Lettice Knollys was born in 1543 in England. Her mother was Catherine Carey, a daughter of Mary Boleyn. Her aunt was Elizabeth I's mother, Anne Boleyn. Her father was Sir Francis Knollys, a Member of Parliament and Master of the Horse for Edward VI. She was Maid of the Privy Chamber when Elizabeth I attained the throne. She married Walter Devereux, Viscount Hereford. They had two daughters, and she was pregnant with a son when she wound up flirting with Robert Dudley, which immediately reduced her in the Queen's eyes. She was extremely jealous and possessive over Dudley, and could not stand this affair they were having while Lettice's husband was away. They wound up splitting up and she married Robert Dudley, which further infuriated Elizabeth I. She never accepted the marriage, and banished her from court. By all accounts, she never forgave her for marrying him. He was terribly in debt, and died leaving it to her to deal with. After Elizabeth's death, she was able to have some debts forgiven and live in some state of peace.

I discovered this author on accident via Twitter, and got this book and another one. I really enjoyed this book. The way she tells the story is entertaining, and you can tell she did her research. I didn't know anything about Lettice (I called her lettuce nearly the whole time) until I read this book. I knew that Robert Dudley married and it upset Elizabeth, but I didn't realize who the wife was or how miserable she had it when facing the wrath of a long reigning monarch. I would recommend this book, and I cannot wait to read the other book I have by this author.