A Gentleman's Wish

by Vlad Kahany

A secret auction. An instant attraction. One wish.

A girl like no other.

At eighteen, Miss June Aveling’s beauty is her most prized possession. With no family or means to survive, she can’t afford to dream. So, her talent in drawing and the knowledge of entomology will remain just those—dreams. The money will come from elsewhere. She is about to become the top prize of a secret auction where the wealthiest of Victorian London bid on beauty. Soon-to-be courtesan, June is ready for what is to come. Until mysterious Desmon Shaw walks into her life…

A fateful joke.

Desmon Shaw suspects nothing when his friend takes him to a secret auction. But when Desmon meets June Aveling, his heart flutters like it hasn’t since his bride left him at an altar years ago. He is smitten. The auction starts. The bids are placed. And the winning bid gives Desmon a choice of a lifetime.

A love that is stronger than prejudice...

A contract is signed. It’s just a contract. Or so it was until Desmon finds himself falling hard for a woman who is destined to be a courtesan.

And June starts dreaming again. But when Desmon's past comes knocking on the door—the woman who was once destined to be his wife—June realizes she is not the only one who is after Desmon's heart. When ten days are up, the reality will be harsher than ever before. Will it be?

Love can be sweet, or it can be cruel when all you have is ten days…

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Victorian, Smut, Erotica

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 6, 2021

About the author

Raised on the love for music and literary classics, Kahany has studied philology and religion.
For news, updates, discounts on new releases, please visit www.VladKahany.com
For questions, comments, suggestions, please email VladKahany@gmail.com

Reviews

[Matteja LV · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book for book challenge- male author. I love historical romances so I wanted to try out male points of view.

Overall, the story was very sensual and well written, I was a little put off because of the plot (biding for virgins on auction) but I liked how the romance evolved.

I might read more of his books.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/28/2023)! 🎁

[Space Cowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

His🐺🍆⛲ Obsession💃💋💘

ADULT Historical Victorian Romance 💕and Adventure. Be a hero, even if it's just for one day...

Desmon🐺🍆⛲, a wealthy man, is given his very own trained but innocent courtesan💃💋 . She is purchased by his friend , Lord Volchen, at a special auction.

June💃💋, the daughter of an entomologist🐝, ,was left an orphan at 16, and forced to sell herself to Mrs. Sharpe, a woman who is connected to the Belle House, a high end brothel.

Desmon🐺🍆⛲ is obsessed with June💃💋, who is Also an accomplished artist🎨. Soon, he begins to see her as a person, not just an object of his burning🔥 desire...

ARC Provided by Hidden 💎Gems

In the beginning, Desmon🐺🍆⛲ is an arrogant man, who figures on only one night with June.💃💋 He doesn't realize she is a person with feelings , a heart💕, with ambitions, and a sharp mind.

Then he finally realizes he has a heart💘, too!

There are many tastefully written ADULT scenes in this fascinating novel. It could almost be classified as erotica , but author Kahany📚 has a great story to tell along the way.

[A.T. Abbott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good premise, medium execution

The novel has a good premise, with the auction adding plenty of drama to the story. Even so, I had trouble with the anachronistic language and the pacing of the story - I believe it could've been more concise. In general, it is a fun read if you don't overthink it.

[Samantha Fulginiti · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was alright. Maybe it wasn’t my cup of tea because of the time period, but also unjust felt like there wasn’t enough context or story. Or the story that was there fell flat. I didn’t feel any connections to the characters or feel how hard their lives were and the decisions they were making were. Again maybe it’s because I can’t relate to the time period. It was alright.

[Tori · Rating 3 out of 5]

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**

Innocent 18yr old Miss June has made the decision to join the Belle House and become a courtesan as she has no other prospects. Little did she know that the man with the winning bid to be her first would capture her heart and change her destiny in so many ways. This book was very well written with intricate detail and sensual love scenes. You can’t help but root for June and Desmon to find their happy ending. I rated this book 3 stars not because it was not well done but I don’t think this particular story was for my personal taste. If you are looking for a seductive, scandalous love affair set in period London you will enjoy this book quite a lot. It’s well thought out and well researched. Has many scenes of smoldering passion which are heightened by June’s diminishing innocence as she explores her new found sexuality. It is very informative on the nature & science of butterflies and highlights the cultural/social barriers the characters of different societal classes must overcome. All in all this book was well done.

