Godiva: Unbridled

by Jenny Dare

Trapped in a loveless marriage, Lady Godiva schemes to escape the greedy, insensitive clutches of her husband, Edwin. When her plan goes awry she ends up in a bargain with him that would release her of her marital vows—but at a price. In a desperate attempt to flee, Godiva suffers a terrible fall from her beloved horse, which leaves her unable to remember anything about her former life, not even her own name.

Thomas Heggs is a simple man with fanciful dreams, working as a tailor’s apprentice in the small town of Coventry. When he finds a beautiful maiden lying injured next to her horse, he brings her into his barn to care for her and is immediately smitten by her mysterious charms. With no memory of her past, passion ignites between them as she recovers and tries to make sense of the dreams that haunt her from a life she no longer remembers.

Meanwhile, as Edwin devises a plan to reclaim his spirited wife, pride threatens to eclipse his judgment, risking the loss of his very soul.

Will the Lady recall who she is in time to make her fateful ride through town? Will new love stand a chance against the iron grip of a union bound by law?

What if history got the whole story wrong?

Godiva, Unbridled.
An erotic retelling.
Take your imagination for a ride.

130 pages, Paperback

First published December 14, 2012

About the author

Jenny Dare is the name I write under for my "alternative" projects, because in another world I write under a much different guise and therefore must keep the two quite separate! When I'm not writing I love to cook, especially alternative and experimental cuisine. I love to make traditional things vegetarian, and am fortunate to have a patient hubby that indulges this creative streak in me. I once took vegan chocolate pudding to Sunday night family dinner to mixed reviews but I must say, I make a mean vegan split pea soup! I love animals. I have a particular love of wolves and farm animals (strange combination, I know.) My pets are my world and we dote on them constantly as they are members of the family! I have been writing since I was very young, grade school in fact, and it got me in lots of trouble when I got caught passing scandalous notes in the schoolyard! I grew up in the 80's reading Judy Blume, Paula Danziger and Norma Klein but I think most of what has influenced my writing is travelling abroad, and having a mad crush on a British rock star at a very young age which inadvertantly made me an Anglophile! I am hoping to get some interest in my new book, Godiva: Unbridled, which was such fun to write and develop. I would love to hear from anyone who has thoughts on this project!

Reviews

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the idea of writing a fun historical romance story with Lady Godiva and Peeping Tom as the heroine and hero of the piece. I can appreciate an authentic layered historical fiction, but I'm also equally capable of enjoying a lighter less than accurate piece too. I enjoyed this combined retelling of the Lady Godiva and Peeping Tom story.

For those who aren't sure exactly what was the story behind the names Lady Godiva and Peeping Tom and thus this plot, I'll spill it for you. Lady Godiva was a beautiful noblewoman in medieval times who was so moved by the plight of the people of the town of Coventry that she rode a horse naked through the streets in protest. Peeping Tom was of course exactly what you imagine him to have been, but in this story he becomes the hero and love interest. The two had no real connection in history, but are brought together for this story.

Godiva is married to a cold, greed earl who squeezes the people for all they have through heavy taxes. She was in love with his brother and found marriage to the earl insufferable. Godiva attempts escape from Edwin hoping to get to the lands that she inherited separately when he discovers her. He is so angry over her attempt to escape him and that she has challenged him about the way he treats his people that he snidely offers her a bet. If she will ride through Coventry naked on a specific day, then he will lower the taxes. She counter-offers and exacts the promise that in addition he must grant her a divorce. Before the earl can change his mind, Godiva makes good on her escape only to take a hard fall from her horse and lose her memory.

Thomas finds the beautiful barely clad young woman in his uncle's orchard. He cares for her needs and in turn learns to love the mysterious lady. Godiva not knowing her past also falls for Tom. They live an idyllic existence hidden away to themselves eventually coming together for some heated passion, but all the while Edwin plots. And everyone wonders if the Lady Godiva will make her appearance for the fateful ride.

This is a light read focusing on the erotic romance between Godiva and Thomas. I found it enjoyable and diverting. In the end, I was so vested in the outcome that I fought the urge to fling my e-reader from me when it stopped abruptly with a huge cliff-hanger. No, say it isn't so, but yes it did.

If you enjoy a light romantic sexy romp set in a historical backdrop, give this novella a try.

[Gayatri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not much of an Historical Fiction fan. In fact this is my third book in this genre. Also I didn't really know anything about 'Lady Godiva' or 'Peeping Tom' before I read this book. So after the author Jenny Dare gave me a copy of this book in return for an honest review I searched on the internet about 'Lady Godiva'. I love retelling of myths and legends that was why I chose this book to read in the first place. I am glad that I chose this book.

Thomas's character was my favorite in this book. I loved how he was noble and shy. Lady Godiva's character was also good. I loved how she changes from a shy women to a bold women in the end. Though I would have loved to read more. The ending somehow felt incomplete and rushed up. There were a few grammatical errors which are not a big deal. In all I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of retellings.

[Emma Jaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun retelling of the Lady Godiva story, with the interesting addition that the Lady and 'Peeping Tom' actually had a relationship. Love scenes are quite graphic (which I like) and the tension builds throughout the book, although there is a distinct ending, it leaves the reader wanting to know the next part of the story, hopefully there will be a sequel.

The only problem I had with the story were the historical inaccuracies, although the author does make you aware that they are there at the start. Some of them make the story much better, such as frequent bathing and some legal issues.
However if things such as eating potatoes and tomatoes,(they didn't reach us til at least 400 years later) or peasants being about to read and write in 11th century England makes your teeth grind, maybe its not for you.

[Mandy White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very hot!