Rakes and Rogues of the Restoration Series by Judith James

In Libertine's Kiss, award winning author Judith James tells an epic tale of promises made and broken, and love lost and found. “Every once in a great while, there are books I love to the point of wanting everybody I know to go out and buy a copy. Libertine’s Kiss is one of those rare books. This angsty historical is heartrendingly beautiful, featuring beautiful language and a fantastic setting with a smart heroine and a deeply tortured, flawed hero.. moreIn Libertine's Kiss, award winning author Judith James tells an epic tale of promises made and broken, and love lost and found. “Every once in a great while, there are books I love to the point of wanting everybody I know to go out and buy a copy. Libertine’s Kiss is one of those rare books. This angsty historical is heartrendingly beautiful, featuring beautiful language and a fantastic setting with a smart heroine and a deeply tortured, flawed hero...Judith James juggles poetry, Restoration court culture, and fairytale references with an almost perfect sense of timing, and the result is a world that springs vividly to life. Rather than simplifying the historical details of the day, the author weaves their many threads into her story, letting readers see her world in its many layers of light and dark just as her characters would have. The result is a story that is sweeping and epic...I find myself wanting to compare it to something, but there is really nothing out there quite like this.” ~ Lynn Spenser All About Romance. Nominated as Best British Isles Historical by Romantic Times, Libertine’s Kiss, the first book in the Rakes and Rogues of the Restoration series features a hero based on John Wilmot, the notorious libertine, poet, and friend of King Charles II. less

Lady libertine, judgmental lord. Her Body Is A Battleground Sensuous, beautiful and determined, Hope Matthews is a favored mistress of the king. Her many charms have helped her rise from the gutter to the king’s bed. But with the new queen’s impending arrival, her nights in the royal chamber—and her hopes for security—will swiftly come to an end. His Honor A Distant Memory Haunted by his past, hardened by the recent civil war, Captain Robert Nichols lives only for revenge... moreLady libertine, judgmental lord. Her Body Is A Battleground Sensuous, beautiful and determined, Hope Matthews is a favored mistress of the king. Her many charms have helped her rise from the gutter to the king’s bed. But with the new queen’s impending arrival, her nights in the royal chamber—and her hopes for security—will swiftly come to an end. His Honor A Distant Memory Haunted by his past, hardened by the recent civil war, Captain Robert Nichols lives only for revenge. When told he must marry the king’s courtesan to provide a cover for their affair, he’s faced with a new low. Both are pawns of a great man, but married to their dreams of independence, their clash is inevitable. Can these two wounded souls realize the answer to all their dreams might lie in each other’s arms? less

I am pleased to release an enhanced version of the King's Courtesan, now titled Soldier of Fortune in the form and length that was originally intended. Readers who enjoyed Libertine's Kiss can find out what happened to Captain Nichols and catch up with Lizzy, Charlie and Will. Soldier of Fortune tells the story of Hope Mathews, a character inspired by Nell Gwynn, and Captain Robert Nichols, a war-weary Parliamentarian captain first introduced to readers in Libertine’s Kiss... moreI am pleased to release an enhanced version of the King's Courtesan, now titled Soldier of Fortune in the form and length that was originally intended. Readers who enjoyed Libertine's Kiss can find out what happened to Captain Nichols and catch up with Lizzy, Charlie and Will. Soldier of Fortune tells the story of Hope Mathews, a character inspired by Nell Gwynn, and Captain Robert Nichols, a war-weary Parliamentarian captain first introduced to readers in Libertine’s Kiss. Haunted by his past, hardened by years of fighting and consumed by a quest for revenge, Robert Nichols’ honor is a fading memory. 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, disillusioned, trapped in a marriage neither of them want, their clash is inevitable. Can these two wounded souls realize the answer to all their dreams might lie in each other's arms? less

England, 1680 HOW EASILY ONE'S HEART CAN BE STOLEN...DEPENDS UPON THE THIEF Known to some as Gentleman Jack and others as Swift Nick, Jack Nevison preys on the wealthy, stealing coin (and the occasional kiss) on England's darkest roads. Jack's dangerous deeds are legend, but the thrill of a highwayman's life is growing cold—until he meets the intrepid travel writer and spinster, Arabella Hamilton... moreEngland, 1680 HOW EASILY ONE'S HEART CAN BE STOLEN...DEPENDS UPON THE THIEF Known to some as Gentleman Jack and others as Swift Nick, Jack Nevison preys on the wealthy, stealing coin (and the occasional kiss) on England's darkest roads. Jack's dangerous deeds are legend, but the thrill of a highwayman's life is growing cold—until he meets the intrepid travel writer and spinster, Arabella Hamilton. Beautiful and bold, Arabella may come from the world Jack despises, but she's a kindred spirit at heart. When circumstances bring them together the sparks ignite—yet they remain on opposite sides of society and the law and with each encounter they risk more. To be together, will one of them have to give up their world forever? The adventures and exploits of real-life highwayman Swift Nick and the observations of 17th century travel writer Celia Fiennes are woven throughout this tale—which takes the reader from the privileged world of London’s aristocracy to the highways and byways, inns and hunting grounds of some of England’s most celebrated rogues. I hope you will enjoy it, and think it worth the wait. less