Customer Reviews

Royal Blood

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

4.5 stars. For those wondering like I did, Royal Blood *is* a historical romance with a paranormal (vampire) twist, but the publisher (Kensington) categorizes it as Historical Fiction. It is that too, but there is definitely a love story complete with sexual tension, a few hot bedroom scenes and an HEA (happily ever after). However, it is not the typical (and predictable) historical romance. The writing quality and retelling of actual historical people and events reads more like great historical lititure. The language is period based, which took me a bit of time to get used to.

Michael and Renee made a great hero/heroine duo. Their romance/love match felt so real. Raised in Ireland, he is sent to the Royal Court for his first time to represent his Earl and make favors with the king. Upon meeting Princess Renee his entanglements at court life quickly escalates. Renee's purpose for being at court is explained early in the book, but I still wouldn't want to give that away as it was fun to read. Needless to say it requires her to make some hard and impossible decisions while in England.

The physical part of the romance wasn't rushed so don't expect bedroom scenes too early in the book, but when they heat up - OMG does it heat up! The tension building between these two was taught. Renee is one of my favorite heroines. All authors should write strong princess characters like her. She was likeable but strong, smart but vulnerable...etc. She is true to her character - the daughter of barbaric king who taught her how to make tough decisions, even the execution of a man who betrays their cause.

The vampire twist starts slow and builds momentum. It really worked in the contexts of the story. The book concludes with a great and realistic (considering there are vampires!) ending. The book has a lot of characters which was confusing to start, but the main focus does stay on Michael and Renee.

It is written using the period language (1500s, Tudor England) and therefore does read more like historical literature. Also, most of the characters and events are based on real people/events from history -- including the heroine Renee (who just gets a different ending than in reality!)

This book is a departure from her last two books in terms of the writing style, but the depth of historical detail and a passionate love story still holds true. (`My Wicked Pirate' is another one of her books that combines both wonderfully!)

The year is 1518. King Henry VIII, by Grace of God, King of England and Ireland, and claimant to the Kingdom of France, is, at 27 years-old, in his prime. He had been crowned, along with his wife, Queen Catherine of Aragon, nine years earlier. Henry was a Renaissance Man, and the royal court was a "center of scholarly and artistic innovation and glamorous excess." The King's court was also rife with politics, ambition, and, frequently, deadly intrigue. Thomas, Cardinal Wolsey, the king's chief advisor, was careful to try to destroy or neutralize the influence of other courtiers. Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham, "the descendent of King Edward III, the King's heir presumptive," and "the Lord High Steward of London, is the premier and wealthiest peer in the realm." With his royal blood and numerous connections, Buckingham leads a group of disaffected nobles who plan to assassinate the king and put the Duke on the throne of England. When the novel opens, treasonous plots for Henry's premature demise abound.

Meanwhile, in Ireland, the Earl of Tyrone, "Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, and England's bulwark against a Celtic uprising," meets with his foster son and heir, Michael Devereaux. Tyrone wants Devereaux to attend King Henry VIII's annual knightly Order of the Garter's celebrations." The sick and dying Tyrone tells the young man that his attendance upon the king is extremely important. "Make me proud at King Henry's court. Bring honor and glory to my house...and all that is mine shall be yours, riches and power beyond your wildest imaginings." Michael is given a ring with a pagan symbol and warned to keep it hidden. There is a mysterious air of the supernatural surrounding the circumstances of Michael's secret mission. Also, a few weeks before his trip, the young man came down with the dreaded and deadly sweating sickness. He was attended to by a local healer, and his swift recovery is nothing short of miraculous...or are there other forces at work behind his newly acquired good health?

