Customer Reviews

The Courtesan's Secret (The Courtesan Series)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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

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.

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!

Wow! First, a word of caution: Its not your standard romance- Don't start this book at 9PM - I couldn't put it down! Sophia is such a delectable, complex character, and I also found myself laughing with almost every page!
A friend described Claudia Dain's writing as "Geared for the more sophisticated reader" It definitely doesn't fall into the usual pattern of a romance. The plot (best described by others as Machiavellian) takes so many unexpected twists, I was completely involved!
The characters are very real and complex,- Sophia is a character for the ages!
Ms Dain's world building is so realistic you are no longer reading about it, you are there. (I checked- At least one master's thesis has been based on her world building)
And the dialogue! Ms Dain does dialogue better than anyone! You really have to pay close attention to get the full impact of all the nuances, verbal sleight of hand, and double-triple entendre!
Man, I had fun reading this!

Dain's courtesan novels are a different animal. Fast paced, quick-witted conversation that has you laughing out loud makes up the bulk of the book and makes for fun reading. Sophia, the matchmaking courtesan, is the most intriquing character! We get snippets of information about her past and it is clear we will learn more as the series progresses. I particularly love her 'savage' male relations set loose on the Regency ton. I can't wait to see what happens next with this large, intertwined cast of characters!

I have read and actually liked previous books by this author, which is why I was surprised to find the writing in this book so utterly bland. The story was so boring that I was yawning by page 60, and by page 90, I had to set the book down, never to be picked up again. The story is overwhelmed by the vast amount of redundant and boring dialogue abundant throughout this book. Readers, dont waste your time; there is better regency romance to be read by other authors ( Julie Anne Long's " Since the Surrender" being one of those novels!)

Everyone who reads this series seems to love Sophia Dalby. I have read the first two books in the series so far, and I find her cloying and completely unbelievable.
Item one: It is absurd to think that a titled peer would marry a courtesan, especially in 1780. The premise of the series is ridiculous.
Item two: I can't believe that Sophia Dalby is as entertaining, funny, or alluring as the narrator makes her out to be. Sophia claims credit for literally everything that happens, after the fact. The other characters laugh at her jokes, but I find her to be crude and rather boring. She claims to have loved her husband, but she seems to take lovers left and right. You can't meet any man in the series who hasn't been with her or wanted to be with her.
Item three: She says delicious more often than Sandra Lee. And it drives me nuts.
Overall, the series seems to be poorly written fluff. I have certainly read worse written or more malicious romance novels, but at least they inspired something beyond boredom and incredulity.

This book bored me to tears. It is written as a series of conversations. There is little action. It was so boring, I couldn't even get half way through without skipping a bunch of pages!