A prequel novella to the Gentleman Courtesans Series.After her first lackluster experience with intercourse, Clare Dunnaby swears off romantic entanglement for good. At twenty-one years old, she remains unattached and content—pursuing the study of botany and geology with single-minded focus. She remains certain she has no need for the amorous attentions of the opposite sex … at least, until she … sex … at least, until she enters her bedchamber to find a nude man waiting in her bed.
Desperation has driven Edward Norton to accept an arrangement as a courtesan to Clare. Purchased as a surprise for her birthday, his mission seems cut and dry: seduce the outspoken bluestocking into bed with him and keep her happy for the duration of their one-month contract. If he can do that, he’ll earn enough money to set his failing shipping company right again.
But when a strong physical attractions evolves into something more, it becomes clear that thirty days will never be enough. When their time runs out, will they choose to build on the visceral connection born of a contract, or will pride and stubbornness keep them apart?
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What a refreshing tasteful erotic treat. The bluestocking botanist and the male courtesan. I loved the lead female character Clare/CeCe who had an eclectic taste for all things curious and scientific. From creating hybrid flowering plants, to collecting beautiful unusual pocket watches, to collecting minerals and gemstones as they are found in nature. Her aunt Helene is a unique individual. She lives to explore and enjoy life. She never stifled Clare/CeCe’s individuality but encouraged it. Helene had made it a tradition that CeCe’s every birthday she would try to outdo herself from the previous year. Well she definitely achieved that. She hired a courtesan for thirty days for CeCe. At first Clare thought it was a joke then she realized it was not. She became enraged. After cooling off Helene approached her and explained why she chose that type of gift. Helene hit the nail on the head and now Clare was all in hook line and sinker. Edward Norton inherited a debt-ridden failing shipping company after his father’s passing. He did not know where he was going to get the capital to recover and take care of his younger sister and brother. When he met up with his friend Hugh over dinner at an Indian restaurant, Huge thought he may have a solution for him. The next day Edward met Hugh’s boss Benedict. Benedict gave him the once over and offered him the job. Edward was completely befuddled until Hugh explained what the job was. His first keeper was Clare Dunnaby. From the moment he laid eyes on her he was intrigued. The infusion of cash from this job enabled him to pay the debts of the shipping company and allowed for repairs to be made on three of his ships. He also was able to hire a captain and crew. Now he had to regain the lost clientele. During the day Edward was hard at work at his shipping office. Evenings were dedicated to Clare. I was amusing that Edward’s sweet talk included scientific terms that would fit their situation such as hypothesis, projected outcome, duration of maturation, etc.. ect… It was amusing. I could not help but smile while reading page after page. I think because this was Edward’s and Clare’s first foray in the courtesan business, they did not know how much to reveal about themselves or when to hold back. They ended up just being open and honest about everything. As far as Edward and Clare was concerned this brought about a fortunate intimate relationship between them. However, Edward’s boss Benedict did not see it that way. He thought Edward was being seduced and that was a big no no in their world. He even accused Edward of wanting Clare for her money. Which was not true. But the most delicious part of reading this book was the erotic passionate bedroom scenes. The author Victoria Vale did an outstanding job of presenting the s€x act in a tasteful, pleasing, fire engine hot way. Oh, my goodness it gave me the shivers just thinking about it. It was not always smooth sailing for Clare and Edward. He almost threw away his best chance of happiness misinterpreting Clare’s actions. In the end Benedict was furious, Edward and Clare were happy and his friend Hugh was happy for them. A wonderful quick read. I highly encourage the daring reader to take a look at this and not shy away. I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Interesting Concept!
This is a fast and easy read. The story is interesting and if one can keep in mind that this is a fiction story, then I guess it is possible to imagine that there was a group of male courtesans in those days. Who knows, perhaps there was!
I was rather amused by the aunt procuring a male courtesan for her niece as a birthday present. And also that the Bluestocking could so easily be persuaded to change her ideas and to allow herself to be thoroughly bedded by him.
Of course there are some hot scenes but they are to be expected, after all, Edward is a Courtesan!
But both Clare and Edward have their reasons for starting (and continuing) this affair and this and the rest of the book make good reading.
I enjoyed this story, liked the characters, had a few good laughs, felt dismay a couple of times and empathized at the angst of a misunderstanding between the two main characters.
He’s desperate l, she’s an heiress.
Edward Norton is a mere gentleman who just inherited a mountain of debt, a sinking shipping business and has two younger siblings to care for.
He agree to be a kept man.
Clare “CeCe” is 21 and in her birthday, her aunt Helene gifts her a month of Edwatd’s services.
At first she thinks it’s a joke, but she’s brilliant, odd, scientifically inclined and fibally caves.
Will Edward be an idiot as the end of their month draws near? The answer is yes, ladies.