In the Royal Chateau in Amboise, France, Princess Renee de Valois, daughter of the late King Louis XII, finds herself in a bit of a bind. The beautiful princess has committed a serious indiscretion with her first love, an Italian artist. She is discovered by King Francis I, Lady Marguerite of Angouleme, the king's older sister, and the Duke de Soubise, a dirty old man who lusts after Renee. The three nobles, along with Italy's Cardinal Medici, (Renee's late mother's confessor), propose that Renee travel to England, in time for King Henry annual knightly ceremonies. The nature of the mission she is to accomplish is a secret which will not be revealed until she accepts their proposal. The entire scheme revolves around stealing a most mysterious relic, called "the Ancient." It is hidden in London. If she does not accept, then, to atone for her "lewd behavior" and her disobedience, she will be forced to marry Soubise; her artist lover will be executed; her dowry and annuity will be made null and void; and she may even be charged with treason. If she goes to England and succeeds, she will save her artist's life, be vested Duchess of Brittany, and she will not have to marry the dirty old man. Renee is then trained to be "spy, thief, assassin and sophisticated harlot." Her puppeteers believe she is up to the task as they think she takes after her "perfidious father."

Princess Renee and Michael Devereaux arrive at the English court, are introduced to each other and to the nobles surrounding the king. They, and the reader, meet an extraordinary cast of characters, many are historical figures. The author's research into 16th century Europe, especially England, is impeccable. I am very interested in this period and am impressed by Ms. Sharon's knowledge. After Michael makes his name by saving the King's life, and by triumphing at a series of jousts during the Garter ceremony tournament, Cardinal Wolsey decides to mentor him - with ulterior motives, of course. When a series of brutal murders occur, Wolsey asks Michael to investigate. Although the paranormal is a major factor from early in the storyline, When a series of brutal murders occur, Wolsey asks Michael to investigate. Although the paranormal is a major factor from early in the storyline, the supernatural really begins to play a much larger role during Michael's sleuthing and the novel's denouement.

And the romance?? Of course, sparks fly when Renee and Michael meet, but there are too many important priorities, like their individual and conflicting missions, to concern themselves with a budding romance.

I found this novel, its plots, subplots, (some actually historical in nature), to be thrilling and extremely original. The characters come to life on the page. The mysteries are chilling and intriguing. My only complaint is that the author's writing is somewhat stilted and anachronistic. She attempts to juxtapose 16th century dialogue with modern English. There are too many, "alacks," "forsooths," and the exclamation "alas" is all to popular. Although this may have been distracting when I began reading, I quickly became absorbed in the storyline and forgot about any possible flaws. I read this 488 page novel in a little over 3 sittings. I just couldn't put down. A really entertaining read!

Jana Perskie

During King Henry the VIII reign of England, a young princess is sent to join the king and his court. Princess Renee de Valois of France is on a dangerous mission for her country. The princess is to spy upon King Henry's court. Gathering information for King Francis and Cardinal Medici, Renee embarks upon an exciting mission of deception and power. Passion soon finds the young princess and it's not long before Renee's emotions forge a battle with wit. Michael Devereaux comes to court on a mission of his own. It is during the annual Celebration of the Garter that Michael is enchanted by the glitter of King Henry's court. Beautiful women and plentiful parties prove to delight the young man until he meets Princess Renee. The mysterious young lady captures his heart, setting the royal stage for a deliciously intriguing tale.

Princess Renee is blackmailed into doing what is 'best ' for her country. Against her will, Renee is forced to play a hand in deceiving King Henry's court, while garnering information for the king's foe. Gaining entry to the court, Princess Renee has a firsthand view of the powerful monarch's history making reign. She must report his doings to King Frances and Cardinal Medici, so that he may use it to their benefit.

Glamour and roses go only so far for Michael Deveraux as well. The opulence of court soon fades as a killer's deadly reign sets in. After the body of the queen's lady in waiting is found with apparent bite marks on her neck, Cardinal Wolsey enlists Michael's aide to help find the killer. Unfortunately for Michael, the murderer turns out to be a vampire.

As he searches for the killer, Michael is haunted by disturbing images of of violence that lead him to doubt his own sanity. Empowered with the aid of Renee, Michael sets out on a mission that could forever change or quickly end both his and the princess' life.

Royal Blood is a deeply moving, high paced story of love, betrayal, glamour and violence. Richly set during King Henry the VIII's powerful yet notably mad reign, history and fantasy work side by side in this wonderfully written novel. A fresh approach at portraying the Tudor period, Rona Sharon scores immensely with her riveting tale of lust and intrigue.

"In the Tudor court of 1518, your friends and enemies can be one and the same".

