"Exciting sixteenth century romance"

In 1554, Queen Mary openly displays her disdain towards Lady Pippa Nielson for the latter voluntarily staying in the Tower with Elizabeth. Since the half sister Princess has been freed Pippa is back with her spouse of seven months, Stuart, but wonders why he only makes love to her when she sleeps. She also questions why he has become so especially enamored towards the Spaniards, attending Mary's new husband, Phillip. Worse she is attracted to Phillip's English advisor Lionel Ashton.

Stuart takes full culpability for the mess he has caused for himself and Pippa, who he loves in a brotherly manner. He wonders if suicide would free her of the fiasco for he cannot think of any other means of escaping the blackmail of Simon Renard who knows that Stuart is gay. As Simon and Lionel manipulate Stuart, Pippa is also caught in a web of deception that has ramifications involving two thrones. Yet Lionel and Pippa cannot resist an affair of the heart that could only end disastrously without royal intervention, but regal impediment could also prove calamitous.

KISSED BY SHADOWS is an exciting sixteenth century romance that focuses on the intrigue of Queen Mary's court and its impact on innocent dupes. Pippa is courageous showing her loyalty that makes her a victim of royal contempt. Lionel is more complex so subsequently adds depth to the plotting. Stuart is an intriguing individual whose anguish will gain him empathy from the audience. Though the machinations slowly surface, Jane Feather insures her audience knows what motivates the key cast members. Once the novel attains full acceleration it never slows down until the climax.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted January 15, 2003

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.

Summary

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?

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.