The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight #2) by N.L. Holmes
Another great read by Holmes. I’ve read many of her other books and to say this one tops my favorite list is an understatement.
Uqnitum comes from a long lineage of musical performance. There is bad things going on outside of the town’s gates and it’s not looking promising. Having lost a son-in-law and now worrying about losing her husband and youngest son. The quote I chose for Uqnitum is: “You’re expecting humanity from those people? Gods protect us all. I’ll collect the dishes. Tatasshe may or may not snap out of her snit…”
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Kimblehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Kimble2021-01-09 17:22:542021-01-11 07:47:19The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Amanda Kimble
I’ve read many new authors this year. Above them all stands N. L. Holmes. She really is my newest favorite. I know when I pick her book up it will be a good read. They don’t always end the way I wish but isn’t that just like life. The Singer and Her Song delivers in the same way that all her books do. A world rich with the tapestry of everyday living, characters so real you feel you know them or at least someone like them. She doesn’t pull any punches with the raw emotion involved with the mundane affairs of everyday living or the inevitable crisis. Who hasn’t had a family or a family member that’s so dysfunctional it’s a poison to everyone around them? Even people that came unaware to the party. Once again this is a story set in an ancient land in an ancient time but with characters that reflect the same flaws that so many of us have in this time and place. The stage may change but the actors remain the same. Congratulations N. L. Holmes another excellent read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jonell Collinshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJonell Collins2021-01-09 15:25:152021-01-09 15:25:15The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Jonell Collins
This is the second book in the Empire At Twilight Series. It is a really captivating and great story. The author does such a good job with the characters and also with the historical aspect as well that it feels like you have actually stepped back in time.
Uqnitum and her family are giftesld musicians. They have lived a happy life until their village is invaded and their life’s are destroyed.
After Uqnitum loses her family and one of her children, she and her pregnant daughter are forced to flee to try and find safety. However the guilt of losing her husband and her child is becoming harder for Uqnitum to bear and when she starts to become a danger things need to change. Can Uqnitum and her daughter reach safety? Can Uqnitum regain herself before she hurts someone or herself? Is she strong enough to get over the loss of her family and the guilt its brought?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2021-01-08 11:19:222021-01-08 20:28:38The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Kerry Carr
This is the 2nd book in the series. I’d highly recommend reading the first book before this one. The author has done a great attention to detail. Uqnitum has delt with alot of challanges in her life and is trying to find santracy. There is a great balance between history action and drama. A amazing read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Piperhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngPiper2021-01-07 07:28:452021-01-07 17:31:58The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Piper Foster
Holmes continues to beautifully blend story with history and make an ancient culture come to life, jumping off the pages. As a history buff, I truly appreciate the detail Holmes includes and certainly this book was no exception. I was immediately transported to a time very different from present and still was able to immediately connect to the main character. The raw emotion that was present from page one just jumped into my heart. I loved this book and cannot recommend it highly enough.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Lovelacehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Lovelace2021-01-05 22:33:332021-01-05 22:33:33The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Heather Lovelace
The Singer and Her Song by N.L. Holmes is the second book in the Empire at Twilight Book series. This series has been quite enjoyable and this second part of the series did not let me down. The author has built a wonderful historical fiction which incorporates the court of Ugarit. There is so much involved and the characters help bring this period to life. I really enjoyed how the story progressed and I really liked the story of Uqnitum and her daughter. Uqnitum dealt with so many challenges in her life and kept trying to find sanctuary. This had me reading just to find out what was going to happen. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sheri Schraderhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSheri Schrader2021-01-05 18:24:192021-01-05 22:19:40The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Sheri Schrader
If you have not already picked up the first book in the series, I highly recommend reading that book first to enhance this book for you. The storyline is active. It has ups and downs, twists and turns, and all over a great line. The characters are fully developed and can be seen as real-life people. I was captivated from the first page until the last page. This story is about Uqntum a singer who has a tremendous loss. She has become another person who needs to find herself. Her character goes through so much, and I felt like I was going through all of it with her. I highly recommend reading this series as you will not be disappointed.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Erica Fishhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngErica Fish2021-01-05 17:59:592021-01-05 22:18:20The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Erica Fish
The Kissing Bough (Forbidden Loves) By Madelynne Ellis
This was a really quick read but it gave us a lot. We find out that Viola has been wrongly accused of a scandal but the town and her family won’t listen to her side of the story. She is kept at home except once a year at Christmas she is allowed to be escorted out by her brother, who I might add does not actually do any sort of escorting, he just treats her badly. Every year she holds out hope that a man will show up that wants to marry her. I don’t normally read books that are set in this Era but I found myself completely intrigued by this story. I enjoyed Will and Percy’s banter and they also have a unique situation and are looking for a specific woman for their situation. This book definitely has hot and steamy moments. This is an adult only read. I recommend this book.
