I haven't read a romance novel in ages. I've read mystery/romance but not romance alone. So I signed up to read A Courtesan's Scandal for Pocket Book Blog Tours. I am so glad I did; I forget how really good these can be.



Kate Bergeron was the mistress of a cloth merchant, who catches the eye of Prince George, who then purchases her for himself. But the prince is currently trying to divorce his wife and needs to avoid scandal. He sets Kate up in a house and and requests his friend Grayson Christopher, the Duke of Darlington, to escort her around town. The prince doesn't want anyone to try to steal Kate from him and knows they will stay away if they think Kate is with the Duke. Grayson loathes the idea, but must do as the prince asks.

Grayson is surprised to discover the beautiful, down-to-earth Kate, who has only become a courtesan, to avoid living on the streets on London, since she was on her own at age thirteen. Kate discovers love for the first time. But she and Grayson can't be together; he must marry someone appropriate to his station in life and she belongs to the prince. He will destroy them both if they betray him.

my review:

I really liked this book. First of all, I'm a sucker for historical novels set in the 1800's London. Second, this was very well-written. Kate is not the usual young virginal heroine, but she is strong and longs for independence. And when she falls for Grayson, she either wants it all, or nothing. Kate gives money to try to help keep other woman off the street. And she longs to save enough money to open her own bakery and not have to depend on any man. She is also searching for her long-lost brother, Jude. There is a sub-plot where Grayson's brother is trying to get the British slave trade abolished.

my rating 4.5/5

additional ratings that were inspired (blatantly stolen) from my friend Colette at A Buckeye Girl Reads

Sigh Meter- High

Swoonworthy Meter- medium

Hotness Meter- High

Cheesy factor- almost none

thanks to Pocket Books for my review copy. ( )

Kate Bergeron is the beautiful and mysterious former mistress of a cloth merchant...and the latest beauty to capture the interest of the Prince of Wales. Mired in a disastrous divorce, the Prince attempts to distract attention from his next amorous pursuit by ordering Grayson Christopher, the eligible Duke of Darlington, to pretend to London society that he is having the affair with Kate. When Grayson reluctantly agrees to his Prince's demand, he finds the lady no more willing than he is. Kate will grudgingly act the part in public, but her favors are not for sale to any man. As Grayson and Kate mimic ardor for the world to see, they find what started as a deception becoming all too real. And when passion flames into love, their predicament becomes extreme. For while marriage between a duke and a courtesan could never happen, Kate knows in her heart that she is willing to accept nothing less... [borrowed from back cover of book]

Kate, although a courtesan, is not for sale. She is beautiful, strong-willed and has a sharp tongue. And, although she must play the part of actually liking Grayson in public, she has no qualms about her true feelings in private. Grayson, or Christie (as he is called), is the dark and brooding Duke. He’s such a stickler to what is expected of him and propriety. Not to mention he is also highly influenced by his family. An affair with a courtesan might be something that can be overlooked but to actually fall in love and marry one is unheard of.

I thought Ms. London did a fabulous job with this novel. I loved her writing style - it was very distinct. She gave a life and energy to her characters that I found endearing. I loved the dialogue between Kate and Grayson. I also loved how they initially couldn't stand each other yet their relationship slowly grew - making you fell all gushy inside along with them. Although this novel is part of a series (which I had not idea as I was reading this), it can obviously be read as a stand-alone novel.

Ms. London has once again done a superb job and I highly recommend. This is historical romance at its best. ( )

Summary: Kate Bergeron is the beautiful and mysterious former mistress of a cloth merchant...and the latest beauty to capture the interest of the Prince of Wales. Mired in a disastrous divorce, the Prince attempts to distract attention from his next amorous pursuit by ordering Grayson Christopher, the eligible Duke of Darlington, to pretend to London society that he is having and affair with Kate. When Grayson reluctantly agrees to his Prince's demand, he finds the lady no more willing than he is. Kate will grudgingly act the part in public, but her favors are not for sale to any man. As Grayson and Kate mimic ardor for the world to see, they find what started as a deception becoming all to real. And when passion flames into love, their predicament becomes extreme. For while marriage between a duke and a courtesan could never happen, Kate knows in her heart that she is willing to accept nothing less...

Wow, while reading this book I didn't realize how long it has been since I have read a regency era romance. I enjoyed this book, it was beautifully written, elegantly written, I could even say. But....I felt like it was missing something. The plot was strong and pretty engaging but I think there was something missing between the Duke and Kate, I understand their circumstances and such but when they were together I wasn't drawn, gripped, into the story as I felt I should have been. The society rules and protocol was interesting and some of the scenes and moments in the book were truly beautiful, and I can appreciate a handsome man standing up for his women. I enjoyed reading this book but I wasn't dragged into the story as I wished I was so I am going to to take a neutral stance and see what everyone else thinks.

* I recieved this book as an ARC from Pocket Books*

For more information or for purchasing visit Julia London's webpage.

Also posted: http://www.bibliophilicbookblog.com/2... ( )