In The Master's Bed by Blythe Gifford

In Blythe Gifford's 2009 release of In The Master's Bed, a young girl of seventeen out in the big bad world, running away from the only shelter and family she has ever known on a quest to become educated, respected for her mind as well as eventually an adviser and scholar under the current King. But this is England in the year 1388 and no woman would be safe on the streets on her own. More comfortable in dressed as a boy Jane de Weston, believed to be the daughter of the late King Edward and her Mother Alys de Westen, the King's mistress, that she was suffocating with the pressures of being a woman in these times. She hadn't wanted for much in her life, except to be an educated scholar, able to speak her mind and be heard in this man's world. Literally running away while her sister was in the throws of labor feeling useless she flees to Cambridge to find a Master who will sponsor her but along the way she is approached by a rider from the North. Naive of the world and the situation she has put herself into she accepts his offer of a ride into the city. Luckily for Jane who is now referring herself to as John, has trusted the right kind of stranger. Duncan is from the North and by most British considered an uneducated barbarian. But this northerner is kind hearted and has offered several times, recognizing the bind Jane/John in is, a shelter and any assistance needed. Even at one point to be his/her Master. Pig headed and not aware of all the evils that the city holds, and after an intensive search for a Master and a House to sponsor her, Jane is forced to accept the help from Duncan.

Duncan is back in Cambridge for a few reasons, to complete his study in medicine and to also petition the King for money and manpower to hold the Scots off. They have been attacked, villages burned, British killed with no support from the King or the Council. When he learns that his father is among the few that the Scots has captured and are being held for Ransom, it is only one more reason for Duncan to plead his case to an ignorant and complacent King.
In the meantime Duncan is tutoring John/Jane in Latin to present to the King as well as on her studies. Here comes the complication, and Blythe Gifford so eloquently put poor Duncan in some precarious positions with John/Jane. Emotionally that is, the closeness of the Master and Student had become evident over the months, the bond they shared and the feelings of friendship that were developing. What got Duncan is that he was starting to have feelings for John and it was freaking him out a bit. Little did he know John was Jane until one day really taking the time to take a good look at the boy. It all came to him in a rush, including the relief he felt for his growing passionate feelings towards the lad.
As their relationship turns from friendship into lovers their bond only grows stronger between the two. But too many obstacles are in the way. Egos and secrets almost force the two apart several times. Jane's family has been searching for her and one think I loved about her is that through this she always held her own. Not always able to do so physically against other males who meant her harm, but emotionally. She shocked herself at how strong she was, how strong she became when she realized her own heart. And that heart was meant for Duncan. Prideful and honor bound he has had to make the choice to save his father's life over his love for Jane. Not feeling worthy of her royal blood once he discovers exactly who her family is, he wrestles with himself and his own self worth. Also he knows that if he takes her with him on his journey, all her dreams would be taken away from her. Romantic, humorous and downright a beautiful love story, Blythe Gifford has created two loving and insightful characters that will capture your heart. Skillful storytelling and beautiful imagery of at times, a painfully difficult time in medieval Briton, but Gifford takes you on an adventure that I assure you, you will not want to end.

To live the life of independence she craves, Jane de Weston disguises herself as a young man. She doesn't foresee her attraction to Duncan, who stirs unknown but delightful sensations in her highly receptive, very feminine body.
When Duncan accidentally discovers her true identity he knows he should send her away--but he agrees to keep her secret! For Jane brings light into the dark corners of his heart, and Duncan fully intends to teach his willing pupil the exquisite pleasures of being a woman....
She's disguised as a man in a place where women are forbidden. Now, she's met a man who, for the first time, makes her want to be a woman. What will happen when he discovers her secret and she's discovered IN THE MASTER'S BED?

ISBN-10: 0373295626

ISBN-13: 978-0373295623