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The Scandalous Series #3
A Courtesan's Scandal
If a duke fell in love with her, it would be the talk of the town!
Kate Bergeron is the beautiful and mysterious former mistress of a cloth merchant...and the latest beauty to capture the interest of the Prince of Wales. Mired in a disastrous divorce, the Prince attempts to distract attention from his next amorous pursuit by ordering Grayson Christopher, the eligible Duke of Darlington, to pretend to London society that he is having an affair with Kate. When Grayson reluctantly agrees to his Prince's demand, he finds the lady no more willing than he is. Kate will grudgingly act the part in public, but her favors are not for sale to any man.
As Grayson and Kate mimic ardor for the world to see, they find what started as a deception becoming all too real. And when passion flames into love, their predicament becomes extreme. For while marriage between a duke and a courtesan could never happen, Kate knows in her heart that she is willing to accept nothing less.
Kate Bergeron is the beautiful and mysterious former mistress of a cloth merchant...and the latest beauty to capture the interest of the Prince of Wales. Mired in a disastrous divorce, the Prince attempts to distract attention from his next amorous pursuit by ordering Grayson Christopher, the eligible Duke of Darlington, to pretend to London society that he is having an affair with Kate. When Grayson reluctantly agrees to his Prince's demand, he finds the lady no more willing than he is. Kate will grudgingly act the part in public, but her favors are not for sale to any man.
As Grayson and Kate mimic ardor for the world to see, they find what started as a deception becoming all too real. And when passion flames into love, their predicament becomes extreme. For while marriage between a duke and a courtesan could never happen, Kate knows in her heart that she is willing to accept nothing less.
371 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 30, 2009
39 people are currently reading
883 people want to read
About the author
Julia London
190 books3,141 followersJulia London is the New York Times and USA Today best selling author of more than two dozen romantic fiction novels. She is the author of the popular historical romance series, the Cabot Sisters, including The Trouble with Honor, The Devil Takes a Bride, and The Scoundrel and the Debutante. She is also the author of several contemporary romances, including Homecoming Ranch, Return to Homecoming Ranch, and The Perfect Homecoming.
Julia is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a six-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction. To keep up with all the Julia London news, please visit http://www.julialondon.com. Follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/julialondon
Julia is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a six-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction. To keep up with all the Julia London news, please visit http://www.julialondon.com. Follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/julialondon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
October 17, 2017
Sinceramente no le iba a poner más de tres estrellas. Y eso que la historia era buena y los personajes estuvieron muy bien trazados.
Pero a mí gusto, le faltó alma a este libro. Siempre (no sé porqué) tuve la sensación de que la autora escribió este libro como por puro compromiso, era como que iba leyendo algo que tenía un montón de potencial pero se quedó en eso.
Debo mencionar también que a partir de la segunda mitad, el libro; aunque con un exceso de dramatismo, se hizo más fácil y ágil de leer además de que la ambientación estuvo tan bien cuidada que me parecía estar viéndolo todo claramente.
Y es que al principio quizás por el estilo narrativo de la autora era como que narraba nimiedades sin importancia. Que si el jarrón con flores Rosas y margaritas traido de no sé dónde, que si los cuadros de los antepasados con pinturas viejas (estoy inventando, obvio ni me acuerdo de eso porque me lo pase jaja pero era algo así lo que sentí) es que narraban cosas que a mí me venían sobrando. El punto es que era pura paja y nada de diálogo.
Me gustó mucho ver fielmente retratado el poder de la sociedad en esa época y la importancia que aún ahora seguimos dándole al que dirán... es una lástima que sigan pasando ese tipo de cosas hoy en día. Que triste que los prejuicios siempre jueguen en nuestra contra.
En fin... 3.5 estrellas porque el final aunque un poco rebuscado para mi gusto. Estuvo bonito.
Pero a mí gusto, le faltó alma a este libro. Siempre (no sé porqué) tuve la sensación de que la autora escribió este libro como por puro compromiso, era como que iba leyendo algo que tenía un montón de potencial pero se quedó en eso.
Debo mencionar también que a partir de la segunda mitad, el libro; aunque con un exceso de dramatismo, se hizo más fácil y ágil de leer además de que la ambientación estuvo tan bien cuidada que me parecía estar viéndolo todo claramente.
Y es que al principio quizás por el estilo narrativo de la autora era como que narraba nimiedades sin importancia. Que si el jarrón con flores Rosas y margaritas traido de no sé dónde, que si los cuadros de los antepasados con pinturas viejas (estoy inventando, obvio ni me acuerdo de eso porque me lo pase jaja pero era algo así lo que sentí) es que narraban cosas que a mí me venían sobrando. El punto es que era pura paja y nada de diálogo.
