father’s bargain has almost been forgotten. Until corpses drained of blood start turning up in the most inappropriate of places, including the king’s bedchamber. But are these people the victims of the Vampires-or of the Druids?
To save the king from a nameless assassin, Rosalind Llewellyn, Vampire hunter extraordinaire, must form an uneasy alliance with a known Druid slayer. Sir Christopher Ellis hails from a family that has protected the Vampires for centuries, yet Rosalind has no choice but to rely on his help. And with her life threatened and her loyalty tested, Rosalind may even have to acknowledge the unthinkable. This sworn enemy may be her soul mate.
296 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
19 people are currently reading
1735 people want to read
About the author
Kate Pearce
161 books1,842 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kate Pearce was born in England in the middle of a large family of girls and quickly found that her imagination was far more interesting than real life. After acquiring a degree in history and barely escaping from the British Civil Service alive, she moved to California and then to Hawaii with her kids and her husband and set about reinventing herself as a romance writer.
She is known for both her unconventional heroes and her joy at subverting romance clichés. In her spare time she self publishes science fiction erotic romance, historical romance, and whatever else she can imagine. You can find Kate on katepearce.com.
She is known for both her unconventional heroes and her joy at subverting romance clichés. In her spare time she self publishes science fiction erotic romance, historical romance, and whatever else she can imagine. You can find Kate on katepearce.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
August 10, 2010
I was very excited when I learned there was a new series coming out that involved two of my favorite subjects – Vampires and Tudor period England. Having never read anything in the paranormal genre by Kate Pearce, I wasn’t sure if she could pull it off for my liking, but Kiss of the Rose exceeded my expectations and I can’t wait for the next book. In a genre saturated with new books, new series, new authors, I found this take on the “done to death” vampire theme to be refreshing. What makes The Tudor Vampire Chronicles different? Well, aside from being both PNR-Vampire and Historical which I don’t often see, we have Druids who hunt vampires, Mithras cult members who protect the vampires and therefore, hunt Druids and the vampires themselves who feed from humans, but rarely “turn” or kill them. I found the storyline to be very unique. The book blurb explains it better than I can:
Desperate to defeat King Richard III and gain the crown, Henry Tudor made a pact with the Druids binding him and his heirs to the Druids' struggle against vampires. Ever since, the Llewellyns, a vampire- slaying family, have been in the king's employ. Now Henry VIII reigns, and his father's bargain has been almost forgotten-until bloodless corpses turn up in the king's bedchamber. To save the king, Vampire hunter Rosalind Llewellyn must form an uneasy alliance with Druid slayer Sir Christopher Ellis. But soon, Rosalind must face an unthinkable truth: that her sworn enemy may be her soul mate.
There was a lot of speculation by my Goodreads friends and myself as to the level of sexuality we’d find in this book because Kate Pearce writes some pretty hot erotic novels. There were a couple of scenes in Kiss of the Rose that were pretty **fanning myself** hot but nothing, in my opinion, that would be considered over the top erotic or even kinky.
Now, while this is a series, it’s unlike most of the series I read where there’s always a nice, tidy happily ever after ending. While things certainly appear to be heading in a particular direction, in this book we’re left with the understanding that things may not turn out the way everyone expects them to. Think along the lines of Twilight – We have Rosalind Llewellyn (Bella), Christopher Ellis (Edward) and Rhys Williams (Jacob). Now, Rosa and Rhys are Druid vampire hunters, and Christopher is a member of the Mithras cult with a little something extra thrown in (don’t want to give it away) so as you see, clearly Rosa and Rhys belong together because they are from similar backgrounds, but Christopher is just as compelling a character as Rhys, and Rosalind is quite attracted to him. Rhys is “safe” because she’s known him most of her life, and as I said they come from similar backgrounds, but Christopher… he has the whole “forbidden fruit” thing going for him that adds some sexual intensity to the mix.
I wavered back and forth between 4 or 5 stars because I would have loved to have felt the time period more either through dialog or a few more scenes of day to day life at court, and while I really enjoyed the story and the characters, I need a little more understanding of exactly why the Mithras cult protects the vampires, and why the Druids hunt them. When, where and why did this all come to pass? What were origins of these vampires? For me, when starting a new series where there’s a totally different paranormal world involved as there is in The Tudor Vampire Chronicles, the details are very important and had those details been more fully explained, this would have likely been a 5 star read for me. Maybe we’ll learn more in the next book.
Overall, I found Kiss of the Rose to be a very entertaining, exciting read and the cover image is very, very nice! I’m looking forward to the next book, Blood of the Rose which is due out in February 2011 and continues Rosalind, Rhys and Christopher’s quest to keep King Henry VIII safe from the vampires who are out to kill him.
Sexual content: While definitely hot at times, this is a safe read for those of my friends who don’t like to venture too far from traditional sex scenes.
Desperate to defeat King Richard III and gain the crown, Henry Tudor made a pact with the Druids binding him and his heirs to the Druids' struggle against vampires. Ever since, the Llewellyns, a vampire- slaying family, have been in the king's employ. Now Henry VIII reigns, and his father's bargain has been almost forgotten-until bloodless corpses turn up in the king's bedchamber. To save the king, Vampire hunter Rosalind Llewellyn must form an uneasy alliance with Druid slayer Sir Christopher Ellis. But soon, Rosalind must face an unthinkable truth: that her sworn enemy may be her soul mate.
There was a lot of speculation by my Goodreads friends and myself as to the level of sexuality we’d find in this book because Kate Pearce writes some pretty hot erotic novels. There were a couple of scenes in Kiss of the Rose that were pretty **fanning myself** hot but nothing, in my opinion, that would be considered over the top erotic or even kinky.
Now, while this is a series, it’s unlike most of the series I read where there’s always a nice, tidy happily ever after ending. While things certainly appear to be heading in a particular direction, in this book we’re left with the understanding that things may not turn out the way everyone expects them to. Think along the lines of Twilight – We have Rosalind Llewellyn (Bella), Christopher Ellis (Edward) and Rhys Williams (Jacob). Now, Rosa and Rhys are Druid vampire hunters, and Christopher is a member of the Mithras cult with a little something extra thrown in (don’t want to give it away) so as you see, clearly Rosa and Rhys belong together because they are from similar backgrounds, but Christopher is just as compelling a character as Rhys, and Rosalind is quite attracted to him. Rhys is “safe” because she’s known him most of her life, and as I said they come from similar backgrounds, but Christopher… he has the whole “forbidden fruit” thing going for him that adds some sexual intensity to the mix.
I wavered back and forth between 4 or 5 stars because I would have loved to have felt the time period more either through dialog or a few more scenes of day to day life at court, and while I really enjoyed the story and the characters, I need a little more understanding of exactly why the Mithras cult protects the vampires, and why the Druids hunt them. When, where and why did this all come to pass? What were origins of these vampires? For me, when starting a new series where there’s a totally different paranormal world involved as there is in The Tudor Vampire Chronicles, the details are very important and had those details been more fully explained, this would have likely been a 5 star read for me. Maybe we’ll learn more in the next book.
Overall, I found Kiss of the Rose to be a very entertaining, exciting read and the cover image is very, very nice! I’m looking forward to the next book, Blood of the Rose which is due out in February 2011 and continues Rosalind, Rhys and Christopher’s quest to keep King Henry VIII safe from the vampires who are out to kill him.
Sexual content: While definitely hot at times, this is a safe read for those of my friends who don’t like to venture too far from traditional sex scenes.
May 10, 2017
Content warning: (mild) spoilers & gifs.
This book had an awesome premise. Seriously, folks -- vampires manipulating Henry VIII's court via his plethora of wives & political troubles? A romance that smacked of Colleen Gleason's Gardella series? Pretty clothes & plush fabrics from the Tudor era? Sounds great.
But then I tried to read it.
Re: the overall story arc, I was prepared for First-in-Series Syndrome. But this skipped beyond any expected wobbles & blundered headfirst into WTF IS THIS. The vampires' plan for world domination was...er, well...okay, they were trying to...
They were trying to DO THINGS, dammit! EVIL-TYPE THINGS. VAMPIRES ARE EVIL. DOING EVIL THINGS. And there's this family of Druids that have hunted the vampires because of a pact with the English monarchy. See, THE DRUIDS HUNT VAMPIRES. THEY DO HUNTING-TYPE THINGS. And there's this mysterious Vampire Council that bosses the other vampires. And the Druids hate the Council, but randomly decide to cooperate because an EXTRA-EVIL VAMPIRE has been doing EXTRA-EVIL-TYPE THINGS. And there's a prophecy about marriage. Or semen. Nobody really knows. IT'S COMPLICATED, OKAY??
Such an aimless Cunning Plan(tm) deserves condescending Dracula gifs. But speaking of Vlad...
There's very little fanged action in this book, nor is there any real sense of the Tudor era -- the setting & antagonist could've combined any era & paranormal critter. Everything was secondary to the schmoopy romance between insipid Buffy-wannabe Rosalind & her Emo McWhinge enemy/bf Christopher. And let's not forget Rosalind's trainer Rhys, who repeated the same three lines with only slight variation: (1) "I love Rosalind." (2) "Emo McWhinge Christopher is dangerous." (3) "I'll hurt anyone who hurts Rosalind."
From the beginning it's obvious that Rhys is placeholder series bait -- aka those secondary heroes who exist to show everyone how the heroine is a Speshul Snowflake who can't settle for the I've-known-you-forever hottie. No, she needs Emo McWhinge speshulness to match her snowflake status. How romantic! Well, Rosalind can have no better match than Christopher. The stud wouldn't STFU for ten seconds straight. I can't imagine having to sit next to him at a dinner party, let alone prance around a Maypole with him blabbering about his painful childhood & familial duties. (Yes, that's an actual scene.)
1.5 stars. I'm not sure why I rounded up -- maybe because it put me to sleep, as opposed to yanking my hair in agony. It's the little things in life.
This book had an awesome premise. Seriously, folks -- vampires manipulating Henry VIII's court via his plethora of wives & political troubles? A romance that smacked of Colleen Gleason's Gardella series? Pretty clothes & plush fabrics from the Tudor era? Sounds great.
But then I tried to read it.
