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Elizabethan Time Travel #1
The Thornless Rose
No one ever knew what really happened to Dr. Jonathan Brandon back in 1945. He simply disappeared from a London pub, leaving behind an unsolved mystery and his fiancée—Anne Howard's grandmother. Seventy years later, Anne herself is haunted by the strange tale, along with inexplicable hallucinations straight out of Elizabethan England. Including a scarred, handsome man whose deep blue eyes seem to touch her very soul....
Anne wonders if there isn't something more to the story. Is it even possible that Jonathan disappeared into England's dark past? And why does Anne keep hearing him whisper her name? Because now she too feels the inexorable pull of the past, not to mention an undeniable attraction for a man she doesn't even know.
It's just a matter of time before Anne will step back into history, and face a destiny?and a love?beyond imagining...
Anne wonders if there isn't something more to the story. Is it even possible that Jonathan disappeared into England's dark past? And why does Anne keep hearing him whisper her name? Because now she too feels the inexorable pull of the past, not to mention an undeniable attraction for a man she doesn't even know.
It's just a matter of time before Anne will step back into history, and face a destiny?and a love?beyond imagining...
550 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 29, 2014
323 people are currently reading
822 people want to read
About the author
Morgan O'Neill
14 books102 followersA chance meeting at a writers' conference brought Cary Morgan and Deborah O'Neill Cordes together, two award-winning and Amazon #1 best-selling authors who connected because of a mutual love of time travel fiction. Collaboration ensued, the search for a pen name the first step in their working relationship. Their maiden names provided the solution - and Morgan O'Neill was born.
Cary and Deborah's backgrounds are uniquely suited to writing stories steeped in atmosphere and history: Deborah has a master's degree in history and is a dedicated genealogist; Cary is a talented linguist in French and is currently a student of Latin. They've traveled to Europe's ancient and medieval sites many times, with Cary living on the Continent for five years.
The Morgan O'Neill time travel novels have received a number of literary awards, including two finalist wins in the Booksellers' Best Awards, two semifinalist wins in the William Faulkner-William Wisdom Creative Writing Competition, first, second, and third place wins for the Mainstream Novel with Strong Romantic Elements category of the Golden Rose Contest, a top ten finalist award in the Pacific Northwest Writers' Conference Zola Awards Literary Contest, and a top ten finalist win in the Orange Rose Contest. In 2014, the Oshawa Public Libraries, Ontario, Canada included their entire Roman trilogy (Love, Eternally, After the Fall, and Return to Me) in their list of the Top 100 Romance Novels of All Time.
Cary and Deborah's backgrounds are uniquely suited to writing stories steeped in atmosphere and history: Deborah has a master's degree in history and is a dedicated genealogist; Cary is a talented linguist in French and is currently a student of Latin. They've traveled to Europe's ancient and medieval sites many times, with Cary living on the Continent for five years.
The Morgan O'Neill time travel novels have received a number of literary awards, including two finalist wins in the Booksellers' Best Awards, two semifinalist wins in the William Faulkner-William Wisdom Creative Writing Competition, first, second, and third place wins for the Mainstream Novel with Strong Romantic Elements category of the Golden Rose Contest, a top ten finalist award in the Pacific Northwest Writers' Conference Zola Awards Literary Contest, and a top ten finalist win in the Orange Rose Contest. In 2014, the Oshawa Public Libraries, Ontario, Canada included their entire Roman trilogy (Love, Eternally, After the Fall, and Return to Me) in their list of the Top 100 Romance Novels of All Time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
December 29, 2014
Arc provided by Entangled Select Historical through Netgalley
Release Date: December 29 th
DNF at 40%
Anne, our modern day character, one fine day sees the photograph of her grandma's first fiancé and becomes instantly smitten with it, and very determined to act as some sort of Nancy Drew wanna be.
I know this is a time travel romance, but despite that, I was expecting a little more something, to ground her sudden obsession with the guy.
She's a teacher! Logical reasoning would be in order.
Also, I would expect a little of: OH MY GOD I'M OGLING MY GRANDMOTHER'S MISSING FIANCÉ! UGH!
Not the: Oh, here is that handsome devil who went missing a few decades ago, I must kiss him at once!
Then the colloquial speech that practically invades the initial part of the book became _for me_ quite tiresome to read.
(though I have been told that it is actually correct, so the problem is mine.)
“I’ve held tea for ye, Anne, but I canna say as I’m happy ’bout it, or ’bout yer grandmother’s goin’ off like she did with nary a word t’ me.”
“What’s troubling ye then, lass?” Trudy asked, her voice gentle now. “Would ye like a cuppa? Ye look a bit queer.”
"(..)she stared into the shadows and recalled her gloried past, conscious of its stark contrast to widowed life."
Gloried? Because she was married?
Wow, o_O
Built a pyre and throw yourself into it, why don't you?
( I know, I know...but what can I say? My sentimental bones are very hard to find these days...)
And then I got to the part in which the grandma seems more worried with the fact that Anne will be dressed properly _yes, a big thing back then, BUT, priorities please _ than the actual: Oh MY GOD MY GRANDDAUGHTER IS GOING TO TIME TRAVEL TO THE FIFTEEN HUNDRED' JUST LIKE MY FIANCÉ!
"But you mustn’t wear jeans, or anything short-short, until you’re back in Virginia. You’ll have to find something passably appropriate for the 1500s.”
But what really made me decide to quit reading this, is that immediately after Anne "travels" to that time period the thing becomes "rapey". It doesn't even take a few minutes, or hours, no, it happens immediately.
So, Anne draws the attentions of two bastards that immediately start discussing who will be first...
She manages to escape (yay!)...but they are able to keep following her (buh!), and later on, she is kidnapped (double buh...).
Once again she manages to escape (the odds are clearly in her favour!), and eventually she meets her grandma's missing fiancé (mission accomplished).
Oh, and she even manages to save Queen Elizabeth's life with the Heimlich maneuver.
Great!
Sorry, book its not you _well, part of it... is _ but it is mostly me!
Clearly a casting mistake on my part: Book, we just weren't meant to be together until the very end :(
I bid you farewell.
Release Date: December 29 th
DNF at 40%
Anne, our modern day character, one fine day sees the photograph of her grandma's first fiancé and becomes instantly smitten with it, and very determined to act as some sort of Nancy Drew wanna be.
I know this is a time travel romance, but despite that, I was expecting a little more something, to ground her sudden obsession with the guy.
She's a teacher! Logical reasoning would be in order.
Also, I would expect a little of: OH MY GOD I'M OGLING MY GRANDMOTHER'S MISSING FIANCÉ! UGH!
Not the: Oh, here is that handsome devil who went missing a few decades ago, I must kiss him at once!
Then the colloquial speech that practically invades the initial part of the book became _for me_ quite tiresome to read.
(though I have been told that it is actually correct, so the problem is mine.)
“I’ve held tea for ye, Anne, but I canna say as I’m happy ’bout it, or ’bout yer grandmother’s goin’ off like she did with nary a word t’ me.”
“What’s troubling ye then, lass?” Trudy asked, her voice gentle now. “Would ye like a cuppa? Ye look a bit queer.”
"(..)she stared into the shadows and recalled her gloried past, conscious of its stark contrast to widowed life."
Gloried? Because she was married?
Wow, o_O
Built a pyre and throw yourself into it, why don't you?
( I know, I know...but what can I say? My sentimental bones are very hard to find these days...)
And then I got to the part in which the grandma seems more worried with the fact that Anne will be dressed properly _yes, a big thing back then, BUT, priorities please _ than the actual: Oh MY GOD MY GRANDDAUGHTER IS GOING TO TIME TRAVEL TO THE FIFTEEN HUNDRED' JUST LIKE MY FIANCÉ!
"But you mustn’t wear jeans, or anything short-short, until you’re back in Virginia. You’ll have to find something passably appropriate for the 1500s.”
But what really made me decide to quit reading this, is that immediately after Anne "travels" to that time period the thing becomes "rapey". It doesn't even take a few minutes, or hours, no, it happens immediately.
So, Anne draws the attentions of two bastards that immediately start discussing who will be first...
She manages to escape (yay!)...but they are able to keep following her (buh!), and later on, she is kidnapped (double buh...).
Once again she manages to escape (the odds are clearly in her favour!), and eventually she meets her grandma's missing fiancé (mission accomplished).
Oh, and she even manages to save Queen Elizabeth's life with the Heimlich maneuver.
Great!
Sorry, book its not you _well, part of it... is _ but it is mostly me!
Clearly a casting mistake on my part: Book, we just weren't meant to be together until the very end :(
I bid you farewell.
December 29, 2014
This is the very first time travel romance I have read and I loved it. From start to finish, I could not put this book down. It was full of mystery, romance and suspense. I can't wait to read more in this series!
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
October 20, 2017
Here we discover what happened to poor Jonnie from the previous book and here the time-travel is a strong point!
Jonnie ended in Elizabeth I time, where, with help of an ex Bishop he works as a doctor. He's still deeply in love with Catherine, even if he knows that he will never be able to return to her so he works and live a lonley life.
Meanwhile Catherine has been married to Arthur for a long time and has sevral grandchildren. Anne, one of them, is visiting her and they roam London having fun. Anne is a history teacher in USA so she's curious to visit all the historical places in and near London.
Soon, she experiences dizziness and strange visions similar to those Jonnie has experienced before.
When Anne describes them to Catherine, she begins to suspect that the same thing that happened to Jonnie will happen to Anne too! And then it does and Anne disappers in front of a lot of people!
Anne lends in the same time where Jonnie is and she's not equiped to deal with that period and ends kidnapped in a brothel.
I don't want to spoil, but here everything happens! The action is very fast and the sensation of being in a different time is rendered very well!
I found that Jonnie was better in dealing than Anne was. Anne was somewhat too confused about things that she shouldn't have been confused about. She just couldn't deal with the fact that women were treated differently in that era, even if she did know that it was a fact since she's been studying history!
The story is intricate, because time-travel can often lead to a paradoxes if not treated carefully! On to the next!
Jonnie ended in Elizabeth I time, where, with help of an ex Bishop he works as a doctor. He's still deeply in love with Catherine, even if he knows that he will never be able to return to her so he works and live a lonley life.