Me gustó mucho ver fielmente retratado el poder de la sociedad en esa época y la importancia que aún ahora seguimos dándole al que dirán... es una lástima que sigan pasando ese tipo de cosas hoy en día. Que triste que los prejuicios siempre jueguen en nuestra contra.
En fin... 3.5 estrellas porque el final aunque un poco rebuscado para mi gusto. Estuvo bonito.
February 12, 2012
This book is my favorite so far this year. I almost stopped reading it in the beginning due to the way the hero was described but I pushed through and was very happy that I did. The storyline was so engrossing I couldn’t put the book down. You should have heard me talking to the characters like they could hear me, lol. I was so surprised in the beginning that the stuffy proper duke was having an adulterous affair with one of his peer’s wife. He was definitely NOT a one dimensional character and that’s what I loved about this book most of all.
I usually don’t like JL’s heroines. The heroes are always lap dogs to their shrewish behaviors. They are always very unlikeable to me, but in this book I thought the heroine was well drawn out and had a realistic personality. Actually all the characters including the secondary ones were portrayed very well. “Hell has no fury like a woman scorned” comes to mind when thinking of the hero’s adulterous mistress. I’m not so sure how I feel about our leads HEA with her and the prince still around, lol.
The ending was not as satisfying as I would have liked though. The stage scene at the end was rather eye rolling material, and there should have been an epilogue. There was just too much loose ends to tie up for there not to be one. Were his family ruined because he married a courtesan? Will the prince try to get revenge on the duke for stealing his mistress? Will the Duke’s spurned mistress stab them all in their sleep? I guess we will never know!
I usually don’t like JL’s heroines. The heroes are always lap dogs to their shrewish behaviors. They are always very unlikeable to me, but in this book I thought the heroine was well drawn out and had a realistic personality. Actually all the characters including the secondary ones were portrayed very well. “Hell has no fury like a woman scorned” comes to mind when thinking of the hero’s adulterous mistress. I’m not so sure how I feel about our leads HEA with her and the prince still around, lol.
The ending was not as satisfying as I would have liked though. The stage scene at the end was rather eye rolling material, and there should have been an epilogue. There was just too much loose ends to tie up for there not to be one. Were his family ruined because he married a courtesan? Will the prince try to get revenge on the duke for stealing his mistress? Will the Duke’s spurned mistress stab them all in their sleep? I guess we will never know!
March 4, 2015
Note to self for future reference.
1. Both H and h knew that they are crossing a moral and 'legal' boundaries but they went in to the 'bed' anyway because IT felt good for them. I hate this excuse. Ten or even 5 years ago I can swallow it but now a days it's just made me roll my eyes because a) hard to swallow and b) lazy author.
2. H is a passive character. He only acts when situation or other people force him or blackmail him. He kept telling himself he hated being told what to do but that is because he never do anything at all on his own initiative. Even when he knew the h was in trouble. What a wuss.
3. Great storytelling and the inclusion of the slave trade issue as a historical tidbit. (Can't vouch for its historical accuracy since I'm no scholar.)
Frustrating character, devious plotting, and could be a 3 star but did I say the H was frustrating in his inaction and passivity?
*Library Copy*
1. Both H and h knew that they are crossing a moral and 'legal' boundaries but they went in to the 'bed' anyway because IT felt good for them. I hate this excuse. Ten or even 5 years ago I can swallow it but now a days it's just made me roll my eyes because a) hard to swallow and b) lazy author.
2. H is a passive character. He only acts when situation or other people force him or blackmail him. He kept telling himself he hated being told what to do but that is because he never do anything at all on his own initiative. Even when he knew the h was in trouble. What a wuss.
3. Great storytelling and the inclusion of the slave trade issue as a historical tidbit. (Can't vouch for its historical accuracy since I'm no scholar.)
Frustrating character, devious plotting, and could be a 3 star but did I say the H was frustrating in his inaction and passivity?
*Library Copy*
Read
April 4, 2016I read the first 35% and couldn't really say anything happened. Kate and Christie just circled around each other without any chemistry between them. Writing is as fluid as I have come to expect in a Julia London novel. But this courtesan and a duke thing is doing nothing for me. It has never worked for me. I had hoped that London could make me a believer. Alas, I think she had Kate and Christie dance around each other without really showing any attraction between them for too long. The book is 1/3 over, for God's sake, and we are still reading about the Prince and Kate and Christie and his liaison a married woman. I pass.
February 24, 2021
SLOW burning romance with likable multi-dimensional characters. 3/5 Stars.
The problem I had with this book is that the h/H had no chemistry together. When they meet, they disliked each other on sight and this is believable for the next 40% of the book. We're then lead to believe that they are hot for each other, completely out of the blue. Another reveiwer said,"They refused to accept one another until all of a sudden they were banging" and this is spot on.
As someone who believes in first love on sight, I didnt buy this long ass storyline. lol.... I actually wished that the friend/butler ended up being the h's H at the end. THAT I would've bought .
