The story begins with the Angevins, who can ever forget the luscious Rosamund de Clifford and her bower!! Her lover was King Henry II, he who caused Thomas Beckett to be murdered with an idle comment and was married to Eleanor of Aquitaine. This is as steamy a May December romance as any in history.
On to the Plantagenets and Edward II who had several very powerful and greedy lovers who were not women. It is a fascinating story with some very interesting characters that doesn't end well for any of them, including the King.
Edward IV had one of the most beautiful women in the world as his wife in Elizabeth Woodville but that didn't stop him from spreading himself around with half of his court. Perhaps his best-known mistress was Jane Shore who seems to have captured his heart as well.
As the Tutor era is ushered in, Henry VIII not only had six wives, he had his share of mistresses as well. It seems to have been easier for him to get a son on a mistress than it was with his wives. His daughter Elizabeth I seemed to have inherited his father's love of love.
The Stuarts were a randy bunch, with James I batting for the other team and Charles II populating the current British aristocracy with his offspring. It makes for very easy reading.
The Hanoverians brought their own taste in mistresses to the throne, they were known for loving large, if you get my drift. No dieting among their choice of women.
The book takes us right through the affairs of the Duke of Windsor and the Prince of Wales.
If you like a racy story and love the combination of history and a good romp, you will love this book. It is broken up into chapters by dynasty and then by mistress so you can read it in short bursts or like me from cover to cover in one sitting.
I give it a 5 out of 5.
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