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More Courtesan Chronicles #1
Much Ado About Dutton
The Marquis of Dutton didn't pay the slightest bit of attention to Anne Warren until he found out that she was the daughter of a courtesan. His careless, confident, ill-considered pursuit of her began upon that lurid foundation.
Anne had been smitten by the dashing Lord Dutton from her first encounter with him. But to be pursued because her mother was a woman of the demi-monde? No. That was unacceptable. Anne was not going to make the mistakes her mother had made, each decision taking her further down the social ladder. Anne meant to improve her station, not hobble it with an amorous encounter with the nearly irresistible Lord Dutton.
Over the course of the London Season of 1802, Dutton pursued and lost Anne again and again. He became something of a drunken sot about it all, even a laughingstock. When Anne married Lord Staverton, his fall was complete. Anne married wisely, and Dutton was befuddled by it.
Two years later, in the 1804 Season, Anne is a widow and Dutton is sober. Lady Staverton and Lord Dutton, both available and both still interested, continue the seductive dance they began when she was his social inferior. She is no longer his inferior, and because of that, the tables have turned and Dutton is at her mercy.
Or perhaps Anne is at Dutton's mercy.
It all depends upon whom you ask.
Anne had been smitten by the dashing Lord Dutton from her first encounter with him. But to be pursued because her mother was a woman of the demi-monde? No. That was unacceptable. Anne was not going to make the mistakes her mother had made, each decision taking her further down the social ladder. Anne meant to improve her station, not hobble it with an amorous encounter with the nearly irresistible Lord Dutton.
Over the course of the London Season of 1802, Dutton pursued and lost Anne again and again. He became something of a drunken sot about it all, even a laughingstock. When Anne married Lord Staverton, his fall was complete. Anne married wisely, and Dutton was befuddled by it.
Two years later, in the 1804 Season, Anne is a widow and Dutton is sober. Lady Staverton and Lord Dutton, both available and both still interested, continue the seductive dance they began when she was his social inferior. She is no longer his inferior, and because of that, the tables have turned and Dutton is at her mercy.
Or perhaps Anne is at Dutton's mercy.
It all depends upon whom you ask.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 23, 2013
4 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Claudia Dain
37 books99 followersIt was while writing a descriptive essay in seventh grade English (that was the assignment, to write a 'descriptive essay') that Claudia first fell in love. With descriptive essays. Boys being what they are in seventh grade, there was hardly much choice.
By her ninth grade year, Claudia was spending hours each week in her bedroom writing descriptive essays that heavily featured older boys (eleventh grade). She also practiced her kissing technique on a pole lamp next to her bed. It was less than satisfactory, but the writing was fun.
She attended the University of Southern California as an English major. She'd mastered kissing by this time and writing, strangely enough, was still fun. 'Strangely' because while it had become obvious to her that almost everyone enjoyed kissing, it was equally obvious that very few people enjoyed writing. This was as peculiar to her as, well, not enjoying kissing.
Clearly, something had to be done. The idea of combining kissing and writing seemed the obvious course of action. While Claudia does not claim to have invented the romance novel, she certainly has a lot of fun describing kisses and inventing men to bestow them upon. And not a one of her heroes looks remotely like a pole lamp. (And don't act like one either.)
Claudia was first published in 2000, is a two-time Rita finalist, and a USA Today Bestselling author. Which just goes to prove that you can make a career out of kissing and writing about it.
By her ninth grade year, Claudia was spending hours each week in her bedroom writing descriptive essays that heavily featured older boys (eleventh grade). She also practiced her kissing technique on a pole lamp next to her bed. It was less than satisfactory, but the writing was fun.
She attended the University of Southern California as an English major. She'd mastered kissing by this time and writing, strangely enough, was still fun. 'Strangely' because while it had become obvious to her that almost everyone enjoyed kissing, it was equally obvious that very few people enjoyed writing. This was as peculiar to her as, well, not enjoying kissing.
Clearly, something had to be done. The idea of combining kissing and writing seemed the obvious course of action. While Claudia does not claim to have invented the romance novel, she certainly has a lot of fun describing kisses and inventing men to bestow them upon. And not a one of her heroes looks remotely like a pole lamp. (And don't act like one either.)
Claudia was first published in 2000, is a two-time Rita finalist, and a USA Today Bestselling author. Which just goes to prove that you can make a career out of kissing and writing about it.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 21, 2016
I couldn't even finish this book. I'm in a bad mood after finishing another awful book that features the same poisonous mentalities as this one. Coincidentally or not, it's the same set of ideas being splashed all over the news right now (intolerance and racism bound up with rape culture and violence/mass shootings). Forgive me but I'm a feeling a little raw and I was hoping to escape from reality for a bit...not face-plant into a story line with the same destructive thought patterns.
We get the perspectives of way too many characters and not only is it hard to follow the paragraph-long sentences, but the author wastes time inserting tidbits of information that add nothing to the plot (e.g. Random info about Prestwick's father and horseflesh amid a conversation about social etiquette). It disrupts the flow of dialogue, slows the book's pace and leaves the reader wondering why these asides are important. Are they important? I'd argue that they're not.
