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The King's Mistress
NO ONE TOUCHES THE KING'S MISTRESS
Thrown to the wolves by her father, Lady Lydia Clifton faces a forced marriage and all the brutality that comes with the Earl of Basingstoke. She must flee, and has only one way out of England: disguise herself as Martha Dale, mistress to the Romany king.
Lydia knows her brother Wil became estranged from their family and all of English aristocracy because he fell in love with a Romany woman. That makes this white lie more potent, as it offers the kind of protection that just might keep her safe.
Despite her reputation being in tatters, all Lydia needs to do is to make it to France, and into the care of her oldest brother, Roger.
King Valkin Brishen is fully aware lies and subterfuge can and has brought harm to his people, yet when his men find a lovely English maid on the run who claims to be his mistress, anger battles with more than curiosity over exactly why this English rose is fleeing with such haste.
Her flight speaks of courage, but her deceit could put his people in peril.
And more, he wonders if it's worth the risk to his heart if he takes her under his protection.
Thrown to the wolves by her father, Lady Lydia Clifton faces a forced marriage and all the brutality that comes with the Earl of Basingstoke. She must flee, and has only one way out of England: disguise herself as Martha Dale, mistress to the Romany king.
Lydia knows her brother Wil became estranged from their family and all of English aristocracy because he fell in love with a Romany woman. That makes this white lie more potent, as it offers the kind of protection that just might keep her safe.
Despite her reputation being in tatters, all Lydia needs to do is to make it to France, and into the care of her oldest brother, Roger.
King Valkin Brishen is fully aware lies and subterfuge can and has brought harm to his people, yet when his men find a lovely English maid on the run who claims to be his mistress, anger battles with more than curiosity over exactly why this English rose is fleeing with such haste.
Her flight speaks of courage, but her deceit could put his people in peril.
And more, he wonders if it's worth the risk to his heart if he takes her under his protection.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2023
3 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Clyve Rose
15 books228 followersClyve Rose is an award-winning author of historical Regency romance fiction. She also creates literary novels under an alternative pen name.
She has been writing historical romance for the best part of two decades. Clyve researches various mythologies and historical periods in between her devotion to fiction writing, often basing her characters on actual historical personalities.
One of her novels was longlisted for a 2010 Hachette Fiction Award, while her paranormal short story, The One Below, is an award-winning piece. Her debut novel won awarded a BookFest Gold Medal in 2020, and her first novella won an IRWIN in 2021.
Connect with Clyve Rose at clyverose.com and Instagram.com/ClyveRose.
She has been writing historical romance for the best part of two decades. Clyve researches various mythologies and historical periods in between her devotion to fiction writing, often basing her characters on actual historical personalities.
One of her novels was longlisted for a 2010 Hachette Fiction Award, while her paranormal short story, The One Below, is an award-winning piece. Her debut novel won awarded a BookFest Gold Medal in 2020, and her first novella won an IRWIN in 2021.
Connect with Clyve Rose at clyverose.com and Instagram.com/ClyveRose.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 13, 2023
I was pleasantly surprised by this - I don't think I've read a Regency romance before but I was in need of something a bit lighter after plodding through a hardgoing fantasy trilogy, and this ticked all the buttons. This was a slow burn romance with a miscommunication trope that had you just itching to knock the two main characters heads together and talk with each other!
I went into it not knowing very much of Romany culture and really enjoyed reading about the camp and the family dynamics. It was clear that Lydia had a hard life and I was glad she found her happy ending.
I received a free review copy from the author in exchange for my honest unedited feedback.
I went into it not knowing very much of Romany culture and really enjoyed reading about the camp and the family dynamics. It was clear that Lydia had a hard life and I was glad she found her happy ending.
I received a free review copy from the author in exchange for my honest unedited feedback.
August 28, 2023
Would she accept his love as anything more than what he wanted to take from her? An odd sort of pain settled in Valkin’s chest, because for the first time in his life he wanted something more from a woman than to merely take his pleasure and satisfy hers. He wanted to give himself, his heart, his soul. He wanted to give this woman his love, and he wanted her love in return.
I don't read a lot of historical romances but I really enjoyed this one. It took me about 20 ish pages to really get into the book but once I did I couldn't put it down. The plot was interesting and I loved how the relationship between Lydia and Valkin developed. The characters were enjoyable (aside from her father and the earl of course). I struggled a bit with some of the words, but I just googled them or looked at the glossary page.
I don't read a lot of historical romances but I really enjoyed this one. It took me about 20 ish pages to really get into the book but once I did I couldn't put it down. The plot was interesting and I loved how the relationship between Lydia and Valkin developed. The characters were enjoyable (aside from her father and the earl of course). I struggled a bit with some of the words, but I just googled them or looked at the glossary page.
March 18, 2023
Incredible, one of my best reads of 2023 without a doubt. I loved how empowered and feisty Lydia is and how she decides to be her own heroine and take charge of her life. I adore the Krallis, can there be a more perfect male character?
