A Modern Psychology Student in the Body of Catherine Howard
In this clever reimagining, Lily suddenly finds herself trapped in the body of King Henry VIII’s fifth wife in this In My Tudor Era, a time-travel romance by Kate Bromley. While most people would be worried about the lack of modern amenities, Lily is more concerned with the very real threat of the executioner. She has to figure out how to keep her head firmly on her shoulders while navigating a marriage to a king who isn’t known for his “till death do us part” patience. Watching Lily’s reactions and antics while being so completely displaced in history is an incredibly enjoyable trip.
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One of the most engaging aspects is how Lily uses her 21st-century psychology background. She isn’t just reacting to the drama; she’s actively trying to analyze the volatile personalities around her to survive. This adds a layer of intellectual wit to the narrative that sets it apart from other time-travel tropes.
Taking Control and Changing the Narrative
A major theme throughout In My Tudor Era is the struggle for agency. Historically, Catherine Howard is often portrayed as a pawn or a victim of her circumstances. By placing Lily—a modern, educated woman—in her shoes, Bromley explores whether one person can really change the “script” of history. It touches on the idea of female autonomy in a world designed to suppress it. She refuses to simply wait for the axe to fall; she challenges the inevitability of her fate, making Lily a protagonist you can really root for as she fights to reclaim her future.
A Forbidden Connection with the King’s Champion Jouster
The story is made even more compelling by Lily’s connection with Simon Gainsford, the king’s champion jouster. Simon gets Lily on a much deeper level than just the physical; he understands her in a way no one else in the 16th (or 21st!) century does. Their chemistry is so white-hot that it threatens to burn them both if the king ever discovers their secret affair. Their relationship represents a theme of finding genuine human connection in a world built on artifice and political maneuvering.
A Fun Historical Escape That Needed an Epilogue
While the book is fun, fast-paced, and delightfully spicy, the ending does leave something to be desired. Instead of letting readers wonder what happens afterwards, the book really could have benefitted from an epilogue to tie up the loose ends and show us the long-term impact of Lily’s journey. However, if you’re looking for a clever recreating of the Tudor court with high stakes and deep romantic tension, this is a journey worth taking. As someone that really loves humorous time-travel romances do check In My Tudor Era by Kate Bromley out!
Thanks to Avon and HarperCollins for this #gifted book for this review.
