Rebel Bride by Elizabeth Moss
Publisher & Release Date: Sourcebooks Casablanca, December 1, 2015
Time and setting: 1536, England
Genre: Historical Romance/Erotic
Length: 304 pages
Heat Level: 3 Flames
Rating: 3.5 Gold Crowns
Book Description:
HE IS UNDER HER SPELL...
Hugh Beaufort, favored courtier of King Henry VIII, likes his women quiet and biddable. But Susannah Tyrell is neither of these things. She is feisty, beautiful, opinionated and brave. And Hugh is fascinated by her-despite himself.
When Susannah pulls an outrageous stunt and finds herself lost in the wilds of England, Hugh must go to her rescue. Neither of them is prepared for the dangers that lie in wait. But most deadly of all is their forbidden desire for one another. Hugh has long held himself in check, but even his iron will has its limits as they remain alone together in the forest, far from the restraints of court...
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Vikki’s Musings
I read Wolf Bride about six months ago and totally fell in love with that book. When I saw Rebel Bride was available on Net-Galley, I immediately requested it in exchange for an honest review. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this one as much as I did Wolf Bride. While the story is as well-written as Wolf Bride, I did not like Susannah very much. One of the things I liked most about the first book was the intrigue within the Tudor court. That was another thing missing in Rebel Bride.
When Susannah finds out her father is determined to marry her off to his elderly friend, she runs away and becomes lost in the woods. When two men discover her and take her to their overlord, he is determined to take her virtue, which puts her in a very dangerous situation.
Hugh Beaufort, a courier for Henry VIII, is sent by Lord Wolf to find his wife’s unruly sister. He had recently met Susannah under less than desirable circumstances. But, nonetheless, he would do his duty.
When he finds Susannah, he doe not know whether to spank her for her willfulness or love her for her feistiness.
The pacing is steady and the vivid descriptions of the scenery and the court are well done. The story line is interesting and the sexual scenes are definitely erotic. If I had liked Susannah’s character, I would have enjoyed this story more.
Susannah’s character is willful, immature and cannot make up her mind. One minute she wants Hugh and then the next she does not. I find it difficult to believe that a genteel young woman would make the choices Susannah makes. She is her own worst enemy. I became quite irritated with her throughout most of the book.
Hugh’s character also had some issues. While I did like him, I had a difficult time with the way he took her during their first sexual encounter. The scene seemed forced by the BDSM element, and while I do realize this is supposed to be erotic, for me I like a bit more emotion written into the sexual scenes. I will say, Hugh had the patience of a saint with Susannah, not sure why he fell in love with this extremely immature young lady.
Nonetheless, I did enjoy the historical detail, just would have enjoyed a bit more of it. This is an okay read, just not riveting like Wolf Bride was. That book may have set the bar very high. I am glad I took a chance on this one because I got to see more of Wolf and Eloise. Happy reading!