In addition, I was very offended by the racist comments towards Elizabeth, an Iroquois woman staying in England with her aunt. Am I supposed to like Anne after she smugly thinks to herself that Elizabeth is a big-footed savage with callouses who'll never win a man? Am I supposed to tolerate Louisa after she is purposefully rude to Elizabeth? I get that people were racist then as people are racist now but why have every female character make racist comments (aloud or in their minds) about Elizabeth? What does it add to the story? They view her as competition for attention, which in and of itself is a problematic and damaging mentality for women.
I was not impressed with Dutton and Ruan who talk about putting their female adversaries "in their place" and both want revenge for having their sexual advances rebuffed. It's framed as a game or duel between the sexes but it smacks of the rape culture in today's society. What about this am I supposed to find entertaining? That Anne and Sophia intend to manage and make fools of the men? That Dutton and Ruan want to seduce and disgrace the women? Am I supposed to believe that you can create a healthy and romantic relationship when none of the characters respect each other?
No. Just. No.
We get the perspectives of way too many characters and not only is it hard to follow the paragraph-long sentences, but the author wastes time inserting tidbits of information that add nothing to the plot (e.g. Random info about Prestwick's father and horseflesh amid a conversation about social etiquette). It disrupts the flow of dialogue, slows the book's pace and leaves the reader wondering why these asides are important. Are they important? I'd argue that they're not.
In addition, I was very offended by the racist comments towards Elizabeth, an Iroquois woman staying in England with her aunt. Am I supposed to like Anne after she smugly thinks to herself that Elizabeth is a big-footed savage with callouses who'll never win a man? Am I supposed to tolerate Louisa after she is purposefully rude to Elizabeth? I get that people were racist then as people are racist now but why have every female character make racist comments (aloud or in their minds) about Elizabeth? What does it add to the story? They view her as competition for attention, which in and of itself is a problematic and damaging mentality for women.
I was not impressed with Dutton and Ruan who talk about putting their female adversaries "in their place" and both want revenge for having their sexual advances rebuffed. It's framed as a game or duel between the sexes but it smacks of the rape culture in today's society. What about this am I supposed to find entertaining? That Anne and Sophia intend to manage and make fools of the men? That Dutton and Ruan want to seduce and disgrace the women? Am I supposed to believe that you can create a healthy and romantic relationship when none of the characters respect each other?
No. Just. No.
Read
June 17, 2017Just how horrible a reading experience this was for me? I have a massive headache just remembering this shit pile enough to write a review. Out of the twenty-three chapters, I quit somewhere in the middle of chapter twenty, so I am calling this read.
There are no highlights, no one redeeming thing about this novel.
Reasons for 0 stars:
1. The writing needs an editor in the worst way. Not just a copy editor (although a C.E. should charged double for working on this), but a story editor to kill about 9/10ths of the characters in the story. Too much characters being horrible to each other and not one plot line to speak of. Needed another editor to cut down on some long-ass winded sentences that took up an entire paragraph.
Also the writer thinks she is clever with her dialogue and "insights" into heterosexual relationships borne out of manipulations and game-playing of the Regency era - more like badly written erotica set in Regency England.
2. The Characters:
Dutton - Man from the title is an idiot and has very aggressive views of sex that lead to what we now call Rape Culture.
Anne, Lady Staverton - TSTL who thought she was clever but kept making things worse among the characters. She had her sights set on making Dutton her lover, then dumping him. She was way in over her (empty) head. I wanted to punch her in the throat throughout reading. Never ending sequence of changing eye colors - first it was grey, then emerald green (to go with her red hair of course!), then hazel, then pewter, then I gave the fuck up caring.
Sophia - half-English, half-Native American courtesan who rose through the ranks and married a titled man who left her a widow. Now she is back in London and ready to find her next prey, er husband. Anne's mentor.
Elizabeth Grey - Native American niece of Sophia and the human punching bag for London's high society matrons, widows, and virgins. The abuse she took was ridiculous.
George Grey - Native American nephew of Sophia and a "good" Native American, who knew, appreciated, and displayed English manners. He was the cute Beatle. Didn't stand up for his sister ONCE. In fact, often he was part of the pile-on.
Bunch of Bitches (Jane, Eleanor, Louisa, Penelope, Toni, Bernadette, half the fucking city) - they gossiped and hated on each other. Way too damn many of them. Absolutely no need for any of them in terms of plot or character development.
Bunch of Sad Sacks (Ruan, Riathby, Quinton, the other half of the fucking city) - they gossiped and talked about horses. Way too damn many of them. Absolutely no need for any of them.
3. There was no other plot line other than Anne getting Dutton into bed so she could have sex with him then throw him out and ignore him until he begs her to love him. Ditto Sophia/Ruan. Elizabeth was supposed to go after Mr. Prestwick, but she was not having any of this English society shit. Bunch of the other female characters were horny/lonely and into manipulations and game-playing.
4. The non-stop racism directed toward Elizabeth Grey/Native Americans. Seriously, this author gave us both macro-aggression and micro-aggression on the racism thing. Even her brother and Sophia threw her and their race under the bus in order to look more appealing to the English. Fuck all of them.
5. This "storyline" was about the length of a novella or short story. A full length novel with this flimsy "storyline" was a tedious bore at best and rage inducing at worst.
Needless to say, I will never read anything by this author again. This is a prime example of erotica dressed up in a historical time period being promoted/sold as historical romance. 0 stars.
There are no highlights, no one redeeming thing about this novel.
