A gentleman should never mix business with pleasure, unless he’s a gentleman courtesan …
Driven to selling his services to settle gambling debts, the Honourable Mr. Dominick Burke thoroughly enjoys satisfying the appetites of wealthy women. When Miss Calliope Barrington contracts his services, his desire for her is instant and powerful.
Unfortunately, her reasons for hiring him have nothing to do … do with his bedroom talents. On the hunt for a husband, Calliope plans for Dominick to act the part of enamored suitor—thereby making her a more attractive prospect for the gentleman she has her eye on.
In his attempt to seduce her at every turn, Dominick finds himself rapidly losing his heart. However, winning Calliope’s in return will prove difficult. With the true target of Calliope’s efforts taking notice, he now has competition. When a past misdeed threatens to ruin everything, Dominick is left with no other choice. To win Calliope, he’ll have to incite one of the biggest scandals the ton has ever seen.
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This is about another naughty man Dominick is a known Rake, Gambler and now Courtesan. When his father cuts him off his way of keeping up his lifestyle turns him to pleasuring women for money. That is how he met Calliope who has her eye set on another man and wants to make him jealous by spending time with Dominick. By the time that Dominick realizes that he has real feeling for her the man that she wanted has noticed and wants her but so does Dominick. Loved this sensual steamy story and the characters were so perfect for this story. Absolutely loved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This amazing story keeps on your toes. I really enjoyed this book. Its a little different than the rest of the collection but I think that’s what kept me turning every page. It will have you on the edge of your seat. Another must read by this fabulous author.
Victoria Vale has done it again. She has an art for writing erotica. Making of a Scandal does not disappoint on the hotness scale. I loved the characters and the overall story. I am waiting impatiently for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Honorable Mr. Dominick Burke, third son of an Earl, thoroughly enjoys being a Gentleman Courtesan to satisfy the wealthy women who seek his “services”. So when Miss Calliope Barrington contacts him, he is immediately ready to take what he assumes she will offer. But this time, he is not needed in the bedroom. Calliope is ready to “encourage” a particular husband to propose, and having Dominick pretend to be a suitor will gain the attention of that gentleman.
When the plan works, Dominick finds that he now has actual competition for her heart, a heart which he himself genuinely wants to claim! There is only one way left for him to win her and that would be to drag her into a scandal! Would he really go that far? Could it truly work?
The gambler and male courtesan meets the perfect lady.
I so love getting a chance to read a tale by Ms. Vale they are always excellent and entertaining and come on is not the cover just hotter than hell. Selling his services Mr. Dominick Burke has a Miss Calliope Barrington request his services and so the romp beginnings. Then do not turn out as expected because our lad is caught up in a trap of his making. Here is the question is causing a scandal the answer. Twists, turns, and sexy hot scenes you have the making of a fun piece. Ms. Vale delivered on this cutie I so hope you check it out it is worth reading. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Making of a Scandal is the third book in The Gentleman Courtesans Series, but it can be read as a stand-alone. The idea of a series based on male courtesans is unique and the books have been getting better every time. Calliope Barrington had never been accepted in Society since her mother was from India. She was tired of men only paying her attention and then propositioning her. She is a wealthy woman and wants her own family. Mr. Lewes is friends with her brother-in-law and someone who she admires. Her sister Diana convinces her to hire a gentleman courtesan to court her so Mr. Lewes will think he has competition. Dominick “Nick” Burke has had to support himself since his father cut him off. He joined his friends in becoming a gentleman courtesan for the money to pay off his gambling debts. Being the third son of an earl, he received invitations to Society events and was the perfect gentleman for Calliope’s plan. He never expected to become fascinated by his keeper. It becomes harder and harder for him to watch Calliope being courted by Mr. Lewes. He doesn’t think he stands a chance with her. Calliope’s feelings grow into love for Nick, but she is too afraid of what Society will think of her if she marries Nick. Calliope must decide if she will let Society dictate her life or if she can live for herself.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love this author’s storytelling skills! I found her by accident late last year and managed to devour almost her entire Scandalous Ballroom Encounters Series in less than a month!
I found Making a Scandal again by accident just a few weeks ago and now I’m all caught up with this series and it is just glorious deliciousness!!
So, Calliope decides to hire Dominick to make her current suitor jealous and hurry up and ask her to marry him … because that always works out and never backfires LOL Let the delectably glorious games begin!
I loved the maturity Calliope had, she’s my favorite type of heroine to read about in historical/regency romance fiction and the growth and development of Dominick throughout the story. It enhanced the story and added depth to what was already such a beautiful journey. GAH, these two were just decadently delicious!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
ONE DELIGHTFUL ROLLERCOASTER!!!
