The Lust in the Tudor
Court series is described as "Hilary Mantel meets Sylvia Day: a
deliciously erotic trilogy, set against the sumptuous backdrop of the
scandal-ridden Tudor Court. " But our question for Elizabeth Moss is:
If you could meet any of your characters in this series, which character(s)
would you choose and why?
There are some wonderful characters that appear throughout the Lust in the Tudor Court
series, which is a trilogy of three linked stories, though all are intended to
be read as standalones. But the man I would choose to meet above all other
characters is the hero of ROSE BRIDE, possibly
because he’s the closest to my own ideal man. Virgil Elton, as the name
suggests, is a well-educated man, a classicist, and a skilful physician to King
Henry VIII himself. As an occasional poet myself, I can see myself sitting down
with him to discuss Roman poets or his godfather, Sir John Skelton, the
first-ever English Poet Laureate – all the while trying not to be seduced by
that hypnotic gaze and his strong, dark looks!
It is due to his godfather’s influence, of course, that Virgil holds such a
prestigious position at court, and is so close to the king’s ear. Sir John
Skelton was not only a well-known poet, but Henry VIII’s tutor when the king was
a boy, and in my story he helps Virgil escape the drunken beatings of his coarse
stepfather and gain a place at Cambridge, later to become personal physician to
the king. It’s this dark and unhappy childhood that makes Virgil so fascinating
as a character, of couse. His stepfather is long-gone by the time of my story,
but his cold and distant mother is still alive, and she refuses to admit how
cruelly her second husband treated Virgil as a boy. That upbringing flavors
Virgil’s somewhat cynical attitude to love and marriage in the first half of the
story – until his growing feelings for Margerie force him to reexamine his heart.
I find characters that can hold contrary views more exciting to read about than
very two-dimensional characters, so many of my stories involve heroes like
Virgil, men whose pre-conceived views of the world are shaken to pieces by their
encounters with the heroine. Margerie does a good job on him, but only within
the very strict ethos of the Tudor era. I would hope that, if I could get Virgil
on his own for a few hours, I could make a feminist of this very opinionated
Tudor male. Though I would have to be very careful in case he managed to convert
me to his own personal sex slave – as he tries with Margerie in the story, but
of course she’s far too strong a woman to allow herself to be bound like that.
Virgil is as sexy as they come, not just in terms of looks, but also in terms of
sheer brain power. But more than that, he has some very stringent principles.
His loyalty is a particularly attractive personal trait – not just to Margerie,
who finds herself on the receiving end of some brutal attacks in this story, but
to the woman he feels honour-bound to marry because of an impulsive childhood
promise. His loyalty to the king is tested here too. Taking a political stance
in those days could turn into a death sentence, and Virgil may be opinionated,
but he is not a reckless man. He tries to steer clear of politics, and do his
job, but of course it’s impossible to avoid getting involved at the Tudor court,
and he’s lucky not to land himself in prison at one stage of my story. That
passionate, outspoken streak is very endearing when speaking out is so
dangerous. Virgil is a humanist, a Renaissance man, liberal and non-judgemental,
all of which makes him the most complex and modern of all my Tudor heroes.
Definitely the man for me!
Giveaway
What do you think of brainy men, sexy or not? Leave your answer below and you
might be the winner of a copy of ROSE BRIDE
SHE'S FALLEN TOO FAR...
Margerie Croft yielded her virginity before her wedding night, and then fled
King Henry VIII's court, knowing she couldn't marry a man she did not love. Now
she is viewed as soiled goods, fit only for the role of a courtier's plaything.
Virgil Elton has heard the wicked rumors, but something about Margerie calls to
him. Drawn close despite himself, he invites her to help in his work to restore
the king's flagging health. But as he comes to know her, Virgil discovers
beneath the layers of protective reserve a woman who is as intelligent and
passionate as she is beautiful. He will stop at nothing to heal the damage the
court has inflicted, even if it means falling himself...
Born into a literary family, Elizabeth Moss is a keen countryside
walker who writes fun and sexy historical romances. She also writes
award-winning fiction as Victoria Lamb. She lives with her husband and five
children in South-West England.
I'll have to choose Henry VIII because I'm a huge Tudor history buff! Although, I wouldn't want to get too close because I'd be scared I'd be chosen to be his next wife! And we all know how that turns out! (Meghan Stith 12:42pm July 13, 2016)
Sexy brainy men are great and a must!!!! Love the cover too! (Bonnie Capuano 9:44am July 13, 2016)
I like a ' brainy man' , at least one that can do all or most of the repairs around the house and one that can do some of the minor repairs on the automobiles . Yes , he must be a little sexy to go with the brains . I certainly would not have a lazy , no good , do nothing couch potato man . (Joan Thrasher 10:30am July 13, 2016)
I think brainy guys can be sexy... (Colleen Conklin 12:58pm July 13, 2016)
I find an intelligent hero to be appealing. (G. Bisbjerg 4:59pm July 13, 2016)
love the cover sounds like a great book to read (Ann Unger 1:17pm July 15, 2016)
I also think brainy men are sexy and I LOVE your cover!!! (Bonnie Capuano 8:27am July 16, 2016)
Yes brainy or intelligent very sexy. (Gwenn Ostman 6:35pm July 16, 2016)
I love brainy men! They can hold a conversation on topics the average man wouldn't even think about. (Joanne Schultz 2:09pm July 18, 2016)
looking forward to read the book. (Dona Alex 3:31pm July 18, 2016)
I love smart, brainy men.... So alluring (Gina Keitz 3:43am July 19, 2016)
I would love a smart sexy man. Look forward to reading this book to. I added it to my TBR list (Bonnie Capuano 9:58am July 19, 2016)
Intelligent, sexy but kind men are appealing to me. (Anna Speed 11:31am July 19, 2016)
THANK YOU FOR CHANCE. (Marsha Baurns 4:53pm July 19, 2016)
can't wait to read this (Lynn Anderson 6:38pm July 19, 2016)
Brainy men are definitely sexy!! (Tiffany S 11:25pm July 19, 2016)