A Traitorous Heart - by Erin Cotter (Paperback)

About the Book

In 1572 France, seventeen-year-old Jacqueline "Jac" d'Argenson-Aunis navigates forbidden love, political intrigue, and a secret society of spies while matchmaking for her former lover and a despised king, as she uncovers hidden truths and unexpected feelings amidst the chaos of a nation on the brink of war.

Book Synopsis

A noblewoman in the scandalous French court finds herself under the dangerous and watchful eye of the Parisian royalty when she falls in love with the handsome king who is betrothed to her former lover in this bisexual The Three Musketeers by way of Bridgerton and F.T. Lukens.

Paris, 1572. Seventeen-year-old Jacqueline "Jac" d'Argenson-Aunis is lady-in-waiting to her best friend and former lover, the French Princess Marguerite "Margot" de Valois, but she dreams of more. If Jac plays her cards right, one day, she'll become a full member of the Societas Solis, a secret society of spies--just like her uncle and guardian, Viscount Gabriel d'Argenson-Aunis.

But it's hard to think about her own ambitions while France is on the brink of war, and the only thing that might save the country is an alliance--a marriage between the Catholic Princess Margot and Henry, the awful son of the Huguenot queen. Who would be the perfect person to play matchmaker? Jac, of course.

Jac resents lying to her best friend almost as much as she resents the brazen and arrogant King Henry, but it's her one chance to prove to the Societas Solis that she belongs among their ranks before her uncle can marry her off or worse. The more time Jac spends in the French Court's clandestine corners, though, the more she starts to wonder if Henry is...not as terrible as she once believed. And the Societas Solis may not be what they seem.

Politics. Spies. Chaos in the French court. Perhaps even witchcraft? Everything's more dangerous when love is involved.

Review Quotes

In this historical thriller, ambitious young noblewoman Jacqueline is caught between her desire to be a supernatural spy for the mysterious Societas Solis and her friendship with the French princess, Marguerite de Valois. In a time when religious wars ravage Europe and assassins stalk the royal family, the Societas Solis wants Catholic Marguerite to marry the Huguenot (Protestant) King of Navarre, Henry de Bourbon, in order to avoid religious violence. Marguerite, an enthusiastic skirt-chaser, has no interest in men, or marriage. What should Jacqueline and Marguerite prioritize: peace and safety for religious minorities, or their own personal freedom from the patriarchal oppression of marriage? This dilemma is complicated by Jacqueline's attraction to both Marguerite and Henry and by the machinations of Marguerite's mother, Catherine de' Medici, who is an evil witch. Ultimately, the novel substitutes made-up problems for the extremely high stakes of history as Jacqueline, Marguerite, and Henry race to stop Queen Catherine from pulling a Frankenstein and reviving her dead husband. As a result, the notorious St. Bartholomew Day's massacre--in which thousands of innocents were murdered--has about as much emotional impact as the blasé carnage of a superhero film. Cotter demonstrates good overall knowledge of the cultural and historical context, yet she underplays the nexus of religious and political issues in favor of swoony scenes. The prose is flavorful, occasionally dipping into purple prose for the romance. VERDICT A pathway into a complicated, fascinating moment in history through a queer feminist perspective.--School Library Journal "3/14/25"

"[H]eaps of magic, witchcraft, swordplay, and intrigue keep the fantastical mystery and tension high...Cotter charms with the adventures of bold Jac, self-indulgent Margot, and courageous Henry as they search for a way to both save their country and forge their own paths."--Publishers Weekly "12/2/2024"

It is 1572, and 17-year-old Jacqueline, or Jac, desires to be a member of the Societas Solis order rather than be a lady-in-waiting attending royal balls. Her Oncle, a member, refuses Jac's pleas and would rather Jac forgo a life of espionage. When her best friend and love interest Princess Marguerite de Valois (Margot) is forced to marry King Henry of Navarre, Jac's Oncle gives her the mission of assuring Margot, who prefers women, goes through with the marriage. That task proves more difficult when Jac and Henry develop feelings for each other. Along with the murdering of young men on the streets of Paris and sorcery, Jac rushes to solve the developing mysteries, while coming to terms with her romantic attractions. Cotter's sophomore work is a thoughtful period piece exploring the difficulties of young adults freely expressing their polyamorous sexuality. Other important topics that arise in the story are social inequality and lack of freedom for women. An enjoyable read that dips into the history of the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre. --Booklist "01/01/2025"

About the Author

Erin Cotter writes young adult fiction. Originally from Buffalo, New York, she currently calls Austin home. When not writing, she spends time with her partner and pets, eating tacos, and searching for Golden-cheeked Warblers in the Texas Hill Country.