The Darling Strumpet

Janet K L Seal · Post by **Janet K L Seal** » Thu February 7th, 2013, 2:25 pm

This first novel by Gillian Bagwell illustrates a new appraisal of the upbringing, character and attractions of Nell Gwynn. We all know about selling oranges and capturing the heart of King Charles, the newly restored King. She demonstrates clearly how the Puritan legacy of the Cromwell era is still favoured by some while others grasp the freedoms, those of expression and morals offered in the new reign. An enjoyable read except for the overly explicit sex scenes which spoiled it for me. I hope any further books, while they may refer to such activities, but do not go into so much detail.

MLE (Emily Cotton) · Post by **MLE (Emily Cotton)** » Thu February 7th, 2013, 2:47 pm

Gillian is rather fond of her sex scenes. Waaay too much for my taste.

Misfit · Post by **Misfit** » Thu February 7th, 2013, 4:26 pm

[quote=""MLE""]Gillian is rather fond of her sex scenes. Waaay too much for my taste.[/quote]

I never made it past the rape scene at the beginning of the book. Granted it could have been something that happened, but I could have done with less excruciating detail.

Helen_Davis · Post by **Helen_Davis** » Wed February 13th, 2013, 4:50 am

[quote=""Misfit""]I never made it past the rape scene at the beginning of the book. Granted it could have been something that happened, but I could have done with less excruciating detail.[/quote]

How bad are her sex scenes? I prefer to leave that stuff out of my professional writing. I personally consider OTT sex scenes smutty. Mademoiselle Boleyn by Robin Maxwell was wonderful except for that.

Misfit · Post by **Misfit** » Wed February 13th, 2013, 4:12 pm

[quote=""Helen_Davis""]How bad are her sex scenes? I prefer to leave that stuff out of my professional writing. I personally consider OTT sex scenes smutty. Mademoiselle Boleyn by Robin Maxwell was wonderful except for that.[/quote]

***comment below slightly spoilerish**

I couldn't answer that for you, since I only went as far as the gang rape very early in the book. I have heard comments that they're a bit much for some readers, and rumor that the last book about Charles II was a bit much, but again, that's only second hand talk. I have no intention of picking up one of her books again, ever.

Helen_Davis · Post by **Helen_Davis** » Wed February 13th, 2013, 4:39 pm

[quote=""Misfit""]***comment below slightly spoilerish**

I couldn't answer that for you, since I only went as far as the gang rape very early in the book. I have heard comments that they're a bit much for some readers, and rumor that the last book about Charles II was a bit much, but again, that's only second hand talk. I have no intention of picking up one of her books again, ever.[/quote]

Think I'll pass this one then. PG is bad enough for me on that!