The King’s Rose by Alisa M. Libby

Libby, Alisa M. The King’s Rose, 304. p. Dutton (Penguin), 2009. $17.99.  Sexual Content: PG-13 (the whole thing is about bedding and keeping the attention of King Henry VIII while having an affair or affairs).  Catherine Howard has been placed under the eye of King Henry VIII as a replacement for the latest bride that he beheaded or put away.  Now that she has that magic ring, how can she pretend that she is an innocent virgin and keep his attention from all of the other ladies that want to warm his bed – all while trying to bear the next heir to the throne.  Secrets from her past, including former loves, keep intruding and Catherine may be going out the hard way.  If you want an eyeful of the sexual dalliances and intrigues within England’s historic courts, here you go.  Not as harsh as it could be, it nonetheless is very clear about the many different relationships among the court.  Younger students would be better off with Carolyn Meyer’s books which are not quite so blunt.  HS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher