The King's Mistress

by Terri Brisbin

Book Overview

The King's Mistress by Terri Brisbin released on Dec 28, 2004 is available now for purchase. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0373293356
• ISBN13: 9780373293353
• Release Date: December 2004
• Publisher: Harlequin Special Releases
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.34 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 4.2" x 6.6"

Customer Reviews

Excellent

What a unique concept! A woman who is not only intelligent, knows her own mind and what she wants of life, but is also willing to obtain it? Unheard of, especially in Henry II's court. As consort to the King, Marguerite knows what she wants, and isn't afraid to use all the intrigue of the time to get it. as with many things in life, things don't go her way, and she's forced to marry a many far away from Henry's court. This was an excellent addition to Ms. Brisbin's medieval stories; she's a truly talented writer with a gift for the time period.

Brilliantly Conceived and Masterfully Written Medieval

Setting - Silloth-on-Solway, England, 1178 --- Groomed since the age of 8 to be the consort of royalty, Marguerite of Alencon, had achieved that honor of gracing the Plantagenet bed of King Henry II. Beautiful, intellectually accomplished and fluent in several languages, Marguerite would be a worthy candidate for the title of Queen, only Eleanor of Aquitane, held that honor, and Henry was in no rush to replace her. Young and gullible, she believed the words of love spoken in passion and becoming pregnant, Marguerite thought she held the winning hand. Therefore, she was surprised when Henry sent her to a convent to have his child, but the biggest shock of all was when he arranged her wedding to Lord Orrick of Silloth - one of the northernmost keeps and the furthest away from court. Orrick, Lord of Silloth was summoned to court by the king where he was to be rewarded for his service to the crown, with another title, gold and a `bride' befitting his standing in the esteem and respect of the king. Worried but knowing a summons by the king was not to be ignored, nor were turning down the `gifts' a healthy option, Orrick reluctantly made the trip to court. When he first met Marguerite, less than an hour before the ceremony, he was pleasantly surprised and immediately taken with her beauty and held out some hope for his future. Marguerite though gracious, was still in denial, and advised Orrick to not be too disappointed or humiliated when Henry would stop the wedding. She was under the illusion that this was only a ruse to firmly chastise her for demanding that Henry marry her. Orrick knowing more of the volatile situation only hoped that `her' humiliation would not be too devastating and was prepared to do all in his power to protect and gain her love. *** This was another vivid look at life in the medieval world, richly detailing the court of Henry II. The author brings to life, the harsh, unfeeling world of betrayals and subterfuge as nobles sought riches, power and advancement through manipulation, totally ignoring the feelings of the innocent. Rigidly trained and browbeaten to believe her destiny was to be a royal consort, Marguerite actually fell in love with Henry, as she was molded into the perfect image of what a queen should be. Orrick was a superb hero, a lord that was intellectually astute and kind, he battled his feelings of lust for his wife to give her the time and space to trust him and come to terms with the feelings he sensed she had for him once she had the time to realize her affair with Henry was over. The love story was beautifully developed and evolved slowly with an incredible sensual tenderness, which was a joy to behold. BOTTOM LINE - Rich in historical detail, and written with tremendous depth of feeling, Brisbin continues to deliver another masterful and brilliantly conceived medieval! --- Marilyn Rondeau, for www.historicalromancewriters.com ---