This story is a historical fairytale in this modern-day tale. It is a short sweet story that is fast-paced and engaging. The characters are fully developed and keep the story moving. The story has heated moments. Viola is the special woman that has Christmas Eve free because her aunt has her as a kept woman. There are two cousins who need a special woman to have for their sexual desires. Viola happens to be this woman this special night. Will the two cousins have their desires met or will Viola be a handful? You will have read this book to find out what happens.
The Kissing Bough (Forbidden Loves) by Madelynne Ellis. This book was very good even though it was short. It was just long enough to get your blood boiling. Its the story of Viola Marsh who is a young lady in early 1800’s who is in her Aunt’s care. She is only allowed to go out on this one night which is Christmas Eve and she is going with her brothers. Now Lord Ricborough and his cousin Percy Gilling are looking for a different kind of woman, a woman they can share. This kind of woman is hard to find but they think they have found her when they see Viola standing there so beautiful and if the rumors they have heard are correct she is just their kind of woman. All VIola wants is a man to want her for her and not some stupid rumor that isn’t even true. Will Viola give up on finding a husband and settle for 2 men who will do anything for her? Read The Kissing Bough to find out!
It is the year 1816 in Rutland at Knasebrook Hall where Viola Marsh is a young lady with little freedom and even less prospects to change that, she is kept inside her nursery after an incident and can only leave on christmas eve to go wassailing and then to the ball later that evening, but only with her brothers escorting her. Lord Ricborough and his cousin Percy Gilling are two men looking for a specific woman to cement their very specific bond.
Viola is looking out of the window at the snow falling to the ground on Christmas Eve as her aunt helps her get ready to go out into it, it is the one night she is allowed out and she is not going to miss out, whether it is in a blizzard or otherwise, it might be the one night where people might not look at her like they usually do and she may be able to experience the normality of the festivities. She intends to sing, dance, be merry, stand beneath the mistletoe on the boughs of the old oak tree and then go to the family’s annual Christmas Ball with the rest of the invited, dance with her brothers and show off her new dress, it will be a change from eating with her aunt in the nursery, that is for sure.
As she leaves with her brother to go to the village, he is having to be courteous to her due to the weather, even though he does not want to, he assumes her intention is to go to the kissing bough as usual, although he feels there is no need as nobody would come up and will want to kiss her after the scandal and she responds that it is not likely that it would happen any other way either, so she will do it again this year as it is a tradition now and that the incident was not what it looked like or here fault in the first place.
Later on, after Viola’s brother has joined his friends, two of whom are Lord Ricborough and Percy Gilling, he sees her standing under the tree and is immediately taken in by her beauty, she is perfect and just what they are looking for, but finding the kind of woman they needed was something both thought impossible until Viola. As they separate from the others, they go and approach Viola under the bough and she is surprised to be kissed on the cheek by both of them at the same time and further by their proposition to her.
Will their proposition be accepted and will this trio be the pairing they all hope for, or will the innocence of one of them be the end of something which hasn’t even begun? The only way to find out is to read along and follow the path with the three of them.
I really enjoyed this short story. It was well written and the characters worked well. I really liked the taboo subject of two men and a woman. In the era that the book was written in that was unheard of and very taboo.
Viola was the daughter of a wealthy man. She was set to be find her husband, however a turn of events meant she ended up being seen as a disgrace and no man wanted her. Every Christmas eve she waits under the kissing bough in the hopes her husband will find her. He never does.
Until Lord Ricborough and his cousin Percy come along. Lord Ricborough needs a wife but the wife needs to understand the special relationship between him and Percy.
Could Viola be that woman? Will she be able to understand and accept their relationship? Is it possible to love two people?
This is a historical romance where Viola Marsh is shamed by all. Four years ago she was found in a closet with two men and since then everyone has shamed her. Her family doesn’t treat her well and neither does anyone in the village. Her Aunt Clara is just about the only Person believes her honesty but is that enough? One cold night she goes to the Kissing Bough even though everyone thinks it is pointless. Viola dresses warm and heads out with her brother Tom who is so mean to her. She doesn’t care though, the thought of a prospect, she heads out the door and stands under the kissing bough for hours nearly freezing to death. Not only one man but who men approach her. It seems to good to be true. Maybe it is. Everyone thinks she has been with two men at once before so she is considered damaged goods. Percy Gilling and Lord Ricborough have a proposition for Viola. Will she accept their proposition or will she decide tell them the truth and decide it is to much for her. I thought the book was well written and had good characters even though, every member of Viola’s family is mean and rude aside from sweet Aunt Clara.
The Kissing Bough is the first book in the Forbidden Loves seriesby Madelynne Ellis. This is an erotic historical romance- a menage with MMF which is set at Christmas time- this story has enough sizzle to scorch the pages as you read. This is a novella length story- making for a very quick and easy read. And while there were a few issues right off the bat- with the use of wrong words such as using ‘imminent’ instead of ‘eminent’, missing words, using singular words instead of plurals, and the use of muslin as the fabric of choice (which is normally a summer fabric) in the middle of an incredibly cold winter, that had me unsure of whether I would enjoy the story- but surprisingly it drew me in, and I ended up enjoying it much more than I initially thought I would. I do wish the story had been longer, because the characters and the story drew me in, and I wanted to know more- but in a good way. Madelynne Ellis is a new-to-me author, but after reading this book I will definitely look at exploring more of her work in the future.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2021-01-04 06:13:392021-01-04 06:13:39The Kissing Bough (Forbidden Loves Book #1) by Madelynne Ellis – Review by Angela Hayes
The Kissing Bough (Forbidden Loves #1) by Madelynne Ellis was a good 4 star read.
Viola was caught in a compromising position that has put her in a predicament in regards to finding a husband. She still had hope that someone would come and kiss her under the kissing bough, so she continued to go each Christmas Eve.
Percy and Lord William heard about Viola and were hoping she was the one for them. They have a unique relationship and with the rumors about Viola she would be perfect for them. Will they be able to convince her to be with them? Will she finally get the husband she desires?
Overall this was a good quick read. We get some steaminess and all the characters were great. Although, I would have liked to see the story be a little longer and include the compromising incident so that we could better understand why it happened. The author does a great job with her writing and I look forward to reading more from her. 1-click and get started today.
A short Christmas Romance. Wonderful historical story that brings the characters to life in a way I didn’t expect. Viola has been shamed ever since she ended up hiding in a closet where two men happened to be intimate. It brought shame to her family and she has been cloistered in the “nursery” with her aunt except on Christmas Eve. Viola hopes that one day she may meet the one by standing under the mistletoe. I really loved where the story went from here. It’s definitely a sexy story!
The Kissing Bough (Forbidden Loves) by Madelynne Ellis was a steamy and cute quick read. I loved Viola, she was so young and innocent of what she had been accused of. Percy and William were well developed and you could easily tell who was who. The steam did not disappoint. A great set of characters that I would love to follow into the rest of their lives.
The Kissing Bough by Madelynne Ellis was a great read! Not only was it super steamy, but it had a great storyline as well. I was instantly enthralled from the first page and didn’t want to put it down. I loved the characters in this novel, even the super rude and judgemental characters. It was a great period erotica story in my opinion, I felt like I was actually in that time period. This is the first novel I’ve read from this author before and I can’t wait to read more in the future!
The Kissing Bough is a short historical romance by Madelynne Ellis. Madelynne Ellis is a new author to me, but I’m glad I found her. I really enjoyed this story. It is fast paced and steamy. The story flows and the characters are detailed and so likable.the three main characters have some sizzling hot chemistry. If you are looking for a little naughty and a little nice short, I highly recommend this book. I look forward to reading more book from Ms. Ellis.
I’m used to loving this regent time period. This was a quick read. From beginning to the end, it was everything you could imagine and more. This was sensual and sexy story that what for the time period is made the more delicious to read about. This book will not disappoint in any way.
Though from a completely different time period, these characters can resemble us, here and now. The faults of this singer are relatable but a story of resilience and determination. This, like other works by Ms. N. L. Holmes is a work of art, a true masterpiece!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Faith Jacksonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFaith Jackson2021-01-02 14:41:232021-01-02 14:41:23The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Faith Jackson
This was a great short read. I didn’t realise it was a historical romance until i started reading it, not normally the genre i go for but i actually really enjoyed it. It has major fairy tale vibes that get a bit steamy you will not be left disappointed.
Though from a completely different time period, these characters can resemble us, here and now. The faults of this singer are relatable but a story of resilience and determination. This, like other works by Ms. N. L. Holmes is a work of art, a true masterpiece!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Faith Jacksonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFaith Jackson2021-01-02 13:02:042021-01-02 13:02:04The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Faith Jackson
The Kissing Bough is a regency menage novella by Madelynne Ellis and is the first book in the Forbidden Loves series. At only 90 pages it is a quick read but the author still manages to pack a great story into those 90 pages. This was my first read of this author’s work so I was unsure what to expect. What I got was a great, well written story with great characters, some of whom I loved and others I didn’t like very much (Viola’s horrible brother). I’m sure that those who lived in Regency times would have been totally scandalised by the very thought that menage relationships even existed. To be honest I’m sure many here in the 21st Century would be just as scandalised. I however, loved Viola’s story with Percy and William. Due to being in the wrong place at the wrong time, Viola has a reputation that she dies not deserve. So when she stands at the Kissing Bough in the hope to be kissed by a prospective suitor she is sought out by cousins William and Percy who want her to enter into an agreement with them. This is a great Christmas read which I devoured in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed. I was hooked to the story from the very beginning and the author kept me engaged throughout right up to the very end. Definitely recommend.
The Kissing Bough (Forbidden Loves) by Madelynne Ellis is a great historical romance that takes a walk on a slightly more wild side than most within this genre. It is and interesting story and one I got into really easily. I loved the dynamic between the main characters, it felt natural and full of chemistry. This is the first book that I have read by this author and it was an overall enjoyable story. There were a few times I wanted it to have a bit more depth to it however I became invested in the characters and wanted to see how things would end up. This was a fairly easy read and one I got through pretty quickly which made it perfect for the holidays. I would definitely say anyone interested in this genre should read this book.
Yes! I loved everything about this book. The only thing I didn’t like was that it ended! I really wanted to see more of Percy, William and Viola’s new life together! Period romance books are among my top favorites, this one did not disappoint me. I really loathed Viola’s family for the way they treated her and the thoughts they had towards her all because of a misunderstanding, something that didn’t happen as everyone thought they saw. I was so happy that Viola could find her happy, her love with Percy and William, it didn’t hurt that there was a little M/M thrown in as well. I very much look forward to reading more from this author.
The Singer and Her Song by N.L. Holmes is the second book in the Empire at Twilight series. This book could be read as a stand-alone however I would definitely recommend reading book 1 first as I feel it would enhance the whole reading experience. This book is a great follow up to the first of the series. It has all the standard trademarks yeah I have come to expect from this author – strong and descriptive writing, interesting and complex characters as well as an overall great story. I found it really easy to get drawn into the story and become engaged what was happening. I would definitely recommend reading this series and the other books by this author, you won’t be disappointed.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2020-12-31 15:28:532020-12-31 15:28:53The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Kerry Baker
5 Stars The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes
The Singer and Her Song is the second book in the Empire at Twilight series by N.L Holmes .Although this can be read as standalone I do recommend reading this series in order to get the full understanding of what is going on. I found myself curled up on the couch and had a hard time putting it down. This authors style of writing and attention to detail simply amazes me. I feel like I’m right there with them. This story follows Uqnitum a singer who lost her husband and one of her children when the city fall. She along with her pregnant daughter was forced to flee. She needs to find her strength because she starts to become dangerous. Find out what happens next in this absolute must read. I can’t wait to read more from this AuthorView all my reviews
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Daughenbaughhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Daughenbaugh2020-12-31 12:32:112020-12-31 12:32:11The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
The Kissing Bough (Forbidden Loves) by Madelynne Ellis is an erotica, historical, romance story. This is a well written short ménage à trois. Historical is not really my genre but this delightful little tale was too short even for me. But don’t let the number of pages deter you, Madelynne has given us a full book in fewer pages. It is hot, it is racy, and is a forbidden sin especially given its era. Untrue rumours lead a young lady’s life to ruin. But it is those same rumours that lead her into a relationship that is definitely taboo and shunned upon.
I really enjoyed this steamy Regency ménage by Madelynne Ellis. Our heroine, Viola Marsh is a young women who after a misunderstanding has been forced to live an austere life, locked away in her old nursery with her spinster aunt constantly watching her. Her family have basically given up on her and her brothers only give her attention when forced to, due to the social etiquette of the times. Viola’s highlight is on Christmas Eve when she is allowed to take part in the tradition of wassailing, having been abandoned by her older brother Viola carries on with her tradition of standing under the ‘Kissing Bough’. It is here that cousins Percy Gilling and Lord William Ricborough come across Viola poised beneath the mistletoe on the snow-covered hilltop. Following a kiss from William, the pair escort her home and when they meet again at her families ball that evening Will and Percy confide in Viola that although Will’s intentions towards her are honourable he and Percy have a close and unique relationship, and they require a very particular woman who can satisfy both their needs. A shocked Viola has to decide whether to take a chance on their proposal or return to her lonely and quiet life in the nursery. The author really bought the Regency era to life along with all the varies etiquette’s that young ladies had to live by. I really felt for Viola and was cheering her on hoping she would get her happy ever after. The chemistry between Viola, William and Percy really came across in the story and led to some rather detailed steamy scenes. An enjoyable and engaging read and I look forward to reading more books by Madelynne Ellis.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Gordonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Gordon2020-12-30 15:25:402020-12-30 15:25:40The Kissing Bough (Forbidden Loves) by Madelynne Ellis – Review by Jennifer Gordon
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