He has all the good things a male character should have! He is respectful, protective and helps her unconditionally without expecting anything in return. And above all, he always lets her decide.
I recommend it 100% to start reading historical romance novels and I loved being able to learn more about the customs of the Romanian people and see how different the English society of the time is as opposed to the traditions of Romanian culture. I want a Krallis in my life!
He has all the good things a male character should have! He is respectful, protective and helps her unconditionally without expecting anything in return. And above all, he always lets her decide.
I recommend it 100% to start reading historical romance novels and I loved being able to learn more about the customs of the Romanian people and see how different the English society of the time is as opposed to the traditions of Romanian culture. I want a Krallis in my life!
March 17, 2023
Lady Lydia Clifton knew that her father didn’t care for her. A stutter has meant that she has had no suitors, no one who has stepped forward wanting to marry her, but surely that wasn’t so bad? Lydia preferred the company of horses over men anyway. But when she learns that her father has arranged a marriage between herself and the Earl of Basingstoke, a swine who would try to claim her as ‘his’ before news of her impending wedding even reached her, Lydia must try and take matters into her own hands.
The only way Lydia sees to escape her father and the Earl is to flee to her older brother Roger, in France. Travelling under her lady's maid’s name, and claiming to be mistress to the Romany king, in the hopes that the lies will keep her safe, Lydia begins the long journey alone. But she is weary and hurt. Neither she nor her horse is able to get too far. It just so happens that she comes to a stop where the Romany king can come face to face with his so-called ‘mistress’.
King Valkin Brishen is shocked to hear about the English maid claiming to be his mistress, but the woman is in need of refuge. He knows the woman from a house party he attended, but he knows she is not being entirely truthful when it comes to telling him who she is. In the dark as to who he really has hidden in his camp, Valkin is taking a risk keeping the woman hidden, but he doesn’t want to let her go anytime soon. She has awakened something inside of him, feelings he’d never felt before, and somehow he knows that this is the woman he is meant to be with.
I absolutely loved reading this book! I will admit, this book wasn’t at all what I was expecting. I came into this book thinking it was your typical historical romance with a lady running away from an unwanted marriage, and a dark and mysterious man with power and influence swooping in to save her. Granted, this was a part of the story, but it was also so much more. This book is packed full of historical detailing, and both Lydia and Valkin’s emotions come across as so real in the telling in this book that they might as well have been talking to me directly.
There is an incredibly slow-burning romance within the pages of this book. Lydia has never been made to feel worth anything, she cannot believe that anyone would willingly take her as a bride, let alone love her. She has known Valkin since they were children, for he used to be a friend of her brothers’, and she feels able to trust him, trust that he is safety. On the other hand, Valkin does not recognise Lydia, although knows that the name she has given him is not her real one, and believes that she is hiding from something greater than he knows. He knows what he feels for her, but he is afraid of the consequences of falling for a woman of the ton, and he is even more afraid that she does not feel the same. Their feelings remain a mystery to each other until the very end of the book, but the way they care for each other, not knowing if the feelings are reciprocated or not, is beautiful. They both want to do everything they can to help the other, even though it often results in stilted and awkward conversations.
I absolutely loved the entirety of Lydia's stay in Valkin’s camp. She is in unknown territory, and yet she is made to feel at home in the welcoming and caring community. I knew little about Romany camps, and their way of life, and I learnt so much while reading this book. It truly sounds like the perfect place for Lydia to have found herself. It is a place of family, love, and healing. After years of abuse, being among Valkin and his sisters gives her the love of a family she has never truly known. The author has done an absolutely fabulous job describing the camp, at times I felt like I was walking among the covo as well, the smells of cooking food in the air, and the gentle noises of chatter and birdsong surrounding me. While there are some very real dangers and a sense of unease throughout the whole book, the setting made it almost peaceful to read.
I have just learnt that this is technically book 2, and that there is another book with these characters, but focusing on Valkin’s sister, and the man she falls in love with. It is now on my to-buy list, because I have found a new favourite author in Clyve Rose. This is an absolutely wonderful book, and one I highly recommend you read.
The only way Lydia sees to escape her father and the Earl is to flee to her older brother Roger, in France. Travelling under her lady's maid’s name, and claiming to be mistress to the Romany king, in the hopes that the lies will keep her safe, Lydia begins the long journey alone. But she is weary and hurt. Neither she nor her horse is able to get too far. It just so happens that she comes to a stop where the Romany king can come face to face with his so-called ‘mistress’.
King Valkin Brishen is shocked to hear about the English maid claiming to be his mistress, but the woman is in need of refuge. He knows the woman from a house party he attended, but he knows she is not being entirely truthful when it comes to telling him who she is. In the dark as to who he really has hidden in his camp, Valkin is taking a risk keeping the woman hidden, but he doesn’t want to let her go anytime soon. She has awakened something inside of him, feelings he’d never felt before, and somehow he knows that this is the woman he is meant to be with.
