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Review: Libertine’s Kiss by Judith James
Filed in Judith James , Review , The HEA Lover Posted on July 29, 2010 @ 6:00 am
4 comments
Format Read: E-ARC from NetGalley
Number of Pages: 384 pages
Release Date: August 1st 2010
Publisher: HQN Books
Formats Available: Ebook, Paperback
Purchasing Info: Author’s Website; Goodreads, BookDepository US, BookDepository UK, Amazon
Book Blurb:
William de Veres, the handsome son of a hard-drinking cavalier was abandoned at an early age to a brutal school system and a predatory and abusive tutor. He soon discovers the escapes of poetry, literature, alcohol and sex, and the defenses of a sharp sword and lacerating wit. As a titanic struggle erupts between parliament and king, William takes up arms in the Royalist cause and pursued by Cromwell’s men finds himself seeking shelter from a sober young Puritan woman in a cottage deep in the woods.
The Civil war has cost the once high spirited Elizabeth Walters her best friend and her father, leaving her unprotected and alone. She flees an unwanted marriage, seeking safe haven, but what she finds there is something she never expected. Despite William’s gratitude and promise to aid her, Elizabeth never expects to set him again, but the Restoration of Charles II to his throne will bring her to the attention of both William and the king.
Can a promise long forgotten and a friendship forged in the past help two lonely people find each other and themselves? Can a debauched court poet and notorious libertine convince the wary Elizabeth he is capable of love? These are the questions asked by Libertine’s Kiss…
My Thoughts:
This books is set during a period of history that I didn’t know much about, the Civil War and the Restoration. I started reading Libertine’s Kiss and I just couldn’t stop. I am now fascinated by this period and by the reign of Charles II. I think Judith James’ writing might have something to do with that *wink*. I love her style! I already loved Broken Wing (My review here) but now after reading Libertine’s Kiss she’s on my Auto-buy list!
The hero William de Veres is a rake, a real one! Usually in historical romances, the said rake is only one in name for when he meet the heroine he is magically changed to a perfect gentleman. In Libertine’s Kiss, William is a true libertine, he knows who he is and he makes it clear to the heroine. I loved that fact. William doesn’t change in a heartbeat. He’s never cruel, he’s just true to himself and he doesn’t make promises he won’t keep.
Well I should have warned you but I fell in love with William from the first page. He is a poet but a rather cynical one and he’s never afraid to make fun of his king. There are many poems in this book, very funny cynical poems that entertained me a lot. Of course he’s charming and handsome *g*. But William is haunted by his past and he’s not the child he was when he first met the heroine.
One thing I adored in this book was the insight we have on Charles’ Court. The heroine finds herself at Court and she is completely lost but with the help of William she will learn the ways of courtiers, how to dress like them, how to attract the eye. I was mesmerized. This Court is a debauched one, pleasure is on top of everyone’s agenda and Elizabeth will have to listen to William’s advices to get what she came for. I found the king very interesting and the interactions with Elizabeth were fascinating. (Yes I have a soft spot for Court intrigues lol)
I can’t tell more without revealing too much of the book but I’ll just tell you that I couldn’t close this book (ok this ‘Ebook’, but you got the idea), I found myself reading until 3AM to stay with the characters. The writing is beautiful and sensual. Judith James gave depth too all of her characters. At the end of the book I was grinning from ear to ear. If you love historical romances you will love this book, I’m sure I will be rereading it. I can’t wait for The King’s Courtesan, it sounds amazing and I’m SO excited. *sigh* But it won’t be out until Spring 2011!!! (Check out Judith’s website…the cover and blurb is there!!!)
I give Libertine’s Kiss 4 1/2 bookies.
Tomorrow Judith James will be on Book Lovers, Inc for an interview and a giveaway! Stay tuned =)
***FTC Disclaimer: Most books reviewed on this site have been provided free of charge by the publisher, author or publicist. Some books we have purchased with our own money and will be noted as such. Any links to places to purchase books are provided as a convenience, and do not serve as an endorsement by this blog. All reviews are the true and honest opinion of the blogger reviewing the book. The method of acquiring the book does not have a bearing on the content of the review. All our links to the online bookstores are affiliate links. The money earned with these accounts is spent on books for contest exclusively. FYI I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
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| 5 Stars: Perfect! I Love It! | |||||||||
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This novel sounds rich. Sometimes you want to read a romance that you can sink your teeth into. Plus, a *real* bad boy libertine? I have to see how the author handles that!
@Scorpio M. Ohh yes there is a lot to sink one's teeth into! I love discovering this time period. The hero is not your usual rake, I loved him! I can't wait for The King's Courtesan, I'm really really excited about this one too.
I love her writing *g*
I'm looking forward to reading this one! I LOVED Broken Wing. Glad to hear this one delivers!
@Mollie Oh you will love it! I enjoyed Broken Wing immensely too. And I, too, decided to read it after reading Kristie J's review! lol =P