[Review] - The King's Damsel by Kate Emerson

Title: The King's Damsel
Author: Kate Emerson
Series: Secrets of the Tudor Court
Genre: Historical Fiction
Release Date: August 7, 2012

I received this book from Simon & Schuster, in exchange for an honest review.

Summary:  Handmaid. Spy. Mistress. Anxious to secure his own success at the glittering court of Henry VIII, heiress Tamsin Lodge’s ambitious guardian obtains her a position as maid of honor to young Princess Mary Tudor. Tamsin soon comes to love the neglected child, but in the Tudor court, not even a princess is secure. Mary’s father is besotted with the lovely Anne Boleyn, and the girl’s future has grown perilous. Plotting to be Mary’s eyes and ears, Tamsin joins Anne’s service, but the handsome silk worker who is her co-conspirator may be her undoing.

While marriage with a merchant is unthinkable, she cannot resist Rafe Pinckney’s embraces. When Tamsin also attracts the lusty Henry, she must choose between loyalty and desire. . . . With Anne’s jealousy growing dangerous, can Tamsin survive the schemes and seductions that surround her?

Thoughts: Tamsin Lodge's story begins in 1525 during her 13th year. She has lost both her dad & brother, and should be able to live a comfortable life with her stepmother. But then she learns that her guardianship has been bought. Everything she inherited along with herself is now under the control of Sir Lionel Daggett.  Daggett sends Tamsin to be part of Princess Mary's household. Between Daggett, Mary Tudor & the attentions of Henry the VII she'll be lucky to survive life among the royals.

Excellent read! I enjoyed Tamsin Lodge story. She is younger than most of the leads in this series and one of my favorites. She seemed genuinely nice. Her first actions weren't of scheming and advancement, which is rare. The women in the Secrets of the Tudor Court are strong and for the most part they are survivors. They are what I like to call 'the ones that got away'.  From Henry VIII and his hobby of beheading his lovers/wives. Ms. Emerson brings another brilliant installment of life in the Tudor Court. A King's Damsel is captivating. A story of spying, loyalty, temptations and long awaited love. I highly recommend this book as well as the series.

Score: 4 Stars

Author Website: http://kateemersonhistoricals.com/

Secrets of the Tudor Court:
The Pleasure Palace
Between Two Queens
By Royal Decree
At the King's Pleasure
The King's Damsel
Royal Inheritance - September 1, 2013