From the New York Times bestselling author of The Last Wife of Henry VIII *comes a novel about the bitter rivalry between Queen Elizabeth I and her fascinating cousin, Lettice Knollys, for the love of one extraordinary man. *Powerful, dramatic and full of the rich history that has made Carolly Erickson’s novels perennial bestsellers, this is the story of the only woman to ever stand up to the Virgin Queen— her own cousin, Lettie Knollys. Far more attractive than the queen, Lettie soon won the attention of the handsome and ambitious Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, a man so enamored of the queen and determined to share her throne that it was rumored he had murdered his own wife in order to become her royal consort. The enigmatic Elizabeth allowed Dudley into her heart, and relied on his devoted service, but shied away from the personal and political risks of marriage. When Elizabeth discovered that he had married her cousin Lettie in secret, Lettie would pay a terrible price, fighting to keep her husband’s love and ultimately losing her beloved son, the Earl of Essex, to the queen’s headsman. This is the unforgettable story of two women related by blood, yet destined to clash over one of Tudor England’s most charismatic men.From Publishers WeeklyThe Virgin Queen Elizabeth I and her heart's consort, Lord Robert Dudley, the earl of Leicester, continue to exert a seductive hold on the imagination as fodder for fiction. Now Erickson examines a rival for Lord Dudley's affections, Leticia œLettie Knollys, a Boleyn relative who, along with her sister, served in Elizabeth's court and eventually became Lady Leicester. Erickson (The Memoirs of Mary Queen of Scots) paints Elizabeth as an enormously selfish, envious monster, and Dudley as a handsome rake who's devoted to his own agenda and to his queen. But due at least in part to politics, his relationship with Elizabeth doesn't end in the marriage he's longed for, and the marriage he does have, to Lady Amy, ends with her untimely death, a possible suicide. Dudley's marriage to Lettie produces a son who later dies, and a liaison with Lady Douglass Sheffield produces a bastard, or œbase son. Erickson writes gracefully, but his Elizabeth is too cartoonish, and Lettie, his narrator, reveals her history with a stereotypical dispassionate air that fails to engage the reader emotionally. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Review“In her sixth historical novel, Erickson again displays her remarkable ability to paint an exquisitely realistic portrait of Tudor England. . . . This is much more than a historical romance; Erickson's attention to historical detail and the depiction of Elizabeth's struggle to maintain her control over her kingdom make for compelling reading. Fans might also be interested in one or more of Erickson's four Tudor biographies. Historical fiction fans can’t get enough of the Tudors; this engaging story is a worthy addition to the genre.”—Library Journal“Erickson turns her attention to the dramatic love triangle that changed history. One man, Robert Dudley, held Elizabeth I’s heart and Erickson draws on that love to bring the life of Elizabeth’s cousin and rival, Lettie Knollys, to readers. Erickson portrays Elizabeth as a jealous woman, Dudley as a rake and Lettie as the innocent, endearing her to readers. Rival to the Queen gives this forgotten woman a place in history.”—RT Book Reviews (4.5 stars)“Erickson's knowledge and exacting recreation of how it really was in the 1500's is astonishing and adds much to the story. (It also reminds me that royalty of that period is not to be envied.) Beautiful, intelligent and independent, Lettice leads a life of luxury, but because of the times in which she lived and because of her beauty, her life was always lived on the razor's edge. . . . If you are a fan of Carolly Erickson or historical fiction, this book is for you.”—Affaire de Coeur“Erickson writes gracefully.”—Publishers Weekly“The romance between Queen Elizabeth and Robert Dudley is a story that has survived the centuries, but what about the woman who married Robert, Lettice Knollys, Elizabeth’s own cousin. . . . A new Carolly Erickson novel is a wonderful and decadent treat, eagerly awaited and Rival to the Queen is no exception. . . . Rival to the Queen shows that political sex scandals and intrigue are not a new thing, and that murder, romance, and power don’t mix well for a happy ending. Fans of Alison Weir and Philippa Gregory will want all of Carolly Erickson’s books on their shelves, these are definitely novels you don't want to miss out on!”—Night Owl Reviews“Rival to the Queen is a richly detailed telling of a woman who falls in love with the man whom Elizabeth loves to dangle and toy with. From beginning to end, the life and times of Lettice Knollys is intricately portrayed, from her service at court, throughout her first marriage to Walter Deveraux, and on to the days when she meets and falls in love with Robert. She could easily have died for marrying a man—the queen’s favorite!—without Elizabeth’s consent, but instead she is banished from court forever. In part, Rival to the Queen is historical fiction blended with nonfiction, with a sprinkling of romance to boot!”—Romance Reviews Today Views: 46
