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The Hopeful Duke
“I watch from among the crowd as Anne Boleyn speaks her last, then kneels before the French swordsman.
As a member of the royal family – and the king’s only son – I was appointed to attend Queen Anne’s execution; representing England’s monarch and indicating to the world that he approved of what was happening. And yet, despite this great honour, I was born but a mere bastard.”
As an illegitimate son, Henry Fitzroy was not born to be king.
But when Henry VIII is yet to father a legitimate son by his wife Katherine of Aragon, he decides to elevate his only surviving son into the peerage.
At the age of just six years old, Henry Fitzroy is created an Earl, a Duke, a Knight of the Garter, and is granted a royal education. As the years go on, the boy’s future as heir to the throne starts to take shape, and he grows to believe that perhaps he is destined to wear the crown.
But when the king discards his queen in favour of another, Henry’s future takes an uncertain turn, and an unspoken race for the throne begins…
As a member of the royal family – and the king’s only son – I was appointed to attend Queen Anne’s execution; representing England’s monarch and indicating to the world that he approved of what was happening. And yet, despite this great honour, I was born but a mere bastard.”
As an illegitimate son, Henry Fitzroy was not born to be king.
But when Henry VIII is yet to father a legitimate son by his wife Katherine of Aragon, he decides to elevate his only surviving son into the peerage.
At the age of just six years old, Henry Fitzroy is created an Earl, a Duke, a Knight of the Garter, and is granted a royal education. As the years go on, the boy’s future as heir to the throne starts to take shape, and he grows to believe that perhaps he is destined to wear the crown.
But when the king discards his queen in favour of another, Henry’s future takes an uncertain turn, and an unspoken race for the throne begins…
- GenresTudor Period
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2025
64 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Leah Toole
9 books156 followersLeah Toole is a captivating historical storyteller, bringing the past to life with her vivid narratives and meticulous research. With an educational background in History, English Literature, and English Language, Toole's passion and dedication is clear, and since publishing her debut novel "The Saddest Princess" she has gone on to write several more books on the Tudor era, which have received praise from all over the world. Outside of work, Leah Toole, as a wife and mother of two, enjoys spending time with her family, as well as reading, and maintaining her thriving TikTok platform, where she shares educational and entertaining Tudor history content.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 6, 2025
The fifth and (maybe😉) final installment of the Tudor Heirs Series, this time about Henry Fitzroy's life, Henry VIII's illegitimate son 👑
I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I enjoyed researching for it, and writing it 😁
I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I enjoyed researching for it, and writing it 😁
March 7, 2025
Firstly, thank you very much Leah Toole for allowing me to be a part of your ARC team!
This book was very informative and descriptive, and overall very well written. Although I’m not really into political history, it was interesting to see how Henry Fitzroy navigated his life at court. I’d say it’s another great historical fiction read from Leah Toole!
This book was very informative and descriptive, and overall very well written. Although I’m not really into political history, it was interesting to see how Henry Fitzroy navigated his life at court. I’d say it’s another great historical fiction read from Leah Toole!
March 12, 2025
Thank you Leah, for picking me as an arc reader for this fabulous book.
The book is written about Henry FitzRoy, the only illegitimate child that King Henry VIII acknowledged as his own. The book starts from before FitzRoy's birth with an in depth look into his Mother, Bessie Blount; and then throughout, we watch as Henry FitzRoy grows from a terrified young boy, to a stable and assured Duke. The book presents a new perspective on the boy we know so little of, despite his immense importance of the time. I felt numerous emotions as I read - pity, intrigue, and joy. Learning about FitzRoy was just brilliant - reading as Leah infiltrated very interesting, and specific information (things I hadn't known of before). For example, Henry FitzRoy had a lisp when he was a child.
I truly recommend this book, and the entire Tudor Heir series in general. This was a magnificent, and thrilling read, perfect for all Tudor fans. I honestly couldn’t put it down!
The book is written about Henry FitzRoy, the only illegitimate child that King Henry VIII acknowledged as his own. The book starts from before FitzRoy's birth with an in depth look into his Mother, Bessie Blount; and then throughout, we watch as Henry FitzRoy grows from a terrified young boy, to a stable and assured Duke. The book presents a new perspective on the boy we know so little of, despite his immense importance of the time. I felt numerous emotions as I read - pity, intrigue, and joy. Learning about FitzRoy was just brilliant - reading as Leah infiltrated very interesting, and specific information (things I hadn't known of before). For example, Henry FitzRoy had a lisp when he was a child.
I truly recommend this book, and the entire Tudor Heir series in general. This was a magnificent, and thrilling read, perfect for all Tudor fans. I honestly couldn’t put it down!
