What do you think?
Rate this book
His Last Mistress
Set in the tumultuous late 17th Century, "His Last Mistress" tells the true story of the final years in the life of James Scott, the dashing but doomed Duke of Monmouth, and Lady Henrietta Wentworth. As the popular but illegitimate eldest son of King Charles II, the Duke is a spoiled, lecherous man. Although he already has both a wife and a mistress, this rakish libertine is nevertheless captivated by the innocence of young Lady Henrietta Wentworth, who has been raised to covet her virtue. Will she succumb to his advances? At the same time, the Duke begins to harbour risky political ambitions which may threaten not only his life but also that of those around him. Will the path he chooses lead him to bloody rebellion, or peace and happiness? "His Last Mistress" is a passionate, sometimes explicit, carefully researched and ultimately moving story of love and loss, set against a backdrop of dangerous political unrest, brutal religious tensions, and the looming question of who will be the next King.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 20, 2013
11 people are currently reading
741 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Zuvich
9 books241 followersAndrea Zuvich (b. 1985) is an independent seventeenth-century historian and anthropologist specialising in the House of Stuart (1603-1714). Zuvich obtained degrees in History and Anthropology at the University of Central Florida and hosts the popular blog, 'The Seventeenth Century Lady'. An active user of X (formerly Twitter) since 2009 (as @17thCenturyLady) she created the well-received #StuartsSaturday hashtag, which was turned into a once-monthly live-streamed show: https://www.youtube.com/@17thCenturyLady
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/17thcentury...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/17thCenturyLady
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@17thcenturylady
Zuvich is also a historical consultant for TV, film, and radio (NTR Netherlands, BBC productions, BBC Radio 4). She most recently appeared in BBC Four's 'Charles I: Downfall of a King'. She has been a frequent contributor to various history magazines and has written for The Huffington Post UK, History Scotland, BBC History Extra, All About History, Britannia Magazine, and History of Royals.
She was one of the original developers of and leaders on the award-winning Garden History Tours at Kensington Palace and has written six books about the Stuart period, including 'A Year in the Life of Stuart Britain' and 'The Stuarts in 100 Facts'.
Zuvich is also a trained actress and professional voice-over artist, narrating audiobooks in various genres, and providing voice work for several mobile apps. Please visit her ACX page for more information: https://www.acx.com/narrator?p=A1DL0F...
Please visit her site at www.17thcenturylady.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/17thcentury...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/17thCenturyLady
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@17thcenturylady
Zuvich is also a historical consultant for TV, film, and radio (NTR Netherlands, BBC productions, BBC Radio 4). She most recently appeared in BBC Four's 'Charles I: Downfall of a King'. She has been a frequent contributor to various history magazines and has written for The Huffington Post UK, History Scotland, BBC History Extra, All About History, Britannia Magazine, and History of Royals.
She was one of the original developers of and leaders on the award-winning Garden History Tours at Kensington Palace and has written six books about the Stuart period, including 'A Year in the Life of Stuart Britain' and 'The Stuarts in 100 Facts'.
Zuvich is also a trained actress and professional voice-over artist, narrating audiobooks in various genres, and providing voice work for several mobile apps. Please visit her ACX page for more information: https://www.acx.com/narrator?p=A1DL0F...
Please visit her site at www.17thcenturylady.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 22, 2013
Those whose literary needs are met by pure fiction and a fairy tale ending must look elsewhere; this work is an admirable achievement, weaving a very human story, necessarily with some fiction, onto a framework of historical fact. The reader is subjected to a whole range of emotions as the story of passion, debauchery, true love, intrigue and savagery unfolds towards a dramatic and moving climax.
Characterisation and descriptive passages are excellent, painting a clear picture of the people and behaviour of the ruling elite of 3 centuries ago. I commend Ms. Zuvich for her studious approach to the subject, making an enjoyable read also one which improved my knowledge of a momentous period of English history. I look forward to her next book with pleasurable anticipation.
Characterisation and descriptive passages are excellent, painting a clear picture of the people and behaviour of the ruling elite of 3 centuries ago. I commend Ms. Zuvich for her studious approach to the subject, making an enjoyable read also one which improved my knowledge of a momentous period of English history. I look forward to her next book with pleasurable anticipation.
June 23, 2013
I was in two minds whether or not I should read this book; having read the negative comments in a few of the reviews that have been left on Amazon... I'm so glad I did.
The vivid, graphic and sometimes brutal narrative kept you hooked and turning pages. Ms Zuvich has clearly spent a lot of time on her research for this wonderful, historically accurate debut novel.
To sum up. If you want an accurate depiction of that period and a gripping story you won't forget in a hurry, then read this book. If you are after just another love story with a 'happy-ever-after' ending then try a Mills & Boon.
I look forward to whatever Ms Zuvich produces next.
The vivid, graphic and sometimes brutal narrative kept you hooked and turning pages. Ms Zuvich has clearly spent a lot of time on her research for this wonderful, historically accurate debut novel.
To sum up. If you want an accurate depiction of that period and a gripping story you won't forget in a hurry, then read this book. If you are after just another love story with a 'happy-ever-after' ending then try a Mills & Boon.
I look forward to whatever Ms Zuvich produces next.
August 26, 2013
Find this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....
A veritable casanova, James Scott, the Duke of Monmouth was a notorious ladies man. That is, until he crossed paths with young Henrietta Wentworth. Their subsequent affair scandalized the court, but his final declaration of love and affection made it a legend. Largely overlooked in the realm of fiction, their story is brought to life in Andrea Zuvich's debut, His Last Mistress.
By and large I liked this one, but the story has a lot going for it so that isn't much of a surprise. Zuvich does an excellent job depicting the politics of the day without overburdening her story with unnecessary details, but she also doesn't shy away from the complexities of her subject matter. Monmouth's position made it difficult for him to rest easy, but his affair with Henrietta was also challenging and I think Zuvich's treatment of both demonstrated those difficulties very well.
In point of fact I think my only disappointment lay in that this book was written as a novella. Don't get me wrong, I loved the story. I just think it might have been more compelling if Zuvich had given her readers a little more time to get to know James and Henrietta before getting caught up in the momentum of their story. Maybe it's just me, but I think it might have been easier to accept how profoundly this relationship affected Monmouth if I'd been allowed to really explore the man he was before meeting Henrietta and would like to see what Zuvich would do given freedom to work in longer format.
His Last Mistress is a tragically beautiful romance that offers a wonderfully unique glimpse into an oft overlooked chapter of Stuart history. Not to be missed.
A veritable casanova, James Scott, the Duke of Monmouth was a notorious ladies man. That is, until he crossed paths with young Henrietta Wentworth. Their subsequent affair scandalized the court, but his final declaration of love and affection made it a legend. Largely overlooked in the realm of fiction, their story is brought to life in Andrea Zuvich's debut, His Last Mistress.
By and large I liked this one, but the story has a lot going for it so that isn't much of a surprise. Zuvich does an excellent job depicting the politics of the day without overburdening her story with unnecessary details, but she also doesn't shy away from the complexities of her subject matter. Monmouth's position made it difficult for him to rest easy, but his affair with Henrietta was also challenging and I think Zuvich's treatment of both demonstrated those difficulties very well.
In point of fact I think my only disappointment lay in that this book was written as a novella. Don't get me wrong, I loved the story. I just think it might have been more compelling if Zuvich had given her readers a little more time to get to know James and Henrietta before getting caught up in the momentum of their story. Maybe it's just me, but I think it might have been easier to accept how profoundly this relationship affected Monmouth if I'd been allowed to really explore the man he was before meeting Henrietta and would like to see what Zuvich would do given freedom to work in longer format.
