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School for Brides #2
Courtisane malgré elle
Voulant à tout prix éviter qu’une épouse en formation soit arrêtée, Lady Noëlle Seymour s’introduit par effraction dans la chambre d’un inconnu afin de rendre un collier volé — mais elle croise le regard de Gavin Blackwell, le cousin du comte de Seabrook. Puisque la véritable raison de sa visite nocturne pourrait faire mettre les deux femmes en prison, Noëlle offre une explication désespérée à sa présence: elle est sa nouvelle courtisane. Afin de sauver son innocence, elle doit rapidement remettre le collier à sa place et s’enfuir après avoir déjà éveillé beaucoup plus que des soupçons.
Gavin a beaucoup de choses à apprendre sur la société londonienne, mais une cambrioleuse qui lui offre ses charmes sur un plateau, voilà qui est inattendu. Lorsque celle-ci disparaît, Gavin la retrouve et exige qu’elle honore sa proposition. Toutefois, la vertu de Noëlle n’est pas le seul enjeu; cette malencontreuse nuit dans la chambre de Gavin a fait d’elle un pion involontaire sur le dangereux échiquier d’une femme méprisée et, désormais, seul Gavin peut la protéger — comme bon lui semble…
Gavin a beaucoup de choses à apprendre sur la société londonienne, mais une cambrioleuse qui lui offre ses charmes sur un plateau, voilà qui est inattendu. Lorsque celle-ci disparaît, Gavin la retrouve et exige qu’elle honore sa proposition. Toutefois, la vertu de Noëlle n’est pas le seul enjeu; cette malencontreuse nuit dans la chambre de Gavin a fait d’elle un pion involontaire sur le dangereux échiquier d’une femme méprisée et, désormais, seul Gavin peut la protéger — comme bon lui semble…
420 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2011
43 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
About the author
Cheryl Ann Smith
19 books202 followersA fan of historical romance fiction, author Cheryl Ann Smith combines a love of history and all things English to create stories that link both passions.
She lives in Michigan with her family, two cats and a very hairy dog. She enjoys outdoor adventures and traveling, when she has the time, and hopes to make her first visit to England in the very near future.
She lives in Michigan with her family, two cats and a very hairy dog. She enjoys outdoor adventures and traveling, when she has the time, and hopes to make her first visit to England in the very near future.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 21, 2011
Review on Fiction Vixen Book Reviews
Noelle and Gavin
I have always found there to be two different types of historical romance novels. There are the ones that drag emotions from you and create a connection that has you long remembering the book. Then there are light and fluffy historicals that are fun to read in the moment but don’t really leave much of a lasting impression. The Accidental Courtesan falls into the light and fluffy category. That wasn’t necessarily a bad thing here; sometimes that is what you need. However, I always like to manage my expectations going into a book.
Lady Noelle Seymour is keeping an eye out on her sister’s courtesan school while she is away. One of the courtesans steals a necklace from an Earl and it is left to Noelle to return it without anyone finding out. Noelle makes the mistake of breaking into the wrong room and comes across Gavin, the Earl’s cousin. Lucky for Noelle, Gavin is drunk and she is able to pretend to be his courtesan until he passes out. No harm is done, necklace is returned and Noelle escapes.
Of course, the story does not end there. Gavin remembers Noelle by her scent and finds her the next day at a ball. He pushes her to become his courtesan even though she is a well bred lady. Even though Noelle tosses out a lot of protests it is clear she is attracted to Gavin. To throw in a little intrigue Gavin is attacked by some footpads demanding to know where the necklace is. Clearly someone else is invested in the missing yet found necklace.
To me, the book was light and fluffy because the characters were presented as light and fluffy. Directly after climbing through an Earl’s window and being caught Noelle decided the best way to recover was retail therapy. Yes, she says that “Spending an enormous amount of money on new gowns would certainly turn her thoughts in a more frivolous direction”. Considering that two chapters later she is really considering becoming Gavin’s courtesan to keep her out of Newgate, the shopping excursion was a bit silly. In fact, most of what Noelle did was silly. She wanted so badly to just sleep with Gavin that she pretty much reasoned everything she did to follow in that direction. However, I don’t think that is how the author wanted it to come across. I think it was supposed to seem like Noelle was in desperate times and was working under desperate measures.
Gavin was just as shallow as Noelle. His main concern was getting her into bed. He was more than willing to get pulled into the intrigue that was the necklace but only to be closer to Noelle. He didn’t really have an angst or real emotional depth.
