INFAMOUS

Author: Virginia Henley ISBN: 0451219112 7/2006 HISTORICAL Publisher: NAL/SIGNET
Time Period: Medieval 1306-1307

Striking silver-gilt hair and pale green eyes give Marjory de Warenne the looks of an angel. The better to hide her willful spirit. In spite of every warning, the headstrong lady-in-waiting has given her heart to the notorious Guy de Beauchamp, the Earl of Warwick, a man feared on the battlefield—and in matters of seduction… But Jory’s guardians choose a more suitable husband for her, letting Jory believe that Guy has betrayed her. Yet, even as England’s bravest men ride off to put down the Welsh rebellion, Jory’s thoughts are with the one gallant knight she can never forget—and the passion that will one day be rekindled amidst the march of history…

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Being a Virginia Henley fan, I'm always excited to hear of a new release. She seems to have endless knowledge of historic monarchies, styles, and warfare. With her vivid descriptions and attention to detail, she brings the reader back in time with her characters.

INFAMOUS starts off with Marjory (Jory) de Warrenne as a teenager. She is a lady-in-waiting to the wicked Princess Joanna Plantagenet. The princess is sowing some wild oats before she is married off to a man 30 years her senior and is determined to teach Jory to do the same. Princess Joanna knows that Jory, being a noblewoman, must one day marry for the good of her family. She encourages her to practice the art of seduction on the first man who catches her fancy. However, in her innocence, Jory believes her guardians (her brother and uncle) will allow her to follow her heart and marry whomever she wishes.

When Guy de Beauchamp, the Earl of Warwick, and Jory first lay eyes on each other, the sparks immediately fly. Guy, however, is quite notorious for his prowess on and off the battlefield. Added to his reputation is a swirl of rumors regarding the deaths of his first two wives. Jory's guardians in no way want Guy to be the man she weds.

The plot of families scheming to keep two lovers apart can be a little tedious, and is one of the reasons INFAMOUS did not get my vote for Top Pick. Jory may be young and naive, but it's a little hard to believe that the smart and cunning earl is so easily convinced by her family that Jory does not accept his proposal.

Writer's like Virginia Henley are one in a million. She possesses the panache to combine history and a good love story seamlessly. If you are a Henley fan, then you already have plans to get INFAMOUS. If she is new to you, don't hesitate to buy INFAMOUS along with her other novels, and welcome to the wonderful worlds Ms. Henley creates!

Deana Monteleone