(few spoilers)
h, an unusually beautiful blonde with green eyes, is a true courtesan.
A low-born girl, she could barely read or speak. When her mom passes away at an early age, she's kicked out of her home by her stepmom . She then catches the eye of a clothing merchant where she worked and becomes his mistress until the Prince decides he needs to have her.
H, the Duke, is not handsome, but he's rich and very powerful thus attractive. He's a straightlaced, goodie-goodie, pompous baffoon who's been having an affair with a married woman (OW), which The Prince finds out about and thus blackmails him into pretending to be the h's Protector until his business is sorted.
So they meet and pretend to be in a mistress/protector relationship.
This story is very similar to The Duke by Gaelen Foley (5 stars book), but this book is darker and I didn't believe that this h/H actually fell in love. If you haven't read the Duke, I suggest that you read that instead.
The problem I had with this book is that the h/H had no chemistry together. When they meet, they disliked each other on sight and this is believable for the next 40% of the book. We're then lead to believe that they are hot for each other, completely out of the blue. Another reveiwer said,"They refused to accept one another until all of a sudden they were banging" and this is spot on.
As someone who believes in first love on sight, I didnt buy this long ass storyline. lol.... I actually wished that the friend/butler ended up being the h's H at the end. THAT I would've bought .
(few spoilers)
h, an unusually beautiful blonde with green eyes, is a true courtesan.
A low-born girl, she could barely read or speak. When her mom passes away at an early age, she's kicked out of her home by her stepmom . She then catches the eye of a clothing merchant where she worked and becomes his mistress until the Prince decides he needs to have her.
H, the Duke, is not handsome, but he's rich and very powerful thus attractive. He's a straightlaced, goodie-goodie, pompous baffoon who's been having an affair with a married woman (OW), which The Prince finds out about and thus blackmails him into pretending to be the h's Protector until his business is sorted.
So they meet and pretend to be in a mistress/protector relationship.
This story is very similar to The Duke by Gaelen Foley (5 stars book), but this book is darker and I didn't believe that this h/H actually fell in love. If you haven't read the Duke, I suggest that you read that instead.
April 10, 2015
I didn't enjoy this book. The courtesan out of necessity thing is something I dislike, if the heroine is a courtesan out of necessity not choice she's never consented to being a courtesan and has therefore not consented to having sex, that's rape. (the book was full of scenes with rapey undertones- and it's used a plot device, rather than a crucial part of the story)
Also are we supposed to thing she's 'better' because she doesn't enjoy sex? I pitied Kate more because she wasn't in control of her decisions but it wouldn't have made her less worthy of Grayson's love if she did enjoy sex. I just find it really anti-women that we are supposed to think more of the MC if she only enjoys sex with her one true love.
Anyway Kate also spends a lot of this book being miserable, going against her principles and feeling bad for it. She's also judged negatively constantly by most the people around her (including the 'hero' for most the book) and it's just not enjoyable to read.
I just couldn't like the hero either, he treats Kate like she's beneath him and let's her know it,
The inclusion of the slave trade/political plot was interesting, but it didn't really have much connection to the main plot and just slowed the book down.
Also are we supposed to thing she's 'better' because she doesn't enjoy sex? I pitied Kate more because she wasn't in control of her decisions but it wouldn't have made her less worthy of Grayson's love if she did enjoy sex. I just find it really anti-women that we are supposed to think more of the MC if she only enjoys sex with her one true love.
Anyway Kate also spends a lot of this book being miserable, going against her principles and feeling bad for it. She's also judged negatively constantly by most the people around her (including the 'hero' for most the book) and it's just not enjoyable to read.
I just couldn't like the hero either, he treats Kate like she's beneath him and let's her know it,
The inclusion of the slave trade/political plot was interesting, but it didn't really have much connection to the main plot and just slowed the book down.
November 12, 2009
Kate, although a courtesan, is not for sale. She is beautiful, strong-willed and has a sharp tongue. And, although she must play the part of actually liking Grayson in public, she has no qualms about her true feelings in private. Grayson, or Christie (as he is called), is the dark and brooding Duke. He’s such a stickler to what is expected of him and propriety. Not to mention he is also highly influenced by his family. An affair with a courtesan might be something that can be overlooked but to actually fall in love and marry one is unheard of.
I thought Ms. London did a fabulous job with this novel. I loved her writing style - it was very distinct. She gave a life and energy to her characters that I found endearing. I loved the dialogue between Kate and Grayson. I also loved how they initially couldn't stand each other yet their relationship slowly grew - making you fell all gushy inside along with them. Although this novel is part of a series (which I had not idea as I was reading this), it can obviously be read as a stand-alone novel.
Ms. London has once again done a superb job and I highly recommend. This is historical romance at its best.
