As war and treachery loom, an ambitious man's mission threatens to topple two dazzling realms and their formidable rulers: Catherine De Medici, the Dark Queen, and Ariane, The Lady of Faire Isle.

Good book. Lending to my daughter. Will release when she gives it back.

Added to the Historical Fiction Book Box.

Taking this from the historical fiction book box

Catherine De Medici is one scary woman. Xavier Cheney, pirate, son of a nobleman and a courtesan, is hired by the Dark Queen (as she is known) to kidnap a young girl with arcane knowledge and special powers. Before Xavier can get a grip on this situation and do the job, he is caught up in a storm and washes up on Fair Isle, the Island of Witches, on which the said young girl lives.
Xavier is in no shape to kidnap anyone, he has a badly broken arm and nearly drowned. His nurse is an English woman named Jane Danvers. Big bad Xavier falls hopelessly in love and Jane falls in love with him. Nice, but wasn't he supposed to be kidnapping young Meg? He doesn't want to kidnap her. His half sisters are on the Island and accept him, he is in love with Jane, he is even friends with Meg. But, oh no, here comes a blabber mouth brother in law who knows Xavier was hired by the Dark Queen and he tells all, thereby cutting the trust between Xavier and his sisters, Jane and Meg.
Xavier is very sad and goes off to drink with his buddies, but he decides not to run away, he is going to trick the Dark Queen and win back Jane and the trust of his sisters and Meg. Off he goes, back to France, to attempt to trick the Queen. He finds Jane and is having some success with her. But will he be able to trick the old Queen? Will Meg be able to avoid her dark fate? Will Xavier ever have the family he craves?

I am offering this book in the ABC VBB

I received this as part of Booklady331's virtual keep them moving book box. Thanks for sharing! Can’t wait to read!

Passing along to a sorority sister to enjoy.
~~~
While not your Secret Santa,
A book wish I’d like to grant ya!
For the new year,
A book to spread some cheer!
My ask when you are done,
Is to pass it along for someone else to enjoy the fun!