Notorious by Virginia Henley

From the Publisher

Never before published-from the New York Times bestselling author of Infamous

The daughter of Jory de Warenne and lady-in-waiting to Queen Isabelle, the spirited Brianna de Beauchamp is betrothed to the distinguished Lincoln Robert de Warenne, but yearns for a deeper passion. When she meets the dark and dangerous Wolf Mortimer-a man who possesses the Celtic gift of second sight-she finds it impossible not to surrender to his fierce desire. And when Wolf's father-the queen's lover, Roger Mortimer-is imprisoned in the Tower of London, she finds herself swept on an adventure that not only puts her heart in peril, but jeopardizes the life of the man who could be her destiny...

Publishers Weekly

Rife with political intrigue, this medieval historical romance never lacks for suspense, but overblown language, a too-easy wrapup and excessive melodrama undermine the reader's enjoyment. "I shouldn't... but I shall!" is noblewoman Brianna de Beauchamp's credo, and she applies it often throughout. Should she involve herself in the brewing battle between England's marcher barons and the degenerate King Edward II? And, perhaps more importantly, should she provoke the handsome and dangerous Wolf Mortimer? She shouldn't but she does, making herself an essential channel of communication between the barons and their ally, Queen Isabelle, as well as the object of Wolf's fantasies. Veteran author Henley (Infamous) weaves a colorful tapestry full of notorious real-life noblemen and royals, proving that fact can be more fascinating than fiction. However, Henley would do better to heed the "less is more" doctrine; too often characters restate facts, and Henley compulsively inserts distracting exclamatories for added drama ("I foolishly forgave you once, but never again. I wouldn't lower myself to spit on you!"). Despite its flaws, this dynamic, heavily embellished history lesson manages to do what few can—illuminate and entertain. (May)

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