I really enjoy a good fairytale retelling and each book in this series has been wonderfully written. This latest addition also did not disappoint. Ms. Knight does a great job of retelling the story of Rapunzel, with of course a twist. Spen is the heir to the Marquess of Deerhaven. When he falls in love with Cordelia, a wealthy commoner, his cruel and controlling father locks him in a tower. He is to remain imprisoned until he agrees to an arranged marriage. It seems it will be up to Cordelia to save him.
I always like a strong and fearless heroine, and I enjoyed the twist of the role reversal. This is the fifth book of the series, but can easily be read as a standalone. The story was very well-written and piqued my interest from the very beginning and kept me engaged till the end. The storyline flowed smoothly and plot twists kept me turning the pages, anxious to see what happens next. The characters were well-developed and had great chemistry and I enjoyed following their story. A delightful addition to the series!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.

The Earl in the Tower

Like Rapunzel, Spen was imprisoned in the tower. His cruel father is someone you would not wish on your worst enemy.

Spen will weave a rope out of horsehair, but would it be the rope to free him from his prison? His father was relentless, and despite all of Cordelia's valiant efforts, Spen would disappear while she suffered from a grievous injury. However, Spen and Cordelia were determined that they would be together. Could Cordelia find Spen before his father broke him?

I loved this story and found myself on the edge of my seat for the entire book. This is an excellent fairy tale retelling, with romance and suspense that keeps you turning the pages. It might be my favorite in this series. I recommend it to those who like historical romance with suspense.

What a wonderful cast of characters in this reversed Rapunzel story. Spen and Cordelia complimented each other so well. Add in their cast of amazing support with stories of their own - Uncle Josh Milton, Spen's brother John, Lady Daphne, Miss Faversham and Marsh. The villains - two fathers who should have known better.
I wasn't sure how the story would go, but once I started, I could not put it down.
I recommend you read this amazing story for yourself - it contains so much.

Weave Me A Rope by Jude Knight is a book parallel to the story of Rapunzel. There are a multitude of differences, however. The Earl of Spenhurst had not yet reached the age of majority but already his father was demanding a bride, and an heir. Spenhurst could not imagine spending his life with any of the vapid young women he met at the myriad of balls he attended. He was at one such ball when he came upon a trio of young women heckling another young woman, Lady Daphne, who seemed unable to defend herself. It was there he came upon the woman who would be his wife, Cordelia, who had rescued the young woman after she had “fallen” into the fountain. Not only was she beautiful, but kind as well. When he spoke to her further he discovered that she was also well-read and interesting. As he got to know her he appreciated all of her finer qualities and when he asked for her hand, she gladly agreed. He took her to meet his father, who was all smiles until his father discovered Cordelia rather than Lady Daphne. Cordelia was hurried away as Spen spoke with his father, well, actually was threatened by his father. He was then hauled away and beaten, locked in a room, and fed only bread and water, once a day. Cordelia could not let anything happen to Spen. She loved him and she was creative.

She climbed a tree to get to him. She brought him food and books and tools. He reciprocated by resisting and growing up. It was a long slog but her persistence gave him courage. His father and Lady Daphne’s father tried everything but they were outsmarted by Spen, Cordelia, and the friends Spen had made during his imprisonment. He was clever, more clever than his father had assumed and they set the two older men up perfectly and in the end got what they wanted. Cordelia was the perfect marchioness: strong, controlled, beautiful, and Spen the perfect marquess, the time he had spent studying the books and learning from the steward made him the perfect manager of all the estates. This was an entertaining book by Jude Knight. Thanks!

I was invited to read Weave Me A Rope by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #JudeKnight #WeaveMeARope

Thank you Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for access to this arc.



Yay and huzzah that Spen and Cordelia do not immediately fall in love nor are they enemies who fall in love. Spen and Cordelia are well aware of their differing social stations and that society would most likely frown on such a romance/marriage. Spen also knows it would anger his father who is so aware of his station as a Marquess and what is due the family. As well, Cordelia is reluctant to consider such a match because of her reception by the ton who call her (not in her hearing but darn close) an encroaching mushroom among other things.

Instead first there is respect between them that leads to growing feelings. However, although we are told that their feelings are changing, we don’t actually see this unfold very much. We’re told that Spen divides his time between certain debutantes for a specific reason – to protect them against the hellcats, the rakes, the fortune-hunters, and to lend countenance to Cordelia. It is while doing this that he sees how well Cordelia handles these unsavory people, how intelligent she is, and how kind she is – especially to Lady Daphne. Cordelia has never expected to find a match during her Season. Her pragmatic plans are to appease her Uncle by participating then find a husband from her own class. It is only gradually that she comes to feel that Spen is The One and for similar reasons to those he feels for her.

All this is just the beginning of the story as Spen and Cordelia must fight for their HEA. A little of what they are subjected to might be excused because this is a fairy tale retelling but sadly some might be actually not too far from what might have happened when powerful men, in an age when powerful men were all powerful and control their children, set about getting what they want. Watching the two lovers scheme to overcome the obstacles between them is entertaining as they put their minds and their kindness to work to do so. It also doesn’t hurt that Cordelia’s Uncle is a wealthy man who knows how to pull strings and weave nets to catch the villains. The ultimate setup of the situation that wins the day is clever and seems legit as well.

It is at this point that the plot slowed down and dragged a bit for me. There is a last second hitch that I felt was unneeded as well as two epilogues — two?? And a marriage occurs that I found distasteful and also unnecessary. I’m just going to pretend that I didn’t read this bit and remember the quick and clever way that Cordelia and Spen win the day. B

This is a clever roles-reversed telling of Rapunzel. The hero, the Earl of Spenhurst, is under pressure from his father, the marquess, to marry even though he is only twenty. The heroine, Cordelia Milton, is the niece of a wealthy merchant. She is beautiful, smart, and business savvy. Spen has found who he wishes to marry. When his father refuses to accept Cordelia, and Spen refuses to marry the bride his father has chosen, Spen is locked away in a tower and beaten. Cordelia is determined to save Spen. The final plan is risky, but with the help of a group of friends, they put into motion. As in all fairy tales, the evil forces didn’t stand a chance against the forces of good. The story is quite an adventure for Spen and Cordelia. The characters, with a few obvious exceptions, are great. Uncle Josh is awesome, and Lady Daphne is delightful. Is there a happy ending? As a matter of fact, there are several.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

I wondered what Jude was going to do with this story. I have read all the books in this series, and they can all be read as stand alone. This is the story of unimaginable evil and harm that a parent would do to their own children for gain. It is also the love story of our couple who will endure anything to be together. Paul, the Earl of Spenhurst, Spen as he is known to his friends. He has been told by his father, The Marquess he must marry and soon. Spen doesn’t do well in large crowds and gatherings. He hates gossip and small talk that is demanded at balls and socials events. While at a ball given by his aunt, he escapes to the garden where he watches three of the women, for they were no Ladies. They pushed another young lady into the fountain pool! Before he steps in to help an Angel comes to the aid of the young lady. Cordelia Milton is the niece to a very wealthy merchant. She knew the three snobbish, nasty women were up to no good when they left the party. The person pushed into the pond is Lady Daphne, a childlike person in a women's body, who doesn’t understand things like evil, hatred and doing harm to others. Spen helps Cordelia and Lady Daphne, and their chaperones escape without being noticed. He is taken by Cordelia and her fast actions. He sets out to find who she is. As they run into each other at events and spend some time together. He has fallen for her. He recuses her from another evil person and asks for her hand in marriage. Now the real story begins. His father is a mean, controlling person and has a fit when he finds out who she is. He kicks her out of his house, and has Spen, beaten and locked in a tower till he agrees to marry who he tells him to. Both Spen, and Cordelia will go through much pain, danger and harm to be together. Never giving up on the other no matter what they are told. This is a fast-paced story with a lot of twists and turns and meanness too. With help from many second characters, Spen brother John, Aunt Eliza, Uncle Josh to name a few and lots of the servants too. A word of caution, once you start reading this book you will not be able to put it down till the end. You will go through a ton of emotions while reading this story. The power of love will have you smile and the hoping her evil ones get what is coming to them. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it. Bes sure and not miss this series, all the books are great and different form normal regency romances.

This story had two very likeable characters in Cordelia and Spen ( Earl of Spenhurst. They were both young but had very determined personalities. Spen’s father was very controlling and wanted Spen to marry who he had chosen. Cordelia was brave and intelligent, she also had a very influential and wealthy uncle. Her uncle was in trade but he cared deeply for Cordelia’s welfare and would do anything to aid Cordelia. I liked the way they thwarted Spen’s father and got people to help them. I found this to be an enjoyable read that moved along at a good pace and had plenty of action. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own. However I did preorder my own copy.

A reversed Rapunzel, this story weaves the love of Spen and Cordelia into a fast heartwarming adventure. Forbidden to marry, Spen's horrible father ( who thinks he knows best) puts a twist on cruelty that he inflicts on his son. Now Spen is young but determined and over time you see great growth and backbone developing in him. Cordelia is also young but with the help of others crafts a plan to be united with Spen. A fast moving story, with references to old friends in the series and excellently crafted in creativity with romance as a lovely bonus.

Paul Ambrose George Bedevere Forsythe, the Earl of Spenhurst is heir to the Marquis of Deerhaven & falls for Cordelia Milton who is a rich merchant’s niece. When he informs his father, Spen is beaten & locked away in a tower. Spen won’t get out, the marquis his father says, until he agrees to an arranged marriage to Lady Daphne. Cordelia is determined to rescue her beloved, but it all goes horribly wrong. She needs time to recover from her injuries, and Spen has been moved across the country under heavy guard. It seems impossible for two young lovers to overcome the selfish plans of two powerful peers, but they won’t give up.
The fifth book in the series & whilst its easily read on its own characters from previous books & also other series do make appearances. I loved both Spen & Cordelia who whilst young were mature for their ages. Boy did they stick to their guns & were determined to be together. Spen seemed to be a bit lacklustre at the beginning but he started to show his backbone when he stood up to bullies & protected Daphne,he was also charming & I loved how he won his guards round. Cordelia was one strong woman, intelligent, caring & determined. A very well written book which flowed well & the pages flew by as I needed to see how they would achieve their HEA. The plan they came up with was different & brave but it worked. I also loved getting to know John as a teenager
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.

I love a fairy tale retelling, and have been enjoying the twists that Jude Knight has put into the various stories in this series. This is a version of Rapunzel, with themes of differing social status, social prejudice/snobbery, and role reversals. There is also kidnapping, hostage taking, and domestic violence/physical assault detailed in this as well, for those who are triggered by this. This story also occurs many years before some of the preceding ones, as it is about the older brother of a previous MMC, John, from Perchance to Dream.

Spen, the Earl of Spenhurst, is an earnest young man, just out in Society. He is the heir to the Marquess of Deerhaven, and appears to be quite domineered by his choleric, abusive, controlling father. Spen has the misfortune to fall in love with Cordelia Milton, an intelligent, kind, orphaned commoner, who is barely tolerated at the edges of Society because of her wealth. Her wealthy businessman uncle is trying to fulfill his promises to her parents by fostering a good match, ideally with a title, but they are seen as trying to buy their way into Society. Cordelia however, does not seem to care overmuch for the snobbery and conceits of Society. Spen falls for her beauty and the kindness she exhibits to others in Society, who are maltreated by the mean girl types.

He is aware of his father's prejudices, including about status, and being below the age of majority, must seek his father's approval to wed. He proposes to Cordelia, and the Marquess, misunderstanding who his son has proposed to, arranges a house party to meet the fiancee. He is enraged upon discovering his son has proposed to a common Cit, and throws her out, and locks his son away, to be guarded and beaten into submission. He tries to force a match he has arranged with another Earl, to his disabled daughter, on Spen. Spen remains under imprisonment, and frequently abused on the orders of his father, in the hopes of forcing his compliance.

Cordelia takes on the role of hero, managing to sneak Spen some comforts and tools to help aid him, and help his escape. Eventually, with the help of friends and those loyal to Spen and Cordelia, they outwit the Marquess and Earl and find their HEA.

I enjoyed the role reversal of this story, with Spen taking the role of damsel in distress, and Cordelia taking on the active role of hero. She is shows intelligence, strength and fortitude, while Spen realizes that he has been passively waiting for someone to act and save him. I quite like how Spen realizes this and appreciates Cordelia for her ability to plan and put things into action. This also has dark and gritty aspects too, with the Marquess arranging for the violent abuse of his son to bring about compliance, as well as allusions to his abuse of his wife, and murder of his prior wife. I also enjoyed the complex plan Cordelia, Spen and their cohorts come up with to fool the Marquess and Earl, in order to defeat them in their plans. At times, the story seemed to drag a bit, and I found Cordelia and Spen's sensual interlude did not feel authentic to me. But I did generally enjoy this version of Rapunzel. I quite enjoyed the secondary characters and their relationships as well, especially John's character, since I read his story previously.

3.75 stars out of 5

Weave Me a Rope by Jude Knight is a Regency romance where the female lead, Cordelia, is the bold one while the male lead, Spen, is more reserved. It is a loose retelling of the original Rapunzel fairy tale without the magical elements.

Spen is the eldest son of a marquess and sought after by young ladies in the Ton but is timid and keeps to himself. When he sees several young women tormenting another, he is about to intervene when Cordelia, the daughter of a merchant and not a member of the gentry, comes forward to assist. Spen falls almost instantly for her while Cordelia is attracted to his gentle nature and how respectfully he treats Lady Daphne, the young woman she had saved.

Spen’s father refuses to allow them to marry and keeps Spen locked away until Spen agrees to marry Lady Daphne instead, leaving Cordelia to find a way for them to be together.

What I really liked was how this flips in the script in most Regency romances, with Cordelia being more forward and self-assured without pressuring Spen or insulting his masculinity. It’s really nice to see a historical romance where the gender roles are flipped and neither partner shames the other for it, instead admiring and being attracted to those qualities.

Content warning for abuse and depictions of attitudes regarding mental health that were common in the time period.

I would recommend this to Regency romance fans looking for a gender-flipped romance.

Clean historical fiction in regency England. The author’s description and voice were believable making the main characters dimensional and endearing. After 40 pages in I was on team Spen/Cornelia.

Sadly, my enthusiasm wained drastically due to the overly complicated plot dragging on. There are some nuggets of interest hiding throughout the novel, like a cute twist Rapunzel’s story. Entertaining enough for a read, just personally wouldn’t repeat.

3 out of 5 stars.

This was a sponsored ARC through NetGalley.

If you're looking for a clean historical romance, this is not the one. There are some very sensual scenes and I was not a fan of some of the phrases like Spen's "anatomical evidence" of his attraction to Cordelia. There were good ideas in the novel but the execution just wasn't quite there for me. I was about 35% of the way through and wondering what on earth could possibly happen in the next 65%, already somewhat losing interest. A condensed plot would have been better. I will say that the best part of the book are the characters- I especially liked the side characters like Fielder and Marsh and how they demonstrated their loyalty after being on the receiving end of kindness. I would like to know more about John, but I don't know that I'm tempted enough to read the other books in the series.

This checked off everything I look for in a book. Was not disappointed. Really enjoyed this book. I will read more from this author. Must read

The obsession for an heir and the means by which the Earl of Spenhurst's father attempts to achieve his goals puts a new spin on cruelty. In spite of his youth and gentle disposition, Spen as he is known to his friends, is rapidly learning how to think for himself and to achieve the desires of his heart. Miss Cordelia Milton is a well-dowered heiress and she makes it her mission not only to rescue Spen, but to also impart the knowledge with which she runs her own enterprises. Together they not only thwart the plans made for them but also earn the respect of trusted people who support them and aid them in reaching for their happiness. There is adventure and suspense, liberally laced with humor and romance and the novel comes to a lovely conclusion. I received a copy of this novel as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Of all the books in the series this one felt like it had the highest stakes. Obviously we know how everything worked out for Spen and Cordelia from the first books but it was still quite a trial these two went through to get to their happy ending. If you couldn't tell from the title and description, this is a Rapunzel retelling. I wasn't sure how the author would pull off the "being kept in the tower" part of the story but it happens in such a way that I didn't question it at all. The "hair" rope was also very clever. I loved that Cordelia never gave up on finding and rescuing Spen and that he remained committed to her even after taking beating after beating. I was a little confused by some of the actions of Daphne's father - I understood his worry that she would never marry, but he seemed to go from hating her to caring for her to back to hating her. Knowing more about John's backstory makes what he goes through in the future books a little sadder (and I already felt really bad for him) - I'm glad that I know he also finds his perfect partner. I have been really enjoying this series from Jude Knight. Although it feels like this will be the last of them, I do really hope she writes a few more.

Soulmates across the class divide refuse to be ripped apart!

A quick romance sparks electric, immediate and souldeep love but comes with the unforgiving barrier of differing social status that causes no end of animosity, dangerous arrogant snobbery steeped in parental dictatorship and a fight that will really test their love, to breaking point, in this fun reimagining.
A sweet meeting of like minds and compassionate hearts, quickly flips the expected script and sends us down a tangent, clouded by the lingering feeling something is about to rip apart their promising all encompassing love. Plunging you into a thrilling tale focused upon a need to rescue, liberate and outsmart the hero's captors and their sickening machinations, evolving the tale into a compelling 'can love conquer all' romance.
The refreshing, wise beyond their years, besotted couple, in Spen and Cordelia, see us step back in time, to before this series began (a prequel to books 1-4), as we get to see where it all began for the chief advocates, Lord and Lady Deerhaven.
The story fluently flew through clever twists, turns, setbacks and counter plays as family dynamics and the overriding love the young couple shared, drove them forward with a need to be together and unfolded with the audacious plans, schemes and no compromising on their desires leading to others being hurt because of them.
I really enjoyed this, I remained engaged until the end because frankly I just needed to see them succeed and how they would accomplish something so illfated. There was so much intelligence, resilience and throwing caution to the wind, needed for this pair to finally be together, that they kept pulling me back in time and time again.
The depth to the characters, heart, warmth and unconditional loyalty and love that radiated, from the leads, their makeshift group of friends and her family, mingling with the easy to loathe believability of the villains, brought to life the intricate detail portrayed in the setting and pulled me into the story and sheer adventure they embarked upon. An all or nothing mission to both find each other and a way to be together as they fought to beat the odds and ultimately win the war, not just the battles and skirmishes placed in their path along the way.
A well written, role reversal twist on a fairytale reimagining of Repunsel, from a series I've loved every minute being wrapped up in! I'm really hoping for more from the delight that is Jude Knight and her refreshing take on many a fairytale classic! An adventure I recommend being swept up by wholeheartedly!

All these types of book are great for chilling out with, Takes you to another world and into another time altogether. Great.

DNF at 50% - this just wasn’t for me. The courtship was completely glossed over, as was the spice. Spen’s imprisonment was frankly boring.