Behind Closed Doors [Paperback]

Betina Krahn (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Love--or at least sex--makes the world go 'round in Krahn's ( Caught in the Act ) tasteless historical novel, in which a woman who doesn't lasso herself a good man can turn a mite bitchy. Not surprisingly, then, the bitchiest of them all is England's unmarried Queen Elizabeth I. Corrie Huntington, a new and very innocent lady-in-waiting, is the queen's "special pet," and Elizabeth declares her off-limits to the court's lounge lizards. But then Corrie's cousin Anne takes her to an all-female bash at which the "sundry parts and privities" of various gents are evaluated. Thus Corrie's interest in men is piqued just as a fine specimen appears: Sweden's gorgeous ambassador Rugar Kalisson, who flirts and dances as superbly as he fights. He even has a dimple. But this blond beefcake's father was humiliated at Elizabeth's court years ago, and Rugar seeks revenge, which happens to include captivating the queen's pet. Corrie falls in love. Rugar falls in love. Elizabeth is furious and (clearly her father's daughter) wants Rugar beheaded. Lord Cecil, an adviser, calms the queen, but not enough to prevent her from trying to forcibly reclaim her favorite. (Sept.) Science Fiction & Fantasy
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 371 pages
• Publisher: Avon Books (Mm) (September 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380757796
• ISBN-13: 978-0380757794
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #282,710 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Glorious Romance, Laughter and Delight, February 10, 2006

By 

Lily Bart "lilybits" (The House of Mirth) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Behind Closed Doors (Paperback)

Most historical romances are sober affairs, with tortured heroes, gothic settings, and haunted heroines being pursued by satanic villains. But this 1500's romance features laughter, bedplay, horseplay, and hi-jinks, with enough slapstick and teasing to lighten the darkest dungeon.

A deliciously innocent young lady in waiting, Corrie has no idea that men are different from women. But after a wickedly exciting initiation by her cousin Anne, Corrie is immediately enchanted by a handsome Swedish visitor to the English court. Rugar Kallisson has plans of his own, and seduction is merely a means to an end. But innocent Corrie responds to him with such adoring and trusting passion that before long he is fighting for right and justice and sacrificing everything just to make the innocent blonde his bride.

Don't be fooled by the stupid Publishers Weekly review above. This is an original story, full of romance and fun, with great period research and a charming mixture of erotic sex, innocent laughter, and historical romance.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Elizabethan Sequel to CAUGHT IN THE ACT, December 10, 2011

By 

Regan (San Diego) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Behind Closed Doors (Paperback)

Set in England (and a small bit in Sweden) in 1576, this is the story of Corinna Huntington, daughter of Jack and Merrie, the Earl and Countess of Straffen (from CAUGHT IN THE ACT) and a Swedish aristocrat. When Corrie is sought by Queen Elizabeth to be one of her ladies, Corrie's father, a former rake, is horrified, knowing the immoral cesspool that is the court. Meanwhile, in Sweden, tall, blond Rugar Kalisson, Count of Aelthar, is sent by his king as a special ambassador to England. Rugar has a low opinion of the English and an even lower opinion of the virtue of English women, but he is happy to oblige his king, thinking it's time the English learned some respect for Swedish men--time for his revenge. And the first woman he identifies for his conquest is innocent Corrie.

Krahn makes the court of Queen Elizabeth come alive, adding rich detail to the story and providing us an interesting glimpse into the life of the virgin Queen. (You might want to read the Author's Note at the end first!) The hero and heroine are wonderfully complex and other characters richly drawn. The dialog is interesting and believable. (Sometimes Krahn's wit had me laughing out loud.)

I loved this romance as much as I did CAUGHT IN THE ACT (to which I also gave 5 stars). You won't be disappointed. It is a delightful and absorbing love story.

6 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An entertaining read., June 27, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Behind Closed Doors (Paperback)

Corinna Huntington is shocked by the libidinous & prejudicial Tudor Court. Count Rugar Kalisson also finds the English court distasteful & swears to show the English a thing or two. Corinna & Rugar find each other in the midst of the courts intrigue & end up causing a scandal themselves!