I stayed up all night reading this book, I couldn't put it down. It's that good.

Rona Sharon's writing is exciting, fast paced, rich in detail, and brings tudor court history to life in a way that surpasses even the best movies and television series.

You can close your eyes and 'see' the story. If you love movies, this book is for you. And if you love good historical fiction, this book really is for you.

As the story unfolded in the most unexpected, original ways, I fell in love with the two main characters, Michael and princess Renee de Valois. The characters are romantic, exciting, smart, intelligent and have a sense of humor. They are as exciting as the most fantastic characters in fiction, but their actions feel right and make total sense. The ending was extremely satisfying and I felt that everything in the book fell into place.

Princess Renee uses all of her senses and abilities to succeed in the secret and potentially fatal mission she was forced into. Although a very young princess, she is no pushover and is able to navigate the devious ways of the french and tudor courts in ways you least expect her to.

What really caught me unawares, was the vampire twist in the plot. It was a welcome shock which gave the whole story a new perspective, and unveiled hidden layers all the way to a smash-hit ending.

I am planning to gift this book to 3 upcoming friends' birthdays.

The story begins in Ireland as Michael Deveraux trains for the annual Knights of the Garter Tournament to be held in England. His lord, the Earl of Tyrone also known as the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland sends Michael in his place to court. The Earl's health is failing therefore he cannot participate in the tournament. Since Michael is his legal heir , he will have to be the one to take part in the tournament and thus gain glory for the Earl of Tyrone who is a member of the Order of the Garter. Meanwhile in France, Princess Renee de Valois daughter of King Louis XII is caught in a compromising situation with an Italian artist she is in love with. She is brought abruptly before King Frances I and Cardinal Medici.They give Princess Renee an ultimatum : she can either marry the Duke of Soubise whom she despises or she can go to England on a special mission for them. Her lover the Italian artist Raphael will remain in prison until she returns from her mission. The stakes are high, however; for if she should fail she will die. Renee agrees to their deal but not before she has their promise in writing that they will honor their word to her regarding Raphael as well as returning some land holdings that were taken from her.

Once at court, Michael tries to establish himself in the palace but he is a newcomer and things do not work out as anticipated. He makes an enemy of one of the king's courtiers but also makes powerful friends.In the undercroft of the king's palace , Michael overhears a plot to assassinate King Henry VIII. Princess Renee, who recently arrived from France also overhears the assassination plot. Michael notices Renee nearby and wonders who the beautiful and mysterious woman is and what she will do about the information they just heard. Michael is enamored with the princess from France and even knowing she is off limits to him, he still tries to win her favor. Renee is similarly attracted to Michael and enjoys their verbal sparring but will not admit she has strong feelings for him. Her mission must come first and becoming involved with Michael jeopardizes her chances of success.

Michael is quite the sensation at court as his deeds win him the notice and admiration of King Henry. When one of Queen Katherine's ladies-in-waiting is found brutally slain, Cardinal Wolsey decides that Michael will be the one to investigate and apprehend the murderer. As Michael closes in on the culprit, he fears for Princess Renee as she could become the next victim. In his quest for answers, Michael learns the truth about himself.He is the only one who can stop a powerful enemy from destroying everyone he cares about.

This novel is fantastic . The author painstakingly researched Tudor England from the details of court life and the people to politics and religion as well as the archaic English spoken at that time. A list of sources used by the author is included at the back of the book. The plot combines history and romance with a paranormal twist. Some readers may not want to read this book because it includes vampires but it is still enjoyable and does not detract from the historical aspects of the story. The heroine Princess Renee is strong and intelligent and has to make some hard decisions that would impact Michael. Michael Deveraux is a good match for Princess Renee. I did not like some of Michael's actions in the first few chapters of the novel but he became a better person as the plot progressed.

