The first book in The Realm series. For those who like more spice in their (k)nights . . .

It's 1569. Elizabeth I sits on the English throne, the Reformation inflames the continent, and whispers of war abound. But in Troixden, just north of France, the Lady Annelore isn't interested in royal politics. Times are hard, taxes are high, and the people in her duchy need her help just to survive. Her widowed father is a good man easily distracted by horses, and her newly knighted childhood friend . . . well, he has plans of his own. Then Annelore receives a call she can't ignore.

When Troixden's sadistic king dies childless, his younger brother William returns from exile to find his beloved country on the brink of civil war. He's in desperate need of the stability that comes with a bride and heirs. But Annelore, his chosen queen, won't come quietly. Now the future of Troixden lies in the hands of two people who never wanted the power they've received and never dreamed that from duty and honour they might find love and a path to peace. Heirs & Spares is one part history, two parts palace plotting, and a whole lot of spicy romantic intrigue. Break out the spiced wine and sink into this rousing read.

NOTE: This is the first book in a series. There are spicy "Betwixt the Sheets” and romantic “Closed Bed Curtains” versions of each book in the series. This is a "Betwixt the Sheets" edition.