Meanwhile Catherine has been married to Arthur for a long time and has sevral grandchildren. Anne, one of them, is visiting her and they roam London having fun. Anne is a history teacher in USA so she's curious to visit all the historical places in and near London.
Soon, she experiences dizziness and strange visions similar to those Jonnie has experienced before.
When Anne describes them to Catherine, she begins to suspect that the same thing that happened to Jonnie will happen to Anne too! And then it does and Anne disappers in front of a lot of people!
Anne lends in the same time where Jonnie is and she's not equiped to deal with that period and ends kidnapped in a brothel.
I don't want to spoil, but here everything happens! The action is very fast and the sensation of being in a different time is rendered very well!
I found that Jonnie was better in dealing than Anne was. Anne was somewhat too confused about things that she shouldn't have been confused about. She just couldn't deal with the fact that women were treated differently in that era, even if she did know that it was a fact since she's been studying history!
The story is intricate, because time-travel can often lead to a paradoxes if not treated carefully! On to the next!
January 5, 2015
This was an enchanting story. I have been reading a lot of the time travel genre this year (or this past year) and this book was a unique and fascinating glimpse into the history of one of England’s most amazing time periods. From the end of World War II to modern day to Elizabethan England, this story weaves together a story that encompasses love, trials and political intrigues.
I finished the book last night and sat down this afternoon to write my review. I’m glad I took the time to let the book digest. I don’t know if I would classify this book as pure historical romance fiction. There was so much history in this story that any history lover would adore reading about Elizabethan times and getting to know how a modern thinker would interact with the people of the times. Although there was definitely a love story and connection between the two main characters, Anne and Jonathan, it wasn’t a hot and steamy story. If that is what you long for, then this book is light on the graphic bedroom scenes in many other books. However, I found myself so caught up in the plot and the love of Anne and Jonathan that I found it did not detract from my enjoyment of reading it.
Whenever I think of Elizabethan times, I immediately pull from modern references, specifically ‘Shakespeare in Love’ and ‘Elizabeth’ with the incomparable Cate Blanchett. The costumes, the castles, the scenery is all I can visualize as the authors weave their tale.
Yes, I said authors as in plural. One of the most amazing things about this story is that it is written by two women and the publishing name is a moniker from their identities. I have written professional articles with colleagues before and even with data and articles to help us, it has been a daunting task to mesh personal writing styles and vision. For this story to be co-authored only raised my estimation of the book.
So what was so enchanting? The love story was the heart of the story. The time travelling was compelling and interesting and it led Anne to Jonathan who was trapped in time. Although he was her grandmother’s fiancé, it becomes clear quickly that a union between the two was fated. When you read about a love connection and you wonder about their motivations and feelings that is when you know that you are affected by the writing. I wondered if Anne and Jonathan would be together if they had met in modern times. Anne is quick to point out that she would be attracted to Jonathan if she saw him in a bar, and he finds her captivating. Circumstances through them together and Anne is clearly in need of a protector. It’s not like they were just making the best of the situation as a real romance and relationship develops, but I still wondered what would be if they didn’t have dangerous secrets and equally dangerous men after the knowledge they possess.
The world of Elizabethan England through Jonathan and Anne’s eyes was fascinating. Anne describes the stink of the world, which we all know, but don’t often think about when romanticizing the era. The clothes Anne is forced to wear to fit in seem strange and confining and you can’t help but chuckle when she longs for a bra. The language was really different and it helped to remind you what century they were in. Anne’s modern vernacular was not well received and even using ‘you’ and ‘I’ was not part of the dialogue of the Elizabethan times.
Jonathan is a doctor and he draws royal attention to himself with his superior knowledge of human anatomy and disease prevention. I also had to keep in mind that Jonathan disappeared in the 40’s and the medical advancements we enjoy in modern times were unknown to him, although he had Anne to enlighten him. It was amazing to read how he fell into royal favour with a simple aspirin. Things we take for granted were lifesaving to the Elizabethans. The housekeeper thinks Jonathan and Anne are nuts because they want to bathe at least weekly. It was hard to imagine the stink of unwashed bodies and especially no deodorant. It made me so grateful for the times we live in!
I loved the theory of time travel the authors develop and the mystical magic of druids and the veil. It led Jonathan and Anne together. They were both wonderful characters that I enjoyed spending time with. They develop a wonderful relationship and it was amazing to see modern sensibilities in the Elizabethan times. The struggle to not change history was ever present for them, but the love they have did transcend time. This book is well worth the read. It was a story that anyone would enjoy, not just lovers of historical romance. I commented that this book was enchanting and it was. It takes a time period that is not covered often in historical romance and spins an elaborate tale that offers a fascinating glimpse. I couldn’t help but get on google as I was reading and afterwards to research as much as I could about this time period. My next movie will be to rewatch Elizabeth and Shakespeare in Love so I can imagine Jonathan and Anne living in this world.
Reviewed for www.kiltsandswords.com
I finished the book last night and sat down this afternoon to write my review. I’m glad I took the time to let the book digest. I don’t know if I would classify this book as pure historical romance fiction. There was so much history in this story that any history lover would adore reading about Elizabethan times and getting to know how a modern thinker would interact with the people of the times. Although there was definitely a love story and connection between the two main characters, Anne and Jonathan, it wasn’t a hot and steamy story. If that is what you long for, then this book is light on the graphic bedroom scenes in many other books. However, I found myself so caught up in the plot and the love of Anne and Jonathan that I found it did not detract from my enjoyment of reading it.
Whenever I think of Elizabethan times, I immediately pull from modern references, specifically ‘Shakespeare in Love’ and ‘Elizabeth’ with the incomparable Cate Blanchett. The costumes, the castles, the scenery is all I can visualize as the authors weave their tale.
Yes, I said authors as in plural. One of the most amazing things about this story is that it is written by two women and the publishing name is a moniker from their identities. I have written professional articles with colleagues before and even with data and articles to help us, it has been a daunting task to mesh personal writing styles and vision. For this story to be co-authored only raised my estimation of the book.
So what was so enchanting? The love story was the heart of the story. The time travelling was compelling and interesting and it led Anne to Jonathan who was trapped in time. Although he was her grandmother’s fiancé, it becomes clear quickly that a union between the two was fated. When you read about a love connection and you wonder about their motivations and feelings that is when you know that you are affected by the writing. I wondered if Anne and Jonathan would be together if they had met in modern times. Anne is quick to point out that she would be attracted to Jonathan if she saw him in a bar, and he finds her captivating. Circumstances through them together and Anne is clearly in need of a protector. It’s not like they were just making the best of the situation as a real romance and relationship develops, but I still wondered what would be if they didn’t have dangerous secrets and equally dangerous men after the knowledge they possess.
The world of Elizabethan England through Jonathan and Anne’s eyes was fascinating. Anne describes the stink of the world, which we all know, but don’t often think about when romanticizing the era. The clothes Anne is forced to wear to fit in seem strange and confining and you can’t help but chuckle when she longs for a bra. The language was really different and it helped to remind you what century they were in. Anne’s modern vernacular was not well received and even using ‘you’ and ‘I’ was not part of the dialogue of the Elizabethan times.
Jonathan is a doctor and he draws royal attention to himself with his superior knowledge of human anatomy and disease prevention. I also had to keep in mind that Jonathan disappeared in the 40’s and the medical advancements we enjoy in modern times were unknown to him, although he had Anne to enlighten him. It was amazing to read how he fell into royal favour with a simple aspirin. Things we take for granted were lifesaving to the Elizabethans. The housekeeper thinks Jonathan and Anne are nuts because they want to bathe at least weekly. It was hard to imagine the stink of unwashed bodies and especially no deodorant. It made me so grateful for the times we live in!
I loved the theory of time travel the authors develop and the mystical magic of druids and the veil. It led Jonathan and Anne together. They were both wonderful characters that I enjoyed spending time with. They develop a wonderful relationship and it was amazing to see modern sensibilities in the Elizabethan times. The struggle to not change history was ever present for them, but the love they have did transcend time. This book is well worth the read. It was a story that anyone would enjoy, not just lovers of historical romance. I commented that this book was enchanting and it was. It takes a time period that is not covered often in historical romance and spins an elaborate tale that offers a fascinating glimpse. I couldn’t help but get on google as I was reading and afterwards to research as much as I could about this time period. My next movie will be to rewatch Elizabeth and Shakespeare in Love so I can imagine Jonathan and Anne living in this world.
Reviewed for www.kiltsandswords.com
January 22, 2015
This is one of the best time travel romance stories I have read in a very long time. This novel has all the elements that make a great story - romance, action, intrigue, and suspense. This is the way stories should be written!!
Anne Howard happens upon an old trunk belonging to her grandmother and discovers a handful of old letters that were not from her grandfather. When she asked about the letters, her grandmother decides it is time to tell Anne the story of Jonathan Brandon, a man she was set to marry until he simply vanished without a trace in 1945.
While her grandmother moved on with her life, married, had children, is content, she had always wondered what really happened to Jonathon. Anne, intrigued by the story, sets out to do a little research, only to find herself thrust back into the 1500's and face to face with one Dr. Jonathan Brandon. That's right- the one and the same man her grandmother told her about.
This book is copyrighted and is the property of Night Owl Reviews
For the full review go to http://www.nightowlreviews.com
Anne Howard happens upon an old trunk belonging to her grandmother and discovers a handful of old letters that were not from her grandfather. When she asked about the letters, her grandmother decides it is time to tell Anne the story of Jonathan Brandon, a man she was set to marry until he simply vanished without a trace in 1945.
While her grandmother moved on with her life, married, had children, is content, she had always wondered what really happened to Jonathon. Anne, intrigued by the story, sets out to do a little research, only to find herself thrust back into the 1500's and face to face with one Dr. Jonathan Brandon. That's right- the one and the same man her grandmother told her about.
This book is copyrighted and is the property of Night Owl Reviews
For the full review go to http://www.nightowlreviews.com
December 16, 2014
I was breathless as I finished the last page of this novel. The pace does not ease from beginning to end and the superb characters have been snatched straight from the pages of history.
