Royal Harlot: A Novel of the Countess Castlemaine and King Charles II
Susan Holloway Scott
This book tells the story about Barbara Villiers Palmer who is not a virtuous character, and one I was very unfamiliar with. Her story was a quick and interesting read. Although not a great story I enjoyed learning more about this infamous woman of history. The story begins when Barbara returns home under orders from her mother to make a suitable match with no dowry. Barbara is soon seduced by Phillip Stanhope, Earl of Chesterfield and falls in love in love with him, but Phillip has no desire to settle down and soon finds another to replace Barbara. Barbara's bawdy reputation soon lands her married to Roger Palmer, a Royalist who supports to restore Charles Stuart to the English throne. She is sent by her husband with letters and money to the King, who is fascinated by the lusty and courage's woman. Once Charles is established to the throne Barbara soon becomes his Mistress, although Charles does eventually marry him and Barbara continue their sexual escapades. She has five children and four are known to belong to Charles. Although Barbara finds many enemies at court especially the Queen, she continues to be demanding and keeps Charles at her beck and call with her sexual appetite. I only gave this book 3 stars, I felt to sexually explicit, "TMI" (to much information) for me and some parts were way out there, for a movie rating I would say X-rated.
1 comment:
Great review. It sounds interesting but not sure if it's for me. It's a maybe for my TBR.
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