I really enjoyed this installment in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A prequel novella to the Gentleman Courtesans Series a well written story that has a good storyline. Clare Dunnaby finds Edward Norton in her bed he was purchased as a surprise for her birthday. Edward has fallen on hard times and being a courtesan will get him the money he needs for his company. I enjoyed reading how these two come together to get a happy ending. I want to read more in this series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A gentleman courtesan how delectable!
I love Ms. Vale’s pieces they are always captivating so well-written with engaging characters they are books you do not want to end. This one is a great idea gentlemen courtesans I cannot think of a better birthday present, can you? Reading about Edward and Clare was just fun no as dark as some of Ms. Vale’s books this one is a book that would go great in anyone collection. I highly recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
What a birthday present for her. She is deeply into her work because of one rotten sexual encounter. He is desperate to get his shipping business on its feet again. So he agrees to be hers for a month. But feelings get involved and things get complicated. What happens in a month when it comes time to part ways. He is her lover for a month. Love the idea of it. It is exciting, hot and steamy, very emotional and so much more. I received a review copy from booksprout and voluntarily review it.
This has to be the most original, intriguing series I’ve read in a long time. The premise of a courtesan is certainly nothing new. What IS new, is the fact the courtesans are men. Yes, you read that right, MEN. Even in today’s modern society such a thing would still be whispered about and certainly an eyebrow raised here and there, but back in the day, can you imagine? The storyline of Edward and Clare is absolutely brilliant. The honesty and forthrightness of the characters are just absolutely so relatable it almost left me giddy with it. Since this is the prequel to the series, it’s a must read. And then I’m going to recommend to stay tuned because this series seems to have a life of it’s own. I received a copy of this book from Booksprout and am giving my honest, voluntary review.
After his father’s lack of business acumen leaves a still-grieving Edward Norton with a mountain of debt, a failing shipping company, and two younger siblings to support, he is desperate. When his friend introduces him to a secret group of gentlemen courtesans, Edward agrees to join them, knowing it’s his only viable option now and is hired as a birthday present for a lively bluestocking. He must keep her happy for just one month, then he’ll have enough to start making his company viable again.
Heiress Clare Dunnaby has had one lackluster experience with a man and doesn’t see what all the fuss is about. She’s content with her study of geology and botany. But her Aunt Helene knows better and so she arranges for the most extravagant of birthday presents she’s yet to give Clare.
The connection between Clare and Edward is immediate and soon becomes more than either expected and they both find that thirty days will never be sufficient for them, but pride could be enough to keep them apart for good when their initial connection was born of a business contract.
This was a great novella. It had plenty of steam and the characters were enjoyable and charming. A great introduction for this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Tempting the Bluestocking is the prequel novella of sorts, to the Gentlemen Courtesans series. If you read the first book released in the series, Portrait of a Lady, you will remember the men referring to Edward and how he defected the club. This is his story.
Edward realizes his father left quite the estate at his passing, quite the estate of disarray and bad business decisions that is. He needs money and he needs it now if he has any shot of maintaining the family business. When his friend Hugh informs him of a new venture he’s intrigued and gives it a go. How hard could it be to keep the company of a beautiful woman? He could do that with his eyes closed. But after laying his eyes on Claire, how can he resist her?
Claire is an old spinster, well at least by the standards of the ton. She has had some experiences but they were so very horrible that she never wanted to try it again. Now, on her birthday, her aunt has given her an unexpected gift. A man. And not just any man, a courtesan to fulfill her every wish and desire, how on earth will she be able to look him in the eye? Will she accept her aunts gift or send him packing into the streets?
This novella is a good look into the start of the Gentleman Courtesans series and it goes give some back story, as I said, to Edward and all he is referenced to in the first full length novel. I’m enjoying this twist on a “standard” love story very much and look forward to the rest of the men getting their moment in the spotlight. A very respectable 4 star read that I voluntarily read and reviewed without expectations.
I loved the story of Edward and Clare. In dire need of money, Edward hires on as a courtesan and is hired by Clare’s aunt for one month ad her birthday present. Edward proceeds to fall in love with his Clare snd after a misunderstanding there is a HEA. I enjoyed the book, it was a great read and I would highly recommend it.
I was gifted this book by the amazing and talented Author Victoria Vale <3
I would also like to highly recommend reading "Portrait Of A Lady- A Gentleman Courtesans Club"!
Clare, or CeCe as her loving Aunt Helene calls her, is gifted for her 21st birthday with a gorgeous Gentleman Courtesan, Edward. The first thing she does when she encounters him in her bed is laugh! Not at him, but because she couldn't believe her Aunt would do this!
Clare is a lover of botany and geology and at only 21, has declared herself a spinster. Her aunt does not want that for her. Mr. Edward Norton is in need of money to help put back together what his deceased father left behind. So, even though unconventional at the time, but a brilliant story line from this amazing Author, Edward becomes a member!
On his second attempt with the independent and beautiful Clare, she agrees with her aunt to give him a second chance! And, what follows is an attraction with romance, fun and love scenes with a happily ever after!!!!