[Crystal Denny · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It's strange to think that some of the most horrible moments can lead you to the happiest of times."
Oh, this story is superb!!! I absolutely love June and Desmon together!!! I really love all the butterfly tidbit... I also think that they are perfect for June's story; because she is innocent and beautiful and delicate and hard to shy away from. I appreciate that she is portrayed as so intelligent and that in the end she decided for herself to go off on her own and support herself and follow her dreams. Her Dad would be so proud of her. I really liked Volchen's character too. He seems so wise. Almost like the Jimmy Cricket for Pinocchio that helps guide Desmon.
As always, Mr. Kahany writes an amazing story that is so on the nose with how people can truly think and feel and that is what makes his stories absolutely outstanding. I like that they are all stand alones but still connected.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

June has dreams for her life but reality is she is being auctioned off at the Belle House Flower Party as a courtesan. Desmon she June at the auction and falls for her as they spend time together, sparks fly between them but Desmon’s past comes back to destroy their budding relationship? Will they be together or torn apart? Fast-paced read with loads of drama, suspense, steam and emotions, great characters and intense chemistry. I liked it.

[Emjay · Rating 1 out of 5]

It just could have been so much better....

[Reg Hancock · Rating 5 out of 5]

June Aveling at 18 is being prepared to be auctioned at the biannual Belle House Flower Party famous for obtaining high prices for its virgins offered to the cream of London society and nobility. After almost two years of finishing school by the associate house June is presented to the qualified bidders the night before the auction. At the auction her eye is inexorably drawn to the handsome well built man in his mid-twenties standing next to Lord Volchen a top bidder and his best friend. The young man is Desmon Shaw a wealthy landowner and horse breeder from Kent and he is just as taken with the golden haired, blue-eyed, classical beauty of June as she is him. The next night Lord Volchen wins and gifts his friend but June and Desmon are thrilled and this begins a sensual long first night of taking the virgin and drawing out to a longer period with the courtesan visiting his estate in Kent. This is a little lighter than previous Belle House books yet a delight to read and charming in that it takes one back to those Victorian times though they could just as well be regency. As usual the sex is sensuous and graphic. We find that June is supremely talented in art other than sexual. Received this ARC and have voluntarily reviewed.

[FD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being orphaned at age 16, June sees no other option to support herself than to be a courtesan. After being accepted at the classy Belle House an a special preparation of 2 years, the time has come, the evening that June’ virginity will be auctioned. Desmon came to the auction with his friend James, with no intention of entering.After they met one another, the attraction and infatuation between Desmon and June is instant. Desmon isn't sure what to think of this and the auction, but when James wins the auction and offers June as a gift, he has no choice but to accept it. After this one night he can't say goodbye to June. He hires her companionship for 10 days. The question now is whether he can let her go after these ten days.
Two sensitive but also strong main characters. A special and insightful friend, James, very curious about his story. Beautiful descriptions of nature, insects, but especially butterflies. Butterflies also used in descriptive metaphors and nicely woven into the story. Passionate love scenes. Accessible pleasant writing style. First book I've read by this author, but definitely not the last.

[Caligirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read …

I have to say this is a rare time I felt so fully invested in the story line… so many times this story broke my heart with the sweetness of it all.. I loved the plot line and how it all played out.. I don’t often find myself invested in “Courtesan” storyline’s, but June was so sweet and Des perfect for her.. read in one sitting …. Oh and it’s pretty dam HOT to boot 😉🥂.. well done

Follow Up:

So I just finished “The Wicked Bet” which is James story… to me his character was the best of both books. However I very much felt James was wasted on Ada.. her character was selfish and narcissistic, while James was no saint by a long shot … he could have had sooo much more as a match in the intelligence department which Ada was missing… her only asset appeared to be her beauty… James could have found Beauty and brains somewhere else than Bell House.. the book was ok, maybe 3 stars (generously) because I so love Kahany’s writing style …

[Alexandra G · Rating 5 out of 5]

When her father died, she saw no other option then to enroll in the ‘School for Ladies’ knowing she would one day become a courtesan. Only that world wasn’t made for her and now there’s no way of going back. If only prince charming existed…

His friend buys her at the virgin auction of London’s most infamous house of pleasure, and then gifts her to him. They share an instant connection and one night simply isn’t enough. He whisks her away to his country estate for ten more days of pleasure, thinking to satiate his lust and desire for her. But he gets so much more than he bargained for…

This book took me by surprise in the best way possible! I was expecting dark & steamy, like most of Vlad Kahany‘s books, but instead it was an incredibly beautiful love story about two people who fall so fast and so hard, they almost crash. This story is an abundance of heart, steam, love, passion with simple, honest friendship as a foundation.