Reasons for 0 stars:
1. The writing needs an editor in the worst way. Not just a copy editor (although a C.E. should charged double for working on this), but a story editor to kill about 9/10ths of the characters in the story. Too much characters being horrible to each other and not one plot line to speak of. Needed another editor to cut down on some long-ass winded sentences that took up an entire paragraph.
Also the writer thinks she is clever with her dialogue and "insights" into heterosexual relationships borne out of manipulations and game-playing of the Regency era - more like badly written erotica set in Regency England.
2. The Characters:
Dutton - Man from the title is an idiot and has very aggressive views of sex that lead to what we now call Rape Culture.
Anne, Lady Staverton - TSTL who thought she was clever but kept making things worse among the characters. She had her sights set on making Dutton her lover, then dumping him. She was way in over her (empty) head. I wanted to punch her in the throat throughout reading. Never ending sequence of changing eye colors - first it was grey, then emerald green (to go with her red hair of course!), then hazel, then pewter, then I gave the fuck up caring.
Sophia - half-English, half-Native American courtesan who rose through the ranks and married a titled man who left her a widow. Now she is back in London and ready to find her next prey, er husband. Anne's mentor.
Elizabeth Grey - Native American niece of Sophia and the human punching bag for London's high society matrons, widows, and virgins. The abuse she took was ridiculous.
George Grey - Native American nephew of Sophia and a "good" Native American, who knew, appreciated, and displayed English manners. He was the cute Beatle. Didn't stand up for his sister ONCE. In fact, often he was part of the pile-on.
Bunch of Bitches (Jane, Eleanor, Louisa, Penelope, Toni, Bernadette, half the fucking city) - they gossiped and hated on each other. Way too damn many of them. Absolutely no need for any of them in terms of plot or character development.
Bunch of Sad Sacks (Ruan, Riathby, Quinton, the other half of the fucking city) - they gossiped and talked about horses. Way too damn many of them. Absolutely no need for any of them.
3. There was no other plot line other than Anne getting Dutton into bed so she could have sex with him then throw him out and ignore him until he begs her to love him. Ditto Sophia/Ruan. Elizabeth was supposed to go after Mr. Prestwick, but she was not having any of this English society shit. Bunch of the other female characters were horny/lonely and into manipulations and game-playing.
4. The non-stop racism directed toward Elizabeth Grey/Native Americans. Seriously, this author gave us both macro-aggression and micro-aggression on the racism thing. Even her brother and Sophia threw her and their race under the bus in order to look more appealing to the English. Fuck all of them.
5. This "storyline" was about the length of a novella or short story. A full length novel with this flimsy "storyline" was a tedious bore at best and rage inducing at worst.
Needless to say, I will never read anything by this author again. This is a prime example of erotica dressed up in a historical time period being promoted/sold as historical romance. 0 stars.
October 26, 2014
I made it through the fifth chapter before I gave up on this one. It really takes a lot for me to put a book down unfinished. There were too many characters. In the first 3 chapters the H/h were involved in only a small fraction of the pages. Plus I really did not like any of the characters.
January 14, 2014
Much Ado About Dutton is 2013 release written my Claudia Dain. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Set in London in the year 1804, Anne, Lady Staverton has returned to Dalby House after a two year absence. Now a widow, Anne has become an viscountess. She is meeting with Sophia, her long time guardian and best friend. The two women have vowed to have a little bit of fun with a couple of men that should be toyed with and managed and then tied tightly around their fingers.
For Anne that would be Dutton. While Anne wanted Dutton, she wanted him on her terms. She was free now to do what she wanted and taking a lover was the way she wanted things. She never wanted to give up her new freedom and the beginnings of a confidence she was surprised to find she had.
Dutton had a terrible reputation as a womanizer and a gambler. Now, however he was sober and Anne still captured his attention like no other woman ever had.
As for Sophia, she will enjoy a flirtation with Lord Ruan. Lord Ruan will be a big help to Anne in giving her some very sage advice about men and especially Dutton. Also, in attendance are Sophia's niece and nephew. George and Elizabeth Grey.
Anne has an absolute ball seducing Dutton and keeping him off balance. The conversations were witty, hilarious, smart and razor sharp. Poor Dutton didn't know what to think. This Anne was not the same woman he knew two years ago. But, things do not always go according to plan for Anne and there may be a few problems that could derail her plans.
This is the sixth Courtesan Chronicles novel. This one is set in the latter part of the Regency period and is cleverly plotted to give the reader a spicier regency romance than we would normally get. Since Anne is widowed, she feels free to enjoy life without the confines of marriage and Dutton makes the perfect lover. She doesn't pretend there is anything like love going on between them, just pure lust. Of course, there is more than that, but it's Dutton, not Anne, who finds himself blindsided by that realization.
A very fun and lively Regency romance. This one gets an A.
Set in London in the year 1804, Anne, Lady Staverton has returned to Dalby House after a two year absence. Now a widow, Anne has become an viscountess. She is meeting with Sophia, her long time guardian and best friend. The two women have vowed to have a little bit of fun with a couple of men that should be toyed with and managed and then tied tightly around their fingers.
For Anne that would be Dutton. While Anne wanted Dutton, she wanted him on her terms. She was free now to do what she wanted and taking a lover was the way she wanted things. She never wanted to give up her new freedom and the beginnings of a confidence she was surprised to find she had.