One thing that made me giggle was the author’s use of the word manly. “Though I appreciate your desire to divest yourself of your virginity on my manly staff….” or “It wouldn’t do to have him think she was so overcome by his manliness…” or “it had nothing to do with her desire to climb atop his manly frame and ride him all night”. I saw that word a lot.
I am constantly on the hunt for a good historical romance novel or author. This was my first book by Cheryl Ann Smith. It didn’t fall into the really good or really bad category. It was just middle of the road. If you are looking for fun and flirty this book and possibly this author would be for you. It was cute and light. However, if you are looking for something to pull more of your emotions in you might want to skip this one. Overall grade would be a C+.
Favorite Quote: “My dearest Noelle, “ he countered, and pulled her closer. “The thugs could be standing at the edge of this dance floor, and I’d still want nothing more than to charm my way into your drawers.”
“You are despicable,” she wheezed, surprised by his frankness….. “Do you ever think of anything but launching a coup against my drawers?”
He shrugged. “I’m afraid not.”
Noelle and Gavin
I have always found there to be two different types of historical romance novels. There are the ones that drag emotions from you and create a connection that has you long remembering the book. Then there are light and fluffy historicals that are fun to read in the moment but don’t really leave much of a lasting impression. The Accidental Courtesan falls into the light and fluffy category. That wasn’t necessarily a bad thing here; sometimes that is what you need. However, I always like to manage my expectations going into a book.
Lady Noelle Seymour is keeping an eye out on her sister’s courtesan school while she is away. One of the courtesans steals a necklace from an Earl and it is left to Noelle to return it without anyone finding out. Noelle makes the mistake of breaking into the wrong room and comes across Gavin, the Earl’s cousin. Lucky for Noelle, Gavin is drunk and she is able to pretend to be his courtesan until he passes out. No harm is done, necklace is returned and Noelle escapes.
Of course, the story does not end there. Gavin remembers Noelle by her scent and finds her the next day at a ball. He pushes her to become his courtesan even though she is a well bred lady. Even though Noelle tosses out a lot of protests it is clear she is attracted to Gavin. To throw in a little intrigue Gavin is attacked by some footpads demanding to know where the necklace is. Clearly someone else is invested in the missing yet found necklace.
To me, the book was light and fluffy because the characters were presented as light and fluffy. Directly after climbing through an Earl’s window and being caught Noelle decided the best way to recover was retail therapy. Yes, she says that “Spending an enormous amount of money on new gowns would certainly turn her thoughts in a more frivolous direction”. Considering that two chapters later she is really considering becoming Gavin’s courtesan to keep her out of Newgate, the shopping excursion was a bit silly. In fact, most of what Noelle did was silly. She wanted so badly to just sleep with Gavin that she pretty much reasoned everything she did to follow in that direction. However, I don’t think that is how the author wanted it to come across. I think it was supposed to seem like Noelle was in desperate times and was working under desperate measures.
Gavin was just as shallow as Noelle. His main concern was getting her into bed. He was more than willing to get pulled into the intrigue that was the necklace but only to be closer to Noelle. He didn’t really have an angst or real emotional depth.
One thing that made me giggle was the author’s use of the word manly. “Though I appreciate your desire to divest yourself of your virginity on my manly staff….” or “It wouldn’t do to have him think she was so overcome by his manliness…” or “it had nothing to do with her desire to climb atop his manly frame and ride him all night”. I saw that word a lot.
I am constantly on the hunt for a good historical romance novel or author. This was my first book by Cheryl Ann Smith. It didn’t fall into the really good or really bad category. It was just middle of the road. If you are looking for fun and flirty this book and possibly this author would be for you. It was cute and light. However, if you are looking for something to pull more of your emotions in you might want to skip this one. Overall grade would be a C+.
Favorite Quote: “My dearest Noelle, “ he countered, and pulled her closer. “The thugs could be standing at the edge of this dance floor, and I’d still want nothing more than to charm my way into your drawers.”
“You are despicable,” she wheezed, surprised by his frankness….. “Do you ever think of anything but launching a coup against my drawers?”
He shrugged. “I’m afraid not.”
February 1, 2012
Reviewed for TwoLips Reviews, LLC
2 1/2 Kisses
1/2 Pepper (M/F, oral sex)
Lady Noelle was given the task of helping to oversee the school established by her half sister Eva while she was out of town. The school helps troubled courtesans change their lives and teaches them how to prepare for a respectable marriage. When a desperate courtesan named Bliss arrives at the school with a stolen necklace, Noelle agrees to help her return it. But Lady Noelle Seymour is busted sneaking into the Earl of Seabrook's Town house to return the stolen necklace. She goes in the wrong room and encounters the earl's cousin by mistake. Fortunately, he's drunk and she manages to leave the necklace and make her escape. But he remembers her scent, as well as her excuse for being in his room: she's his new courtesan. When he finds her, he insists that she fulfill her promise and become his lover.
