Format Read: Paperback

Number of Pages: 296

Release Date: August 3rd, 2010

Publisher: Signet

Formats Available: Paperback, ebook

Purchasing Info: Author’s Website, Goodreads, Amazon, Book Depository US, Book Depository UK

When I first saw this cover I knew I wanted this book. Okay the guy looks a bit strange but the rest is gorgeous. Next I realized that it is a mix of paranormal and historical romance and I began to be unsure if I would like it because sometimes I’m a bit annoyed with the heroines of that time but I thought you have to give a try. I’m so happy I did.

I knew this book would be a mix of different aspects and I loved the way the just fit into each other. We have on the one hand the historical setting in Tudor England. The book starts with the Tudors getting the power and later follows Henry VIII reign. The power shift is the first time the Druids became active participants in the royal struggles. They made a pact with the king: they help him get the throne and in exchange he will help them to destroy the vampires. They also agree that the Druids will keep the royal family save, no matter what.

We are introduced into the court of King Henry VIII together with Rosalind Llewellyn. She left the court 5 years ago and now had to came back to stand against a new threat for the kings life. She is the only female Druid vampire slaver and all her live she had a hard time defending herself and to get the acceptance she deserves. The men of that time just can’t accept that a woman would do things like fighting and killing vampires in all ways possible. Rosalind is a strong and stubborn woman. She is a fighter but she seems a bit helpless when it comes to romantic feelings. She is already 19 years old and nearly at the top age limit to  find a husband. She knows that her fellow vampire hunter, Rhys Williams, would take her hand anytime but she is unsure if that is what she wants. He is a nice guy and one of her oldest and best friends but is that enough to replace love? At court she also meets Sir Christopher Ellis and he is quite the charming one. Only problem is that he is the enemy of her kind: a Druid Hunter and ally with the vampires. 

Christopher was always the outsider. Even his own family doesn’t really want him. His uncle raised him and introduced him into the cult of Mithras, a group of hunters connected by their hate for the Druids who seek to  extinguish them. Christopher always struggles with himself. He never felt accepted and he thinks that he’s just not enough. The first time he sees Rosalind he is truck by her beauty but when he realizes what she is he knows that they both can never become more. It would ruin him even more. But sometimes life just doesn’t work the way we want it too.

I so loved how those two found their way, more or less. It was a constant struggle and sometimes I thought: “Would you just please get over yourself and see that you are meant for each other???” but as always as took them longer than me. 😉 The fact that Rhys also has a romantic interest in Rosalind added another edge to the lovestory and it really is heartbreaking to see how everything works out. Her characters are very likable and I just didn’t want one of them to get hurt. And there is some really hot scenes. Man, I want myself a Christopher. 

The plot around the vampire threat was nicely woven around the real history of Tudor England. I have to admit that I’m not a real history buff in that era but I know that Henry VIII had a bunch of wives and I hope that will be enough for the rest of the series.The mystery around the vampire and the search for who it could be really kept me on the edge of my seat. I had so many suspicions but how wrong I was. 

The story telling was good too. At first some dialogs felt a bit bereft of emotion but in the later parts of those books I was enthralled by the story and the characters. I think this is always the burden of book 1 in a new series. You have to introduce everything and I think Mrs. Pearce made a great job. 

The Kiss of the Rose is a great start into a new series. We have a wonderful paranormal world with a nice touch of history in the mix. The characters are vibrant, sometimes a bit agitating but other times you just have to love them. The story is thrilling and will keep you glued to the pages. I for myself know that I can’t wait to read Blood of the Rose.

I give Kiss of the Rose 4 out of 5 bookies.