The Virgin's Lover (Hardcover)

Her way of seeing Queen Elizabeth I. and the two leading men of her reign (Cecil & Lord Robert Dudley) was going to be controversial:The Queen and Lord Robert being lovers in the actualy sense of the word, The Queen promised to marry Lord Robert and The Queen and her first minister plotting and putting into effect the death of Dudley's first wife in order to put a moral obstacle to marriage to Robert and honouring her promise.

The Book made me laugh with regards to the title: The VIRGIN's lover... if they were lovers as the author claims than the title is quite wrong or can one say it makes The Queen a professional virgin?

The theories on the death of Lady Amy Dudley are numerous; none has really escaped of being pointed at as the guilty part. The theory that The Queen and Cecil really plotted the death in order to bar Robert from marrying the Queen was quite new to me. It is interesting and I believe mainly based on the assumption that the throne always meant more to Elizabeth than marriage or love. When her throne became endangered than rid herself of this danger, even if she had to go against her own emotions. Well, why not as a base for a novel. However, I have to admit I am not convinced.

But nevertheless I find this book highly entertaining being written with great flow and understanding. 4 stars well deserved.

The story revolves around the love triangle of the young queen Elizabeth, Robert Dudley, and Dudley's wife Amy. There was always a connection between Elizabeth and Robert that neither could admit to or act on. Despite this their relationship grows, changes and although Elizabeth loves Robert she draws the line at allowing him to rule as King. She'd rather he rule as Queen's Consort. On the otherside of this coin is Robert and his wife Amy. Amy is a Catholic and although she practices in secret a divorce from Robert is not in the cards. Elizabeth feeling torn turns to her trusted advisor William Cecil looking for help. Cecil has no love for Dudley and he knows that it would be bad policy if he was made King. But he is more concerned with the fact that the Dudley family historically has participated in treasonous activities and that Roberts love for Elizabeth may not be the best thing for the young queen. After all an ambitious man will do almost anything to see that he gets what he want's. When love, a countries best interests, and a secret meet...nothing good can come from it. What will Elizabeth do when faced with this situation and William Cecil's plans to put it to rest?

Historically speaking it's difficult to put twists and turns on events that truly happened. The creativity then come from the concept of "what if..." and I feel that this is where Ms. Gregory started her plotting. This is a fantistical love triangle that truly existed. Robert Dudley was the Queens favorite and this is historically understood. Perhaps this is why this story fell flat. No matter how hard you try...you just can't re-write history. Ms. Gregory though does an amazing job of bringing to life, the court, the time period, and her characters Robert and Elizabeth. The reader will truly feel the angst of this love triangle. Come to this read with an open mind and the reader should do just fine. Forget what you were taught and just enjoy this work of fiction as it stands.