I absolutely loved reading this book! I will admit, this book wasn’t at all what I was expecting. I came into this book thinking it was your typical historical romance with a lady running away from an unwanted marriage, and a dark and mysterious man with power and influence swooping in to save her. Granted, this was a part of the story, but it was also so much more. This book is packed full of historical detailing, and both Lydia and Valkin’s emotions come across as so real in the telling in this book that they might as well have been talking to me directly.
There is an incredibly slow-burning romance within the pages of this book. Lydia has never been made to feel worth anything, she cannot believe that anyone would willingly take her as a bride, let alone love her. She has known Valkin since they were children, for he used to be a friend of her brothers’, and she feels able to trust him, trust that he is safety. On the other hand, Valkin does not recognise Lydia, although knows that the name she has given him is not her real one, and believes that she is hiding from something greater than he knows. He knows what he feels for her, but he is afraid of the consequences of falling for a woman of the ton, and he is even more afraid that she does not feel the same. Their feelings remain a mystery to each other until the very end of the book, but the way they care for each other, not knowing if the feelings are reciprocated or not, is beautiful. They both want to do everything they can to help the other, even though it often results in stilted and awkward conversations.
I absolutely loved the entirety of Lydia's stay in Valkin’s camp. She is in unknown territory, and yet she is made to feel at home in the welcoming and caring community. I knew little about Romany camps, and their way of life, and I learnt so much while reading this book. It truly sounds like the perfect place for Lydia to have found herself. It is a place of family, love, and healing. After years of abuse, being among Valkin and his sisters gives her the love of a family she has never truly known. The author has done an absolutely fabulous job describing the camp, at times I felt like I was walking among the covo as well, the smells of cooking food in the air, and the gentle noises of chatter and birdsong surrounding me. While there are some very real dangers and a sense of unease throughout the whole book, the setting made it almost peaceful to read.
I have just learnt that this is technically book 2, and that there is another book with these characters, but focusing on Valkin’s sister, and the man she falls in love with. It is now on my to-buy list, because I have found a new favourite author in Clyve Rose. This is an absolutely wonderful book, and one I highly recommend you read.
March 19, 2023
A fun, quick historical romance. I am always grateful when the author gives us the perspectives of both characters, cause as a reader you want to know how the male love interest is feeling and what they’re thinking. or is that just me? haha
I had a great time reading this. I actually enjoyed how stubborn the female character was 😂 which i felt went perfectly well with how the male character respected her, and was so protective of her.
I loved being able to learn about the Romany people and their ways, alongside Lydia, and the found family aspect was really nice to read about.
April 22, 2023
When I read the synopsis of the book I wasn't totally sure about Romany royalty but it sounded interesting, as I am sure it was to Valkin when he found out Lydia was calling herself his mistress. I have to admit that all I know about Regency Romany characters I learned through the Hathaway series from Lisa Kleypas. This had some of that except it was the opposite situation in terms of Romany families. I definitely felt sad for Lydia and how lonely her existence was, and basically whored out by her father, the Duke, in very fancy Worth gowns. It was nicely juxtaposed by her situation once she reached the Romany ker. It felt almost anthropological with the descriptions of life of the people, which I greatly enjoyed as you can tell a lot of research was done. Onto the characters!
Ah Lydia and Valkin... What to say about this couple? It's always cute with a childhood crush... Especially when you grow up to be a lovely buxom woman that the man doesn't even recognize you, especially when you use a fake name... (It made me curious about book 1 and if much was made of her crush on him). There were many tender moments between them, along with misunderstandings. I hate how a lot of it was due to being beaten into this thought process by her father and society. Also near the end the misunderstandings got a bit much to the point where I wanted to yell at them (similar to their siblings). It was great to see Lydia come into her own and find herself. Valkin felt more like a constant character throughout and then acknowledging his heart.
As it relates the the story, personally it felt a little long. The house party seemed to drag a bit, and for some reason near the end, I did a mini eye roll regarding the motives being clear and some of the twists near the end but all in all, it was a pleasant read.
Steam: 🔥
Heart Flutters: ❤️❤️
Ah Lydia and Valkin... What to say about this couple? It's always cute with a childhood crush... Especially when you grow up to be a lovely buxom woman that the man doesn't even recognize you, especially when you use a fake name... (It made me curious about book 1 and if much was made of her crush on him). There were many tender moments between them, along with misunderstandings. I hate how a lot of it was due to being beaten into this thought process by her father and society. Also near the end the misunderstandings got a bit much to the point where I wanted to yell at them (similar to their siblings). It was great to see Lydia come into her own and find herself. Valkin felt more like a constant character throughout and then acknowledging his heart.