I thought Ms. London did a fabulous job with this novel. I loved her writing style - it was very distinct. She gave a life and energy to her characters that I found endearing. I loved the dialogue between Kate and Grayson. I also loved how they initially couldn't stand each other yet their relationship slowly grew - making you fell all gushy inside along with them. Although this novel is part of a series (which I had not idea as I was reading this), it can obviously be read as a stand-alone novel.
Ms. London has once again done a superb job and I highly recommend. This is historical romance at its best.
April 27, 2015
I really liked this book. I see lots of reviewers didn't, as they thought it was unrealistic. This is Historical Romance FICTION. Fiction is imagination.
I rate books based on whether I enjoy reading them, and this one I enjoyed very much. It was well written and I felt I was in the Historical period. I liked the fact that Kate was a courtesan through no fault of her own and I enjoyed her interaction with her friends and protectors. I liked she was poor (because that is how is was for most people 200 years ago). I loved her romance with Grayson.
I didn't put the book down for days/weeks and struggle to finish it - I read it straight through. Julia has done her job. ENTERTAINED ME ! And that's what I look for in a book. Whether it be a mystery, murder, romance etc. 4.5 stars !!
I rate books based on whether I enjoy reading them, and this one I enjoyed very much. It was well written and I felt I was in the Historical period. I liked the fact that Kate was a courtesan through no fault of her own and I enjoyed her interaction with her friends and protectors. I liked she was poor (because that is how is was for most people 200 years ago). I loved her romance with Grayson.
I didn't put the book down for days/weeks and struggle to finish it - I read it straight through. Julia has done her job. ENTERTAINED ME ! And that's what I look for in a book. Whether it be a mystery, murder, romance etc. 4.5 stars !!
October 27, 2019
This series was a letdown. There really aren't any close family or friends to create a world for you. The hero and heroine of this story were unbelievable. They refused to accept one another until all of a sudden they were banging. Their love happened very quickly and didn't seem possible. She didn't even attempt at changing herself to fit in with his life and threw a fit when he refused to give everything for her. He may have been more privileged than her, being a Duke and all, but he gave in to basically all of her demands. The Prince had a tantrum meltdown in the end and they leave it open to whether he will destroy the Duke or not. The ending was not believable for the type of lifestyle they have in the ton.
May 3, 2015
me gusta mucho pero ek final para mi fue muy rápido.
March 13, 2021
Very much enjoyed the last book of the series. Quite moving
July 17, 2022
I loved this book. It made me cry
December 6, 2014
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...
A Courtesan's Scandal
By Julia London
Pocket
November 2009
The Scandalous Series ~ Book Three
Kate Bergeron was born in one of the poorest sections of London. Her mother died when Kate was ten or so, and her father remarried a woman who had two children of her own. She said that either Kate or her younger brother, Jude, had to go, so Kate was put out on the streets when she was fourteen, or maybe thirteen. She was fortunate to find a job in a cloth warehouse. Kate’s beauty caught the eye of the wealthy French cloth merchant, Benoit Cousineau, and he wanted her, but he would not lower himself to bed a lowly warehouse girl. Cousineau charged his friend, Digby, to make a lady out of Kate, and Digby and Kate became the best of friends, even after Cousineau sold her to the Regent, “Prinney,” the Prince of Wales. The Prince and his wife are in a bitter battle involving scandalous behavior by both of them. Therefore, the Prince must not advertise his latest mistress, and talks Grayson Christopher, the Duke of Darlington, to pretend he has taken Kate for his “lady bird”. This doesn’t sit well with either Kate or Grayson, but the farce is on. Kate wants Grayson to know that she is not for sale to any man. Her dream is to own a bakery in a little village, and to find her brother that she has not seen since she was exiled from her home.
Grayson and Kate reach a truce, and find that they have so much in common. Their easy friendship turns into a beautiful love, but Grayson cannot offer Kate anything other than being his mistress, which she refuses. Knowing that the bitter divorce between Prinney and his wife might come to an agreement soon, Kate and Grayson steal away for a few days, which makes it much harder to say goodbye.
A COURTESAN’S SCANDAL is simply exquisite, and one of the best, if not the very best, Regency romance of the year. Julia London has penned a sublime tale of star-crossed lovers and added interesting political issues of that period. Ms. London’s prose is incomparable and her characters are strong, intelligent and memorable. This book has it all – passion, humor, poignancy, and outstanding, witty dialogue. It also comes highly recommended!
Betty Cox, ReaderToReader.com
A Courtesan's Scandal
By Julia London
November 2009
The Scandalous Series ~ Book Three
Kate Bergeron was born in one of the poorest sections of London. Her mother died when Kate was ten or so, and her father remarried a woman who had two children of her own. She said that either Kate or her younger brother, Jude, had to go, so Kate was put out on the streets when she was fourteen, or maybe thirteen. She was fortunate to find a job in a cloth warehouse. Kate’s beauty caught the eye of the wealthy French cloth merchant, Benoit Cousineau, and he wanted her, but he would not lower himself to bed a lowly warehouse girl. Cousineau charged his friend, Digby, to make a lady out of Kate, and Digby and Kate became the best of friends, even after Cousineau sold her to the Regent, “Prinney,” the Prince of Wales. The Prince and his wife are in a bitter battle involving scandalous behavior by both of them. Therefore, the Prince must not advertise his latest mistress, and talks Grayson Christopher, the Duke of Darlington, to pretend he has taken Kate for his “lady bird”. This doesn’t sit well with either Kate or Grayson, but the farce is on. Kate wants Grayson to know that she is not for sale to any man. Her dream is to own a bakery in a little village, and to find her brother that she has not seen since she was exiled from her home.
Grayson and Kate reach a truce, and find that they have so much in common. Their easy friendship turns into a beautiful love, but Grayson cannot offer Kate anything other than being his mistress, which she refuses. Knowing that the bitter divorce between Prinney and his wife might come to an agreement soon, Kate and Grayson steal away for a few days, which makes it much harder to say goodbye.
A COURTESAN’S SCANDAL is simply exquisite, and one of the best, if not the very best, Regency romance of the year. Julia London has penned a sublime tale of star-crossed lovers and added interesting political issues of that period. Ms. London’s prose is incomparable and her characters are strong, intelligent and memorable. This book has it all – passion, humor, poignancy, and outstanding, witty dialogue. It also comes highly recommended!
Betty Cox, ReaderToReader.com
August 13, 2010
It took me a while to remember that this was part of a series centered around the "Delicate Situation" or maybe "Delicate Investigation," when the authorities in England were investigating the possibility of treason (adultery) committed by the Crown Princess Caroline. She & the crown prince hated each other, and the prince liked the ladies.
In this story, the prince has picked out a new mistress. Problem is, he can't start his liaison, because of the Investigation. He's in trouble with Dad for all his carrying on, so he arranges with a duke to pretend to be the lover of the woman the prince wants--but he can't actually BE her lover. Yeah, Duke is the hero, mistress is the heroine. Part of this story is about how few choices women had back then, especially pretty, poor women. They heartily dislike each other at the beginning of the book, and London does a good job showing the gradual thawing of that dislike, and eventually, the falling in love. And then how they each reach the point of defying the very powerful prince. It's really quite a good book.
In this story, the prince has picked out a new mistress. Problem is, he can't start his liaison, because of the Investigation. He's in trouble with Dad for all his carrying on, so he arranges with a duke to pretend to be the lover of the woman the prince wants--but he can't actually BE her lover. Yeah, Duke is the hero, mistress is the heroine. Part of this story is about how few choices women had back then, especially pretty, poor women. They heartily dislike each other at the beginning of the book, and London does a good job showing the gradual thawing of that dislike, and eventually, the falling in love. And then how they each reach the point of defying the very powerful prince. It's really quite a good book.
July 28, 2012
I took my time writing this review, I got the book the day of its release and read it the same day and night. Ms London was one of my favorite Historical Romance authors, but lately something has been off. This story didn't make 5 stars for me because I don't want to read about ABUSE to FEMALE in a Romance Story. I read Romance Stories for the FANTASY and to ESCAPE FROM THE REAL WORLD WE LIVE IN. With that said I really liked the idea of the book and Ms London is a excellent story teller, their were great characters in the story and just enough back story to understand the Hero and Heroins Personalities. I also, would have liked to have and Epilog, story ended to abruptly for me. I will continue to re-read Ms London's previous work such as The Devils Love, The Book of Scandals. Wicket Angel, The Secret Lover, The Beautiful Stranger, The Ruthless Charmer and The Dangerous Gentlemen, these were truly great story!!!
August 26, 2011
Not your usual story--Lord Darlington falls for a courtesan. How can this work? He is a powerful man in the ton, friend to the Prince of Wales. The Prince asked Grayson Darlington to escort Kate B., the courtesan to events so the Prince can see her--he has contracted for her services. All goes wrong when Grayson and Kate fall in love. Will Grayson give up everything for Kate? When Kate becomes pregnant events continue steadily down hill. JL always writes surprising stories, I confess I didn't know how she could reconcile all the conflicts . . .but she did and I really loved the ending.
February 10, 2010
great book. totally predictable, but i really loved the story. the heroine kate was a courtesan out of necessity. she didn't really choose that path. the duke and kate meet and have to pretend that she is his mistress because of some prince of wales scandal. well, of course, the more time they spend together the more they like each other. ultimately, the duke has to choose between duty to his family and their good name and his own happiness with kate, whom he falls in love with. finally he decides that his happiness is just as important as the happiness of others.