Off the chain! Victoria stole my heart and set it soaring with this brilliantly composed spin, that will leave you breathless and awed, displaying such heartfelt revelations and delightful wonders, wrapping this baby up sleek, shiny and tight. Exposing thrilling satisfaction with every sentiment and nuance, growth and new understanding as you witness the intimidating trials and challenging tribulations, noting the astonishing twists and wicked turns, putting our characters through their paces. Anarchy, escapades and havoc run amuck, kicking this bad boy into a raging tempest, blasting it into a tailspin with a mind-blowing culmination. The attraction and chemistry builds as each layer is peeled back exposing an undeniable bond, launching this gem to a whole new level. The characters, banter, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow, transforming into genuinely charismatic personalities. The scenes are written with such realism, impressive passion, imagination and unique insight, blasts this sparkling jewel wide open, making the storyline explode. Amazing job Victoria, thanks for sharing this treasure with us.
The Courtesan series by Victoria Vale continues to get better and better. I love this story of a courtesan who does the one thing he would never want or think he deserves…LOVE. It’s a story where the two fight what is building between them till it’s almost too late. Victoria kept me engaged from the first to last word. I rooted for Nick throughout this book wanting him to win and get his HEA. I highly recommend this book. I received an advanced reader copy from Booksprout. All opinions are my own.
let me say that this is the best Gentlemen Courtesan book so far. I say that every time but I mean it every time. Dominick is my soul mate. He is such a combination of emotions it is mesmerizing. Calliope is wonderful. I absolutely love her. She gets on my nerves sometimes but I still love her. This book will take you through a rollercoaster of emotions but you know it has a HEA. The emotions are part of the journey. Thank Ms Vale for yet another great book.
I received a free copy of this . book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’m not going to lie Victoria Vale had me going nuts for the slow burn that was Nick and Calliope’s desire for each other to boil over. Many of Ms. Vale’s jump right to the sexy action so this story is unlike her other books in that way. It’s more in line with Her Beautiful Bastard unlike Bastard where the main characters know they love and want each other but can’t be do to their circumstances Nick and Calliope initially don’t realize their feelings for each other. They are fairly quick to recognize attraction but the acknowledgement of love comes later. Like many of Ms. Vale’s characters there were moments I wanted to shake both Calliope and Nick for being so blind and stubborn. Yet at the same time you very much feel for them and their insecurities. I absolutely loved that there was a minority heroine. Calliope’s struggle to be accepted in British society while being half Indian is something that happened but is rarely talked about in historical books with fiction or nonfiction. Like many people Calliope dealt with racism, small mindness, and hateful actions of others. Like many people she found fault in herself and not others. This is something that very much resonates with me as a woman and as a friend of people of different races, religions, ethicnities. Often it’s easier to blame ourselves. And often are friends and family don’t realize how hard it is to find your self worth in the face of negativity. Victoria Vale’s writing as always was on point. Nick has such a very dirty mind and mouth but he also has such a wonderful heart. It was a wonderful twist to see a rake boxed into a situation where he couldn’t use sex to advantage although he tries. I am, of course, waiting impatiently for David and Benedict’s stories. Who is the mystery women writing the gossip column? Will she destroy all the courtesans? This is such a good series! Every book including this one has been a five star read.! Plus Victoria Vale writes fast, so you won’t be waiting years for the rest of the series. How she writes so quickly and with such quality is one of life’s greatest mysteries.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is one scandal that will leave you rubbernecking with delight…
Well, well, well… Calliope IS a scandal just by being her self. And even though she does her best to live a life above reproach she cannot change the duskiness of her skin, the birth place of her mother, or the society that hasn’t welcomed her with open arms her entire life. She does everything to avoid bringing attention to herself until her sister convinces her to lure the man she wants to marry by evoking jealousy with a challenger for her hand. What ensues is of course scandalous, enthralling, arousing and delicious. Mr. Dominick Burke begins their “engagement” by immediately putting his foot into his mouth in the most spectacular way. And while he is being paid to pursue her, Nick cannot keep his heart from recognizing the love of his life. As they pretend to be courting they attract more than just Mr. Martin Lewis by their increasingly outrageous behavior. This is a delightful story of mistakes, missteps, and errors in judgement. Ms. Vale has again created a world inhabited by fully developed characters that you cannot help but adore, deplore, admire or bemoan. Calliope is sweet and strong but hides herself from the Ton. Nick is confident, charismatic and handsome (and has a very sexy, filthy mouth that could seduce the birds from the sky). If only he could convince Callie that he is what will make her happiest even IF they make a scandal together.
I highly recommend this story as well as all the other Gentleman Courtesans‘ books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Our hero is cut off by his father and supports himself by, of all things, becoming one of The Gentleman Courtesans who accept money from women who want their erotic services. Our heroine doesn’t want that, instead she wants the man she’s picked out to come up to scratch and ask her to marry her and thinks that a rival might cause him to do just that. But, of course, our hero and heroine fall in love and complications and scandals abound! A steamy path eventually leads to a HEA, but it’s a bumpy and entertaining road.
Highly recommended!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I sometimes get bored with series because they all too often have such similar story lines that they could be copies, not true with the Gentlemen Courtesans. Every story has unique characters and stories that I am still not bored and this is #4 if you include the prequel which I also read and loved. I love that the characters are unique and the way MS Vale tells the story makes me want to get to know them better. I can connect with them and sometimes even understand them. Tissues were necessary while reading this book but there were also times when I laughed too.
I absolutely loved Dominick he was flawed yes. Gambling is a huge problem even today and even though the author didn’t go into it she didn’t gloss over it either. Dominick is a Gentleman Courtesan because he lost everything and was cut off by his father. He however was enjoying the life of a courtesan and really had no desire to quit until Calliope and when he falls my god does he fall hard.
I liked Calliope but not as much as Dominick. I kinda understand her point but towards the end I also thought she brought it on herself.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something different in their historical romance beware this book is a little spicy so if thats not your thing, I’m sorry it’s your loss.
I received a copy of this book from the author through Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.
This is Ms. Vale’s fourth installment of the Gentleman Courtesan novels, I have read all but the prior one (only because it was a little ‘darker’; than I am comfortable with reading but I have no doubt it was just as well written as her other novels I’ve read). This story and Portrait of a Lady are at odds with my favorite in this series. I do not give spoilers as Ms. Vale has covered what the book is about in her description. I will admit that this book at times made me sigh, yearn, grieve, pea green with envy, whatever you want to call it. Ms. Vale’s talent with building and bringing her characters to life through the written word is a rare gift – one that I envy. You laugh, sigh, cry (yes, I cried, which rarely happens when I read), rejoiced and a multitude of other feelings with these characters. She does not follow a formula in portraying her characters but like people, each one has their heritage, strengths, weaknesses and eccentricities. I look forward to the remaining stories in this series with anticipation. Well done and highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Starring the Honourable Mr. Dominick Burke and Miss Calliope Anni Manha Barrington.
Holy WOW!! Ya might want to sit in front of a fan when reading this awesome book… coz Dominick and Calliope bring the heat whenever they are together. Such a f*ckn delicious couple and I totally enjoyed their road to HEA… and yes, I ugly cried.
Dominick is a very sensual hero and when he falls for Calliope, he falls hard. Oh and dirty talk on this guy, mmmmhmmmm!! Honestly *I* melted like butter… coz he was haaaawt, mmmm’kay?!?! But he is also a man with a big heart full of passion and love… and it’s all directed at Calliope!! Le sigh!!
I’m not gonna lie, I wanted to hit Calliope on the head many, many, many times!! She could have been a little more nicer to Dominick…. but I totally understand her fear of scandal and sticking out in society. Her being half Indian and having bronze skin, she knew she was already being judged and crucified in the eyes of the ton. So taking a chance on Dominick was pretty scary. Glad she finally saw reason and made the right choice… coz I was ready to snatch Dominick and keep him for myself. I still might… hehe!
This is the 3rd book (4 if you’re counting Edward’s book) in the Gentleman Courtesan Series and Victoria Vale is giving us amazing stories after another!! I can’t wait to see who she pairs David with (his adventure is up next). Aaaand Benedict’s story is my most anticipated book of 2020!! Victoria Vale is a Keeper Shelf author and I am in love with all her gentleman courtesans!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily review it and the comments are 100% my own.
My Star rating: 5 stars
Ugly cried AF. Major book hangover. Characters and storyline were freaken amazeballs. Made me wanna hug the author for writing a book that gave me all the feels!! Will definitely be reading this story over and over and over again!!
Loved the story. It is well written, entertaining and holds your attention. Callie hires a courtesan, Nick to pay attention to her in order to make Martin jealous and propose marriage. There is a lot happening in this story, Callie and Nick start to develop real feelings to the point Nick wants to marry her. With Callie, Nick realizes he wants more out of life and his Uncle Paul has always believed in him and had been there for him when his father disowned him. There are misunderstandings and a marriage that was stopped at the last moment. It is a beautiful love story that makes for great reading. I would highly recommend it.
This is Victoria Vane’s 3 book in the Gentlemen Courtesan’s series and this book as the 2 before it do not disappoint the reader.
Dominick(Nick) is a dirty talking gambler courtesan for hire so that he can pay off his gambling debts. Calliope is the women of mixed race who believes even though her father is a Viscount men only want her for one thing and marriage has nothing to do with it. She hires Nick but not for what Nick expects(sex). She want’s to make a current beau jealous enough to make an proposal of marriage. The rollercoaster ride that these 2 take us on if full of tension,laughter and STEAM!! I loved these 2 characters as they kept me enthralled to the very end of the book. I really just wanted it to go on and on.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved the story about a mixed Indian/English woman who falls in love a man she hires to make another man jealous so he will propose marriage. Any other proposal she had were for other than marriage due to her mixed heritage.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Victoria normally writes very sensual stories but this one is different (like Her Beautiful Bastard) in that it is more on the sweet side. I think it shows her artistry to write in this style. The writing as always is superb and very easy to read. Honestly, I enjoyed the scenes with Nick and his Uncle Paul, his nieces and nephews and the young boy at the foundling home the best. It shows his vulnerable side which to me is the crux of this story. The romance is sweet and lovely but took a back seat to Nick’s family. Not that this is a bad thing, just different and I like that.
I received a complimentary copy from the author