When Edward David Windsor, heir to the British throne, meets the flashy American, Wallis Simpson, he is instantly smitten; never mind that she is married and, did I mention, American? David’s younger brother, Bertie (the spare) is married to Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. To say Elizabeth doesn’t approve of Wallis is an understatement, but both she and Bertie believe that David will come to his senses when he becomes king. They are to be disappointed

What is it about reading of royals or rich people behaving badly that we enjoy? In Benjamin’s author’s note, she said she assumed someone would have already written a historical novel about the “historically epic, gossipy, and juicy feud between Wallis Simpson and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon”. Books had been written, but not like this. Unless you’re English, you may need a score card in the beginning but once you realize which Elizabeth and which king are being discussed, this was a fun book though appalling at the same time. How can privileged people behave so selfishly? If you enjoyed watching “The Crown” or “The King’s Speech”, this is a book for you. I received a copy of this book from the publisher but thoughts and opinions are my own.

4 stars