Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Sex, Lies, & Forbidden Desires #5

Tutoring the Bookseller

Rate this book
Lord Daedalus Whitcombe, owner of the most wicked bookshop in London, has been named a scandal and a disgrace by most of good society. A title he revels in as it sells more books and annoys the very devil out of his haughty brother, the duke. His brother's efforts to close the bookshop become secondary to Lord Whitcombe's fascination with the shop's new, in-demand book, A Feast of Fantasies , by The Insatiable Lady. His quest to discover the author's identity becomes an obsession, for he has a singular request to make of the lady. Miss Cordelia Perriton, the very pattern-card of a genteel young lady, has a reputation for her charitable works. Her endeavors on behalf of the fallen women of Seven Dials are lauded, though a bit daring for an unmarried woman of good family. If only society knew she's The Insatiable Lady, and those fallen women are providing the erotic tales in her sensational book. She means to use the sales to gain financial independence and to establish a home for women who wish to retire from the streets of Seven Dials.

When Lord Whitcombe demands Cordelia submit her next book in person, her irritation moves to fury. The man she'd pictured as an elderly bookish type is instead a sensuously handsome lord. The connection between them is immediate and incendiary when he shocks and intrigues her with a bold request. Her response stuns him to his core.

But when Cordelia's Seven Dials friends begin to disappear, the couple's erotic adventure turns deadly. Are they ready to abandon their dreams to save wheat they have or will their nightmares part them forever?

153 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2023

9 people are currently reading
21 people want to read

About the author

Louisa Cornell

56 books123 followers
Louisa Cornell read her first historical romance novel, Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, at the age of nine. This inspired her to spend the next three years of her young life writing the most horrible historical romance novel ever written. Fortunately it has yet to see the light of day. As Louisa spent those three years living in a little English village in Suffolk (Thanks to her father's Air Force career.) it is no surprise she developed a lifelong love of all things British, especially British history and Regency-set romance novels. (And Earl Grey tea!)

During those same three years, Louisa's vocal talent was discovered. Her study of music began at the London College of Music and continued once she returned to the States. After four music degrees and a year of study at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria, Louisa was fortunate enough to embark on a singing career in opera houses in Germany, Austria, and most of Eastern Europe.

Now retired from an active career in opera, Louisa has returned to her first love – writing Regency-set historical romance. She has completed four books to date and A PERFECTLY DREADFUL CHRISTMAS is her publication debut.

Two time Golden Heart finalist, three time Daphne du Maurier winner, and three time Royal Ascot winner, Louisa is a member of RWA, SMRWA and the Beau Monde Chapter of RWA. She lives in LA (Lower Alabama) with a Chihuahua so grouchy he has been banned from six veterinary clinics, several perfectly amiable small dogs, and a cat who terminates vermin with extreme prejudice.

You can learn more about Louisa and her future publication plans at : www.louisacornell.com and https://www.facebook.com/RegencyWrite....

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
27 (72%)
4 stars
8 (21%)
3 stars
2 (5%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for Janet.
5,192 reviews64 followers
October 25, 2023
4.5 Stars
Lord Daedalus Whitcombe, owner of the most wicked bookshop in London. A Feast of Fantasies, by The Insatiable Lady is the shops latest best seller. Miss Cordelia Perriton, the very pattern-card of a genteel young lady, has a reputation for her charitable works. Her endeavours on behalf of the fallen women of Seven Dials are lauded. If only society knew she's The Insatiable Lady, and those fallen women are providing the tales in her sensational book. When Daedalus demands Cordelia submit her next book in person, her irritation moves to fury. The man she'd pictured as an elderly bookish type is instead young and handsome. The connection between them is immediate and incendiary when he shocks and intrigues her with a bold request. He’s astounded when she agrees.
The fifth book in the series & whilst it could easily be read on its own, past characters do make appearances. I loved both Daedalus & Cornelia, their chemistry was electric, both had secrets & I loved how they came to trust each other & shared said secrets. Their road to a HEA wasn’t conventional but it did make for an engrossing read, throw in the mystery of some of the rescued ladies disappearing & the debut of Daedalus’ niece & I was one very happy reader. I hope Percy has his story!
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Profile Image for Rainelle.
2,203 reviews124 followers
November 18, 2023
Tutoring the Bookseller. My fellow readers. Whew! And tutoring is exactly what the main characters did. I found the story to be very entertaining in every sense of the word.
You have these two main characters who clearly are suspicious of each other regarding the most sought after published erotic book. You have Cordelia whose trying to maintain her rights to her book, as well as protect the identity of the writer. Then you have Lorde Whitcombe with his determination to seek out the true writer of the erotic book that he publishes. Meanwhile I asked the question, why not let sleeping dogs lye? Apparently Lord Whitcombe has some underlying motives as to finding out who’s the real writer.
This sends the story into a tale spin of some naughty fun to read. Now the plot has some moments to the story that keep the readers engaged with where the story is going. It his some mystery and some who done it action. It’s the subplot that keeps the writer turning the pages. For me Daedalus had Cordelia in his line of sight for awhile.
I for one am glad that the writer didn’t draw out the two characters passion for each other. The telling of their romance is rather sweet and somewhat dangerously hot. But it was told very well. I say that the writer did a wonderful job of telling me a story that I was very pleased with. I loved some of the funny moments.
For instance Lord Whitcombe bumping or knocking himself into everything in his path (Just leave the glasses on man). Another moment when Lord Ravenwood didn’t know that he could fly. Daedalus helped him with that. Cordelia’s was magnificent. I felt that she was the most important leading character. She walked through the book with no faults to her actions when it comes to request of her assistance.
I loved that she was the dominant one if Lord Whitcombe’s relationship. That just made the things that two did even better. The story moves pretty quickly, but this doesn’t take away the enjoyment of the story. The book is a great read. I give this book two snaps and a, Breadmore, remember your getting older and Alice holds the keys to your place of retirement.
Until next time my fellow readers. Read on! I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Profile Image for Nicole.
926 reviews15 followers
October 26, 2023
This story was beyond good..