Zahra has devoted her life to serving Luna. The savage needs of the werewolf warriors can take their toll, and she serves as a healer, treating not only her fellow priestesses but anyone in need. Still, she’s never seen anyone so wounded as Jarek, an old friend who’s been through hell -- and who doesn’t seem to remember her. Jarek was always considered the most civilized wolf in his unit, a rare healer trained in werewolf magic as well as the medicine of their human enemies. When an injury shatters his self-control, the beast inside him takes over, leaving only the wolf. A wolf who remembers the scent of the mate he always needed… and is determined to claim her at any cost. Views: 46
In the sizzling new adventure from New York Times bestselling authors Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love, a red-hot BAD boy teams up with a sexy television reporter on an explosive quest for revenge. Tough-as-nails Bureau of American Defense agent Hunter Thornton-Payne is no stranger to uncomfortable top-secret missions, but tonight takes the cake. He just needs to stick out a stuffy charity fund-raiser long enough to find the ruthless assassin he’s hunted for four years. It’s a rogue operation, but Hunter’s got nothing to lose—until a beautiful brunette unexpectedly pulls him into her own dangerous agenda. Abbie Blanton will do anything to cure her mother’s mysterious illness. When a high-profile heiress is murdered as Abbie tries to blackmail her for clues, Abbie realizes she’s stumbled into an unforgiving conspiracy—and she’s the next target. Soon, she and Hunter discover an alarming connection and begin a treacherous battle against an evil enterprise that someone will go to terrifying lengths to keep hidden. Views: 46
Holly Bardwell is running from her past mistakes. Straight into the arms of the Colter brothers. Colters’ Legacy, Book 1 Adam, Ethan and Ryan aren’t looking for women. They’re looking for a woman. One woman they know will share their lives and their beds. They’re losing hope they’ll find her, that is until Adam discovers Holly lying in the snow just yards from their cabin. Adam knows she’s the one the minute he holds her in his arms, and as soon as his brothers see her, they know it too. The only problem is convincing Holly of that fact—and protecting her from the danger of her past. This book has been re-edited and revised. Includes an expanded ending and a new, never-before published short story sequel. Warning: This title contains the following: explicit sex, graphic language, ménage a quatre, violence. Views: 46
Beautiful newcomer Mary Fortune is superior in every way, especially when it comes to gardening. But when Mary is discovered murdered, buried upside down in a pot, Agatha Raisin seizes the moment and immediately starts yanking up village secrets by their roots and digging the dirt on the hapless victim. Views: 46
A simple, powerful story about death, grief, rebirth and reawakening - an Australian classic in the making from the award-wining author of The Lambing Flat.Byron Bay, 1962. On the second last day before the whaling station is closed down for good, Flinch, the young spotter, is involved in a terrible accident.Over a decade later, Flinch has become a recluse, unable to move on from that fatal moment. The Bay, too, seems stalled in its bloody past, the land and the ocean on which it was founded now barren and unyielding.It is only after crossing paths with Karma, a girl living in one of the hinterland's first hippie communes, that Flinch gradually and reluctantly embarks upon a path towards healing, coming to terms with his past, present and future.A very Australian tale of fate, forgiveness and redemption, Death of a Whaler is a big-hearted story about the unsteady progress we make towards healing and wholeness. Views: 46
EDITORIAL REVIEW: **A thrilling new historical romance from the *New York Times* bestselling author of *The Secret Wedding* ** When Arabella Barstowe is kidnapped, she believes her life and virtue are forfeit-until she's rescued by the notorious rogue Captain Rose. Bella never expects to see him again. But years later she learns the wicked truth behind her abduction, and she seeks out the only man who can help her take revenge. What she doesn't know is that Captain Rose is just a disguise for the formidable Duke of Ithorne, who is intrigued to hear from the mysterious woman from his past. Their lives are soon entangled by danger and a growing forbidden passion. Views: 46
Azazel wanders into Jason's community with no memory of who she is or what they shared together. But Jason recognizes her, and once he discovers his powers work on her, he's willing to do anything to keep her with him, no matter how macabre or immoral.Kieran wanted to purge Azazel's powers with the grimoire, but instead he's transferred them to himself, along with her memories. When he discovers the Order of the Fly want to use him and the powers to take over the world, he sets off to find Azazel, determined to return her powers and memories so that she can stop the OF. Views: 46
