It is the middle of 17th century England, under King Charles II rule. But this is not a story about only this king, but rather of his married mistress of two decades nicknamed the Royal Harlot. She is Barbara, Countess of Castlemaine, Duchess of Cleveland. Barbara was married at eighteen and became Charles' mistress soon after. She makes no excuses for her behavior, especially not to her first husband, Roger whose first daughter is actually Charles's and every child she has after that. She doesn't even mind when he separates from her because of his disgust. Between Charles and Barbara they have six children who they all love dearly. Even though both have other lovers throughout their interesting relationship, Charles would always come back to Barbara, for she is the woman of his heart. Barbara on the other hand does care deeply for her king but all too soon, she becomes power and money hungry. She knows as a woman, she doesn't have enough freedom and Charles is the key to her happiness. But as with most tumultuous love affairs, this one was bound to end but has endured as one of histories most exceptional love stories.

Susan Holloway Scott's ROYAL HARLOT is a bawdy and sexually charged tale told from Barbara's first person point of view. Barbara talks about her life starting when she comes to London to live with her mother at fifteen and right into her thirties as she finally decides to end her affair with Charles. Barbara is a very honest and forthright character. This is a woman who enjoys sex and adores men. She is no wilting flower and even though Charles can not marry her, they are the perfect partners both in and out of the bedroom. I found myself not caring much for Barbara, but her voice is so real and kept my interest about her life and that of King Charles's court. Even though this is not a straight biography, but rather more of a fictional tale, I found myself lost in the people and the world that was 17th century England. Scott gives the reader a great deal of information and some shocking conversations that I wasn't even expecting. Most surprisingly, this was a very sexy read. There are very descriptive love making scenes between Barbara and Charles that also include her other lovers and even the suggestion that Barbara may have also enjoyed female companionship. These scenes will most definitely make you gasp. I found myself doing the same. But ultimately, ROYAL HARLOT is a wonderful and well written tale that has undertones of feminism and the love a woman has for a man and of course her children.