Re: the overall story arc, I was prepared for First-in-Series Syndrome. But this skipped beyond any expected wobbles & blundered headfirst into WTF IS THIS. The vampires' plan for world domination was...er, well...okay, they were trying to...
They were trying to DO THINGS, dammit! EVIL-TYPE THINGS. VAMPIRES ARE EVIL. DOING EVIL THINGS. And there's this family of Druids that have hunted the vampires because of a pact with the English monarchy. See, THE DRUIDS HUNT VAMPIRES. THEY DO HUNTING-TYPE THINGS. And there's this mysterious Vampire Council that bosses the other vampires. And the Druids hate the Council, but randomly decide to cooperate because an EXTRA-EVIL VAMPIRE has been doing EXTRA-EVIL-TYPE THINGS. And there's a prophecy about marriage. Or semen. Nobody really knows. IT'S COMPLICATED, OKAY??
Such an aimless Cunning Plan(tm) deserves condescending Dracula gifs. But speaking of Vlad...
There's very little fanged action in this book, nor is there any real sense of the Tudor era -- the setting & antagonist could've combined any era & paranormal critter. Everything was secondary to the schmoopy romance between insipid Buffy-wannabe Rosalind & her Emo McWhinge enemy/bf Christopher. And let's not forget Rosalind's trainer Rhys, who repeated the same three lines with only slight variation: (1) "I love Rosalind." (2) "Emo McWhinge Christopher is dangerous." (3) "I'll hurt anyone who hurts Rosalind."
From the beginning it's obvious that Rhys is placeholder series bait -- aka those secondary heroes who exist to show everyone how the heroine is a Speshul Snowflake who can't settle for the I've-known-you-forever hottie. No, she needs Emo McWhinge speshulness to match her snowflake status. How romantic! Well, Rosalind can have no better match than Christopher. The stud wouldn't STFU for ten seconds straight. I can't imagine having to sit next to him at a dinner party, let alone prance around a Maypole with him blabbering about his painful childhood & familial duties. (Yes, that's an actual scene.)
1.5 stars. I'm not sure why I rounded up -- maybe because it put me to sleep, as opposed to yanking my hair in agony. It's the little things in life.
August 5, 2010
Yes, as some of you will notice I changed my reivew. I really dont like giving out huge spoilers like I did, its not fair to the aurhor or future readers. I didnt like it when I put it on there and its been bugging me ever since.
I don’t know where to start, I just didn’t get into this book like I wanted. I probably could have gotten past the love triangle between Roseland, Sir Christopher and Rhys. But what I cant get past is there is no definite HEA GRRR… I really liked the plot with the vampire and druid and setting. I loved how they were set guarding the King and Queen and the mystery of catching a very old vampire. I liked some of the characters not all.
Who is going to get Roseland in their bed. You have 2 and sometimes 3 bidding for it with (of course) Christopher and Rhys the running contenders. I got plain tired of reading who wants her and Roseland doesn’t want any of them at times then she does, I mean make up your mind already GRRRR. (You know how it goes). It just got to be so much I started skimming through the book.
I didn’t feel it had enough romance between Roseland and Christopher(it may happen in the next book). There was some sex but the first time I didn’t care reading it. Then you get a couple of more after that, which was good. I have read a lot hotter PNR books.
Roseland just didn’t hit me right and I didn’t like how she went about things. I also didn’t like how her virginity was taken and how it was afterwards.
Christopher was ok for me at times, but he just didn’t stick with me.
Rhys I really liked along with the vampire Elias Warner.
This is one book you’ll have to read to see if you like it or not. Some things pushes my buttons wrong and this book done just that.
I don’t know where to start, I just didn’t get into this book like I wanted. I probably could have gotten past the love triangle between Roseland, Sir Christopher and Rhys. But what I cant get past is there is no definite HEA GRRR… I really liked the plot with the vampire and druid and setting. I loved how they were set guarding the King and Queen and the mystery of catching a very old vampire. I liked some of the characters not all.
Who is going to get Roseland in their bed. You have 2 and sometimes 3 bidding for it with (of course) Christopher and Rhys the running contenders. I got plain tired of reading who wants her and Roseland doesn’t want any of them at times then she does, I mean make up your mind already GRRRR. (You know how it goes). It just got to be so much I started skimming through the book.
I didn’t feel it had enough romance between Roseland and Christopher(it may happen in the next book). There was some sex but the first time I didn’t care reading it. Then you get a couple of more after that, which was good. I have read a lot hotter PNR books.
Roseland just didn’t hit me right and I didn’t like how she went about things. I also didn’t like how her virginity was taken and how it was afterwards.
Christopher was ok for me at times, but he just didn’t stick with me.
Rhys I really liked along with the vampire Elias Warner.
This is one book you’ll have to read to see if you like it or not. Some things pushes my buttons wrong and this book done just that.
August 5, 2010
The old saying goes, "never judge a book by it's cover," but, alas, this Tudor's lover did months ago. I could not wait to get my hands on Kate Pearce's new release, Kiss of the Rose, the first story of The Tudor Vampire Chronicles. I had all kinds of expectations after seeing the luscious couple on the cover, especially after recently finishing HBO's series finale of The Tudors. (I lusted myself into oblivion with the likes of Henry Cavill and Jonathan Rhys Meyers.) So with cover and concept at hand I went in full throttle, wanting to adore this story. While this story did not fire me up like a shirtless JRM's King Henry did, I do think it has potential to hopefully become a stellar series.
Henry VIII is now King of England and an ancient vampire is out to destroy him. The King is unaware of an agreement that his father made years ago with the Druids. This agreement united both himself and his decedents with the Druids to destroy Vampires. The King discovers the agreement after Lady Rosalind Llewellyn, Vampire slayer and Druid, arrives at court to provide proof in a letter written to Henry from his deceased father. The letter confirms the vow that was made and Rosalind explains that she has been sent to protect him from the rogue Vampire that is killing members of Court. Rosalind is fiercely loyal to her family's calling as a Vampire slayer. It's something she has trained for her whole life.
Rosalind is accompanied to Court by her longtime friend and trainer, Rhys Williams. Rhys no longer sees Rosalind as a fighter, but as a woman who he has grown to have deep feelings for and who he hopes will eventually become his wife. Rosalind is a strong, feisty, independent woman who has always thought of marriage as unappealing. And while Rosalind sees that Rhys's feelings for her have changed, she only views him as a dear friend and questions if she could ever feel more. Upon arriving at Court, Rosalind and Rhys soon find that there is an addition to King Henry's protectors, Druid slayer and Vampire protector, Sir Christopher Ellis. From the first meeting, both Christopher and Rosalind feel an attraction between them, but know that they are sworn enemies and therefore the idea of being anything else is a moot point. The Vampire Council determines that the threat against the King is unusual and declares a prophecy that both Christopher and Rosalind are to join together to overthrow the rogue Vampire. Both Rhys and Christopher battle for Rosalind's heart while trying to form "a truce" in order to arrange a plan on how to destroy the rogue Vampire before it reaches the King.
While I like the concept of a Vampire after the King, the so called vampire appeared more like a speedy ghost. There was reference to the smell of blood, dead corpses but never a vampire caught in the act of draining a victim. And while the plot had an interesting twist on the paranormal it still felt like it was dragging at times. I believe this could have been prevented had the author incorporated more of the historical aspect of the story to balance the dominating paranormal tone. I was disappointed the time period was only a surface addition to the overall story with little reference to the history of the Tudor dynasty. Also, any of my friends will confirm I am a serious cheese lover; feta, gouda, cheddar, etc, but not when it comes to dialogue between lovers. And I have to attest there were quite a few cheesy moments in the love scenes. The ending leaves you unresolved with the trio's relationship and the prophecy unfulfilled which leads into the second novel, Blood of the Rose. Overall, I do believe the series has potential and hope that Ms. Pearce will add more of the Tudor history in the books to obtain an overall balance. In the meantime I will return to my King Henry (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) on HBO and lust on!
3/5 Stars
Favorite Quote:
Are you suggesting that I would merrily swive any man who asked me?
I'm not suggesting anything other than perhaps we should scratch this itch before it becomes bothersome.
She stared pointedly at the black codpiece that covered his groin. I suggest you scratch it yourself. I'm sure you are more than capable.
Henry VIII is now King of England and an ancient vampire is out to destroy him. The King is unaware of an agreement that his father made years ago with the Druids. This agreement united both himself and his decedents with the Druids to destroy Vampires. The King discovers the agreement after Lady Rosalind Llewellyn, Vampire slayer and Druid, arrives at court to provide proof in a letter written to Henry from his deceased father. The letter confirms the vow that was made and Rosalind explains that she has been sent to protect him from the rogue Vampire that is killing members of Court. Rosalind is fiercely loyal to her family's calling as a Vampire slayer. It's something she has trained for her whole life.
Rosalind is accompanied to Court by her longtime friend and trainer, Rhys Williams. Rhys no longer sees Rosalind as a fighter, but as a woman who he has grown to have deep feelings for and who he hopes will eventually become his wife. Rosalind is a strong, feisty, independent woman who has always thought of marriage as unappealing. And while Rosalind sees that Rhys's feelings for her have changed, she only views him as a dear friend and questions if she could ever feel more. Upon arriving at Court, Rosalind and Rhys soon find that there is an addition to King Henry's protectors, Druid slayer and Vampire protector, Sir Christopher Ellis. From the first meeting, both Christopher and Rosalind feel an attraction between them, but know that they are sworn enemies and therefore the idea of being anything else is a moot point. The Vampire Council determines that the threat against the King is unusual and declares a prophecy that both Christopher and Rosalind are to join together to overthrow the rogue Vampire. Both Rhys and Christopher battle for Rosalind's heart while trying to form "a truce" in order to arrange a plan on how to destroy the rogue Vampire before it reaches the King.