Dutton had a terrible reputation as a womanizer and a gambler. Now, however he was sober and Anne still captured his attention like no other woman ever had.
As for Sophia, she will enjoy a flirtation with Lord Ruan. Lord Ruan will be a big help to Anne in giving her some very sage advice about men and especially Dutton. Also, in attendance are Sophia's niece and nephew. George and Elizabeth Grey.
Anne has an absolute ball seducing Dutton and keeping him off balance. The conversations were witty, hilarious, smart and razor sharp. Poor Dutton didn't know what to think. This Anne was not the same woman he knew two years ago. But, things do not always go according to plan for Anne and there may be a few problems that could derail her plans.
This is the sixth Courtesan Chronicles novel. This one is set in the latter part of the Regency period and is cleverly plotted to give the reader a spicier regency romance than we would normally get. Since Anne is widowed, she feels free to enjoy life without the confines of marriage and Dutton makes the perfect lover. She doesn't pretend there is anything like love going on between them, just pure lust. Of course, there is more than that, but it's Dutton, not Anne, who finds himself blindsided by that realization.
A very fun and lively Regency romance. This one gets an A.
July 16, 2014
Verdict: Nothing worth spending your money on.
Mini review:
Dutton and Anne have been playing a game of cat and mouse with each other for years, but at what cost to their hearts? Not much, it seems. The fascination was there between them, yet Dutton especially behaved horribly towards Anne, and never really redeemed himself throughout his long pursuit of her. And when Anne is finally free from him, he wants her even more. This was not a bad read, though it wasn't a really great one with lots of character depth and complexity either.
*Copy complimentary of the publisher through Netgalley for an honest review
Mini review:
Dutton and Anne have been playing a game of cat and mouse with each other for years, but at what cost to their hearts? Not much, it seems. The fascination was there between them, yet Dutton especially behaved horribly towards Anne, and never really redeemed himself throughout his long pursuit of her. And when Anne is finally free from him, he wants her even more. This was not a bad read, though it wasn't a really great one with lots of character depth and complexity either.
*Copy complimentary of the publisher through Netgalley for an honest review
November 29, 2014
I couldn't even finish this book. I don't think I even made it through chapter 2.
December 16, 2014
Too many characters, I just cannot keep track of them. confusing. I just cannot finish this one. sorry
August 8, 2015
This book was too long and it had too many characters. There was too much going on in this story and it was hard to follow.
September 17, 2018
Is this thee absolute worse book I’ve ever read? Possibly? Probably. Ugh!!! I hated EVERYONE IN IT!!! How can you have a book with not ONE likable character? And it was like a hundred of them! Jfc.. the writing!? It went on & on & on & frickin on about NOTHING! I had to start skipping 3 & 4 pages at a time & just read the dialogue in quotes. It’s not like I was missing anything. Damn! They all had the stunted mentality of 12 yr olds trapped in adult bodies with raging harmones. Wtf is all this gossiping.. just LIVING through it?? I can’t get past chapter 19? 20 shit I don’t know.. as I don’t give a fuck about anyone nor any of their idiotic juvenile problems being “resolved”. Could they all just have a castle fall upon their heads then slide all their boring asses into the sea? That would be best.
August 3, 2017
So delightful!
This was a nice, long dip into Sophia's pool, as it were, and we finally learn what is to become of Anne, Lady Staverton and Lord Dutton. Other characters are introduced, especially Sophia's niece and nephew, who take on London society with varying degrees of success.
It is a good idea to read these books in order, though--I had skipped ahead a bit and confused myself. There are quite a lot of characters to keep track of.
This was a nice, long dip into Sophia's pool, as it were, and we finally learn what is to become of Anne, Lady Staverton and Lord Dutton. Other characters are introduced, especially Sophia's niece and nephew, who take on London society with varying degrees of success.
It is a good idea to read these books in order, though--I had skipped ahead a bit and confused myself. There are quite a lot of characters to keep track of.
June 6, 2017
I like the story
Butt I feel like I came in in the middle of it there's so many characters trying to keep them all straight is a little daunting I think I would like to have started from the beginning of the series if there is one
Butt I feel like I came in in the middle of it there's so many characters trying to keep them all straight is a little daunting I think I would like to have started from the beginning of the series if there is one
February 9, 2014
I grabbed this one up because I wanted to try the author and I love a good Georgian romp of a romance. This one sounded so promising with a woman plotting to get the man she wanted and in a most spectacular way. He had chased her with the intention of treating her like a prize to be won at the end of a chase; and now that she was a widow, she wanted to get some of her own back against him.
It wasn't many pages in before I realized that while yes, this was a romp that had a certain level of playfulness to it; it was not one that I found as enticing as I would have wished mostly having to do with the obscuring of the main story line and one of the characters being beyond annoying.
I really liked a few of the intriguing side plots and read on to keep up with those, but it wasn't enough. The irony is that while the side lines are what I found interesting; it is also true that the additional plots are part of the reason I found the book difficult to read. This book was all over the place with so many characters and scene changes that I got dizzy. Just when I was starting to get settled in and vested in the story and characters, it would switch up and dump me in somewhere else. Even in a scene, it jumped from one head to the next so each of the players had a say (and let me tell you there were several). Pacing slowed to a crawl and I just wanted it to get on with it. Nearer the end, it finally sped back up and started focusing more on the main plot line which made things infinitely better. I even started to enjoy the book enough to push through the finish and yes root for Dutton and Anne to finally resolve their sparring and get on with things.
