The Courtesan's Secret (The Courtesan Series) [Mass Market Paperback]

Claudia Dain (Author)

Book Description

Series: The Courtesan Series | Publication Date: May 6, 2008

Second in the ?cleverly orchestrated,?( Library Journal) Regencyset series featuring the matchmaking schemes of an infamous ex-courtesan.

On the night of her debut two years ago, Lady Louisa Kirkland fell for the devilish Marquis of Dutton. It?s high time, she?s decided, that he realized he loves her. Also, there is the matter of Louisa?s family pearls, which are in his possession. For both problems, Louisa will need the help of Lady Sophia, an ex-courtesan more clever than all the other ton matrons combined?

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The latest entertaining Edwardian from Dain (The Courtesan's Daughter) aims from the start at putting fiery and beautiful Lady Louisa Kirkland into the right beau's arms. Whether Louisa knows it or not, her companion in friendship since her coming out, Lord Henry Blakesley, is the one for her—not the more delectable marquis of Dutton. Luckily, former courtesan and current countess Lady Sophia Dalby has the perspicacity to perceive that fact. When Lady Louisa comes to Lady Sophia and asks for help landing the marquis, the latter knows just what to do. With some help from a sinful cast of seconds and a few carefully placed red herrings, Sophia arranges all. Frank sexual content, highly amusing repartee and some wickedly attractive open ends round things out. (May)
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From Booklist

*Starred Review* Clever, cunning Lady Sophia Dalby, London’s most renowned former courtesan, is back as Dain continues the story begun in The Courtesan’s Daughter (2007). Having successfully maneuvered her daughter, Caroline,into a good match, Sophia has her eye on Lady Louisa Kirkland as her next target. Louisa is being patiently pursued by Lord Henry Blakesley as she unabashedly and persistently chases Lord Dutton, who has eyes for another woman. Sophia, knowing that she can manipulate this situation, begins wagers on who’s going to end up with whom. Even Henry and Dutton bet each other on which of them Louisa will ultimately choose. It’s a wild, crazy romp, and then there’s the matter of Louisa’s pearls, which her father sold to Dutton so he could woo Sophia’s daughter. Louisa wants Dutton. She also wants her pearls back. And only Lady Sophia Dalby really knows what’s afoot. Readers who enjoy their Regencies riotous, racy, and full of witty repartee and handsome rogues will love Dain’s latest. --Shelley Mosley

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Berkley Trade (May 6, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425221369
• ISBN-13: 978-0425221365
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,529,560 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Claudia Dain has been published in historical romance since 2000. She is a two-time Rita finalist, the award for excellence in romance fiction bestowed by the Romance Writers of America. She is a native Californian, lived for a decade in Connecticut, and now calls North Carolina home. She writes Women's Fiction as Claudia Welch.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars engaging Regency romance, May 6, 2008

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Courtesan's Secret (The Courtesan Series) (Mass Market Paperback)

In 1800 during her first season, Lady Louisa Kirkland fell in love with the Marquess of Dutton; but two years later he shows no indication of returning her feelings. Desperate to seduce Dutton, Louisa asks retired courtesan Lady Sophia Dalby for help as the woman proved a wizard when she manipulated her daughter's love match (see THE COURTESAN'S DAUGHTER).

Somewhat amused that her Machiavellian matchmaking skills are admired; the Countess agrees to help Louisa wins her heart's desire. However, she knows that Dutton would not look twice at Louisa, but Lord Henry Blakesly would look eternally at her though he tries to hide his regard behind a cynical demeanor. Although Louisa sees Henry as a friend, Sophia persuades her to kiss him in order allegedly to make Dutton jealous.

Humor abounds in this engaging Regency romance as the former courtesan steals the show from the lead couple. Louisa is a fascinating protagonist as her desperation takes her to her new hero, Sophia whose exploits with Caro and Ash are Regency legend. Henry is also an interesting character who hides his deep feelings for Louisa behind a mask of sarcasm, but Sophia sees through to the heart of the matter. Fans will enjoy the return of the matchmaking courtesan.

Harriet Klausner

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved IT!, June 17, 2008

By 

JazzyJess'82 (Alexandria, VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Courtesan's Secret (The Courtesan Series) (Mass Market Paperback)

I picked up the first book in the 'Courtesan,' series and immediately wanted more. I couldn't put that one or this one down. At times I even laughed out loud, (I know my dog was looking at me like I was one drugs). The characters are well rounded and not just flat historical romance characters who are insipid. Ok, well, the main character is a little insipid but she grows on you over time. The real reason I love this book is b/c of the courtesan herself. Her motivation, and her humor are delightful. This book is a perfect escape for a rainy day.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The First Half is Terrible, The Second Half is Better, July 24, 2008

By 

R. Crane (Washington, DC United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

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This review is from: The Courtesan's Secret (The Courtesan Series) (Kindle Edition)

I have read all of Claudia Dains' books. Her first ones were really excellent, and then, something happened, as often happens with authors who run out of inspiration. They started to be less fulfilling and pleasing, dragging and repetitive. This time, the poor quality was refelcted in the first half of the book where her writing style was awful I blame her editors. Phrases were so out of sync with ensuing sentences, it was like reading Latin, going from front to end to middle. Horrible. I was just about to give up on this book when suddenly it was like someone else took over the writing and voila! the quality totally changed. Did someone else write the first half?

The second half was very good with a good plot, and far less repetitious material. Claudia! Pay Attention!