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The Elizabethan Lady Series #1
Lady in Waiting
Commanded by her grandfather to snare a wealthy husband, Anne Blanchemains enters the lavish court of Queen Elizabeth. But the beautiful, innocent Anne is a lamb among wolves, easy prey to treachery and an aging queen's jealousy. She never suspects that handsome courtier Christopher Hollier has been sent to ruin her, not wed her. But Christopher's desire for Anne soon sweeps them both toward betrayal. As their passion burns ever brighter, Anne and Christopher are caught up in a dangerous game that could part them forever unless they defy crown and country for their own true love.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
About the author
Denise Domning
50 books267 followersWhat can I say? I’m single and over sixty, I write and I farm on eight acres of slowly improving red earth (it originally looked like Mars had exploded!) on Oak Creek in northern Arizona. I started with chickens, then there were turkeys and Jersey milk cows. But with livestock came the predators: coyotes, bald eagles, black hawks, mountain lions, and, worst of all, raccoons. Dang those nasty creatures! They kill just because they can; think dogs with opposable thumbs. (Five chickens in one night–they reached in through the chain link and killed the birds with no expectation of being able to eat them.) They are the reason I keep livestock guardian dogs. There's the massive Polar Bear, a 135 pound Hungarian Kuvasz, Radha, the svelte and sleek 90 pound Anatolian Shepherd and her new chew toy, Rupert who is some sort of terrier mix and small enough to walk under her belly.
As for what my dogs guard, it's my growing herd of Dorper Sheep, a South African breed that (supposedly) doesn’t need to be sheared and gains all their weight on grass alone. I've also fallen in love with pigs, which are just dogs with snouts. Oh, how those rapscallions make me laugh!
If you're interested in keeping up with my farm antics, you can visit my blog at denisedomning.com or thefarmonoakcreek.com
As for what my dogs guard, it's my growing herd of Dorper Sheep, a South African breed that (supposedly) doesn’t need to be sheared and gains all their weight on grass alone. I've also fallen in love with pigs, which are just dogs with snouts. Oh, how those rapscallions make me laugh!
If you're interested in keeping up with my farm antics, you can visit my blog at denisedomning.com or thefarmonoakcreek.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
January 4, 2013
I've always been interested in Tudor England, probably because my Dad is also fascinated by that period in history. When I was younger I tried (and failed!) to read some of the history books he had on the subject, and instead moved on to historical fiction. This period/setting is still one of my favorites to read, and this book didn't disappoint.
The plot was fairly predictable (lady-in-waiting and courtier fall in love, but OHNO there are several obstacles on their path to wedded bliss!), so I won't go over it in detail. After the last romantic novel I read, it was refreshing to have a somewhat strong female character, and a male character who (while he had some serious flaws and does some seriously shitty things) was not a total jerk. There were some awesome power-plays, intrigue, etc. The reason this book gets a 3 and not a 4, though, is that we find out pretty much all of the characters' secrets long before the end of the book. This was kind of a bummer, as I like a good twist near the end.
This might be due to the fact that I haven't read a lot of historical fiction recently, but I was really thrown off by the serious problem that the main female character's non-viriginity seemed to pose. I know being found to not be a virgin could have serious consequences, but couldn't she just stuff a bloody rag up there or otherwise fake it on her wedding night (I seem to recall such measures being taken by other heroines in similar situations)? She seemed paranoid at all times that she was going to be found out.
Best of all, I got my Lizzy One fix, and she was "beautiful and terrible as the Morn! Treacherous as the Seas! Stronger than the foundations of the Earth! All shall love [her] and despair!" (at least, that Galadriel quote came to mind as I was reading). I really appreciated this as, Elizabeth can come off as really fickle and irritating in the wrong hands.
The plot was fairly predictable (lady-in-waiting and courtier fall in love, but OHNO there are several obstacles on their path to wedded bliss!), so I won't go over it in detail. After the last romantic novel I read, it was refreshing to have a somewhat strong female character, and a male character who (while he had some serious flaws and does some seriously shitty things) was not a total jerk. There were some awesome power-plays, intrigue, etc. The reason this book gets a 3 and not a 4, though, is that we find out pretty much all of the characters' secrets long before the end of the book. This was kind of a bummer, as I like a good twist near the end.
