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In an arranged marriage in 1812 England, Miss Victoria Reed is quietly married to a man she’d just met, Justin Talbot, the Earl of Baybury. Despite his lack of conversation and glum expression, Justin consummates the marriage in a wildly passionate and unforgettable experience for Victoria. After having thoroughly accomplished his duty, Justin got up from the marriage bed and telling Victoria to stay in the country and run his estate he left. Three years later Justin is back in London when he hears of the latest on dit that a gorgeous courtesan, “Ria”, whom many men claimed to have lain with, had emerged and was looking for a new protector. While bets are made as to who would win the seductive siren, Justin seethed with rage when he recognized “Ria” as none other than his “wife” Victoria, whose image has haunted him for years. Demanding she end the charade or he would expose her, Victoria stood firm and pointed out that Justin would only harm his own reputation more. Victoria demanded Justin look the other way, as she had over his infidelities over the last three years. And so, the lines were drawn as Justin realized that no matter how much he was hurt by rumors of Victoria’s lovers, he would do whatever it took to both discover what secrets she was hiding now, and win back her trust. *** While there weren’t too many surprises with this plot, the expertise in making the stubborn players act out their torment and love for each other was beautifully done. Early on in the story we discover that the ‘arranged’ marriage was a form of blackmail against Justin by Victoria’s bitter drunkard of a father. Hating her father as he had, Justin assumed that Victoria was just part of the plan. Throughout the story, one does tend to wonder what the blackmail was about and although there was one broad hint early on in the book the author kept this secret right up to the end. The main plot in LESSONS FROM A COURTESAN revolved around Victoria’s purpose in coming to London to rescue/find her good friend Chloe, who having been widowed with no means of support went to London to become a courtesan. This played out well against the theme that men tended to treat their mistresses infinitely better than their wives. When correspondence between Victoria and Chloe ceased after her mention of a suitor who frightened her, Victoria felt compelled to come to London to find Chloe, and what better way than attending the demimonde type parties to gather information. Seeing her husband Justin, was a complication that Victoria hadn’t counted on and knowing from past experience that he couldn’t be trusted to keep his word, Victoria wanted no part of him no matter how much the thoughts of his hands on her flesh raised such passionate memories. In fashioning Victoria, the author took great pains in making her entirely sympathetic. Justin, was fashioned a bit harsh and arrogant whom one wanted to see grovel for what he put Victoria through. Their dialogs and interactions with each other simmered with sensuality and their love scenes were “to die for”! The pace was fast and exciting, and Petersen (remember that this is FICTION) caught the flavor of the period extremely well. Her secondary characters, from Justin’s best friend and brother, Victoria’s friend Marah, and the dark villain of the piece added a fine layer of excitement and suspense. Jenna Petersen has proven beyond a doubt that her star is well on the rise. Fabulous writing.
Reviewed by Marilyn Rondeau, for CK2S Kwips and Kritiques
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LESSONS FROM A COURTESAN
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