A writer and A bookseller not only find passion in each others arms but they find love at the same time..

This story is definitely worth reading if you like virgin heroes and them getting experience from inexperienced heroines.

I can't say enough about this book..

I received this book as an arc in exchange for a voluntary review and this purely based upon my own personal opinion and that of no one else.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
January 25, 2024
Book five in the S∂¥, Lies, & Forbidden Desires, Lord Daedalus Whitcombe owner of the most wicked bookshop in London and Miss Cordelia Perriton's story. It is surprising because he was a virgin, both have strong personalities. I enjoyed seeing them get their happy ending. I think this is my favorite so far. I want to read the next book. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nanna.
1,225 reviews4 followers
November 19, 2023
What and different kind of story, we have the brother of a Duke who hasn't been close for five years. Lord Daedalus is the owner of the wicked bookshop in London. We meet in the first books in this series. His brother the duke had tried for years to shut the shop down. Daedalus has a new author who he is fascinated with. He has read her books over and over and now must meet her in person. He has a special offer to ask of her. One he is sure she can help him with due to her scandalous and naughty books. Miss Cordelia Perriton is the perfect lady for society. Her reputation is spotless, and her charity work is well known. Not everything is as it looks. As she is the author of the book, “The Insatiable Lady”!! When her publisher demands she meet him in person she is shocked and furious. She has worked hard to keep her name a secret. When they meet it is hilarious and embarrassing for poor Daedalus! When she hears his request, she is shocked and refuses but decides to do it anyway. This is a fast-paced story with these two who are very attracted to each other meeting and learning lots more about each other. Miss Cordelia is not like any other tutor for sure. As secrets come out and then a mystery about missing woman she helps, we are reunited with characters from past books which was great. Even if you have not read the whole series, you will still love this book. If you like wonderful characters, with lots of heart, past pain and tons of steam this is the book for you. I would suggest reading them in order that some events make the following stories better. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it. (Be sure and have some ice water nearby, Ha)
Profile Image for Lana Birky.
1,704 reviews22 followers
October 25, 2023
Tutoring the Bookseller is a steamy and witty Regency romance that features a bookish lord and a scandalous lady author. Lord Daedalus Whitcombe runs a notorious bookshop that sells erotic literature, much to the dismay of his brother, the duke. He is also a fan of The Insatiable Lady, a pseudonym for Cordelia Montrose, who writes sensual stories that titillate and provoke. When he demands that she deliver her next book in person, he is surprised to find that she is not only beautiful, but also defiant and spirited. He proposes a daring deal, but as they embark upon their agreed deal, they discover that there is more to each other than meets the eye. Can they overcome their secrets and prejudices, and find their happily ever after?

