Kiss of the Rose (Tudor Vampire Chronicles) [Mass Market Paperback]

Many years ago Henry VIII's father Henry Tudor made a pact with the Druids. The Druids promised him victory and the English crown in return for his vow to help in their battle against vampires. Henry Tudor agreed, and for the last few decades, the Tudor royals have been protected by the Llewellyns.

Times change and stories are forgotten. Now, HenryVII's son is on the throne, and while Henry has never heard of this pact with the Druids, they are still protecting the Tudors. The newest Druid to protect Henry VIII? Rosalind Llewellyn. Rosalind has been placed at court in order to protect Henry VIII from a hidden assassin. Rosalind runs into interference, however, in the form of Sir Christopher Ellis, Druid slayer and protector of vampires.

With more drained bodies being discovered daily, Christopher and Rosalind have no choice but to combine forces. Their desire for each other threatens their families' loyalties, but soul mates will not be denied.

Original and outstanding, KISS OF THE ROSE is a brand new take on vampires. The plot and storyline kept me reading - that's for sure. I love the idea of Druid protection, so just from that alone I was unable to put KISS OF THE ROSE down. Add in the historical aspects of the Tudor court, and I was simply and quite quickly hooked.

With any good storyline, the main characters must click. Christopher and Rosalind's awareness of each other caused steam to seep through the pages of KISS OF THE ROSE. The more intertwined their lives became, the more I could see their desire for each other.

I am really looking forward to Kate Pearce's next installment of this highly provocative series. Her ability to tell an awesome story with sensual and sinfully delicious love scenes is just one of the many reasons why I can't read enough from this amazing author!

Natalie S.

Kiss of the Rose by Kate Pearce
Paranormal Romance- Aug. 3, 2010
5 stars

Lushly imaginative and superbly sensual. I was enthralled by Kiss of the Rose. Assassins, Druids, secrets cults and a pact with the King of England make for exciting intrigue.

Fresh and untried, vampire assassin and powerful Druid Rosalind Llewellyn has come to the Tudor court to protect the King, Queen and England 's people from the vampire blight. But she soon encounters an obstacle in the intensely attractive and arrogant Druid Slayer, Sir Christopher Ellis. He is part of a family that has been a long time enemy of the Druids and murderers of her kin. But his sudden appearance and her evasive conversation with a manipulative representative of the Vampire Council leads Rosalind to feel there is something she is missing. She feels something more dangerous is at stake than her mission to hunt down a rogue vampire.

The sexual tension and utter magnetism between Rosalind and Christopher is amazing to read. Every interaction was exciting and thrilling as they battled their age old distrust with their fiery attraction for each other. I loved how the author delves into Christopher's conflict as he tries to protect Rosalind even though she is his enemy. I also enjoyed Rosalind single-minded focus and devotion to her job. She was a very admirable and courageous character that I could not help rallying around her.

It was enthralling to read the conflict between the Druids, the vampires, and cult of Mithras (of which Christopher belongs to). This involving history makes for a richly textured and absorbing plot. Christopher is very seductive and I wonder that Rosalind was able to hold out so long. But the tension between them made for some very HOT and sensual scenes! But even as Rosalind tries to stay away from Christopher outside forces and a mysterious prophecy seem to push them closer...

Rosalind is informed by her grandfather to seduce Christopher and then Christopher is ordered by his uncle to seduce her! I loved how the plot thickens... I especially liked to read Christopher's admiration for Rosalind grow. And how he was strong but didn't try to put Rosalind down because she was equally strong but instead defended her. I enjoyed how they begin to care for each other. Both are outcasts in their own families. This sense of loneliness each carries made them very sympathetic and I was so happy they were able to find each other!

Decadent and alluring Kiss of the Rose is an exhilarating treat that will consume all the senses. There is real feeling of danger as the characters plot against each other and try to discover the truth. I loved how both clashed against each other in a war of wits and sensual allure. Although the passion between the 2 main characters smolders it is not as erotic as the author's regency series. The only drawback is that this story is part of a series and as such leaves the main characters somewhat hanging. But in this case I am extremely glad since I don't want their adventures to end!

Usually I find the Tudor times rather uninteresting but this story enthralled me with its danger and sensuality. Kate Pearce weaves a tale with passion, magic and exciting intrigue that kept me up all night. This is a phenomenal series that is sure to be a hit.

Reviewed by Steph from Bookaholics Romance Book Club

Lady Rosalind Llewellyn is one of a line of Druids sworn to protect against vampires, the protection of of Henry VIII and Queen Catherine. She but before she can do her duty, she must convince the king the threat is real.

But the vampires have protectors of their own. Sir Christopher Ellis is one who protects them from overzealous druid assassins.

Now a rogue vampire is stalking the Royal couple, and Lady Rosalind and Sir Christopher must work together to rid the palace of the threat.

Kiss of the rose was a refreshing new take on vampires. The tug of war between the conflicting duties of the 'protectors' in the world of Tudor England made for a engrossing read that kept me turning pages until the end. While this is not as steamy as Ms. Pearce's other titles, it still carries a nice amount of awareness and tension between Rosalind and Christopher. I can't wait for the next book in the series.