When I first saw the series titled Tudor Vampire Chronicles
my initial thought was the author wrote these books just for
me. As an avid lover of all things Tudor and someone who
enjoys Paranormal Romance almost to the point of obsession,
I was ecstatic that someone had combined the two. The latest
installment in this wonderful series, MARK OF THE ROSE, has
fulfilled my need for vampires running around Henry VIII's court
once again.
In the third book of the series we see a shift in characters
and an extended time lapse. Rhys Williams has been moved
from lovable sidekick to the leading man role. He has been
summoned to court by Verity Llewellyn, a lady-in-waiting who
serves Queen Jane. She is afraid that someone or something
is trying to harm the very pregnant Queen and in turn, the
unborn heir of the crown. Verity and Rhys must strengthen
alliances, deter enemies, and protect the royal family all
while battling the unwanted feelings developing between
them.
I love the way Pearce integrated the rich history of the
Tudor Monarchy with an action pack adventure led by the
Llewellyn vampire hunters. She uses actual events and spins
them masterfully to fit well in the tales that she telling.
Her fictitious take on all the Tudor Monarchs is well
written and believable from what we know of them through
history. Rhys shines when he is placed in a situation but
has issues with restraint when chivalry is being tested.
Verity is a strong willed and sometimes stubborn woman who
is out to prove she is just as powerful as her notorious
cousin, Rosalind. When the two personalities clash, it
brings nothing but entertainment for the reader.
I have been a fan of this series since the release of the
first book and continue to love the world Kate Pearce has
spun for the enjoyment of her readers. I hope we get a
chance to see all the character grow over many more books
and wonder how the vampires will shape the lives of the
Tudors I have always loved.
Hearing that Henry VIII's new queen is in danger, Rhys
Williams engages the help of Verity Llewellyn, a
lady-in-waiting eager to prove her abilities as a vampire
hunter. Rhys suspects the weakening queen has fallen victim
to a vampire. And the fact that she is pregnant makes the
situation all the more dangerous...