“Sultry and deeply intimate...A vivid portrayal of the teenage bride [Lucrezia de’Medici] and the glittering but dangerously political world into which she was born...Kimm...writes with elegance and seductive charm as she weaves her magic on a rich and colourful story of love and hatred, obsession and intrigue. Beautifully descriptive, full of fascinating period detail and simmering with tension and sexual chemistry, His Last Duchess is a love story to savour.” --Lancashire Evening Post (UK)“A stunning debut, rich in historical detail, that explores women’s freedom, forbidden love, and the passions and people of 16th century Tuscany and Ferrara.” --The Irish Times (Ireland)“A saucy account of Lucrezia de'Medici's ill-fated marriage, inspired by Robert Browning's poem My Last Duchess." --Kirkus“Captivating.” --Now Magazine (UK)“Fascinating...A gripping read, set against a backdrop of danger and treachery.” --Star Magazine (UK)“Kimm neatly ties up all the loose ends while cleverly setting the stage for a spin-off. Poetry enthusiasts will be intrigued and historical fiction fans will appreciate the authentic Renaissance-era detailing.” --Booklist“This strong first novel is marked by well-developed, memorable protagonists and a pacing that quickens and builds readers' anxiety as the story progresses.” --Library Journal Facts: 16-year-old Lucrezia de Medici marries 5th Duke of Ferrera, Alfonso d' Este. The Vatican threatens to reclaim their title if the couple remains unable to produce heir. 3 years after marriage, Lucrezia vanishes from Earth and pages of history. Robert Browning wrote an immortalising poem called 'The Last Duchess'. This novel is fictionalised account of marriage of Lucrezia and Alfonso - where Duke wants to get rid of Duchess who has 'unmanned' him in their marriage bed. Duke of Ferrera marries twice after and remains without a legitimate heir, as a result his Duchy is indeed reclaimed by Vatican.