The premise of the book sounds intriguing, but for me the story just doesn’t deliver. It’s tolerable if you can get past the witless schemes Noelle attempts. For example, at one point she decides to dress up like a courtesan so she can mingle with other courtesans, in the hopes that she'll gather some useful gossip about a maid they suspect is connected to the plot to steal the earl's necklace. But there didn’t seem to be any reason to think some random courtesans would have any useful knowledge. So to me this just seemed like a pointless ploy to get dressed up like a whore and play amateur detective. As I continued to read, I found Noelle to be immature, impulsive almost to the point of being a danger to herself, and a cock tease. It took a fair amount of self-discipline for me to finish the book. Some of my impatience with this book might be due to the fact that I recently read another historical romance with a very similar beginning, where the heroine was caught sneaking into a bedroom to return a stolen item. Seriously, what kind of idiot would even do that?
Nevertheless, The Accidental Courtesan by Cheryl Ann Smith does have some things that will appeal to fans of historical romance, including passion, mystery and intrigue, a fast-paced plot, and a dashing and worldly hero who knows how to work with his hands.
2 1/2 Kisses
1/2 Pepper (M/F, oral sex)
Lady Noelle was given the task of helping to oversee the school established by her half sister Eva while she was out of town. The school helps troubled courtesans change their lives and teaches them how to prepare for a respectable marriage. When a desperate courtesan named Bliss arrives at the school with a stolen necklace, Noelle agrees to help her return it. But Lady Noelle Seymour is busted sneaking into the Earl of Seabrook's Town house to return the stolen necklace. She goes in the wrong room and encounters the earl's cousin by mistake. Fortunately, he's drunk and she manages to leave the necklace and make her escape. But he remembers her scent, as well as her excuse for being in his room: she's his new courtesan. When he finds her, he insists that she fulfill her promise and become his lover.
The premise of the book sounds intriguing, but for me the story just doesn’t deliver. It’s tolerable if you can get past the witless schemes Noelle attempts. For example, at one point she decides to dress up like a courtesan so she can mingle with other courtesans, in the hopes that she'll gather some useful gossip about a maid they suspect is connected to the plot to steal the earl's necklace. But there didn’t seem to be any reason to think some random courtesans would have any useful knowledge. So to me this just seemed like a pointless ploy to get dressed up like a whore and play amateur detective. As I continued to read, I found Noelle to be immature, impulsive almost to the point of being a danger to herself, and a cock tease. It took a fair amount of self-discipline for me to finish the book. Some of my impatience with this book might be due to the fact that I recently read another historical romance with a very similar beginning, where the heroine was caught sneaking into a bedroom to return a stolen item. Seriously, what kind of idiot would even do that?
Nevertheless, The Accidental Courtesan by Cheryl Ann Smith does have some things that will appeal to fans of historical romance, including passion, mystery and intrigue, a fast-paced plot, and a dashing and worldly hero who knows how to work with his hands.
March 24, 2021
A regency romance featuring a stubborn heroine in Noelle, Lady Seymour. She is determined never to marry because of the example of her own parents' unhappy marriage. Our hero is Gavin Blackwell, English born nobleman raised in America and returned to London to tend to his dying mother. Gavin also has no interest in marrying after the betrayal of his American fiancee. Of course the two meet and become entangled.
This book had a bit of everything thrown into it - mistaken identity, stubborn females, rakish men, stolen goods, kidnapping, and more. It could not seem to focus on any one thing adequately. I found the repeated use of words such as "gnashing" distracting in their ability to pull me out of the story itself as I wondered how many more times it would be used in the book. I ended up skimming the last third of the book to find the answer to the central mystery of the story.
I would recommend some other regency authors if one is in the mood for a romance in that setting - such as Mary Balogh, Stephanie Laurens, and Julia Quinn. This one was unsatisfying.
Not recommended.
This book had a bit of everything thrown into it - mistaken identity, stubborn females, rakish men, stolen goods, kidnapping, and more. It could not seem to focus on any one thing adequately. I found the repeated use of words such as "gnashing" distracting in their ability to pull me out of the story itself as I wondered how many more times it would be used in the book. I ended up skimming the last third of the book to find the answer to the central mystery of the story.
I would recommend some other regency authors if one is in the mood for a romance in that setting - such as Mary Balogh, Stephanie Laurens, and Julia Quinn. This one was unsatisfying.
Not recommended.
