Finally able to read again!

I finished the last of my finals on Wednesday and was able to pick up the book I've been trying to read for two weeks!

This week I read "Cupid and the King: Five Royal Paramours", written by Princess Michael of Kent.

The title aptly describes the focus of this book. Princess Michael chose five women who were the mistresses of some of the most powerful monarchs in Europe. These ladies used their ambition, looks, and intellect to get what they wanted.

The ladies featured are:

Nell Gwyn - an orange seller and later actress that became the favorite of Charles II and the people of England.

Jeanne-Antionette Poisson, better known as Madame de Pompadour - the lovely and intelligent mistress of Louis XV of France.

Marie Walewska - the beautiful shy woman who became Napoleon's mistress to save her country, but then fell in love with the ambitious emperor.

Lola Montez - the vibrant and controversial dancer who charmed the nobility of Europe and became the muse of Ludwig I of Bavaria.

Lillie Langtry - considered the most beautiful woman of her time, she became the mistress of Edward VII while he was still Prince of Wales and managed to keep him for nearly five years, but retained his friendship for the rest of his life.

I really enjoyed this book. I had heard of Madame de Pompadour and Nell Gwyn before, but these other ladies I had never read anything about them before. It is fascinating that these women were so powerful and not because they slept with the King, but because of their charm and intellect. I would love to read more about these ladies and others like them. Many books discussing royal mistresses reek of sexuality and scandal, but Princess Michael of Kent told the real story of these women. I am really looking forward to reading more material from this talented biographer and historian.

If you would like to read "Cupid and the King" by Princess Michael of Kent you can purchase it at Barnes and Noble or find it at your local library.