As it relates the the story, personally it felt a little long. The house party seemed to drag a bit, and for some reason near the end, I did a mini eye roll regarding the motives being clear and some of the twists near the end but all in all, it was a pleasant read.
Steam: 🔥
Heart Flutters: ❤️❤️
February 11, 2023
To escape a forced marriage to a brute of a man, Lydia flights under disguise with the plan of finding her brother in Paris, hoping he can reason with her father or do anything to end the betrothel. During her flight she falls ill and ends up with the Romany. In order not to endanger this people for the revenge of her powerful father, she conceals her identity. Their leader, Valkin, doesn't know who she is, but is unable to turn her away, despite the danger of harboring an English lady.
The story was not as I expected. Why wouldn’t she reveal her true identity to Valkin, who is actually the brother-in-law of her brother Wil (who is married to his sister)?! He promised to keep her safe and she trusted him completely, so there was no need for her to keep her identity a secret. It was not he identity that was the danger, but the fact that she stayed at their place. He could have kept her name a secret, but it was clear everybody was on her side so she had nothing to fear from Romany leaking her name to any English looking for her.
Then, when she and Valkin got closer and developed feelings for each other, she still wanted to leave. It just didn’t make sense.
I had high hopes for this book; the summary was promising. I think the writer really tried to make it into a nice story, but I missed pace in the story, I missed the chemistry and the abundance of Romany words was distracting. Although a glossary is added (for most of the words), I found it quite annoying to having to leaf back to check the meaning of the words, to understand what I was actually reading. This slowed down the story which already lacked much pace.
I received and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and I am grateful for this opportunity. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The story was not as I expected. Why wouldn’t she reveal her true identity to Valkin, who is actually the brother-in-law of her brother Wil (who is married to his sister)?! He promised to keep her safe and she trusted him completely, so there was no need for her to keep her identity a secret. It was not he identity that was the danger, but the fact that she stayed at their place. He could have kept her name a secret, but it was clear everybody was on her side so she had nothing to fear from Romany leaking her name to any English looking for her.
Then, when she and Valkin got closer and developed feelings for each other, she still wanted to leave. It just didn’t make sense.
I had high hopes for this book; the summary was promising. I think the writer really tried to make it into a nice story, but I missed pace in the story, I missed the chemistry and the abundance of Romany words was distracting. Although a glossary is added (for most of the words), I found it quite annoying to having to leaf back to check the meaning of the words, to understand what I was actually reading. This slowed down the story which already lacked much pace.
I received and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and I am grateful for this opportunity. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 10, 2023
Thank you so much to the author and the publisher for sharing a copy of this book with me on Bookinfluencers.com !!
“You are not the Lady Lydia anymore. You’re Martha Dale, mistress to the Romany king.”
“His gadje was full of surprises. His? Surprising, indeed.”
I really enjoyed this book. An historical fiction romance in between Romani tribes. When I started reading it, I suddenly remembered the event of the first book in this series and I’m glad to say that the characters where in here too. I always appreciate a good mentioning of characters from previous books, getting into the story to make it even more complete.
This time Lydia and Valkin’s story was so sweet!!!
The tension between them, so thick you could cut the air with it, inevitably coking to spicy scenes that were more than a bit enjoyable. But overall a story where kindness and respect are above everything else.
That is something I have always deeply respected about these kind of books. The way women are cherished and respected as they should have been from moment one. Such a comparison with the way women were treated during the regency era!!!
A story about freedom and love and family … it was so so good. Plus I always love a story with a good HEA so … there’s that!!!
I can’t wait to read more about this universe !!!
“Dependence is no weakness, pireni. Everyone in a Romany camp depends on each other. It is why no Romany feels alone.”
“Get away from my wife.”
“You are not the Lady Lydia anymore. You’re Martha Dale, mistress to the Romany king.”
“His gadje was full of surprises. His? Surprising, indeed.”
I really enjoyed this book. An historical fiction romance in between Romani tribes. When I started reading it, I suddenly remembered the event of the first book in this series and I’m glad to say that the characters where in here too. I always appreciate a good mentioning of characters from previous books, getting into the story to make it even more complete.
This time Lydia and Valkin’s story was so sweet!!!
The tension between them, so thick you could cut the air with it, inevitably coking to spicy scenes that were more than a bit enjoyable. But overall a story where kindness and respect are above everything else.
That is something I have always deeply respected about these kind of books. The way women are cherished and respected as they should have been from moment one. Such a comparison with the way women were treated during the regency era!!!
A story about freedom and love and family … it was so so good. Plus I always love a story with a good HEA so … there’s that!!!
I can’t wait to read more about this universe !!!
“Dependence is no weakness, pireni. Everyone in a Romany camp depends on each other. It is why no Romany feels alone.”
“Get away from my wife.”
