I really enjoy Amy Licence's historical nonfiction, she has a narrative style I enjoy and she clearly loves her research. I'm a very picky historical fiction reader - I'm not too big on the romance emphasis of many his-fic, and although I was very interested in Dangerous Lady I was also hesitant. However, Dangerous Lady was very enjoyable. My main complaint (from a v picky amateur historian) is that some of the historical plot elements didn't seem to be as integrated as well as I personally would have liked? But overall I really liked this.

I love historical fiction, especially ones set during the Tudor period and this one didn't disappoint. I loved the writig, the story, the romance and the characters. I didn't want it to end

"Dangerous Lady" sounds like a bodice ripper, but thankfully romance was only one element of this Tudor-era novel. The author is an historian, and it's wonderfully apparent. This book more than most others really gave me a sense of life in the reign of Henry VIII without drowning me in details and florid prose. At the same time, it works beautifully as a novel, unlike some other historians' fictional efforts, which don't strike an effective balance between the historical and the fictitious. I think it help that we're viewing court through the eyes of an outsider rather than from the viewpoint of a notable figure. Pacing was ideal, characters were believable and well rounded, and I've already preordered the sequel!

Thank you, NetGalley and Sapere Books, for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is a light, enjoyable piece of historical fiction based in the Tudor Court of Henry VIII during his growing relationship with Anne Boleyn and the ostracism of his first wife, Queen Katherine of Aragon.

Following the fictional Marwood family this novel is rich in historical detail and is well-researched in the events surrounding the lives of Henry VIII, his first two wives and the Tudor Court.

Though it lacked a little depth for me and the historical facts were shoehorned into the storyline a little too clumsily so it felt like a history lesson blended with a bit of fiction rather than a more skilled integration of the two.

But a fun read of a much loved period of history.

This honest review is given with thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.

Give me all the Tudor era drama!! A Dangerous Lady was such a fun read set in 1527 in King Henry VIII‘s court.

The book follows Thomasin Marwood and her family and how they navigate being in court for her eldest sister’s wedding. The court is currently in turmoil being divided by people in favor of Queen Catherine or in favor of King Henry VIII’s latest mistress Anne Bolyen.

I really enjoyed all the drama and twists and turns this book gave!! I liked all the characters I thought they were all accurate to the time period. It was nice to get Thomason’s point of view as a newcomer to court and getting her reactions to all the new experiences. The ending was to good and I can’t wait to read the next book!

Thank you to Netgalley and Sapere Books for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I'd like to thank NetGalley and Sapere Books for giving me the chance to read this book.
Amy Licence states that since she was young she has wanted to write novels with Tudor families in mind and this book achieved that wonderfully.
From the descriptions of smell, taste, sounds, surroundings, and clothing I felt immersed in the Tudor world. The Marwood family move from the country to the centre of the court of Henry VIII, Catherine of Aragon, and Anne Boleyn bringing with it the twists and turns that only the Tudor court could bring.
I have always wanted to read a book such as this where the main players in that world actually become the side characters and the main characters are unknown names whose eyes we are seeing through, giving us an alternative view of the Tudor court.
The tension in this book is palpable and it had me reading long into the night when I should have been asleep!
Greatly looking forward to the next book in the series - Troubled Queen.

One of the best historical fiction novels I've read this year - an intriguing plot matched with strong female protagonists. I liked the writing style and the pace of the novel. I've not read any of this author's works before but will definitely be seeking them out. One to add to your reading list.

Thank you to Net Galley and Sapere Books for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

N.B Error message 'Unable to find book with ISBN "9781800556508" on Goodreads' appears when trying to share to Goodreads - have shared separately and added link below

A great start to what I expect to be a very good series. This story focuses on the Marwood Family, a fictional family and their lives during Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. What I liked about it is I know Henry's story inside and out but experiencing it from this family's perspective makes it fresh. You see a different point of view. I very much like the character of Thomasin and look forward to continue to see her cultivate the world around her. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publishers for an e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

The first book in a planned series, this tells a familiar story, but takes the reader in an entirely different direction.
The story centres upon the opposing Tudor courts of Queen Catherine of Aragon, and Anne Boleyn, as seen through the eyes of the Marwood family. Sir Richard Marwood and his wife, Elizabeth were both courtiers at King Henry’s Court, but they both left and retired to Suffolk, with their two daughters, Cecilia and Thomasin. The story starts with Wedding plans coming to fruition for Cecilia and her intended, Sir Henry Kytson.
There are problems at court, The Kings Secret Matter, whereby Henry wishes to divorce Catherine and marry Anne Boleyn, and efforts are made to persuade Sir Richard to return to court to give wise counsel, which he is unwilling to do. He and his family are eventually persuaded to return against their better judgement, and the whole family are at the mercy of both camps, and find their loyalties and friendships tested.
Set in 1527, We, the readers, are observers, looking inwards. The peacefulness of the Suffolk countryside is contrasted against the heat and turmoil of the Tudor court. The grandeur of court, doesn’t disguise the hatred and jealousy of many noble families, who jostle for positions, new wealth, lands, titles, and the ruthlessness of politics, arranged marriages, and the various traps that are set to ensnare and trap vulnerable young women, to ruin their reputation, such evilness abounds.
I enjoyed this book so very much, it is a promising start to a new series. The emphasis is upon the difficult roles of females, wives and daughters alike, and the way they are sacrificed for ambitious men. The need for women to protect their virtue and keep their reputation intact, must have been so stifling, not to mention the dangers of pregnancy and childbirth, those fears must have been overwhelming! Such strong characters have been created, and I’m looking forward to see where this series takes us next.
I love the Tudor period, but, thanks to an Irish, Catholic history teacher, we were all converted to the cause of Mary, Queen of Scots as a person deserving of the English Throne. I still love visiting all things associated with her, and I’m wondering if she will make an appearance in this series!!
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers, Sapere books for my digital advance copy, in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. A five star read. I will leave reviews to Goodreads and Amazon.

Thank you to Netgalley and Sapere Books for the ARC. The opinions expressed are my own. It's 1527 and Thomasin Marwood and her family are heading to London from their home near Suffolk. Leaving the countryside for the Court of King Henry VIII for her sister's wedding. Their parents had served at Court in the reign of King Henry VII. It had been many years since and much had changed. King Henry VIII was trying to put aside his wife, Queen Catherine, for his besotted, Anne Boleyn. The new and dividing factions at Court are tense. Those who still favor the Queen and those who see her impending exile are following Anne Boleyn's rising star.

The Marwood family rejoins Court in the midst of this. Thomasin's Father is being petitioned by Thomas Cromwell, to join the Council at Court to vote on the validity of Queen Catherine and King Henry VIII's marriage. They are searching for anyway out of the marriage and want his help. Thomasin's Mother served Queen Catherine and her loyalty still lies with her. She is appalled at the changes in Court. Thomasin and her sister soon learn a hard lesson about trust, love and loyalty. They are naive and trusting and soon come to obstacles. Does the wedding of Thomasin's sister happen? Is happiness to be thwarted? Will Queen Catherine be put aside for Anne Boleyn? We'll find out in the next book.

It was an easy read; the romance and naievete a bit overdone. I'll probably try the next book to follow Thomasin as she joins Queen Catherine's Court. I'm a HUGE Tudor fan and have a background of reading and watching shows about the Tudors so my knowledge probably aided in the smooth reading of the book.

I enjoyed this imagining of the Tudor court of Henry VIII and the famous historical figures (the Queens, Henry himself, the Boleyn family) - it is evident that the author has done her research and wants to draw the reader into many of the realities of the sixteenth century. Although this is obviously centuries ago, Thomasin's love life and desire to be courted by a man from the other side rings true. I did think that the pacing was a bit off at times in order to further the Catherine plot, but overall this is well written, and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.

I absolutely loved this book. All the usual suspects at the court of Henry VIII were there but the story seemed somewhat different as this story was more about someone looking in and not already there and used to the goings-on. I found the story very probable and surprised that the main storyline had not been covered before, I am looking forward to the next in the story and seeing where Thomasin's adventures will take her in the court of Queen Catherine.

Dangerous Lady by Amy Licence is a great historical fiction that is the first book in the new series: The Marwood Family Tudor Saga.

This series takes place during the reign of Henry VIII and is set amongst his court. This book starts around 1527.

Thomasin Marwood is the main character that gives us an entry into the infamous Tudor court and drama.

There is intrigue, drama, suspense, mystery, love, politics and was entertaining. The author mixes a fictional set of characters into the real history of the drama associated with the factions that were present between Anne Boleyn and Queen Catherine and the unique and unprecedented situation that was taking place in England at that time.

I just love the Tudor period, and it wad really enjoyable to be transported back in time again to follow along.

I look forward to where this series goes from here.

4/5 stars

Thank you NG and Sapere Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub, Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 6/24/22.