Dr. Jonathan Brandon vanishes from a London pub in 1945, days before his wedding to Catherine Howard, and is never seen again. Nearly seventy years later Anne Howard, Catherine’s granddaughter, seeks answers to this mysterious disappearance. But Anne starts to experience hallucinations of strange characters and places and Catherine prepares her for the same fate she believes befell Jonathon – a slip through the portals of time. Anne appears in Elizabethan England within eighteen months of Jonathon. She seeks out Jonathon but in so doing, she arouses the suspicions of the Duke of Norfolk. Jonathan must marry Anne to protect her from the lust and greed of the Duke, who accuses her of being a witch, due to her mysterious appearance out of thin air. He also uncovers evidence to suggest she is a time traveller.
Meanwhile, Jonathan’s modern medical skills bring him to the notice of Queen Elizabeth I and he is soon established as a preferred physician to the young Queen. The brutally cruel Duke of Norfolk is jealous of the doctor’s favour with the Queen and determines to destroy Jonathan, take Anne for himself and use her knowledge of the future for his own gains. The two unwitting time travellers become embroiled in the dangerous court intrigue and power struggle between Queen Elizabeth and her cousin, the Duke, with deadly consequences.
Morgan O’Neill has created such historical authenticity with language, description and heart stopping action, I was rooted in Elizabethan England throughout the entire book. The authors’ historical facts were impeccable and their prose was breathtaking. Each character was so vivid, I had no trouble visualising them and having visceral responses to their actions. I could smell the streets of London, the sour floor rushes and the unwashed, heavily perfumed bodies. And the developing love between Jonathan Brandon and Anne Howard was powerful and satisfying.
I have read all the Morgan O’Neill time travel books and was highly impressed with each one. However, The Thornless Rose, in my opinion, has taken their writing to a new level of excellence.
Dr. Jonathan Brandon vanishes from a London pub in 1945, days before his wedding to Catherine Howard, and is never seen again. Nearly seventy years later Anne Howard, Catherine’s granddaughter, seeks answers to this mysterious disappearance. But Anne starts to experience hallucinations of strange characters and places and Catherine prepares her for the same fate she believes befell Jonathon – a slip through the portals of time. Anne appears in Elizabethan England within eighteen months of Jonathon. She seeks out Jonathon but in so doing, she arouses the suspicions of the Duke of Norfolk. Jonathan must marry Anne to protect her from the lust and greed of the Duke, who accuses her of being a witch, due to her mysterious appearance out of thin air. He also uncovers evidence to suggest she is a time traveller.
Meanwhile, Jonathan’s modern medical skills bring him to the notice of Queen Elizabeth I and he is soon established as a preferred physician to the young Queen. The brutally cruel Duke of Norfolk is jealous of the doctor’s favour with the Queen and determines to destroy Jonathan, take Anne for himself and use her knowledge of the future for his own gains. The two unwitting time travellers become embroiled in the dangerous court intrigue and power struggle between Queen Elizabeth and her cousin, the Duke, with deadly consequences.
Morgan O’Neill has created such historical authenticity with language, description and heart stopping action, I was rooted in Elizabethan England throughout the entire book. The authors’ historical facts were impeccable and their prose was breathtaking. Each character was so vivid, I had no trouble visualising them and having visceral responses to their actions. I could smell the streets of London, the sour floor rushes and the unwashed, heavily perfumed bodies. And the developing love between Jonathan Brandon and Anne Howard was powerful and satisfying.
I have read all the Morgan O’Neill time travel books and was highly impressed with each one. However, The Thornless Rose, in my opinion, has taken their writing to a new level of excellence.
January 1, 2015
While an interesting story, I can't agree with all the rave reviews I've seen here. The plot takes way too long to get moving and then it is all over the place. It's a bit of a mess. I found myself skimming major portions just to move things along. You may like it but for me it felt like a lot of filler to get to the meat.
![Profile Image for ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1572968006i%2F3840999._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
January 9, 2015
My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book... for more, visit Punya Reviews...
Morgan O’Neill’s The Thornless Rose, Book 1 of the Elizabethan Time Travel, was my first book by the author(s). It was one of those books that keeps you on the edge constantly, where you must know what’s going to happen next. At least that’s how I felt when I read those 500+ pages (according to my ARC).
I have never been particularly interested in the history of Tudor England, until this book that is. Apart from it’s contemporary setting, this novel connects and heavily relies on that without being made to feel like taking a History lesson. The fusion of the historical facts with the fictional was done so well that you won’t think Dr. Jonathan Brandon wasn’t one of Queen Elizabeth I’s royal physicians! Some major historical figures such as Robert Dudley, Thomas Howard, the first Duke of Norfolk, Lettice Knollys, not to mention the venerable Queen Elizabeth I played their roles as needed throughout, which is why I had to research online to find out who was who and how they were related to the story. The authors’ knowledge of Tudor history was admirable.
The story begins in the mid 1940s. Dr. Jonathan Brandon, a member of RAF in his early 30s, goes to a favorite inn of his for a bite, where he simply vanishes into the thin air. At that time, he was engaged to Catherine Hastings. No clue was found as to what happened to him, including his body. There were wild speculations about his disappearance, though nothing was ever proved; just how can a living, breathing man vanish in thin air! The next, we find poor Jonathan, in the same place in another inn, 400 or so years prior to his own time, scared out of his wit. It was vague but the hints were given that Jonathan was having some spells of morphing in and out of time but nothing was this bad. When he finally figures out he’s stuck, he runs out in the dark of the night, not knowing where to go or what to do.
A dejected Catherine after a couple of years marries Mr. Howard. They had a long, loving married life with children until Howard passed away a few years ago. At present, she lives in England where her granddaughter, Anne is currently visiting. Apart from her husband, Catherine has never confided to anyone else about Jonathan, maybe except for her old and faithful housekeeper who was there with her at that time. One day, while she’s out, Anne goes investigating her grandma’s storage, where she comes across the paper cutting on a man’s disappearance, also old articles about time travel, time shift etc. Needless to say, she’s duly intrigued. Anne later asks Catherine about it, who finally figures it’s time she knew. Afterwards, Anne decides to check out the prime points in various spots of London where there have been rumors of time travelling, sightings of people garbed in clothing from eras long gone. Once Catherine shows her an old picture of Jonathan, Anne is instantly attracted to the stranger. There’s something about those blue eyes (information, thanks to Catherine) that mesmerizes her. Anne felt a calling of sort to find out what happened to Jonathan. She begins her search by secretly going to those places in hopes to find some answer.
Catherine becomes worried because she didn’t want to lose Anne too. Here, I had some thoughts. One, why would she think Anne would also vanish like Jonathan? It was made to sound like something so... natural, as if it happens always, though I don’t know why. If so then why Catherine never travelled through time? Anne was the granddaughter, so I didn’t see any direct link to her with Jonathan, except for that she inherited Catherine’s looks to some extent. I was also asking questions about the relationship of Anne and Jonathan, seeing he was Catherine’s ex-fiancé. I had no idea if that was going to work for me or not.
On her search for answers, Anne begins experiencing those spells of morphing in and out of time. Once she travels to Elizabeth I’s time and meets Robert Dudley half-drunk. But she had no idea about his identity at that time. She also finds The Thornless Rose, which was Henry VII’s gift to one of his many, short living, wives. The meeting with Dudley, the incorrigible flirt, was funny and rather odd, but Anne was able to bring back a sample of the rose which is deemed an extinct in today’s world. One day, at Westminster Abbey, Anne glimpses Jonathan for a while. It was as if he knew her already when he kisses her and confesses that he loves her... Anne couldn’t imagine what just happened but Jonathan’s tone had a very urgent note in it that made her wonder... (we do find the connection of this ‘sighting’ at the end).
At home, while doing more research, Catherine receives a call about an ancient letter addressing her. Turns out, it was from Jonathan! Catherine is immensely happy to have some proof that he was (or is if you think of Jonathan’s time in parallel) safe and sound. He, somehow, managed to transport the letter through an old bible that was being auctioned off at that moment. These incidents begin to worry both Anne and Catherine, so much so that Catherine insists on a bag full of various modern supplies, a dagger and a cloak to hide Anne’s modern clothing just in case. But Anne is freaked out after those time traveling spells, so much so that she becomes determined to return to her home in the US. Unfortunately, Anne doesn’t have that opportunity when one day, she also vanishes into the thin air while on an outing with Catherine.
Anne ends up landing in a dark, rainy night of England at the same time as Jonathan’s. She freaks out but manages to keep calm. Anne remembers that she has to look Jonathan ASAP. Anne knew from the information in the letter that he’s now a doctor at the St. Bartholomew or St. Bart’s, which is being used as a hospital. She knows the way, now she just needs to find him. Doubly unfortunate, for Anne is spotted by two thugs who saw the whole thing. And in a time like that, if you’re seen conjured up from the thin air, rumors or no, you should prepare yourself to be burned at the stake. You’d be marked as a witch without any hesitation, just as the two thugs thought of Anne. First they try to capture her, their mind a cesspool of vile intentions. But when she makes an escape, one of them keeps following her. We find out exactly why a while later in the story.
It seemed that misfortune was dogging Anne too. In St. Bart’s, though the kindly doorkeeper let her in, Anne doesn’t find Jonathan. And the strict head nurse wouldn’t even let her wait for him, so she finds herself on the road, again, to wait out some hours before his return. Before this, Anne manages to hide some of her modern belongings, like her credit card and cell phone, in an abandoned area of the abbey. The thug who was following her finds out the hiding place. He steals Anne’s stuff to show them off to someone obviously well-off, in hopes to earn a few bucks in exchange.
Anne becomes the victim of another kidnapping attempt by the other accomplice. He succeeds this time, managing to take her to a meeting place; a brothel where their ‘benefactor’, the Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Howard, frequents. In the meantime, the first thug, a rat for the Duke, meets him. No matter what the truth was, in here, I found Norfolk to be one of the most disgusting men that ever lived. He was portrayed as someone cruel with a nasty, abusive streak, specifically towards women. He enjoyed forcing the new girls of this brothel just for the fun of it since he won’t have any used girl. Oh My Gawd! When he’s shown the stuff his rat brought him, Norfolk is thrilled. He might be a sick bastard but he’s also rather canny. He figures out, or has some inclination, that Anne is from the future in matter of minutes. This is how Anne becomes his target because he must know the future; the information that can help him attain more power, even the throne! Before that, he plans to do all matters of vile things to Anne once he caught her, including using her before getting rid of her. Howard can hardly wait to begin his ‘interrogation’! Luckily, Anne had help in escaping from the brothel, thanks to a girl who was one of Norfolk’s ‘castoffs’ who harbored a deep hatred. Before her kidnapping, Anne glimpsed Jonathan for a while close to St. Bart’s when he was returning, though he had no idea what news was waiting for him.
