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Ladies' Man: The Careless Heart of John F. Kennedy
Not yet published
Expected 20 Oct 26From the New York Times bestselling author of Capote’s Women, a penetrating examination of President John F. Kennedy’s complicated, tumultuous life told through the lens of the women with whom he surrounded himself—giving voice to the fascinating women left as footnotes in JFK’s legacy.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy was a born leader—bold, charismatic, and able to charm his peers and disarm critics with nothing more than a witty phrase and a winning smile. He was also obsessive, manipulative, and haunted by complex desires. JFK was especially drawn to shiny, remarkable women, collecting them voraciously and carelessly on his rise to the White House and beyond. Once one entered his orbit, she might become his secret lover, his trusted helpmate, or his close confidant...only to be summarily dismissed when she no longer suited his needs. But these women were perhaps the only witnesses to the real JFK—the private man outside the glare of the spotlight—and it’s time their stories were finally told.
In Ladies’ Man, six-time New York Times bestselling biographer Laurence Leamer reveals the harrowing, intimate life of JFK. Leamer knew three of Kennedy’s mistresses, and Ladies Man is written with unprecedented intimacy and access. From JFK’s youthful indiscretions at boarding school, his early connections with such beautiful aristocratic European women as Inga Arvad and Gunilla Von Post, his marriage to the stately Jacqueline Bouvier, his affairs with Pamela Turnure and Diana de Vegh, his liaisons with mafia moll Judith Exner and East German spy Ellen Rometsch, to his relationship with Marilyn Monroe before her death, JFK's affairs were multifaceted and often tragic. His cautious public persona contrasted sharply with his reckless personal life, where he took bewildering chances that could have destroyed him. And as JFK’s profile rose, so did his rashness.
Anyone who reads Ladies' Man will never think about John F. Kennedy the same way again.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy was a born leader—bold, charismatic, and able to charm his peers and disarm critics with nothing more than a witty phrase and a winning smile. He was also obsessive, manipulative, and haunted by complex desires. JFK was especially drawn to shiny, remarkable women, collecting them voraciously and carelessly on his rise to the White House and beyond. Once one entered his orbit, she might become his secret lover, his trusted helpmate, or his close confidant...only to be summarily dismissed when she no longer suited his needs. But these women were perhaps the only witnesses to the real JFK—the private man outside the glare of the spotlight—and it’s time their stories were finally told.
In Ladies’ Man, six-time New York Times bestselling biographer Laurence Leamer reveals the harrowing, intimate life of JFK. Leamer knew three of Kennedy’s mistresses, and Ladies Man is written with unprecedented intimacy and access. From JFK’s youthful indiscretions at boarding school, his early connections with such beautiful aristocratic European women as Inga Arvad and Gunilla Von Post, his marriage to the stately Jacqueline Bouvier, his affairs with Pamela Turnure and Diana de Vegh, his liaisons with mafia moll Judith Exner and East German spy Ellen Rometsch, to his relationship with Marilyn Monroe before her death, JFK's affairs were multifaceted and often tragic. His cautious public persona contrasted sharply with his reckless personal life, where he took bewildering chances that could have destroyed him. And as JFK’s profile rose, so did his rashness.
Anyone who reads Ladies' Man will never think about John F. Kennedy the same way again.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 20, 2026
About the author
Laurence Leamer
35 books272 followersLaurence Leamer is an award-winning journalist and historian who has written eighteen books including five New York Times bestsellers. He has worked in a factory in France, a coal mine in West Virginia and as a Peace Corps volunteer in a remote village in Nepal two days from a road. He has written two novels and an off Broadway play but is primarily known for his nonfiction. His most recent book, Capote's Women, is being made into an eight-part series starring Naomi Watts, Diane Lane, Calista Flockhart, and Demi Moore.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and G.P Putnam’s Sons for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I’ll read anything about the Kennedys that doesn’t involve conspiracy theories about JFK and RFK’s assassination. The more I read about people in the family many considered America’s Royalty, the more conflicted I am about even reading more about them. I’ve known about John Kennedy’s philandering since probably junior high, but this book really focuses on the women he was involved with.
Ladies’ Man really shows how much of a creep JFK was to women. I know it was “a different time,” but he really did not hold any woman in high regard. Women were there to please him, and once that was done, he left. The book mentions many of the women that were involved with Kennedy and were known to the public, like Inga Arvid and Judith Campbell Exner. But the book also mentions the teenagers who “worked” at the White House, known as Fiddle and Faddle, and Mimi Alford (sp?), who I just found out about a few years ago. All these young women succumbed to JFK’s charms and put up with his behavior for many reasons.