October 12, 2017
Loved the book my first read by the author. Noelle is trying to return a necklace that a former courtesan had taken. In doing so she is caught by a drunk man she assumes is the Earl. When Gavin wakes the next morning he has a memory of a very lush body that was in his room. He wonders if he was just dreaming until he smells the fragrance she left behind. Noelle is just praying she is not arrested and wants to avoid any outings so she won’t see the Earl. When her cousin talks her into going to a ball she comes face to face with the man and learns it wasn’t the Earl but his Americanized cousin. A great read with lust, passion, danger, kidnappings and so much more! Can’t wait to read more on the Harrington Family!
February 9, 2025
Lady Noella dressed in black was returning an expensive necklace but went to the wrong room. One thing lead to another and Gavin was caught in the middle of it all. After being caught by 3 unexpected ruffians Gavin needed information about Noella and the necklace. Spying was the best way so together Noella and Gavin spent many an hour together
May 13, 2012
Lady Noelle, yg menangani sekolah courtesan Eva (saudara tiri-nya – baca buku The School for Brides 1) yg sdg berbulan madu, tidak menyangka dirinya akan terlibat suatu skandal ketika seorg courtesan mendatangi sekolah courtesan untuk meminta bantuan bagaimana mengembalikan kalung yg telah dicurinya dr Lord Seabrook.
Noelle yg merasa tergerak dan kasihan terhadap courtesan itu pun memutuskan melakukan suatu tindakan yg sebenarnya dipahaminya sgt berbahaya bahkan terancam dipenjara, dgn diam-diam memasuki kediaman Lord S utk mengembalikan kalung curian tsb, namun sialnya dia tertangkap basah oleh seorg pria yg dikirannya adalah Lord S sehingga membuatnya mengambil inisiatif bhw dia adalah courtesan sang Lord. Dan untungnya Lady Noelle berhasil mengembalikan kalung tsb dan keluar dr kediaman Lord S dan berharap Lord S yg pd saat itu sdg mabuk dpt melupakan apa yg dilakukannya.
Namum Gavin yg walaupun mabuk berat pd saat itu, yakin bhw dia telah dikunjungi oleh seorg wanita misterius dgn wangi yg khas lemon dan berusaha menemukan wanita tsb dan membuat wanita tsb menepati janjinya.
Noelle yg merasa dirinya tidak aman dan takut akan ditemukan oleh Lord S krn memasuki kediamannya (yg sebenarnya adalah Gavin, sepupu lord S, seorg keturunan Amerika, pemilik shipyard, kapal) yg menginap dikediaman Lord S, berusaha menghindari dirinya dr kunjungan terutama kepesta-pesta para bangsawan, namun terbujuk oleh sepupunya utk menghadiri satu pesta dan membuatnya dirinya ditemukan oleh Gavin, dr aroma tubuhnya yg khas – Lemon. Gavin pun menuntut janjinya terlebih ketika dirinya mendapat ancaman dr 3 org pria yg menghendaki kalung curian tsb, yg membuat Gavin merasa hrs mengetahui apa yg sebenarnya terjadi? Mengapa pria tsb tahu ttg kalung yg sebenarnya adalah milik sepupunya, yg dijaga kerahasiannya krn hrgnya yg sgt mahal.
Gavin dan Noelle pun bekerjasama mencari pelaku yg mengancam tdk hanya Gavin, tapi Noelle dan Bliss (courtesan yg mencuri kalung tsb, yg sebenarnya terbujuk oleh seorg pelayan yg mengatakan bhw dia lbh berhak mendptkan kalung tsb disbandingkan istri Lord S, si Bliss ini courtesan lord Bliss). Tentunya dibarengin dgn adegan-adegan laennya, terutama adegan ranjang ;)
Ternyata pelaku kejahatan tsb adalah istri Lord S sendiri, yg merasa cemburu thdp courtesan suaminya yg lbh diingat suaminya sndr.
Endingnya : Noelle dan Gavin pun menikah. Walaupun awalnya Noelle menolak menikah krn takut mengalami apa yg dialami ibunya dimana selama ini dikiranya ibu dan ayahnya adalah psgan yg tdk bahagia, krn ayahnya selingkuh, namun ternyata sbrnya ayahnya mencintai ibunya tp ibunya yg menutup diri krn mencintai org laen walaupun ayahnya sdh melakukan segala cara agar ibunya mau mencintainya tp tetap ditolak shg ayahnya menemukan ibu Eva dan jth cinta pd ibu eva. Hal ini diketahui oleh Eva dan menceritakannya kdp Noelle ketika mengetahui Noelle bimbang menerima lamaran dr Gavin. Dan yg sgt disukai diakhir cerita adalah si Noelle mendptkan byk give, rmh br, kalung yg dicuri akhirnya diberikan Lord S kepadanya, tertangkapnya pelaku kejahatan dan kedtgan kakak Noelle – Margaret dan adiknya – Eva shg mereka bs reuni sblm acara pernikahannya.
