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Below the Salt #2
A Rose Among Thorns
◆ Desire is seeded and attraction blooms where it is strictly forbidden ◆
The Knight:
Sir Rook Blake has seen his twin sister fall in love with someone from below the salt and swears he will never make that mistake. As the eldest son of Lord Corbett Blake, Rook is betrothed to a lady he's never met and expected to produce noble heirs. To his dismay, his betrothed has a reputation for being demanding, snobby, and hard to please.
Rook has just acquired his own manor, but the grounds are in disrepair. The garden needs to be transformed for the wedding before his haughty betrothed arrives. Hiring a master gardener seems like a good idea, until he realizes the gardener has sent his daughter, Primrose in his place. On a strict timeline and with no other choice, Rook accepts her help but doesn't believe the girl can give him what he wants or needs.
The Gardener's Daughter:
Primrose Ashdown knows all about plants, having worked with her father, a master gardener, for most of her life. She was the force behind the famous labyrinths and flower gardens of the nobles that has made her father a favorite with those from above the salt. When her father has an accident at the last minute, Primrose goes in his place to fulfill the next job. She's heard of the arrogant, womanizing, dark-haired lord named Rook and is afraid he will be nothing but trouble.
Primrose is serious about her work, so when Rook doesn't feel she is capable of the challenge, she decides to show him exactly what she can do. And that goes beyond the garden. She is a woman with a mind of her own, and he is a man who doesn't believe she should have one. Their wits meet, and somehow the games between them turn into foreplay, causing Primrose to fall for a man she never even expected to like.
Love has no bounds but marriage has rules. A noble must never wed anyone from below the salt.
(This series features the next generation from Elizabeth's Legacy of the Blade Series.)
The Knight:
Sir Rook Blake has seen his twin sister fall in love with someone from below the salt and swears he will never make that mistake. As the eldest son of Lord Corbett Blake, Rook is betrothed to a lady he's never met and expected to produce noble heirs. To his dismay, his betrothed has a reputation for being demanding, snobby, and hard to please.
Rook has just acquired his own manor, but the grounds are in disrepair. The garden needs to be transformed for the wedding before his haughty betrothed arrives. Hiring a master gardener seems like a good idea, until he realizes the gardener has sent his daughter, Primrose in his place. On a strict timeline and with no other choice, Rook accepts her help but doesn't believe the girl can give him what he wants or needs.
The Gardener's Daughter:
Primrose Ashdown knows all about plants, having worked with her father, a master gardener, for most of her life. She was the force behind the famous labyrinths and flower gardens of the nobles that has made her father a favorite with those from above the salt. When her father has an accident at the last minute, Primrose goes in his place to fulfill the next job. She's heard of the arrogant, womanizing, dark-haired lord named Rook and is afraid he will be nothing but trouble.
Primrose is serious about her work, so when Rook doesn't feel she is capable of the challenge, she decides to show him exactly what she can do. And that goes beyond the garden. She is a woman with a mind of her own, and he is a man who doesn't believe she should have one. Their wits meet, and somehow the games between them turn into foreplay, causing Primrose to fall for a man she never even expected to like.
Love has no bounds but marriage has rules. A noble must never wed anyone from below the salt.
(This series features the next generation from Elizabeth's Legacy of the Blade Series.)
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 30, 2023
About the author
Elizabeth Rose
562 books1,292 followersElizabeth Rose is the author of medieval, paranormal, fantasy and contemporary novels. While based on romance, her novels have complex plots, action and suspense. She loves writing bad boy tortured heroes and empowered feisty heroines.
Her books have won rave reviews, and been seen on The History Channel as well as Wild Chicago. Elizabeth's books have won and been finalists in many contests. Here is a partial list:
Highland Spirit - Highland Chronicles WINNER of the Raven Award.