February 19, 2023
This novel was about two people from different backgrounds, a Romany and a duke’s daughter. Lydia has no prospects on the marriage mart and finds herself betrothed to an man old enough to be her father with a cruel streak. She leaves hoping to find her brother in France and uses a disguise as a mistress to the Romany king, using a fake name. Valkin has no idea who this woman is and he has had many English women as lovers. However the Romany marry for love. While he should be angry for the trouble this can cause his people, he is also intrigued. He does not know or remember who Lydia is. Lydia becomes part of the Romany but the danger is still out there, and she cannot endanger them to long, for they could be punished deeply by the English. I would have liked to know more about how Lydia and Valkin Met before this encounter, for Lydia appears to have loved him for some time.
I received this novel from net galley and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received this novel from net galley and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 14, 2023
This was a good story set in a time where Gypsies were roaming England. Young Lady Lydia arrives at her home to find out she is not welcome and has to travel 2 more days to someone elses home. Clothes have been sent ahead. She is sad but has no other choice. She arrives and is welcome but the dress that has been sent is highly imappropriate for a young woman of class. Her father has made a deal with an earl who is a disgusting person. He attacks her and the Romany king defends her. A day later the lady of the keep helps her escape and she makes her way to the Romany caravan. She lies about who she is and is welcomed. These people are quite smart and used to being accused of anything that happens when they are around. They even dye her horse and hide it among their own horses.
Overall I really enjoyed the story I had to to back to the front of the book several times to see what some of the words meant. That was very helpful..
The Romany king knew she was lying but was falling for her anyway. I also loved some of their customs. It was very family oriented.
Overall I really enjoyed the story I had to to back to the front of the book several times to see what some of the words meant. That was very helpful..
The Romany king knew she was lying but was falling for her anyway. I also loved some of their customs. It was very family oriented.
March 20, 2023
The story is about, Lady Lydia Clifton, who is being forced into marriage by her father due to her stutter. The only way to protect herself from this brutality is fleeing from her country.
Lydia plans to flee England and go into the care of her elder brother in France, in the disguise of the mistress of a Romany King, Valkin.
When King Valkin Brishen becomes aware of this unknown mistress,curiosity gets the better of him and he decides to assist the mysterious mistress.
This is a beautifully written book. It took me some time to get a pace and understand the story but once i got it this beautifully written slow burn had me reading it at 3 am.
The writer has done an exceptional in description of scenes and scenery. All the details are described in such a manner that I was in that world while reading it, I felt every emotion of Valkin and Lydia through the pages of this book.
One of the things that I loved about this book is that we get to experience both points of views,, loved loved it.
Definitely recommended.
Lydia plans to flee England and go into the care of her elder brother in France, in the disguise of the mistress of a Romany King, Valkin.
When King Valkin Brishen becomes aware of this unknown mistress,curiosity gets the better of him and he decides to assist the mysterious mistress.
This is a beautifully written book. It took me some time to get a pace and understand the story but once i got it this beautifully written slow burn had me reading it at 3 am.
The writer has done an exceptional in description of scenes and scenery. All the details are described in such a manner that I was in that world while reading it, I felt every emotion of Valkin and Lydia through the pages of this book.
One of the things that I loved about this book is that we get to experience both points of views,, loved loved it.
Definitely recommended.
February 9, 2023
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review the ARC for "The King's Mistress." I really enjoyed reading this, it had a very original story. Lydia is a meek and humble character who finally has enough of the life in the ton when her father attempts to make her marry and odious earl who tried to force himself on her in order to gain her hand in marriage. She attempts to flee and is rescued by the notorious gypsy king who takes an interest in her. Their feelings are immediate from the start but take a while to manifest. There is a lot of Romany words intertwined in the story which is a great addition. It was very confusing, but there was a helpful page of translations at the beginning. Lydia did start out with a very bad stutter that did get better through the story as her confidence became more apparent. Overall good story.
March 4, 2023
Historical Romance
Lady Lyidia Clifton has to escape her upcoming marriage to the Earl of Bassingstoke. She does not wish to marry the Earl and fears the brutality she will face at her new betrothed’s hands. With no other choice, she flees with the intention of reuniting with her brother who lives in France with his Romany bride.
In order to protect herself, Lydia pretends to be the Romany King’s mistress. Unfortunately, when the King hears about a traveling woman claiming to be his mistress, he has no other choice but to get involved.
Through fear, lies and uncertain futures, these two have to figure out who can be trusted. Interesting plot and storyline. Reading the blurb, I instantly wanted to read this story. Overall it was enjoyable and kept my interest.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lady Lyidia Clifton has to escape her upcoming marriage to the Earl of Bassingstoke. She does not wish to marry the Earl and fears the brutality she will face at her new betrothed’s hands. With no other choice, she flees with the intention of reuniting with her brother who lives in France with his Romany bride.
In order to protect herself, Lydia pretends to be the Romany King’s mistress. Unfortunately, when the King hears about a traveling woman claiming to be his mistress, he has no other choice but to get involved.