While I like the concept of a Vampire after the King, the so called vampire appeared more like a speedy ghost. There was reference to the smell of blood, dead corpses but never a vampire caught in the act of draining a victim. And while the plot had an interesting twist on the paranormal it still felt like it was dragging at times. I believe this could have been prevented had the author incorporated more of the historical aspect of the story to balance the dominating paranormal tone. I was disappointed the time period was only a surface addition to the overall story with little reference to the history of the Tudor dynasty. Also, any of my friends will confirm I am a serious cheese lover; feta, gouda, cheddar, etc, but not when it comes to dialogue between lovers. And I have to attest there were quite a few cheesy moments in the love scenes. The ending leaves you unresolved with the trio's relationship and the prophecy unfulfilled which leads into the second novel, Blood of the Rose. Overall, I do believe the series has potential and hope that Ms. Pearce will add more of the Tudor history in the books to obtain an overall balance. In the meantime I will return to my King Henry (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) on HBO and lust on!
3/5 Stars
Favorite Quote:
Are you suggesting that I would merrily swive any man who asked me?
I'm not suggesting anything other than perhaps we should scratch this itch before it becomes bothersome.
She stared pointedly at the black codpiece that covered his groin. I suggest you scratch it yourself. I'm sure you are more than capable.
August 24, 2010
When I first saw this cover I knew I wanted this book. Okay the guy looks a bit strange but the rest is gorgeous. Next I realized that it is a mix of paranormal and historical romance and I began to be unsure if I would like it because sometimes I'm a bit annoyed with the heroines of that time but I thought you have to give a try. I'm so happy I did.
I knew this book would be a mix of different aspects and I loved the way the just fit into each other. We have on the one hand the historical setting in Tudor England. The book starts with the Tudors getting the power and later follows Henry VIII reign. The power shift is the first time the Druids became active participants in the royal struggles. They made a pact with the king: they help him get the throne and in exchange he will help them to destroy the vampires. They also agree that the Druids will keep the royal family save, no matter what.
We are introduced into the court of King Henry VIII together with Rosalind Llewellyn. She left the court 5 years ago and now had to came back to stand against a new threat for the kings life. She is the only female Druid vampire slaver and all her live she had a hard time defending herself and to get the acceptance she deserves. The men of that time just can't accept that a woman would do things like fighting and killing vampires in all ways possible. Rosalind is a strong and stubborn woman. She is a fighter but she seems a bit helpless when it comes to romantic feelings. She is already 19 years old and nearly at the top age limit to find a husband. She knows that her fellow vampire hunter, Rhys Williams, would take her hand anytime but she is unsure if that is what she wants. He is a nice guy and one of her oldest and best friends but is that enough to replace love? At court she also meets Sir Christopher Ellis and he is quite the charming one. Only problem is that he is the enemy of her kind: a Druid Hunter and ally with the vampires.
Christopher was always the outsider. Even his own family doesn't really want him. His uncle raised him and introduced him into the cult of Mithras, a group of hunters connected by their hate for the Druids who seek to extinguish them. Christopher always struggles with himself. He never felt accepted and he thinks that he's just not enough. The first time he sees Rosalind he is truck by her beauty but when he realizes what she is he knows that they both can never become more. It would ruin him even more. But sometimes life just doesn't work the way we want it too.
I so loved how those two found their way, more or less. It was a constant struggle and sometimes I thought: "Would you just please get over yourself and see that you are meant for each other???" but as always as took them longer than me. ;) The fact that Rhys also has a romantic interest in Rosalind added another edge to the lovestory and it really is heartbreaking to see how everything works out. Her characters are very likable and I just didn't want one of them to get hurt. And there is some really hot scenes. Man, I want myself a Christopher.
The plot around the vampire threat was nicely woven around the real history of Tudor England. I have to admit that I'm not a real history buff in that era but I know that Henry VIII had a bunch of wives and I hope that will be enough for the rest of the series.The mystery around the vampire and the search for who it could be really kept me on the edge of my seat. I had so many suspicions but how wrong I was.
The story telling was good too. At first some dialogs felt a bit bereft of emotion but in the later parts of those books I was enthralled by the story and the characters. I think this is always the burden of book 1 in a new series. You have to introduce everything and I think Mrs. Pearce made a great job.
The Kiss of the Rose is a great start into a new series. We have a wonderful paranormal world with a nice touch of history in the mix. The characters are vibrant, sometimes a bit agitating but other times you just have to love them. The story is thrilling and will keep you glued to the pages. I for myself know that I can't wait to read Blood of the Rose.
I knew this book would be a mix of different aspects and I loved the way the just fit into each other. We have on the one hand the historical setting in Tudor England. The book starts with the Tudors getting the power and later follows Henry VIII reign. The power shift is the first time the Druids became active participants in the royal struggles. They made a pact with the king: they help him get the throne and in exchange he will help them to destroy the vampires. They also agree that the Druids will keep the royal family save, no matter what.
We are introduced into the court of King Henry VIII together with Rosalind Llewellyn. She left the court 5 years ago and now had to came back to stand against a new threat for the kings life. She is the only female Druid vampire slaver and all her live she had a hard time defending herself and to get the acceptance she deserves. The men of that time just can't accept that a woman would do things like fighting and killing vampires in all ways possible. Rosalind is a strong and stubborn woman. She is a fighter but she seems a bit helpless when it comes to romantic feelings. She is already 19 years old and nearly at the top age limit to find a husband. She knows that her fellow vampire hunter, Rhys Williams, would take her hand anytime but she is unsure if that is what she wants. He is a nice guy and one of her oldest and best friends but is that enough to replace love? At court she also meets Sir Christopher Ellis and he is quite the charming one. Only problem is that he is the enemy of her kind: a Druid Hunter and ally with the vampires.
Christopher was always the outsider. Even his own family doesn't really want him. His uncle raised him and introduced him into the cult of Mithras, a group of hunters connected by their hate for the Druids who seek to extinguish them. Christopher always struggles with himself. He never felt accepted and he thinks that he's just not enough. The first time he sees Rosalind he is truck by her beauty but when he realizes what she is he knows that they both can never become more. It would ruin him even more. But sometimes life just doesn't work the way we want it too.
I so loved how those two found their way, more or less. It was a constant struggle and sometimes I thought: "Would you just please get over yourself and see that you are meant for each other???" but as always as took them longer than me. ;) The fact that Rhys also has a romantic interest in Rosalind added another edge to the lovestory and it really is heartbreaking to see how everything works out. Her characters are very likable and I just didn't want one of them to get hurt. And there is some really hot scenes. Man, I want myself a Christopher.
The plot around the vampire threat was nicely woven around the real history of Tudor England. I have to admit that I'm not a real history buff in that era but I know that Henry VIII had a bunch of wives and I hope that will be enough for the rest of the series.The mystery around the vampire and the search for who it could be really kept me on the edge of my seat. I had so many suspicions but how wrong I was.
The story telling was good too. At first some dialogs felt a bit bereft of emotion but in the later parts of those books I was enthralled by the story and the characters. I think this is always the burden of book 1 in a new series. You have to introduce everything and I think Mrs. Pearce made a great job.
The Kiss of the Rose is a great start into a new series. We have a wonderful paranormal world with a nice touch of history in the mix. The characters are vibrant, sometimes a bit agitating but other times you just have to love them. The story is thrilling and will keep you glued to the pages. I for myself know that I can't wait to read Blood of the Rose.
July 24, 2010
Kiss of the Rose by Kate Pearce
Paranormal Romance- Aug. 3, 2010
5 stars
Lushly imaginative and superbly sensual. I was enthralled by Kiss of the Rose. Assassins, Druids, secrets cults and a pact with the King of England make for exciting intrigue.
Fresh and untried, vampire assassin and powerful Druid Rosalind Llewellyn has come to the Tudor court to protect the King, Queen and England ’s people from the vampire blight. But she soon encounters an obstacle in the intensely attractive and arrogant Druid Slayer, Sir Christopher Ellis. He is part of a family that has been a long time enemy of the Druids and murderers of her kin. But his sudden appearance and her evasive conversation with a manipulative representative of the Vampire Council leads Rosalind to feel there is something she is missing. She feels something more dangerous is at stake than her mission to hunt down a rogue vampire.
The sexual tension and utter magnetism between Rosalind and Christopher is amazing to read. Every interaction was exciting and thrilling as they battled their age old distrust with their fiery attraction for each other. I loved how the author delves into Christopher’s conflict as he tries to protect Rosalind even though she is his enemy. I also enjoyed Rosalind single-minded focus and devotion to her job. She was a very admirable and courageous character that I could not help rallying around her.
It was enthralling to read the conflict between the Druids, the vampires, and cult of Mithras (of which Christopher belongs to). This involving history makes for a richly textured and absorbing plot. Christopher is very seductive and I wonder that Rosalind was able to hold out so long. But the tension between them made for some very HOT and sensual scenes! But even as Rosalind tries to stay away from Christopher outside forces and a mysterious prophecy seem to push them closer...
Rosalind is informed by her grandfather to seduce Christopher and then Christopher is ordered by his uncle to seduce her! I loved how the plot thickens... I especially liked to read Christopher’s admiration for Rosalind grow. And how he was strong but didn't try to put Rosalind down because she was equally strong but instead defended her. I enjoyed how they begin to care for each other. Both are outcasts in their own families. This sense of loneliness each carries made them very sympathetic and I was so happy they were able to find each other!
Decadent and alluring Kiss of the Rose is an exhilarating treat that will consume all the senses. There is real feeling of danger as the characters plot against each other and try to discover the truth. I loved how both clashed against each other in a war of wits and sensual allure. Although the passion between the 2 main characters smolders it is not as erotic as the author’s regency series. The only drawback is that this story is part of a series and as such leaves the main characters somewhat hanging. But in this case I am extremely glad since I don’t want their adventures to end!
Usually I find the Tudor times rather uninteresting but this story enthralled me with its danger and sensuality. Kate Pearce weaves a tale with passion, magic and exciting intrigue that kept me up all night. This is a phenomenal series that is sure to be a hit.
Reviewed by Steph from Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Paranormal Romance- Aug. 3, 2010
5 stars
Lushly imaginative and superbly sensual. I was enthralled by Kiss of the Rose. Assassins, Druids, secrets cults and a pact with the King of England make for exciting intrigue.
Fresh and untried, vampire assassin and powerful Druid Rosalind Llewellyn has come to the Tudor court to protect the King, Queen and England ’s people from the vampire blight. But she soon encounters an obstacle in the intensely attractive and arrogant Druid Slayer, Sir Christopher Ellis. He is part of a family that has been a long time enemy of the Druids and murderers of her kin. But his sudden appearance and her evasive conversation with a manipulative representative of the Vampire Council leads Rosalind to feel there is something she is missing. She feels something more dangerous is at stake than her mission to hunt down a rogue vampire.