His Last Mistress is a tragically beautiful romance that offers a wonderfully unique glimpse into an oft overlooked chapter of Stuart history. Not to be missed.
June 13, 2013
I'm a big fan of the Duke of Monmouth, and although my main historical interest lies with the Tudors, I find the Stuarts a fascinating family as well. This was the first novel about James Scott that I've read, and I was SO excited to hear that my friend on Twitter, Andrea, had written it! I immediately downloaded it to my iPad and dug in - just to finish it a few hours later! Great storytelling with beautiful romantic detail and heartwarming character development. James was just as I imagined him, and I found his relationship with Henrietta Wentworth sweet and intriguing. I definitely recommend this novel, and I will be suggesting it to my readers on my own blog!
January 16, 2016
Andrea Zuvich's debut novelette about James Scott, Duke of Monmouth and Henrietta Wentworth was absolutely gorgeous. Such a moving story.
June 17, 2013
I came across this book by accident and I loved it. I finished the book in a day. It was quite a short piece but a perfect length. The story was weaved together perfectly between fiction and historical facts. The book had some very memorable scenes and the author wrote the book in a way which thoroughly explains the connection between characters. The scenes were indeed a little descriptive towards the end of novel (I don't want to spoil it for you) but I felt that it was certainly necessary. I love tragic endings so this book was right up my alley. How the story ends added so much more to the novel and it is made more relevant to the historical facts. Romantic love doesn't necessarily mean happily ever after. I think the author did very well for her first novel and I cannot wait until her next book.
June 17, 2013
Seems like I must have cut my European History classes because I just don't remember ever reading anything about Monmouth or Henrietta. I know all about William and Mary and even Charles II so this was an interesting way to fill in the gaps. This is a very well-written novella that I don't wish to spoil for others. I always recommend that people read and make up their own mind, not listen to reviewers, and I suggest that there is no better way to do that than downloading an e-book that is free or costs under $3 if you have a Kindle.
August 19, 2013
So few authors are writing about the 17th century, so it is a relief that Andrea Zuvich is not only doing it, but doing it well. Every line shimmers with historical information that isn't forced upon the reader, but instead makes the reading experience so much more enjoyable. I felt so much for these two readers, caught up in a society that wasn't ready for their love, and (I can't deny it!) I got very emotional at the end. A wonderful historical romance read.
January 28, 2014
I absolutely loved this book. I can now call myself a fan of Andrea Zuvich. This was an amazing yet tragic story that I knew little of. This was such a moving story. I highly recommend this book to fans of the 17th Century and the Stuart Court. It appears that Zuvich did an excellent job with researching the historical facts and staying true to those. I look forward to future books by Zuvich and possibly a full length novel on Monmouth!
June 17, 2013
I really enjoyed this story. I think Andrea shows promise as as novelist, and I thought she did well with a story that does not necessarily end happily.
She clearly has a large knowledge base about 17th Century England.
I would love to read more from her, and hope she continues writing novels.
She clearly has a large knowledge base about 17th Century England.
I would love to read more from her, and hope she continues writing novels.
August 20, 2013
Review first posted at westmetromommy.blogspot.com
2.0 Stars
When it comes to historical fiction, I'm a stickler for accuracy (I'm not saying authors can't take some liberties--but a good historical fiction author will acknowledge where they bent the facts a bit). One thing I can say about this book is that Zuvich knows her facts. My degree is in British History and I am quite familiar with this period and there was not any one part where I felt the book fell of the historical rails.
However, there is more to a historical novel than just the history. Unfortunately, I didn't feel that Zuvich's writing was there. I found her style to be overly affected and it seemed almost to me that this was a rush job when it came to writing. When Henrietta first sees Monmouth, it's hate at first site (it is also a scene stolen right out of Gone with the Wind)...then, all of a sudden, she is completely in love with him. There is absolutely nothing that explains her change of heart. Unfortunately, that goes hand in hand with undeveloped characters. There is not a single character in this book that is not cliched. Because of this, I found it hard to really care for any of the characters.