Through fear, lies and uncertain futures, these two have to figure out who can be trusted. Interesting plot and storyline. Reading the blurb, I instantly wanted to read this story. Overall it was enjoyable and kept my interest.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 20, 2023
3.5
I really enjoyed the concept of the book and the historical aspects. It was so interesting learning more about the Romany culture as I am mostly unaware of Romany traditions and their culture. Valkin was a lovely character and such a gentleman. Lydia on the other hand made me mad quite a lot, and it did not make much sense to me why she still wanted to leave in the end. I also believe, that if she had simply revealed her identity to Valkin he would’ve definitely protected her still. I loved their interactions though and how flustered and nervous they were around each other. I just thought it so cute.
I really enjoyed the concept of the book and the historical aspects. It was so interesting learning more about the Romany culture as I am mostly unaware of Romany traditions and their culture. Valkin was a lovely character and such a gentleman. Lydia on the other hand made me mad quite a lot, and it did not make much sense to me why she still wanted to leave in the end. I also believe, that if she had simply revealed her identity to Valkin he would’ve definitely protected her still. I loved their interactions though and how flustered and nervous they were around each other. I just thought it so cute.
March 4, 2023
It took me a second to get into this book, but once I did what a great read! Lydia’s story is full of mystery and passion, betrayal and love! The author creates a great story for the book’s readers and provides a different perspective than most other regency romances. I would absolutely recommend this to readers who want a deeper look at love and to really relate to characters who are shaped by the way their families interact. 4/5⭐️
I was given this copy of this e-book by #boroughspublishinggroup through #netgalley. I will definitely be going back and reading this first book in this series! Hoping it’s her brother’s story!
I was given this copy of this e-book by #boroughspublishinggroup through #netgalley. I will definitely be going back and reading this first book in this series! Hoping it’s her brother’s story!
February 10, 2023
What a surprise this was!!! I read this book in less than a day.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Clyve Rose and the publisher for the opportunity.
"Shan miro pireni cana" ❤️
This book follows the story of Lydia and Valkin, who fall deeply in love. Their relationship and the tension between them *assdfghhjklllkjhggfddsaa*......
I really enjoyed this journey, the whole fictional historical romance....it's a big YES for me.
A story about kindness, freedom, respect, family and love
Can't wait to read more books like this one!!!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Clyve Rose and the publisher for the opportunity.
"Shan miro pireni cana" ❤️
This book follows the story of Lydia and Valkin, who fall deeply in love. Their relationship and the tension between them *assdfghhjklllkjhggfddsaa*......
I really enjoyed this journey, the whole fictional historical romance....it's a big YES for me.
A story about kindness, freedom, respect, family and love
Can't wait to read more books like this one!!!
February 13, 2023
The plot for this was good. I enjoyed the premise of this book-a daughter of a Duke pretending to be a Mistress to a gypsy king to escape a forced marriage.
But the store felt incomplete and at times a little choppy. Lydia was a timid character after being at the hands of her father but at times was described as being anything but timid. You didn't really see that until the end and that felt forced.
The chemistry between Lydia and Valkin was well written. Would I recommend? I would.
Thank you NetGalley for sending me this book. This review is entirely mine own.
But the store felt incomplete and at times a little choppy. Lydia was a timid character after being at the hands of her father but at times was described as being anything but timid. You didn't really see that until the end and that felt forced.
The chemistry between Lydia and Valkin was well written. Would I recommend? I would.
Thank you NetGalley for sending me this book. This review is entirely mine own.
March 8, 2023
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book! It was a great spin-off story to Always a Princess set a few years later. I always love getting glimpses and more from beloved characters. I loved Lydia and Wil and their story was so angsty and tension filled which made for such a good book.
February 10, 2023
This was a cute quick read well developed characters and great story pacing. I enjoyed the characters and the writing.
June 7, 2025
I wasn’t sure this book would be for me at first—I’m not a big historical reader—but it really grew on me. It was such a fun read, and I especially loved the Romany (gypsy) elements and how they were woven into the romance and worldbuilding.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
✅ Tropes:
✅ Forbidden romance
✅ Hidden identity
✅ Enemies to lovers
✅ Historical setting
✅ Protective love interest
✅ Forced proximity
📖 Storyline:
Lady Lydia Clifton is on the run, desperate to escape an abusive fiancé and the powerful people trying to control her life. To survive, she takes a massive risk—posing as the mistress of King Valkin Brishen, a Romany (gypsy) king. Valkin knows she’s lying, but instead of turning her away, he protects her—risking his people and his peace. What follows is a slow-burn, high-stakes romance full of secrets, danger, and unexpected loyalty.
👥 Characters:
Lydia was brave, stubborn, and easy to root for, even when her decisions felt risky. Valkin was protective without being overbearing, and his quiet strength made him the perfect balance to Lydia’s fire. I really enjoyed their dynamic—it had just enough tension, just enough tenderness, and built in a way that felt believable. The Romany culture added an extra layer of richness to Valkin’s character that made him stand out.