This might be due to the fact that I haven't read a lot of historical fiction recently, but I was really thrown off by the serious problem that the main female character's non-viriginity seemed to pose. I know being found to not be a virgin could have serious consequences, but couldn't she just stuff a bloody rag up there or otherwise fake it on her wedding night (I seem to recall such measures being taken by other heroines in similar situations)? She seemed paranoid at all times that she was going to be found out.
Best of all, I got my Lizzy One fix, and she was "beautiful and terrible as the Morn! Treacherous as the Seas! Stronger than the foundations of the Earth! All shall love [her] and despair!" (at least, that Galadriel quote came to mind as I was reading). I really appreciated this as, Elizabeth can come off as really fickle and irritating in the wrong hands.
July 20, 2014
5***** Elizabethan Romance. I have never read a book set in Elizabeth's reign before. Its so interesting all the etiquette and the feelings came through beautifully in this story. For men of that era to be ruled by such a STRONG woman must have been so difficult. Nowadays we know from history that queens are great rulers but then it went so much against the grain. This story has many very emotive subjects covered. If only they taught history in schools like this. Pardon me for getting away from the book its just that it made me think so much what it must have been like to live in that situation. That has to be good I was transported to Elizabeth's court for much more than a love story.I'm glad I have more by this author she knows how to move me.
November 18, 2013
Enslaved by guilt because a childhood prank left his older brother Nick crippled and disfigured, Kit Hollier needs to find a way to restore the title and fortune that should rightly belong to Nick. A business venture gone bad has left Kit in ruinous debt, so when Lady Montmercy approaches him with a bargain, he has no choice but to listen.
In exchange for payment of his debts (and the lady’s daughter’s marriage to Nick, which should help in the campaign to restore the title), Lady M wants him to do one little thing for her: deflower and publicly denounce one Anne Blanchemains. Distasteful as he finds the idea, Kit is willing to do anything to make right the harm he did his brother.
Giving birth to Anne caused the stroke that left her mother crippled and mute. Anne has spent her life taking care of her mother, and they have turned their manor home into a sort of halfway house for disadvantaged people—one-eyed maids and club-footed grooms, among others. When Anne’s nasty, social-climbing grandfather arrives with the news that Anne is his last surviving heir, he follows that shock with another; he means to dangle her beauty and now-generous dowry before the peers at Elizabeth's court. Anne resists until the old man gives her an ultimatum—if she doesn't reel in a title for her grandpa's heirs, he will take his revenge against her mother and the servants.
Anne goes to court with a terrible secret. She was a little “indiscreet” in her early teens, and as a result, most peers would find her unworthy of marriage. For that matter, the virgin queen won't look kindly on a sullied lady-in-waiting.
But Anne will go to court and look—hard—for the right husband, a man who is kind enough to overlook her youthful indiscretion, and take in and protect her mother and all those unusual servants.
It's the rapey Lord Deyville (subtle!) who finds favor with Anne's grandpa. Fortunately Lord D's current wife is not quite in her grave yet. In case his eagerness to remarry before his current wife is actually dead is not enough of a turn off, this guy reckons he can secure his claim by forcibly taking Anne's non-existent maidenhead so nobody else will have her. And to top it off, he gets off on leaving bruises.
Meanwhile, Lady Montmercy has set up a bet between Elizabeth and Leicester that requires Anne to learn to dance—and Kit to serve as her tutor. The better to give him time for the seduction.
The inevitable romance between them has a number of obstacles besides the skeazy seduction/public ridicule plot. Kit comes from a Catholic family (hence the loss of title), and while Kit himself has become a Protestant, Anne’s grandpa obsessively hates all things that even faintly smell of Rome. There's no way Anne's guardian will agree to any union with a Hollier.
The romance worked for me, and here’s some danger and villainy and intrigue so that the story doesn’t rely solely on the “romance” to keep the pages turning. The history for the most part was well-researched, but there were a couple of little glitches. So I’m going to leave it at 4stars. It's still a ripping good read.