Jonathan gets the shock of his life when his head nurse, Mary, informs that an Anne Howard, who claimed to have been related to Catherine Hastings Howard, came to see him. Jonathan can hardly believe his ears! Then as Mary begins describing Anne, Jonathan, for the first time in his miserable life, glimpses hope. Was Catherine able to read his letter? Was this Anne really related to his beloved Catherine? But when he starts looking for Anne, Jonathan comes up with dead ends as no one could give him any information on anyone looking like Anne. After that, the poor guy is mired in another bout of depression. I mean, yah he has made a life here in the past 18 months, thanks to Bishop Wright, also the doorkeeper, who took him in on that fateful night, trusting in his tale. Without him, Jonathan probably would’ve perished by now, not knowing anything practical about this era. But Wright recognized a gem when he saw at once, and Jonathan’s modern medical expertise proved to be super helpful for the people around, as much as he dared practice without any modern medical implements, and definitely without rousing suspicion. In turn, in such a short time, he became quite popular; a revered man. These people already cared a lot for their Dr. Brandon.
Jonathan proved to be a very industrious man too, by using herbal supplies to make different potions as well as home-made shampoo and soap! But nothing would give him any peace until he finds out how to get back to his time. Now, fate seems to be playing another cruel joke on him by giving him false hope. What did he think? That Catherine would come to rescue him? Send someone on her behalf? Is that even possible? Then again, Jonathan doesn’t know what’s ‘possible’ and what’s ‘impossible’ anymore. Ah, the poor man! I can’t even imagine his situation, trapped in a time where nothing, no one is familiar to him. Where he’s forced to be cautious all the time in case someone finds something suspicious and turns him in. And we all know where that’ll lead to.
By sheer luck, Anne and Jonathan meet at last when the Queen is in the area for an occasion. Anne saves Her Majesty from chocking on food. Jonathan was summoned too. This incident not only brought them together but also, helps them catching Elizabeth I’s grateful attention. Dudley, the ever present beau of Elizabeth, recognizes Anne, albeit vaguely. Unfortunately, Norfolk is also present and Anne’s now on his radar as well. To say Jonathan was stunned would be an understatement for he instantly recognized the family resemblance between Catherine and her. After they return to St. Bart’s, Anne proceeds to fill him in about the most unusual circumstances that brought her here. Of course, Jonathan would know better than anyone. He’s heartbroken to know how long it’s been, and that Catherine has been married and now a graceful old woman of late 80s. He’s surprised to learn that Anne is, in fact, Catherine’s granddaughter. Anne also gives him the letter and the things her grandmother gave her to pass on to Jonathan. All these overwhelms the poor man so much, he’s on the verge of breaking down. I felt so sad for him because the whole situation was so unbelievable, not to mention, really heartbreaking. I was also worried for Anne and how she’d fare, knowing the danger she was already in.
Anne later had to confide in Jonathan about her kidnapping. It’s when she fails to find her modern belongings where she stashed them away is when they knew how grave a danger she’s in. Anne knew who stole them for she already knew Norfolk was behind it all. And even though they now apparently have the Queen’s ear, and under her beau’s impassioned, if a bit rash, protection, Jonathan knew that the only way he can keep her safe in this era is to marry her. Besides, Catherine asked him to look after her. Anne is not exactly in favor of this idea, neither is she disgusted, although Jonathan being her grandmother’s ex-fiancé did make her uncomfortable. Anne felt wavering between decisions since she was attracted to him. But they were in a wholly unusual situation. To allay her uneasiness, Jonathan confirms that he was never physically intimate with Catherine, which kinda saves it for Anne (and me). Thankfully, this relationship dilemma didn’t matter to me throughout the rest of the story. It was also hinted at that, knowing the hygiene level of these people Jonathan had not been with anyone since he’d been so unceremoniously transported in this era. But Jonathan can’t keep his eyes off of Anne. He wants her, plain and simple. After all he’s a man who’d been celibate for long, which I could totally understand. Jonathan didn’t know if their marriage would work, yet it was his only option to keep Anne safe.
At first, it hurt Anne that she’s not marrying for love, though she really hoped that someday Jonathan would change his mind, all the practical reasons led them to marry. After a few more medical ‘miracles’ on Her Majesty and she’s singing Jonathan’s praise; so much so that she offers to host for them a wedding ceremony they’d ever forget! Anne was dressed as a dream, like a princess of the medieval era, while she couldn’t help but notice Jonathan’s muscular thighs in his tight breeches. Oh boy. :p There was the funny public consummation scene that they were able to avoid, thanks to Dudley.
Though Jonathan made it known that unless Anne feels comfortable, there would be no consummation, it was only a matter of days that their resolve began to crumble. Both wanted each other, but Jonathan more than anything because Anne was someone so close to his time, who reminded him of the home he had at one time. They eke out a life for themselves, Anne helping Jonathan with his hospital duties, making love, taking about the ‘future’, both from Anne’s time and the future they might have if they’re stuck in this era. Till now, Anne or Jonathan had no idea how they can get back, if indeed there’s a way.
It didn’t take long for Norfolk to start casting his dubious influence around to gain what he’s been thwarted from. He begins making nasty, very bold moves, including killing Dudley’s estranged wife, Amy Dudley (a historically accurate death which is still shrouded in mystery). Jonathan was the last man to treat her and so, he got entangled in this case. He knew Amy had cancer and wouldn’t live long but Norfolk wasn’t successful in making an accused man out of Jonathan. Though very little can be found on Amy Dudley’s life in reality, I have to mention that after reading the fictional scenario in which she was in, and how Dudley’s affair with the Queen hurt her, I couldn’t bring myself to like either of them. I hate adultery, and though it was committed very openly at that time, I still felt really sad for her. Amy was very lonely after her only son’s death and her estrangement with Dudley. Overtime, Dudley strayed and they were never together again. :( Personally, I tried to focus more on Anne and Jonathan, leaving the courtly intrigue where they belonged; at the back of my mind.
But both Elizabeth and Dudley play pivotal roles when Jonathan is bombarded with various troubles, one after another, thanks to Norfolk’s evil machinations. He’d destroy Jonathan now that he’s gained the Queen’s ear and possess Anne by any means. When one of his plans is thwarted, he’d plan something else to bring Jonathan down. Every action-filled moment, the suspense, the intrigues and the murders kept me on the edge, which is why I couldn’t tear myself away from this book! Let’s not forget Anne and Jonathan’s romance. I felt happy, sad, angry, frustrated, even fear when, at times, it seemed that Norfolk would succeed. Unfortunately, with his boldest moves by far, Norfolk does succeed in trapping Jonathan at last. He’s painted as a plotter who wanted to murder the Queen by poisoning her. After a farce of a trial, where Norfolk all but crowed his victory, Jonathan is condemned to hang, be drawn and quartered. I can’t even explain the dread and misery of that incident. Anne was completely helpless. She knew who was behind it all yet couldn’t prove a thing. The Queen wouldn’t even acknowledge them anymore, let alone granting pardon. Even their friends, the Hastings, whose bible Jonathan, and later Anne, used to send letters in the future, couldn’t help them, though Lord Hastings was one of Elizabeth’s cousins and Lady Hastings Dudley’s own sister. Nothing, it seemed, was going to save Jonathan from his doom. By then, both Jonathan and Anne acknowledged the fact that their unusual situation brought them closer than ever. They were in love, and couldn’t have denied their feelings even if they tried. Anne couldn’t even imagine her life without her Jon.
Thankfully, Lady Luck looks down upon them at the last moment, deciding to give them a fighting chance when Elizabeth finds herself in a very vulnerable situation; a fictional miscarriage from her affair with Dudley. Of course, Jonathan was summoned to help her since she was heavily bleeding, probably at death’s door. Everyone, even her barber surgeons, knew that only the eccentric Dr. Jonathan was capable of doing something miraculous; a fact that made him an enemy to many greedy, power hungry peeps. I was so relieved after Jonathan was saved from a certain death that I was crying and laughing with Anne, who was previously going mad imagining all sorts of nasty things that they’d do to her Jon. It also brought Jonathan and Anne back under the Queen, and Dudley’s, protection, their gratitude stronger than ever. Dudley already suspected Norfolk since he never made his hatred for him, Jonathan and Anne a secret.
At the end of The Thornless Rose, Jonathan and Anne’s fate remains the same. Though she had a chance of time traveling again, Anne decides to stay back. Norfolk manages to escape but Jonathan is relieved of the charges as more proof of his innocence emerged. But they still don’t know if they can return to their time or not. The questions remain; after all they’ve been through, and now that they’ve made a life together in this era, would Anne and Jonathan want to leave? If they do, in which era; Anne’s or Jonathan’s? Many questions for me actually and I can’t wait to find out in the later installments.
The Thornless Rose was a love story with many twists and turns, full of thrilling moments each more exciting than the previous. All in all, it was a great reading experience for me. 4.5 stars and highly recommended!
This ARC was provided to me by Entangled Select via netgalley which didn’t influence my review and rating in any way.
Morgan O’Neill’s The Thornless Rose, Book 1 of the Elizabethan Time Travel, was my first book by the author(s). It was one of those books that keeps you on the edge constantly, where you must know what’s going to happen next. At least that’s how I felt when I read those 500+ pages (according to my ARC).
I have never been particularly interested in the history of Tudor England, until this book that is. Apart from it’s contemporary setting, this novel connects and heavily relies on that without being made to feel like taking a History lesson. The fusion of the historical facts with the fictional was done so well that you won’t think Dr. Jonathan Brandon wasn’t one of Queen Elizabeth I’s royal physicians! Some major historical figures such as Robert Dudley, Thomas Howard, the first Duke of Norfolk, Lettice Knollys, not to mention the venerable Queen Elizabeth I played their roles as needed throughout, which is why I had to research online to find out who was who and how they were related to the story. The authors’ knowledge of Tudor history was admirable.
The story begins in the mid 1940s. Dr. Jonathan Brandon, a member of RAF in his early 30s, goes to a favorite inn of his for a bite, where he simply vanishes into the thin air. At that time, he was engaged to Catherine Hastings. No clue was found as to what happened to him, including his body. There were wild speculations about his disappearance, though nothing was ever proved; just how can a living, breathing man vanish in thin air! The next, we find poor Jonathan, in the same place in another inn, 400 or so years prior to his own time, scared out of his wit. It was vague but the hints were given that Jonathan was having some spells of morphing in and out of time but nothing was this bad. When he finally figures out he’s stuck, he runs out in the dark of the night, not knowing where to go or what to do.
A dejected Catherine after a couple of years marries Mr. Howard. They had a long, loving married life with children until Howard passed away a few years ago. At present, she lives in England where her granddaughter, Anne is currently visiting. Apart from her husband, Catherine has never confided to anyone else about Jonathan, maybe except for her old and faithful housekeeper who was there with her at that time. One day, while she’s out, Anne goes investigating her grandma’s storage, where she comes across the paper cutting on a man’s disappearance, also old articles about time travel, time shift etc. Needless to say, she’s duly intrigued. Anne later asks Catherine about it, who finally figures it’s time she knew. Afterwards, Anne decides to check out the prime points in various spots of London where there have been rumors of time travelling, sightings of people garbed in clothing from eras long gone. Once Catherine shows her an old picture of Jonathan, Anne is instantly attracted to the stranger. There’s something about those blue eyes (information, thanks to Catherine) that mesmerizes her. Anne felt a calling of sort to find out what happened to Jonathan. She begins her search by secretly going to those places in hopes to find some answer.
Catherine becomes worried because she didn’t want to lose Anne too. Here, I had some thoughts. One, why would she think Anne would also vanish like Jonathan? It was made to sound like something so... natural, as if it happens always, though I don’t know why. If so then why Catherine never travelled through time? Anne was the granddaughter, so I didn’t see any direct link to her with Jonathan, except for that she inherited Catherine’s looks to some extent. I was also asking questions about the relationship of Anne and Jonathan, seeing he was Catherine’s ex-fiancé. I had no idea if that was going to work for me or not.
On her search for answers, Anne begins experiencing those spells of morphing in and out of time. Once she travels to Elizabeth I’s time and meets Robert Dudley half-drunk. But she had no idea about his identity at that time. She also finds The Thornless Rose, which was Henry VII’s gift to one of his many, short living, wives. The meeting with Dudley, the incorrigible flirt, was funny and rather odd, but Anne was able to bring back a sample of the rose which is deemed an extinct in today’s world. One day, at Westminster Abbey, Anne glimpses Jonathan for a while. It was as if he knew her already when he kisses her and confesses that he loves her... Anne couldn’t imagine what just happened but Jonathan’s tone had a very urgent note in it that made her wonder... (we do find the connection of this ‘sighting’ at the end).
At home, while doing more research, Catherine receives a call about an ancient letter addressing her. Turns out, it was from Jonathan! Catherine is immensely happy to have some proof that he was (or is if you think of Jonathan’s time in parallel) safe and sound. He, somehow, managed to transport the letter through an old bible that was being auctioned off at that moment. These incidents begin to worry both Anne and Catherine, so much so that Catherine insists on a bag full of various modern supplies, a dagger and a cloak to hide Anne’s modern clothing just in case. But Anne is freaked out after those time traveling spells, so much so that she becomes determined to return to her home in the US. Unfortunately, Anne doesn’t have that opportunity when one day, she also vanishes into the thin air while on an outing with Catherine.
Anne ends up landing in a dark, rainy night of England at the same time as Jonathan’s. She freaks out but manages to keep calm. Anne remembers that she has to look Jonathan ASAP. Anne knew from the information in the letter that he’s now a doctor at the St. Bartholomew or St. Bart’s, which is being used as a hospital. She knows the way, now she just needs to find him. Doubly unfortunate, for Anne is spotted by two thugs who saw the whole thing. And in a time like that, if you’re seen conjured up from the thin air, rumors or no, you should prepare yourself to be burned at the stake. You’d be marked as a witch without any hesitation, just as the two thugs thought of Anne. First they try to capture her, their mind a cesspool of vile intentions. But when she makes an escape, one of them keeps following her. We find out exactly why a while later in the story.
It seemed that misfortune was dogging Anne too. In St. Bart’s, though the kindly doorkeeper let her in, Anne doesn’t find Jonathan. And the strict head nurse wouldn’t even let her wait for him, so she finds herself on the road, again, to wait out some hours before his return. Before this, Anne manages to hide some of her modern belongings, like her credit card and cell phone, in an abandoned area of the abbey. The thug who was following her finds out the hiding place. He steals Anne’s stuff to show them off to someone obviously well-off, in hopes to earn a few bucks in exchange.
Anne becomes the victim of another kidnapping attempt by the other accomplice. He succeeds this time, managing to take her to a meeting place; a brothel where their ‘benefactor’, the Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Howard, frequents. In the meantime, the first thug, a rat for the Duke, meets him. No matter what the truth was, in here, I found Norfolk to be one of the most disgusting men that ever lived. He was portrayed as someone cruel with a nasty, abusive streak, specifically towards women. He enjoyed forcing the new girls of this brothel just for the fun of it since he won’t have any used girl. Oh My Gawd! When he’s shown the stuff his rat brought him, Norfolk is thrilled. He might be a sick bastard but he’s also rather canny. He figures out, or has some inclination, that Anne is from the future in matter of minutes. This is how Anne becomes his target because he must know the future; the information that can help him attain more power, even the throne! Before that, he plans to do all matters of vile things to Anne once he caught her, including using her before getting rid of her. Howard can hardly wait to begin his ‘interrogation’! Luckily, Anne had help in escaping from the brothel, thanks to a girl who was one of Norfolk’s ‘castoffs’ who harbored a deep hatred. Before her kidnapping, Anne glimpsed Jonathan for a while close to St. Bart’s when he was returning, though he had no idea what news was waiting for him.
Jonathan gets the shock of his life when his head nurse, Mary, informs that an Anne Howard, who claimed to have been related to Catherine Hastings Howard, came to see him. Jonathan can hardly believe his ears! Then as Mary begins describing Anne, Jonathan, for the first time in his miserable life, glimpses hope. Was Catherine able to read his letter? Was this Anne really related to his beloved Catherine? But when he starts looking for Anne, Jonathan comes up with dead ends as no one could give him any information on anyone looking like Anne. After that, the poor guy is mired in another bout of depression. I mean, yah he has made a life here in the past 18 months, thanks to Bishop Wright, also the doorkeeper, who took him in on that fateful night, trusting in his tale. Without him, Jonathan probably would’ve perished by now, not knowing anything practical about this era. But Wright recognized a gem when he saw at once, and Jonathan’s modern medical expertise proved to be super helpful for the people around, as much as he dared practice without any modern medical implements, and definitely without rousing suspicion. In turn, in such a short time, he became quite popular; a revered man. These people already cared a lot for their Dr. Brandon.
Jonathan proved to be a very industrious man too, by using herbal supplies to make different potions as well as home-made shampoo and soap! But nothing would give him any peace until he finds out how to get back to his time. Now, fate seems to be playing another cruel joke on him by giving him false hope. What did he think? That Catherine would come to rescue him? Send someone on her behalf? Is that even possible? Then again, Jonathan doesn’t know what’s ‘possible’ and what’s ‘impossible’ anymore. Ah, the poor man! I can’t even imagine his situation, trapped in a time where nothing, no one is familiar to him. Where he’s forced to be cautious all the time in case someone finds something suspicious and turns him in. And we all know where that’ll lead to.
By sheer luck, Anne and Jonathan meet at last when the Queen is in the area for an occasion. Anne saves Her Majesty from chocking on food. Jonathan was summoned too. This incident not only brought them together but also, helps them catching Elizabeth I’s grateful attention. Dudley, the ever present beau of Elizabeth, recognizes Anne, albeit vaguely. Unfortunately, Norfolk is also present and Anne’s now on his radar as well. To say Jonathan was stunned would be an understatement for he instantly recognized the family resemblance between Catherine and her. After they return to St. Bart’s, Anne proceeds to fill him in about the most unusual circumstances that brought her here. Of course, Jonathan would know better than anyone. He’s heartbroken to know how long it’s been, and that Catherine has been married and now a graceful old woman of late 80s. He’s surprised to learn that Anne is, in fact, Catherine’s granddaughter. Anne also gives him the letter and the things her grandmother gave her to pass on to Jonathan. All these overwhelms the poor man so much, he’s on the verge of breaking down. I felt so sad for him because the whole situation was so unbelievable, not to mention, really heartbreaking. I was also worried for Anne and how she’d fare, knowing the danger she was already in.
Anne later had to confide in Jonathan about her kidnapping. It’s when she fails to find her modern belongings where she stashed them away is when they knew how grave a danger she’s in. Anne knew who stole them for she already knew Norfolk was behind it all. And even though they now apparently have the Queen’s ear, and under her beau’s impassioned, if a bit rash, protection, Jonathan knew that the only way he can keep her safe in this era is to marry her. Besides, Catherine asked him to look after her. Anne is not exactly in favor of this idea, neither is she disgusted, although Jonathan being her grandmother’s ex-fiancé did make her uncomfortable. Anne felt wavering between decisions since she was attracted to him. But they were in a wholly unusual situation. To allay her uneasiness, Jonathan confirms that he was never physically intimate with Catherine, which kinda saves it for Anne (and me). Thankfully, this relationship dilemma didn’t matter to me throughout the rest of the story. It was also hinted at that, knowing the hygiene level of these people Jonathan had not been with anyone since he’d been so unceremoniously transported in this era. But Jonathan can’t keep his eyes off of Anne. He wants her, plain and simple. After all he’s a man who’d been celibate for long, which I could totally understand. Jonathan didn’t know if their marriage would work, yet it was his only option to keep Anne safe.
At first, it hurt Anne that she’s not marrying for love, though she really hoped that someday Jonathan would change his mind, all the practical reasons led them to marry. After a few more medical ‘miracles’ on Her Majesty and she’s singing Jonathan’s praise; so much so that she offers to host for them a wedding ceremony they’d ever forget! Anne was dressed as a dream, like a princess of the medieval era, while she couldn’t help but notice Jonathan’s muscular thighs in his tight breeches. Oh boy. :p There was the funny public consummation scene that they were able to avoid, thanks to Dudley.
