In
one or two sentences can you sum up your overall impression of this
book and how you feel about it?This
was one steamy, even raunchy book! I thought the tension of how the
relationship between the hero and heroine evolved, from being mandated
by the King to becoming a true partnership based on love and respect
was well done. I also learned a lot and had fun putting myself into the
setting of the time period and royalty and how the characters made
decisions that in today’s context would not make sense but did within
the time period and royal setting of the book. And who could not enjoy
learning about the many different places sex could be enjoyed, from one
bedroom to the next, to the pasture to woods to carriages! Time and
place never seemed to a problem when they wanted to copulate!
What did you think of Frederique and Helene?
I
liked both a lot. One thing that I dislike about a lot of romance, is
when the hero claims to own the heroine. I hate heroes who are so
self-absorbed and seek some sort of claim over their women. But in this
case, Frederique actually did own the contract for Helene that was
given by the King. So, claiming her as his prize was quite legitimate
and in accordance with the time and setting. What I really liked was
that both evolved in their feelings for the other without a lot of
drama.
Did you find the romance between Frederique and Helene convincing?
Yes,
very much so. Bates did a great job of presenting how both Frederique
and Helene’s view and expectations of the other evolved. A bit of
growing and changing by both in equal measure throughout created a
relationship that went further than either one thought possible in the
beginning when they were first coupling as a matter of duty to their
King!
Was there anything in the story that really stood to you?
I
loved the setting and trying to understand why the King, Queen and
their loyal servants were making the choices and acting the way they
did. I tried to think like a royal and understand their choices. I also
thought about how great it would be, being the King and having your
choice of any courtesan you wanted! Additionally, being an American and
a fan of US revolutionary times, I really enjoyed the references to New
France and how things were being played out across the Atlantic Ocean.
I loved also that they were always drinking Bourbon instead of whisky
or brandy! I love my American Bourbons, so was glad to find out that
the French were enjoying them, at least in the book!
How did you enjoy the suspense that was built around the story?
From
other reviews that I read, I was expecting this to be an end-to-end
spy, espionage, and war story with some steamy sex. However, the
suspense and spy interludes were less than I expected. The suspense
(for me and what I was expecting) only picked up towards the end, and
in terms of if Frederique would live or not, and to how far Helene
needed to go to save her man from certain death. This is not a ripper
spy drama from end-to-end, but rather a love story with some suspense
as needed to resolve things at the end of the book.
What did you think of the plot twist at the end of the story? Did it surprise you?
Without
giving it away, I was surprised to find out about Helene’s heritage and
blood lines. It answered a lot of questions that I had when reading
earlier.
Was there anything about the story that disappointed you?
Only
that the question of what happened to Fidela was left unanswered and I
really wanted to find out if the King continued to bed her, discarded
her for another, or had her executed. I always like a short Epilogue to
bring a few open topics to closure and I was hoping to find out if
Fidela got her due, justice or not.
Will you be reading anything else by Patricia Bates?
Definitely. I love steamy
sex and historical romance, and this is Bate’s specialty.
What's your next read?
I am re-reading Charlotte
Pass by Lee Christine
View all my reviews
About the author
Patricia Bates: Website - Facebook - Twitter - Goodreads - Amazon
About the reviewer
Steve Shipley: Website - Facebook - Twitter - Amazon
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Great review Steve
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great story to read, I do love a good historical :)
Have Fun
Helen
It's a good story. I enjoyed the little I read while cuddling with Steve.
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