SHE SERVES THE REALM - Lee Swanson
No Man is Her Master - Volume IV
A Perfect 10
Merchant's Largesse Books
ISBN: 9798990013100
ASIN: B0CXZ93KGV
June 2024
Historical Fiction/LGBTQ

England - 1311 - During the Reign of Edward II

Christina Kohl, known in the realm as Sir Frederick Kohl, upon learning of the death of Sir Edgar Baldewyne, has hopes that soon his widow, Lady Cecily will be free to marry. Assuming the guise of her badly injured brother, Frederick, Christina has proven her worth to King Edward as a stalwart and brave warrior, enough to have been knighted. But maintaining her masculine appearance and behavior keeps Christina on constant vigilance. And somehow she must convince the king to allow her to marry her beloved Cecily. Edward, however, has more pressing matters that he wants help with before a marriage can take place.

King Edward's close friendship with Piers Gaveston, the Earl of Cornwall, has infuriated the Lords Ordainers who have demanded that Gaveston be banished from the kingdom. Edward is just as adamant that his friend remains by his side. With civil war festering, Edward sends Christina to be castellan of a castle north of London to prevent the Ordainers from capturing it. It is not a pleasant assignment, especially so far away from Cecily, but Christina perseveres. This doesn't mean that Edward doesn't have yet another important task for her.

Christina's stalwart loyalty to Edward is difficult to maintain as his all abiding need to keep Gaveston with him puts her, and her staff in various stages of danger. Can she complete the king's demands, will he and his queen agree to her marriage? And can she continue to keep her disguise from being exposed?

Book four of the amazing No Man is Her Master series, SHE SERVES THE REALM will not disappoint readers of the previous books. The attention to historical detail is meticulous, and the incredible character development of Christina, and all those she holds dear keep this story moving, making it difficult to put the book down. Christina's bravery and concentration in all she does is not only indicative of a warrior, but also of a woman! SHE SERVES THE REALM is a Perfect 10 in my book. 

Jani Brooks