Though Jonathan made it known that unless Anne feels comfortable, there would be no consummation, it was only a matter of days that their resolve began to crumble. Both wanted each other, but Jonathan more than anything because Anne was someone so close to his time, who reminded him of the home he had at one time. They eke out a life for themselves, Anne helping Jonathan with his hospital duties, making love, taking about the ‘future’, both from Anne’s time and the future they might have if they’re stuck in this era. Till now, Anne or Jonathan had no idea how they can get back, if indeed there’s a way.
It didn’t take long for Norfolk to start casting his dubious influence around to gain what he’s been thwarted from. He begins making nasty, very bold moves, including killing Dudley’s estranged wife, Amy Dudley (a historically accurate death which is still shrouded in mystery). Jonathan was the last man to treat her and so, he got entangled in this case. He knew Amy had cancer and wouldn’t live long but Norfolk wasn’t successful in making an accused man out of Jonathan. Though very little can be found on Amy Dudley’s life in reality, I have to mention that after reading the fictional scenario in which she was in, and how Dudley’s affair with the Queen hurt her, I couldn’t bring myself to like either of them. I hate adultery, and though it was committed very openly at that time, I still felt really sad for her. Amy was very lonely after her only son’s death and her estrangement with Dudley. Overtime, Dudley strayed and they were never together again. :( Personally, I tried to focus more on Anne and Jonathan, leaving the courtly intrigue where they belonged; at the back of my mind.
But both Elizabeth and Dudley play pivotal roles when Jonathan is bombarded with various troubles, one after another, thanks to Norfolk’s evil machinations. He’d destroy Jonathan now that he’s gained the Queen’s ear and possess Anne by any means. When one of his plans is thwarted, he’d plan something else to bring Jonathan down. Every action-filled moment, the suspense, the intrigues and the murders kept me on the edge, which is why I couldn’t tear myself away from this book! Let’s not forget Anne and Jonathan’s romance. I felt happy, sad, angry, frustrated, even fear when, at times, it seemed that Norfolk would succeed. Unfortunately, with his boldest moves by far, Norfolk does succeed in trapping Jonathan at last. He’s painted as a plotter who wanted to murder the Queen by poisoning her. After a farce of a trial, where Norfolk all but crowed his victory, Jonathan is condemned to hang, be drawn and quartered. I can’t even explain the dread and misery of that incident. Anne was completely helpless. She knew who was behind it all yet couldn’t prove a thing. The Queen wouldn’t even acknowledge them anymore, let alone granting pardon. Even their friends, the Hastings, whose bible Jonathan, and later Anne, used to send letters in the future, couldn’t help them, though Lord Hastings was one of Elizabeth’s cousins and Lady Hastings Dudley’s own sister. Nothing, it seemed, was going to save Jonathan from his doom. By then, both Jonathan and Anne acknowledged the fact that their unusual situation brought them closer than ever. They were in love, and couldn’t have denied their feelings even if they tried. Anne couldn’t even imagine her life without her Jon.
Thankfully, Lady Luck looks down upon them at the last moment, deciding to give them a fighting chance when Elizabeth finds herself in a very vulnerable situation; a fictional miscarriage from her affair with Dudley. Of course, Jonathan was summoned to help her since she was heavily bleeding, probably at death’s door. Everyone, even her barber surgeons, knew that only the eccentric Dr. Jonathan was capable of doing something miraculous; a fact that made him an enemy to many greedy, power hungry peeps. I was so relieved after Jonathan was saved from a certain death that I was crying and laughing with Anne, who was previously going mad imagining all sorts of nasty things that they’d do to her Jon. It also brought Jonathan and Anne back under the Queen, and Dudley’s, protection, their gratitude stronger than ever. Dudley already suspected Norfolk since he never made his hatred for him, Jonathan and Anne a secret.
At the end of The Thornless Rose, Jonathan and Anne’s fate remains the same. Though she had a chance of time traveling again, Anne decides to stay back. Norfolk manages to escape but Jonathan is relieved of the charges as more proof of his innocence emerged. But they still don’t know if they can return to their time or not. The questions remain; after all they’ve been through, and now that they’ve made a life together in this era, would Anne and Jonathan want to leave? If they do, in which era; Anne’s or Jonathan’s? Many questions for me actually and I can’t wait to find out in the later installments.
The Thornless Rose was a love story with many twists and turns, full of thrilling moments each more exciting than the previous. All in all, it was a great reading experience for me. 4.5 stars and highly recommended!
This ARC was provided to me by Entangled Select via netgalley which didn’t influence my review and rating in any way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2014
I've always fancied the theory that time is like a ball of string. It can be all tangled up at times and different time periods are separated by only a thin veil. The Thornless Rose explores that theory as two people from two different time periods travel back to Tudor era England during the reign of Elizabeth I.
Jonathan Brandon disappeared from a pub only days before his wedding in 1945. Sixty-nine years later, the granddaughter of Jonathan's fiancé, Anne Howard, slips through a veil as well. Anne had one advantage, her grandmother prepared her with a cloak, medication, and a few other necessities needed to survive in the Tudor era.
This was my first time reading a novel by the duo that makes up Morgan O'Neill. I am so glad I took a chance on this 500+ page adventure into history. There was something new to make my heart race in every chapter. The vision of the era was truthful and at times hard to imagine how those people survived at all.
Modern woman Anne was able to slip into Tudor life fairly well, but she was shocked by some of the customs of the era. How one bathed, dressed, and even spoke was a new experience to her. Making her way to Jonathan once she appeared on a dark night was no easy task. The two men who witnessed her arrival cause trouble that turned deadly. Once Anne is safely ensconced in Jonathan's care, it becomes obvious why the two ended up in the time they did. Separated by decades, the couple was fated to love one another in a time foreign to both of them.
I applaud these authors for their creative vision of several historical figures. Elizabeth I plays a big part in the story of Jonathan and Anne's survival. I loved her plucky spirit and charm. It gave me a new vision of the young Queen, one I quite liked. The villain of the story, Norfolk, seemed much too devious for a man of only twenty-four years. He was truly evil and a formidable foe. At times, I believed he would be the victor, but one twist and another turn put Norfolk in peril himself.
The Thornless Rose is a time-traveling, spine-tingling, romantic suspense that will leave you breathless and hungry for more. I can't wait to sample more adventures from Morgan O'Neill. Thanks so much to Entangled Publishing for providing me with a copy of The Thornless Rose in exchange for an honest review.
Jonathan Brandon disappeared from a pub only days before his wedding in 1945. Sixty-nine years later, the granddaughter of Jonathan's fiancé, Anne Howard, slips through a veil as well. Anne had one advantage, her grandmother prepared her with a cloak, medication, and a few other necessities needed to survive in the Tudor era.
This was my first time reading a novel by the duo that makes up Morgan O'Neill. I am so glad I took a chance on this 500+ page adventure into history. There was something new to make my heart race in every chapter. The vision of the era was truthful and at times hard to imagine how those people survived at all.
Modern woman Anne was able to slip into Tudor life fairly well, but she was shocked by some of the customs of the era. How one bathed, dressed, and even spoke was a new experience to her. Making her way to Jonathan once she appeared on a dark night was no easy task. The two men who witnessed her arrival cause trouble that turned deadly. Once Anne is safely ensconced in Jonathan's care, it becomes obvious why the two ended up in the time they did. Separated by decades, the couple was fated to love one another in a time foreign to both of them.
I applaud these authors for their creative vision of several historical figures. Elizabeth I plays a big part in the story of Jonathan and Anne's survival. I loved her plucky spirit and charm. It gave me a new vision of the young Queen, one I quite liked. The villain of the story, Norfolk, seemed much too devious for a man of only twenty-four years. He was truly evil and a formidable foe. At times, I believed he would be the victor, but one twist and another turn put Norfolk in peril himself.
The Thornless Rose is a time-traveling, spine-tingling, romantic suspense that will leave you breathless and hungry for more. I can't wait to sample more adventures from Morgan O'Neill. Thanks so much to Entangled Publishing for providing me with a copy of The Thornless Rose in exchange for an honest review.
December 20, 2014
I’ve always enjoyed a good time travel romance, so I couldn’t pass up the chance to read this one. And I wasn’t disappointed. It begins with a mystery: what happened to Major Jonathan Brandon, who disappeared from a London pub in 1945. Fast forward to modern day London, where the granddaughter of the fiancée that he left behind begins to experience the same things he did, and before she or her grandmother can stop it from happening, Anne Howard is whisked back in time and into the arms of the man she’s already begun to fall for, Major Brandon. Chance finds both Anne and Jonathan in the sphere of the young Queen Elizabeth I, and on the receiving end of the Duke of Norfolk’s dark designs.
I can’t say enough good things about this exciting and passionate novel, but I’ll try. Morgan O’Neill pulls you into the world of 1560 London so well you almost feel as if you’ve traveled there right along with the hero and heroine. The sights, the sounds, the atmosphere of the day, in all its glory, everyday drudgery, and danger, take over your senses. Anne Howard is a wonderful heroine, smart, kind, and courageous. And the hero, what can I say? Jonathan Brandon is a yummy cross of Cary Grant/Ronald Coleman/Viggo Mortensen/Tom Hiddleston, just gorgeous and dashing and sexy and brave, and a little mischievous too. What a man!
If you love history, passion, danger, and especially romance, you won’t want to miss this one!
I can’t say enough good things about this exciting and passionate novel, but I’ll try. Morgan O’Neill pulls you into the world of 1560 London so well you almost feel as if you’ve traveled there right along with the hero and heroine. The sights, the sounds, the atmosphere of the day, in all its glory, everyday drudgery, and danger, take over your senses. Anne Howard is a wonderful heroine, smart, kind, and courageous. And the hero, what can I say? Jonathan Brandon is a yummy cross of Cary Grant/Ronald Coleman/Viggo Mortensen/Tom Hiddleston, just gorgeous and dashing and sexy and brave, and a little mischievous too. What a man!
If you love history, passion, danger, and especially romance, you won’t want to miss this one!