However, towards the end of the book, things improve a bit. This is Zuvich's debut novel and I think she has potential to be a better writer, but just needs to spend more time honing her craft. She obviously has the research part down, now she just needs to work on refining her voice and taking time to develop her story and characters.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review as part of a blog tour by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours. I received no other compensation for this post.
2.0 Stars
When it comes to historical fiction, I'm a stickler for accuracy (I'm not saying authors can't take some liberties--but a good historical fiction author will acknowledge where they bent the facts a bit). One thing I can say about this book is that Zuvich knows her facts. My degree is in British History and I am quite familiar with this period and there was not any one part where I felt the book fell of the historical rails.
However, there is more to a historical novel than just the history. Unfortunately, I didn't feel that Zuvich's writing was there. I found her style to be overly affected and it seemed almost to me that this was a rush job when it came to writing. When Henrietta first sees Monmouth, it's hate at first site (it is also a scene stolen right out of Gone with the Wind)...then, all of a sudden, she is completely in love with him. There is absolutely nothing that explains her change of heart. Unfortunately, that goes hand in hand with undeveloped characters. There is not a single character in this book that is not cliched. Because of this, I found it hard to really care for any of the characters.
However, towards the end of the book, things improve a bit. This is Zuvich's debut novel and I think she has potential to be a better writer, but just needs to spend more time honing her craft. She obviously has the research part down, now she just needs to work on refining her voice and taking time to develop her story and characters.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review as part of a blog tour by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours. I received no other compensation for this post.
June 18, 2016
A detailed and wonderfully descriptive account of the ill-fated love story of James Scott, Duke of Monmouth and Lady Henrietta Wentworth. Her recounting of life in the 17th century court of Charles II, with all the intrigue, scandal and turmoil makes one feel that they are actually there, watching history unfold. Sensuous and moving, a captivating historical read. I look forward to reading more of her work.
June 16, 2013
This is a good historical story. I didn't love the characters but they were still interesting enough to get me to read the book in one sitting. If you like historical fiction would definitely recommend this book.
July 15, 2013
Weak character development. Weak description and generally poor writing. Limited historical research. In fact, all the author seemed to do was use wikipedia since the story followed it verbatim. Ridiculous. My dog could write a better book.
June 20, 2013
Well written, historically reasonably accurate, characters well drawn and the politics well expressed for a novel the only issue i have is it was not long enough!
January 7, 2017
It has a very interesting premise. I really liked how the story started but as the plot unfold, I find myself disliking the writing style and how the author delivered the dialogue.
September 7, 2013
This book caught my eye for a couple of reasons, but my main reason was it was about a couple that I know some about but not a lot. I enjoyed reading about the Duke and getting to know more history of both Monmouth and Lady Henrietta. Historically, this novel had promise. It wasn’t overly intellectual but it gave a basic historic background that was both pleasant and easy to understand.
But this book wasn’t a non-fiction work, it was a fictional account of their lives and love story. I would have to say, it was more of a romance novel for me than historical fiction. Yes there was history and fiction but I got more of a romance vibe than anything else.
Lady Wentworth filled the roll of cliche heroine well….innocent girl meets bad boy and turns him into a one woman man without saying more than two words to him. The only thing that saved Henrietta for me was that she actually had the guts to be his mistress and ruin all her prospects. In so many romance novels the rake and the virgin angel end up together and getting married…..so I liked that she was just like….mistress? Where do I sign up? I thought that fact alone added more to her character.
This novel was difficult for me to rate. Zuvich writes well and to the point which I liked but at times there were some out of place declarations that seemed perhaps too modern. For example, when the Duke opens the bedroom door to Henrietta’s mother and declares “I am the Duke of Monmouth and I am in love with your daughter”…..for me it just didn’t fit, it seemed too modern and just out of place.
