England, and the small island country of Leaudor – 1815

After Princess Isabella Chastaine witnesses the brutal murder of her family, she is on the run to seek revenge, justice, and to save her own neck. In England, she seeks the Prince Regent’s aid, but now someone has turned tail and knows entirely too much about her whereabouts. They won’t rest until Isabella is dead as well. Terrified and alone, Isabella trusts no one but herself and is determined to stay alive long enough to see that her parents’ murderer is punished. Nothing good will happen if the guilty attain the throne; her country will only know turmoil and tyranny.

Simon Rothmore, the Earl of Merrick and an agent for the government, would die for his country if required. Newly come into his title as earl, Simon is unsure how to feel about his new status. His older brother was groomed as the one to inherit, but when he died, Simon found himself with a title and a lot of unease. As an agent of the crown, he’s always known how to handle himself in that role, and his latest assignment to investigate the assassinations of the royal family of Leaudor is intriguing at best. It could also spell uncertain difficulty for England if they think the Prince Regent had a hand in it.

When Simon rescues Isabella from yet another attempt on her life, he is transfixed by the young slip of a woman on whose shoulders an entire country depends. But one look in her eyes and Simon knows that the princess is no wilting flower. With her training in martial arts and deadly revengeful purpose, Isabella is more than prepared to take on an army if she must. But she’s a wily one, and again, doesn’t trust anyone, including Simon. But with no other rescuers in sight, Isabella doesn’t have a choice but to lay her faith in the attractive man’s hands. How can Simon convince her that England is not behind the murders and guard a princess who doesn’t want his protection?

In a race for her life, Isabella and Simon must beat the clock and head back to Leaudor. Only there can she takes the steps necessary to succeed to the throne and take her rightful crown back. But, there is more than one person who will do anything to prevent that from happening. Each way Simon and Isabella turn, it’s a gamble as to what to do next. Will they live long enough to find out what their deepening attraction for each other will lead to?

With danger, deception, and a mystery that keeps unraveling at a terrifying pace, HER MAJESTY, MY LOVE is a riveting tale of two people who are not only meant for each other, but so deserve a bit of love and happiness. RRT’s Perfect 10 has always been given for those books that not only entertain and thrill, but for ones that contain characters and storylines that make us stand up and take notice. Sharon Long’s precise characterization and awe-inspiring talent for spinning a breathtaking romance that defies all odds will meet the demands of even the nit-pickiest readers. Secondary characters comprise a short list and are limited mainly to those who are after Simon and Isabella as they run for their lives. A couple characters of note are Father Ling, a monk and mentor of sorts for Isabella, and Adam Kirkland, Simon’s partner and best friend.

HER MAJESTY, MY LOVE hits all the right notes for a resoundingly awesome book and meets all of my personal qualifications for RRT’s Perfect 10 distinction. I’ll definitely be paying attention to any further releases from Sharon Long.

Amy Cunningham