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

Claudia Dain (Author)

Book Description

Series: The Courtesan Series | Publication Date: February 3, 2009

Award-winning author Claudia Dain brings back her deliciously improper ex-courtesan for another delightful matchmaking scheme.

If Lady Amelia is to marry before another Season passes, she'll need help from infamous courtesan-turned- matchmaker Sophia Dalby. But Amelia is shocked when Lady Dalby informs her that they'll hold interviews for the post of husband-and only dukes need apply.

The plan may ruffle some feathers, but that doesn't keep the men from lining up, especially once the hopeful bride-to-be rejects one eligible duke after another. Only Lord Cranleigh shuns the proceedings, setting his own course of action. But convincing the lady to pursue different interests leads to even more outrageous behavior. Lady Dalby is delighted-and the ton is abuzz: Will Amelia become a duchess, or will other desires consume her?

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

*Starred Review* In her younger days, Lady Sophia Dalby was London’s foremost courtesan. Now a countess, and still one of the most beautiful women in England, Sophia has become a successful matchmaker due to her brilliant maneuvering. But this particular attempt at playing Cupid sets tongues wagging throughout the ton. Sophia is finding a husband for Lady Amelia Caversham, and only dukes will be considered. Furthermore, Sophia is setting up interviews for the prospective spouses, and as soon as the first candidates are rejected, others line up to take their places. Everyone who’s anyone is interested. Everyone, that is, except the Earl of Cranleigh. This proud nobleman not only spurns Sophia and Amelia’s interviews but he is also determined to keep his brother from applying. Dain concocts another wonderfully witty story, complete with unforgettable characters, sparkling dialogue, a clever plot, and amusing situations. Libraries will want to have this entire delightful Regency series (The Courtesan’s Daughter, 2007; The Courtesan’s Secret, 2008. --Shelley Mosley

About the Author

Claudia Dain is a two-time RITA Award finalist. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Berkley Trade; Original edition (February 3, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425225801
• ISBN-13: 978-0425225806
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,240,295 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

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Courtesan's Wager, July 11, 2010

By 

M. Nix - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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

Lady Amelia Caversham has never made a secret of her desire to marry a duke and only a duke. After two Seasons and no offers, she decides to enlist the help of the notorious former-courtesan-turned-lady, Sophia Dalby. Sophia's scandalous idea is to make a list of potential suitors and then interview them for the position of Amelia's husband.

But much to Amelia's surprise, the list works - suddenly dukes, and every other eligible titled man in London, are lining up to be interviewed by Amelia. But there is one man who doesn't like her list - Lord Cranleigh. His older brother is next in line to be Duke of Hyde, and Cranleigh has no intention of letting Amelia marry him. There is a history between Cranleigh and Amelia and the shocking event of her list of dukes just might be what makes it all explode.

I enjoyed The Courtesan's Wager, but mostly the second half. The first half was misleading. Once the history between Cranleigh and Amelia was revealed, the book got exponentially better. I had fun reading the various machinations the characters went through for love or marriage (or both). While I didn't care for Claudia Dain's writing style, the story was great and I would probably read the other books in the series.

Niki Lee
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Witty Regency, May 14, 2009

By 

Callie - See all my reviews

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

I loved The Courtesan's Wager. It was witty and fast paced. I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to see what Sophia is going to do next.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite so far!, May 11, 2009

By 

D. Bess "Romance Reader" (PA and NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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

Sophia is back and is as fascinating as ever! The young romance in this book is fresh and interesting, with several surprising twists. But I especially loved the intriguing glimpses the reader was given into Sophia's past. Sigh. I want more!