Format Read: ARC provided by publisher from Netgalley
Length: 384 pages
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: August 23rd, 2011
Formats Available: Kindle, e-Book, paperback
Purchasing Info: Author’s Website, Amazon, Goodreads, Book Depository (US), Book Depository (UK)
Book Blurb:
HER BODY IS A BATTLEGROUND
Sensuous, beautiful and determined, Hope Matthews is a favored mistress of the king. Her many charms have helped her rise from the gutter to the king’s bed. But with the new queen’s impending arrival, her nights in the royal chamber— and her hopes for security—will swiftly come to an end.
HIS HONOR A DISTANT MEMORY
Haunted by his past, hardened by the recent civil war, Captain Robert Nichols lives only for revenge. When told he must marry the king’s courtesan to provide a cover for their affair, he’s faced with a new low. Both are pawns of a great man, but married to their dreams of independence, their clash is inevitable. Can these two wounded souls realize the answer to all their dreams might lie in each other’s arms?
My Thoughts:
Judith James won me over last year with a fantastic Libertine’s Kiss. I loved it so much that I’ve been counting the days ’till the release of The King’s Courtesan. To be honest I think this book is responsible for my Netgalley addiction. Why? Because I’ve been checking the website everyday for the last 5 months in hope of seeing The King’s Courtesan up for request. As you can imagine I might have stumbled on a few other books in the process 😉 (<== bad excuse I know!!)
But back to the book! Captain Robert Nichols was first introduced in Libertine’s Kiss. I felt pretty bad for him and I wanted him to get his HEA after all. He’s a reasonable man (well most of the time), a no-nonsense kind of man. He’s also driven by revenge. His only goal in life is to finally be able to get his revenge. Robert is haunted by the past and he can’t let go.
One thing I love about this book is that it’s set in a time period that is not often depicted in books. We get to be completely immersed in the Civil War and Charles II’s reign. I learned a lot about this historical period while reading Judith James’ books. Robert was on the wrong side of the war now he has to deal with the consequences. And in this case the consequences are pretty bittersweet. He is ordered to marry the King’s Courtesan, Hope.
Hope Matthews is a courtesan. She could have ended up a street-whore but she has wits and she’s very courageous. She turned her situation into something very positive. Right now she’s the king’s mistress…well one of them. I absolutely adored the scenes between Hope and Charles. Their relationship is based on friendship and honesty.Well to be completely honest, I just loved Charles, he’s a fascinating king. I loved how he could change from a very nice and easy person to his ruthless King’s persona in a second. He already fascinated me in Libertine’s Kiss and I’m glad we got to see him a bit more.
Charles is soon to be married, he can’t have an unmarried mistress at Court. He doesn’t want to part with Hope so he engineers a way to have her at Court…married! Charles really is a wicked man, he’s very manipulative and won’t stop at anything to get what he wants.
Hope and Robert’s relationship starts off. They were both manipulated in a wedding they didn’t want. Robert has to accept that his ‘wife’ will be the King’s mistress. He’ll be officially cuckold in front of the whole Court. Hope on the other end feels like she’s been cast off. All she wanted was to be free…to be her own master. Judith James made me root for them, I wanted them to fall for each other. I wanted them to fight their demons and finally be happy. I was scared I wouldn’t like the whole ‘courtesan’ thing but it turn out very well. *g* . I loved how they fought and how passionate they were.
An added bonus is that we get to see the main characters from Libertine’s Kiss once again. It was a very good surprise. *g*
The King’s Courtesan is a beautiful love story set in a rich historical period. Court Intrigues, War, Revenge those are a few of the things our heroes will have to overcome to finally get their HEA. Judith James gives us a story about how love can heal the scars from the past. If you love Historical romances with a bit of Court intrigues then this is for you. One of the main appeal of this book is how it makes you learn so much about this historical period. I will be impatiently awaiting Judith James’ next book!
I give The King’s Courtesan 4 1/2 Bookies
***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.
About Caro The HEA Lover
Caroline is a HEA loving, yarn addicted French who's desperately hoping to get a HEA of her own. If she's not reading then she can be found knitting while listening to Audiobooks or watching Tv shows. Her secret addiction is reading websites that make fun at other people's expense (DYAC, Failbook)! Caroline also blogs at the Secret HEA Society with Susi.
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It does sounds good! 😀
*sad* I have not even heard back from NG, no even a no, how sad
I very much enjoyed Judith James's series as well. I love the blend of history and romance.
@Blodeuedd :/ This sucks! Usually you get an answer even if it's 'no'. *frown* :/ Maybe it's a sign you should start with Libertine's Kiss 😉
@Amanda I wished more historical romances were that way. I do like the fun and light romances too but I love getting historical facts while reading *g* . Are you also hoping for a book 3? I sure am!
oh my gosh, i want to read this like right NOW
@Carrie It was the highlight of my reading month. I hope you'll enjoy it too. Really good =)