Bedeviled - Portals of Destiny, WINNER Creme de la Cover Contest
Beguiled - Portals of Destiny, WINNER - Creme de la Cover Contest
RONE Award finalists include:
Doubting Thomas - Bad Boys of Sweetwater
Highland Steel - Highland Chronicles
Tristan - Pirate Lords
Igniting Andrew - Bad Boys of Sweetwater
Highland Secrets - Secrets of the Heart
Seductive Secrets - Secrets of the Heart
Forgotten Secrets - all Secrets of the Heart
Summer's Reign - Seasons of Fortitude
Kindle Book Review Awards finalist and semi-finalist:
Highland Secrets
Forgotten Secrets
International Digital Award finalist:
Highland Spring - Seasons of Fortitude
Golden Palm Finalist:
Mary, Mary - Once Upon a Rhyme
Raven Awards Best Cover finalist:
May Queen - Holiday Knights
Raven Awards Runner-Up:
Lady and the Wolf - Tangled Tales
Books and Benches Reviewer's Choice:
Restless Sea Lord - Legendary Bastards of the Crown
Sapphire Award Finalist:
Kyros' Secret - Greek Myth Fantasy Series
Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice:
Thief of Olympus - Greek Myth Fantasy Series
Seen on the History Channel:
The Oracle of Delphi - Greek Myth Fantasy Series
And More!
Elizabeth is known for her many series which include:
Below the Salt Series
Highland Outcasts
Portals of Destiny
Legacy of the Blade
Daughters of the Dagger
Elemental Magick Series
Bad Boys of Sweetwater: Tarnished Saints Series Greek Myth Fantasy Series
MadMan MacKeefe Series
Legendary Bastards of the Crown
Seasons of Fortitude
Secrets of the Heart
Second in Command
Pirate Lords
Highland Chronicles
Barons of the Cinque Ports
Tangled Tales Once Upon a Rhyme
Holiday Knights
Dark Encounters
Cowboys of the Old West
Working Man Series, and more!
Someday Elizabeth hopes to visit the castles of Scotland and England personally. However, she has been to the jungles of Peru and Machu Picchu which inspired her novels, Curse of the Condor and Bistro Bachelor.
Visit her website to view her latest books and to read excerpts of her work. http://elizabethrosenovels.com.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 29, 2023
Elizabeth Rose has given us this Magnificent Story in Book 2 Below The Salt Series. In this one Rook, Ravens twin brother tale is told. In the 1300’s you could say he was a Rake, Womanizer, Cad , and Arrogant. Now days perhaps a P I G putting it mildly. Back then Noble Men got away with anything leaving woman vulnerable. There is always the question “ Can people really change ?” That is what this story is about . CHANGE !
Can Love Change Who You Are ?
Primrose Ashdown was the daughter of a Master Gardner, Oliver Ashdown. Although a Commoner he was well respected. Even did work for the King. She worked with her Father since childhood learning the craft. Only being a woman she was not taken serious.
Lord Rook Blake was a Knight. You could say a real Snob. Not only did he not respect woman , he treated the servants and any one below him poorly. He felt very Entitled. If only someone could show him the way and perhaps knock him down a peg. Could that even be possible ?
Rose and Rook meet when he is given the ManorHouse for his Betrothal. With much work needed to be done Oliver and his daughter Rose are hired to do the work. Only something happens .
There story is one of right and wrong, change and hope, common decency, and duty or love. There are plenty of emotions and many tears. This is a Beautifully told Story!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Can Love Change Who You Are ?
Primrose Ashdown was the daughter of a Master Gardner, Oliver Ashdown. Although a Commoner he was well respected. Even did work for the King. She worked with her Father since childhood learning the craft. Only being a woman she was not taken serious.
Lord Rook Blake was a Knight. You could say a real Snob. Not only did he not respect woman , he treated the servants and any one below him poorly. He felt very Entitled. If only someone could show him the way and perhaps knock him down a peg. Could that even be possible ?
Rose and Rook meet when he is given the ManorHouse for his Betrothal. With much work needed to be done Oliver and his daughter Rose are hired to do the work. Only something happens .
There story is one of right and wrong, change and hope, common decency, and duty or love. There are plenty of emotions and many tears. This is a Beautifully told Story!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 21, 2023
Challenges, Weddings, Family:
A wonderful story with much humor, fear, many of life's heartfelt learning lessons along with a hilarious and enjoyable ending.
Absolutely loved the cast of characters.
