cover image By His Majesty's Grace

By His Majesty's Grace

Jennifer Blake. Mira, $7.99 mass market (384p) ISBN 978-0-7783-1243-7

Prolific author Blake (Fierce Eden) launches the Three Graces trilogy with an enjoyable Tudor-era romance. Lady Isabel Milton and her sisters are the Three Graces of Graydon, said to bear a curse that dooms any man betrothed to them without love. After the deaths of four suitors, Isabel manages to avoid any further betrothals until King Henry VII promises her to Sir Rand Braesford. When Rand is arrested and charged with murder, Isabel sees a chance to be free of him, but the more she learns about him, the more she doubts that he could commit such a heinous crime. Can the curse be defeated? Blake's flamboyant prose immerses readers in the period, with likable characters and a well-constructed plot. Though Isabel and Rand are flaw-free and polished to a high gloss, readers will enjoy watching them find their footing and become a team. (Aug.)