January 12, 2020
it was if were slogging through a bog, or moving through a great fog slowly
no forward impetus, no real standout writing
secondary characters were almost better drawn than the heroine
excellent portrait of evil jealousy, excellent portrait of slobbering Prince of Wales
scene at hunting lodge somewhat far fetched and none of the intimacy lifted from the page
the finale was well done though, and the transformation of the Duke was the most heartfelt
just ok
not one of her better efforts, in fact the series was not one of her better efforts
no forward impetus, no real standout writing
secondary characters were almost better drawn than the heroine
excellent portrait of evil jealousy, excellent portrait of slobbering Prince of Wales
scene at hunting lodge somewhat far fetched and none of the intimacy lifted from the page
the finale was well done though, and the transformation of the Duke was the most heartfelt
just ok
not one of her better efforts, in fact the series was not one of her better efforts
December 27, 2011
i think this is one of the worst Regency/Georgian romances I have ever read. I can go on non-stop about why no one (who likes to read historical fiction) should read this book but i just can not bring myself to waste a single more minute for this silly book that is totally out of place for Georgian or Regency era in United Kingdom. All I can say is that this book a mixture of high school romantic drama with immature infatuation and self pity.
September 18, 2017
Hmmm... It was a little bit of a slow burn romance for me and I thought the Duke of Darlington didn't redeem himself in the end. Yup, he was an ass althroughout the book. Also, don't get me started on Katharine! She started out as being a very strong character only to have that change in the last quarter of the book. Ugh!
Also, I hate trope!
Also, I hate trope!
February 22, 2010
The good: an actual courtesan as heroine and Prinny as villain.
The bad: It was good reading until mid-way then the plot got too unbelievable for me. I skipped to the last few pages and it was still unbelievable.
The bad: It was good reading until mid-way then the plot got too unbelievable for me. I skipped to the last few pages and it was still unbelievable.
September 4, 2011
A rather unlikely, but good read. I always love a book where the characters grow and realize their mistakes and in this story both characters had some growing especially our leading Duke. I enjoyed reading about these two getting over the circumstances stacked against them.
February 16, 2015
Really enjoyed this one. They cannot stand each other at first - he a Duke and her a Courtesan asked to appear together by the Prince..... she is the Prince's mistress and he is going through divorce (or trying to)....I really liked Kate and although the Duke is an ass...he does redeem himself.
May 27, 2018
Lovely Cinderella story with a sad undercurrent thst speaks probably more truth than we would care to admit to.
February 4, 2023
3
Drama Queen el libro:
Está novela comenzó con drama gente, es del fuerte lo cual me aburrío un poco pero al mismo tiempo quería saber sobre el romance ya que Kate se merece todo lo bueno que le pasa en la vida, es una pobre alma dañada por la mano del hombre, nació sufriendo, creció sufriendo y al parecer morirá sufriendo.
Personalmente odio el drama, perdón, muchas personas aman leer drama sin embargo yo siempre digo mi vida ya es dramática para que leer más drama.
Otra cosa fue que el final no lo comprendí siento que le faltó un poquito más, necesito que Julia London me explique ciertas cosas (las cuales se que jamás serán respondidas).
°Kate sufrió demasiado y eso no es justo, es una bandera roja su sufrimiento (bueno no), pero Dios me dejó marcada ya que todo fue por los hombres, comenzando por manipulaciones, agresiones y terminando por violaciones.
°Odioso e inútil rey, es que tengo que advertirles cuanto lo odiaran porque así será, es un resentido que ni siquiera a "dado" por así decirlo grandes lujos como para sentirse dueño de una persona.
°Grayson, yo te quiero pero de verdad, sin embargo no fue un personaje muy relevante (a pesar que es el parte fundamental de la trama)
°La trama de por sí no llama la atención si es que no te gusta el drama como a mí, puesto que es una parte fundamental de esta, no pasa nada si no es a favor de una tragedia diferente, yo no sé cómo el final no fue así.
°Spoiler°
°Creo que el romance fue una parte muy pero muy forzado, yo siento que Kate es Asexual, ya que aún principio le daba asco el solo contacto de una persona rondando lo sexual, (como caricia, beso, intimidad), en su perspectiva no soportaba el contactó, lo cual se que puede ser por un trauma, aunque no quiero descartar está opción.
°Fin Spoiler°
Reseña
Kate odia que la vean como una prostituta cuando no lo es, el solo estar con un hombre le da asco, pero la vida la ha tratado horrible, desde que sus catorce años ha tenido que luchar para vivir así que cuando el Rey la llama para ser su cortesana, cree que podrá tener el dinero suficiente para abrir su tienda ideal sin embargo cuando Grayson tenga que ser su cuidador, cree que todo se irá para abajo, puesto que el rey dijo que Lord Darlington debería de ser su amante para la sociedad hasta que el estuviera separado y pudiera tenerla como dios manda. Mientras iban pasando los días su relación comenzó a cambiar aún principio fue únicamente de rechazo mutuo, pero con cada salida, cada baile y juegos estúpidos comenzaron a ver cosas como sus sentimientos, sus gustos, aunque sus vidas pareciera desmoronarse a su alrededor vieron que si creían en un buen final talvez pudieran llegar. Aunque el Rey junto la amante de Grayson harían lo posible para que eso no sucediera.
Drama Queen el libro:
Está novela comenzó con drama gente, es del fuerte lo cual me aburrío un poco pero al mismo tiempo quería saber sobre el romance ya que Kate se merece todo lo bueno que le pasa en la vida, es una pobre alma dañada por la mano del hombre, nació sufriendo, creció sufriendo y al parecer morirá sufriendo.
Personalmente odio el drama, perdón, muchas personas aman leer drama sin embargo yo siempre digo mi vida ya es dramática para que leer más drama.
Otra cosa fue que el final no lo comprendí siento que le faltó un poquito más, necesito que Julia London me explique ciertas cosas (las cuales se que jamás serán respondidas).
°Kate sufrió demasiado y eso no es justo, es una bandera roja su sufrimiento (bueno no), pero Dios me dejó marcada ya que todo fue por los hombres, comenzando por manipulaciones, agresiones y terminando por violaciones.
°Odioso e inútil rey, es que tengo que advertirles cuanto lo odiaran porque así será, es un resentido que ni siquiera a "dado" por así decirlo grandes lujos como para sentirse dueño de una persona.
°Grayson, yo te quiero pero de verdad, sin embargo no fue un personaje muy relevante (a pesar que es el parte fundamental de la trama)
°La trama de por sí no llama la atención si es que no te gusta el drama como a mí, puesto que es una parte fundamental de esta, no pasa nada si no es a favor de una tragedia diferente, yo no sé cómo el final no fue así.
°Spoiler°
°Creo que el romance fue una parte muy pero muy forzado, yo siento que Kate es Asexual, ya que aún principio le daba asco el solo contacto de una persona rondando lo sexual, (como caricia, beso, intimidad), en su perspectiva no soportaba el contactó, lo cual se que puede ser por un trauma, aunque no quiero descartar está opción.
°Fin Spoiler°
Reseña
Kate odia que la vean como una prostituta cuando no lo es, el solo estar con un hombre le da asco, pero la vida la ha tratado horrible, desde que sus catorce años ha tenido que luchar para vivir así que cuando el Rey la llama para ser su cortesana, cree que podrá tener el dinero suficiente para abrir su tienda ideal sin embargo cuando Grayson tenga que ser su cuidador, cree que todo se irá para abajo, puesto que el rey dijo que Lord Darlington debería de ser su amante para la sociedad hasta que el estuviera separado y pudiera tenerla como dios manda. Mientras iban pasando los días su relación comenzó a cambiar aún principio fue únicamente de rechazo mutuo, pero con cada salida, cada baile y juegos estúpidos comenzaron a ver cosas como sus sentimientos, sus gustos, aunque sus vidas pareciera desmoronarse a su alrededor vieron que si creían en un buen final talvez pudieran llegar. Aunque el Rey junto la amante de Grayson harían lo posible para que eso no sucediera.
March 4, 2021
2009 ends in marriage of duke and courtesan
this delivered for a romance audience. it did not deliver for me.
the intense moral themes were complex. christie, the duke of darlington, is an abolitionist in parliament and also an adulterer, having an affair with lady diana eustis, who loves him. he is blackmailed by the prince of wales into being seen in public with a courtesan names katherine bergeon, and of course despite their best efforts, they fall unfailingly in love. he ends it with diana, who is treated horribly in this book, unforgiven by the narrative for being an adulteress. kate opens darlington's ears to music and his heart to many things. she aspires to be a baker in her own bakery. in the end, he brings ruin on his house by announcing he will marry her and legitimize the child she carries. he buys her a bakery and also provides for her friends. happy ending all around.
i struggle to see how this is a happy ending because it is so at odds with reality, but allowing it to be a fantasy forgives that in general. as a book for me, it really condemns their love. the book repeatedly confirmed that being a mistress is a place in society that denotes love, and yet she refuses to take that path because she wants marriage, even though the character never had any aspirations for marriage previous. this makes the character and the book internally inconsistent and annoying, rewarding love to the status of wife instead of allowing the loved mistress to be the role fulfilled.
i of course wish them happiness in this fairytale, but would have really much preferred a real ending, seeing a courtesan find happiness and contentment being herself in the best arrangement she could ever dream of as a courtesan-- to be loved and cared for all her days.
i don't know if i'll bother to read any other books about mistresses or courtesans, as this may be how they all end, but perhaps i'm just annoyed at this time.