The opening of this story is quite fun and shows Rook is a rambunctious man who hasn't a care in the world beyond self-gratification until his father announces that Rook is now getting married to a French woman in one months' time. This is not good news.
His father is sending him to his own manor which is in need of refurbishing the gardens. Preparations are now in order, and this is where Rose (a commoner) heaven forbid comes into his life.
From there we have a wonderfully charming yet desirous and sizzling love story unfolding.
I loved every minute of the story that was filled with joy, sorrow, danger, anger, laugh out loud times and the unexpected ending that garnered aloud yell of Oh Yes and Yahoo.
My only regret was not having the shrew (Rook's French betrothed) described physically. What was she hiding?
A very enjoyable story to spend a few hours reading of a lazy weekend day.
I am so looking forward to reading Larks's story which is next in this delightful series.
Mature Advisory:
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest opinion.
A wonderful story with much humor, fear, many of life's heartfelt learning lessons along with a hilarious and enjoyable ending.
Absolutely loved the cast of characters.
The opening of this story is quite fun and shows Rook is a rambunctious man who hasn't a care in the world beyond self-gratification until his father announces that Rook is now getting married to a French woman in one months' time. This is not good news.
His father is sending him to his own manor which is in need of refurbishing the gardens. Preparations are now in order, and this is where Rose (a commoner) heaven forbid comes into his life.
From there we have a wonderfully charming yet desirous and sizzling love story unfolding.
I loved every minute of the story that was filled with joy, sorrow, danger, anger, laugh out loud times and the unexpected ending that garnered aloud yell of Oh Yes and Yahoo.
My only regret was not having the shrew (Rook's French betrothed) described physically. What was she hiding?
A very enjoyable story to spend a few hours reading of a lazy weekend day.
I am so looking forward to reading Larks's story which is next in this delightful series.
Mature Advisory:
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest opinion.
May 31, 2023
Because his daughter married a commoner, and because Rook is the eldest son, Lord Corbett Blake is determined he will marry someone equal to his status. When he meets the gardener girl who has come to restore the gardens around his new manor, he might change his mind. Rose is smart, skilled, and beautiful, and he is smitten. As much as he wishes it were different, there can be nothing between him and Rose, or can there? As his wedding, to a rather shrewish French noblewoman, nears it conclusion, his squire Harold and Rose ride hard to give Rook another choice. Will they be there in time? The second story in the Below the Salt series is a real treat. The characters, many who are familiar, are wonderful, and the story is heartwarming with a good dose of humor. Rook has to do a lot of growing up to reach a happy future.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and am voluntarily reviewing it.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and am voluntarily reviewing it.
May 22, 2023
A somewhat strange story. It's easy to read, I couldn’t put it down, wanted to finish it too, because I wanted to know the ending and in a way it was also entertaining but I didn't really like it. The writing style is a bit childish, seems a bit amateurish but in a certain way also humorous and charming. The characters are not really well developed or likeable, even if you take into account that Rook's behavior was probably common for the time, and Primrose does show a strong character at first. The story is thin, flat and straightforward, little nuance.Feelings, characters or events do not come to life for me as a reader.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 19, 2023
Oh dear, another child of Corbett Blake is falling for a commoner! Rook has a bad reputation with women, so bad that the only alliance his father can make for him is with a Frenchwoman. Whilst not looking forward to his marriage, Rook is determined as the first born son to marry a noble and not bring disgrace to his family name, but he has yet to meet Primrose Ashdown. When he does, his life gradually becomes more complicated. An interesting story, I loved hearing about the lives of the commoners.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from Booksprout. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from Booksprout. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 28, 2023
This was an enjoyable read. Rook was certainly arrogant and enjoyed his privileged life as a noble. As a noble he was expected to marry another noble but he enjoyed his life, bedding women as he pleased, not even bothering to know their names. Primrose ( Rose ) was the daughter of a master gardener and as such had been taught by her father all his skills in gardening. Rose was a commoner but was a very determined woman. She was skilled in her work. Circumstances bring Rook and Rose together and although they feel a deep attraction, there is their difference in status. There is also the matter of a French bride arriving soon. This story moved along at a good pace and kept me entertained throughout. I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 31, 2023
A romance set in Medieval times, this is a cute story with some humor. Although the script was free of typos and spelling errors, I found the hero rather hard to like given his general attitude towards women. At times I felt that if it were not for the content, I was reading a children's fairy tale. Nevertheless, I didn't put the book down as I wanted to know how it ended. The conclusion is fun. If one enjoys less serious reading, then this one does pass the test. I received a copy of this novel through BookSprout as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
September 11, 2023
love. wins out
Lord Rook has a reputation about his conquests with woman.
