The Game of Kings

I reviewed the first book in one of my favourite series ever. The Game of Kings by Dorothy Dunnett

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I started to read this series three times. Three times I got the book out of the library, and twice I took it back after reading a couple of chapters. I couldn't get into it, couldn't get interested.
Then I gave it one more go. And the world opened.
This is the first book Dunnett wrote, the first she had published, and the early chapters in particular have the hallmarks of that. It's too overwhelming, too busy, too complicated.
Plough through it. By the time you get a third of the way through - in my case, the scene at the inn with the piper and Will Scott - you're off and running.
The series is still clever, still complex and intriguing, but by then Dunnett has a handle on it. It's never again overwhelmed by words and quotations, and too much going on. There are rich, unforgettable characters who you really care about, intriguing puzzles and a rich and colourful picture of the first half of the sixteenth century.
Instead, it's a six volume adventure with some daring scenes, some tender ones, and some that will make you cry. And you don't know until the last chapter of the last book how the series is going to turn out.
Astonishing series, totally engrossing, well worth fighting through the first half of the first book. And then some. I have two copies of the series, one to lend and one to keep, because the ones I lend sometimes don't come back and I don't have the heart to ask for them.



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Cover reveal!

I thought you'd like to see the cover for the upcoming Virginia And The Wolf, the third book in the Society of Single Ladies series. Isn't it beautiful?

Two new books for you!

Two new releases, no less!

Two new historical romances out this month! I'm putting an extract from A Trace of Roses below, since you had one from The Making of a Marquess last month.

The third in the Daring Dersingham series A Trace of Roses While their bodies say yes, yes, yes, their minds are saying no! Lady Dorcas Dersingham is developing the rare and lovely yellow rose. Grant, the Duke of Blackridge, develops coal mines. Beauty meets Beast. Oblivious to the beauty of nature, Grant is the last person Dorcas should care for. He’s a giant of a man and speaks his mind with blunt force. But she can’t stop wanting him. When Grant damages her precious yellow rose, she spurns his courtship. Once he sees the spitfire lurking behind her shy exterior, Grant wants Dorcas more than ever. But somebody doesn’t want them together. Somebody wants them dead. Grant follows Dorcas to the country and watches over her from a distance, disguised as the manager of his new coal mine. But Dorcas soon unearths his secret. Once she reveals the passionate woman she really is, he wants her more than ever. Dorcas can no longer deny that she loves her Beast. But as they are coming to a new understanding, a disaster forces her to take life-changing decisions. Buy the Book Available at Amazon kindle : The second in the Society of Single Ladies series The Making of a Marquess The Society for Single Ladies is a crime-solving club founded by the wealthiest woman in London. Yet even Miss Angela Childers’ charming detectives are not immune to the forces of love . . . Dorothea Rowland attends a country house party to investigate a long-lost heir—not to find a husband. But when the dashing American claimant discovers her prowling for clues, she is startled—and then seduced—by his provocative kiss. It’s all Dorothea can do to remember her mission. Especially when a series of accidents adds up to something far more dangerous… Benedict only meant to silence lovely Dorothea—not find himself enamored. What’s a gentleman to do but join forces—and propose to the clever beauty? Yet as Ben and Dorothea pursue the truth about his inheritance, their faux betrothal threatens to become the real thing. Soon Ben’s plan to return to his life in America is upended—not only by his deepening bond with his bride, but by someone who wants his fortune badly enough to jeopardize his future—even end it. And Dorothea can’t let that happen. Not for the title, but for Ben… Buy the Book Available at: Kensington Books : Amazon kindle : Apple : Google : Kobo : Barnes and Noble Nook

Free Book!

 Free in May, but not for long!

Free for the first week in May! Colliding Hearts Follow the links below to get your free copy of Colliding Hearts!

When hearts collide, can love survive? After teacher and artist Rita Morley arrives in Houston from England for her art exhibition she’s so jet-lagged, she dives into a limo. Out climbs the man of her dreams – developer Daniel McCord. He’s also, as her best friend's brother, off limits, until he makes it clear that he shares the attraction that has always burned between them. They both agree to a vacation fling – one week of sexual bliss. Only Daniel asks her to stay longer, and things turn serious until Rita learns he plans to demolish the building holding her art exhibition. Suddenly the lovers find themselves on opposite sides of the fight.
For Daniel McCord, work has always come first over friends and family and fun until he meets Rita. The sexy and sassy English painter makes his night burn with passion and his days full of stolen moments and joy. He can’t imagine his life without her, but he’s not convinced he can build a life with her. They have different goals and values. Then Daniel’s world is rocked when he discovers he has two brothers he’s never met. He needs Rita in a way he could never have anticipated.
If he can't convince her to stay, Daniel will lose Rita for good.

Buy The Book

Tule : Kindle : Barnes & Noble : Apple Books : Kobo

Excerpt