Books like The last queen by C. W. Gortner

After Henry VIII’s death, nine‑year‑old Edward VI inherits the throne of England, while a regency council navigates religious reform and political unrest—setting the stage for future conflicts between Princess Mary and Princess Elizabeth.

A tale of intrigue and passion in the court of King Henry VIII, exploring the love and tragedy of Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard against the backdrop of the tumultuous Tudor era.

A historical adventure novel about a Chilean seamstress who flees to Peru and forms a passionate bond with a conquistador, leading to the creation of a new city and a clash between the Spanish and indigenous peoples of Chile.

A fictional diary of Isabella I of Castile, chronicling her struggle to choose a husband and side in a dynastic conflict during 15th‑century Spain. The book presents her inner world against the backdrop of royal rivalry.

Lady‑in‑waiting Margaret Pole navigates the Tudor court, witnessing Henry VIII’s rise and the rise of Anne Boleyn, while balancing loyalty to his queens and to the old royal line.

Georgette Heyer’s tale follows William, Duke of Normandy, as he rises to become King of England in 1066, detailing his trials, alliances, and the pivotal Battle of Hastings.

Catherine de Medici rises from exile to regent, wielding cunning, destiny, and diplomacy to steer a fractured France toward uneasy peace, even as war and ambition threaten her court and conscience.

Nefertari, a forgotten princess of the Eighteenth Dynasty, rises from exile to become queen after marrying Ramesses the Great, navigating a tumultuous Egypt torn between her heretical past and a new dynasty.

"From the New York Times bestselling author of The Last Wife of Henry VIII comes a powerful and moving novel about Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII's first wife and mother of Mary I When young Catherine of Aragon, proud daughter of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, is sent to England to marry the weak Prince Arthur, she is unprepared for all that awaits her: early widowhood, the challenge of warfare with the invading Scots, and the utimately futile attempt to provide the realm with a prince to secure the succession. She marries Arthur's energetic, athletic brother Henry, only to encounter fresh obstacles, chief among them Henry's infatuation with the alluring but wayward Anne Boleyn. In The Spanish Queen, bestselling novelist Carolly Erickson allows the strong-willed, redoubtable Queen Catherine to tell her own story--a tale that carries her from the scented gardens of Grenada to the craggy mountains of Wales to the conflict-ridden Tudor court. Surrounded by strong partisans among the English, and with the might of Spanish and imperial arms to defend her, Catherine soldiers on, until her union with King Henry is severed and she finds herself discarded--and tempted to take the most daring step of her life. Carolly Erickson's historical entertainments continue to succeed in creating a unique blend of historical authenticity and page-turning drama. "--

A story of love and tragedy in 17th-century England.

A 19‑year‑old Danish princess, marrying the Romanov heir, becomes Empress Maria of Russia and must navigate a nation torn by resistance, while guiding her inexperienced son Nicholas toward reform.

When Louise de la Vallière’s father-in‑law dies, the inheritance reverts to the crown and she enters Louis XIV’s court, where her horsemanship and dancing win the king’s favour and make her his favourite mistress and Duchess.

A riveting historical novel about the rise of a young queen in 16th-century Spain, from the acclaimed author of "The Queen's Vow"

A romantic historical novel about the court and love affairs of Charles II of England, featuring a bold queen, a beautiful actress, and a scandalous spy.

A queen's heart torn between love and duty, leading to a dark choice in history's most powerful court.

The tragic story of Lady Jane Grey, the young woman who became queen for just 9 days but was executed for treason at the age of 16.

John Updike’s prequel to Shakespeare’s Hamlet traces the life of Denmark’s king Claudius and queen Gertrude before the events of the play, exploring their roots, marriage and court life.

In the heart of Thebes, Nefertiti’s charm and ambition intertwine with the intrigue of Egypt’s crown, while her sister Mutnodjmet navigates loyalty and love amid political peril.

A historical romance novel following the rise and reign of Henry VII and the Tudor dynasty.