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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Tempting the Bluestocking is the prequel novella to The Gentleman Courtesans. I read the first book (Portrait of a Lady) before this book and both can be read as stand-alone. The idea of gentleman courtesans is so unique and makes this series so original. The characters were so sweet and meant to be together. Edward’s father died and left him with a ruined shipping business and lots of debt. Edward is trying to find a way to rebuild the business and provide for his younger sister and brother. He runs into a friend who directed him to the Gentleman Courtesan business. Edward decides to become a GC until the business is stable and profitable again. Clare is happy being single and able to pursue her interest in science. Helene, Clare’s aunt, signs a contract for Edward to be Clare’s birthday gift for a month. The book was fast paced and being a novella, it was short. I do wish the book was longer because I would have enjoyed reading more in depth about the characters. The characters were developed well but they were such a sweet couple I would have loved to know more. The author was able to capture my attention at the beginning of the book and hold it until the end. I love the two books in the series so far and can’t wait to read the stories of the other Gentleman Courtesans.
After her first & only lacklustre experience with intercourse, Clare Cecelia Dunnaby swears off romantic entanglement for good. Now twenty-one years old, she pursues 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, until she enters her bedchamber to find a nude man waiting in her bed – her birthday present from her Aunt Helene.
Edward Norton recently lost his much loved father but all he inherited were debts & a shipping company on the brink of sinking. So when he’s approached by his friend Hugh to become a Gentleman Courtesan he accepts & has a one month contract to seduce Cece and keep her happy.
This is the prequel novella to the series, it’s a captivating, engrossing, hot read. As with all the author’s books it’s very well written, the characters have plenty of depth. Cece & Edward’s first meeting is priceless, as is her initial reaction. I loved both Edward & Cece but it’s Aunt Helene that stole the book for me – I wish I had an aunt who gave me a birthday present like that!! Edward & Cece both quickly discover that there’s more to their meetings than fulfilling the contract. Benedict totally intrigues me & I’m really looking forward to his story
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Another great book by Victoria Vale … this is about Edward and Clare (CeCe).
I love the first time Edward and CeCe meet, it had me smiling. I love CeCe’s Aunt and their relationship. This book had caring, love and passion. It was a great book and you will enjoy it.
Where are the signups for the botany class and throw Edward in? I love it when I read about families who are not at odds with each other and love their parents. You can feel the hurt and devastation in Edward’s loss of his father. Edward and CeCe are a lovely romantic couple who share their lives with each other and with us. And who would have thought a watch could bring so much emotion. Read it and find out.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
This was a lovely story and a testament to true love being found in the most unlikely places. I did feel badly for Benedict as his livelihood is being threatened but true love cannot be denied.
Aunt Helene’s character was delightful and she and Hugh were the instigators of this love affair albeit unwittingly. A fun read on a summer afternoon.
I LOVE this new series by Ms. Vale! Smart, quirky women finding true love in an unconventional way. Edward and Clare have an instant chemistry that is so well developed for a novella. I highly recommend you indulge in the Gentlemen Courtesans.
The instant chemistry between Clare and Edward is sizzling. You can feel their connection from the start because they are such unique individuals who fit. This is a steamy romance that is charming at the same time. Clare and Edward are strong characters who grab your attention and keep you turning the pages. You will not want this one to end but the epilogue is so perfect.
As a member of the ARC team and reading/reviewing “Portrait of a Lady” I was lucky enough to get a prequel Tempting the Bluestocking and I am so so very lucky! You will LOVE LOVE LOVE this series of male courtesans. It is new, refreshing, funny, HOT HOT HOT with amazing characters and great storylines. Edward’s father has died and left the family business in ruins. Hugh (from Portrait of A Lady) suggests Edward become a courtesan to make fast/good money. Clare (CeCe)’s a very intellectual, intelligent young woman who lives with her Aunt Helene. OMG is the first meeting between Clare and Edward hysterical….Aunt Helene is the best! This story really is a non-stop amazing read.
Edward Norton is broke. All he has are the debts left by the death of his father and a shipping company going under. When his friend Hugh introduces him to Benedict with the Gentleman Courtesans, Edward sees a way out of his mountain of debt. Clare Dunnaby is a bluestocking interested only in geological specimens, porcelain, old watches and propagating plants. For Clare’s birthday, her Aunt Helene signs a contract for Edward as a gift for a month. As Edward and Clare explore their sexual attraction they also find out more about each other’s personal lives. What happens when the month is over?
A very entertaining series that involves more of the personal growth of a couple discovering they were meant to be together. A free copy from the author for an honest review.
I enjoyed the chemistry between Clare and Edward and the way he went about wooing her. They weren’t supposed to fall in love with each other, but then it’s not as if these things can be controlled. It’s a nice short story and a great way to spend a couple of hours.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This deliciously steamy book was all about pride, forgiveness, familial duty, assumptions, curiosity, desperation, hope and love. The characters were brilliant, and I especially loved the interactions between Clare and Aunt Helene, two wonderfully independent and capable women who aren’t afraid to embrace life. Edward was also a sympathetic character with enough backbone to do what needs to be done to save his and his family’s future. The Gentlemen Courtesans is an enticing, addictive series, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Not a fan of the cover but Tempting the Bluestocking is definitely an entertaining, sexy read. The book blurb accurately describes the story. The writing is great and I loved Aunt Helene, Clare, and Edward. I enjoyed this charming, x-rated love story very much.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A few weeks ago I read the book “A portrait of a Lady” in which Edward was mentioned as the 1st male courtesan who married his keeper. How nice to have read his story now. An infatuation that develops quickly on both sides, but neither of them gives words to their feelings until it is almost too late. Easy-to-read novel with many steamy scenes. And I continue to love the concept. Masculine courtesans at a time when the values and norms were as different as today!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved the book it was great the story was well written and the characters were great. I would love to have a birthday present like that, well that is what Clara’s Aunty did for her. Clara is not interested in going out with anybody. Well the book was hot and steamy sexualy spicy.
Thank you for allowing me to review your book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was interested in Edward when I read Portrait of a Lady and was not disappointed in his story. I loved that Clare’s aunt is how she met Edward in the first place. I also liked that Edward was part of the GC only for a short time and fell for Clare. I can’t wait to read more books in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I previously read Portrait of a Lady, drawn in by the unique plot of a male courtesan. I was not disappointed by Portrait, so I eagerly devoured Tempting the Bluestocking…again, I was not disappointed. I read Tempting in a few hours and eagerly await future installments to this idea of the Gentleman Courtesan Club. Each of our H/h is interesting and intelligent in their own, never leaving me to roll my eyes at the antics but to read on in anticipation and usually laughter of their adventures.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Charming and delightful
Edward Norton? Yeah, this Edward can be smooth and he’s not playing Clare. He’s just good guy looking to do right by his family. Vicki has written a charming, dutiful, and charismatic hero. Clare is a quirky heiress that is into botany and all things science but not sex (even though she’s a spinster in Victorian England) or romantic relationships – until Edward. This is a charming romance.
This is the beginning of the Gentleman Courtesans Club!! In Victorian days, in any day it is outrageous and unheard of have men for courtesans, but a group of close friends are members of this private club.
Imagine finding a very naked and handsome man on your bed!! Well Clare finds Edward on her bed as a gift from her aunt for a month!! I really really enjoyed and loved this book. The storyline is flawless, original and witty.
She has one night with a man but it was so bad she never wanted to do it again. He takes on a bet to seduce her and stay with her for a month. What will happen if she finds about the bet? What if he falls in love with her? Will they stay as a couple? See if they will
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely loved this book! I loved the unique idea of male courtesans. What a great way to get needed funds while having some fun at the same time.^^ I loved the characters, especially the strong-willed Clare and her very eccentric aunt. Edward definitely needed to put his pride and insecurities on a shelf and take a little risk. I loved the way Clare told him like it was and put him in his place. I liked that she didn’t turn into some weepy, desperate chit, and instead made him do the appropriate groveling. I verbally cheered her on aloud when she told him off. This was a very enjoyable and entertaining read from beginning to end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.