Rakes and Rogues of the Restoration #2 Soldier of Fortune (Formerly The King’s Courtesan) Soldier of Fortune tells the story of Hope Mathews, a character inspired by Nell Gwynn, and Captain Robert Nichols, a war-weary Parliamentarian captain first introduced to readers in Libertine’s Kiss. Haunted by his past, hardened by years of fighting and consumed by a quest for revenge, Robert Nichols’ honor is a fading memory. When Charles II confiscates his lands to reward one of his backers it seems life as a mercenary is all that’s left, until the king makes him an offer. Marry his mistress, a beautiful courtesan with humble beginnings and he will keep his lands and be richly rewarded. To Hope, who dreams of independence it’s a crushing betrayal and for Robert it represents a new low. Bitter, disillusioned, trapped in a marriage neither of them want, their clash is inevitable. Can these two wounded souls realize the answer to all their dreams might lie in each other's arms?
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 mainappeals of this book is how it makes you learn so much about this historical period. I will be impatiently awaiting Judith James’ next book!~Caroline
“Judith James can paint with her words...and bring to life King Charlie and his court for me any time! Reading her novels is the closest I can come to living them.” ~bookworm2bookworm
This is an entertaining Restoration romance loaded with a rich historical background interwoven with an endearing romance... Historical romance readers will relish this exciting late seventeenth century tale.
“James’ fully realized version of naughty, bawdy Restoration England is the ideal setting for her marvelous characters to play out their sensual and romantic love story. Through the pages readers come to believe in hope, true love, trust and the great gift of passion lovers share. The quick pace, strong dialogue and high degree of sensuality added to the lush backdrop will have readers enthralled.” ~Romantic Times top pick
Seventeenth century England is the perfect setting for this novel and Ms. James does it justice. She describes a rich, evocative world that I can’t wait to sink back into... an excellent, sumptuous treat. I cannot wait for the next one..
This is one really hot delicious book that you won’t be able to put down...a tale you won’t want to miss just for this last sentence alone.
~Terra
Although Libertine's Kiss and The King's Courtesan are connected stories with recurring characters they were not connected as a series by title or covers. I am pleased to release an enhanced version of the King's Courtesan, now titled Soldier of Fortune in the form and length that was originally intended. Readers who enjoyed Libertine's Kiss can find out what happened to Captain Nichols and catch up with Lizzy, Charlie and Will.