The other and much more irritating part of it is the heroine. Egads was she difficult for me to take and that was from the moment I met her. First, Anne is one of those types who is so insecure, clingy, whiny and feeling sorry for herself that it makes my teeth hurt from grinding them. The 'woe is me nobody ever notices me' or 'I want to be noticed like so and so or noticed by so and so' was just...ugh so annoying. Then she wants Dutton, the guy who pursued her for a short term attraction and turned her world upside down, but she's the one who walked away from their mutual- yes mutual though she won't admit it- flirtation and married someone else. He fell off into a drunk and his misery made her happy because she enjoyed being the object of his misery. As soon as he cleans up and starts taking his estate responsibilities seriously and now goes about sober, she gets vindictive and is determined to have him drooling for her again. Okay, so I get not wanting to be any man's short term fling, but she chose to end it and marry someone else so this whole 'make him pay for chasing her and probably more honestly for letting her go' just didn't do it for me. She acted like a spoiled and petulant child. For several chapters, every conversation between the two is her being snippy and snarky and him still trying for her. She takes up a pretense with two men and uses them to cause jealousy, but she's so bad at it that he sees right through it and keeps after her. Then she lets him in her home and gets her jollies with him before trying for the cold seductress thing of 'I'm done now you can get out'. He was left standing outside her bedroom door banging on it and yes it now has dropped into a farce with her standing in there just so proud of herself for what I don't know. It was so ludicrous that I just sat there grimacing. She was congratulated as the oh so powerful and wickedly seductive woman who brought Dutton to his knees and he was made to look the fool. I could see that this is meant to show both of them growing into stronger better people which the end does prove to be the case, but I just couldn't see it that way.
I did take pleasure in the author's writing and tone when it came to the matchmaking ex-courtesan Sophia and the shadowy man, Lord Ruan, who wanted her, the fiery Iroquois woman, Elizabeth Grey and some of the others. These story threads are left dangling for the next book.
This was not an awful book by any means. I just couldn't find the heroine's machinations as amusing as I presume it was supposed to be. I couldn't find the descriptions of her fiery nature in bed engaging. Dutton wanted her and she secretly wanted him. She went from being an unsure mouse of a woman to a confident lady capable of making a strong-willed man like Dutton happy. Dutton's transformation took place off-scene, but his road to love was the bumpy ride that was the main plot of this book. He was so bewildered much of the time even as he stubbornly made his way through the toying games that Anne played with him. So yes, not my thing, but not bad either.
Historical Romance lovers who want some spice in their romance and fun in their plots might want to try this one.
My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
It wasn't many pages in before I realized that while yes, this was a romp that had a certain level of playfulness to it; it was not one that I found as enticing as I would have wished mostly having to do with the obscuring of the main story line and one of the characters being beyond annoying.
I really liked a few of the intriguing side plots and read on to keep up with those, but it wasn't enough. The irony is that while the side lines are what I found interesting; it is also true that the additional plots are part of the reason I found the book difficult to read. This book was all over the place with so many characters and scene changes that I got dizzy. Just when I was starting to get settled in and vested in the story and characters, it would switch up and dump me in somewhere else. Even in a scene, it jumped from one head to the next so each of the players had a say (and let me tell you there were several). Pacing slowed to a crawl and I just wanted it to get on with it. Nearer the end, it finally sped back up and started focusing more on the main plot line which made things infinitely better. I even started to enjoy the book enough to push through the finish and yes root for Dutton and Anne to finally resolve their sparring and get on with things.
The other and much more irritating part of it is the heroine. Egads was she difficult for me to take and that was from the moment I met her. First, Anne is one of those types who is so insecure, clingy, whiny and feeling sorry for herself that it makes my teeth hurt from grinding them. The 'woe is me nobody ever notices me' or 'I want to be noticed like so and so or noticed by so and so' was just...ugh so annoying. Then she wants Dutton, the guy who pursued her for a short term attraction and turned her world upside down, but she's the one who walked away from their mutual- yes mutual though she won't admit it- flirtation and married someone else. He fell off into a drunk and his misery made her happy because she enjoyed being the object of his misery. As soon as he cleans up and starts taking his estate responsibilities seriously and now goes about sober, she gets vindictive and is determined to have him drooling for her again. Okay, so I get not wanting to be any man's short term fling, but she chose to end it and marry someone else so this whole 'make him pay for chasing her and probably more honestly for letting her go' just didn't do it for me. She acted like a spoiled and petulant child. For several chapters, every conversation between the two is her being snippy and snarky and him still trying for her. She takes up a pretense with two men and uses them to cause jealousy, but she's so bad at it that he sees right through it and keeps after her. Then she lets him in her home and gets her jollies with him before trying for the cold seductress thing of 'I'm done now you can get out'. He was left standing outside her bedroom door banging on it and yes it now has dropped into a farce with her standing in there just so proud of herself for what I don't know. It was so ludicrous that I just sat there grimacing. She was congratulated as the oh so powerful and wickedly seductive woman who brought Dutton to his knees and he was made to look the fool. I could see that this is meant to show both of them growing into stronger better people which the end does prove to be the case, but I just couldn't see it that way.
