Cleopatra VII Philopator, Queen of Egypt: Despite dowdy features and a steady march into middle-age, this “Whore of the Nile” connived to seduce two of the ancient world’s leading men, Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. Contrast her finely crafted sexual allure with the calculated chastity of her personal and political enemy Livia Drusilla, the Empress of Rome and wife of Augustus Caesar. On one throne sits hot temptation and erotic indulgence. On the other sits cool modesty and virtuous restraint. Although these women were opposites in every way, they both accomplished the same remarkable feat. They strategically lured, and then kept, history’s greatest men in their beds. Their mantra: All’s fair in love and war. Fast-paced and sharp-witted, Ancient Bitches offers a crash-course in the history of Cleopatra and Livia Drusilla; however, to keep things juicy, it scrutinizes the gloves-are-off strategies these legendary women used to win in love and war, and then offers the modern female reader a variety of time-tested sex and relationship tips to follow suit. This shamelessly goal-oriented "advice" may not be morally or politically correct, but at least it'll keep you turning the pages. Part history lesson, part gossip session, and part tongue-in-cheek relationship manual, Ancient Bitches is written by leading marriage and dating expert Debra Macleod, B.A., LL.B. who combines her relationship expertise with her love of classical history. The result is an intelligent and indulgent read for any woman who needs a dose of ancient diva to inspire her to capture and keep the man of her dreams. Complete with 22 color illustrations of Cleopatra, Livia, their romantic rivals and the men they loved (and sometimes hated), Ancient Bitches is the ultimate in smart but guilty pleasures.
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