In 1388 England, 17-year-old Jane de Weston is struggling
to aid her sister, Solay, in the birthing room. Unlike
Solay, Jane is plain looking and has interests inconsistent
with a young lady. Sired by King Edward, Jane and her
mother were turned out of their comfortable home after the
king's death and forced to move under the protection of
Solay's husband, Justin. With her betrothed due to arrive
soon, Jane flees, disguised as a boy.
On the road to Cambridge, Jane meets Duncan of Cliff's
Tower, an unlikely looking master at the school. Taken
under his wing, Jane hides her true gender from Duncan and
his friends, Geoffrey and Henry, who are training under
Duncan at Solar Hostel. She is known as Little John. With
shoulders too broad and breasts bound, Jane pulls off her
masquerade until Michaelmas, when Duncan discovers her
secret and they become lovers. As their love grows and the
students return, her gender becomes harder to hide. Jane
finally understands the true meaning of being a woman and
intends to have Duncan for herself. Duncan makes plans to
travel home, without Jane, to rescue his father from a
Scottish cell. When Jane is attacked after being discovered
to be a girl, Duncan is seriously injured protecting her.
Everything seems to culminate at the same time when her
family shows up in Cambridge and finds Jane. Convincing
Duncan they belong together becomes very complicated with
Jane's family around.
As usual, Blythe Gifford gives readers a history-
filled love story. Jane is an extremely resourceful woman
with the spirit and mind to match any man. Duncan, at first
believed to be a common and rough man, is full of warmth
and softness when it comes to Jane. I thoroughly enjoyed
this original story and the very unique characters.
To live the life of independence she craves, Jane de Weston
disguises herself as a young man. She doesn't foresee her
attraction to Duncan, who stirs unknown but delightful
sensations in her highly receptive, very feminine
body.
When Duncan accidentally discovers her true
identity he knows he should send her away—but he agrees to
keep her secret! For Jane brings light into the dark
corners of his heart, and Duncan fully intends to teach his
willing pupil the exquisite pleasures of being a woman...