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The book paints a portrait of not only Kennedy but the women, too, that is more intimate than the usual mentioning of his cheating, sexual addiction, and utter carelessness. There are several stories of journalists and photographers being ready to publish an article or photograph about JFK’s little trysts, but magically, the stories never appeared in papers. There’s anecdotal evidence of an older Republican couple who caught Kennedy coming out of a young woman’s rental apartment when he was Senator. This couple, the Katers, traveled around to JFK’s public appearances with a blown-up photo of him skulking away from the apartment after a tryst. The fact that this story did not gain any traction just goes to show how much is kept out of the public eye by people who should know better.
Ladies’ Man relies on a mix of personal anecdotes from many of the women that JFK used and abused (emotionally, that is,) with a mix of historical detail and tabloid-style intrigue. This gossipy analysis of Kennedy’s Achilles heel focuses as much on the women involved as it does JFK. Instead of just talking about Jack screwing around with other women, Laurence Leamer’s book tells many of the women’s sides of the story. John F. Kennedy – fairly good president who had just found his stride when he was killed – horrible human being.
I’ll read anything about the Kennedys that doesn’t involve conspiracy theories about JFK and RFK’s assassination. The more I read about people in the family many considered America’s Royalty, the more conflicted I am about even reading more about them. I’ve known about John Kennedy’s philandering since probably junior high, but this book really focuses on the women he was involved with.
Ladies’ Man really shows how much of a creep JFK was to women. I know it was “a different time,” but he really did not hold any woman in high regard. Women were there to please him, and once that was done, he left. The book mentions many of the women that were involved with Kennedy and were known to the public, like Inga Arvid and Judith Campbell Exner. But the book also mentions the teenagers who “worked” at the White House, known as Fiddle and Faddle, and Mimi Alford (sp?), who I just found out about a few years ago. All these young women succumbed to JFK’s charms and put up with his behavior for many reasons.
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The book paints a portrait of not only Kennedy but the women, too, that is more intimate than the usual mentioning of his cheating, sexual addiction, and utter carelessness. There are several stories of journalists and photographers being ready to publish an article or photograph about JFK’s little trysts, but magically, the stories never appeared in papers. There’s anecdotal evidence of an older Republican couple who caught Kennedy coming out of a young woman’s rental apartment when he was Senator. This couple, the Katers, traveled around to JFK’s public appearances with a blown-up photo of him skulking away from the apartment after a tryst. The fact that this story did not gain any traction just goes to show how much is kept out of the public eye by people who should know better.
Ladies’ Man relies on a mix of personal anecdotes from many of the women that JFK used and abused (emotionally, that is,) with a mix of historical detail and tabloid-style intrigue. This gossipy analysis of Kennedy’s Achilles heel focuses as much on the women involved as it does JFK. Instead of just talking about Jack screwing around with other women, Laurence Leamer’s book tells many of the women’s sides of the story. John F. Kennedy – fairly good president who had just found his stride when he was killed – horrible human being.
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April 15, 2026Thank you to NetGalley and PG Putnam Sons for this ARC.
Ladies man, details many of the affairs that Jack Kennedy had throughout his life. I think everybody is well aware that Jack Kennedy was a philandering husband, but this book really brought how severe his affairs were. The book covers details from his early childhood all the way through his ass assassination.
JFK was a ladies man only in the sense of the many women that he betted. However, his regard for women was pretty low. He didn’t believe that women should hold public office or even really be involved in the affairs of the world. It’s interesting because he sent out to Mary an uneducated woman and ended up with Jackie. Someone who was very educated and well-versed in the way of the world.
One thing I enjoyed about this book was that the author told the story from many of the women’s point of view. He covers their attraction to Jack, as well as the lives they live before and after their affairs. It also shows the tragedy that has surrounded the Kennedy family from the death of his older brother to his own assassination, as well as the assassination of his brother to the botched surgery regarding his mentally challenged sister to the early death of his other sister Patricia.
I found this book a quick read. I really enjoyed the author style. One thing I wish he had covered was what happened to the woman after Jack’s assassination. Jack was involved with many women while in the White House. The story concludes with what happens to Jackie but does not include any of the remaining details regarding the woman that he had affairs with. It would’ve been a nice wrap off if he had detailed what it happened to them. Overall, I would recommend this book if you are interested in JFK or the Kennedys.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received a free ebook from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review. I have been a fan of the Kennedy's as far back as I can remember. This was a different book than I was expecting.