this delivered for a romance audience. it did not deliver for me.
the intense moral themes were complex. christie, the duke of darlington, is an abolitionist in parliament and also an adulterer, having an affair with lady diana eustis, who loves him. he is blackmailed by the prince of wales into being seen in public with a courtesan names katherine bergeon, and of course despite their best efforts, they fall unfailingly in love. he ends it with diana, who is treated horribly in this book, unforgiven by the narrative for being an adulteress. kate opens darlington's ears to music and his heart to many things. she aspires to be a baker in her own bakery. in the end, he brings ruin on his house by announcing he will marry her and legitimize the child she carries. he buys her a bakery and also provides for her friends. happy ending all around.
i struggle to see how this is a happy ending because it is so at odds with reality, but allowing it to be a fantasy forgives that in general. as a book for me, it really condemns their love. the book repeatedly confirmed that being a mistress is a place in society that denotes love, and yet she refuses to take that path because she wants marriage, even though the character never had any aspirations for marriage previous. this makes the character and the book internally inconsistent and annoying, rewarding love to the status of wife instead of allowing the loved mistress to be the role fulfilled.
i of course wish them happiness in this fairytale, but would have really much preferred a real ending, seeing a courtesan find happiness and contentment being herself in the best arrangement she could ever dream of as a courtesan-- to be loved and cared for all her days.
i don't know if i'll bother to read any other books about mistresses or courtesans, as this may be how they all end, but perhaps i'm just annoyed at this time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2018
Julia London's books are always an easy read. She writes fluently and brings the story to life. Her protagonists are usually convincing and even though we know there will be a HEA it is still satisfying to read.
I'm a total doormat for consistent characterizations and full-fledged personalities. Out-of-character behaviour can get me frustrated and in extreme cases leads to me losing some hairs. The main characters had me puzzled a few times because I felt some of their actions were not so well explained.
I did not like the ending. The whole stage thing where the Duke made a cake of himself was cringe-worthy. And isn't the prince supposed to be more powerful than that? But okay, besides from the ending it was a decent story and she's still one of my favourite authors.
I'm a total doormat for consistent characterizations and full-fledged personalities. Out-of-character behaviour can get me frustrated and in extreme cases leads to me losing some hairs. The main characters had me puzzled a few times because I felt some of their actions were not so well explained.
I did not like the ending. The whole stage thing where the Duke made a cake of himself was cringe-worthy. And isn't the prince supposed to be more powerful than that? But okay, besides from the ending it was a decent story and she's still one of my favourite authors.
November 19, 2024
What I liked most about A Courtesan's Scandal was the heroine, Kate. I've read a few historicals with courtesans cast as the protagonist, however, London managed to make Kate refreshing. I liked that she was optimistic and sweet instead of jaded. On the other hand, my feelings for Grayson are lukewarm. It's not that I don't like him, I'm just indifferent. The story was a good one and it has convinced me to try the previous books in this series, including:
Highland Scandal
,
The Book of Scandal
and
Snowy Night with a Stranger
, which has London's novella "Snowy Nights with a Highlander" in it.
Read
September 19, 2024This one was problematic in some ways, but it ended up well in the end.
A Duke meets a Courtesan that the Prince of Wales is interested in and needs a cover for, to be able to see her. The Prince is involved in a nasty fight with his wife, and can't be seen taking another mistress, so he asks Grayson Christopher, the Duke of Darlington to help. Grayson agrees to ferry Kate Bergeron to several events to make it look like she is his mistress, but he is so strait-laced, he looks down his nose at her. The longer they are together, however, the more he sees the good qualities no on else seems to see beyond her beauty. Things get really complicated, as they try to keep their growing attraction away from the Prince, while still trying to deny how they both feel, and what the Duke is willing to do. I loved it.
A Duke meets a Courtesan that the Prince of Wales is interested in and needs a cover for, to be able to see her. The Prince is involved in a nasty fight with his wife, and can't be seen taking another mistress, so he asks Grayson Christopher, the Duke of Darlington to help. Grayson agrees to ferry Kate Bergeron to several events to make it look like she is his mistress, but he is so strait-laced, he looks down his nose at her. The longer they are together, however, the more he sees the good qualities no on else seems to see beyond her beauty. Things get really complicated, as they try to keep their growing attraction away from the Prince, while still trying to deny how they both feel, and what the Duke is willing to do. I loved it.
May 10, 2021
I like the little "enemies to lovers" thing or whatever you call it that was going on the the beginning but I was dissapointed by then ending. The stakes where so high with her being the prince's courtesan and his family always going on about their good family name, also Kates ideal live would have been a small cottage somewhere remote and just living together without servants so I didn't think the role of a duchess would appeal to her, I had hoped they might have chosen a different path than him making her his duchess and the family weathering the scandal together that's so often the ending with stories like this.
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