Tutoring the Bookseller is a delightful and delicious read that will keep you hooked from start to finish. The characters are well-developed and engaging, with witty banter and sizzling chemistry. The plot is fast-paced and intriguing, with twists and turns and the appearance of previous books' characters was great. If you are looking for a well-written, fun and spicy Regency romance with clever humor, you will love Tutoring the Bookseller. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
1,086 reviews12 followers
October 28, 2023
Loved Daedalus and Cordelia's story, it is a very steamy passion filled story of attraction and love. Daedalus is a proprietor and publisher of dirty books, Cordelia is the secret author of some of the most salacious books ever to cross his desk. Daedalus hatches a plan to meet and bed her, after all who else can show him what he has been missing out on after all these years as a virgin. He plans to ask his mysterious and anonymous writer to tutor him in everything he needs to know. However Cordelia is not what he expects she is young, beautiful and makes him want so much more than either of them was expecting. Cordelia needs the money from her books to rescue the fallen women of Seven Dials, but who is kidnapping them as what is Lord Breadmore's role in all this. This wonderful story contains passion, mystery, blackmail and kidnapping will Daedalus and Cordelia find their answers and reach their own happy ending.
Profile Image for Peggy.
2,120 reviews13 followers
November 4, 2023
Lord Daedalus Whitcombe is the brother of a duke and the rather clumsy owner of London’s most wicked bookshop and printer. His current best seller, and several others, is by The Insatiable Lady. He devises a plan to meet the author of these books. He has a favor to ask of her. Miss Cordelia Perriton is furious when Daedalus insists that she deliver her next book in person. Both are shocked when she agrees to his request for a favor. This is an interesting story with a delicious couple as the main characters. The story has surprises, humor, mystery, blackmail, and kidnapping. Daedalus and Cordelia are delightful; the chemistry between them sizzling. The delightful characters from other books in the series make appearances, help solve the mystery, and tease and advise Daedalus. A great addition to the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Gloria Pastorino.
Author 82 books59 followers
October 30, 2023
This may be the best book of this wonderful series or maybe I just can’t choose because I loved them all so much! Daedalus (gorgeous name, by the way) is so sweet, so intriguing, so awkward at times (I laughed so much at some of his antics!), but also so hot!!! And I loved that he was a virgin, and for a very good reason, despite his gorgeous looks, and most of all that he firmly believed in educating women in the pleasure of lovemaking and in knowing and owing their own bodies. I also greatly admired Cordelia for her strength and her cleverness and of course they were so good together! Such emotional lovemaking scenes!!! I don’t want this series to finish! Sigh!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
2,447 reviews27 followers
October 26, 2023
I really enjoyed this story. It features two very likeable characters in Cordelia Perriton and Lord Daedalus Whitcombe. Daedalus is Cordelia’s publisher and when they eventually meet, he has a proposition for her. I loved the connection between them. I like how forthright Cordelia was, especially when dealing with her brothers. Daedalus has a secret he has kept for many years, this has affected how he wishes to treat women. He is quite a modern man in his way. This was an entertaining read, it moved along at a good pace and had a very satisfying ending. I was pleased to see an epilogue. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
210 reviews4 followers
November 1, 2023
Wow! What an incredible book! A very hot, steamy, sensual read with two incredibly gorgeous main characters. Lord Daedalus Whitcombe, the yummy bookseller and Lady Cordelia Perriton, a secret author of naughty material and charity work, make delicious magic together. There are a few intriguing events happening in this story that take you on a hunt for answers. I was caught up from the first chapter and loved the reversal of roles. I could not put it down! It's definitely a page turner and burner. This is my first book in this series. I can't wait to read the rest. Highly recommended.

TG

I received a ARC of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
467 reviews10 followers
July 9, 2024
Such a fun story

This story had a lot of great of things - humor, intrigue, love, heartache, and passion. Daedalus was a great hero (I love a good virgin hero trope.) He was an extremely handsome man who wore glasses and was clumsy. I loved the element of his clumsiness! Cordelia was a sassy but kind woman. She wasn’t experienced, but she wasn’t a virgin. She just knew how to write spicy books that Daedalus loved.

I thought the story was heartfelt and well written. The characters were full and endearing. This was the first of this series I have read, but I want to go back to the start and read more!
102 reviews1 follower
February 9, 2024
Very Good - Kept You Turning Pages

This was a very good book that kept you turning pages. A woman ahead of her time writing explicit books and helping women less fortunate than her and doesn’t intend to marry finds love. There was also a mystery in this story because the ladies she is helping start disappearing and she tries to find them. All the characters in this book were interesting and engaging. If you like Regency romance with strong female leads, definitely give this one a try.
Profile Image for Melanie Purcell.
699 reviews6 followers
December 24, 2023
Naughty and adorable!

Daedalus is the perfect hero, virginal but eager to learn the right way to make a swoon. Cordelia is a strong but kind and caring woman who has wonderful expressions. The supporting characters round out a fabulous tale!
Profile Image for Fanosse23.
668 reviews
November 15, 2023
Lord Daedalus Whitcombe, is the brother of a Duke and the owner of a scandalous bookshop in London. He is obsessed and determined to meet The Insatiable Lady, author of sexy, and wicked books. He has his own reasons for wanting to meet her and it is definitely not for any reason you will contemplate. When he leaves her no choice but to go to his bookshop, she does, and he is shocked to find that Miss Cordelia Perriton is his mystery author.

They both are surprised when they meet, there is immediate attraction, and when Daedalus proposes a bold request of her, she hesitates but agrees.

So if you like a steamy story, with mystery, secrets, engaging secondary characters and an unconventional reason for them coming together, you should read this story.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and am providing my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.