January 30, 2017
This isn't my typical genre, so perhaps has something to do with why this book just didn't work for me? I found the plot to be really slow moving and quite frankly boring. I did manage to finish it, but it was a struggle. I just never connected to the plot or characters. Not a series I will continue. At least it was offered as a kindleunlimited.
May 8, 2012
Not nearly as good as her medieval stuff, but I like how she weaves her plot twists & intrigue, & she always seems very historically accurate.
February 26, 2020
Hard to read. Not attention getter
March 15, 2010
I really loved Denise Domnings medieval stories and when I found her Elizabethan stories I just knew that I had to try them too.
Like most of the romances set during Queen Elizabeth I reign and especially those taking place at court the story is full of intrigues, plots and machinations. Between Catholics and Protestants, Elizabeth and her cousin Mary Stuart’s shadow not to mention personal revenge the period seems ideal for an interesting and engaging story.
Lady in Waiting is the story of Anne Blanchemain and Christopher “Kit” Hollier. Anne is brought to court, against her will, by her grandfather. He wants a title for his family and since Anne is now his only heir he wants to marry her off to one of his friends at court. Kit is heavily in debt, when Lady Montmercy offers to pay his debts and marry her daughter to Kit’s brother ( a reclusive man with a frail health for which Kit feels responsible) and allowing him to regain the family title in exchange for ruining Mistress Blanchemain he readily agrees.
But Kit is not as hard and unfeeling as he believes. After meeting Anne he realizes he can’t be that ruthless. She is a nice girl, to whom he is immediately attracted to, but I think it is more about who he is that he can’t go through with it, in fact he even saves her from the advances of the man his grandfather wants her to marry. They end up spending a lot of time together, as the queen decides Kit will teach Anne to dance to win a wager and it is quite fun to see how Anne tries to seduce Kit while he tries to fight the attraction between them.
I liked that Anne seemed such a fresh and sensible heroine, she helped disabled people because of her mother but she never preaches about it, she is less than innocent but doesn’t spend her days dwelling on it. She is the first one to sense that there is more to Lady Montmercy than it seems and she is the one who plays detective to find out what happened in the past to make the lady plan her revenge.
If there is a flaw in this story is that the action flows slowly, I think a story of intrigue like this one would require a faster pace to work as well as it could. But for me it was still a very satisfying read and that I felt conveyed the perfect atmosphere of the period. On her website the author mentions she has rewritten this story and I can’t wait to read the new version and see if it works even better for me.
Grade: 4/5
Like most of the romances set during Queen Elizabeth I reign and especially those taking place at court the story is full of intrigues, plots and machinations. Between Catholics and Protestants, Elizabeth and her cousin Mary Stuart’s shadow not to mention personal revenge the period seems ideal for an interesting and engaging story.
Lady in Waiting is the story of Anne Blanchemain and Christopher “Kit” Hollier. Anne is brought to court, against her will, by her grandfather. He wants a title for his family and since Anne is now his only heir he wants to marry her off to one of his friends at court. Kit is heavily in debt, when Lady Montmercy offers to pay his debts and marry her daughter to Kit’s brother ( a reclusive man with a frail health for which Kit feels responsible) and allowing him to regain the family title in exchange for ruining Mistress Blanchemain he readily agrees.
But Kit is not as hard and unfeeling as he believes. After meeting Anne he realizes he can’t be that ruthless. She is a nice girl, to whom he is immediately attracted to, but I think it is more about who he is that he can’t go through with it, in fact he even saves her from the advances of the man his grandfather wants her to marry. They end up spending a lot of time together, as the queen decides Kit will teach Anne to dance to win a wager and it is quite fun to see how Anne tries to seduce Kit while he tries to fight the attraction between them.
I liked that Anne seemed such a fresh and sensible heroine, she helped disabled people because of her mother but she never preaches about it, she is less than innocent but doesn’t spend her days dwelling on it. She is the first one to sense that there is more to Lady Montmercy than it seems and she is the one who plays detective to find out what happened in the past to make the lady plan her revenge.
If there is a flaw in this story is that the action flows slowly, I think a story of intrigue like this one would require a faster pace to work as well as it could. But for me it was still a very satisfying read and that I felt conveyed the perfect atmosphere of the period. On her website the author mentions she has rewritten this story and I can’t wait to read the new version and see if it works even better for me.
