"Terrific 17th Century Restoration Period Adventure"

Setting 1666, England -- Once a beloved daughter Lady Katherne Lindsay's life changed after her brothers were killed and father hanged by Cromwell for backing the exiled king. Now dowerless she was little more than a servant to her cousin Lady Joan Pursevant and her husband, the odious Sir William who assumed her fathers estates and her dower rights. On the night Sir William came to her bedchamber intending to snatch her virtue she is saved by the maid Martha. With a heavy club to the head and thinking the man dead, both Lady Katherne and Martha flee to avoid a death sentence. On the way to London both are given sanctuary by Jeremy Hughes, the manager and irresistible leading man of a traveling band of actors. Before long, it became apparent to all that Jeremy had found a new leading lady and that lady was Katherne.

Katherne threw herself into her roles quickly becoming an accomplished actress, never more so than when playing opposite Jeremy. In spite of having made a vow to never let any man become her master Katherne soon loses her heart to Jeremy. But as enemies from the past resurface at the most inopportune moments the future, a love, and the adventure of a lifetime she longed for might be lost forever.

*** Westin has delivered 'in spades' a rollicking action- packed lusty read filled with adventure, superb historical detail and fabulous dialogue set in the outrageously bawdy reign of the 'merry king' King Charles II. She effortlessly weaves the lives of other prominent historical figures such as John Wilmot 'The Libertine', Lord Rochester, and the famous actress Nell Gwynne into Katherne and Jeremy's story making history come alive during that fascinating period of the Restoration.

In spite of the shoddy treatment received at the hands of her cousin and uncle Lady Katherne remained a lady though she soon acclimated herself into the bawdy world of the theatre and came to cherish the freedoms presented to her even as old and new enemies were ready to take her down. Jeremy was perfectly charming and her perfect match both on and off the stage igniting in her a passion for lovemaking as deep and profound as her love and acumen of the stage. He also was smart enough in realizing that in order to capture the woman of his dreams he had to let her be the one to capture him. Additionally between the very smart and witty dialogs, you also are presented with a beautifully written story showcasing a marvelous example of tastefully done sensuality and a couple of total surprise twists I never saw coming. This is a rare treat for the senses -- so pamper yourself and curl up with this delightful read.

Marilyn Rondeau -- RIO, Reviewers International Organization

Reviewed by Marilyn Rondeau
Posted July 25, 2006

Summary

In Restoration England, where a lady's luck depends on the chivalry of her master, a ravishing young noblewoman escapes to the stage and embraces a life of danger and desire alongside the most charismatic of players...

For years, Lady Katherne Lindsay's uncle has denied her noble heritage and treated her like a servant. But the night she foils his lecherous plan to steal her virtue, she becomes a suspected murderess with a bounty on her head. To avoid hanging from the king's gallows, she is forced to take shelter with a dashing actor and play along as his leading lady, despite the constant threat of capture....

Jeremy Hughes is notorious both for his performances upon the stage and in the bedchamber. Any wise woman would keep her distance from such an irresistible rogue. But as Lady Katherne blooms into an accomplished actress and a confident woman, she can't help giving her whole heart to Jeremy and longing to win him for a lifetime of daring love and passionate adventure.