Solomon’s Crown

Siegel reimagines the lives of real medieval European kings in her captivating queer debut. Philip, only son of ailing, addled King Louis of France, vows to regain the lands his father lost to King Henry of England and his sons. After his father dies and he is crowned, Philip is married to Isabella and—though they do not consummate the marriage—they find a fast friendship. When Richard the Lionheart, King Henry’s son and Duke of Aquitaine, meets Philip, both men feel an immediate attraction but their budding romance is complicated by politics: both Richard and his brother Geoffrey attempt to convince Philip to ally with them against the other in exchange for land while Henry attempts to force Richard to give up Aquitaine. As battle lines shift over the next several years, a tender relationship blooms between Richard and Philip despite both risks and rumors—but with all-out war on the horizon, will the men be able to make it work? Siegel’s smooth, gorgeous writing deliciously evokes the era and establishes her well-drawn characters. This will be catnip for readers who like their historical romance to come with a deep political slant. Agent: Tara Gilbert, KT Literary. (Mar.)