Rosamund by Bertrice Small

   
     Well, the good news is that this book was better than the previous book by Miss Small that I read. The bad news is that it lacked another good 200 pages to end properly. This book had a lot of English history in it,and followed a similar plot outline as "A Dangerous Love".  Overall the book had a very good beginning, a strong middle and lacked an ending.  If the English history in the early 16th century appeals to you then I'd say this is the romance novel for you, if not, I would pick up another book.

Book Blurb:
    "Rosamund Bolton is the heiress to the manor of Friarsgate on the wild Cumbrian border between England and Scotland. More than a splended inheritance, Friarsgate will chart the fate of the orphaned beauty widowed at a precious young age. It will take her from the treacherous custody of a devious uncle, sweeping her in to the magnificent court of Elizabeth of York, into the confidence of Katherine of Aragon, and past the intimate chamber doors of a young, handsome Henry VIII. It's an adventure that will test the limits of passion and betrayal, change the meaning of the word enemy, and turn even the most daring fantasy into true love...."

Rachel's Ratings: 18

Plot: 6

   Strong Beginning: 2

    Keeps You Hooked: 2

    Predictability: 2

Characters: 6
    Believability: 2

    Intriguing Leads: 2
    Secondary Characters: 2

Steaminess: 6

    Mood: 2
    Hotness: 2

    Number of Times: 2

A Dangerous Love by Bertrice Small

A Dangerous Love is a novel full of history, this story follows the life of Adair as she is forced to flee the home she loves, grows up in the royal courts, returns to her home and then gets captured by Scottish raiders.  Her new life in Scotland is one of a servant to the laird of of Clait, Conal Bruce.  Follow her tale as she faces trials, overcomes hardships and discovers love.

Book Blurb:
"Adair Radcliffe was a king's brat; a bastard born to King Edward IV and Jane, the countess of Stanton. Orphaned by England's War of the Roses, and betrayed by her half-sister, Elizabeth of York, Adair is taken from her home in northern England during a border raid, and sold into servitude to Conal Bruce, the laird of Cleit. The laird seeks a housekeeper, and a bedmate -- but instead he finds that beneath the girl's dirty, disheveled appearance is a proud and spirited beauty who refuses to be tamed. It is she who will teach the stubborn Scot that love recognizes neither borders nor rank. And Adair will learn at long last that home is where her heart rests, and not in the past."


Rachel's Rating: 16

Plot: 5
    Strong Beginning: 2
    Keeps You Hooked: 1
    Predictability:   2
Characters: 5
     Believability: 1
     Intriguing Leads: 2
     Secondary Characters: 2
Steaminess: 6
      Mood: 2
      Hotness: 2
      Number of Times: 2