So sweet ni critanya
Noelle yg merasa tergerak dan kasihan terhadap courtesan itu pun memutuskan melakukan suatu tindakan yg sebenarnya dipahaminya sgt berbahaya bahkan terancam dipenjara, dgn diam-diam memasuki kediaman Lord S utk mengembalikan kalung curian tsb, namun sialnya dia tertangkap basah oleh seorg pria yg dikirannya adalah Lord S sehingga membuatnya mengambil inisiatif bhw dia adalah courtesan sang Lord. Dan untungnya Lady Noelle berhasil mengembalikan kalung tsb dan keluar dr kediaman Lord S dan berharap Lord S yg pd saat itu sdg mabuk dpt melupakan apa yg dilakukannya.
Namum Gavin yg walaupun mabuk berat pd saat itu, yakin bhw dia telah dikunjungi oleh seorg wanita misterius dgn wangi yg khas lemon dan berusaha menemukan wanita tsb dan membuat wanita tsb menepati janjinya.
Noelle yg merasa dirinya tidak aman dan takut akan ditemukan oleh Lord S krn memasuki kediamannya (yg sebenarnya adalah Gavin, sepupu lord S, seorg keturunan Amerika, pemilik shipyard, kapal) yg menginap dikediaman Lord S, berusaha menghindari dirinya dr kunjungan terutama kepesta-pesta para bangsawan, namun terbujuk oleh sepupunya utk menghadiri satu pesta dan membuatnya dirinya ditemukan oleh Gavin, dr aroma tubuhnya yg khas – Lemon. Gavin pun menuntut janjinya terlebih ketika dirinya mendapat ancaman dr 3 org pria yg menghendaki kalung curian tsb, yg membuat Gavin merasa hrs mengetahui apa yg sebenarnya terjadi? Mengapa pria tsb tahu ttg kalung yg sebenarnya adalah milik sepupunya, yg dijaga kerahasiannya krn hrgnya yg sgt mahal.
Gavin dan Noelle pun bekerjasama mencari pelaku yg mengancam tdk hanya Gavin, tapi Noelle dan Bliss (courtesan yg mencuri kalung tsb, yg sebenarnya terbujuk oleh seorg pelayan yg mengatakan bhw dia lbh berhak mendptkan kalung tsb disbandingkan istri Lord S, si Bliss ini courtesan lord Bliss). Tentunya dibarengin dgn adegan-adegan laennya, terutama adegan ranjang ;)
Ternyata pelaku kejahatan tsb adalah istri Lord S sendiri, yg merasa cemburu thdp courtesan suaminya yg lbh diingat suaminya sndr.
Endingnya : Noelle dan Gavin pun menikah. Walaupun awalnya Noelle menolak menikah krn takut mengalami apa yg dialami ibunya dimana selama ini dikiranya ibu dan ayahnya adalah psgan yg tdk bahagia, krn ayahnya selingkuh, namun ternyata sbrnya ayahnya mencintai ibunya tp ibunya yg menutup diri krn mencintai org laen walaupun ayahnya sdh melakukan segala cara agar ibunya mau mencintainya tp tetap ditolak shg ayahnya menemukan ibu Eva dan jth cinta pd ibu eva. Hal ini diketahui oleh Eva dan menceritakannya kdp Noelle ketika mengetahui Noelle bimbang menerima lamaran dr Gavin. Dan yg sgt disukai diakhir cerita adalah si Noelle mendptkan byk give, rmh br, kalung yg dicuri akhirnya diberikan Lord S kepadanya, tertangkapnya pelaku kejahatan dan kedtgan kakak Noelle – Margaret dan adiknya – Eva shg mereka bs reuni sblm acara pernikahannya.
So sweet ni critanya
December 28, 2011
Holy Twitching Toad, Batman!
Am I the only one who has noticed the profusion of twitching Mr. Toads in romance novels these days? Why, it's almost an epidemic! I remember where I was when I read my first sentence with a "twitcher" in it. I lie, I don't remember where I was, I just know that the first time I read that word it was pretty much a fun moment. And then, it s-p-r-e-a-d, until now almost every book, every hero has a twitching Mr. Toad! They can happen anywhere - on horseback, in ball rooms, in dark alleys, leaning against a wall, in a carriage, in a library. And, anything can set them off! A sprightly turned ankle, a swan-like neck, a pert nose, the curve of a downy cheek, the bosom about to fall out of a gown. I feel sorry for all those heroes with this affliction. My eyelid twitches every once in awhile, so, for something that is quite a bit more sizable it must be rather embarrassing when one goes off. Especially, the requisite giant one our heroes have. We should breath a sigh of relief that they don't make noise when they twitch. Just think of all those twitching Mr. Toads in a Regency ballroom. Do you think it would be possible for all of them to go off at once? Duck! They're about to blow!
I think it is time for us to find a new descriptor - let's turn to the handy dandy Theasurus, shall we? We have flutter (not manly enough), shiver (nah, too weather-related); there's stir, tremble, shudder, tic, jitter, twiddle, quiver, dance, flip, flop and my all time favorite, blink. A blinking Mr. Toad. What do you think? Pretty descriptive.
And, now on to The Accidental Courtesan by Cheryl Ann Smith. Yep, there were twitches in this book, and with good reason. The heroine (Noelle) was a bit of a Mr. Toad teaser, if you get my drift. And, why shouldn't she be? She's a virgin hanging out at a school for courtesans. Makes perfect sense. Actually, nothing in this book really makes too much sense. This is the second in the series and it requires the reader really really suspend belief. I understand that authors/writers are trying to come up with something new, something different. But, sometimes we get lost in the unbelievable and the story turns into something that is so preposterous it's silly. A good writer can take any mundane plot and make it seem new again. I truly believe that Ms. Smith has the writing ability to do that, it's just that this plot was a distraction. It distracted from character development of both the main couple and all those wonderful secondary people that live within the pages.
I didn't care for Noelle, I thought she was a tease, and not a funny one. She had one hair-brained scheme after another and she led Gavin around by his twitcher. I hope future books by Ms. Smith have more character development and less unbelievable plots.
Am I the only one who has noticed the profusion of twitching Mr. Toads in romance novels these days? Why, it's almost an epidemic! I remember where I was when I read my first sentence with a "twitcher" in it. I lie, I don't remember where I was, I just know that the first time I read that word it was pretty much a fun moment. And then, it s-p-r-e-a-d, until now almost every book, every hero has a twitching Mr. Toad! They can happen anywhere - on horseback, in ball rooms, in dark alleys, leaning against a wall, in a carriage, in a library. And, anything can set them off! A sprightly turned ankle, a swan-like neck, a pert nose, the curve of a downy cheek, the bosom about to fall out of a gown. I feel sorry for all those heroes with this affliction. My eyelid twitches every once in awhile, so, for something that is quite a bit more sizable it must be rather embarrassing when one goes off. Especially, the requisite giant one our heroes have. We should breath a sigh of relief that they don't make noise when they twitch. Just think of all those twitching Mr. Toads in a Regency ballroom. Do you think it would be possible for all of them to go off at once? Duck! They're about to blow!
I think it is time for us to find a new descriptor - let's turn to the handy dandy Theasurus, shall we? We have flutter (not manly enough), shiver (nah, too weather-related); there's stir, tremble, shudder, tic, jitter, twiddle, quiver, dance, flip, flop and my all time favorite, blink. A blinking Mr. Toad. What do you think? Pretty descriptive.
And, now on to The Accidental Courtesan by Cheryl Ann Smith. Yep, there were twitches in this book, and with good reason. The heroine (Noelle) was a bit of a Mr. Toad teaser, if you get my drift. And, why shouldn't she be? She's a virgin hanging out at a school for courtesans. Makes perfect sense. Actually, nothing in this book really makes too much sense. This is the second in the series and it requires the reader really really suspend belief. I understand that authors/writers are trying to come up with something new, something different. But, sometimes we get lost in the unbelievable and the story turns into something that is so preposterous it's silly. A good writer can take any mundane plot and make it seem new again. I truly believe that Ms. Smith has the writing ability to do that, it's just that this plot was a distraction. It distracted from character development of both the main couple and all those wonderful secondary people that live within the pages.
I didn't care for Noelle, I thought she was a tease, and not a funny one. She had one hair-brained scheme after another and she led Gavin around by his twitcher. I hope future books by Ms. Smith have more character development and less unbelievable plots.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2011
I've been having a lot of trouble reading romance novels lately because they all seem to be recycling the same handful of ideas over and over. This one is no different in that regard, but it did have originality and spunk that made me want to sit with it and have a nice coze.