✍️ Writing/Pacing:
The writing was a little jarring to get into at first—the sentence construction took a minute to adjust to—but once I got used to the style, it flowed better and suited the time period. The pacing felt steady throughout, with a slow-burn romantic build that worked well for the tension and stakes.
Who Would Love This Book:
💜 Readers who enjoy historical romance with heart and high stakes
💜 Fans of slow-burn tension and protective love interests
💜 Anyone curious about Romany culture woven into a love story
💜 Readers who love a smart heroine and a quietly powerful MMC
💜 Those looking for something a little different from typical regency romance
💜 Anyone who loves a romance built on trust, danger, and loyalty
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
✅ Tropes:
✅ Forbidden romance
✅ Hidden identity
✅ Enemies to lovers
✅ Historical setting
✅ Protective love interest
✅ Forced proximity
📖 Storyline:
Lady Lydia Clifton is on the run, desperate to escape an abusive fiancé and the powerful people trying to control her life. To survive, she takes a massive risk—posing as the mistress of King Valkin Brishen, a Romany (gypsy) king. Valkin knows she’s lying, but instead of turning her away, he protects her—risking his people and his peace. What follows is a slow-burn, high-stakes romance full of secrets, danger, and unexpected loyalty.
👥 Characters:
Lydia was brave, stubborn, and easy to root for, even when her decisions felt risky. Valkin was protective without being overbearing, and his quiet strength made him the perfect balance to Lydia’s fire. I really enjoyed their dynamic—it had just enough tension, just enough tenderness, and built in a way that felt believable. The Romany culture added an extra layer of richness to Valkin’s character that made him stand out.
✍️ Writing/Pacing:
The writing was a little jarring to get into at first—the sentence construction took a minute to adjust to—but once I got used to the style, it flowed better and suited the time period. The pacing felt steady throughout, with a slow-burn romantic build that worked well for the tension and stakes.
Who Would Love This Book:
💜 Readers who enjoy historical romance with heart and high stakes
💜 Fans of slow-burn tension and protective love interests
💜 Anyone curious about Romany culture woven into a love story
💜 Readers who love a smart heroine and a quietly powerful MMC
💜 Those looking for something a little different from typical regency romance
💜 Anyone who loves a romance built on trust, danger, and loyalty
August 20, 2023
This is somewhat hard for me to review. I have family members who suffer from a speech impediment. The heroine stutters every first letter (not syllable) of every first and second word of a sentence throughout the story. It was just unrealistic to me.
Yet, the plot was fresh and unique for the romance genre and the writing, and there's very few books, let alone romance, that even attempt to portray a female with a speech impediment- For those reasons I gave this book 4 stars.
At a gathering, the hero, Valkin, prevents the Earl of Bassingstoke from assaulting the heroine, Lady Lyidia Clifton. Lydias father knows about the assault but insists that Lydia marry the Earl.
Valkin is a Romney King, who is barely tolerated by the English aristocrats, since he is not "one of them". Yet, Valkin, feels quite the opposite, since he is a King. Lydia knows Valkin from when she was younger, due to her brother's marriage. Yet when Valkin rescues her, he doesn't recognize her.
Lydia escapes and tries to make her way to her brother's house in France. Her brother, (in the previous book), fell in love and married a Romany princess. Lydia has not spoken to him in sometime, but knows he will help her avoid marriage with the awful Earl. In route to her brother's house, she joins a Romany caravan to reach her brother. She tells the Romany that she is the mistress of the "KIng"
This is news to the hero, Valkin..
Overall, I enjoyed the story. You could tell the author had researched the Romany people and included a short dictionary of Romany to English words- used in the book. The plot was unique, and the characters were well developed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Yet, the plot was fresh and unique for the romance genre and the writing, and there's very few books, let alone romance, that even attempt to portray a female with a speech impediment- For those reasons I gave this book 4 stars.
At a gathering, the hero, Valkin, prevents the Earl of Bassingstoke from assaulting the heroine, Lady Lyidia Clifton. Lydias father knows about the assault but insists that Lydia marry the Earl.
Valkin is a Romney King, who is barely tolerated by the English aristocrats, since he is not "one of them". Yet, Valkin, feels quite the opposite, since he is a King. Lydia knows Valkin from when she was younger, due to her brother's marriage. Yet when Valkin rescues her, he doesn't recognize her.
Lydia escapes and tries to make her way to her brother's house in France. Her brother, (in the previous book), fell in love and married a Romany princess. Lydia has not spoken to him in sometime, but knows he will help her avoid marriage with the awful Earl. In route to her brother's house, she joins a Romany caravan to reach her brother. She tells the Romany that she is the mistress of the "KIng"
This is news to the hero, Valkin..
