About the Book The author of Duchess returns with the enthralling story of one of historys most notorious women--the uncrowned queen of Charles Stuarts bawdy Restoration court. The role of royal mistress is a precarious one, however, and her enemies and rivals and everywhere. Book Synopsis London, 1660: Ready to throw off a generation of Puritan rule, all England rejoices when Charles Stuart returns to reclaim the throne. Among those welcoming him is young Barbara Villiers Palmer, a breathtaking Royalist beauty whose sensuality and clever wit instantly captivate the handsome, jaded king. Though each is promised to another, Barbara soon becomes Charless mistress and closest friend, and the uncrowned queen of his bawdy Restoration court. Rewarded with titles, land, and jewels, she is the most envied and desired woman in England--and the most powerful. But the role of royal mistress is a precarious one, and Barbaras enemies and rivals are everywhere in the palace. About the Author Susan Holloway Scott is the author of more than forty historical novels and novellas. Writing under her own name as well as Miranda Jarrett, her bestselling books have received numerous awards and honors. With more than three million copies of her books in print, she has been published in nineteen countries around the world. Her most recent historical novels have been set in seventeenth-century England, in the decadent, politically charged court of King Charles II, and all have been Historical Novels Review Editors Choice titles. She is a graduate of Brown University, and lives with her family outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.