March 6, 2025
"For underneath the jewels, the titles. the power, King Henry VIII was not a man worthy of admiring.
Leah Toole's 5th installment of the Tudor Heirs series follows Henry VII's illegitimate son, Henry Fitzroy, by his mistress Bessie Blount. The Hopeful Duke takes us through King Henry working to elevate Fitzroy while he remains without a legitimate male heir from both Katherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn. We experience Henry's break from the Catholic Church, the delegitimization of Princess Mary, and the execution of Anne and marriage to Jane Seymour, all from Fitzroy's perspective. Throughout he clings to the hope that his father will recognize him as his heir apparent.
As always, Leah's research shines through the narrative, making sure that we get a true a picture as records show of who this child was. Her ability to fill in the gaps with compelling fictional moments makes this one to add to the TBR for any Tudor fan.
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
Leah Toole's 5th installment of the Tudor Heirs series follows Henry VII's illegitimate son, Henry Fitzroy, by his mistress Bessie Blount. The Hopeful Duke takes us through King Henry working to elevate Fitzroy while he remains without a legitimate male heir from both Katherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn. We experience Henry's break from the Catholic Church, the delegitimization of Princess Mary, and the execution of Anne and marriage to Jane Seymour, all from Fitzroy's perspective. Throughout he clings to the hope that his father will recognize him as his heir apparent.
As always, Leah's research shines through the narrative, making sure that we get a true a picture as records show of who this child was. Her ability to fill in the gaps with compelling fictional moments makes this one to add to the TBR for any Tudor fan.
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
April 16, 2025
In her latest book, Leah Toole presents the lesser-known story of Henry VIII's bastard son, Henry Fitzroy. He's not a subject that gets as much coverage as his father's wives or daughters and I appreciate the author's research. In addition to Henry Fitzroy's story, I found the history of his mother, Bessie Blount, fascinating. Unlike most women who fell under Henry VIII's gaze, once he had tired of her, she went on to find love and marry well.
If you are a Tudor history fan, the time frame of this novel captures some of the most controversial events...Catherine of Aragon's fall from Grace, Wolsey's downfall, both Boleyn daughters, and Thomas More's execution. Perhaps if Henry Fitzroy hadn't died from consumption, still a young man, his father would have eventually sent him to the Tower for treason, too. No one was safe around Henry VIII. Although I've been reading Tudor historical fiction for over 50 years, I learned many new facts in this book, and that's always a bonus. I highly recommend this one.
If you are a Tudor history fan, the time frame of this novel captures some of the most controversial events...Catherine of Aragon's fall from Grace, Wolsey's downfall, both Boleyn daughters, and Thomas More's execution. Perhaps if Henry Fitzroy hadn't died from consumption, still a young man, his father would have eventually sent him to the Tower for treason, too. No one was safe around Henry VIII. Although I've been reading Tudor historical fiction for over 50 years, I learned many new facts in this book, and that's always a bonus. I highly recommend this one.
March 3, 2025
The Hopeful Duke offers a fresh perspective on the Tudor reign through the eyes of Henry VIII’s illegitimate son, Henry Fitzroy. As a reader with a keen interest in this time period, I found this new angle both fascinating and, at times, deeply tragic. The author masterfully brings the story to life in a style reminiscent of Philippa Gregory, skillfully blending historical fact with compelling fiction. The book’s combination of nonfiction structure and fictional storytelling breathes new life into a well-trodden era of history, and I applaud Toole for this achievement.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in English history, particularly the Tudor period. This is the kind of novel best enjoyed with a cozy chair, a steaming cup of tea, and plenty of free time—because you won’t want to put it down!!
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in English history, particularly the Tudor period. This is the kind of novel best enjoyed with a cozy chair, a steaming cup of tea, and plenty of free time—because you won’t want to put it down!!
July 23, 2025
I have loved reading the Tudor Heir Series. Each book has a different perspective on Tudor life. This book is about Henry Fitzroy and all his struggles of being born the kings illegitimate son.
If you have read the Tudor Heir Series or have a passion for the Tudor era I recommend this book. There different views and perspectives really make you think of what could have happened if Henry VIII chose a different path and made different decisions.
If you have read the Tudor Heir Series or have a passion for the Tudor era I recommend this book. There different views and perspectives really make you think of what could have happened if Henry VIII chose a different path and made different decisions.
May 13, 2025
outstanding story
Outstanding story, told so well you can almost see the various pales and manors the sounds and smells from the feasts at Yuletide. A great young man taken too soon, as so many others were by one dreadful disease or another back then
Outstanding story, told so well you can almost see the various pales and manors the sounds and smells from the feasts at Yuletide. A great young man taken too soon, as so many others were by one dreadful disease or another back then
March 1, 2025
This was a very enjoyable book and a fab addition to the Tudor heirs series.
