The Countess And The King

Katherine Sedley lived by her own rules and loved who she pleased- until she became the infamous mistress of King James II... London, 1675: Born to wealth and privilege, Katherine is introduced to the decadent court of King Charles II, and quickly becomes a favorite from the palace to the bawdy playhouses. She gleefully snubs respectable marriage to become the Duke of York's mistress. But Katherine's life of carefree pleasure ends when Charles II dies, and her lover becomes King James II. Suddenly she is cast into a tangle of political intrigue, religious dissent, and ever-shifting alliances, where a wrong step can mean treason, exile, or death at the executioner's block. As the risks rise, Katherine is forced to make the most perilous of choices: to remain loyal to the king, or to England.

London, 1660: Ready to throw off a generation of Puritan rule, all England rejoices when Charles Stuart returns to reclaim the throne. Among those welcoming him is young Barbara Villiers Palmer, a breathtaking Royalist beauty whose sensuality and clever wit instantly captivate the handsome, jaded king. Though each is promised to another, Barbara soon becomes Charles's mistress and closest friend, and the uncrowned queen of his bawdy Restoration court. Rewarded with titles, land, and jewels, she is the most envied and desired woman in England--and the most powerful. But the role of royal mistress is a precarious one, and Barbara's enemies and rivals are everywhere in the palace.

Evan Mackenzie, newly Earl of Kildonan, returns to the beautiful, remote Highland mountains of his childhood with no intention of staying. Haunted by tragedy, he plans to sell the vast property and return to Edinburgh--until fate takes a hand. Stranded overnight on a snowy mountainside with a lovely Highland girl, he is honor-bound to marry her despite his plans. But Catriona MacConn has a secret mission to protect at any cost, and though the handsome, mysterious earl wins her heart, she will fulfill that promise--even if it means giving up the love of her dreams. REVIEWS: "With a little history, a little magic, and a lot of Highland charm, King has created another winner." ~Booklist "...engaging characters weave a subtle spell... a treat for King fans." ~Publishers Weekly THE SCOTTISH LAIRDS, in series order Taming the Heiress Waking the Princess Kissing the Countess THE CELTIC NIGHTS, in series order The Stone Maiden The Swan Maiden The Sword Maiden Laird of the Wind THE BORDER ROGUES, in series order The Raven's Wish The Raven's Moon The Heather Moon OTHER TITLES by Susan King The Black Thorne's Rose

Stories of her arrogance and extravagance fanned the flames of revolution. But did Marie Antoinette really deserve her reputation? Alexandre Dumas seeks to find an answer in "The Countess de Charny: The Execution of King Louis XVI". It’s an epic dramatisation of the French Revolution, with Marie at its centre. Around her, Dumas weaves a tapestry of romance and politics, taking in characters from every rung of 18th century French society. It all builds to the royal family’s grisly end, as first Louis XVI, and then his queen, are sent to the guillotine. Picking up where "Taking the Bastille: Ange Pitou" left off, this fast-paced read brings history to vivid life. It's also makes a great companion piece to the movie "Marie Antoinette" with Kirsten Dunst. Alexandre Dumas (1802 - 1870) was a hugely popular 19th century French writer. Born of mixed French and Haitian heritage, Dumas first rose to prominence in Paris as a playwright, but later gained international fame with his historical fiction. Often co-authored with other writers, these stories wove together swashbuckling adventure, romance, and real events from France’s past. Among the best known are "The Three Musketeers", and its sequels "Twenty Years After", and "Le Vicomte de Bragelonne: Ten Years Later". Set across four decades, this trilogy follows the rise of the dashing D’Artagnan—from hot-headed soldier to trusted captain under Louis XIV. Dumas’ other novels include "The Count of Monte Cristo" and "The Black Tulip". His works have been adapted into more than 200 movies, including The Man in the Iron Mask starring Leonardo DiCaprio.