I did take pleasure in the author's writing and tone when it came to the matchmaking ex-courtesan Sophia and the shadowy man, Lord Ruan, who wanted her, the fiery Iroquois woman, Elizabeth Grey and some of the others. These story threads are left dangling for the next book.
This was not an awful book by any means. I just couldn't find the heroine's machinations as amusing as I presume it was supposed to be. I couldn't find the descriptions of her fiery nature in bed engaging. Dutton wanted her and she secretly wanted him. She went from being an unsure mouse of a woman to a confident lady capable of making a strong-willed man like Dutton happy. Dutton's transformation took place off-scene, but his road to love was the bumpy ride that was the main plot of this book. He was so bewildered much of the time even as he stubbornly made his way through the toying games that Anne played with him. So yes, not my thing, but not bad either.
Historical Romance lovers who want some spice in their romance and fun in their plots might want to try this one.
My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 27, 2016
Originally reviewed for: Historical Romance Lover blog
It is part of the More Courtesan Chronicles series which comes after the Courtesan Chronicles series.
Two years ago, Lord Dutton made it clear to widow Anne Warren that he wanted her. Unfortunately, Dutton only decided this after learning that Anne's mother had been a courtesan and she made it clear that she didn't want anything to do with him and soon marries a proper gentleman. Dutton drowns his sorrows in a liquor bottle.
Two years have passed and Dutton is sober and Anne is a widow again. Dutton is determined to get Anne into his bed where Anne is now willing to be, but on her terms. Will they be able to agree to the terms of their relationship?
After getting any book from NetGalley, I go to the author page to see if it is a part of a series. After seeing how closely related these books were, I made my way through the series to get ready for this book. Some books in a series can be read on their own without any confusion of the story line. I don't believe that this is case with this series. The whole series (except this one which jumps ahead 2 yrs.) takes place in about 4 weeks of time. There are so many different characters in the series, that had I not read all of the previous books, I would have been thoroughly confused (even having read them all, it was at times confusing to keep all the characters straight in my head).
Having said all of that, I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and this particular story. The series follows Lady Dalby (Sophia), a former courtesan, who plays matchmaker throughout the course of the books. Most of the characters show up throughout the whole series, so we are able to see glimpses of their lives too.
We are introduced to Lord Dutton and Anne Warren in the first book (The Courtesan's Daughter) and their story carries on throughout the rest of the series coming to a conclusion with this one. We know from reading the other books that Anne is attracted to Dutton, but needs to make a good marriage because of her background. After her husband dies, she knows that she can now go to Dutton on an even playing field. She is no longer the daughter of a courtesan, but Lady Staverton. Anne turns the tables on Dutton and makes him dance to her tune.
Thank goodness this series is continuing. The next book in the series is Taming Miss Grey which is about Sophia's niece. There is a scene in Much Ado About Dutton that leads us to the stories of the Ardenzy twins. You can find there stories HERE on Amazon (only $0.99). I'll be reading those tonight!
I've given this story a four out of five only for the fact that is was really hard to keep everyone straight in my mind. I LOVE this series, but it would have been a bit more enjoyable had I not had to keep so many characters straight in my head!
Thanks go out to NetGalley and Aspendawn Books for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
It is part of the More Courtesan Chronicles series which comes after the Courtesan Chronicles series.
Two years ago, Lord Dutton made it clear to widow Anne Warren that he wanted her. Unfortunately, Dutton only decided this after learning that Anne's mother had been a courtesan and she made it clear that she didn't want anything to do with him and soon marries a proper gentleman. Dutton drowns his sorrows in a liquor bottle.
Two years have passed and Dutton is sober and Anne is a widow again. Dutton is determined to get Anne into his bed where Anne is now willing to be, but on her terms. Will they be able to agree to the terms of their relationship?
After getting any book from NetGalley, I go to the author page to see if it is a part of a series. After seeing how closely related these books were, I made my way through the series to get ready for this book. Some books in a series can be read on their own without any confusion of the story line. I don't believe that this is case with this series. The whole series (except this one which jumps ahead 2 yrs.) takes place in about 4 weeks of time. There are so many different characters in the series, that had I not read all of the previous books, I would have been thoroughly confused (even having read them all, it was at times confusing to keep all the characters straight in my head).
Having said all of that, I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and this particular story. The series follows Lady Dalby (Sophia), a former courtesan, who plays matchmaker throughout the course of the books. Most of the characters show up throughout the whole series, so we are able to see glimpses of their lives too.
We are introduced to Lord Dutton and Anne Warren in the first book (The Courtesan's Daughter) and their story carries on throughout the rest of the series coming to a conclusion with this one. We know from reading the other books that Anne is attracted to Dutton, but needs to make a good marriage because of her background. After her husband dies, she knows that she can now go to Dutton on an even playing field. She is no longer the daughter of a courtesan, but Lady Staverton. Anne turns the tables on Dutton and makes him dance to her tune.
Thank goodness this series is continuing. The next book in the series is Taming Miss Grey which is about Sophia's niece. There is a scene in Much Ado About Dutton that leads us to the stories of the Ardenzy twins. You can find there stories HERE on Amazon (only $0.99). I'll be reading those tonight!
I've given this story a four out of five only for the fact that is was really hard to keep everyone straight in my mind. I LOVE this series, but it would have been a bit more enjoyable had I not had to keep so many characters straight in my head!