The sexual tension and utter magnetism between Rosalind and Christopher is amazing to read. Every interaction was exciting and thrilling as they battled their age old distrust with their fiery attraction for each other. I loved how the author delves into Christopher’s conflict as he tries to protect Rosalind even though she is his enemy. I also enjoyed Rosalind single-minded focus and devotion to her job. She was a very admirable and courageous character that I could not help rallying around her.
It was enthralling to read the conflict between the Druids, the vampires, and cult of Mithras (of which Christopher belongs to). This involving history makes for a richly textured and absorbing plot. Christopher is very seductive and I wonder that Rosalind was able to hold out so long. But the tension between them made for some very HOT and sensual scenes! But even as Rosalind tries to stay away from Christopher outside forces and a mysterious prophecy seem to push them closer...
Rosalind is informed by her grandfather to seduce Christopher and then Christopher is ordered by his uncle to seduce her! I loved how the plot thickens... I especially liked to read Christopher’s admiration for Rosalind grow. And how he was strong but didn't try to put Rosalind down because she was equally strong but instead defended her. I enjoyed how they begin to care for each other. Both are outcasts in their own families. This sense of loneliness each carries made them very sympathetic and I was so happy they were able to find each other!
Decadent and alluring Kiss of the Rose is an exhilarating treat that will consume all the senses. There is real feeling of danger as the characters plot against each other and try to discover the truth. I loved how both clashed against each other in a war of wits and sensual allure. Although the passion between the 2 main characters smolders it is not as erotic as the author’s regency series. The only drawback is that this story is part of a series and as such leaves the main characters somewhat hanging. But in this case I am extremely glad since I don’t want their adventures to end!
Usually I find the Tudor times rather uninteresting but this story enthralled me with its danger and sensuality. Kate Pearce weaves a tale with passion, magic and exciting intrigue that kept me up all night. This is a phenomenal series that is sure to be a hit.
Reviewed by Steph from Bookaholics Romance Book Club
February 23, 2011
*Note: Read and reviewed for The Season for Romance.
Refreshingly imaginative and deliciously sensual describe Kate Pearce’s new paranormal twist on the court life of King Henry VIII. Assassins, ancient cults and a love triangle make for an enthralling tale.
Rosalind Llewellyn is a Druid and the grand-daughter of one of the greatest vampire hunters of the middle ages. Expertly trained and sworn to protect King Henry VIII from a deadly vampire threat, she travels to court and manages to convince the king to allow a woman to guard him against a threat he didn’t even know existed. The vampire isn’t the only threat though. The insanely attractive and arrogant Druid slayer Christopher Ellis makes an unexpected appearance at court that throws Rosalind for a loop and makes her wonder what is really going on.
The very same vampire threat that brought Rosalind to court also brought Christopher. It seems that this ancient and evil vampire has stirred enough trouble that even the Vampire Council wants to be rid of it. Although they are sworn enemies simply because of the very nature of their ancestry, they are forced to work together to protect the King and Queen.
Rosalind and Christopher’s families want them to perform their duty by destroying the vampire threat while also getting rid of the “vampire lover” and “Druid wench” respectively. They are each instructed to seduce the other in an attempt to distract them from the mission. Rhys, Rosalind’s trainer and intended husband, is none too pleased about this. When he realizes that Rosalind and Christopher’s growing affection isn’t a ruse anymore, he makes it very clear to Christopher that Rosalind’s future is with him [Rhys:]. Rosalind is now caught in a heartbreaking love triangle.
The sexual tension and magnetism between Rosalind and Christopher is truly captivating. Pearce did a superb job in expressing their growing attraction to one another while they battle their inherent distrust. They are both characters to be admired. I found Rosalind’s single-minded focus on the task at hand in spite of everything going on made her very brave and Christopher’s strength really shined when he tries to protect her even though he is supposed to destroy her. I loved that he sees her as an equal to him in strength, courage and ability. Their deeply rooted loneliness and need to belong is incredibly endearing and it made me want to root for them.
In addition, the tension between Rhys, Rosalind and Christopher is heart-wrenching and I truly felt for her when it came time for Rosalind to choose. If all that is still not enough, the mystery surrounding the vampire threat will keep you at the edge of your seat.
Kiss of the Rose is an exhilarating tale that will make you want to invest your time, your undivided attention and maybe even a bit of your heart. This novel will seduce you with all its sensuality, passion, intrigue, danger, and magic. The only drawback to this novel are a few unanswered questions and the cliffhanger ending. However, I am more than happy to overlook them because we have Blood of the Rose to look forward to next year, and I’m sure those questions will be answered and Rosalind & Christopher will get the happy ending they deserve.
Refreshingly imaginative and deliciously sensual describe Kate Pearce’s new paranormal twist on the court life of King Henry VIII. Assassins, ancient cults and a love triangle make for an enthralling tale.
Rosalind Llewellyn is a Druid and the grand-daughter of one of the greatest vampire hunters of the middle ages. Expertly trained and sworn to protect King Henry VIII from a deadly vampire threat, she travels to court and manages to convince the king to allow a woman to guard him against a threat he didn’t even know existed. The vampire isn’t the only threat though. The insanely attractive and arrogant Druid slayer Christopher Ellis makes an unexpected appearance at court that throws Rosalind for a loop and makes her wonder what is really going on.
The very same vampire threat that brought Rosalind to court also brought Christopher. It seems that this ancient and evil vampire has stirred enough trouble that even the Vampire Council wants to be rid of it. Although they are sworn enemies simply because of the very nature of their ancestry, they are forced to work together to protect the King and Queen.
Rosalind and Christopher’s families want them to perform their duty by destroying the vampire threat while also getting rid of the “vampire lover” and “Druid wench” respectively. They are each instructed to seduce the other in an attempt to distract them from the mission. Rhys, Rosalind’s trainer and intended husband, is none too pleased about this. When he realizes that Rosalind and Christopher’s growing affection isn’t a ruse anymore, he makes it very clear to Christopher that Rosalind’s future is with him [Rhys:]. Rosalind is now caught in a heartbreaking love triangle.
The sexual tension and magnetism between Rosalind and Christopher is truly captivating. Pearce did a superb job in expressing their growing attraction to one another while they battle their inherent distrust. They are both characters to be admired. I found Rosalind’s single-minded focus on the task at hand in spite of everything going on made her very brave and Christopher’s strength really shined when he tries to protect her even though he is supposed to destroy her. I loved that he sees her as an equal to him in strength, courage and ability. Their deeply rooted loneliness and need to belong is incredibly endearing and it made me want to root for them.
In addition, the tension between Rhys, Rosalind and Christopher is heart-wrenching and I truly felt for her when it came time for Rosalind to choose. If all that is still not enough, the mystery surrounding the vampire threat will keep you at the edge of your seat.
Kiss of the Rose is an exhilarating tale that will make you want to invest your time, your undivided attention and maybe even a bit of your heart. This novel will seduce you with all its sensuality, passion, intrigue, danger, and magic. The only drawback to this novel are a few unanswered questions and the cliffhanger ending. However, I am more than happy to overlook them because we have Blood of the Rose to look forward to next year, and I’m sure those questions will be answered and Rosalind & Christopher will get the happy ending they deserve.
November 7, 2013
Yeah I gave up. This is one of very, VERY few books that I could not finish.
The problem for me was that this book barely focused on King Henry's court, the vampires, the war between the Druids and the vampires, or the vampire defender-folk.
The number one focus of Kiss of the Rose was who the hell was going to take Rose's virginity and how forcefully they were going to do so.
Now don't get me wrong, I am down like four flat tires for some steamy scenes and sexy times, but this was just too much. The love triangle between Rose, Christopher, and Rhys was just... painful. The interaction between Christopher and Rhys was immature at best, and foul at worst. And Rose... I went back and forth between feeling sorry for her (she was basically a piece of meat and sleeping with her was everyone's objective) and being really frustrated with her (she pranced off, swirled around, or walked away in anger/exasperation with Christopher and Rhys more times than I could count).
What frustrated me the most was that I did *not* see any of this coming from the sample I downloaded. The first chapter was super intriguing, as the story started with Henry VII's deal with the Druids to win control of England from King Richard. That was awesome and I bought Kiss the Rose expecting to head into vampire and Druid lore, juicy details of Henry VIII's court, and a kickass lady vampire hunter.
Sadly, that was just not the case.
This story had potential, the theory is cool, but the focus on nailin' Rose was just too much.
The problem for me was that this book barely focused on King Henry's court, the vampires, the war between the Druids and the vampires, or the vampire defender-folk.
The number one focus of Kiss of the Rose was who the hell was going to take Rose's virginity and how forcefully they were going to do so.
Now don't get me wrong, I am down like four flat tires for some steamy scenes and sexy times, but this was just too much. The love triangle between Rose, Christopher, and Rhys was just... painful. The interaction between Christopher and Rhys was immature at best, and foul at worst. And Rose... I went back and forth between feeling sorry for her (she was basically a piece of meat and sleeping with her was everyone's objective) and being really frustrated with her (she pranced off, swirled around, or walked away in anger/exasperation with Christopher and Rhys more times than I could count).
What frustrated me the most was that I did *not* see any of this coming from the sample I downloaded. The first chapter was super intriguing, as the story started with Henry VII's deal with the Druids to win control of England from King Richard. That was awesome and I bought Kiss the Rose expecting to head into vampire and Druid lore, juicy details of Henry VIII's court, and a kickass lady vampire hunter.
Sadly, that was just not the case.
This story had potential, the theory is cool, but the focus on nailin' Rose was just too much.
September 11, 2018
KISS OF THE ROSE by Kate Pearce is book One in the Tudor Vampire Chronicles series.
Rosalind and her mentor Rhys have come to assist at Court with a dangerous threat. There Rosalind encounters her enemy Christopher but they end up having to work together defeat a rogue Vampire threatening Henry VIII. This bring out new feelings of passion toward each other. This is a vampire....paranormal story that continues into another book called Blood of the Rose which I can't wait to read. This is the second release of this book with an updated cover.
