Notorious

by Virginia Henley

Book Overview

The New York Times bestselling author of Infamous takes readers back in time to medieval England in this sequel that tells the story of Jory de Beauchamp's daughter, Brianna. When she meets a man who... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0451221052
• ISBN13: 9780451221056
• Release Date: May 2007
• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 0.48 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 4.2" x 6.8"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

History with Romance

This is not just another vacuous novel about a heroic woman who meets an equally heroic man, but rather a good story wrapped around historical facts that make this time period come to life. I enjoyed this novel and would recommend it as a great beach read or escape from those "Book Club" books and the serious discussions that result.

Another Thrilling Historical - 4-1/2*

Author Virginia Henley continues to gift her fans by bringing history alive while interweaving brilliant love stories along with richly researched historical background; and to my great delight she does this over and over again! Set in 1322 during the reign of King Edward II, Brianna de Beauchamp the daughter of Jory de Warenne (from INFAMOUS) has always known she would marry her cousin Lincoln Robert de Warenne. But, when Brianna meets the dark and dangerous looking Wolf Mortimer and his pet wolf, her body reacts strangely as she becomes increasingly aware of the man said to possess the Celtic gift of second-sight. Admiring her mother and wanting to walk in her footsteps, Brianna puts off her wedding to Lincoln in order to experience life at court as a Lady in Waiting to Isabelle the Queen of England - just as her mother did. Soon after arriving at court she is caught up in treacherous politics and finds herself embroiled in a dangerous adventure when Wolf's father Roger Mortimer (the queen's lover) is imprisoned in the impenetrable Tower of London. Viciousness, betrayals, and greed are the catalysts that dog Brianna's every step as she is swept into an adventure that could cost not only her very life but the life of the man who she can't erase from her thoughts - Wolf Mortimer. Brianna was not only a beauty, but was wise enough in wanting to wait before marriage in order to experience something of life before marrying her child hood friend and cousin Lincoln. She was confused over her feelings by the stunningly virile Wolf Mortimer, who with his gift of second sight knew without a doubt that Brianna was HIS destiny. Though Brianna is attracted, Wolf's cocky attitude continues to antagonize her and she does not back down from his attempt to rile her by giving back as good as she gets. As the danger and intrigue in court escalates, so does the fiery passion between Wolf and Brianna when she accepts that what is between them is worth the risk she puts herself in to help her Queen and his father. Henley masterfully portrays the chemistry igniting both the hero and heroine's passion all the while keeping suspense and intrigue of the actual historic happenings firing along at a rapid pace. Readers should be warned that there are some rather explicit scenes between the debauched King Edward and his male lover which may be offensive. Bottom line, you won't find any finer examples of a sensually romantic and richly historical romance than from the pen of the brilliant Virginia Henley!

Excellent Sequel

This was an excellent book....I have to say that some sequels to books I have read by my favorite authors have been disappointing in the past. The main characters Brianna and Wolf are both strong characters....and the name of the book is NOTORIOUS which is befitting of its name. I loved the fact that there was a continuation or rather update to the book INFAMOUS about Brianna's parents Guy and Jory. But also there was more than just one love story being told....which is a classic signature of the way Ms. Henley writes. I loved the fact that although Wolf was an alpha male and in a lot of ways resembled Brianna's father's dad Guy, he was not over barring and he complemented Brianna's impilsive nature....which was very much like her own mother's Jory. Ms. Henley develops her characters and their relationships with one another and their own self-discovery in a realistic pace...not to mention I love history and absolutely love her poetic license spin on her out look on the past royals of history......Good read.....its a keeper!

Wonderful Blend

This is one of Ms. Henley's books in the genre which I love. Although it has the steaming sex scenes for which she is rightfully famous, this book as much about history than romance. A wonderful blend of the two.

wonderful historical romance

Brianna de Beauchamp is betrothed to Lincoln Robert de Warenne so feels somewhat ashamed when she meets father and son Roger and Wolf Mortimer because she finds the young Wolf quite attractive. Still in spite of her urge, Brianna refuses to act on her feelings. However, Wolf desires her and rejects the concept that she belongs to Lincoln. He uses his special paranormal skill to seduce Brianna in her dreams. Meanwhile as part of the larger scale of conflict between Edward II and his estranged wife Queen Isabelle, her paramour Roger is interned inside the Tower. While Brianna and Wolf fall in love, he fears that his blood association as the son of the imprisoned Roger threatens his beloved at a time that alienating the de Warenne brood can prove deadly. Nobody consistently combines history and romance into an entertaining mix better than Virginia Henley does. Her latest tale brings to life England during the rule of Edward II through the relationship between Brianna and Wolf. The story line is fast-paced and stars a likable lead couple, whose hero's paranormal courting method is a unique way to win a lady. Meanwhile the intriguing triangle at court consisting of the king, his estranged queen and his male lover adds a sense of presence to a wonderful historical romance that some might insist is a romantic historical thriller. Harriet Klausner