Wow... This author can write. What-a-book! I just finished it and am still haunted by stunning images of Tudor England. The richness of the court on one side of the Thames, the murky stews on the other, and the great characters that belong to both worlds and to neither. I feel like I've returned from a ferocious adventure and fallen madly in love. Michael and Renee are the most intriguing, compelling, passionate pair of lovers/adversaries I encountered in a long time. Desire, violence, purpose, strength, angst, betrayal, wit, tenderness, and triumph--this book has it all. The writing is superb. Sharon writes with intelligence and insight into what drives people to desperation and what brings them back. I totally disagree with reviewers who warned against the over-literary English. I thought the period language was great and authentic. The story flowed for me. I could not put this first-rate novel down. What a treat! Very highly recommended.

Plot Summary: A young English aristocrat, Sir Michael Devereaux, travels to King Henry VIII's court to earn his laurels as a Knight, and perform a secret mission for his sire. His bright, open mind is still no match for devious court politics, and he receives unexpected assistance from visiting Princess Renée de Valois of France. Renée is on a desperate mission of her own, and failure means forfeiting her freedom. These schemers are at cross-purposes, and Renée finds herself with two problems: 1) Michael is not a witless wimp she can twine around her finger, and 2) will she be able to sacrifice him if it's her only means to succeed?

I was constantly impressed by Rona Sharon's attention to detail and authenticity throughout this historical romance. I thought the language was as close to accurate as possible for a modern reader, without burying me under a bunch of `ye's' and `thou's'. It sounded like a foreign tongue from a different time and place, but still fluid and comfortable. I hate it when old English dialog is thick and clunky; it's too hard to read for an entire novel.

Between our two leads, Renée was the willing monster, whereas Michael was not. As the daughter of a scheming king, Renée learned how to manipulate, prevaricate, and plot with the French court as her tutor. She's never given her trust, and she constantly measures Michael's worth like a prize bull at auction. She's cold and calculating, and it's plain that Renée must change drastically to be worthy of our hero. I couldn't help but like her, despite the little devil on her shoulder.

Michael is noble of heart and 'semper fidelis' to his sire, his king, and the woman he grows to love. He begins the story stricken with a strange illness, and he slowly develops strange skills - super strength, acute sight and smell, and instantaneous healing - without the benefit of having anyone tell him what has happened. As a veteran vampire fan, the signs were clear as day to me, but it was interesting watch him piece the mystery together. Vampires weren't exactly common knowledge back then. If Renée must change her evil ways, then Michael must learn to live with the beast within his body, and accept himself.

This was a glorious romp in history, with tons of court intrigue, knightly jousting, class warfare, and a genuine romance (complete with excellent love scenes, I should add). The fact that it had vampires also was just the cherry on top. The signs at the end of the book point to a sequel, and I certainly hope there will be more to come.

(I hate it when people use foreign phrases without translating. Semper fidelis means `always faithful', and is the motto for the Marines. Just a little trivia there.)

Royal Blood by Rona Sharon took me by surprise as I didn't read much about the book before beginning it. Normally I do not get into historical romances as I thought this work would be. I tend to bore easy with the old style languages. This book was a great surprise for me.

The setting is 1518 Tudor Court. King Henry VIII with his wife, Queen Catherine of Aragon is in the prime of their reign. The main characters are Princess Renee de Valois of France, a fierce young woman on a dangerous mission at the court of King Henry VIII, and Michael Devereaux who is the heir to the Earl of Tyrone, the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Michael comes to court to fight during the annual celebration of the Order of the Garter and bring honor to his lord. After Michael makes his name by saving the King's life, and by triumphing at a series of jousts during the Garter ceremony tournament, Cardinal Wolsey decides to mentor him. When a series of brutal murders occur, Wolsey asks Michael to investigate. Although the paranormal is a major factor from early in the storyline, the supernatural really begins to play a much larger role during Michael's investigation.

Of course what is a romance novel without the romance? This was extremely well written into the story. It isn't rushed as soon as they meet. The tension building was excellent and worth the wait! The chemistry between these two characters is perfect.

I was unsure at first about the vampire aspect to this book. I was surprised by it because as I said earlier, I didn't read anything about this book like I normal do before reading. I didn't think it would work at first especially in the time period this story takes place in but it is well written and I wasn't disappointed.

I found this novel, its plots, and subplots, to be thrilling and extremely original. The amount of research she had to have done for this novel shows as most of the cast of characters were actual historic figures from the time period. The language used was easy to get used to because the storyline absorbs into the world quickly.

