" In a Treacherous Court" takes place entirely in England during the reign of King Henry VIII and surrounds two very real members of his court, Susanna Horenbout and John Parker. Susanna Horenbout was a young woman who came to work as an illuminator in the court. Diener's characterization shows a man and woman that are a perfect match for each other through snappy dialogue and sizzling sexual attraction. When the two are drawn into a suspected treasonous plot involving several powerful nobles against their monarch, Susanna and John race against time and numerous assassin plots and kidnappings to safe England from destruction. I was interested in this book because of the description (based on real people, set in the 1500s, court plotting). I definitely got that. But. This book was 90% action and only 10% characterization. It moved briskly, even frenziedly, without so much as a pause to breathe. Considering the pace, I was surprised that Parker and Susanna had time to fall in love, let alone lust. The mystery and frantic pace I could believe, but the "romance" felt a bit forced. Given that Parker and Susanna were married IRL, I'm sure there was something between them. I just don't see how it could have developed during the few, frenzied days in which this story took place. I did enjoy the mystery, though, and found myself wondering how much was historically accurate. I especially enjoyed the depiction of Henry VIII, who usually evokes the mental image of a corpulent, weaselly-looking jerk. I'm planning to try the other book in the series, and see if the characters find any breathing room to develop further.
What do You think about Úklady Královského Dvora (2012)?
Meh. Not deeply researched, but an okay light historical fiction leave. I could take it or leave it.
—Isabella
I enjoyed this historical romance. Interesting, well-drawn characters and setting.
—Lea
Such a fun read!! It was really hard to put down!
—Fatik94
