Author of IPPY Gold medal winner Broken Wing, award-winning author Judith James’ Rakes and Rogues of the Restoration series transports you to the thrilling days of highwaymen, cavaliers, courtiers, and spies. Rich with history and sizzling with passion, these are love stories you won’t soon forget.


“James’ fully realized version of naughty, bawdy Restoration England is the ideal setting for her marvelous characters to play out their sensual and romantic love story. Through the pages readers come to believe in hope, true love, trust and the great gift of passion lovers share. The quick pace, strong dialogue and high degree of sensuality added to the lush backdrop will have readers enthralled.” ~Romantic Times top pick



#2 Soldier of Fortune tells the story of Hope Mathews, a character inspired by Nell Gwynn, and Captain Robert Nichols, a war-weary Parliamentarian captain first introduced to readers in Libertine’s Kiss. Haunted by his past, hardened by years of fighting and consumed by a quest for revenge, Robert Nichols’ honor is a fading memory. When Charles II confiscates his lands to reward one of his backers it seems life as a mercenary is all that’s left, until the king makes him an offer. Marry his mistress, a beautiful courtesan with humble beginnings and he will keep his lands and be richly rewarded. To Hope, who dreams of independence it’s a crushing betrayal and for Robert it represents a new low. Bitter, disillusioned, trapped in a marriage neither of them want, their clash is inevitable. Can these two wounded souls realize the answer to all their dreams might lie in each other's arms?

Although Libertine's Kiss and The King's Courtesan are connected stories with recurring characters they were not previously connected as a series by title or covers. I am pleased to release an enhanced version of the King's Courtesan, now titled Soldier of Fortune in the form and length that was originally intended. Readers who enjoyed Libertine's Kiss can find out what happened to Captain Nichols and catch up with Elizabeth, Charlie and Will.

“This is a tale you won’t want to miss just for this last sentence alone.”
Yankee Romance Reviewers

Rakes and Rogues of the Restoration

#1 Libertine's Kiss
Nominated RT best British Isles Historical
Romantic Times Top Pick
AAR Desert Island Keeper
Booklist starred review

#2 Soldier of Fortune (The King's Courtesan enhanced)
Romantic Times Top Pick

#3 The Highwayman