Libertine's Kiss by Judith James

I love the thrill of discovering a historical romance set in an unusual time period, especially when the author evokes this unfamiliar world so clearly and compellingly I want to find more books just like it.  Judith James deftly achieves this feat in Libertine’s Kiss, a sensual romance set in Restoration England (1660s) under King Charles II.

Lady Elizabeth Walters is a demure Puritan widow whose fortunes were destroyed under the repressive Cromwell Protectorate.  Her dearest childhood companion was Lord William de Veres, now the king’s poet—a debauched and cynical reprobate who’s never stopped dreaming about his winsome childhood sweetheart and their fanciful adventures in Faerieland.  When the Stuart king’s return to England throws Elizabeth into William’s path once more, William’s dissolute nature doesn’t prevent him from vowing to help Elizabeth regain her lost lands.  He concludes her best chance for success lies in becoming the king’s latest mistress. 

Charismatic King Charles Stuart is enchanted by the virtuous widow, and the plan seems likely to succeed—with one problem.  William begins to suspect he wants Elizabeth for himself.  Yet he’s never been faithful to his lovers, and she’s unwilling to become another prize mare in the handsome poet’s stable of beauties.

The frivolous splendor of the Stuart court, Elizabeth’s magical transformation from Puritan goodwife to siren, and this cynical dark hero’s slow journey to redemption elevate this evocative, passionate, beautifully researched historical romance above the ordinary.  Consequently, Libertine’s Kiss makes a delightful read!