As a teenager Mary Howard married the king's illegitimate son Henry Fitzroy, and becomes a duchess, and a lady's maid to queen Anne Boleyn. Not wanting a loveless marriage like her parents, Mary sets out to get to know her young husband and hopes for a better life. Just as she starts falling in love, Anne Boleyn falls out of favor and Mary's world is turned upside down. Soon Mary's loyalties will be tested between her father, her husband, and her queen, and Mary must choose wisely for her life depends on it.

BRAZEN is a wonderfully written and creative young adult historical fiction. Set in the infamous Tudor court Katherine Longshore weaves her story around Mary Howard, cousin of Anne Boleyn, who marries the king's illegitimate son, Henry Fitzroy. The unique point of view of this story is what makes BRAZEN so much fun to read. The story revolves around a teenage Mary who is like any other teen, except she's married and a duchess. Young Adult readers will find Mary relatable, as she and her friends, Margaret and Madge partake in the usual teenage mischief.

Mary is a compassionate character who wants to do what is right, but sometimes is unsure of the right choice. She obeys her father, and is loyal to her queen and friends, and at times her loyalty is put to the test when she must chose between her friends secrets and her queen's trust. As she gets to know her young husband Fitz, a young love blossoms, but when Anne Boleyn's reign comes to an end, Mary's life is turned upside down and her morals are put to the test.

Longshore's use of a teenager's perspective during the reign of Anne Boleyn is creative and readers will see the court through Mary's naïve and sweet natured eyes. BRAZEN is filled with intrigue and secrets and reads much like a Philippa Gregory novel, just a more watered down version for a young adult audience. Adults will enjoy this story as well, and will find Mary Fitzroy a complex, yet often forgotten character. BRAZEN is a must read for any Tudor fan, and will keep readers wondering if young love can survive the Tudor court.

Book Summary

Mary Howard has always lived in the shadow of her powerful family. But when she's married off to Henry Fitzroy, King Henry VIII's illegitimate son, she rockets into the Tudor court's inner circle.

Mary and "Fitz" join a tight clique of rebels who test the boundaries of court's strict rules with their games, dares, and flirtations. The more Mary gets to know Fitz, the harder she falls for him, but is forbidden from seeing him alone. The rules of court were made to be pushed-but pushing them too far means certain death. Is true love worth dying for?