Thanks go out to NetGalley and Aspendawn Books for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
August 13, 2016
What a clever story that incorporates some characters and alludes to events from earlier works in The Courtesan Chronicles. A late regency story, the details and world building are all appropriate and incorporate the societal norms of the time while still managing to keep the story enjoyable for readers with more modern sensibilities.
The banter between the characters, and their obvious familiarity with one another is deliciously penned and provides readers with several moments of laughter, as well as providing tension that enhances character connections. Other characters weave into the story in enjoyable ways, allowing the readers familiar with the series to catch up with their lives, and providing those unfamiliar with a taste of the stories that came before, while not being overly distracting or difficult to understand.
Ann is delightful and strong, with a sense of herself that is not hampered by her rather lowly beginnings. As the daughter of a courtesan, her fate would normally leave her out of society: her marriage improved her station, and while tongues may wag her position as a widow is solid and acceptable.
Dutton is a son of a titled man, although his father was a rogue and rather distasteful, he has worked hard to redeem himself in society's eyes. While he often is defensive and believing that people will often prejudge him because of his father, he is growing up and making efforts to be an honourable man.
With some truly striking and clever moments as the two battle for supremacy in the relationship as they deny their attractions, the story runs from one moment to the next without letting up: giving the reader a real page turner. Add in some heartfelt moments of soul-bearing and reconciliation and this story is a wonderful read. I'm now curious about the books in The Courtesan Chronicles, and think that readers of that series will be more than pleased with this installments.
I received an eBook copy from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
The banter between the characters, and their obvious familiarity with one another is deliciously penned and provides readers with several moments of laughter, as well as providing tension that enhances character connections. Other characters weave into the story in enjoyable ways, allowing the readers familiar with the series to catch up with their lives, and providing those unfamiliar with a taste of the stories that came before, while not being overly distracting or difficult to understand.
Ann is delightful and strong, with a sense of herself that is not hampered by her rather lowly beginnings. As the daughter of a courtesan, her fate would normally leave her out of society: her marriage improved her station, and while tongues may wag her position as a widow is solid and acceptable.
Dutton is a son of a titled man, although his father was a rogue and rather distasteful, he has worked hard to redeem himself in society's eyes. While he often is defensive and believing that people will often prejudge him because of his father, he is growing up and making efforts to be an honourable man.
With some truly striking and clever moments as the two battle for supremacy in the relationship as they deny their attractions, the story runs from one moment to the next without letting up: giving the reader a real page turner. Add in some heartfelt moments of soul-bearing and reconciliation and this story is a wonderful read. I'm now curious about the books in The Courtesan Chronicles, and think that readers of that series will be more than pleased with this installments.
I received an eBook copy from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
February 15, 2014
Posted on What I'm Reading
A copy of days ago I read Much Ado About Dutton by Claudia Dain. Though I liked the story, I found some of the story a bit overwhelming at times. It could be I haven't read Dain's previous Courtesan Chronicles, so I haven't gotten the full effect of Dutton and Anne's relationship. So, this might have to be a reread eventually.
Anyway. Anne is a widow again and this time she wants Dutton. She's going to try to bring him to his knees by being seductress. That's all well and good. I like the idea of her doing this, but it was little too much at times. I guess, because I felt her natural tendency wanted to come out when she tried to be a seductress. So at times it felt a bit over the top. Now Dutton has cleaned up his act. He's always wanted Anne, so he's trying to find the perfect balance for Anne.
I think what I found overwhelming was the constant games. Everyone trying to out do one another to win. There were some parts a I did enjoyed. However, towards the end I felt that it was a bit rushed.
Overall, not bad and had a lot potential. Much Ado About Dutton might be a story that needs to be revisit at another time. At times it felt like Shakespeare play with all these characters adding their two cents. So, if you don't mind a lot going on, you might consider Much Ado About Dutton a try.
Copy provided via NetGalley
A copy of days ago I read Much Ado About Dutton by Claudia Dain. Though I liked the story, I found some of the story a bit overwhelming at times. It could be I haven't read Dain's previous Courtesan Chronicles, so I haven't gotten the full effect of Dutton and Anne's relationship. So, this might have to be a reread eventually.
Anyway. Anne is a widow again and this time she wants Dutton. She's going to try to bring him to his knees by being seductress. That's all well and good. I like the idea of her doing this, but it was little too much at times. I guess, because I felt her natural tendency wanted to come out when she tried to be a seductress. So at times it felt a bit over the top. Now Dutton has cleaned up his act. He's always wanted Anne, so he's trying to find the perfect balance for Anne.
I think what I found overwhelming was the constant games. Everyone trying to out do one another to win. There were some parts a I did enjoyed. However, towards the end I felt that it was a bit rushed.
Overall, not bad and had a lot potential. Much Ado About Dutton might be a story that needs to be revisit at another time. At times it felt like Shakespeare play with all these characters adding their two cents. So, if you don't mind a lot going on, you might consider Much Ado About Dutton a try.
Copy provided via NetGalley
August 28, 2013
There is online criticism of the formatting which is warranted. The words are split hapharzardly at the end of lines. It was a challenge at first but I quickly adjusted. Hopefully, Ms. Dain will correct this issue.
But there can be no issue with the story. The hero, Lord Dutton, was introduced in the very first book of the series. He was the much too handsome, much too seductive villain. In the next books, he quickly degenerated into a drunken buffoon. Now two years later, Dutton has sober up and has been working hard on his estate. His infatuation with Anne Warren is a thing of the past.
