The Harlot's Daughter by Blythe Gifford

Lady Solay’s eyes met those of a hard-edged man. His implacable gaze sliced through her and, for an instant, she forgot everything else. A mistake. She had no time for emotion when so much depended on her finding favor at court.

Lord Justin Lamont couldn’t look away from the late king’s scandalous—illegitimate—daughter. Head held high, she walked as if the court adored her. No matter the pain in her eyes, Justin resolutely snuffed out a spark of sympathy. He must guard against her bewitching charms….

Love this cover! It caught my eye a couple of months ago (as did the title) and I had thought I posted it but couldn’t find it. For some reason I thought it was a November Release, so even though I was lucky enough to have the ARC I just started the book a few days ago.

This is one of the Harlequin Historicals I hope to review over the next few days. Until then here is a piece of the excerpt that is up at the eHarlequin site.

Windsor Castle, Yuletide, 1386

The shameless doxy dragged the rings right off his fingers before the King’s body was cold.

They used to whisper that and then look sideways at her, thinking that a ten-year-old was too young to understand they slandered her mother.

Joan had understood even then. It was all too clear the night the old King died and her mother, his mistress of thirteen years, gathered their two daughters and fled into the darkness.

Now, ten years after her father’s death, Joan stood poised to be announced at the court of a new King. Her mother hoped Joan might find a place there, even a husband.

Foolish dreams of an aging woman.

Copyright © 2007 by Wendy B. Gifford

read the rest here and there is another excerpt on the author’s site.

This is an October title but you can order it now through eHarlequin and if your order is under $25 (orders over $25 always have free shipping) you can use this link for free shipping (sadly only once) until Nov 30.