I wasn’t sure if this book was trying to be a romance novel or a historic fiction or both and that kind of bothered me. It was a quick read and I am going to say almost too quick. It felt cramped and confined….there is a lot of history there to cover and I think the author assumes if you are reading this book you probably have a general knowledge of Tudor England, which I do but not everyone who picks up the book will. If it were longer perhaps and there was some more history ad background added, it might appeal the more readers.
I felt like the story simply went to fast and again I come back to the identity of the book….is it a romance novel or historic fiction. Most historical romance novels are quick and to the point with flimsy story lines and bland characters. In 200 pages, I didn’t feel like there was enough character development or enough plot development…if it was a romance then I would expect that but I was expecting a historic romance with a little more meat I guess…especially since it’s based on a true story.
This book has loads of potential and Zuvich is a talented writer, I just think it needs some fine tuning and maybe a little more direction to make it a solid read. Right now I would rate it as enjoyable but not a novel that will inspire a lot of discussion. If it was meant to be more of a fluffy read then I would give it an A….but if it’s meant to be more of an historic fiction work, I would say it needs some refining and a little more direction.
See my full review here
But this book wasn’t a non-fiction work, it was a fictional account of their lives and love story. I would have to say, it was more of a romance novel for me than historical fiction. Yes there was history and fiction but I got more of a romance vibe than anything else.
Lady Wentworth filled the roll of cliche heroine well….innocent girl meets bad boy and turns him into a one woman man without saying more than two words to him. The only thing that saved Henrietta for me was that she actually had the guts to be his mistress and ruin all her prospects. In so many romance novels the rake and the virgin angel end up together and getting married…..so I liked that she was just like….mistress? Where do I sign up? I thought that fact alone added more to her character.
This novel was difficult for me to rate. Zuvich writes well and to the point which I liked but at times there were some out of place declarations that seemed perhaps too modern. For example, when the Duke opens the bedroom door to Henrietta’s mother and declares “I am the Duke of Monmouth and I am in love with your daughter”…..for me it just didn’t fit, it seemed too modern and just out of place.
I wasn’t sure if this book was trying to be a romance novel or a historic fiction or both and that kind of bothered me. It was a quick read and I am going to say almost too quick. It felt cramped and confined….there is a lot of history there to cover and I think the author assumes if you are reading this book you probably have a general knowledge of Tudor England, which I do but not everyone who picks up the book will. If it were longer perhaps and there was some more history ad background added, it might appeal the more readers.
I felt like the story simply went to fast and again I come back to the identity of the book….is it a romance novel or historic fiction. Most historical romance novels are quick and to the point with flimsy story lines and bland characters. In 200 pages, I didn’t feel like there was enough character development or enough plot development…if it was a romance then I would expect that but I was expecting a historic romance with a little more meat I guess…especially since it’s based on a true story.
This book has loads of potential and Zuvich is a talented writer, I just think it needs some fine tuning and maybe a little more direction to make it a solid read. Right now I would rate it as enjoyable but not a novel that will inspire a lot of discussion. If it was meant to be more of a fluffy read then I would give it an A….but if it’s meant to be more of an historic fiction work, I would say it needs some refining and a little more direction.
See my full review here
September 6, 2013
His Last Mistress refers to Lady Henrietta Wentworth who was the last mistress of the Duke of Monmouth, illegitimate son of King Charles II. The story is a passionate one between a man who felt he should be king after the death of his father. Duke Monmouth claimed that the King and his mother, Lucy Walter, who was King Charles mistress, were married while the king was in exile. Because he believes this to be true he does not consider himself illegitimate and the throne should pass to him instead of his uncle who would be King James II. Duke Monmouth was instrumental in a plot called the Monmouth Rebellion which was his undoing.