December 15, 2014
Dr. Jonathan Brandon disappeared one day in 1945... vanished, never to be see again, leaving his fiancee Catherine behind. Years later, her granddaughter, Anne Howard starts experiencing mysterious tugs from the past. Though unbelieving at first, she begins to understand what might have happened to Jonathan Brandon and how he was forced to abandon all he knew... because Anne is afraid that same thing is happening to her.
Morgan O'Neill has redefined the genre of time travel with this fantastical adventure into the Elizabethan past, with all the ceremony of the time period, costuming brought to life... as well as the unsavory of the time. I very much enjoyed this tale! I can't wait for more from the writing duo of Deborah O'Neill Cordes and Cary Morgan Frates who become Morgan O'Neill. Highly recommend this book to all lovers of Historical Romance or anyone who is looking for a grand adventure wrapped up in the pages of a book. Excellent.
Morgan O'Neill has redefined the genre of time travel with this fantastical adventure into the Elizabethan past, with all the ceremony of the time period, costuming brought to life... as well as the unsavory of the time. I very much enjoyed this tale! I can't wait for more from the writing duo of Deborah O'Neill Cordes and Cary Morgan Frates who become Morgan O'Neill. Highly recommend this book to all lovers of Historical Romance or anyone who is looking for a grand adventure wrapped up in the pages of a book. Excellent.
December 28, 2014
I waited with anticipation to read The Thornless Rose and I enjoyed the book immensely. Morgan O’Neill has done it again in a fantastic time-travel story involving Anne Howard, the granddaughter of Dr. Jonathan Brandon’s fiancé before he disappeared in 1945! Such a neat time-travel twist! Historical accuracy, evocative description, and authentic language was spot on and keeps the reader immersed in both modern day and Elizabethan England from the first exciting page to the last page of heart-stopping action.
You will be swept away into a grand adventure abounding with passion, mystery, superbly-drawn characters in an impeccably-written and researched novel. I highly recommend this novel to any lover of historical fiction and especially to readers of historical romance.
You will be swept away into a grand adventure abounding with passion, mystery, superbly-drawn characters in an impeccably-written and researched novel. I highly recommend this novel to any lover of historical fiction and especially to readers of historical romance.
January 8, 2015
I loved the way Anne arrives at Jonathan's with an open heart, even though he had been engaged to her grandmother. And he? Had he forgotten the beloved bride? Until he met Anne perhaps had not forgotten and his great hope was to get back and try to find her. However, finding young Anne will give him the chance to be happy. The chance to feel whole. His world gives a huge turn and the heart that always had belonged to another is now given to this stranger from the future who comes full of ideas and new knowledges.
Complete Opinion on http://sinfoniadoslivros.blogspot.pt/...
Complete Opinion on http://sinfoniadoslivros.blogspot.pt/...
January 4, 2015
A riveting time travel romance/suspense/thriller....
I really enjoyed this story, it was a real page turner - I thoroughly enjoyed the way both authors brought 1560 Elizabethan England to life and paired historical fact and fiction together.
Brought together through time - Jonathan and Anne literally live a lifetime apart before finding each other - and never letting go.
I really enjoyed this story, it was a real page turner - I thoroughly enjoyed the way both authors brought 1560 Elizabethan England to life and paired historical fact and fiction together.
Brought together through time - Jonathan and Anne literally live a lifetime apart before finding each other - and never letting go.
January 22, 2015
Anne Howard's snooping into old belongings led her straight to a frightening secret about her grandmother's past and a man she once loved ... who just one day disappeared, literally, into thin air. All the investigations into Dr. Johnathan Brandon's sudden loss led to the same conclusions: nothing. But, there was more to his disappearance than Anne's grandmother let on. Anne begins to suffer from strangely realistic delusions of a much earlier time and finally learns the truth, that Jonathan traveled through time without wanting to ... and considering Anne's sudden experiences, she could very well be the next to vanish. When she finds herself in an Elizabethan England, she runs to the one man who might be able to help her, or at least help her find her way back: Johnathan. But, there's danger lurking around every old building and church. Even the Queen herself isn't safe. And falling in love might be the most dangerous thing of all.
I make no qualms about hiding my serious love for this author duo. They write fantastically together. Really. And they write historical pieces incredibly well, from the details of day to day things, to the facts of history (some things construed a little to work for their plots), and even the language. Loved the language in this one. Rarely do you get to open up a historical and find the lit of the characters perfectly true to their time. Well done. Some might find it confusing, I didn't, and adored it.
The mystery of Johnathan (Jonnie) sucked me in right from the start. Time-travel novels never used to hold my attention, but I can't help it with these two. It's the details, okay. It really, really is. The romance is sweet and sensual, the attraction well-written, and it didn't feel awkward between the main hero and heroine considering he had ties to her grandmother in the past. I thought it might feel that way a bit, but no. It was handled well.
We see some major characters. Dudley. The Howards. Elizabeth I (my favorite of the Tudors next to her mother and aunt), and even one of her favorite ladies in waiting. All of these people are so integrated into and important for the plot. If you're the kind of reader who isn't good with details and can't pay attention, you're going to miss out on all the subplots and goings-on. The story is on the ball from the get-go, and I loved that. It made me not want to put it down when I finally did get the time to pick it up and begin to read.
Five stars for this author duo. *Again*.
Give me more ladies.
I make no qualms about hiding my serious love for this author duo. They write fantastically together. Really. And they write historical pieces incredibly well, from the details of day to day things, to the facts of history (some things construed a little to work for their plots), and even the language. Loved the language in this one. Rarely do you get to open up a historical and find the lit of the characters perfectly true to their time. Well done. Some might find it confusing, I didn't, and adored it.
The mystery of Johnathan (Jonnie) sucked me in right from the start. Time-travel novels never used to hold my attention, but I can't help it with these two. It's the details, okay. It really, really is. The romance is sweet and sensual, the attraction well-written, and it didn't feel awkward between the main hero and heroine considering he had ties to her grandmother in the past. I thought it might feel that way a bit, but no. It was handled well.
We see some major characters. Dudley. The Howards. Elizabeth I (my favorite of the Tudors next to her mother and aunt), and even one of her favorite ladies in waiting. All of these people are so integrated into and important for the plot. If you're the kind of reader who isn't good with details and can't pay attention, you're going to miss out on all the subplots and goings-on. The story is on the ball from the get-go, and I loved that. It made me not want to put it down when I finally did get the time to pick it up and begin to read.
Five stars for this author duo. *Again*.
Give me more ladies.
January 3, 2015
No one ever knew what really happened to Dr. Jonathan Brandon back in 1945. He simply disappeared from a London pub, leaving behind an unsolved mystery and his fiancée—Anne Howard's grandmother. Seventy years later, Anne herself is haunted by the strange tale, along with inexplicable hallucinations straight out of Elizabethan England. Including a scarred, handsome man whose deep blue eyes seem to touch her very soul.... Anne wonders if there isn't something more to the story. Is it even possible that Jonathan disappeared into the England's dark past? And why does Anne keep hearing him whisper her name? Because now she too feels the inexorable pull of the past, not to mention an undeniable attraction for a man she doesn't even know. It's just a matter of time before Anne will step back into history, and face a destiny―and a love―beyond imagining...
Review:
What a clever and unique story!
I thought this story was masterfully done. The blending of the present, WWII era and Elizabethan England was great and though you would not think these time periods would fit together in a story but they do and the end product is very satisfying. I liked that the authors combined fact with fiction and they way they did it made you wonder what truly fact. I also read the end notes and thought it very interesting on where they got the idea for the fiction part and what the true historical parts were and the story behind them. In parts of the story I was nail-biting from all the tension and action going on and other parts were so tender and heartfelt. You can tell the authors did their research and they way it was written had me so engrossed and made the story so believable.
A great story! Waiting somewhat patiently to see what the series brings next.
4.5 Stars
Review:
What a clever and unique story!
I thought this story was masterfully done. The blending of the present, WWII era and Elizabethan England was great and though you would not think these time periods would fit together in a story but they do and the end product is very satisfying. I liked that the authors combined fact with fiction and they way they did it made you wonder what truly fact. I also read the end notes and thought it very interesting on where they got the idea for the fiction part and what the true historical parts were and the story behind them. In parts of the story I was nail-biting from all the tension and action going on and other parts were so tender and heartfelt. You can tell the authors did their research and they way it was written had me so engrossed and made the story so believable.
A great story! Waiting somewhat patiently to see what the series brings next.
4.5 Stars
January 26, 2015
Wow. I am--just...Wow!
I have been a steady fan of writing duo Morgan O'Neill since their first, ancient Roman time travel series. I have noticed that the authors have refined their craft with each series, and when I finished the Italian series, I thought that, surely, these authors had topped themselves--had arrived at the height of their career and would be producing amazing books of the same caliber from then on.
This book, The Thornless Rose, is one of my favorite books. Ever. Period and full stop. And I don't say that lightly. Since a teenager, I have been fascinated with the Tudors (mostly Henry VIII and his bajillion [six] wives). I've long admired Elizabeth I and her ability to run the country as good as any man and to do so by herself. I've been fascinated by her love life, and Dudley has always been a favorite of mine as the lover she never admitted to having.
What a task to interweave such a well-known historic figure into the telling of a new love story, and these authors did so with amazing creativity and respect to history. Annie and Brandon's chemistry is so believable, so natural. And the glimpses we get of Elizabeth and Robin are so full of humanity. I cannot wait--literally cannot wait (I'll read any early copy the ladies will give me, please!)--to see what happens next in their story.
I have been a steady fan of writing duo Morgan O'Neill since their first, ancient Roman time travel series. I have noticed that the authors have refined their craft with each series, and when I finished the Italian series, I thought that, surely, these authors had topped themselves--had arrived at the height of their career and would be producing amazing books of the same caliber from then on.
This book, The Thornless Rose, is one of my favorite books. Ever. Period and full stop. And I don't say that lightly. Since a teenager, I have been fascinated with the Tudors (mostly Henry VIII and his bajillion [six] wives). I've long admired Elizabeth I and her ability to run the country as good as any man and to do so by herself. I've been fascinated by her love life, and Dudley has always been a favorite of mine as the lover she never admitted to having.
