Rebel of the Regency: The Scandalous Saga of Caroline of Brunswick, Britain's Uncrowned Queen

by Ann Foster

The dramatic, absolutely outrageous story of Caroline of Brunswick, a beloved icon of the Regency era, who uplifted the voice of the public and unabashedly defied society’s expectations, yet was shockingly robbed of her crown, from the host of the Vulgar History podcast.

Caroline Amelia Elizabeth, Princess of Brunswick, was born in the northern German town of Braunschweig. Her mother and father, the duke and duchess, instantly knew one there was something irrefutably untamable about their daughter. She grew up a wild child, sequestered from others to protect her family's reputation—a Regency-era Rapunzel.

She was freed from this gilded cage by an unexpected marriage proposal from George Augustus Frederick, Prince of Wales and the eldest son of George III and Queen Charlotte. Caroline was entirely unprepared for the backstabbing mean girls of the royal court. Always staying true to herself, she stepped into her role of queen-to-be without compromising her character, showing off her affinity for fashion, her many eccentric hobbies, and ultimately, her infallible spirit, despite being ostracized as an outsider by her in-laws.

And so Caroline became the unlikely figurehead of the anti-monarchists, aided by the just-emerging tabloid press. Yet, despite her status as a revolutionary heroine, Caroline’s name faded away following her death. Until now.

For fans of Normal Women, Ann Foster brings us the riveting story of Caroline of Brunswick, Britain’s uncrowned queen, through an empowering examination of womanhood and autonomy that feels just as relevant today.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Royalty, Biography Memoir, Historical, British Literature

Audible Audio

Published February 10, 2026

Reviews

[Brendan (History Nerds United) · Rating 5 out of 5]

History can be serious business. However, there are some books which come along which ride the fine line between telling a true story while having fun with it. I am still a stickler for accuracy, but if that is covered, why not get a little indignant, sarcastic, and, dare I say it, sassy. When your villain is nicknamed "Prinny", then how can you go wrong? In the case of Ann Foster and her book Rebel of the Regency, it goes very right.

Foster is telling the story of Caroline of Brunswick. For the uninitiated, of which I was recently one, Caroline married the future George IV of England, and I cannot even explain how badly the marriage went. In fact, for it to go any worse, someone would have needed to be murdered. I won't spoil the plot any further.

As mentioned, treating historical events with a humorous and light touch can often go wrong very fast. Foster nails this tone perfectly. She has found a subject begging for its absurdity to be highlighted. The author is clearly in Caroline's corner (as was much of England), but you can see where even Foster recognizes she is no saint and a different author may be more explicitly unflattering. However, in comparison to Prinny....

My sole warning to readers is that Foster is irreverent and is unafraid to use contemporary comparisons and vernacular. Most importantly, she gets the history right, but I know some readers don't want anything but the facts. Fair enough, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one. You might just be missing out if you don't allow for a reference to The Princess Diaries once or twice.

(This book was provided as a review copy by Hanover Square Press.)

[Nat · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a long time listener to the pod, I'm so excited for this!

[Ridhima · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of those rare situations where the book ended up being different from what I had initially envisioned, but I was still pleasantly surprised by it.

Ann Foster tells us the story of the forgotten Queen of England, Caroline of Brunswick, who subverted expectations of the Regency and was the people's princess much before Princess Diana. From her teenage years as a German princess, to her tumultuous marriage to George IV, to her tour of the world, her bond with her only daughter; the book takes us through a journey of the bold and outspoken life she lived at a time when it was more than just frowned upon.

I actually loved all the footnotes the author provided throughout the book. To be honest, that was the vibe I was expecting for the entire book - funny and sassy, so I was surprised when it was still mostly history given to the reader, with much less modern references and humorous comments.

Still, to know that not much has changed about how women are treated as voiceless child-makers, how men in power make the laws and then break them almost immediately; this could have just as easily been the story of a current royal family and I would have easily believed it. Recommended for those looking for some much needed knowledge about this forgotten and undervalued Queen, if only to prove those who tried to erase her memory wrong.

Thank you to HTP's Hive Program for the gifted copy of the book!