Another beautiful take on a lesser known child of Henry the 8th and I actually learnt a lot, I love the way Leah sorts the facts from fiction in her Authors notes as these are questions I have when I read because Leah always weaves fact and fiction so beautifully.
Her writing again is so wonderful it’s a pleasure to read and the way she can paint vivid pictures and feels of scenes is so incredible and isn’t too over descriptive which is a bug bear of mine!
And the way she creates characters and relationships is magic ✨
Another beautiful take on a lesser known child of Henry the 8th and I actually learnt a lot, I love the way Leah sorts the facts from fiction in her Authors notes as these are questions I have when I read because Leah always weaves fact and fiction so beautifully.
Her writing again is so wonderful it’s a pleasure to read and the way she can paint vivid pictures and feels of scenes is so incredible and isn’t too over descriptive which is a bug bear of mine!
And the way she creates characters and relationships is magic ✨
February 25, 2025
Rated 4.5 stars
Thank you for the ARC 🏵️
The Hopeful Duke, the fifth book in the Tudor Heirs Series. Which is one of my favourite HF series. I’m a huge fan of all Leah’s books!
As someone who doesn’t know a lot about Henry Fitzroy despite being a huge Tudor buff. I found this story really interesting. I had heard of the incident with Anne Boleyn gifting Henry a horse with a bad temperament. I had briefly heard that he had a lisp. But I was intrigued by his life in France. I didn’t know he’d lived in France prior to his marriage to Mary Howard.
I really enjoyed the short life of Henry Fitzroy, and the rather interesting life he led as the only acknowledge illegitimate child of Henry VIII.
Thank you for the ARC 🏵️
The Hopeful Duke, the fifth book in the Tudor Heirs Series. Which is one of my favourite HF series. I’m a huge fan of all Leah’s books!
As someone who doesn’t know a lot about Henry Fitzroy despite being a huge Tudor buff. I found this story really interesting. I had heard of the incident with Anne Boleyn gifting Henry a horse with a bad temperament. I had briefly heard that he had a lisp. But I was intrigued by his life in France. I didn’t know he’d lived in France prior to his marriage to Mary Howard.
I really enjoyed the short life of Henry Fitzroy, and the rather interesting life he led as the only acknowledge illegitimate child of Henry VIII.
April 20, 2025
A fascinating perspective of the Tudor dynasty one that is often over looked. Don’t ever stop writing Leah!
February 25, 2025
Thank you Leah for the ARC copy of The Hopeful Duke. I really appreciate it so much! I don’t know much about Henry Fitzroy and his life. This book got me even more interested in his life. Thank you for another well written book to read and a perfect read and addition and final book to The Tudor Heirs book series. I definitely recommend this book for all Tudor enthusiasts and readers! I went on a rollercoaster ride of emotions of all types of emotions! Well done Leah!
August 13, 2025
This is what I call a masterpiece.
May 29, 2025
First off thank you to Leah for letting me be an ARC reader for this book. It’s been an amazing experience and I really struggled to put it down!
The Hopeful Duke tells the tale of the lesser known, but only acknowledged illegitimate son of King Henry VIII and his mistress Bessie Blount, named Henry Fitzroy. The book explores the troubles, triumphs and turmoils of Henry Fitzroy’s life, following him from cradle to grave. We see Henry be elevated higher and higher through Tudor court as his father, the King, struggles to produce a male heir. As Katherine of Aragon’s marriage to the King breaks down, we get to see Henry Fitzroy’s inner thoughts to his new stepmother, Anne Boleyn, and to one of Englands most pivotal times in history she brings along with her. He falls in and out of favour in the years of Queen Anne, keeping us all on the edge of our seats as the tension builds. As Henry becomes older, we see his desperation to be legitimised as he yearns to live up to his father’s expectations.
Throughout the book we see Henry Fitzroy’s innocence and develop the understanding that he never wanted this fate, he was pushed into it by his paranoid father. We also get to learn about Bessie Blount, who as well as her son, is a notable figure in Tudor history. We get insights into her life during and after being a mistress to the King along side getting to see what she could have been like as a person.
As interesting as all of King Henry VIII’s wives and legitimate children are, it’s nice to learn about other prominent figures in the Tudor era as it helps us to fully understand what life was like from all angles.
Overall, Leah cleverly weaves together history with a pinch of fiction and politics, making this book a must read for all Tudor fans. It’s the perfect edition to The Tudor Heirs Series.
Well done Leah!!
The Hopeful Duke tells the tale of the lesser known, but only acknowledged illegitimate son of King Henry VIII and his mistress Bessie Blount, named Henry Fitzroy. The book explores the troubles, triumphs and turmoils of Henry Fitzroy’s life, following him from cradle to grave. We see Henry be elevated higher and higher through Tudor court as his father, the King, struggles to produce a male heir. As Katherine of Aragon’s marriage to the King breaks down, we get to see Henry Fitzroy’s inner thoughts to his new stepmother, Anne Boleyn, and to one of Englands most pivotal times in history she brings along with her. He falls in and out of favour in the years of Queen Anne, keeping us all on the edge of our seats as the tension builds. As Henry becomes older, we see his desperation to be legitimised as he yearns to live up to his father’s expectations.
Throughout the book we see Henry Fitzroy’s innocence and develop the understanding that he never wanted this fate, he was pushed into it by his paranoid father. We also get to learn about Bessie Blount, who as well as her son, is a notable figure in Tudor history. We get insights into her life during and after being a mistress to the King along side getting to see what she could have been like as a person.
As interesting as all of King Henry VIII’s wives and legitimate children are, it’s nice to learn about other prominent figures in the Tudor era as it helps us to fully understand what life was like from all angles.
Overall, Leah cleverly weaves together history with a pinch of fiction and politics, making this book a must read for all Tudor fans. It’s the perfect edition to The Tudor Heirs Series.
Well done Leah!!
July 13, 2025
I didn’t really think I would enjoy this as much as I did, but I completely changed my mind as soon as I started reading!
Henry Fitzroy is usually just disregarded as the ‘useless bastard child’ when he was actually very important and had a fascinating life, and the hopeful duke definitely showed that.
I loved how Henry’s stepfather Gil was portrayed and I thought their whole bond was a beautiful story line, another part of this book I enjoyed was the little ‘storyline’ about his sister and how hurt she was that she wasn’t getting the same treatment as her brother was from the king, their father, but they both got so much love from Gil and it really was one of my favourite parts of the book!!
This is one of my favourite books ever and this whole series was beautifully written, I’m honestly kind of sad I’ve finished it all now, I can’t wait for Leah to write more!
Henry Fitzroy is usually just disregarded as the ‘useless bastard child’ when he was actually very important and had a fascinating life, and the hopeful duke definitely showed that.
I loved how Henry’s stepfather Gil was portrayed and I thought their whole bond was a beautiful story line, another part of this book I enjoyed was the little ‘storyline’ about his sister and how hurt she was that she wasn’t getting the same treatment as her brother was from the king, their father, but they both got so much love from Gil and it really was one of my favourite parts of the book!!
This is one of my favourite books ever and this whole series was beautifully written, I’m honestly kind of sad I’ve finished it all now, I can’t wait for Leah to write more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2025
The fifth in Leah’s Tudor Heirs series, following Henry Fitzroy.
Leah perfectly portrays the young boy’s innocence throughout the whole story. She always weaves facts in with her fiction, so you can imagine it could have happened. We don’t know as much about Henry Fitzroy, so it’s great to picture what could happen.
Plus, there aren’t many books on Henry’s illegitimate son, so this was just so refreshing.
This was a lovely read and fits into the series as a whole. Thank you for letting me have this as an arc.
This is probably my favourite in the series and I would recommend this to anybody.
Leah perfectly portrays the young boy’s innocence throughout the whole story. She always weaves facts in with her fiction, so you can imagine it could have happened. We don’t know as much about Henry Fitzroy, so it’s great to picture what could happen.
Plus, there aren’t many books on Henry’s illegitimate son, so this was just so refreshing.
This was a lovely read and fits into the series as a whole. Thank you for letting me have this as an arc.
This is probably my favourite in the series and I would recommend this to anybody.
May 5, 2025
The third person omniscient narrative of this series is really wonderful to grasp the complexities of this era whilst also giving us a historical but fictitious representation of the lives of Henry VIII’s children.
March 7, 2025
This book, captivating the story of King Henry VIII's illegitimate son, Henry Fitzroy was amazing to read.
You learn about how Henry's character influenced his thoughts and acts. His disagreement of his father's brutal ways really showing, what person Henry Fitzroy.
As always, Leah's writing sheds a compelling story which is deserved to be told. I did not know much about Henry Fitzroy and 'dismissed' him before I even read or informed myself about him. But this book shed light on the problems and unsteadiness in England at that time.
I really enjoyed this book, despite not knowing much about Henry. I highly recommend this book, as well as the whole 'Tudor Heirs Series'
Great job Leah!!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews