Equally, Michael can’t expose imposter Rudolf’s ruse without showing he has abducted the king. Now fake Rudolf can’t expose the king’s abduction, lest he be discovered as an imposter. However, Michael’s men get wind and kidnap the real king. The king’s guard ask the Englishman to pose as king during the coronation, until such time as the drug wears off. Coincidentally, Rudolph’s unknown English look-alike relative, Rudolf Rassendyll, is visiting. Duke Michael hopes to accede to the throne when it is discovered his brother is too drunk to arrive at his own inauguration. On the eve before his coronation, Ruritania’s crown prince (Rudolf Elphberg) drinks wine drugged by his half-brother, Michael Elphberg. The two novels are told by protagonists on opposite sides of a dilemma, but retain the same basic plot. It must have been catnip for a historian like KJ to right/write this wrong. His 1930’s tale had been chivalrous, but evidenced outdated values, placing monarchy and inbreeding above love, honesty, or the welfare of average citizens. KJ Charles, the Maestra of Historical Romance, strikes a coup de main (a single sword-stroke kill) with The Henchmen of Zenda, a swashbuckling re-cast of Anthony Hope’s The Prisoner of Zenda. And love is the worst mistake you can make.Ī retelling of the swashbuckling classic The Prisoner of Zenda from a very different point of view. But Jasper needs to work out what Rupert’s really up to amid a maelstrom of plots, swordfights, scheming, impersonation, desire, betrayal, and murder. Charming, lethal, and intolerably handsome, Rupert is out for his own ends-which seem to include getting Jasper into bed. Rupert of Hentzau is Michael’s newest addition to his sinister band of henchmen. But when Michael makes his move, things don’t go entirely to plan-and the penalty for treason is death. Michael wants the throne for himself, and Jasper is one of the scoundrels he hires to help him take it. Currently that’s Michael Elphberg, half-brother to the King of Ruritania. Jasper Detchard is a disgraced British officer, now selling his blade to the highest bidder. Tags: Gay M/M May/December CW: Abduction, Violence Cover Artist: Art by – Simoné Design By: LC Chase

The Henchmen of Zenda by K.J. Charles