[Constance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebel of The Regency is the untold story of Caroline of Brunswick, Britain’s Queen Without A Crown. Many people know that Princess Charlotte, Queen Charlotte’s granddaughter and the heir to the throne died young, but what of Princess Charlotte’s mother? This biography takes us back in time, before the Regency Era began, to paint the story of a queen forgotten to time.

From Caroline’s secluded teenage years, to her marriage and separation, to a world tour in her 40s, this book takes us through each stage, including the explosive divorce trial that took Britain’s people by storm. Caroline had a spirit that couldn’t be broken, and truly was The People’s Princess, two centuries before Princess Diana took that title.

This is brilliantly researched, and at times laugh out loud funny! The way the author described Caroline and her husband, George IV (aka Prinny,) really showed that they were real people with real problems. And Prinny was THE problem. It was so cool to learn about the shift from George III’s rule to the regency, and to see how Caroline never let the man get her down.

Thank you so much to HTP books for the e-arc! If you’re into history and Bridgerton sparked a love for the Regency Era, you’re going to love this! Rebel of The Regency releases on Feb 10!

[Kelli Matthews | SighingOurPleasure · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is basically: “Prinny is trash” + “Caroline is a delightfully ungovernable icon” + “Regency politics are messier than you may have ever realized.” I learned a ton about the era and the calculated cruelty Caroline faced, but it never felt like homework—Foster’s voice is fun, snarky, and packed with pop culture winks that keep everything feeling modern. And amid all the scandal and spectacle, the heartbreak sneaks up on you: her exile and Charlotte’s death are gutting. The finale—her “trial”—is both fist-pump inspiring (those rallying crowds!) and deeply sad, knowing how quickly it all curdles into the end of her life. I’m definitely going to explore the author’s podcast next, because I loved her voice here.

One practical note: the ebook format really doesn’t do the footnotes any favors. It’s a pain to bounce between text and notes, and you lose some of the fun. If you can, grab this one in print—actual paper for the win.

[Jacklyn B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am completely OBSESSED with this book!! I love stories about women who “misbehave” or who are “irrefutably untamable” and Caroline of Brunswick was perfectly sassy and witty and the opposite of how she was “supposed” to act.

This book is interesting and funny and the author does a wonderful job keeping the reader really engaged with the story. Her story is so well researched - there were moments where I had to remind myself this was in fact a nonfiction book.

Two words: The Trial!!!!!

Yes Caroline deals with difficult in-laws and mean girls and scandals and gossip, but she is always true to herself. With all the funny and witty moments there are also heartbreaking ones too.

I highly recommend giving this a read!

[Beth Hammon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick, engaging read that makes Caroline of Brunswick feel vivid and unexpectedly contemporary. Foster’s approach is smart and distinctive, with a conversational tone that often feels like listening to the best episodes of Vulgar History. A great pick if you like feminist history that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still delivers the substance. I tore through it.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advance readers copy!

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read that is entirely focused on Queen Caroline of Brunswick, and I want to thank the author for writing such a captivating and whimsical book that I am now desperate to learn more about Queen Caroline.

In addition to the level of research clearly being extensive, the writing felt conversational. It was like you were out to lunch with Foster and she was detailing her dissertation project, drawing parallels between Queen Caroline's life and popular culture events you know more about (e.g., the Free Britney movement). I was captivated from start to finish and immediately Googled further reading material, which to me is always an excellent sign that the author has immersed me in a topic and piqued my interest.

I also appreciated how Foster was able to format the book in such a way that Queen Caroline was entirely the focus, but relevant cultural and political information from the period in which Caroline lived was peppered in. For example, Napoleon was touched upon, but Foster did not spend several tangential chapters on that topic. This is a refreshing approach to historical biographies that I rarely see.

My favorite part of this book was how Foster made Queen Caroline come alive. You could feel Queen Caroline's personality oozing from the pages, warts and all. It made Queen Caroline relatable, even as hundreds of years separated me from her. I've always heard that Prinny (George IV's nickname) was awful, but when you see the pettiness and vindictiveness of his behavior toward Caroline and their daughter Charlotte, it puts him in an entirely different light. However, Queen Caroline's ability to rise above or sink to Prinny's level just made her all the more relatable. The way that life presented Queen Caroline with such a steep learning curve in which to learn about herself and the world was incredibly emotional to read.