Lady Henrietta broke off her engagement to Richard Tufton, 5th Earl of Thanet because she fell in love with the Duke. The Duke was reputed to be in trouble all the time and his father has him exiled from court for his part in a plot to gain the throne. Lady Henrietta joins him in Holland where they are guests for a time with William III, the Prince of Orange and his wife Mary.
This novel is fiction based on fact of a passionate and doomed love affair of two people who had a part in English history but are not often written about. Aside from a few grammatical errors, I enjoyed this story as I love historical fiction and it is refreshing to take a step away from the Tudors. It is a fast paced and easy to read novel. If you are interested in English history in the later 1600's, then give this book a read. I look forward to reading the next book by this author.
Lady Henrietta broke off her engagement to Richard Tufton, 5th Earl of Thanet because she fell in love with the Duke. The Duke was reputed to be in trouble all the time and his father has him exiled from court for his part in a plot to gain the throne. Lady Henrietta joins him in Holland where they are guests for a time with William III, the Prince of Orange and his wife Mary.
This novel is fiction based on fact of a passionate and doomed love affair of two people who had a part in English history but are not often written about. Aside from a few grammatical errors, I enjoyed this story as I love historical fiction and it is refreshing to take a step away from the Tudors. It is a fast paced and easy to read novel. If you are interested in English history in the later 1600's, then give this book a read. I look forward to reading the next book by this author.
September 5, 2013
It is no great secret that I love to read about the court of the Merry Monarch, Charles II. I wouldn't have wanted to be married to him, or to even have been one of his inner circle, but I love reading about his court, about him bringing back colour and joy and merriness to the court after the much more restrained rule of Cromwell. I find the idea that as a man he was full of passion and energy and life completely fascinating, especially when you contrast it with the trials he faced as a young man, and even during his reign, particularly in relation to the religious turmoil that played a large part in the issues around who his heir would be.
When I was offered this book to read as part of a blog tour, I must confess that the main reason why I said yes was because it was about Charles' oldest, albeit illegitimate, son James Scott, Duke of Monmouth. Monmouth has often been mentioned in the books I have read as a secondary character, so the chance to get to know him a little better was welcome.
The Monmouth that we initially meet is a spoiled young man, favoured by his father, rich, handsome, celebrated soldier but he is also very much his father's son. He was married at a young age to a suitable woman, but he has no issue with whoring or taking mistresses. He drinks too much, has been known to get into violent arguments, at least one of which lead to a fatality and generally is a pretty unsavoury character.
To read more of my thoughts on this book head to
http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2013...
When I was offered this book to read as part of a blog tour, I must confess that the main reason why I said yes was because it was about Charles' oldest, albeit illegitimate, son James Scott, Duke of Monmouth. Monmouth has often been mentioned in the books I have read as a secondary character, so the chance to get to know him a little better was welcome.
The Monmouth that we initially meet is a spoiled young man, favoured by his father, rich, handsome, celebrated soldier but he is also very much his father's son. He was married at a young age to a suitable woman, but he has no issue with whoring or taking mistresses. He drinks too much, has been known to get into violent arguments, at least one of which lead to a fatality and generally is a pretty unsavoury character.
To read more of my thoughts on this book head to
http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2013...
August 31, 2013
This was an immersive and obviously very well researched portrayal of a moving love affair between two somewhat overlooked but influential characters in British history. Ms Zuvich writes well, with dialogue appropriate to the day, and the book covers not only the personal aspects of this story but also the political climate and ramifications.
Some readers seem to be somewhat naive! I don't judge a book on whether or not it "had a happy ending". What then would I think the play Romeo & Juliet, or The English Patient or countless other classic stories? This seems to me a rather juvenile approach. No, this is a TRUE story, and all the better for it, in my opinion. Ms Zuvich has clearly tried to keep to the known facts, thus I felt both informed and entertained, even though yes - the story is both graphic and moving. I think we're old enough to take that!
I look forward to reading some more historical fiction by this author.
Some readers seem to be somewhat naive! I don't judge a book on whether or not it "had a happy ending". What then would I think the play Romeo & Juliet, or The English Patient or countless other classic stories? This seems to me a rather juvenile approach. No, this is a TRUE story, and all the better for it, in my opinion. Ms Zuvich has clearly tried to keep to the known facts, thus I felt both informed and entertained, even though yes - the story is both graphic and moving. I think we're old enough to take that!
I look forward to reading some more historical fiction by this author.
October 22, 2014
Never judge a book by its cover!
I read pretty much every book I lay my hands on that deals with Charles II and his time. I got a copy of His Last Mistress and, though the plot sounded interesting, particularly because the subject is not so often tackled, I had misgivings. Looking at the cover, I feared to have to endure a cheesy/sappy historical romance. But not at all!
It is well researched and well written. A very good read indeed. I enjoyed it very much and it is accurate regarding the actual historical events it refers to. It is also well edited which was a good surprise for a book that is not published by a big publishing house. It was entertaining and well done.
Be warned though that some descriptions of the details of executions can be tough to handle but they are also a presentation of the plain truth of what happened in those times.
I read pretty much every book I lay my hands on that deals with Charles II and his time. I got a copy of His Last Mistress and, though the plot sounded interesting, particularly because the subject is not so often tackled, I had misgivings. Looking at the cover, I feared to have to endure a cheesy/sappy historical romance. But not at all!
It is well researched and well written. A very good read indeed. I enjoyed it very much and it is accurate regarding the actual historical events it refers to. It is also well edited which was a good surprise for a book that is not published by a big publishing house. It was entertaining and well done.
Be warned though that some descriptions of the details of executions can be tough to handle but they are also a presentation of the plain truth of what happened in those times.
January 10, 2014
This book was so good - but so sad! It made me cry at the end because it based on the true history of the Duke of Monmouth. I never heard about Monmouth or the Rebellion of 1685 until I read this, and what a tragedy. I only wish I could have known about this story before I visited the Tower of London. It is unforgettable.
September 6, 2013
I know from Ms Zuvich's online blog and Twitter posts that she knows her 17th Century History! I enjoyed reading her fictional interpretation of the tragic romance between Monmouth and Henrietta Wentworth, and could picture this being made into quite a great film!
August 30, 2013
It has a very interesting premise. I really liked how the story started but as the plot unfold, I find myself disliking the writing style and how the author delivered the dialogue.
January 7, 2016
Literally blown away. I didn't know much about the era of history and know I'm obsessed!
April 23, 2015
Strong, decent, but hampered by how short the narrative is!
Review to come tomorrow!
Review to come tomorrow!
November 9, 2020
The tragic love story of James, Duke of Monmouth and the Lady Henrietta Wentworth, ”His Last Mistress” is moving, beautiful, and very well-written. Once you start reading a few pages, it is difficult to stop.
I had already done some research on Monmouth and his times before reading the book, and I believe the author was really accurate in her depiction of the era, the political issues, and the characters. Even secondary characters, like the Prince of Orange or the notorious Robert Ferguson, were just as I had imagined them by reading history books and contemporary accounts on the period.
I found ”His Last Mistress” really enjoyable, it mixes the qualities of a good novel with historical accuracy. It really felt like a time-travelling experience.
I had already done some research on Monmouth and his times before reading the book, and I believe the author was really accurate in her depiction of the era, the political issues, and the characters. Even secondary characters, like the Prince of Orange or the notorious Robert Ferguson, were just as I had imagined them by reading history books and contemporary accounts on the period.
I found ”His Last Mistress” really enjoyable, it mixes the qualities of a good novel with historical accuracy. It really felt like a time-travelling experience.
February 17, 2019
A well-written account of the lives of James Scott, Duke of Monmouth and bastard son of Charles II of England, and Lady Henrietta Wentworth, his literally last mistress. For a novella it is very evocative and allows the reader to see what such a relationship meant to both protagonists. Their environment is displayed clearly and. while not all characters are well-rounded, both Monmouth and Wentworth are fully drawn. I would like to see a non-fiction version of their relationship done, as this novella has whetted my appetite to have more!
October 16, 2018
1.5 stars, rounded up.
This book was such a struggle for me to get through. The writing style made this didn't really feel like you were being told a story. I had gotten this book on my Kindle because the title interested me. I didn't realize until after I had finished this book that it was historical fiction, which is maybe why the writing felt off to me. The pacing didn't feel right and I felt like I was just waiting around to care about the characters. By the last third of the book, I was basically just skimming the story, not really caring about what happened.
This book was such a struggle for me to get through. The writing style made this didn't really feel like you were being told a story. I had gotten this book on my Kindle because the title interested me. I didn't realize until after I had finished this book that it was historical fiction, which is maybe why the writing felt off to me. The pacing didn't feel right and I felt like I was just waiting around to care about the characters. By the last third of the book, I was basically just skimming the story, not really caring about what happened.
September 5, 2013
The story of the Duke of Monmouth and Lady Henrietta Wentworth isn't one with a happy ending, but it is a tale of two lovers and one man's quest for the throne of England.
As I first settled in to reading His Last Mistress, I thought I was reading a much shorter version of Dangerous Liaisons. I believe that novel was set in the same time period as Monmouth and Wentworth. The Duke is very much like Valmont in his actions, and in Henrietta who also seems a lot like Madame De Tourvel he found a woman that brought his goodness out.
Henrietta is a character you can easily like. She wants to be good, yet she is tempted and how could you not be? The Duke of Monmouth was a handsome man, much like his father Charles II. He could have any woman he wanted.
I only wish there were more details of how the two finally became lovers, especially has Henrietta was betrothed at the time Monmouth was pursuing her.
What Zuvich does really well is paint a picture of the political climate at the time. Charles has named his brother James as heir to the throne over Monmouth, because the Duke is his illegitimate child. James, however is a Catholic and in Protestant England, this doesn't sit well with the masses, unfortunately those masses don't help Monmouth get the throne.
His story is a tragedy. The Duke seems more a fun loving libertine, rather than a ruler, and Zuvich paints him as one led by others to his downfall, when he tries to oust his uncle.
Henrietta then succumbs to a broken heart at the age of 25.
This isn't a happy story, though it is a story of two people very much in love and two people very important in the Stuart era. (Really Charles I and Charles II are far more interesting than the Tudors).
I wish the story had been longer, because I loved getting to know more about these two and their sad ill fated love.
As I first settled in to reading His Last Mistress, I thought I was reading a much shorter version of Dangerous Liaisons. I believe that novel was set in the same time period as Monmouth and Wentworth. The Duke is very much like Valmont in his actions, and in Henrietta who also seems a lot like Madame De Tourvel he found a woman that brought his goodness out.
Henrietta is a character you can easily like. She wants to be good, yet she is tempted and how could you not be? The Duke of Monmouth was a handsome man, much like his father Charles II. He could have any woman he wanted.
I only wish there were more details of how the two finally became lovers, especially has Henrietta was betrothed at the time Monmouth was pursuing her.
What Zuvich does really well is paint a picture of the political climate at the time. Charles has named his brother James as heir to the throne over Monmouth, because the Duke is his illegitimate child. James, however is a Catholic and in Protestant England, this doesn't sit well with the masses, unfortunately those masses don't help Monmouth get the throne.
His story is a tragedy. The Duke seems more a fun loving libertine, rather than a ruler, and Zuvich paints him as one led by others to his downfall, when he tries to oust his uncle.
Henrietta then succumbs to a broken heart at the age of 25.
This isn't a happy story, though it is a story of two people very much in love and two people very important in the Stuart era. (Really Charles I and Charles II are far more interesting than the Tudors).
I wish the story had been longer, because I loved getting to know more about these two and their sad ill fated love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews