I received this book for free from Avon in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Bliss by Lynsay SandsPublished by Avon on July 25th 2017
Genres: Historical Romance, Medieval Era
Pages: 384
Format: eARC
Source: Avon
ISBN: 0062019619
No one blends humor and sensuality like
New York Times
bestselling author Lynsay Sands in this captivating story of feuding nobles forced to marry…and destined to fall in love
Love thy neighbor, ’tis said. A fine idea, except when the neighbor in question is Lord Holden. Lady Helen Tiernay has complained frequently about his treatment of his people. Too frequently perhaps, for the king intends to curb their constant bickering by ordering them to wed. Helen can’t refuse a royal decree, but she’ll do everything possible to drive away her devilishly attractive husband-to-be.
Holden has faced all manner of horrors on the battlefield. But marriage to “the tyrant of Tiernay” is still a worrying prospect—until he glimpses Helen in the flesh. What flesh it is…soft, lush, made for his touch. If she weren’t so intent on thinking up devious ways to prevent consummating their bond, Helen would see how perfect they are together, and that a marriage begun as enemies can turn to absolute pleasure.
Bliss is a re issue of a medieval historical era romance that was first published in 2001. I am a huge fan of this author, and her historical’s are so lightehearted and fun to read, and not books you should take seriously, they are just a relaxing respite. At first I thought I had read Bliss many years ago, but I remember setting this aside, because I just wasn’t in the mood for this type of angst romance. Its not your typical angsty romance, its pretty hilarious at times. This couple they are a hoot especially in all the tricks they play on each other. So the gist of the story is, that both Lord Holden and Lady Helen are at odds with each other, constantly complaining to the King about their problems. Well, the King is tired of getting numerous complains about these two parties, so he and his advisor come up with the idea that they should marry, and that way it would solve his problems. So these two are to marry and while settling the “agreement” Helen comes up with the idea that she can’t marry Lord Holden, and starts to play horrible tricks on him. Eating cloves of garlic so her breath makes him never wanting to kiss her, cooking his food so its hard as rocks, spoiling his wine and even pushing his fear boundaries. But Lord Holden isn’t a pansie, and plays his own tricks back. And boy does he do a good job with it too. He definitely holds his own again Helen especially she is the one that starts these tricks.
You see at the beginning why Helen holds such an animosity toward Hethe. Its basically a misconception about his actions towards his tenants, which she has had to take in. But as the story progresses, we learn that the problems in the very beginning of the story, that causes their conflict has more to do with actions of a third party. But boy is it fun seeing this couple battle each other’s wills and passions. I will say that once it got to about half way, their relationship started to mellow out, and this is where I started to really become captivated by this pair. They begin to see certain truths about each other, and act on their growing feelings for each other. The small and gentle ways they begin to let go of their anger and frustation towards each other, and begin to have more understanding and caring towards each other is what really wins me over. Now don’t get me wrong, the first half of the story is highly entertaining and I guarantee that it will make you laugh at their antics. But we also see other sides to their relationship, and even the way they learn early on to admire each other.
I will say that even though there were many aspects of the story I truly enjoyed, I felt like the lightheartedness in the beginning and humor was a bit too high strung for me. I enjoyed it quite a bit, however I did struggle at times with this story. I wasn’t able to fully connect with the story as much as I wanted to. There are many wonderful aspects to this story, but I did have a more challenging time engaging with the characters occasionally.
Overall Bliss is a wildly hilarious romance that will give you barrels of laughter, and delivers a witty and intrigue packed romance of the medieval era.
Nice review! I have to agree: although it was hilarious with their antics, it was a bit too over the top at times. And poor Hethe!! He went through hell in this story but was such a good guy. (How many blows to the head did he take, anyway? Three, maybe even four?) Not may favorite of Sands’ but still fun, nonetheless. 🙂
I definitely agree with you as well. I felt so so bad for Hethe, he made such a nice guy hero if she treated him kindly hehe But they end up working pretty well together in the end. I have no idea about the head wounds, but really, hope he doesn’t get permanent damage.
It wasn’t my favorite of hers either, but I still enjoyed it. I think her trilogies and her recent highlander series are my favorites of her historical’s.
It has been quite a while since I read anything from Sands. This sounds pretty good though. Glad you enjoyed it.
She is pretty wonderful…if you haven’t tried her HR, I definitely recommend it. Some of them are really good, and others is just great entertainment.
I’ve read her books before but not her HR! I should give them a go 🙂
oh really? She has some great HR. I would recommend you picking up her more recent highlander series—I believe two of the books in that series I have five starred even. So I really love them. But she also has two other trilogies that are pretty fantastic too. So I do recommend you try those out. You will love the heroes and the heroines.
I’ve read a few novels by Sands and have struggled with them. For some reason, I can’t seem to get into her books. Although this one does sounds interesting, I’m always a fan of the forced marriage trope.
I can not remember if I have read any other than her pnr ones
She has a few highlander trilogies, and her recent highlander series has been pretty fun.
Lynsay Sands is an author on my high priority list to try. I love when books in this genre are more lighthearted with humor.
oh you definitely should…she got me hooked on vampire romance. I do love the humor she puts in those. She can always make me laugh.
At the present moment I’m not looking for an angst-filled romance (even with the humor) but this is one I will remember! I’ve read various books of this author – some hits, some misses. I like her recent Highlander books. 😀 I’m glad you enjoyed this one for the most part, Renee!
Have a fabulous week. =)
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
Oh you definitely should when you get in the mood for it. I do love her highlander series, its pretty great. You should try her other highlander series The Devil of the Highlands I believe. I remember reading those a few years back and got a kick out of them.
I don’t think I’ve tried her books but I heard great things about them so I know I should try!
Oh you definitely should….she has written both historical and paranormal romance!!
I’m sorry you weren’t able to fully connect to the story. It sucks when it happens. I have only read a few books by this author, but I’ve liked them ok, though I can’t say I’ve been impressed. I’ll pass on this one though for now. Which would you say is your favorite book by her?
Yeah it does. My favorite books from her are her early Vampire romances. But as for her historical’s She has written some other fabulous historical’s though. Her most recent historical series Highlanders: is AMAZING!! They have depth and emotion, but still witty and great plots. I think you would enjoy those the most, and is a great place to start with her. Have you read those yet? I believe Highlander Takes A Bride is my favorite book of hers that is historical.
I love a light and fluffy read, but even for me sometimes Sands books are too light. Like they don’t have enough depth to balance the humor. I do want to give this one a try though.
Yes I have noticed that too…I think her paranormals are better with the humor, but I still get some fun out of her historical’s. So I think you would enjoy this one.
Kinda weird for the female lead to change her mind. I feel like I might get frustrated with her.
I think my only frustration with her was stubborness. I mean she is ordered by the king to marry. I think she was a bit naive thinking she could just convince the man she was supposed to marry not to marry her when his life and his people are at risk too. Back then in history, it was dangerous to defy the king like she tries to do. She changes her mind to marry him, I think partly because she is starting to care for the hero, and also realize that he isn’t as bad as she has been told which were lies and rumors about him. So when she learns the truth, she changes her mind. It makes sense when you read it. But then I know many women today that change their mind all the time hehe I guess its just part of being human. I did like that she was a flawed character, she felt more realistic.
I’m glad to see this was a hilarious read! Sometimes you just need that (: That’s too bad you didn’t quite connect with it, but it was still enjoyable. Lovely review!