If you love Georgian history or just want to read a biography focused on a woman that history tends to overlook, this is the book for you. It's incredibly well-researched and fantastically written. You almost forget that you're learning something. I highly recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hanover Square Press. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

CONTENT WARNINGS
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Chronic illness, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Infidelity, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Xenophobia, Medical content, Grief, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Classism
Moderate: Death of parent, Colonisation, War, Pregnancy
Minor: Sexual content

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Royal Rebel

Ann Foster’s Rebel of the Regency crackles with energy from the first page, dusting off the legend of Caroline of Brunswick and giving her the vivid treatment she’s long deserved. From the disastrous arranged marriage to George IV, nothing romantic, all scheming and cold calculation, through the endless parade of court intrigue and betrayal, Foster shows Caroline as anything but the passive royal of history’s margins. Instead, she emerges as a stubborn, dazzling disruptor who refuses to bow to the world’s expectations of her.

What makes this biography jump off the page isn’t just Caroline’s jaw-dropping scandals, but the way Foster captures her spirit: brash but lovable, scorned but never silent, always scheming to turn public opinion into a weapon when the palace would have preferred she simply disappear. This book is full of sharp humour and modern relevance, channelling Foster’s podcasting style into something that feels more like a conversation than a typical biography. There’s no stuffy detachment, just clear-eyed research, plenty of juicy asides, and a sympathetic eye on a woman whose real crime was refusing to blend in.

This book is a breath of fresh air, and it’s easy to see why. Foster’s approach is bold and informal but never careless with the facts, moving briskly through intricate court drama while never losing sight of the themes at stake: the cost of resisting patriarchal power, the blurred line between public scandal and private pain, and the stubborn endurance of someone labelled too much for her time.

If there’s a drawback, it’s that the breezy tone might put off fans of weightier, old-school biographies, but that’s also exactly what gives the story its punch. For those tired of gray portraits that bury real women under footnotes, Foster’s work is a rallying cry.

Ann Foster, with her background in history, libraries, and podcasting, has a knack for rescuing lost stories and spinning them into something urgent and alive. Rebel of the Regency is essential for anyone fond of royal drama or drawn to biographies that don’t flinch from the messier truths of history. Foster finally gives Caroline the freedom and the voice that she was always denied.

[Anna (Literaria Luminaria) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a longtime listener of Ann's podcast, Vulgar History, and, as a historian myself, could not have been more excited to read this book. As such, my expectations were high... and she absolutely delivered. I don't think I've ever had this much fun reading a biography.

Anyone familiar with the Regency or Georgian eras probably knows about Prinny (a horrible, petty AS F*CK, detestable man), but how many know about his wife, the "Uncrowned Queen," Caroline of Brunswick? If you find yourself wanting to know more about her, Ann has managed to turn Caroline's life—which is wild enough on its own—into a story that's equal parts heartbreaking, hilarious, and jaw-droppingly scandalous. I've read and learned plenty about the Regency period, but this was the first time I've seen it told through the eyes of the woman Prinny tried so hard to erase.

What I loved most about Rebel of the Regency is how readable it is. Much like her podcast, Ann's writing feels like you're listening to a friend spill the most unhinged 200-year-old gossip—but it's all backed by impeccable research. The history is solid, but it's the people, the personalities, that really bring it to life. Case in point: Caroline herself completely stole the show for me. She's messy, bold, funny, and so much more complex than the caricature her husband tried to reduce her to. As an independent woman and mother myself, I found her story both infuriating and inspiring. The way George treated Caroline and their daughter Charlotte made my blood boil, but Ann never lets it slip into pure tragedy. There's this constant current of resilience, stubbornness, and wit that keeps you rooting for Caroline the whole way through. Don't get me wrong—she certainly wasn't perfect. But who of us is?

P.S. The endnotes? Genuinely hilarious and informative. Don't skip them.

Thanks to HTP Hive, Hanover Square Press, and NetGalley for the review copy!