Rosalind and her mentor Rhys have come to assist at Court with a dangerous threat. There Rosalind encounters her enemy Christopher but they end up having to work together defeat a rogue Vampire threatening Henry VIII. This bring out new feelings of passion toward each other. This is a vampire....paranormal story that continues into another book called Blood of the Rose which I can't wait to read. This is the second release of this book with an updated cover.
August 24, 2010
Sexy, dark and intriguing! The perfect mix of paranormal and historical romance. A must read for fans of the Tudor Era and vampire lovers. Great all night read for those stormy nights. A promising start to what I'm sure will be an addicting series!
May 18, 2011
What if “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “The Tudors” had a love child? The result wouldn’t be much dissimilar to Kate Pearce’s “Kiss of the Rose”, the first in her Tudor Vampire chronicles series.
Pearce has taken history and gave it a paranormal spin, which though shouldn’t work, some how does. The book opens with the turning point in The War of The Roses and Henry Tudor (soon to be Henry VII) making a deal with some druids to win the crown in exchange for the throne of England.
Fast forward a few years and we have the very first female Vampire Hunter, Rosalind being summoned to court. Like our favourite modern Vampire Slayer, Rosalind has a destiny to fulfil and most of the book is centred around why she is at court. She ‘thinks’ its because a Vampire is going to make an attempt on the Kings life and the fact that bodies keep popping up in the royal residence seems to be a warning. Although this is true, there is an underlying reason that isn’t fully explained even by the end of the book.
Normally this would annoy me because it clearly is setting up for the next in the series, it didn’t. I found the cryptic clues and little warnings left by the vampire who is behind it all rather interesting.
What really struck me was how Pearce managed to take known facts and timelines and spin this altogether new slant on it. The perpetrator behind the plot has good reasons for this and it ties up with history very well. I’m not going to go into spoiler territory but it managed to make perfect sense.
Now on to the sub plot of the book, and like any good Paranormal Romance we have the inevitable love triangle. In one corner we have a very old family friend and fellow Vampire slayer, Rhys and in the other we have tall dark and brooding Vampire protector Sir Christopher Ellis. (Yup, more comparisons there to our fearless Buffy the Vampire slayer with the brooding bad boy and the good guy.)
And here is where I think the book fails slightly.
Rosalind and Christopher ad developed rather well. We are given back-story and are shown the motivations for each. Also Pearce manages to set the world very authentically with the social constrictions that are placed on Rosalind. This is both from her family and society as a whole. She is expected to marry well but not to the enemy (Ah! The inevitable Romeo and Juliet moment, except our Rosalind and Christopher are in a battle of wills!)
I ended up caring what happened to these characters and kept rooting for them to throw caution to the wind and really join forces.
Christopher is an excellent hero in the book and Pearce shows his vulnerable side very well. You can see he has made reckless choices and wishes he could take them back. By the end of the book he strives to be the man Rosalind needs, but through a number of situations, he sees that they won’t be able to be together due to their families conflict.
No, the failing point in this little complicated love triangle is the underused and under developed, in my opinion, Rhys. He is in the book very little and when he is there it is either to look threateningly at Christopher or escort Rosalind around the court or in the country. It is assumed by Rosalinds grandfather that they will be wed, but for someone who is supposed to care and love Rosalind, you never really get that spark that the third wheel of a love triangle usually has.
And now I think of it, Christopher all too easily hands over the woman he has ‘bonded’ with to his love rival. Yes, something happens near the end of the book which really made me laugh and think “HA! There is the Happy Every After! Rosalind and Christopher are going to ride off into the sunset!” Even Angel from the Buffy series never really gave up on his love for the blonde slayer, though she could have damned his soul and brought forth Angelus.
It’s a shame, because there was such scope to really build on this rivalry. Rhys and Christopher were natural enemies. The fact that they seemed to come to an amicable arrangement over Rosalind dilutes their devotion to her.
On a final note, I did become rather intrigued with the Vampire Courts representative Elias. He was playing the game to a completely different set of rules and was manipulating our main players much like pieces on a chess board. Elias, though in the book for about the same amount of time as Rhys, was a more developed and interesting character. Pearce managed to convey the image of what can only be described as a spy or a manipulator very well, without getting to ‘wordsy’ with him. She could easily have over explained things, but then that would leave you, the reader feeling spoon fed and I loved the fact that by the end of the book you were left to draw your own conclusions. (Though if you know your history, you could see what comes next)
Overall I really did enjoy the book and I liked the spin that Pearce took with history. I think the love triangle fell a bit on the flat side, though the sparks between Rosalind and Christopher really set the pages on fire. I’m interested in seeing where the story goes and I do have ‘Blood of the Rose’, the second book in the series on my To Be Read pile.
Pearce has taken history and gave it a paranormal spin, which though shouldn’t work, some how does. The book opens with the turning point in The War of The Roses and Henry Tudor (soon to be Henry VII) making a deal with some druids to win the crown in exchange for the throne of England.
Fast forward a few years and we have the very first female Vampire Hunter, Rosalind being summoned to court. Like our favourite modern Vampire Slayer, Rosalind has a destiny to fulfil and most of the book is centred around why she is at court. She ‘thinks’ its because a Vampire is going to make an attempt on the Kings life and the fact that bodies keep popping up in the royal residence seems to be a warning. Although this is true, there is an underlying reason that isn’t fully explained even by the end of the book.
Normally this would annoy me because it clearly is setting up for the next in the series, it didn’t. I found the cryptic clues and little warnings left by the vampire who is behind it all rather interesting.
What really struck me was how Pearce managed to take known facts and timelines and spin this altogether new slant on it. The perpetrator behind the plot has good reasons for this and it ties up with history very well. I’m not going to go into spoiler territory but it managed to make perfect sense.
Now on to the sub plot of the book, and like any good Paranormal Romance we have the inevitable love triangle. In one corner we have a very old family friend and fellow Vampire slayer, Rhys and in the other we have tall dark and brooding Vampire protector Sir Christopher Ellis. (Yup, more comparisons there to our fearless Buffy the Vampire slayer with the brooding bad boy and the good guy.)
And here is where I think the book fails slightly.
Rosalind and Christopher ad developed rather well. We are given back-story and are shown the motivations for each. Also Pearce manages to set the world very authentically with the social constrictions that are placed on Rosalind. This is both from her family and society as a whole. She is expected to marry well but not to the enemy (Ah! The inevitable Romeo and Juliet moment, except our Rosalind and Christopher are in a battle of wills!)
I ended up caring what happened to these characters and kept rooting for them to throw caution to the wind and really join forces.
Christopher is an excellent hero in the book and Pearce shows his vulnerable side very well. You can see he has made reckless choices and wishes he could take them back. By the end of the book he strives to be the man Rosalind needs, but through a number of situations, he sees that they won’t be able to be together due to their families conflict.
No, the failing point in this little complicated love triangle is the underused and under developed, in my opinion, Rhys. He is in the book very little and when he is there it is either to look threateningly at Christopher or escort Rosalind around the court or in the country. It is assumed by Rosalinds grandfather that they will be wed, but for someone who is supposed to care and love Rosalind, you never really get that spark that the third wheel of a love triangle usually has.
And now I think of it, Christopher all too easily hands over the woman he has ‘bonded’ with to his love rival. Yes, something happens near the end of the book which really made me laugh and think “HA! There is the Happy Every After! Rosalind and Christopher are going to ride off into the sunset!” Even Angel from the Buffy series never really gave up on his love for the blonde slayer, though she could have damned his soul and brought forth Angelus.
It’s a shame, because there was such scope to really build on this rivalry. Rhys and Christopher were natural enemies. The fact that they seemed to come to an amicable arrangement over Rosalind dilutes their devotion to her.
On a final note, I did become rather intrigued with the Vampire Courts representative Elias. He was playing the game to a completely different set of rules and was manipulating our main players much like pieces on a chess board. Elias, though in the book for about the same amount of time as Rhys, was a more developed and interesting character. Pearce managed to convey the image of what can only be described as a spy or a manipulator very well, without getting to ‘wordsy’ with him. She could easily have over explained things, but then that would leave you, the reader feeling spoon fed and I loved the fact that by the end of the book you were left to draw your own conclusions. (Though if you know your history, you could see what comes next)
Overall I really did enjoy the book and I liked the spin that Pearce took with history. I think the love triangle fell a bit on the flat side, though the sparks between Rosalind and Christopher really set the pages on fire. I’m interested in seeing where the story goes and I do have ‘Blood of the Rose’, the second book in the series on my To Be Read pile.
April 22, 2011
As a lover of historical romance AND vampire romance, I had a fun time reading this tale. Kate Pearce does a great job at building this world of Henry VIII's court and meshing history with the vampire/druid world. The less formal dialogue took me out of the story a little here and there, but other than that, I enjoyed the story. Recommended reading!
October 9, 2018
~3.5 stars rounded to 4 ~
This book reminded me how much I love and miss reading about vampires and legends of old.
Christopher is a man that disguises his family shame with an over the top charming personality and being the best at what he does. Rosalind is a clever woman but is getting tired of having to prove herself as a vampire hunter. These two star-crossed lovers will have to unite forces in order to bring down a common enemy at the same time that a prophecy seems to be taking place and their feelings for each other seem to be more than just unbridled passion.
I loved the world building. I remember reading this story when it first came out and while I remember liking it then I have to say I liked it even more now. The Druids as a historical backdrop was something I hadn’t read before and I liked how it was weaved within the Tudors era. Vampires as Machiavellian beings and not necessarily heroes provided that extra darkness that I like in my PNR.
The thing I didn’t like much was the love triangle that took place in much of the story. I always think it unfair when one of the characters is left as an afterthought just because the object of their affections couldn’t make up their mind and kept dragging the poor guy along. I know it happens IRL but I prefer it wouldn’t happen in my romances. I also thought the prophesy aspect needed more fleshed out. It took me a while to understand it and assimilate how the whole thing tied up in the end. But I think that was a personal problem that I tend to have where prophecies are concerned.
All in all it definitely was a very enjoyable read and I recommend it to anyone that loves paranormal mixed with their historical reads.
*I received this book at no cost to me and I volunteered to read it; this is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher**
This book reminded me how much I love and miss reading about vampires and legends of old.
Christopher is a man that disguises his family shame with an over the top charming personality and being the best at what he does. Rosalind is a clever woman but is getting tired of having to prove herself as a vampire hunter. These two star-crossed lovers will have to unite forces in order to bring down a common enemy at the same time that a prophecy seems to be taking place and their feelings for each other seem to be more than just unbridled passion.
I loved the world building. I remember reading this story when it first came out and while I remember liking it then I have to say I liked it even more now. The Druids as a historical backdrop was something I hadn’t read before and I liked how it was weaved within the Tudors era. Vampires as Machiavellian beings and not necessarily heroes provided that extra darkness that I like in my PNR.
The thing I didn’t like much was the love triangle that took place in much of the story. I always think it unfair when one of the characters is left as an afterthought just because the object of their affections couldn’t make up their mind and kept dragging the poor guy along. I know it happens IRL but I prefer it wouldn’t happen in my romances. I also thought the prophesy aspect needed more fleshed out. It took me a while to understand it and assimilate how the whole thing tied up in the end. But I think that was a personal problem that I tend to have where prophecies are concerned.
All in all it definitely was a very enjoyable read and I recommend it to anyone that loves paranormal mixed with their historical reads.
*I received this book at no cost to me and I volunteered to read it; this is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher**
July 10, 2012
Bu yorum aynı zamanda Romancekolikte yayınlanmıştır.
English Review;
Yes after the few problems books finally end! I kind of love it different story, different way to look :)I think I will read 2nd book. I'm not much liking the times of VIII. Henry but in this story I felt different. First will entice me is the time and paranormal world united.
I heard that writer before and my friends tell me some her books. But this book not like them. Yes story contains sex science but not overly much. At least this doesn't disturbed me. I like hero and heroine but sometimes heroines make me piss of. Yes in nature order she is must be a tough, unyielding hunter but sometimes this values makes the reader shake her and put some senses in her head.
In the centuries feud has between the hero and heroines family. They hunt each other. They hate each other. But first Christopher saw Rosalind, he doesn't feel repulsive or hatred. They be affective each other but not fallen to temptation. Their families has plans for them and order both of them to seduce each other. And all in the middle of the circumstances, they have to kill bad vampire before she kill the king.
Türkçe Yorumum;
Kitabı bir ablam sayesinde öğrendim ve ön okumasını okuyunca bu kitabı okumalıyım dedim. Cidden çok değişik bir kitaptı ülkemizde benzeri yok orası kesin. Karakterleri sevdim ama kızımızın biz düşmanız ona kapılmamalıyım saçmalıklarını abartması ara ara beni çileden çıkarsada güzel kitaptı. Sonları ise baya heyecanlıydı. Çok şaşırtıcı bir şekilde bitti 2.yi sanırım okuyacağım. Konumuzu biraz anlatayım.
8. Henry'nin babası İngiltere Tahtını ele geçirmek için Druidlerden yardım alıyor ve Druidlerde eğer Kral onların vampirleri öldürmesine izin verirse yardım edeceğini söylüyor. Şartlar kabul ediliyor. Aradan yıllar geçiyor tahtta 8. Henry oturuyor. Kızımız Rosalind bir Druid ve saraya kehanet üzere gönderiliyor. Rosalind'in ailesi Kralı ve Kraliçeyi korumaya yemin etmişler.
Geldiği ilk gün bir yakışıklıya çatıp onun düşmanı çıkmasını ise tatsız bir tesadüf olarak algılamayı tercih ediyor ama hiç bir şey tesadüf değil. Onlar seçilmişler. Kehanet onları anlatıyor. Bu ikili birbirlerine çekiliyorlar ama aileler düşman olduğu için kendilerini heyecana kaptırmıyorlar. Şans öyle ki aileleri ise birbirlerini baştan çıkartmalarını onlara emrediyor. Bu karışıklığın içinde bir de kötü vampiri yakalamak zorundalar. Vampir kralı öldürmeden önce!
English Review;
Yes after the few problems books finally end! I kind of love it different story, different way to look :)I think I will read 2nd book. I'm not much liking the times of VIII. Henry but in this story I felt different. First will entice me is the time and paranormal world united.
I heard that writer before and my friends tell me some her books. But this book not like them. Yes story contains sex science but not overly much. At least this doesn't disturbed me. I like hero and heroine but sometimes heroines make me piss of. Yes in nature order she is must be a tough, unyielding hunter but sometimes this values makes the reader shake her and put some senses in her head.
In the centuries feud has between the hero and heroines family. They hunt each other. They hate each other. But first Christopher saw Rosalind, he doesn't feel repulsive or hatred. They be affective each other but not fallen to temptation. Their families has plans for them and order both of them to seduce each other. And all in the middle of the circumstances, they have to kill bad vampire before she kill the king.
Türkçe Yorumum;
Kitabı bir ablam sayesinde öğrendim ve ön okumasını okuyunca bu kitabı okumalıyım dedim. Cidden çok değişik bir kitaptı ülkemizde benzeri yok orası kesin. Karakterleri sevdim ama kızımızın biz düşmanız ona kapılmamalıyım saçmalıklarını abartması ara ara beni çileden çıkarsada güzel kitaptı. Sonları ise baya heyecanlıydı. Çok şaşırtıcı bir şekilde bitti 2.yi sanırım okuyacağım. Konumuzu biraz anlatayım.
8. Henry'nin babası İngiltere Tahtını ele geçirmek için Druidlerden yardım alıyor ve Druidlerde eğer Kral onların vampirleri öldürmesine izin verirse yardım edeceğini söylüyor. Şartlar kabul ediliyor. Aradan yıllar geçiyor tahtta 8. Henry oturuyor. Kızımız Rosalind bir Druid ve saraya kehanet üzere gönderiliyor. Rosalind'in ailesi Kralı ve Kraliçeyi korumaya yemin etmişler.
Geldiği ilk gün bir yakışıklıya çatıp onun düşmanı çıkmasını ise tatsız bir tesadüf olarak algılamayı tercih ediyor ama hiç bir şey tesadüf değil. Onlar seçilmişler. Kehanet onları anlatıyor. Bu ikili birbirlerine çekiliyorlar ama aileler düşman olduğu için kendilerini heyecana kaptırmıyorlar. Şans öyle ki aileleri ise birbirlerini baştan çıkartmalarını onlara emrediyor. Bu karışıklığın içinde bir de kötü vampiri yakalamak zorundalar. Vampir kralı öldürmeden önce!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2013
I really enjoy this book! It started off a little slow but after a quarter into the the book, it really took off. The main heroine Rosalind Llewellyn was a strong feisty lead. She is a Druid vampire slayer and is on a mission to save the king from possible danger. Sir Christopher Ellis another in the vampire slaying game is also dispatched to protect the king. Of course, we know what happens, they meet, they play coy,they admit feelings, etc., etc., and so forth. But there is an interesting twist; a love triangle you say not quite. It was more like love squared. Not only did she have the other vampire slayer interested in her, but it was her faithful manservant ( committed to her family) and a vampire at court. When there are more than one suitors in a romance novel, the dynamic can get tiresome and irritating. Somehow, this story managed to keep the tedium out and the tension in.
I thought the characters were well-written and the story was really interesting. I think within the vampire genre there is a wealth of ideas on the origins of the Vampire race. This one shows some good potential; they were descended from the Druids. I think there are a look of interesting back stories that can come from this series.
The men in this book were very very likable (good yum factor). Sir Christopher Ellis, Master Rhys Williams & Elias Warner. Christopher was the typical tortured, something to prove main hero. Rhys Williams was the typical loyal and dutiful as ever manservant. Elias Warner typical devious, sly, self-serving, lustful vampire. Although each of the male characters were typical, they really did have personality and they were well-defined. I liked each of them and hopefully will definitely see more of them.
Great start to a really intriguing series.
I thought the characters were well-written and the story was really interesting. I think within the vampire genre there is a wealth of ideas on the origins of the Vampire race. This one shows some good potential; they were descended from the Druids. I think there are a look of interesting back stories that can come from this series.
The men in this book were very very likable (good yum factor). Sir Christopher Ellis, Master Rhys Williams & Elias Warner. Christopher was the typical tortured, something to prove main hero. Rhys Williams was the typical loyal and dutiful as ever manservant. Elias Warner typical devious, sly, self-serving, lustful vampire. Although each of the male characters were typical, they really did have personality and they were well-defined. I liked each of them and hopefully will definitely see more of them.
Great start to a really intriguing series.
September 22, 2011
Gender: Paranormal Historical,
Sub-gender: Tudor era, reign of Henry the VIII-th, during his marriage with Catherine of Aragon
Hero: Christopher Ellis, Sir
Heroine: Rosalind Llewellyn(druid)
Rating: 3.75
I have no idea how to write a review about this book so I'll make a list of things I've found in it. So we have:
-druids, vampire slayers :>;
-vampires;
-druid slayers;
-a love triangle;
-King Henry the VIII-th and Catherin of Aragon(first wife, marriage annulled);
-fairly accurate history;
-spunky heroine;
-hero who had humor(I say this 'cuz usually they are arm candy :D);
-action spiced with a little bit of mystery;
-nice cover :D, very "The Tudors"(TV show);
-and almost forgot, names historically accurate and they even suite the characters: Rosalind-rose(she was beautiful but thorny :D), Rhys-ardent(dude was passionate but at the same time he was a good friend), etc[aka too lazy to search for the others :D].
A thing that puzzles me: in this series the vamps have no soul. If so, why can they form blood bonds and mate for "eternity"? I really can't understand this thing... I hope the author will speak more of it in the next book.
On this note I have to say that I'll read the others in the series. I hear in the second Anne Boleyn is a vampire.
Sub-gender: Tudor era, reign of Henry the VIII-th, during his marriage with Catherine of Aragon
Hero: Christopher Ellis, Sir
Heroine: Rosalind Llewellyn(druid)
Rating: 3.75
I have no idea how to write a review about this book so I'll make a list of things I've found in it. So we have:
-druids, vampire slayers :>;
-vampires;
-druid slayers;
-a love triangle;
-King Henry the VIII-th and Catherin of Aragon(first wife, marriage annulled);
-fairly accurate history;
-spunky heroine;
-hero who had humor(I say this 'cuz usually they are arm candy :D);
-action spiced with a little bit of mystery;
-nice cover :D, very "The Tudors"(TV show);
-and almost forgot, names historically accurate and they even suite the characters: Rosalind-rose(she was beautiful but thorny :D), Rhys-ardent(dude was passionate but at the same time he was a good friend), etc[aka too lazy to search for the others :D].
A thing that puzzles me: in this series the vamps have no soul. If so, why can they form blood bonds and mate for "eternity"? I really can't understand this thing... I hope the author will speak more of it in the next book.
On this note I have to say that I'll read the others in the series. I hear in the second Anne Boleyn is a vampire.
September 18, 2010
Rosalind Llewellyn, one of the few remaining Druids, returns to the court of Henry VIII with her long time friend Rhys, to fulfill her families pledge to protect the Tudors from the threat of vampires. One very powerful vampire is determined to kill the king and Rosilind must join forces with her sworn enemies in order to destroy it.
I enjoyed this book more than I expected to. There is quite a bit of action and the story is very good. The sex is very well done and there is just enough of it. Rosalind is a good strong lead and the men are sexy. I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
I enjoyed this book more than I expected to. There is quite a bit of action and the story is very good. The sex is very well done and there is just enough of it. Rosalind is a good strong lead and the men are sexy. I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
November 5, 2010
I like the premise of Vampires in Tudor England. I also like how the author explains the Druids and the Vampire Slayers. Druids protect vampires and Christopher is one of them. Rosalind is a vampire hunter and has to join forces with Christopher in order to find out who is trying to kill Henry VIII and why. Of course the Druids and the Llewellyn's (Vampire Slayers) do not like each other. One is sworn to protect the vampires and the other to kill them. Christopher and Rosalind have chemistry and I like that Christopher was right to the point with her and was not one of those alpha males who take forever in the book to declare his love. I can't wait to read the next one.
March 10, 2011
I thought this was a wonderful and refreshing paranormal romance. I've read so many now with all the same plots, I was getting very bored.
This book keeps you on edge and throws constant twists into the story line. The heroine is torn between two men, and normally even in these situations, you know who she'll end up with. Not the case in this story. You don't know if she'll choose the man she finds herself falling for that her family won't approve of, or the safe comfort of the man whose been by her side for years.
I'm glad this is a series, and I plan to follow it until it's end.
This book keeps you on edge and throws constant twists into the story line. The heroine is torn between two men, and normally even in these situations, you know who she'll end up with. Not the case in this story. You don't know if she'll choose the man she finds herself falling for that her family won't approve of, or the safe comfort of the man whose been by her side for years.
I'm glad this is a series, and I plan to follow it until it's end.
September 15, 2010
Loved this book. Tudor fiction is my dark secret, and I've been reading it for a decade. Paranormal Tudor Romance? O-M-G sign me up and can I have your newsletter?
I was entertained from start to finish, and the fact that start to finish didn't take very long is impressive all on its own, since I'm not a very speedy reader. I must have been having a blast. :D
I was entertained from start to finish, and the fact that start to finish didn't take very long is impressive all on its own, since I'm not a very speedy reader. I must have been having a blast. :D
September 4, 2010
GAH! I so did not see that ending coming!
As the pages dwindled, the happily-ever-after dwindled as well, and I found myself dreading the end. And then BAM!, a cliffhanger slapped me upside the head!
Do I really have to wait until February?!?
As the pages dwindled, the happily-ever-after dwindled as well, and I found myself dreading the end. And then BAM!, a cliffhanger slapped me upside the head!
Do I really have to wait until February?!?
November 11, 2010
Sometimes you don't know why you like a book, you just do. That was the case for "Kiss of the Rose". I enjoyed the book, the characters and the story line but there was no clear reason why I liked it. I know I suck at reviewing this book but I'm stumped.
3.5 out of 4 stars.
3.5 out of 4 stars.
Read
April 21, 2011I really enjoyed this book. It was a popular subject matter with vampires but Kate was able to put a completely different spin on it to previous books I have read. I enjoyed the History references and the characters were interesting. I am looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
December 28, 2010
Excellent! I really enjoyed it and what a cliffhanger!
September 6, 2018
From the cover blurb on this book, I honestly expected more of a historical novel mixed with paranormal elements. However, it was more of the reverse. Simply a paranormal novel set within King's Henry VIII's court. In fact, part of the story has both the King and the Queen in danger from the vampire but neither of those historical figures truly play into the story. Instead the focus is almost entirely on a love triangle that are hunting a rogue vampire and another vampire with his own agenda. And frankly the love triangle takes up more of the plot than anything else. This book is the first in a series and while it doesn't end on a true cliffhanger (meaning no one's life is in the balance), there is definitely more to be told with the next book. So if you're looking for a HEA, I think you'll need to read more of the series.
January 17, 2018
I was really disappointed in this book. It hardly had any historical content and it was more romance/erotica than anything else. It was a fairly good piece of fluff but the protagonists got on my last nerve with the sudden loss of confidence about everything.
February 22, 2011
Kate Pearce has brought vampires out and back to their historical roots so-to-speak with Kiss of the Rose, into a realm where they dominate and flourish amid the sumptuous splendor of the Tudor Court filled with intrigue, murder, and a petulant Henry VIII caught between the machinations of the Vampire Council and the Druids. This combustible melding of the paranormal and the arcane mysticism of Druidic lore gives Kiss of the Rose a bit of a Marion Zimmer Bradley feel, but with a sanguine edge that makes its point felt throughout this richly engrossing novel.
Pearce couldn’t have picked a more perfect era in time for her period piece-when Queen Catherine is on the wane, and another stands to replace her, upsetting those who hold the real power at Court and potentially King Henry at sway. Summoned to combat a potential threat to the monarchy, Rosalind Llewellyn and her mentor Rhys Williams descend to Court to find more than either of them bargained for.
Multiple dangers coalesce within the confines of Richmond Palace, some of which allude that there is a greater game at play and that they are mere pawns in it. Not only is there the obvious threat of a rogue vampire on the loose intent on either possessing or murdering the King, but Rosalind must contend with Sir Christopher Ellis, her sworn enemy, countering her every move.
The two of them, blood enemies, one a defender of the vampire dominion and the other sworn to annihilate it, Christopher and Rosalind must pull their resources to survive and collaborate against a deadlier foe than the Vampire Council can combat. Without their combined powers, the future of the monarchy, and even England is at stake. Together with Rhys and council member Elias Warner, each of them play a pivotal role in defending the sovereigns at risk, and battling a powerful vampire that could have blood ties to Sir Christopher.
But what is even more intoxicating to Kiss of the Rose is the mysterious prophecy that seems to be unfolding with every step that Christopher and Rosalind make. Their unusual attraction to one another, mortal enemies, yet they are like moths to a flame, fighting every movement that draws them closer to the inevitable burn. The culmination of their passion is incandescent and beautifully played out by Pearce amidst the greater tapestry of the prophecy, the arcane rights of Beltane, and the ever present dangers of Court. Readers will hunger to unravel the treacherous path of the prophecy to see where it leads…its purpose not yet at hand.
Pearce has delicately choreographed Kiss of the Rose as lively as any galliard or saltarello, her characters whirling to her own devices, parrying back and forth amongst themselves as well as in the Court's tapestried chambers. Kiss brings with it the fragrant winds of change to the genre, is richly verdant and consuming, its plot just as magnetic as the attraction between her two main characters. Once I finished it, I could not wait to get Blood of the Rose on my Kindle immediately. And I mean immediately.
At the end of Kiss of the Rose, Pearce leaves you hungering for more intrigue and better yet...more of Christopher and Rosalind who are placed in a prickly place by the King. How will their warring families deal with their new status? Has the prophecy been fulfilled or is there more to come? And who is the mysterious new foe(s) that Lady Celia de Alonso hints of?
In a few words: bloody brilliant, inventive, scrumptious, and definitely consuming.
A Fiendishly Bookish Review (and one grumpy cat)
November 22, 2018
Desperate to defeat Richard III and become king of England and Wales, Henry Tudor made a pact with the Druids; one that bound him and his descendents to the Druids’ cause: destroying Vampires. Years have passed and Henry’s son, Henry VIII, sits on the throne, unaware of the pact his father made. Then corpses start turning up, drained of blood and Lady Rosalind Llewellyn, Druid and Vampire hunter, is sent to Court to protect the king. Convincing the king to let her protect him is easy for Rosalind – it’s complying with an ancient prophesy that’s hard. The prophesy calls for Rosalind to work with a known Druid slayer, Sir Christopher Ellis. Christopher kills her kind and protects Vampires – how can Rosalind work with him? And why does she feel this intense desire for the man who’s supposed to be her enemy? With the king’s life on the line, Rosalind must learn to blur the lines between friend and foe, to look past everything she’s ever been taught, and risk putting her faith in the one man who could either destroy her…or turn out to be her soul mate.
Kate Pearce brings otherworldly passion, danger, and intrigue to life in her sensational new series, The Tudor Vampire Chronicles. I didn’t think fiction could ever add to the excitement of history when it came to the court of Henry VIII, but with Kiss of the Rose Ms. Pearce has done it!
Ms. Pearce’s characters are always richly complex, and this holds true for Rosalind and Christopher. I adored them both; they’re intelligent, likeable, and relatable protagonists. Christopher and Rosalind are both bound to oft-conflicting oaths, yet they both have something in common: neither are one hundred percent accepted by their families. For Rosalind, it’s being a female Vampire slayer in a time when such a powerful, warrior-like duty would be seen as appalling to one of her gender. Christopher’s history is even more complicated, and the reasons which he is subjected to intense mistrust by his family are far too spoilerish for me to reveal. As a pair, Christopher and Rosalind fit like lock and key…if only they weren’t on opposite sides of an ancient battle. The obstacles blocking them from having a relationship seem almost insurmountable, and I so desperately want to see them find a way to be together.