[Karine Sardarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vlad! I can't believe you did it again!
Wrote a beautiful and pretty unique book,
full of emotions, background character's story and!
sex. passionate tender mutual and so natural,
without pain and violence.

most of the male authors wanna make their heroiness weak and subjugate them to the harsh male will, but your womans, they're unique, clever, brave... I'm so thankful you for that.

And I'm very happy you didn't shame courtesans!
Like, they're not filthy and disrespectful, they're... business womans)))

For the truth, I don't read a descriptions of books, so all twistes was a nice surprise for me.

For everyone, who "she's a virgin and so horny already?" - if! my first man did to me what Desmon did? girls, I would be ready worship this man in any ways)))

Thank you, Vlad :)

[Lara Chabot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed June and Desmon’s story. I was unsure, at the beginning, with June being groomed to be a courtesan out of necessity: it made me feel uneasy. The story goes well: we explore both their feelings, follow them along as their relationship evolves. June is a brilliant young woman and Desmon, a tender loving man. A very nice read!

I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book and I am leaving my review freely.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The touch of a butterfly.
This is a tale of a young woman alone in the world that does what she must to survive even if that means becoming a courtesan. When her virginity goes up for auction Desmon Shaw has the winning bid. The piece is told in three parts and I must it was a very interesting book to read. I got completely lost in Desmon and June’s story. I did receive a free copy of this book from Hidden Gems and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read one of Mr. Kahany's first books a while back! I loved it so much! I have not had much of a chance to come back, but, I saw this and said, YES! So glad I did.

This was such a sweet romance.

Lack of communication caused plenty of angst for our main characters.

Steamy scenes!

Loved the inner dialogue the characters had which added to the drama!

I definitely enjoy this author's work!

[Yani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really really loved this. I found another favorite writer. It's a historical romance with adult content, but I do wish I could let my daughter read this.... The H is so sweet even if he was prejudiced, the h is so strong in her own way.
I love the information on butterflies that Mr. Kahany wrote in the book. I started reading at 11 pm and finished it 3 hours later while searching on Google all those butterflies pictures.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This intriguing Victorian romance swept me away. Its interesting and complicated characters, like Miss June Aveling and Mr. Desmon Shaw, found courage and determination in their times of despair. They each learned that the true treasure in life was the one person that completed them and brought them joy, even in the worst of times. To find happiness, they needed the one person their heart truly craved. Excellent Story! Really Great Read!!!!!

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wishes on a Butterfly

Beautiful story! So well written, I felt all the emotions that June and Desmond were feeling. Happy, sad, made me smile, and want to cry at the same time. She facing a life
of a courtesan, he,s trying to get over being left at the altar. 10 days is all they have, but will it be enough?.
Thank you ❤️

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love is grand,.....

The story v starts with the introduction yo the two young ladies being prepared to become a courtesan. First there is an auction where men bid on being their first lover. He goes along with a friend to the auction, and one of the women captures his interest this is their story.

[Gail Ransom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wishes can come true

When two worlds mesh together, two world can become one. As. Always, I like to read books that hold my attention to the point that even sleep can wait, such, was this book for me.k

[Rachel]

Another random read and not disappointed at all Vlad Kahany is amazing! Absolutely love the flow of this book and instantly fell in love with the Des and June. If time allowed I could of spent all day reading the entire book very hard to put down.

[Treasa · Rating 4 out of 5]

SWEET & STEAMY
A sweet and steamy read with a great storyline that is well written and kept me bound to my reader feeling the flutters and butterflies enjoying every inescapable word that gives all the feels and portrays a great job of writing and executing the era this story takes place in. I found this story to be amazing with an ending that made me like it even more and definitely recommend as perfect read that does not disappoint.

[paula reeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love story

It was an amazing story. The butterflies add and extra touch.. I loved learning about them and watching the way it matched the love story

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Desmond & June’s book. It was an entertaining read. I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Dai Molina · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time reading this kinda of book and I really really enjoy it. While I was reading i was literally in my head picturing everything the carriage the dresses the suits... Amazing 💚

[Debra Johnson]

Amazon Purch. March 28, 2023

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty Woman, but naughtier!

[Orozcosl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Butterflies!

This is a really good book! The characters are worthy of the plot, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading all of the development s of the story!