Website | Bookstagram | BookTok

[Nick Artrip · Rating 5 out of 5]

I requested and received an eARC of Rebel of the Regency: The Scandalous Saga of Caroline of Brunswick, Britain’s Queen Without a Crown by Ann Foster via NetGalley. Caroline of Brunswick was the wife of George IV. Born in a northern German town, her mother and father knew early on there was something untamable about their daughter. She was an exuberant and willful youth who was largely kept sequestered from society to protect her reputation. She had a habit of saying anything that entered her mind. She was freed from her sheltered existence when she received an unexpected proposal from her cousin, George, Prince of Wales, the eldest son of George III. The marriage would prove to be anything but a success.

I absolutely adored Rebel of the Regency. Caroline was definitely a fascinating woman! It's quite easy to draw parallels between here and Princess Diana. Foster's biography cuts through all of the nonsense and shines a light on the injustices faced by Caroline by "Prinny" (George IV), Queen Charlotte, and her brood of sisters-in-law. She was the frequent subject of xenophobia and misogyny, both culturally and politically, and was kept separated from her daughter. Foster's biography does a fantastic job of highlighting serious matters like the Delicate Investigation and the Milan Investigation in tension with the public's perception of these events. Like Diana, Caroline largely was favored by the public and was a major press sensation.

My favorite part of Foster's biography is that it is simply brimming with humor. There are many works where this tone wouldn't work, but golly does Foster knock it out of the park in Rebel of the Regency! The comedic voice does a real service to Caroline of Brunswick. It perfectly reflects the spirit of a woman who loved a good laugh and had a history of pulling practical jokes. There were several pop culture references and comparisons that made me giggle, but they also showed how stories like Caroline's are still so shockingly relevant. This book is an instant nonfiction favorite, and I will be purchasing a physical copy for my collection. The author is a master at making learning fun!

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rebel of the Regency by Ann Foster is such a breezy, gossipy, fun read. Caroline of Brunswick’s story contains easy parallels to the saga of Princess Diana. This nineteenth-century Princess of Wales paved her own way, despite the crappy marriage she found herself in and the restraints put on her by the British royal family. Caroline’s life wasn’t easy, but she wasn’t about to be bossed around by anyone.

The pop culture references throughout were fun and gave context to the story without becoming too cringe-worthy. I also appreciated that the author didn’t dive into whole chapters detailing battles and wars that are so ubiquitous in every historical royal biography, even when they’re only tangentially related to the subject.

I found some of the naming conventions annoying, like only referring to George IV as Prinny (though I get it, he was an awful person and that’s a terrible nickname). I would have also appreciated some more detail in general about people around Caroline, or just background information on some aspects of the story that were skimmed over. Not battles, though. Anything but battles.

This would be a great read for someone who’s historical nonfiction-curious and wants a biography that’s anything but dry. I read this in about three days, and I’m generally a slow reader. It kept me engaged, and I couldn’t wait to curl up with my e-reader and dive into this book.

I received a digital advanced readers’ copy from NetGalley, and this review solely reflects my views on this book.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley, as well as The Hive for this eARC and ALC of Rebel of Regency!

I am most definitely someone who exclusively reads fiction. But something about this cover and the description of this book made me feel curious enough to want to try it, and I’m glad I did! Did it awaken a taste for non-fiction in me? Not necessarily, but I do think I had a good time reading it.

Ann Foster is quite a clever author and her writing is captivating! Throughout the book, my favorite part of her writing was how she related what was going on, to current pop culture references. These references are done in such a successful manner that they elevate the story and understanding of what was going on, rather than hindering it/causing cringeworthy reactions.

As for this audiobook specifically, I found the readers voice lovely to listen to! It felt as though I was listening to an educational Lady Wistledown podcast (minus Julie Andrew’s accent and iconic voice haha) Very captivating and kept me locked in to the story because it also felt as though I was listening to this gossip happening in real time too because of how well written it was!

As someone new to trying non-fiction, I’d say this was a perfect way to test it out! I find stories about women in history captivating, and I love a period piece! Any Bridgerton lovers out there should definitely jump on this book because it also gave an interesting look into what that world actually looked like, in a historically accurate viewpoint.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading about women who go against the grain and Caroline of Brunswick was exactly just that type of women. She is a royal I have zero knowledge of, so I was naturally curious!
Ann Foster wrote this book in a way that correlated present day references to movies, TV shows and reality tv which actually made me chuckle a bit because it made it more "real gossip" in a weird way.
Caroline of Brunswick was married to future George IV of England, but the marriage was a disaster from the beginning and quickly separated. Caroline was lucky enough to have one daughter, Princess Charlotte very early in their marriage before they separated and in her 40s decided to go see the world! I mean, I love traveling and I'm still in my 30s. It cracked me up how this mention made her seem so normal.