What a task to interweave such a well-known historic figure into the telling of a new love story, and these authors did so with amazing creativity and respect to history. Annie and Brandon's chemistry is so believable, so natural. And the glimpses we get of Elizabeth and Robin are so full of humanity. I cannot wait--literally cannot wait (I'll read any early copy the ladies will give me, please!)--to see what happens next in their story.
January 10, 2015
Anne Howard is an American history teacher. She loves to visit her British grandmother and explore England's past. When she learns about the disappearance of her Granny's fiancée. She starts investigating. Dr. Jonathan Brandon's disappeared in 1945. Did he vanish into thin air? There are strange occurances. Suddenly Anne finds herself back in Elizabethan England with Jonathan. Can they survive in the past? Anne is a brave and resourceful woman. She fights to adjust to her new surroundings, but can she control her attraction for the doctor. Jonathan cares for her. He admires her courage and desires her love. They can't make any mistakes. It can cost them their life. Queen Elizabeth and Robert Dudley play an important part in their life, as does the evil Duke of Norfolk. I loved this story. It's a wonderful combination of time travel, romance and treachery. Queen Elizabeth comes alive. She's a passionate woman in love. Robert Dudley is her champion. I cared for Anne and Brandon. I wanted them safe and happy. I laughed as Anne tries to master the language of the time. The setting and the historical references had me hooked. I loved The Thornless Rose. It's a keeper. I want more. I know there are other Time Travelers. I would love to read their stories.
January 5, 2015
This book was a fascinating blend of historical facts interwoven with a beautiful love story (or two, if you include Queen Elizabeth and Robert Dudley, or three if you include Robert Hope and Miss Alice Potter). I was blown away by the amount of research that must have gone into the writing of this novel - yet it didn't come off sounding textbook'y'. The research into the period(s) was such that it pulls the reader further into the story. The author has me wanting to learn more about the time period. I can't get enough! The detail is incredible. I was completely absorbed -- to the point of wanting to tune out the needs of my poor family until I had finished the book -- something that I find happens so very rarely for me when reading these days. And the time travel aspect was handled in such a believable, unique manner. Too often I've read time travels that are so contrived and hokey. I want to laugh at how they end up in another time, another world. But The Thornless Rose put my jaded mind at ease. This is the first book I've read in 2015 and WHAT a way to start the year! Buy it. Read it. Love it.
December 14, 2014
I received this from Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review. I loved this! I have read other books from this author and had like it but not as much as I loved this. I have not read many books set in Elizabethan times but this was really good.
December 29, 2014
It is not often any more I read time travel novels because the more I did the more bizarre they became. So it had been a very long time since I had but this one intrigued me so thought hey why not give it a shot. When Anne goes to visit her grandmother she keeps pondering on the mystery of her grandmother's first love. Going to the very place it happened to see things for herself and talk to someone who might remember even. Of course there is lots of history around anyways but strange things and events begins to happen to her. That caught my attention because it was teasing the main character while it played with her mind. But her and her grandmother soon realize she is in danger of the same thing happening to her so she must be prepared in case. What a way to have to be on pins and needles in case. Suspenseful in a delightful way but scary too. Anyways the author then takes you back in history with a fascinating tale as Anne must find and meet up with none other than Jonathan. Danger will also lurk around the corner because of who sees her and that will always be on her tail. Love this period of time and having years ago read alot of biographies the queen of this time was one. There will be sweet romance included and lots of it but done to the period of the times and oh so sweet. Very interesting also this was so liked how it is wrapped up at the end. received a arc for a honest review.
August 12, 2015
Fully realized characters, from the heroic Anne and Jonathan, to the funny Scottish housekeeper, Trudy, and the spritely grandmother, Catherine. Great dialogue that swept me to modern-day UK and back to Elizabethan times. Great plot, which dove-tailed nicely with English history. And then there is Elizabeth, the queen of hearts. I never saw her as a young, saucy woman before - but here she was in all of her glory. There's only one word to describe The Thornless Rose. Marvelous!
September 26, 2015
Amazing book from beginning to end. How could anyone resist Jonathan Brandon? What a hero!
July 6, 2022
1.5 stars
February 3, 2015
For me, the best test of a book is whether it entices me into bed early to read, feeling that I've got friends waiting for me inside a cover of a book and cannot wait to see what they're up to. The Thornless Rose had me in bed at 20.30, no mean feat in my busy life. Not only was I thoroughly engaged with both main characters, the superb scene setting of a 1560s England suspended all disbelief, even though the Thornless Rose is set quite firmly within the fantasy genre. Colourful throughout was the language spoken, phrases such as 'a well-thighed man' (I love my man to be well thighed!), 'are ye barkin mad' (a phrase I use myself) delighted me. A few names such as 'muff-splitter', 'tussie-mussie' and 'tallywacker' had me giggling into my cups :). The depictions of a historical England was so precise and well laid out that I trusted the words I read to be fact, something backed up by Morgan O'Neill having a Masters degree in History. I very much enjoy travelling myself and time travel is such an absorbing way to do it (from the warmth and comfort of mine own bed :) ). Highly recommend this book, not just for the delicious romance but for the very interesting facts I picked up about Queen Elizabeth I, her paramour (?) Dudley, and the dastardly Norfolk.
April 6, 2023
Welcome, friends! We hope you enjoy reading our Elizabethan time travel series. We wrote The Thornless Rose first, followed by Begun by Time, the prequel to the series. Begun by Time was crafted so that it can be read before The Thornless Rose or afterward. Either way, readers can experience the unfolding tale, which continues in the sequel, a third novel titled Ever Crave the Rose. ECTR brings everything full circle, in a love story for all time. Thank you so much for your support and well wishes, and happy reading!
July 5, 2017
This book was excellent! It is an edge-of-your seat, page turner! I would not hesitate to purchase another time travel romance from this talented pair of authors.
First read 2/14, currently re-reading as of 7/5/17
Awesome! Just as wonderful as the first read. Up to date and onto the next book "Ever Crave the Rose," a new one for me!
First read 2/14, currently re-reading as of 7/5/17
Awesome! Just as wonderful as the first read. Up to date and onto the next book "Ever Crave the Rose," a new one for me!
January 1, 2015
I liked this story. A fun entertaining historical tale. Not totally consuming my thoughts but not a bad story.
February 3, 2015
Prepare to be swept away into the passionate romance of Dr. Jonathon Brandon and Anne Howard. The Thornless Rose has everything: romance, danger, suspense, history and, of course, time-travel. The characters are people I’d like to know and the fast-paced plot kept me thinking about the book when I wasn’t able to sit down and read more. Once again the authors who collaborate as Morgan O’Neill have created a compelling world that is the reader’s own “time-travel”.
The setting is the Elizabethan Era with all of the intrigue and opulence of the Royal Court. After learning about the eerie World War II era disappearance of Dr. Jonathon Brandon, her grandmother’s first love, Anne visits the site of the occurrence and begins to sense herself being transported to another time—even catching a glimpse of Jonathon. Her encounter is more than visual; she can feel his immense love for her. Finally, during a visit to Westminster Abbey, Anne is pulled through the portal to the same era as Jonathon. Both of them fall under the good graces of Queen Elizabeth, and they witness the legendary love between the queen and Lord Robert Dudley. But the Duke of Norfolk hates Jonathon and lusts for Anne resulting in danger for both of them.
I was swept up in the sounds, sights and even the smells of the Elizabethan Era as I read this book. Scenes come alive with the rich detail and historical accuracy that Morgan O’Neill is known for. Jonathon Brandon is handsome, intelligent, and passionate; I fell instantly in love with him, as did Anne. She is a strong, compassionate woman who is able to navigate the tricky path of time-travel. Their desire for one another is palpable. Be ready to enter a portal of “reader delight” when you pick up The Thornless Rose.
The setting is the Elizabethan Era with all of the intrigue and opulence of the Royal Court. After learning about the eerie World War II era disappearance of Dr. Jonathon Brandon, her grandmother’s first love, Anne visits the site of the occurrence and begins to sense herself being transported to another time—even catching a glimpse of Jonathon. Her encounter is more than visual; she can feel his immense love for her. Finally, during a visit to Westminster Abbey, Anne is pulled through the portal to the same era as Jonathon. Both of them fall under the good graces of Queen Elizabeth, and they witness the legendary love between the queen and Lord Robert Dudley. But the Duke of Norfolk hates Jonathon and lusts for Anne resulting in danger for both of them.
I was swept up in the sounds, sights and even the smells of the Elizabethan Era as I read this book. Scenes come alive with the rich detail and historical accuracy that Morgan O’Neill is known for. Jonathon Brandon is handsome, intelligent, and passionate; I fell instantly in love with him, as did Anne. She is a strong, compassionate woman who is able to navigate the tricky path of time-travel. Their desire for one another is palpable. Be ready to enter a portal of “reader delight” when you pick up The Thornless Rose.
March 7, 2015
Wow! What a rush! I loved this book from the first paragraph to the very last. It was hard to put down yet I didn't want to end it.
You can't help but fall in love with Anne and Brandon, especially Brandon, Dr. Brandon that is. He'll get your girl parts all soft and mushy.
You'll also appreciate the conveniences of the modern world like plumbing, heating, and yes even vaccination. For you never know when you may find yourselves in the 16th century where Small Pox are not eradicated and it kills.
And so does the Queen. How quickly she can accuse you of high treason while just a moment ago she extended you her protection. And treason bears death penalty by the worse means possible.
You'd also love to hate the Duke of Norfolk and his blind ambitions.
The book will take you on a Medieval tour of London town in all it's splendor, straight into Queen Elizabeth's the I private chamber.
The ending tells me the book may have a sequel. If I'm correct, I'd be very happy.
You can't help but fall in love with Anne and Brandon, especially Brandon, Dr. Brandon that is. He'll get your girl parts all soft and mushy.
You'll also appreciate the conveniences of the modern world like plumbing, heating, and yes even vaccination. For you never know when you may find yourselves in the 16th century where Small Pox are not eradicated and it kills.
And so does the Queen. How quickly she can accuse you of high treason while just a moment ago she extended you her protection. And treason bears death penalty by the worse means possible.
You'd also love to hate the Duke of Norfolk and his blind ambitions.
The book will take you on a Medieval tour of London town in all it's splendor, straight into Queen Elizabeth's the I private chamber.
The ending tells me the book may have a sequel. If I'm correct, I'd be very happy.
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