BLOOD OF THE ROSE – Kate Pearce
The Tudor Vampire Chronicles , Book 2
Signet Eclipse
ISBN: 978-0-451-23248-9
February 2011
Historical Paranormal Romance

England; Summer of 1530

Rosalind Llewellyn and Rhys Williams, her dear friend and fellow Druid Vampire-slayer, are called to court once again to protect King Henry VIII.  This isn't the first time they've undertaken such a monumental task (KISS OF THE ROSE), and it more than likely will not be their last.  Vampires are at work once again, intent on God knows what, and it's up to the Vampire-slayers to solve that mystery.  At Rosalind's first meeting with King Henry, it becomes obvious that the king is bewitched by Anne Boleyn, his latest mistress, but something more evil lurks about as well.  Something's got to be done...

As Rosalind begins tracking down Vampires, slaying the ones who have the misfortune of attacking her, she can't ignore a tiny thrill at once again seeing Christopher Ellis, her lover and Vampire-friendly betrothed.  Christopher and his family swore to protect the Vampires at all costs, and they value that oath, just as Rosalind and her family vow to defend the king from them.  The Llewellyn and Ellis families have been bitter enemies due to their sworn causes, but that didn't stop Rosalind and Christopher from falling in love a year ago.  Their feelings have not changed.

The threat to king and country may be much closer to King Henry than she feared, but Rosalind isn't willing to point fingers quite yet, especially if the king's affections are truly ensnared by Anne, a possible threat.  If she accuses Anne of being a Vampire and is wrong, Rosalind could lose more than her reputation as a reputable Vampire-slayer.  Meanwhile, Christopher is hell-bent on helping his betrothed, but he's in an awkward position.  The Boleyns, both Anne and her brother George, have been friends for a number of years.  He considers it ludicrous that they would want to hurt the king.  But it's not like Rosalind to act before she thinks, so her suspicions must be valid.  What else is a man going to do but protect his beloved, even though he feels there's more at work here than the Boleyns' desire for power.

BLOOD OF THE ROSE is a neatly written blend of history mixed with a paranormal flair.  Devout fans of Anne Boleyn and Tudor history may cringe when they find out what the spin is in the second installment of the Tudor Vampire Chronicles , but me?  I loved the heck out of it.  Anne Boleyn as a vampire is perfectly apt, and Kate Pearce's depiction of her is sensational.  To be perfectly honest, I believe Anne and George Boleyn nearly overshadow the two main characters.  I think that is my only quibble with BLOOD OF THE ROSE.  The conflict between Rosalind and Christopher is a rinse-and-repeat of the first book, KISS OF THE ROSE, in that they're still having trouble coming to terms with their relationship.  A Vampire-slayer and a member of the Ellis family who has always sworn to assist the vampires just do not make the perfect couple.  But Rosalind and Christopher cannot ignore their feelings, and they absolutely cannot defy the king's order to marry.  Christopher is in an uncomfortable position with his promise to protect Rosalind at all costs, an oath that paints him as a traitor to his family and cause.  It certainly doesn't endear him to the Vampires, least of all the Boleyns.

The character list in BLOOD THE ROSE is lengthy and includes: Elias, a vampire at Court who has formed a friendship of sorts with Rosalind, Christopher, and Rhys; Anne and George Boleyn, characters true to history who many have felt got what they deserved in the long run (Ms. Pearce's version is so on point); Rhys Williams, Rosalind's dearest friend and near suitor, who I hope has his own story to tell soon; and Olivia and Marcus, two characters who are from Christopher's past and lend a bit more definition to just who he is and where he comes from.

There are more than few loose ends tied in BLOOD OF THE ROSE, but there is far more to tell.  I just hope they keep them coming because I've certainly got a taste for Tudor Vampires now.

Amy Cunningham