Infamous (Medieval DeWarenne Trilogy)

Always being a sucker for a good romance, and despite being disappointed more often than not lately, I still dip into one now and then for distraction. One author that I've managed to keep on enjoying is Virginia Henley. She manages to write historical romances that are somewhat bawdy, but very rarely boring, and does work on creating characters that are at least, never milk-and-water ninnies. After a very brief introduction, where we are introduced to Marjory de Warenne, who is mourning her mistakes of the past as she watches her brother being married, the reader is left wondering, how in the world did she get into this mess? The story actually begins with Jory's life as a lady-in-waiting to King Edward's very willful daughter, Joanna. Joanna is about to be married to the Earl of Gloucester, a much older man, and it is this match that Joanna is dreading -- and reacting by seducing any young man that takes her fancy. Jory isn't nearly as bold as the princess however, but as it is more than likely that her fate will be the same as Joanna, she decides that perhaps a little flirtation might be in order. Her choice is the black-haired, and rumored to be black-hearted as well, Guy de Beauchamp, the Earl of Warwick. Feared as a fighter, and (of course) darkly handsome to boot, he's much older than Jory. While it's certainly instant lust between the silvery-haired Jory and Guy, he also is a very honorable man, especially when he discovers in mid-seduction that Jory is not just well born, but also a virgin. Fortunately, he's also a widower, so he approaches her brother Lynx, and her uncle to propose that a marriage be made between he and Jory. Simple, no? Not quite. Her family is horrified by Warwick's evil reputation, and hastily arrange another match for her, with a young nobleman who's nearly her own age, and far more suitable. Jory, hurt and angry that Warwick has appeared to go back on his word, tries to make her marriage work with Humphrey de Bohun, but when he is killed in the never ceasing wars with the Welsh, Jory is left widowed and alone. Deciding that it might be better to return to her family, Jory goes to her brother, fighting skirmishes in the borders between Scotland and England, and soon finds herself involved with Robert the Bruce, a would-be king of the Scots. It's certainly a passionate affair, but Jory also knows that he will never marry her. And there is also Warwick, still honorable and unwed. Who Jory eventually ends up with is the main focus of the story, along with sacrifice and honor, and some fairly good romancing and detail to go along with it. I was very pleasantly surprised by this one. Virginia Henley is more known for the spiciness and eroticism of her novels, and more often than not, her stories aren't based around historical figures. This time, however, a bit of digging through a few history books of thirteenth century England revealed that there was indeed a Guy de Beauchamp who was Earl of Warwick, whose act

I'm not going to put any real spoilers here. *This is written specifically for regular Virginia Henley readers* This book is about Marjory, Lincoln de Warrenne's sister (we met him in A Year and a Day). She is basically the hoyden you expect after her intro in AYAAD. Lincoln is not what you expect in the beginning, though I suppose that's because he's different after he meets Jane. If you are a regular Henley reader, you will not be disappointed in Infamous. She delivers what you have come to expect from her. Ha! Told you there'd be no spoilers.

Guy de Beauchamp is an Earl of the realm as well as a fierce warrior. He is feared by both men on the battle field. He has never run from a conflict and despite his rather shadowy past with his previous wives, women still find him irresistible. It is a first when Guy finds himself enchanted by a silver haired temptress who is none other than Marjory de Warenne. He is even further surprised to realize he could find love with the temptress that speaks to his heart. It is not long before he decides he must marry this girl. But fate is not going to let these two have a happy ending and a short time later he thinks Jory has betrayed their love. He walks away from her but not with his heart in tact. Jory may be young but she knows what she wants and what she wants is Guy. She is devastated when the long awaited offer of marriage does not come from Guy but rather from a younger noble. She marries knowing that deep in her heart she will never love another like she did Guy de Beauchamp. A few years later she finds herself once again in the presence of Guy. He kidnaps her and forces her to realize that what they once shared has not dimmed in the slightest. But Jory has a secret and is not sure just how Guy will accept what she has to say. Will these two lovers finally find their happy ending? Ms. Henley is the queen of the sensual historical. This story is full of wonderful historical details as well as a finely crafted romance between two very strong protagonists. Both Jory and Guy are likeable characters and their sensual romance and chemistry will speak to the romance fan. This story is a sequel to "A Year and a Day" another classic by the talented writer. Kristi Ahlers for The Mystic Castle

Well, I've quite made up my mind that Virginia Henley is still at the top of her game in writing the most provocative and exhilarating historical romances of all time! With that said, let me tell you about her latest release INFAMOUS and one of her most fascinating heroines Lady Marjory `Jory' de Warenne. Spirited, and uncommonly beautiful, Jory was one of the ladies in waiting to Princess Joanna, the daughter of King Edward who was about to be married off to an older noble for political alliances. It was at JoAnna's suggestion that Jory grasp whatever happiness she could for herself before she could be bartered off and wed for political gain by her guardian's with no say in the matter. Thinking about what Joanna had suggested, and as the nobles gathered for the wedding, Jory saw a knight that took her breath away. He was the notorious Guy de Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick - a man both feared on the battlefield and rumored to have killed his previous two wives. Disguising herself as a maid Jory, quite made up her mind to get a closer look at the notorious Earl of Warwick. Guy was enchanted by the beautiful and lively minx who was more than willing and eager to give herself to him. Although discovering her to be not only a virgin but a Lady, his honor demanded he woo her instead. Unfortunately, his reputation being somewhat in question over the mysterious deaths of his two wives led Jory's guardians to lie about his offer, or lack thereof, leading her to believe that Guy had betrayed her. Feeling betrayed, her guardian convinced Jory to marry a younger man whose familial connections better served the de Warenne clan. Married, Jory did her best to be a dutiful wife. As the husbands went to war and wives were left behind, the days would find Jory hating Guy for his deceit, but her lonely nights and dreams would be of the one gallant knight her heart would not let her forget. *** I loved this story, and once again discovered you just cannot start a novel from this author and put it down without finishing it as my bleary eyes will testify. Loving history as I do, I found myself enraptured by the wealth of historical research Ms. Henley brilliantly weaves into the threads of her sensual romances. Those who come to read for her trademark sensual romance can't help but be entertained by seeing history come to life in the pages. Marjory was a wonderful heroine, an incredible beauty who will capture your sympathy over the wasted years away from the one man she had never stopped loving. Guy was a hero that I fell in love with. Older than Jory he was a fearsome powerful warrior, but honorable, and a glorious romantic at heart - he had all the right stuff that make up my dream lovers! From the high and mighty to the lesser secondary characters, all come purposefully to life as Henley once again breathes her heart and soul into making them real under the magic of her talented fingers. This was a compelling read encompassing a beautiful love s