Denee Cody

Overall Rating: 4.25 // Action: 1.5 / Emotion: 4.5 / Romance: 3 / Sensuous: 1 / Suspense: 3.5 // Medieval Flavor: 4 / Laughter: 1 / Tears: 7

The memorable cast of characters included: {1} Andrew as an honorable, strong-willed, but willing to bend hero, who struggled with a deeply haunted past. {2} Catherine as a determined widow, who used her intelligence to make sure that she did not fall prey to another bad marriage. {3} Hugh as a priest who was so filled with guilt, angst and loneliness show more that he demanded tears from the reader. {4} Michael as a fascinating neighbor, who added great depth and interest to the story. {5} Jamie as the charismatic, charming brother who added a breathe of fresh air to the story. {6} Nell as a precocious, endearing daughter who was easy to love. {7} Anne as the shy, beautiful ward of Catherine.

All in all, found *The Golden Rose*, by Denée Cody, the third book in "The Mandeville Trilogy," to be (at times) an exciting, suspenseful, romantic, emotional read. Cody very creatively, painted a picture of what could have happened to a wealthy, powerful family loyal to the king when said king is killed in battle. She realistically portrayed the bitterness and angst suffered by Andrew, a dispossessed son. The turmoil of Catherine, a widow battling against being forced into another, possibly brutal, marriage. The deep emotions that passed between Hugh and Andrew, brothers who endured war, prison and a cruel fate. The suspense of having to outwit a villain who covets their lands and titles. *The Golden Rose* is an enjoyable, interesting book, well worth reading.

See Wolf Bear Does Books (http://goo.gl/wyrPb) for a more in-depth, detailed review of *The Golden Rose*. show less

Overall Rating: 3.00 // Action: 2.5 / Emotion: 3.5 / Romance: 2.5 / Sensuous: 1 / Suspense: 3 // Medieval Flavor: 3 / Laughter: 2 / Tears: 4

Being a zealous romance book reader, was looking for the warm, fuzzy feelings that arise when reading romance books. Wanted: {1} to "feel" the emotions and attraction between Stephan and Julianna; {2} to experience the sensual sizzle when Stephan and Julianna made love; {3} to experience excitement as Stephan and Julianna move from one moment of action show more and adventure to another; {4} to hold breath in anticipation of what is going to happen next. And while, there was a modicum of each of these items, Cody failed to deliver the depth of these experiences that make for a truly great read. Wished that *The Court of Love* was more romantic, not just a forum for Cody to espouse about {1} the lack of control heiresses had over their lives; {2} the difficulties knights faced when dealing with dishonorable royalty; and {3} the differences between the classes (how noblewoman were taught to not see commoners as people).

Denée Cody's first book in "The Mandeville Trilogy," *The Court of Love* is an okay read. A more in-depth, detailed review appears at Wolf Bear Does Books (http://goo.gl/t14SB). show less

Overall Rating: 3.90 // Action: 4 / Emotion: 3.5 / Romance: 4 / Sensuous: 1 / Suspense: 3 // Medieval Flavor: 3 / Laughter: 1 / Teary: 2

Enjoyed *Queen of the May*, the second book of "The Mandeville Trilogy" by Denée Cody more than the first book because: {1} Alexander and Giselle's story was more enjoyable; {2} had more action and adventure scenes; {3} included Stephan and Julianna; and {4} had interesting supporting characters. This book, however, had some of the same drawbacks as the show more first book: {1} lack of deep emotional connection to characters; {2} reduced medieval feeling to book; and {3} lack of sensuality.

Would readily recommend *Queen of the May* as an enjoyable read. Would also recommend that the first book of the series, 'The Court of Love', be read beforehand. Having read the first book understood {1} what all the whistling was about; {2} why Julianna was so comfortable and supportive of Giselle and her relationship with Alexander; and {3} why Stephan warned Alexander away from making Giselle his mistress.

See Wolf Bear Does Books (http://goo.gl/Wc799) for a more in-depth, detailed review. show less

This book was good for a historical romance and was based in Irish history. There was factual information about Ireland's history and reference to Irish myth that I found interesting. It is light reading however.