[...]

Years ago, Lord Tyrone, Lieutenant Deputy of Ireland took in a young boy, naming him his heir. Michael Devereaux is now grown and has been training against one of the older Knights. He takes ill and is told that he has the plague, poisoning of the blood. He is given small vials of what he is told is a potion to keep the worst of the symptoms at bay. Michael guards these with great secrecy when he finds himself going to the Court of King Henry in his lord's stead.

Renee de Valois is thought to have been caught in a compromising position. In order to save her supposed lover and regain her birthright, she is sent by the King of France to steal The Ancient from the Cardinals. She stumbles upon a plot to assassinate King Henry and soon finds she is not the only one who has heard the plot. Michael Devereaux has as well.

Their attraction is immediate, but pitfalls and the plots they are each there to perform get in the way, even as they discover one another's secrets.. That is until a string of mysterious deaths, which one of the Cardinals attempts to cover up.

Ms. Sharon has done her homework well, and I found myself easily imagining seeing King Henry's Court laid out before me. The language is proper for the time period and the lusty court life is brought to life splendidly. The vampire was a nice twist as well as the reader actually navigating the intricacies of court life. I applaud Ms. Sharon's work and hope to read more stories within this time period.

Tudor England is a fascinating era, full of peril, richness and darkness, where temptation and treachery go hand in hand. In ROYAL BLOOD these elements take on a whole new meaning.

The main characters in this enticing novel are Princess Renee de Valois of France, a fierce young woman on a dangerous mission at the court of King Henry VIII, and Michael Devereaux who is the heir to the Earl of Tyrone, the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Michael comes to court to fight in the tournaments and bring honor to his lord.

While their individual missions seem straightforward, they are anything but!

When Michael and Renee meet sparks fly, but as they grow closer and become allies, the chilling secrets they harbor pit them against one another in a sophisticated, action-packed, erotic thriller.

ROYAL BLOOD is a quality book that delves into and explores human emotions. Fears, flaws, desires, insecurities, pain, dreams, greed, jealousy, and compassion.

The love story heats up in a natural way, sans the hair-pulling cycle of misunderstandings. The status chasm between the H/H seems insurmountable at first. Michael, who is bit of a rake but also an honorable guy, lusts after Renee from afar and befriends her instead. Renee is devoted to an old flame but can't resist her intensifying infatuation with Michael. I loved how they became secret friends before they became lovers. The sexual tension builds throughout the first part of the book and explodes in the second with long, beautifully written bedroom scenes that alternate between scorching to romantic.

I understand why reviewers said this book is unusual. I don't think I've ever read anything like it. It is historical fiction with a fresh paranormal twist that strays enough from the usual vampire lore to avoid being stale. This element takes a bit to get rolling, as the colorful characters, the rich setting, and the palace intrigues take over the pages. However, once the vampires kick in, the riveting tale becomes a super page-turner. The sense of secrecy, urgency, and mystery that haunts the reader from page one is integrated into something that feels bigger than life and gives depth to all the threads.

Do not expect a template romance. The author doesn't hold back any punches. The characters are flawed, the blood is red and gushing, the sex is raw, the love is fierce, and the ending leaves you agape and yet highly satisfied.

There are many great historical characters involved in the intricate weave of rivalries and alliances. These characters were portrayed so realistically, the readers sees and feels (instead of being told) what this court was like. Buckingham, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cardinal Wolsey, each one had its own distinctive characteristics and speech.

The research poured into this book is stupendous. The king's palace, the bloody tournaments, the not-so-subtle wars that go on in the Privy Council, the criminal underworld in the stews of London, everything comes to life like a fantastic movie before your very eyes. There were also laugh-out-loud moments, like the duel in the rain between Michael and his brother.

Rona Sharon raises the bar for historical romance with a well crafted love story that reads like quality literature. She did a phenomenal job, far surpassing all my hopes. I absolutely loved this book. I had to pace myself to keep from devouring it. I'm adding this book to my keeper shelf together with Ms. Sharon's previous books.

Once A Rake (Zebra Historical Romance)

My Wicked Pirate (Zebra Debut)