This concise work gives insight into all aspects of Robert Devereux’s life. Though the book is a little short, and I would have appreciated some larger, colour pictures; these are just minor points. This work has been thoroughly researched, and well-written and the reader comes away with a knowledge of the wars in the period, court hierarchy and religious conflicts, as well as reading up on Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading historical biographies, and I would say whether you have read widely on the Tudor period or just getting started, this book is a great read. ~ Amy Eloise Kelly, History of Royal Women

Reading with all the inherent fascination of a BBC historical drama, "Elizabeth I's Last Favourite: Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex" is an extraordinary and meticulously documented, informed and informative read. ~ James Cox, Mid West Book Review

I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I learned a lot about Robert Devereux. He certainly took after his stepdad, that’s for sure. He was a man child and overall, just a pretty awful person. The author made sure to really show his personality, even though this is a biography and I liked that. Sometimes, biographies can come off as impersonal and cold. Overall, this was a good book. I wish it had been a little longer. It was only about 180 pages or so, which seems short for a biography but that’s not a bad thing. Sometimes biographies get to be too long and boring. This was just long enough to keep my attention. I’m interested in some more of this author’s work as I have read one other book by her. ~ Lacy White, A Ravenclaw Library

I have to say that I wasn't drawn to Devereux as a person. He seemed very egoistical and manipulative, but perhaps that was necessary to survive the intrigue and jealousies that plagued the Tudor court of the time. I did enjoy reading this account of his life and learning about the love-hate relationship he kept up for years with the ageing queen. At times they reminded me of a pair of squabbling teenagers. Ms. Watkins does an excellent job of making Tudor history come alive. That is perhaps what makes this such an enjoyable and fascinating read. ~ Susan Miller, Susanne's Book List Blog

Watkins’ biography of Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, may only be just over 140 pages long (excluding Appendix and references) but it offers the reader a clear and accessibly written account of the high triumphs and trials of his life. Someone with no prior knowledge of his life could enjoy this book, equally would someone looking to expand their understanding for the roots of his downfall. The inclusion of letters to and from the Earl, which complement the timeline of narrative, provide a compelling insight into his vexed relationships with Queen Elizabeth in her later years, his family and courtly rivals. Woven throughout each of the ten chapters, these personal correspondences allow the reader to hear the Earl’s own voice and piece together his story and personality in their own mind. Elizabeth I’s Last Favourite, would be a worthy addition to the bookshelf of anyone studying the period. It offers a glance into the factional nature of Elizabethan politics, as courtiers took to the seas in search of riches, glory and domination, through the story of just one man. ~ Katie Marshall, Review

The writing of the author is accessible and visual. You get the feeling you really get to know Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex. Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex is not the nicest man, he comes across as rather unkind. A man who did a lot for his own gain. In addition to the relationship description with Elizabeth, we also learn a lot about Robert’s warfare, including in the Netherlands. You notice that the author has done thorough research. As a result, it has become an educational and fascinating biography. The book also makes use of the letters exchanged by Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex and Elizabeth. A good book by Sarah-Beth Watkins. It has become a fascinating biography, perhaps not too long; you can say short, but full of information. The book is definitely recommended if you like history and the British Royals. ~ Elma Bruin, The New Royalty World, Review

Sarah-Beth Watkins provides a sympathetic and comprehensive look at this famous Tudor man, including letters and extracts from documents written at the time. She shines a light on his exploits in the wars, his relationship with his friends, and his exceedingly volatile relationship with the Queen. I found the account of his strange friendship with Raleigh especially interesting. As they were both tempestuous and arrogant, it could perhaps be said that they just didn't understand each other. Devereux's disobedience and his impetuous nature coupled with her favouritism probably led him to think that he could do what he liked, but it was not to be. His final military adventures in Ireland were just too much for him, and he couldn't cope. It is certainly a worthwhile read for any Tudor fan. ~ Lisa Sanderson, Book Addiction , Review

This book is a rare biography of a man who should really be the poster boy of the phrase 'pride comes before a fall'- a distant cousin of the queen through his great-grandmother, Mary Boleyn (Anne's sister and the protagonist of The Other Boleyn Girl), and stepson of Elizabeth's most favoured favourite, Robert Dudley, Devereux was initially a glittering star at court. But his headstrong ways and arrogance led to a lack of respect for the queen herself and, more dangerously, her all-powerful advisor Robert Cecil (there were a LOT of Roberts doing the rounds at this point.) Leading a rebellion against the queen that still bears his name, Devereux eventually ended up where many of the queen's loftier subjects often did: in the Tower, sans his head. ~ Stephanie Pomfrett, Bumblebee Books, Review

Praise for Sarah-Beth Watkins' The Tragic Daughters of Charles I: 'Sarah-Beth Watkins gives the reader an in depth understanding of the period with brilliant research, bringing to life the three heroines and the part they played in history. There are tales of flight, courage, marriages and battles, but most of all the love the siblings held for each other. A powerful and poignant read.' ~ Jackie Maude, author of High Heels & Beetle Crushers