Definitely a rehashing of the lives of Henry's wives than an in depth study of his mistresses. Whilst Anne, Katherine and possibly Jane not only were both mistress then wife, I think more time could have been devoted to the other women who appeared to be more of a side note than the focus of the matter. An easy reading book for those not too conversant with Tudor history. ( )

The author's discussion of norms of behavoir in the Tudor ages with regard to adultery was entertaining and enlightening. Her chapters about Anne Boylen and Catherine Howard were well done. There is solid research to back up much of what was written about Bessie Blount. I found some of the other discussions to be "stretches" and not as well thought out. At times, the author was confusing as she jumped back and forth between dates and a few times I thought she contradicted herself.

I would have enjoyed this book much more if the author tried to focus less on detail and made the book a general overview and discussion. ( )