Grade: 4/5
July 1, 2014
Disclaimer: I think I am in a book rut.. Why is it that no matter how hard I try lately I cannot find a five star read. I am also currently reading a Kristen Ashley book whom I adore but I am having a hard time getting into a book since reading My Skylar....
Maybe just maybe I am in a funk and will soon get out but, I can say that Lady in Waiting was not the book to draw me out. I love historical romance but this book fell flat for me. I thought that it was lacked depth and things that would have added to the suspense of the book were revealed very early within the book. This annoyed the crap out of me. Although I did finish the book I was disappointed.
Maybe just maybe I am in a funk and will soon get out but, I can say that Lady in Waiting was not the book to draw me out. I love historical romance but this book fell flat for me. I thought that it was lacked depth and things that would have added to the suspense of the book were revealed very early within the book. This annoyed the crap out of me. Although I did finish the book I was disappointed.
November 12, 2012
I thought it was kind of melodramatic. It wasn't anything special
June 4, 2017
Started out better than it finished.
March 23, 2018
I don't remember why I didn't read this outstanding Elizabethan romance when it first came out, but I can't blame past me, either, because past me gave present me the opportunity to read this story for the first time, so we're good. I am also resolved to go on a Denise Domning binge, because man oh man, does the author deliver.
First, I am always going to pick up any historical romance set in Elizabeth Tudor's Court, because that's how I roll. Second, a heroine who knows her own mind is my kind of gal, and Anne Blanchmain certainly fits that bill. and her emotional baggage will not fit under the seat or the overhead compartment, because her birth crippled her mother for life, so there's that. Third, a tortured hero with a cause is always on my wish list. and if said hero has his own emotional baggage because it's his fault his beloved older brother is scarred for life, and the title has gone into abeyance? Okay, maybe the title thing isn't Kit's fault, but the scarring is, and only getting the title reinstated will, at least to Kit, make up for it, and that's going to require convincing Elizabeth Tudor (yeah, easy job, right?)which sets off a whole ball of wax, so to speak, and...yeah.
We've got Court intrigue, smarmy guardians, our heroine betrothed to the wrong man (whose wife isn't even dead yet, ahem) and a paternity reveal at the most crucial moment, to keep readers guessing how the lovers are ever going to untie this Gordian knot. They do, though, and in a way that reminds me exactly why I love historical romance, and this setting, as much as I do. Also dancing lessons. Do not forget the dancing lessons.
First, I am always going to pick up any historical romance set in Elizabeth Tudor's Court, because that's how I roll. Second, a heroine who knows her own mind is my kind of gal, and Anne Blanchmain certainly fits that bill. and her emotional baggage will not fit under the seat or the overhead compartment, because her birth crippled her mother for life, so there's that. Third, a tortured hero with a cause is always on my wish list. and if said hero has his own emotional baggage because it's his fault his beloved older brother is scarred for life, and the title has gone into abeyance? Okay, maybe the title thing isn't Kit's fault, but the scarring is, and only getting the title reinstated will, at least to Kit, make up for it, and that's going to require convincing Elizabeth Tudor (yeah, easy job, right?)which sets off a whole ball of wax, so to speak, and...yeah.
We've got Court intrigue, smarmy guardians, our heroine betrothed to the wrong man (whose wife isn't even dead yet, ahem) and a paternity reveal at the most crucial moment, to keep readers guessing how the lovers are ever going to untie this Gordian knot. They do, though, and in a way that reminds me exactly why I love historical romance, and this setting, as much as I do. Also dancing lessons. Do not forget the dancing lessons.
February 28, 2017
Loved the Court Intrigue
I am a fan of novels set in the Elizabethan time period. This novel has several characters that maintained my interest. They had personalities that were difficult but well explained by the histories given. Anne and Kit as a couple were wonderful. I loved the descriptions of the clothes, dancing and Queen Elizabeth. If you enjoy romance and intrigue set in this time period you will enjoy this book.