Highly recommend the audiobook! Caroline Hewitt was amazing.

While Caroline was strong willed this quote got to me, because I feel like we all could relate to it:
"She had also become practiced in hiding her emotions behind a cheerful mask, exerting great effort to prevent others from noticing how much she had been suffering all those years in England. Often, she used humor to distract from her sadness and anxiety, and only those closest to her could tell when she was faking joy."

This one just straight up made me laugh:
"At one point, she pushed them into a bedroom together, called out to "have fun!" and closed the door."

[Catie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rebel of the Regency introduced me to Caroline of Brunswick as far more than simply the estranged wife of George IV. While I knew her name, I didn’t know the full scope of her story, and this audiobook does a good job of restoring her complexity, independence, and refusal to quietly accept the limitations placed on her. Caroline comes across as bold, outspoken, and unapologetically herself — honestly, Eloise from Bridgerton would have absolutely loved her.

My biggest critique is the book’s heavy reliance on modern slang and pop-culture references. Comparisons to contemporary TV shows, films, and celebrity scandals repeatedly pulled me out of the historical moment and distracted from the actual events of Caroline’s life. While the intent seems to be accessibility, these choices make the book feel dated very quickly and, at times, undercut the historical weight of Caroline’s experiences. Her story is compelling enough to stand on its own without modern framing.

Overall, this was an engaging and informative listen that will likely appeal to readers new to Caroline’s story, but it didn’t always strike the right balance between historical biography and modern commentary.

Thank you to Ann Foster, Harlequin Audio, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Megan Beech · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who loves history, historical fiction and anything that has to do with British history in particular, I must admit I had never heard of Caroline of Brunswick. Until now, I had no idea how many parallels and similarities there are between her story and of course the one that everyone else talks about is the late Princess Diana of Wales. I found this read to be incredibly fascinating and heartbreaking. I don't know what it is about the royal family and their history of treating people badly but this seems to be a running theme throughout the course of history. I guess in this case, history does tend to repeat itself time and time again.

Caroline's story was absolutely without a doubt amazing and I felt like I got to know her through the telling of this book. I love learning about the Regency Era and this tackles every thing I look for in a historical novel. I was thoroughly pleased and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to read something meaningful, a story of resilience and determination, and about royal family history.

I would love to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC book in exchange for an honest review.

[Haven Bartak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC of Rebel of the Regency.

This is the second book I’ve read that features Princess Caroline—the queen who never was. This take on her life was quite different from the last and far more in depth.

Caroline truly was a rebel of the Regency in her time, and she would still be considered one today. She was the original people’s princess, and I would have liked to see more comparisons and contrasts with Princess Diana, rather than with American pop culture celebrities.

Overall, this book was enjoyable, but it felt too long. I think some of the information could have been omitted while still presenting Caroline in full. I also felt there were too many footnotes—many seemed unnecessary, either because the information wasn’t important or some of the humor didn’t land. My final con is the inconsistency in tone. The book frequently moved from historical and serious to funny, snarky, and modern, which disrupted the pacing and made it feel somewhat disconnected and choppy.

Overall, I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy history, particularly British royal history. It was informative and enjoyable, though I do think the author could have pared it down.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not alone in my utter fascination with the history of the British monarchy, but no matter how much I learn there is always another member of the royal family to explore. Rebel of the Regency by Ann Foster was incredible look into the life of Caroline of Brunswick, who I had never heard of before.

Foster does an incredible job of not just telling the story of Caroline’s life, but finding a way to inject wit and modern relevance into the biography of a woman who lived two centuries ago. Biographies are not my go-to reading material, but this one had so much levity while still treating Caroline’s life, hardships, and her less-than-winning moments with tact.

For Bridgerton fans and those who grew up in the wake of Princess Di’s fame, this biography is a must-read. Caroline married the son of King George and Queen Charlotte, right in the height of British high society, the very same one Brigerton fans have come to love. And Caroline’s story so closely mirrors Princess Diana’s devastating experience with the royal family, as well as her icon status among the British people.

I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook of Rebel of the Regency early thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio. I had such a great time listening to this book and learned something along the way.

[Darth C · Rating 4 out of 5]

You get a loud, weird, fashionable woman who refuses to behave, and a monarchy absolutely losing its mind about it. She’s not polished or palatable, she’s inconvenient and watching powerful men scramble to punish her for that is both fascinating and infuriating.

The early tabloid culture stuff I was obsessed (it’s giving Bridgerton vibes) Truly nothing has changed. Smear campaigns, public moral panic, men failing upward while a woman gets publicly dragged for breathing wrong (shocking 😒) it’s giving timeless. Her accidental rise as a political symbol while simply existing felt both iconic and heartbreaking.

There are a few stretches that lean heavier into political context and slow things down a bit. Which is obviously important and contextual necessary. But my feral lizard brain occasionally wanted to get back to the chaos more than anything.

Overall though, this felt like reclamation. A long-overdue reminder that she didn’t fade from history because she didn’t matter; she faded because she was dangerous to the narrative.

Vibes & tropes:
👑 Uncrowned queen
🗞️ Tabloid chaos
🔥 Women punished for noncompliance
🖤 Public opinion as resistance
💅 “Difficult woman” (complimentary)

Would absolutely have defended her in the group chat 💕

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think more people would read biographies if they were written with the fun vibes that Ann Foster sprinkles through Rebel of the Regency. I knew I'd love this one because I'm obsessed with Vulgar History and if you're also a fan, this is the book for you.

I saved reading my ARC so I could enjoy it alongside Bridgerton because what better combo? Honestly, I liked it more than the show (which is saying a lot!!) I vaguely knew who Caroline was but my speciality ends with the Tudors so she was just a passing name to me. A little bit, I now feel like she would be my best friend. She's brought to life so vividly and in my opinion, incredibly honestly. It drives me crazy when a biographer idolizes their subject or thinks that history needs to be dry to be respected. Foster blows that out the window. Caroline was a flawed human but that doesn't mean we shouldn't back her.

If you're looking for a fun, wild ride about a woman who should be way more than footnote, do yourself a favor and buy Rebel of the Regency.

Thank you to HTP Hive for the ARC

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic read. I have spent many years reading a plethora of books on British history and the royals, and Queen Caroline is usually only mentioned in passing with sometimes a bit of condescension or derision.

Ann Foster did a fantastic job bringing Caroline to life.

At first I was a little iffy about the pop culture references in this book but they ended up really growing on me.

While the tone is at times conversational and modern, the research is impeccable and the writing is so engaging. I read this at night after work and found myself really looking forward to it.

Caroline’s story is fascinating and heartbreaking but she had so much gumption. Prinny was an utterly abhorrent, spiteful, wretched excuse for a man but somehow Caroline continued to live life on her terms, fight for what she deserved, and be an absolute icon. She was bold and fierce and a force of nature and more need to know her story!

I will definitely be checking out Ann Foster’s podcast after this.

[ali skibicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5⭐️ This was a quick and fun look at the life of Caroline Brunswick, essentially the "people's princess" of the Regency Era.

While I found the overall information interesting and appreciated the Bridgerton references, I found the tone of the book to be inconsistent. This book did have it's moments of humor but I expected a more comedic delivery rather than it's overall direct historical tone.

I started with my physical ARC and ended up finishing it on audiobook to help keep my interest up! The narrator did a great job in their delivery and I would recommend giving this a try on audiobook.

While this was not a huge hit for me, this will definitely be a great one for the typical biography and history lovers!

Thank you to The Hive, HTP, & NetGalley for the physical finished copy and audiobook!

[Debby · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Ann Foster's Rebel of the Regency we get the story of Caroline of Brunswick who was married off to the Prince George, the Prince of Wales, son of Queen Charlotte and King George.

Unlike the other women of the royal court, Caroline acted like herself - sarcastic, witty, and basically the total antithesis of how a Princess should behave. She was absolutely delightful.

The author weaves history and it's a joy to learn about the regency era as the book progresses and we learn more about the royal family.

I loved this book and can't wait to share it with friends. Just like Caroline, it's smart, witty, and delightful!

Thank you to NetGalley and the pubilsher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

PS - I loved the Bridgerton offshoot of Queen Charlotte's story - I'd love to see this on the screen too!

[Kitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

"As the ruler of our nation, i BANNED my wife from my coronation....."

Admittedly, I'm more familiar with Prinny than I am Caroline, and like most people I wasn't super familiar with her beyond the usual rumours and jokes about her. I was wary of any book that starts out talking about or making comparisons to Diana, because that has been DONE TO DEATH.

But I really ended up enjoying this book a lot. It was informative, but informal and funny at the same time. Comparing Prinny to early 2000's emo culture was just CHEF'S KISS. I learned a lot about Caroline's ridiculous and scandal filled life, and while I still don't think she or Prinny were great people, I have a lot more sympathy for her now. I'm excited to read it again in print, I've already got it on hold at my local library!

[Macy · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I thought this was a fictionalized account of Caroline of Bushwick's life but was pleasantly surprised to find it actually was nonfiction. As mentioned in the prologue, it seems like her story has been erased from the history books and I wasn't aware that she was this big pot stirrer in the best way.
This is what I love about nonfictions. The entire time reading this book I felt like I was across the table from my girlfriend at a Chilis, sipping margs and eating a triple dipper while I'm being told the entire history of this woman. Ann Foster has a wonderful way of stating facts while also painting a beautiful backdrop. I need immediately look more into accounts of Caroline and she is one of my favorite monarchs to date (besides Princess Di ofc)

[Reba · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, starting the book with an epigraph quote from RuPaul's Drag Race is golden. 👌

In this work, Foster tackles historical events with a humorous air, often referencing our modern day pop culture.

Prior to this, all I knew of Caroline was that she was the mother of Princess Charlotte and that she and ole "Prinny" as he is referred to in this book, didn't get along so much so that he locked her out of the coronation ceremony.

Now, I can honestly say I am a fan. Her portraits may not be inspiring but her spite and personality definitely make Caroline a true Rebel of the Regency.

Thanks to Netgalley for the eARC.

[Johnna Wilford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t read nonfiction history books on the reg but this one is just the sort of kind I do!

1) It’s about a woman in history, which is much more my speed than a boring old white dude or a battle or something.
2) It compares historical events to modern day events. (If you don’t love the idea of a history book bringing up Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Britney’s conservatorship, or Mean Girls, then this is not the book for you. But it’s definitely the book for me.)

I hope Ann writes more books like this about various other women in history!

Thanks to Harlequin through NetGalley for the ARC!

[Hannahjayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of Ann Foster’s podcast, Vulgar History, I’ve eagerly awaited her first book, Rebel of the Regency and it did not disappoint. It’s written in the same witty style as the podcast, with modern references that contextualise what was happening in Caroline of Brunswick’s life. Ann is respectful of the darker subject matters, meaning I laughed, cried, and raged at various parts of the story.
For those, like me, who love the people side of history, this is a perfect non-fiction read. It’s gossipy, scandalous, and relatable.
Ideal for lovers of Bridgerton, Jane Austen, and feminist history - just be prepared to loathe Prinny with every fibre of your being.

[Leslee Hale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rebel of Regency was so well told that I genuinely forgot I was reading nonfiction. If history were always written like this, I’d read it constantly. This book dives into the outrageous and dramatic life of Caroline of Brunswick—a bold, unapologetic woman who refused to conform to Regency society and paid the price for it. From royal scandal and public backlash to her unexpected role as a symbol of resistance, Caroline’s story is packed with intrigue, sharp commentary, and unforgettable drama. It was eye-opening, immersive, and completely gripping from start to finish. I’d absolutely love to read more history told in this compelling, story-driven way.

[Louise Foerster · Rating 5 out of 5]

The more I read REBEL OF THE REGENCY by Ann Foster, the more I appreciated the pace, the insights, and the perspective Foster has offered in the story of a woman who thought and lived by her own mind and heart regardless of the consequences, what anyone else thought of her. Until this book, I knew NOTHING about the time and events of Caroline of Brunswick -- and it was a refreshing view into a carefully curated and managed world blown into pieces by a powerful and fascinating person. I received a copy of this book and these thoughts are my own, unbiased opinions.