Anne Warren is a widow a second time. In this book, Anne Warren comes into herself. Previously she had been the bastard daughter of a highly unsuccessful courtesan. Anne clung to her respectability and security as tightly as a rock climber clings to the crevices and rocks on a steep mountain. But now as Lady Staverton, Anne has security and position in society. With this solid base, will she seize what she really wants in life.
This novel has the trademarks of all the previous books in the series. The dialogue is wickedly witty and fast paced. There are several intriguing secondary plots. The scenes between Dutton and Anne are sizzling hot. I hope Ms. Dain continues this series for a long while.
But there can be no issue with the story. The hero, Lord Dutton, was introduced in the very first book of the series. He was the much too handsome, much too seductive villain. In the next books, he quickly degenerated into a drunken buffoon. Now two years later, Dutton has sober up and has been working hard on his estate. His infatuation with Anne Warren is a thing of the past.
Anne Warren is a widow a second time. In this book, Anne Warren comes into herself. Previously she had been the bastard daughter of a highly unsuccessful courtesan. Anne clung to her respectability and security as tightly as a rock climber clings to the crevices and rocks on a steep mountain. But now as Lady Staverton, Anne has security and position in society. With this solid base, will she seize what she really wants in life.
This novel has the trademarks of all the previous books in the series. The dialogue is wickedly witty and fast paced. There are several intriguing secondary plots. The scenes between Dutton and Anne are sizzling hot. I hope Ms. Dain continues this series for a long while.
March 25, 2014
I recommend reading this book after the rest in the series. Would you read Breaking Dawn before Twilight? Would you not want to start with Naked in Death in the Eve Dallas series? Don't read Heart Fortune without starting with Heart Mate. By all means start this series with The Courtesan's Daughter.
In a pinch it could stand alone but don't deprive yourself of this wonderful series.
If you are a fan of regency historicals, this is definitely a series you will enjoy.
From the start it seems Anne knows what she ultimately wants but isn't sure how to go about getting it/him. My favorite part about this book is that it seems they both want the same thing but don't understand that the other wants the same so they are fighting each other for the same prize. (Sigh)
In a pinch it could stand alone but don't deprive yourself of this wonderful series.
If you are a fan of regency historicals, this is definitely a series you will enjoy.
From the start it seems Anne knows what she ultimately wants but isn't sure how to go about getting it/him. My favorite part about this book is that it seems they both want the same thing but don't understand that the other wants the same so they are fighting each other for the same prize. (Sigh)
September 30, 2014
The writing isn't too bad and it's a page turner, but the setting is a fantasy world masquerading as a real historical period. The events are wildly, eye-rollingly improbable. Sex in public places? Fist fights in ballrooms? Young widows taking lovers with the same abandon as in the swingin' '60's just after the discovery of the pill? Why do people insist on writing 'historicals' when they obviously have no interest in history? I think we need a new genre of historical fantasy where people who want to clothe their characters in fancy dresses or have them fight with swords can imagine and create to their hearts' content.
September 15, 2013
Oh, how I love this series! Such bawdy wit and banter flying everywhere! Anne and Dutton promised to have a heck of a courtship...and they lived up to that promise! Love all the circling and strategy going on in this society... a true Battle of the Sexes..and the sure fire way to win is to have Sophia Dalby on your side.
I highly recommend starting this series from the beginning. It is not your usual historical romance. The whole series is one long romp, with people and stories weaving their way in and out of the action. Fun!
I highly recommend starting this series from the beginning. It is not your usual historical romance. The whole series is one long romp, with people and stories weaving their way in and out of the action. Fun!
February 21, 2015
3.75 stars
There are a lot of names being thrown around in this book. Surprisingly I was able to follow them all only having to look back twice. I wanted more in the end of the story for Anna and Dutton. I think it rushed into setting up the next book. However not having read the next book it might complete their story as well.
There are a lot of names being thrown around in this book. Surprisingly I was able to follow them all only having to look back twice. I wanted more in the end of the story for Anna and Dutton. I think it rushed into setting up the next book. However not having read the next book it might complete their story as well.
September 1, 2016
Loopy, off the wall and very funny. The love/hate the main couple have is a little too much at times, but overall I enjoyed this one. It's like watching a comedy on stage.
More at Booklikes: http://katiebabs.booklikes.com/post/7...
More at Booklikes: http://katiebabs.booklikes.com/post/7...
June 14, 2014
What a fabulous book! I've been wanting Dutton and Anne's story for a long time, and it was very satisfying. It was sexy, emotional, funny . . . everything I look for in a romance. It's going right on my keeper shelf!
January 7, 2014
3.5 stars
February 13, 2014
review pending
April 30, 2014
five stars for the mystery dress.
own-under-diff-title-or-anthology
September 20, 2017From the Ballroom and Beyond, A Limited Edition Nine Book Regency Romance Box Set
October 20, 2014
Interesting story, but a lot of characters and really fast-paced. It's part of a series, so I'm contemplating whether to continue or not. Hmmm...
November 25, 2014
Slow/unclear start but got better and better as it went on.
January 17, 2015
I didn't finish this short story, because it started talking about what happened in the other books. If I can't really know the characters that are in other books why try to catch up when you can't
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