I am a fan of novels set in the Elizabethan time period. This novel has several characters that maintained my interest. They had personalities that were difficult but well explained by the histories given. Anne and Kit as a couple were wonderful. I loved the descriptions of the clothes, dancing and Queen Elizabeth. If you enjoy romance and intrigue set in this time period you will enjoy this book.
April 27, 2020
Another exciting historical book by Denise Domning
Denise has a real gift in writing British historical books. Taking place in the courts of Elizabeth I, connivings, revenge, and romance bring together Anne and Kit. Each of them is no stranger to family heartache and difficulty. One looks for a marriage of convenience while the other has vowed to never marry. A bet between the Queen and Robert Dudley brings the two together in an unexpected manner.
Denise has a real gift in writing British historical books. Taking place in the courts of Elizabeth I, connivings, revenge, and romance bring together Anne and Kit. Each of them is no stranger to family heartache and difficulty. One looks for a marriage of convenience while the other has vowed to never marry. A bet between the Queen and Robert Dudley brings the two together in an unexpected manner.
March 1, 2018
Sublime!
This author has to be one of THE BEST authors of this genre in existence! This story of Mistress Anne Blanchemaine and Master Christopher 'Kit' Hollier in Queen Elizabeth's court pulled me in and had me quite literally in its grips right to the last word! I highly recommend this brilliant author to all!
This author has to be one of THE BEST authors of this genre in existence! This story of Mistress Anne Blanchemaine and Master Christopher 'Kit' Hollier in Queen Elizabeth's court pulled me in and had me quite literally in its grips right to the last word! I highly recommend this brilliant author to all!
September 14, 2019
Great!
I loved this novel. I have read a lot of English historical stories and this is one of the best. The writing is solid and descriptive with excellent pacing. Queen Elizabeth was so vividly portrayed that I feel as if I know her! The best part is that Nan and Kit get a happily ever after.
I loved this novel. I have read a lot of English historical stories and this is one of the best. The writing is solid and descriptive with excellent pacing. Queen Elizabeth was so vividly portrayed that I feel as if I know her! The best part is that Nan and Kit get a happily ever after.
March 10, 2023
Lady in Waiting (The Lady Series Book 1)
The love story of Ana (Nan) and Christopher (Kit). Please take place in the Elizabethian time. In the court of queen Elizabeth plot runs a muck. To ruin Nan and take revenge on this her grandfather, Kit was pay to reduce Nan. Will love win or revenge? Great story.
The love story of Ana (Nan) and Christopher (Kit). Please take place in the Elizabethian time. In the court of queen Elizabeth plot runs a muck. To ruin Nan and take revenge on this her grandfather, Kit was pay to reduce Nan. Will love win or revenge? Great story.
February 1, 2017
Good read
I enjoyed this book. I had expected it to be a bodice rights per, but I was delighted to discover it was so much more. The characters are well-developed. The pace is good. The descriptions are beautiful and thorough. I can't wait to start reading the sequel!
I enjoyed this book. I had expected it to be a bodice rights per, but I was delighted to discover it was so much more. The characters are well-developed. The pace is good. The descriptions are beautiful and thorough. I can't wait to start reading the sequel!
June 30, 2017
Lady in Waiting by Denise Domning... Its a story of Elizabeth Tudor's Lady in waiting, Interesting plot giving a closer insight into the life of women in the royal court of Tudor. Engaging and refreshing read.
May 9, 2017
Kindle Unlimited e-book
July 25, 2017
Pretty good. I was hopeful that it would be on par with Phillipa Gregory's writing. While a really good read, it wasn't quite up to Ms. Gregory's quality.
May 11, 2018
Well written
This book has a great plot and is well written. The characters have depth and flaws but enticingly so. I’d read other works by this author.
This book has a great plot and is well written. The characters have depth and flaws but enticingly so. I’d read other works by this author.
May 14, 2020
I always enjoy her books. This was a fun read with more plot than many romances, yet still with some "spice." I am looking forward to the second in the series.
August 15, 2020
It's decent.
July 26, 2024
July 2024
Not a brilliant book and laborious to read but gives a plausible insight into the Elizabethan era whether strictly accurate or not it seems probable
Not a brilliant book and laborious to read but gives a plausible insight into the Elizabethan era whether strictly accurate or not it seems probable
Want to Read
March 22, 2025winter pile
February 12, 2017
Enjoyed this book, my first one by this author.
April 3, 2017
0 In which Master Christopher Hollier, Kit, has a bad dream about his brother Nick
1 In which Kit makes a night visit to Nick's room and they both refuse to marry anyone
2 In which Mistress Anne Blanchemain is force to become her grandfather's, Amyas, heir
3 In which Kit makes a deal with Lady Elisabetta Montmercy to have his debts paid in exchange of seducing Anne
4 In which Kit dresses up to meet Anne at Queen Elizabeth's court
5 In which Anne becomes a maid to Elizabeth, Amyas angers, the queen and Kit becomes Anne's dance instructor
6 In which Amyas almost has a heart attack and Anne and Kit speak for the first time
7 In which Anne meets her cousin Mary and runs away from her governess (grandfather's spy) in a very immoral manner
8 In which Kit's infatuation is obvious to his servant (Bertie) and Bertie agrees to seduce Patience (Anne's maid).
9 In which Anne picks Mayflowers in the forest, Kit ignores Anne, and Anne plays games with gentlemen.
10 In which lord Deyville attacks Anne and Kit comes to the rescue.
11 In which Patience might become an ally and Anne is horrified to have her first dance lesson with an audience.
12 In which Anne and Kit join the celebration and Anne manages to dance her first dance
13 In which the Queen summons Anne and Kit early in the morn and Anne and Kit barter for a kiss.
14 In which Queen Elizabeth asks that Anne be an adept at dancing in a couple of months and Anne and Mary gossip about Lady Montmercy.
15 In which there is a hunt and a picnic at which Anne makes inquiries about Lady Montmercy and her grandfather.
16 In which the party return to the palace and Anne and Lady Montmercy talk about the past.
17 In which Anne prepares for her first secret dancing lesson with Kit and Patience has taken Lord Babthorpe (Bertie) as her student.
18 In which Anne and Kit have an intense dancing lesson and Kit decides to desert his plan.
19 In which Anne is visited by her grandfather and Mistress Alice Godwin, her mother's former governess.
20 In which Mistress Godwin delivers a letter to Anne from her mother and tells her about Lady Montmercy's dark past.
21 In which Lady Montmercy pressures Kit for results and Bertie is engaged to Patience.
22 In which Anne and Kit find out Amyas will come to get her soon.
23 In which Anne and Kit have one last lesson and Kit finds out Anne's secret.
24 In which Kit reveals everything to Anne and they try to come up with a plan to be together.
25 In which Kit and Nick make up and talk about love, business, and reinstated titles.
26 In which Nick petitions for his title and Amyas request Anne's release.
27 In which Anne steps on Lord Leicester's toes and Deyville threatens Anne.
28 In which Kit runs away from his creditors and makes a plan to expose Deyville and Lady Montmercy.
29 In which Deyville attacks Anne, Kits saves her, and Amyas misunderstands.
30 In which Queen Elizabeth hears the accusations and Lady Montmercy is summoned.
31 In which Lady Montmercy and Deyville are arrested and Kit and Anne must win the dancing wager to appease the queen.
32 In which Queen Elizabeth wins the wager and Anne and Kit are given permission to marry.
1 In which Kit makes a night visit to Nick's room and they both refuse to marry anyone
2 In which Mistress Anne Blanchemain is force to become her grandfather's, Amyas, heir
3 In which Kit makes a deal with Lady Elisabetta Montmercy to have his debts paid in exchange of seducing Anne
4 In which Kit dresses up to meet Anne at Queen Elizabeth's court
5 In which Anne becomes a maid to Elizabeth, Amyas angers, the queen and Kit becomes Anne's dance instructor
6 In which Amyas almost has a heart attack and Anne and Kit speak for the first time
7 In which Anne meets her cousin Mary and runs away from her governess (grandfather's spy) in a very immoral manner
8 In which Kit's infatuation is obvious to his servant (Bertie) and Bertie agrees to seduce Patience (Anne's maid).
9 In which Anne picks Mayflowers in the forest, Kit ignores Anne, and Anne plays games with gentlemen.
10 In which lord Deyville attacks Anne and Kit comes to the rescue.
11 In which Patience might become an ally and Anne is horrified to have her first dance lesson with an audience.
12 In which Anne and Kit join the celebration and Anne manages to dance her first dance
13 In which the Queen summons Anne and Kit early in the morn and Anne and Kit barter for a kiss.
14 In which Queen Elizabeth asks that Anne be an adept at dancing in a couple of months and Anne and Mary gossip about Lady Montmercy.
15 In which there is a hunt and a picnic at which Anne makes inquiries about Lady Montmercy and her grandfather.
16 In which the party return to the palace and Anne and Lady Montmercy talk about the past.
17 In which Anne prepares for her first secret dancing lesson with Kit and Patience has taken Lord Babthorpe (Bertie) as her student.
18 In which Anne and Kit have an intense dancing lesson and Kit decides to desert his plan.
19 In which Anne is visited by her grandfather and Mistress Alice Godwin, her mother's former governess.
20 In which Mistress Godwin delivers a letter to Anne from her mother and tells her about Lady Montmercy's dark past.
21 In which Lady Montmercy pressures Kit for results and Bertie is engaged to Patience.
22 In which Anne and Kit find out Amyas will come to get her soon.
23 In which Anne and Kit have one last lesson and Kit finds out Anne's secret.
24 In which Kit reveals everything to Anne and they try to come up with a plan to be together.
25 In which Kit and Nick make up and talk about love, business, and reinstated titles.
26 In which Nick petitions for his title and Amyas request Anne's release.
27 In which Anne steps on Lord Leicester's toes and Deyville threatens Anne.
28 In which Kit runs away from his creditors and makes a plan to expose Deyville and Lady Montmercy.
29 In which Deyville attacks Anne, Kits saves her, and Amyas misunderstands.
30 In which Queen Elizabeth hears the accusations and Lady Montmercy is summoned.
31 In which Lady Montmercy and Deyville are arrested and Kit and Anne must win the dancing wager to appease the queen.
32 In which Queen Elizabeth wins the wager and Anne and Kit are given permission to marry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2014
When I first started this book, I was very disappointed to realize that it was just basically a romance novel. (Ugh. I like more history than romance in my stories.) But as I read the book, I realized that there was a bit more history in it than I originally realized. I was actually reading Queen Elizabeth's dialogue in Cate Blanchett's voice. While the basic plot was somewhat silly, it was well told with enough historical accuracy and descriptions to satisfy my thirst for history.
Good-hearted n'er-do-well man decides to solve his financial crisis by agreeing to do horrible things to a young woman at the request of a rich but evil lady in the queen's court. Said young man falls for the young woman and amazingly all things work out for the best. :)
Good-hearted n'er-do-well man decides to solve his financial crisis by agreeing to do horrible things to a young woman at the request of a rich but evil lady in the queen's court. Said young man falls for the young woman and amazingly all things work out for the best. :)
October 7, 2015
It started out really interesting but I was disappointed shortly after.I was bored through most of the middle and was expecting there to be more regarding Frances and Nick considering they were the more interesting of characters in my opinion. I also felt the romance was not built up enough. There was little rhyme and reason for there attraction to one another, no intimate conversations until the end when they already declared their love. I felt the declarations should have been what brought them together.
On a good note, the writing was very good, very descriptive and the Elizabeth character was supurbly done.
Not bad not great. This could have been much better and had the potential to be great, but the author did not pull it off.
On a good note, the writing was very good, very descriptive and the Elizabeth character was supurbly done.
Not bad not great. This could have been much better and had the potential to be great, but the author did not pull it off.
August 30, 2014
I'm a fan of Domning and know the quality of her writing. She's thorough, accurate and obviously does a tremendous amount of research for her books. That wasn't the problem I had with this book. It was just too boring for me. It dragged on and on and finally at the end, came to a little bit of life.
Her skill as an author brings the characters to life and this was no exception. The royal court is full of deceit, rivalry, intrigue, romance and she brings it all to the story. It just felt long and overdone.
Her skill as an author brings the characters to life and this was no exception. The royal court is full of deceit, rivalry, intrigue, romance and she brings it all to the story. It just felt long and overdone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews