Rival to the Queen

"An exquisitely realistic portrait of Tudor England" sets the stage for royal romantic rivalry in this "compelling" novel from a New York Times bestseller (Library Journal).

From the New York Times–bestselling author of The Last Wife of Henry VIII comes a novel about the rivalry between Queen Elizabeth I and her cousin, Lettice Knollys, for the love of one extraordinary man.


Powerful, dramatic and full of the rich history that has made Carolly Erickson's novels perennial bestsellers, this is the story of the only woman to ever stand up to the Virgin Queen—her own cousin, Lettie Knollys. Far more attractive than the queen, Lettie soon won the attention of the handsome and ambitious Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, a man so enamored of the queen and determined to share her throne that it was rumored he had murdered his own wife in order to become her royal consort. The enigmatic Elizabeth allowed Dudley into her heart, and relied on his devoted service, but shied away from the personal and political risks of marriage.


When Elizabeth discovered that he had married her cousin Lettie in secret, Lettie would pay a terrible price, fighting to keep her husband's love and ultimately losing her beloved son, the Earl of Essex, to the queen's headsman.


This is the unforgettable story of two women related by blood, yet destined to clash over one of Tudor England's most charismatic men.


"Rival to the Queen gives this forgotten woman a place in history." —RT Book Reviews

"If you are a fan of Carolly Erickson or historical fiction, this book is for you." —Affaire de Coeur

"Erickson writes gracefully." —Publishers Weekly