The book took longer to read for me than usual. The chapters were a little longer. Some of the chapters had smaller sub chapters and some didn't.
I knew about Jack Kennedy's affairs. Oh there were more women than I was expecting. It saddened me to have to reexamine my own beliefs on this president. I had a hard time thinking about his wife and even the other women he had affairs with.
The book offered facts. It appeared that the people in the Kennedy world were not too emotional. Therefore, the book is giving you a lot of facts. The book was challenging for me to read on my fronts. It isn't an emotional book. It made the book harder to read.
I am thankful to Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to read this book. I guess it will change how I know think of Jack Kennedy.
The book took longer to read for me than usual. The chapters were a little longer. Some of the chapters had smaller sub chapters and some didn't.
I knew about Jack Kennedy's affairs. Oh there were more women than I was expecting. It saddened me to have to reexamine my own beliefs on this president. I had a hard time thinking about his wife and even the other women he had affairs with.
The book offered facts. It appeared that the people in the Kennedy world were not too emotional. Therefore, the book is giving you a lot of facts. The book was challenging for me to read on my fronts. It isn't an emotional book. It made the book harder to read.
I am thankful to Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to read this book. I guess it will change how I know think of Jack Kennedy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Laurence Leamer’s Ladies' Man offers an eye-opening and unsettling look into the private life of John F. Kennedy. Before reading this book, I was already aware of JFK's cheating and philandering. However, Leamer's detailed book exposes an outrageous pattern of behavior that goes far beyond what I had previously understood.
The sheer extent of his indiscretions is staggering, painting a picture of a man who operated with a profound sense of entitlement, recklessness, and a blatant disregard for the potential consequences. Leamer does an excellent job of laying out the facts without unnecessary sensationalism.
The sheer extent of his indiscretions is staggering, painting a picture of a man who operated with a profound sense of entitlement, recklessness, and a blatant disregard for the potential consequences. Leamer does an excellent job of laying out the facts without unnecessary sensationalism.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Mesmerizing account of JFK’s life written with astoundingly researched detail. I do not think you will find a more comprehensive read on this enigmatic man, the 35th President of the United States. His outrageous antics, many fool hardy, along with his physical suffering and his many hospital stays, with some questionable medical diagnoses and treatments, were shocking. Through it all, Jackie stood steadfast by his side. Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House for granting this book to me for an honest review. All opinions are my own. #Ladies’Man, #NetGalley, #Goodreads.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It's a fine book if you're a fan of JFK. I don't think you're going to learn really anything new. I mean, it's all stuff that's been out there before or you've seen an Insan magazine articles. But if you're new to wanting to learn, especially with the interest because of the JKF Jr we'll learn about what the president was like. Throwing up and and during his presidency and his reputation as a ladies man and the relationship of his wife, it's definitely worth a read.If you're into political books and jfk
Thank you to netgalley for the arc.and exchange for an honest review
Thank you to netgalley for the arc.and exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for this ARC!
Really loved this book! Written like a romance novel (with nothing but broken hearts), but all based on history and interviews. Focuses on the women JFK enjoyed, but never loved, and the impact it had on their lives. Would've given 5 stars, but the ending felt very abrupt, especially in comparison to the pacing of the entire book. Felt like there was closure that didn't get to happen. Otherwise, can't stop sharing with friends and JFK fanatics!
Really loved this book! Written like a romance novel (with nothing but broken hearts), but all based on history and interviews. Focuses on the women JFK enjoyed, but never loved, and the impact it had on their lives. Would've given 5 stars, but the ending felt very abrupt, especially in comparison to the pacing of the entire book. Felt like there was closure that didn't get to happen. Otherwise, can't stop sharing with friends and JFK fanatics!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Absolutely fascinating! After reading this I have a whole new opinion on JFK and a brand new appreciation for Jackie Kennedy. I still think JFK was a great President and would have continued to do great things but as a man and a husband - extremely disappointing. This book will have you look at JFK in a whole other light. I couldn't put it down. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ladies' Man: The Careless Heart of John F. Kennedy offers a compelling behind-the-scenes look at John F. Kennedy’s life, exploring the complexities of the Kennedy dynasty from multiple perspectives. The varied points of view add depth and make the narrative especially engaging. Well researched and detailed, it provides an insightful examination of both the public image and private life of JFK.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. Look for this book on October 20th!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. Look for this book on October 20th!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews