Libertine's Kiss by Judith James

I received a galley of this novel from NetGalley for review. This in no way affected my opinions.


I'm pretty regency-ed out when it comes to historical romance. I've been on a break lately from the regencies and have ventured into other time periods. Libertine's Kiss takes place during the Restoration period, which I am not too learned in, so it was welcomed.

Libertine's Kiss tells the story of William de Veres and Elizabeth Walters, childhood friends who come across each other years later under different circumstances. De Veres, a staunch supporter of the Royalist cause, seeks shelter from a young woman one night after being injured. He does not recognize the young Puritan widow as his childhood friend, but Lizzy recognizes him instantly, however giving no indication who she is.

Due to her helping de Veres, Lizzy ends up getting in trouble with Cromwell and loses all of her lands. Once Charles II is restored to the throne a few years later, she decides to try her luck with a meeting with the King to get her lands back. This is where she once again reunites with de Veres, now Lord Rivers.

De Veres takes it upon himself to help Lizzy acquire her goal when he realizes that all she lost was because she had helped him.While at court, Lizzy and de Veres' relationship heats up, but she realizes how broken he is inside. He uses drink and women to drown out the pain of his past and Lizzy sets it upon herself to rescue him.

Libertine's Kiss was not your typical fluffy romance. There is immense complications due to both of their pasts. The two of them are constantly going in different directions when it comes to their goals and future plans and due to this, their relationship hits many snags.

In the midst of this, we get a glimpse of the sparkling court of Charles II, which was most refreshing.

Overall, a solid historical romance. Recommended to anyone looking for a romance set in a less than typical setting.