Tis a bonnie spring in Scotland in 1285 and for now all is safe. But as quickly as mists can cover the land, politics can change. For now, the most important thing is for King Alexander III to get Scotland an heir by getting his new French Queen Yolande with child. With his roving eye and heart for dalliance, the handsome King is less concerned with the task at hand and now hankers for his former mistress, Lady Greer Armstrong, to be at court and so commands his Captain of the Guard to personally bring her back. Sir Britt MacKinnon is loyal and would fight to the death for his King. Aye, he would do as the King wants, but on his own terms.

Thinking the smithy was at the door to fix a broken latch, Geneen Armstrong is shocked not only to see the largest man she has ever seen but to be addressed as Lady Armstrong. With quick wits, Geneen stalls for time and then has it out with her twin sister, Greer, now pregnant with the King's child. Realizing the only way to protect her twin and the wee expected baby, Geneen quickly makes plans to send her sister to safety while Greer hastily fills her ears with what she needs to know to fake her life at court. Could she really pass for her beautiful sister with her lark like voice? While a mirror like image of Greer, Geneen had always paled in comparison to her more favored and livelier twin. If she could only get there quickly and in time to bleed her courses to prove "Greer" isn't pregnant, then she could escape before being found out or asked to sing. But, if she couldn't pull this deception off, all their lives, including the unborn baby, would be at stake. Making their way back to Edinburgh Castle, Britt finds himself strangely drawn to Lady Armstrong who he had so easily ignored before. Ever sharp to details, little discrepancies have him in a bit of a conundrum: was it just her grieving for her parents and the country life or is it something else? He was determined to find out. Yet, while initially wary of this strong and brawny knight, Geneen soon realizes she needs his protection. Can she trust him? Can she succeed with her plan? What else could go wrong?

Award-winning author Sandy Blair, with her talent for historical accuracy and keen sense of the time and place, has written a very intriguing and captivating story that is sure to please her current historical romance fans and will garner her many more new ones.

The storyline is strong with lots of suspenseful twists which will keep you turning pages just to find out what happens. The characters are strong and realistic in their motivations and instincts, even if their decisions, actions and reactions are not always the best. Blair is a gifted storyteller with a deft hand at character development and it was wonderful to see the change in Geneen as she learns where to place her loyalties and to trust in herself. On a personal level, I just loved Britt as the battle and heart hardened hero who falls (as you will, gentle reader) for the ever so practical and thoughtful Geneen who knows her ewes from her rams and names and kisses every animal by name. Britt is loyal, considerate and realizes his role and responsibilities to country, his clan and to those who hold his heart. I especially loved the interplay and quick wit between Britt and his longtime friend, Lyle Ross, the King's chief advisor.

The KING'S MISTRESS is a delightful and fun romance, with more than one person deceiving another and lots of courtly and other intrigue! It's a treat you won't soon forget! Enjoy!