Overall, I enjoyed the story. You could tell the author had researched the Romany people and included a short dictionary of Romany to English words- used in the book. The plot was unique, and the characters were well developed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 26, 2025
The King’s Mistress by Clyve Rose is a beautifully crafted tale of survival, love, and personal courage that feels both adventurous and grounded in human nature. Lady Lydia Clifton’s plight facing a forced marriage and familial betrayal resonates with authenticity. Her fear, determination, and cleverness in assuming a new identity highlight the resourcefulness and resilience that people often summon in times of extreme danger.
What makes this story stand out is how realistically it portrays the tension between survival and morality. Lydia’s deception, while necessary, carries emotional weight and ethical complexity, reflecting the very human conflicts that arise when protecting oneself and others. King Valkin Brishen’s struggle between duty, suspicion, and growing affection adds another layer of depth, making their relationship feel earned and emotionally compelling rather than contrived.
The historical setting is vivid without overshadowing the characters, and the stakes both personal and political feel real and immediate. Lydia’s journey is as much about finding safety as it is about asserting agency in a world that often denies women choice, giving the story emotional resonance that lingers.
With courage, romance, and authentic human emotion at its core, The King’s Mistress is a five star read that masterfully blends suspense, heart, and historical intrigue.
What makes this story stand out is how realistically it portrays the tension between survival and morality. Lydia’s deception, while necessary, carries emotional weight and ethical complexity, reflecting the very human conflicts that arise when protecting oneself and others. King Valkin Brishen’s struggle between duty, suspicion, and growing affection adds another layer of depth, making their relationship feel earned and emotionally compelling rather than contrived.
The historical setting is vivid without overshadowing the characters, and the stakes both personal and political feel real and immediate. Lydia’s journey is as much about finding safety as it is about asserting agency in a world that often denies women choice, giving the story emotional resonance that lingers.
With courage, romance, and authentic human emotion at its core, The King’s Mistress is a five star read that masterfully blends suspense, heart, and historical intrigue.
March 19, 2023
Clyve Rose is an author I have read multiple times before and I truly enjoy her writing style and take on historical romance.
This is a classic-style historical romance that I would expect to find on a bookshelf in the 90s, and it feels almost nostalgic (even though I wasn’t alive back then).
The thing I value most about Rose’s books is the respect between romantic interests. Yes, the plot focuses mostly on communication breakdowns and secrets, but overall the romantic tension and the goals of the characters were great and interesting to read. I enjoyed it!
*I was given this book as an advanced reader through bookinfluencers.com. This is my honest review!
This is a classic-style historical romance that I would expect to find on a bookshelf in the 90s, and it feels almost nostalgic (even though I wasn’t alive back then).
The thing I value most about Rose’s books is the respect between romantic interests. Yes, the plot focuses mostly on communication breakdowns and secrets, but overall the romantic tension and the goals of the characters were great and interesting to read. I enjoyed it!
*I was given this book as an advanced reader through bookinfluencers.com. This is my honest review!
July 14, 2023
To escape an arranged marriage to a cruel man, Lady Lydia disguises herself and goes on the run. Becoming ill, she takes refuge with Romany king Valkin. As she recuperates, the two fall in love. Can she risk staying with him, or will she leave the country?
This book got off to a slow start, but the pace picked up once Lydia fled the house party. I admired her courage and determination. She and Valkin developed a strong emotional bond, and he was careful to put her needs first. This book includes many of the tropes Regency readers love, while the Romany element was a nice change.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This book got off to a slow start, but the pace picked up once Lydia fled the house party. I admired her courage and determination. She and Valkin developed a strong emotional bond, and he was careful to put her needs first. This book includes many of the tropes Regency readers love, while the Romany element was a nice change.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
March 29, 2023
I am such a sucker for stories with well defined good heroes and heroines . They may have flaws but, their moral compasses are clearly intact.
This story has everything I look for in a book.
I love it when a story is written in such a way that you can vividly imagine the setting and feel the whole gamut of human emotion along with the characters.
Great read.
This story has everything I look for in a book.
I love it when a story is written in such a way that you can vividly imagine the setting and feel the whole gamut of human emotion along with the characters.
Great read.
April 25, 2023
Clyve Rose transports you into the story. Everything from the laughter, love, and chaos, that will have you laughing, crying, and rooting for her.
Great characterization, you feel for these characters like you are a friend.
Love, drama, and much more. This was an easy and quick read that I couldn't put down.
Great characterization, you feel for these characters like you are a friend.
Love, drama, and much more. This was an easy and quick read that I couldn't put down.
June 11, 2023
can't really get into the book the pacing was so-so, Lydia was annoying but Valkyn was Amazing and interesting character, they way he interacts with Lydia was heart-warming and I appreciate the exposure about Romany in this book. Thanks net galley for this ARC. thoughts and opinions are mine.
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