This is the second book in the "School for Brides" series, and picks up with Lady Noelle Seymour, half-sister to the founder of the school that rehabilitates courtesans into marriageable young women for middle class men. Lady Noelle is left in charge while the founder of the school is away, and a desperate courtesan arrives claiming that she has stolen a valuable item from her protector, the Earl of Seabrook. Noelle agrees to help the courtesan return the necklace, but winds up in hot water herself when she is discovered by a man she believes is the Earl. In a hysterical comedy of errors she eventually discovers the man she bargained with in a dark bedroom is actually the earl's cousin, Gavin Blackwell, and he is VERY interested in the young woman who claims she is never going to get married.
But the plot surrounding the necklace is far more complicated than it first appears, and the couple find themselves at the heart of a dangerous conspiracy. Will Noelle and Gavin figure out the mystery of the necklace before one of them gets hurt--or worse?
Alright, so it isn't a surprise that the story has a happy ending, and I'm not really spoiling anything by saying that. I enjoyed the banter between Noelle and Gavin, and I think that the mystery in the story was clever and enjoyable. I also appreciate that Smith brings in Nicholas and Eva from the first book in the series, and creates a little space for updating the readers on how these characters are doing without making the first book an essential read for understanding the second installment. The novel as a whole was a pleasureable, escapist read, and I think I've found a new romance author to add to my list of authors to follow.
This is the second book in the "School for Brides" series, and picks up with Lady Noelle Seymour, half-sister to the founder of the school that rehabilitates courtesans into marriageable young women for middle class men. Lady Noelle is left in charge while the founder of the school is away, and a desperate courtesan arrives claiming that she has stolen a valuable item from her protector, the Earl of Seabrook. Noelle agrees to help the courtesan return the necklace, but winds up in hot water herself when she is discovered by a man she believes is the Earl. In a hysterical comedy of errors she eventually discovers the man she bargained with in a dark bedroom is actually the earl's cousin, Gavin Blackwell, and he is VERY interested in the young woman who claims she is never going to get married.
But the plot surrounding the necklace is far more complicated than it first appears, and the couple find themselves at the heart of a dangerous conspiracy. Will Noelle and Gavin figure out the mystery of the necklace before one of them gets hurt--or worse?
Alright, so it isn't a surprise that the story has a happy ending, and I'm not really spoiling anything by saying that. I enjoyed the banter between Noelle and Gavin, and I think that the mystery in the story was clever and enjoyable. I also appreciate that Smith brings in Nicholas and Eva from the first book in the series, and creates a little space for updating the readers on how these characters are doing without making the first book an essential read for understanding the second installment. The novel as a whole was a pleasureable, escapist read, and I think I've found a new romance author to add to my list of authors to follow.
May 17, 2012
It was an entertaining, if unbelievable, romp through Regency-era London.
Lady Noelle is trying to help out a courtesan in trouble by returning a necklace that she took from her lover's, the Earl of Seabrook, wife. So what does Lady Noelle do? She dresses up as a man and climbs a trellace into a bedroom window to leave the necklace back at the townhouse it was taken from. No one was supposed to be home, unfortunately, information was wrong.
Gavin Blackwell, the cousin to the man cheating with the courtesan, is asleep in the bedroom and catches Noelle in the act. Trying to come up with a plausible reason for being there, Noelle, assuming he is the Earl, pretends to be there to be his new courtesan. He was well into his cups, but enough with it to kiss the bajeezus out of Noelle before he passes out and she escapes.
Not remembering much but snippets of what she looks like and her bath oil scent, Gavin goes on the hunt for his mysterious lady. Surprisingly he finds her at a ball, no other then Lady Seymour!
Without much effort at all, Gavin gets Noelle to tell him what is really going on and what she was really doing in the townhouse. He decides to help her find out the true person behind the crime (because the courtesan isn't smart enough to have done it on her own). And for fun, Lady Noelle masquerades as a courtesan of Gavin's to gather information.
Then there's a lot of back and forth of who is really seducing whom.
Eventually the each fall in love with the other and then it takes longer for each of them to admit it, to themselves and each other.
The end.
Lady Noelle is trying to help out a courtesan in trouble by returning a necklace that she took from her lover's, the Earl of Seabrook, wife. So what does Lady Noelle do? She dresses up as a man and climbs a trellace into a bedroom window to leave the necklace back at the townhouse it was taken from. No one was supposed to be home, unfortunately, information was wrong.
Gavin Blackwell, the cousin to the man cheating with the courtesan, is asleep in the bedroom and catches Noelle in the act. Trying to come up with a plausible reason for being there, Noelle, assuming he is the Earl, pretends to be there to be his new courtesan. He was well into his cups, but enough with it to kiss the bajeezus out of Noelle before he passes out and she escapes.
Not remembering much but snippets of what she looks like and her bath oil scent, Gavin goes on the hunt for his mysterious lady. Surprisingly he finds her at a ball, no other then Lady Seymour!
Without much effort at all, Gavin gets Noelle to tell him what is really going on and what she was really doing in the townhouse. He decides to help her find out the true person behind the crime (because the courtesan isn't smart enough to have done it on her own). And for fun, Lady Noelle masquerades as a courtesan of Gavin's to gather information.
Then there's a lot of back and forth of who is really seducing whom.
Eventually the each fall in love with the other and then it takes longer for each of them to admit it, to themselves and each other.
The end.
September 10, 2013
Lady Noelle is a beautiful young member of the Ton. She is twenty-five and considers herself a spinster. She is not usually reckless but is getting restless, ready for a change since the marriage of her two sisters.
Gavin Blackwell is the grandson and cousin of earls but has made his own way in life as a successful shipbuilder. His American mother and his independent spirit make him a bit exotic to the Ton, while his great wealth makes him a catch. Too bad he does not want a wife.
Lady Noelle is just trying to help a friend when she climbs into Gavin’s bedroom window to return a stolen necklace. She does not intend to get caught, especially by the homeowner’s handsome houseguest who mistakes her for a courtesan. Gavin is captivated by the mysterious beauty and is as determined to find her as Noelle is not to be found.
The author has written an excellent historical romance. The characters are realistic and attractive. Ms. Smith has incorporated an element of suspense and danger that enhances Noelle and Gavin’s intriguing relationship. Charismatic characters, scorching love scenes and a plot full of unexpected twists and turns make this book impossible to put down.
Maura
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
- See more at: http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/Book...
December 7, 2012
okay so first I have a Nook, I still have a stack of paperbacks that I haven't read yet... so while my Nook is charging I read my paperbacks. However, in this case, this book just didn't grab my attention. (Hence, the long time it took me to read this book). I also found myself annoyed by Noelle.
Spolier : And yes its always the angry wife, c'mon saw that a mile away.
Sorry Smith, I did enjoy the first in the series, but this one just didn't do it for me.
Spolier : And yes its always the angry wife, c'mon saw that a mile away.
Sorry Smith, I did enjoy the first in the series, but this one just didn't do it for me.
October 1, 2012
I liked this book much more than the first! Gavin is deliciously sexy. Noelle is such a likable heroine. Together they're fabulous. I kinda guessed who was behind everything from the beginning of the story so it wasn't really shocking. I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop though as the story went on. Recommend this book!!
November 9, 2011
Never warmed to either the hero/heroine. The synopsis & blurb sounded so promising but the writer's style of writing is lacking. Hardly any finesse & doesn't compare to writer's like Lisa Kleypas (my all time fav), Suzanne Enoch to name a few.
January 6, 2013
I read this, forgetting how much I dislike romance novels. It had all the elements in romance that I despise: out-of-time-period feminism, a cranky heroine who is pure and virginal and hates her body, and of course, a brash alpha-male who is pushy and won't take no for an answer. Gross.
May 16, 2013
I just did not like this book that much. I did not think that the title fit for this book. She chose to pretend, it definitely was not accidential. The story was slow and hard to get into. Hope the next one is better!!
July 4, 2013
I don't know why I got really, really bored while I was reading this.
The previous book only took 2 days this one almost a week !!!
Maybe I should change the theme.
It's nice but as I said I should change the theme.
The previous book only took 2 days this one almost a week !!!
Maybe I should change the theme.
It's nice but as I said I should change the theme.
May 12, 2014
SQ: School for Brides
November 7, 2011
Really liked this story and thought both main characters were interesting and funny.
October 1, 2012
This was a fun and easy read. :-) Not too much drama, and sometimes a light romance like this is welcome.
October 3, 2011
I enjoyed this one. It's a fluffy romance read, but those are so much fun sometimes! Another strong female character who gets herself into all sorts of issues. :)
October 24, 2011
I enjoyed this book, more detailed review to come!
October 30, 2011
It enticed, but I couldn't finish.
November 15, 2011
A cute book
November 28, 2011
Look for review on Night Owl Reviews
March 15, 2012
Wonderful and romantic! Makes me wish for the opportunity to dress up and try to seduce an Earl or Lord.
April 12, 2012
I love this series it catches you from the moment that you read the first few lines.
I can't wait to read book three when it finally comes out
I can't wait to read book three when it finally comes out
May 10, 2012
The second book in the series. The heroine's attitude is more 20 century. If you can overlook that, there is a good balance of romance and action to keep you entertained for few hours.
June 8, 2012
Another great read I really enjoyed this one
June 8, 2012
I truly enjoyed this book. It was funny and adventurous. A good fluff book to read when you need to unwind.
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