Ms. Pearce starts the Tudor Vampire Chronicles strong with Kiss of the Rose. I finished the book practically dying to read book two, Blood of the Rose. I can’t wait to see what happens next to Rosalind and Christopher as they face yet more danger in Henry’s court. I love how Ms. Pearce blends history and the paranormal in Kiss of the Rose and I’m sure there are only more exciting things to come with Blood of the Rose as a new supernatural threat emerges even as the well-known drama involving the rise of Anne Boleyn plays out.
Kiss of the Rose is a wonderful, unique story penned by an amazingly talented author. Ms. Pearce never ceases to amaze me with her creativity that spans genres and her originality shines through in Kiss of the Rose.
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed.
Kate Pearce brings otherworldly passion, danger, and intrigue to life in her sensational new series, The Tudor Vampire Chronicles. I didn’t think fiction could ever add to the excitement of history when it came to the court of Henry VIII, but with Kiss of the Rose Ms. Pearce has done it!
Ms. Pearce’s characters are always richly complex, and this holds true for Rosalind and Christopher. I adored them both; they’re intelligent, likeable, and relatable protagonists. Christopher and Rosalind are both bound to oft-conflicting oaths, yet they both have something in common: neither are one hundred percent accepted by their families. For Rosalind, it’s being a female Vampire slayer in a time when such a powerful, warrior-like duty would be seen as appalling to one of her gender. Christopher’s history is even more complicated, and the reasons which he is subjected to intense mistrust by his family are far too spoilerish for me to reveal. As a pair, Christopher and Rosalind fit like lock and key…if only they weren’t on opposite sides of an ancient battle. The obstacles blocking them from having a relationship seem almost insurmountable, and I so desperately want to see them find a way to be together.
Ms. Pearce starts the Tudor Vampire Chronicles strong with Kiss of the Rose. I finished the book practically dying to read book two, Blood of the Rose. I can’t wait to see what happens next to Rosalind and Christopher as they face yet more danger in Henry’s court. I love how Ms. Pearce blends history and the paranormal in Kiss of the Rose and I’m sure there are only more exciting things to come with Blood of the Rose as a new supernatural threat emerges even as the well-known drama involving the rise of Anne Boleyn plays out.
Kiss of the Rose is a wonderful, unique story penned by an amazingly talented author. Ms. Pearce never ceases to amaze me with her creativity that spans genres and her originality shines through in Kiss of the Rose.
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed.
June 20, 2011
Well, it wasn't what I expected but it was great. I've read Kate Pearce's "House of Pleasure" series and it's far different from this one. While I expected lots of erotica, this one didn't offer much but that's not the only reason I gave this a 4-star rating.
I'd like to point out the semi-negative reasons for the 4 stars.
First, Ms Pearce obviously wants her readers to keep guessing - she got me there. There were only fragments of history between the Mithras cult, who protects the vampires, and the Druids, the vampire slayers. There's a lot of speculation going on, and of course there's the Vampire Council.
Second, there's erotica in words where Christopher described what he wants to do to Rosalind, but if I counted it right, there were only TWO love scenes here (one in Beltaine and one in the cave), mostly the lustful things were only the characters' thoughts.
Those are the only reasons that made give that rating.
On to the positive ones:
This is very fresh; history buffs and paranormal fans would have a field day with this one. I loved the mix of Tudor and Vampire, and how Ms Pearce weaved them together. I read Philippa Gregory's "The Other Boleyn Girl", and I distinctly remember how King Henry VIII shunned Queen Katherine of Aragon. I was able to connect it with that period and the characters, Rosalind and Christopher blended seamlessly. I also liked the dresses.
Though a friend was able to compare it to Twilight because of the love triangle, I didn't think about it at all. Because of Rhys, whom Rosalind sees as her best friend, and started to get uncomfortable when she realized he sees her as a woman. They're practically betrothed, and I liked how he never forced himself on her. He's focused on his duty and it's clear how he loves Rosalind.
Rosalind and Christopher were alike in a lot of ways. They're the present generation representing what their families are fighting for. Rosalind was trained from her childhood to defeat Vampires (the rogue ones), and Christopher protects them. Later on they would learn they're being manipulated. Rosalind's grandfather commanded her to seduce Christopher and be intimate with him, and Christopher's uncle instructed him to do the same.
I really felt Rosalind's confusion and how she hated it that she's attracted to Christopher as well. Because they are too absorbed in their duties that they don't act out their desires.
I love how Ms Pearce added Druids to the mix; I don't know why recently I've been inadvertently reading stories that feature them. I also liked the magic and mind connections. The mystery kept me reading nonstop and I felt a lot of grief, disappointment, hope, passion, and the like. She really did a good job in making the characters as real as they could be. The ending is more like a bait to read the next because there's definitely more to come. Not that I needed it, Ms Pearce hasn't let me down yet.
I'd like to point out the semi-negative reasons for the 4 stars.
First, Ms Pearce obviously wants her readers to keep guessing - she got me there. There were only fragments of history between the Mithras cult, who protects the vampires, and the Druids, the vampire slayers. There's a lot of speculation going on, and of course there's the Vampire Council.
Second, there's erotica in words where Christopher described what he wants to do to Rosalind, but if I counted it right, there were only TWO love scenes here (one in Beltaine and one in the cave), mostly the lustful things were only the characters' thoughts.
Those are the only reasons that made give that rating.
On to the positive ones:
This is very fresh; history buffs and paranormal fans would have a field day with this one. I loved the mix of Tudor and Vampire, and how Ms Pearce weaved them together. I read Philippa Gregory's "The Other Boleyn Girl", and I distinctly remember how King Henry VIII shunned Queen Katherine of Aragon. I was able to connect it with that period and the characters, Rosalind and Christopher blended seamlessly. I also liked the dresses.
Though a friend was able to compare it to Twilight because of the love triangle, I didn't think about it at all. Because of Rhys, whom Rosalind sees as her best friend, and started to get uncomfortable when she realized he sees her as a woman. They're practically betrothed, and I liked how he never forced himself on her. He's focused on his duty and it's clear how he loves Rosalind.
Rosalind and Christopher were alike in a lot of ways. They're the present generation representing what their families are fighting for. Rosalind was trained from her childhood to defeat Vampires (the rogue ones), and Christopher protects them. Later on they would learn they're being manipulated. Rosalind's grandfather commanded her to seduce Christopher and be intimate with him, and Christopher's uncle instructed him to do the same.
I really felt Rosalind's confusion and how she hated it that she's attracted to Christopher as well. Because they are too absorbed in their duties that they don't act out their desires.
I love how Ms Pearce added Druids to the mix; I don't know why recently I've been inadvertently reading stories that feature them. I also liked the magic and mind connections. The mystery kept me reading nonstop and I felt a lot of grief, disappointment, hope, passion, and the like. She really did a good job in making the characters as real as they could be. The ending is more like a bait to read the next because there's definitely more to come. Not that I needed it, Ms Pearce hasn't let me down yet.
November 12, 2011
Kiss of the Rose" is the first in a new series called the Tudor Vampire Chronicles. This is a historical paranormal romance series. The basic premise of the series, according to the author, is to focus on one of King Henry VIII's wives in each book. The first book is about Katherine of Aragon.
Story:
To secure the crown of England, king Henry Duke of Richmond, turn to the Druids for help. The Druids agree to help him as long as he agrees to help aid them in their fight against the vampires. And Henry agrees. 44 years later, bodies drained of blood starts showing up and it becomes apparent that King Henry VIII, who now reigns, and his wife. Queen Katherine, may be in danger. Vampire hunter, Rosaling Llewellyn, must form an alliance with Sir Christopher Ellis - a man who comes from a family that has protected the vampires for centuries and Rhys Williams to help protect the king.
Main Character:
Rosalind Llewellyn is a great character. She is the first woman to be born with the mark of Awen, which means that she is entitled to be a vampire slayer. She is strong, has a will of her own and do not need to be dependent on a male. But she is also a lady who knows how to behave. She is fun, energetic and a great protagonist. I liked her very much.
The Book:
I have been looking forward to reading this book. I love vampires and I love Tudor - England, so a book that combines these two sounded like a great read. And I love the cover. It is so hot and sexy.
I loved the beginning of this book, when King Henry forms the bargain with the druids. I was instantly propelled into the story, and I had a hard time putting the book away. I could easily have read the whole thing in one sitting, if I hadn't been so busy lately. I think Kate Pearce has come up with some great and interesting characters and I loved the triangle between Rhys, Christopher and Rosalind. And the love story is of course the main focus in this book, a book that is steaming with passion and sensuality.
Kate Pearce has come up with a original and interesting plot, and with just a little more history and vampire action, this could be really, really great. She is good at greating an atmosphere that draws you in, and you just want to stay in the book untill it is finished. Vampires in the tudortime really worked for me.
Story:
To secure the crown of England, king Henry Duke of Richmond, turn to the Druids for help. The Druids agree to help him as long as he agrees to help aid them in their fight against the vampires. And Henry agrees. 44 years later, bodies drained of blood starts showing up and it becomes apparent that King Henry VIII, who now reigns, and his wife. Queen Katherine, may be in danger. Vampire hunter, Rosaling Llewellyn, must form an alliance with Sir Christopher Ellis - a man who comes from a family that has protected the vampires for centuries and Rhys Williams to help protect the king.
Main Character:
Rosalind Llewellyn is a great character. She is the first woman to be born with the mark of Awen, which means that she is entitled to be a vampire slayer. She is strong, has a will of her own and do not need to be dependent on a male. But she is also a lady who knows how to behave. She is fun, energetic and a great protagonist. I liked her very much.
The Book:
I have been looking forward to reading this book. I love vampires and I love Tudor - England, so a book that combines these two sounded like a great read. And I love the cover. It is so hot and sexy.
I loved the beginning of this book, when King Henry forms the bargain with the druids. I was instantly propelled into the story, and I had a hard time putting the book away. I could easily have read the whole thing in one sitting, if I hadn't been so busy lately. I think Kate Pearce has come up with some great and interesting characters and I loved the triangle between Rhys, Christopher and Rosalind. And the love story is of course the main focus in this book, a book that is steaming with passion and sensuality.
Kate Pearce has come up with a original and interesting plot, and with just a little more history and vampire action, this could be really, really great. She is good at greating an atmosphere that draws you in, and you just want to stay in the book untill it is finished. Vampires in the tudortime really worked for me.
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