When he is given a manor house by his father it needs lots of help
The garden is in disarray and a master gardener is hired. Roses father is a master Gardner but he breaks his leg and sends Rose in his place.
Lord Rook and Rose do not see eye to eye at first. Rook has a reputation
For bedding many woman. In the end Rose and Rook fall in love and he marries her. They are truly in love
Lord Rook has a reputation about his conquests with woman.
When he is given a manor house by his father it needs lots of help
The garden is in disarray and a master gardener is hired. Roses father is a master Gardner but he breaks his leg and sends Rose in his place.
Lord Rook and Rose do not see eye to eye at first. Rook has a reputation
For bedding many woman. In the end Rose and Rook fall in love and he marries her. They are truly in love
May 30, 2023
The Below the Salt series is imaginative and creative. Rook, as the eldest son, is trying to do right and not follow in his twin’s footsteps. He is a womanizer who is focused only on his pleasures. Now the time has come for him to marry the woman chosen by his father. Rose is a commoner who works on creating beautiful gardens with her father. A job allows their paths to cross and it changes their trajectory in life. These are wonderful characters who are joy to get to know. This is a wonderful story that ends in great happiness.
May 30, 2023
What an intriguing story. Rook will make sure he marries someone his equal. Unfortunately she’s not he expected. He needs to get everything in order before the wedding. To his surprise the Gardner is a beautiful girl. Two opposites from different classes, will they fall in love. A story not to be missed.
May 29, 2023
Rook is certainly a thorn in Rose's side. She is at his manor to get the gardens back in order and he is sniffing around her like a dog. It is a great story of a noble falling in love with a commoner and choosing between duty and love. I can just picture the gardens in my mind.
May 30, 2023
Rook is in desperate need of a master gardener to ready his estate gardens before his prospective bride arrives. However instead of a master gardener he gets his daughter who is a force of nature herself. Soon starts a war of attraction that could lead to something if only he wasn't betrothed.
May 30, 2023
Lord Rook is the eldest of his siblings and must marry a noble.
Rook's sister Raven, fell in love and married a commoner and now Rook's father is adamant that he marry a French noble woman.
As a reward, Rook is given a manor house for him and his new wife to live in.
They hire a master gardener, to clean up the garden and yard and bring it back to its former glory. Just in time for his up coming wedding.
Rose, the gardeners daughter and her staff take on the task after Rose's father suddenly dies.
Rook finds Rose to be a breath of fresh air and even though she is a commoner, he soon develops feelings for her.
Rose knows nothing will come of this relationship with Rook , but she falls in love with him.
Will Rook defy his father and marry his Rose Among Thorns.
Rook's sister Raven, fell in love and married a commoner and now Rook's father is adamant that he marry a French noble woman.
As a reward, Rook is given a manor house for him and his new wife to live in.
They hire a master gardener, to clean up the garden and yard and bring it back to its former glory. Just in time for his up coming wedding.
Rose, the gardeners daughter and her staff take on the task after Rose's father suddenly dies.
Rook finds Rose to be a breath of fresh air and even though she is a commoner, he soon develops feelings for her.
Rose knows nothing will come of this relationship with Rook , but she falls in love with him.
Will Rook defy his father and marry his Rose Among Thorns.
June 1, 2023
Great
This is a wonderful story. How love concerts all and happily ever after does happen. I especially love how people can change
This is a wonderful story. How love concerts all and happily ever after does happen. I especially love how people can change
June 4, 2023
Great Historical Love Story
I really loved this book. It kept me laughing and hoping Rook and
Rosé would be together. It had happy ending.
I really loved this book. It kept me laughing and hoping Rook and
Rosé would be together. It had happy ending.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews