Heat Factor: Yep (👅🌮 👅🍆 🍆🍑 💦💦)

Character Chemistry: Obviously they’re in love because she’s either gonna marry the emperor or go be a nun

Plot: Nope

Overall: This is some weird, meandering, historical realism, tradwife smut

I don’t even know where to start.

I picked up this book because the MMC is the Holy Roman Emperor. Cue visions of Charlemagne. How cool is that? I mean, it’s not Charlemagne, it’s Charles V, his centuries-later successor who’s basically just the king of Spain(ish—it didn’t look like it does now) and kind of hangs out in Italy a bunch, too, but still. He’s not just a king, he’s the king of Christendom!

The book centers on Charles’s marriage to Isabella of Portugal, who was his fiance, got dumped for Mary Tudor (of Bloody Mary fame—fun story: she married his son) (yes, really), got undumped, and really did fulfill her destiny (apparently) of being his empress. At least, that’s how it goes in the book. In real life, he was strongly urged to marry Isabella of Portugal, couldn’t be bothered (teenagers, amiright?), got engaged to 6yo Mary Tudor, got tired of waiting for her to grow up because, hello, heirs, and decided to marry Isabella or Portugal after all.

Super romantic, no?

Oh, also, they’re all first cousins. (European royal marriages, amiright?)

That’s another weird thing about this book, though—it’s not some kind of reimagining of a historical political marriage (or relationship—see Solomon’s Crown by Natasha Siegel). No, indeedy, it is pretty much a step for step retelling of this couple’s marriage. Is there a plot? No! There’s no plot to people’s everyday lives. They just do stuff. Have babies. Deal with Ottoman incursions. Imprison French kings. All the usual things.

For me, this lack of focus on one pivotal arc in Charles and Isabella’s lives made the read bizarrely disjointed. It was a bunch of sex (a bunch) and a bunch of slice-of-life moments pasted together with piety and womanly virtue. I couldn’t decide if Harlem was just really leaning into the religious culture of the time—I mean, we’re talking the HRE, here. He’s crowned by the pope to be the leader of all Christendom, hello—or if I’d inadvertently found myself a (shockingly sexy) inspie romance. I have come to the conclusion that I landed in some kind of tradwife fantasy with lots of sex (safely not sinful, as it is within the bounds of holy matrimony, and what the priest don’t know won’t hurt him) but also, like, wife and mother fetishized disenfranchisement. For example:

It was more than she could have ever dared hope. For she knew in her heart, she loved him. She had always loved him. She’d been created to be his wife. She knew that in her soul. And now here they were, married, a lifetime of love and, God willing, children ahead of them.

That all happened as their wedding was wrapping up, and the first time she ever saw him was when the wedding started. (And the reason he’s finally all in with her is that he sneaked into the confessional the night before the wedding and listened to her spill her guts about how, for her, it was him or no one.)

GIF: Very Concerned Dog

Then there’s our necessary mothering instinct moments:

“Shall I hire you a wet nurse?” he asked the question again, even though he knew what the answer would be.

“No.” Isabella adjusted the baby’s swaddling. “I am his mother and I am utterly devoted to providing everything he needs.”

GIF: Dog giving a massive eye roll and falling over

And even the sex was sending some very specific messages (which is impressive, considering the on-page quantity of it). Like:

Witnessing his ecstasy was as wonderful as feeling her own. It cemented her belief that they had been created solely for one another.

That’s their first time, and guess who didn’t need any prep? Or there’s this (I can’t even):

“I had no choice but to ease the burden of it myself.”

“You did that?”

“I did, too many times to count.” He grazed his thumbs over her nipples. “And had I been a mere mortal, I would have repented my sins in confession, but I am Holy Roman Emperor and I absolve myself of sin.” He kissed her neck again, his silky, smooth chin soft on her flesh. “I missed you so much, it hurt.”

“You should not be in pain, my love. And if that… if touching yourself helped, God would understand.”

“And you?” Gently, he turned her so she was facing him.

“Do I understand?”

“No. Did you touch yourself?”

“Charles, you cannot ask me such a thing.” She rested her hands on his tunic and looked up at him.

“I can and I have. Tell me your answer.” She swept her tongue over her lips. “Then the answer is no. I do not have the uncomfortable appendage that you have, so there was no need, even though I missed you desperately.”

GIF: Pug saying "Excuse me but WTF"

The other odd thing about this romance is that, while Charles and Isabella are actually reported to have basically fallen in love at first sight—supported not only by anecdote but also by some historical evidence: he had natural children before and after their marriage, but none during, and he wore mourning and remained unwed until his own death—they were only married for 13 years, until Isabella’s death in 1539, and for a number of those years Charles was off campaigning. These two really don’t ride off into the sunset after marriage, you know?

For all its significant tradwife vibes, I feel I should also note that Isabella’s character is also meant to be extremely competent. She apparently was considered a thoughtful and competent regent while Charles was away, and the text does try to focus on her suitability to be Charles’s empress in that context as well. I had a couple quibbles while reading it, because in one case she suggested something that he’d already ignored from an advisor, and he treated it like she was offering excellent, brand new information. Then, too, she recommended keeping the French king’s sons as hostages, like this was a novel idea and not a fundamental component of medieval political negotiation. (This is your medieval romance reminder that hostages were given, not taken. They’re supposed to act as a guarantee.) And then there was that time when Charles came back from his campaigns, and Isabella turned into an emotional roller coaster that I didn’t want to be on. So, maybe contextually—and by that I mean in view of the period and the role of women in society at that time—we are seeing a lot from Isabella, but generically (at least in the current churn of romances) we tend to see women in historical narratives showing a little more overt independence and competence. That might be harder to do when Isabella’s entire identity is wrapped up in being a wife and mother, so we’re back to the tradwife special.

I just don’t even know what to make of this book. It was such a peculiar juxtaposition of so many narrative options, I don’t know who it’s for. It’s probably way too sexy for an inspie romance lover. Isabella doesn’t have enough of her own identity to appeal to a lot of modern women. And there is honestly no plot. None. I’m just. I’m so confused.

GIF: Very confused mop dog

P.S. The only word that’s ever in italicized Spanish in this book is loco, like all the other Spanish they’re speaking can be translated, but the crazy can’t be. So odd.

P.P.S. The prior two books in this series are about Charles’s parents and grandparents, respectively! What!?

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

This story takes place in the 16th century, and follows the life of a determined and intelligent royal who believes her fate is entwined with one man—the powerful Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V.

Isabella is faced with a decision, she can either wait for Charles, the man she is meant to marry, or retreat to the safety of a convent. Charles is caught up in his duties of empire-building, and seems oblivious to the necessity of securing an heir. When he finally does claim Isabella as his bride in Seville, their marriage sparks a passionate yet politically charged union. The author does a good job of weaving the political and religious upheavals of the time, within the story, adding tension and urgency to Isabella and Charles’s tale.

A captivating and well-researched historical novel that brings one of history’s lesser-known royal love stories to life. If you enjoy courtly drama, strong female protagonists, and the intricacies of European politics in the Renaissance era, then this read is sure to satisfy.

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.

I absolutely enjoyed every minute of this book. Lily Harlem did an excellent job taking historical information and making it into an amazing love story. The characters were done so well flaws and all. I admit that I was hooked from the beginning, and I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read more from this author. I definitely recommend this to the historical fiction/historical romance readers.

Thank you Net Galley, Dragonblade Publishing, and Lily Harlem

Book Name: Embraced by the Emperor
Author: Lily Harlem

ARC
Thank you to Netgalley and DragonBlade Publishing for an ARC

Stars: 1 (DNF)

I DNFd this so my thoughts are unfair at best and MEAN at worst… This review will not be published anywhere other than NetGalley due to its negative and subjective nature so… here are my unfiltered thoughts up to the 30% mark where I finally caved and DNFd

- Thoughts.
- okay the amount of HISTORY info dumping is INSANE (I know this history well so maybe it's just me but...come on)
- BORING (the Cardinal Sin of books)
Is just so much info dumping… like pages and pages of explanation and timelines
- FMC is a power-hungry Mean Girl ( I Will ONLY Marry the Emporer because .. no reason given... )
- MMC is Instantly in Love with her for no real reasons
- The Romance of their meeting is so anticlimactic
- BOOM they are married
- BOOM they LOVE each other despite motivations…. (character development... never heard of her)
- ok this is badly written wanna be Phillips Gregory

I have always wanted to read the backstory of Isabella and Portugal and Charles the Holy Roman Emperor! Lily Harlem comes in and creates a romance story that made my medieval heart sing! 💗

This book was definitely steamy, adventurous, and dragged me in from the first chapter! I love all things medieval aesthetic and I felt as if I was transported in time through the warm pages into an era of chivalry and sexy men in armor! ☕

Trust me! Read anything Lily Harlem writes! It's not just a medieval background and a romance story; it's a page turning heartbeat and a drama worthy of any broadcasting channel! 🌹

The characters chemistry was definitely obvious right away! A romance gilded in royal gemstones that is timeless and enticing! 💞

Bravo!!

*based on real people and events
*strong FMC
*arranged marriage
*instant attraction
*so much chemistry between the two MC’s
*steamy

I enjoyed this entire series and look forward to reading what Ms Harlem writes next.



Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC

Based on true facts, this is the story of Isabella from Portugal and her husband Charles. An arranged marriage, turns to love but it's fraught with politics, hurdles, and so much more. The characters are strong and determined, the author does a great job defining them. In a smooth paced speed, don't miss the amazing love of these two as well what built up kingdoms into the future. Loved this story.

This was a spicy medieval romance set in the fifteenth century. It was very entertaining and exciting with much deceit, battles, and terrible havoc between King Henry, the VIII, Rome, and King Frances. The main characters were intelligent, strong-willed, and devoted. The delicious passion was extremely steamy and very hot. I enjoyed how, despite everything, a beautiful love was found. I highly recommend reading!

Thank you so much for an early copy. This story is a romantic/ fantasy read that keeps you turning the pages. Great read

I love how Isabella is not afraid to speak her mind, and what a strong character she has.
I love how dedicated they are to each other. I also loved how innocent they were in discovering each other's bodies.
However, I have a couple critiques. First of all, I really hate the term cunny. That's just me though. Second, the story really didn't have much plot at all. There were ups and downs but overall there wasn't an overarching plot, which I found very frustrating. I was also surprised how quickly the book ended.

A timeless love story, well written, strong character with each have a good background story making them who they are.

The QUEEN of spicy Medieval Romances. I have absolutely devoured and LOVED this entire series. All of the books have been wonderful salacious treats. I can't wait to read her next book! FIVE STARS 🌟