New York Times bestselling author Jane Feather has won legions of fans and critical accolades for her unique blend of sizzling seduction, dangerous intrigue, and passionate adventure. In this second of two romances featuring two unconventional sisters whose quest to solve the mystery surrounding their lives puts each of them in the path of an irresistible hero, Jane Feather tells the story of a young bride in peril and a mysterious English lord who find themselves at the center of a sinister plot...and a reckless affair.
_Kissed By Shadows
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__Lady Philippa Nielson had no memory of what took place in her bedchamber in the dead of night--nor knowledge of the dangerous plot that put her life in jeopardy. But with a brief touch of his hand and one glance of his knowing gray eyes, Pippa felt a connection to the dark stranger who should have been her greatest enemy. Who was this man who seemed to understand more about her life than she did herself? Why did she respond to his most casual caresses with the most urgent and reckless of desires?
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__Lionel Ashton had been appointed guardian of both Pippa and the secret she unknowingly bore. And protect this sensuous and fiercely independent woman he would, even from the king himself. But what Lionel knows about Pippa will put both their lives in the greatest danger--even as they slip under the spell of a daring seduction that will turn them into passionate outlaws...and legendary lovers.
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From the Paperback edition.
From Publishers Weekly
__Set during a period of political unrest and persecution, the final entry in Feather's 16th-century Kiss trilogy (following To Kiss a Spy) will hook readers at the outset, but it may not hold their attention throughout. When Lady Philippa Nielson meets Lionel Ashton, a close confidant of Queen Mary and King Philip II, she has the eerie sense that she's met the mysterious English lord before. Lionel denies the connection, but the more time she spends with him, the more convinced she becomes. As Pippa's friendship with Lionel grows, her relationship with her husband, Stuart, deteriorates. She suspects he's having an affair, but it isn't until she learns she's pregnant that she discovers the truth: both she and Stuart are pawns in a plot to secure Queen Mary's place on the throne, and Lionel, whom Pippa has come to trust and even love, may be one of the Queen's puppeteers. Feather skillfully draws out the intrigue and immerses readers in the time period with her descriptions of court costumes and customs. However, her tendency to overstuff the novel with details undermines the suspense. Though the pace plods at times and the secondary romance between Pippa's brother and Lionel's Spanish ward lacks depth, Feather's firm grasp of history and compelling plot will push readers past the slow spots.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. __
From Booklist
Lady Pippa has always been a carefree young woman, so it's surprising to find the newlywed embroiled in a political plot, and, indeed, no one would be more astonished than she. Pippa's husband, Lord Nielson, is a favorite of Queen Mary, but she's making her disfavor known. And unbeknownst to Pippa, she's part of an intricate plan to guarantee the Catholic succession, so King Philip can bring the Inquisition to England. Pippa knows all is not well with her husband, but she has no idea she's being drugged at night and used by Philip to produce a child while her husband looks on. King Philip is blackmailing Nielson and the only person who can help Pippa is Lionel Ashton, although he's also involved in her violation. Will Pippa be able to trust Ashton and save herself and her unborn child? This fascinating follow-up to To Kiss a Spy [BKL F 1 02] is rife with danger and intrigue. Patty Engelmann
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