Soldier of Fortune // The King's Courtesan — Judith James

"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

Soldier of Fortune: The King's Courtesan, tells the story of Hope Mathews, a character inspired by Nell Gwynn, and Captain Nichols, a war-weary soldier first introduced to readers in Libertine's Kiss. Haunted by his past, hardened by years of fighting and his honor a distant memory, Robert Nichols lives for revenge. 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 and disillusioned, trapped in a marriage neither of them wants, 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." -- BOOKLOVERS INC

"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." -- THE LITERARY NYMPH