As the story unfolds, Alice finds herself thrust into a life of royalty and catches the eye of the king which raises more than a few eyebrows.Īlice is a strong, smart, determined character and I think that is what makes this book so gripping. She craves something greater for herself and nothing is ever enough especially when it comes to her collection of properties. In The King’s Concubine, Alice Perrers is born a nobody but is motivated to create a new destiny. The author, Anne O’Brien has filled in the missing pieces and made Alice into an unlikely heroine – rather than an opportunistic seductress. Alice was indeed one of Queen Phillipa’s ladies in waiting and when the Queen died her scandalous affair with the King was revealed. There is little known fact about Alice which is why I say the story is loosely based. This character is really interesting, and firstly because she is loosely based on real life mistress to King Edward III of England, Alice Perrers. ‘Anne O’Brien has joined the exclusive club of excellent historical novelists.I am by no means a history buff but I do love my historical fiction and when I read the blurb for The King’s Concubine I had to dive straight in. ‘Better than Philippa Gregory’ – The Bookseller ‘Packed with drama, danger, romance and history.’ ‘A gripping story of love, heartache and political intrigue.’ ‘Joanna of Navarre is the feisty heroine in Anne O’Brien’s fast-paced historical novel The Queen’s Choice.’

‘A gem of a subject … O’Brien is a terrific storyteller’ One mistake and Alice will face a threat worse than any malicious whispers of the past. The fading great King wants her in his bed. Politics and pillow talk are dangerous bedfellows. Alice must balance her future with care as her star begins to rise – the despised concubine is not untouchable.

Her fate is double edged loved by the majesties, ostracised by her peers. Power has a price, and Alice Perrers will pay it. Led down the corridors of the royal palace, the young virgin is secretly delivered to King Edward III – to perform the wifely duties of which ailing Philippa is no longer capable. The Queen has a role waiting for her at court. Alice Perrers, a girl born with nothing but ambition. Philippa of Hainault selects a young orphan from a convent. ‘O’Brien cleverly intertwines the personal and political in this enjoyable, gripping tale.’

A Sunday Times Bestseller England’s Forgotten Queens

The King's Concubine by Anne O'Brien