Book 2 of 5 in the Gentleman Courtesans Series.Lady Lucinda Bowery has decided to cast off mourning attire and begin moving on from the loss of her husband. Hiring the gentleman courtesan known as an experienced dominant seems like just the thing to propel her out of bereavement and back to life. She intends for him to give her pleasure, and perhaps help her find a bit of the woman she was before … of the woman she was before being widowed.
Aubrey Drake became a courtesan to help bolster his expanding business, as well as provide a trousseau and dowry for his ward. Over time he has grown bored catering to women who only see him as an exotic offering to be enjoyed temporarily and then discarded. Thus, the thrill of mastering a submissive bedmate has lost its luster, leaving him cold. When Lady Bowery is suggested as his new keeper, he expects to be as apathetic toward her as all the others. But, when sparks fly at their first meeting, Aubrey becomes determined to master Lucinda in every way possible—even though she seems intent on keeping him at arm’s length.
As she finds comfort and pleasure with her new courtesan, Lucinda finds it increasingly difficult to deny that what she feels for him goes beyond simple lust. Yet, embracing the possibility of a future with him means letting go of her past.
Aubrey is determined to win Lucinda’s heart, but she still clings to the memory of her first husband. Can Lucinda come to return Aubrey’s love before it’s too late?
more
I thought this was a spectacular romance. Fiery sparks, sweet feelings and a BDSM twist create a hot and emotional read that was delightful to read. To start I have to say how fresh I thought the whole concept behind this series was. While having a hero engage in this type of trade is far from unique in a contemporary setting, in a historical one I found it original and daring. Then we have the storyline which was beautiful, moving and emotive. I honestly dare you to try to resist falling in love with this couple. I know I couldn’t. I felt that there was a true sweetness underlining this couples romance and I can’t tell you how much I adored the fact that they “woke each other again” to love and life. On the way there is drama and some major inner turmoil that must be overcome. I am posting a volitional, objective review.
As I said after reading the first book in this series (which I also greatly enjoyed), I love the premise that the author came up with: gentlemen courtesans! It is very difficult to find a new angle or slant to write in the world of Historical Romance, but Ms. Vale is definitely one of the more creative minds in this genre.
We are briefly introduced to each of the gentlemen in the series at the very beginning of book 1 where they decide to go into business together to solve their financial woes by selling services that they are all gifted in: sex! Aubrey’s specialty in this area is discipline, and the perfect client for him arrives in the form of a widowed lady named Lucinda who is still in mourning for her deceased spouse two years after his passing and is in dire need of a shake up. Aubrey is just the man to deliver that to her! While the relationship begins as strictly professional, circumstances intervene that pushes them closer together in more ways than just the bedroom.
Overall, a hot and steamy read. As a note, the story contains elements of BDSM, so if that is not your thing, this book may not entertain you as much as it did me! 🙂
(Please note that I received a complimentary copy from Booksprout in exchange for my honest review.)
I have already read books in this series and I still love the concept of a male courtesan. In this part we read about Aubrey, a beautiful, broad, sensitive black man (thanks to the cover I always see him in front of me while reading). Thanks to his godfather, he has made it far in life. To give his niece a good start in her life, he has chosen to work with 4 others as a male courtesan. His specialty is BDSM. This form of expression of your love life is seen as something banal and is kept secret. His new keeper knows this form of love as a sub.
Aubrey was soon impressed by her and could not control his lust and feelings.
A great written story. Beautiful scenes described with a lot of feeling. Where Lucinda tries to keep a distance from him not to dishonor the thought of her deceased husband, she falls for him. Her fear of expressing these feelings can cause her to lose Aubrey.
Again, a great story in this series. Not only this book is recommended but also the other books in this series
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If you’ve been anticipating the next volume of “The Gentlemen Courtesans,” then wait no more. This one brought every bit of sensual chemistry, angst, mystery, and drama as the previous books and yet, Victoria Vale, delivered more. She immediately grabbed me from the very beginning of the book where we are introduced to two very people who life has dealt harsh blows to. Their reactions to their circumstances are so relatable there’s no way no to connect with them. What’s not to love about Aubrey? He’s everything you’d want in a Dominant with a heart but that also leaves him vulnerable. And Lady Lucinda Bowery? There were times my heart just broke for her and then she’d open her mouth and I just wanted to shake her until she found her common sense. And lets not forget the reporter from “The London Gossip” and the almost daily articles that are being printed. Be prepared though. Aubrey and Lucy have a terrific story to tell but Dominic leaves us with a HUGE cliffhanger at the end. I was lucky enough to be given a copy of this book and this is my honest and voluntary review.
If you love a Hot and Sexy read without sacrificing an interesting and emotional story then do yourself a favor and read this book now!! This series is such an original premise with reversing the roles and introducing us to a group of sexy male courtesans and each story is amazing and getting hotter and hotter. This is the story of Aubrey the resident Dom of the group, who is getting a little tired of the novelty clients find in his specific abilities until he meets our heroine, Lady Lucinda. Lucy is a widow struggling with the loss of her husband whom she deeply loved. She however is ready to jump back into the sexual world her husband introduced her and after seeing Aubrey at work has found her new Dom. She however is determined to keep her emotions separate from her delicious encounters with Aubrey, but we all know the best laid plans often never go as we desire. This was such an emotional chared read and I was so ecstatic for this couple finding their HEA!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have read and listened to a number of Victoria’s books and as much as I have loved each of them, I have to say this one sent me off into book space!
First, as always Victoria can take words and spin them into luscious visual scenes that play through your mind while reading. Her descriptions of colours, fabrics, visual setting on how a room is set up take you into that room, or allow you to touch that fabric..imagine how it would feel. She is a master wordsmith! Her words give the reader a feeling of being in the room during the sexual encounters of her characters as well. Her ability in describing the BDSM encounters in her books, are enticing and appealing and respectful of the subject. They bring yet another layer to her stories.
It is because of the way she writes that you fall into the story, like you are there beside the characters, you feel the emotions, the heartbreak, the love in the room with each page turned. At least that is what I truly came away with during the reading of this story. This is the 2nd of her The Gentleman Courtesans Series.
It was very easy to become totally involved in the story of Aubrey and Lucinda. Aubrey Drake is the owner of a Haberdahery, Shawl and Linen Warehouse. He is working towards an expansion of a business he inherited from his Godfather. An industrious business man and a man of colour. In order to give his niece (Elizabeth) who he has raised from a young child, a proper introduction into society. Aubrey has given Elizabeth everything she will need to make a good marriage. Something Aubrey did not have. Having once been engaged only to have that engagement broken by his fiancé, Aubrey has focused on expanding his business and his niece.
Lucinda, Lady Bowery has spent the past 2 years in deep mourning of her late husband. She was his second wife and she was much younger than the Earl of Lanhope. This of course did not sit well with the Earl’s children, but the love that Lucinda shared with her husband Magnus, Lord Lanhope was a deep love and Lucinda suffered greatly with his loss. Lucinda has made the decision to try to get back some part of her life. Getting back the feeling of living is what brings Lucinda and Aubrey together. That feeling that a submissive (Lucinda) receives from interactions with her Dominant (Master). Her original Master was her husband and now 2 years after his death she turns to the Gentleman Courtesans and is matched with Aubrey, a Dominant (Master) to help her try to regain some part of her life again.
Their story does not become a love story until towards the end when several events push feelings to the surface and one of them is still not prepared to deal with those feelings. Throughout the story there are several smaller stories that also draw the reader in. There is the back story of introducing Elizabeth to the world and how Lucinda helps when Aubrey had thought he was on his own to do this. Also the story of Benedict Stirling, who is the one who brought the male courtesans together and is the administrator of the group.
Without wanting to give away any thing that could be considered a spoiler, I can only say as I did above how highly I recommend this book. There were smiles and there were tears. It was an emotional and captivating read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Two years after losing her beloved husband Magnus Lady Lucinda Bowery has decided to cast off mourning attire and begin moving on. Hiring the gentleman courtesan known as an experienced dominant seems like just the thing to propel her out of bereavement and back to life. Aubrey Drake became a courtesan to help bolster his expanding drapery business, as well as provide a trousseau and dowry for his ward & niece Elizabeth. When Lady Bowery is suggested as his new keeper, he expects to be as apathetic toward her as all the others. But, when sparks fly at their first meeting, Aubrey becomes determined to master Lucinda in every way possible.
WOW just WOW. Steamy, erotic & yet tender & romantic. The attraction between Aubrey & Lucy was so hot but it was also so much more. I loved that they’d both loved & lost Lucy especially had adored Magnus, so refreshing to have a couple with a second chance at love that didn’t diminish the first loves. I think the highlight for me was the kiss in the rain, a true turning point. This is the second book in the series & I can’t wait for the rest especially as I want to find out who The London Gossip is.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Another page turned
Another sizzling book by Ms Vale.
I’ll not give away anything from the story, but will just say it made me bite my nails.
It’s definitely a must read and I promise you’ll fall in love with Lucinda and Aubrey.
As always, for every book ot VV, I say this is the best of hers so far – and the second book from the Gentleman Courtesan series doesn’t disappoint either. I love the writing style. All the sex scenes are hot, impressive, rousing. The main characters are always well described, the historical facts checked.
I don’t know for the other readers, but I always connect with the story. You laugh, cry and more that a good story should deliver.
And after an epilogue like this I’ll die of anticipation for the next book to come out!
Ms. Vale’s books just just keep getting better and better! The chemistry between Aubrey and Lucinda was very well-developed and they deserved to find happiness with each other. I can’t wait to see what the next book has in store for this couple since this series has minor inclusions of all the courtesans in each book. *I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
OMG!!!! I am so in love with Victoria Vale!!! I have read all of her captivating and well written books.
Mr. Aubrey Drake is a member of the Gentleman Courtesan!! You have to read the entire series!!
Aubrey (I love his name) is also the owner of a Linen&Drape and haberdashery that he inherited. He is raising his beautiful niece, Elizabeth. Her parents, his sister died of the typhoid, and he has been amazing at educating and raising her.
He is a G.C. to make extra money to invest into his company.
I love Aubrey, he is gorgeous, motivated and compassionate man. His character is so different from the other courtesans because he is a dominant at BDSM!!!
Dowager Countess Lucinda has been widowed for two years and has chosen to come out of mourning. Lucinda is emotional, but also strong willed. She goes to set up a meeting to acquire a Gentleman Courtesan with her special needs. Her former husband was a dominant and she is a very willing submissive.
This story line flowed and the characters were made for each other. There are ups and downs, and angst, but the narrative had me hooked!! Victoria Vale pays so much attention to details, I love that about her books.
The sex scenes were intensely delicious!!! The chemistry and romance that develops is beautiful!!
Another 5 Star for this extremely talented Author!!
This is a great addition to the courtesan series and I loved it. Aubrey has another contract and this one brings feelings he has not had in years to the surface and he starts to fall for Lucy. She is a widow, who has been in mourning for two years and is just starting to live again, one step at a time. There is a lot going on in this book and there is a HEA but a lot happens first. The mystery writer’s identity is still unknown to them and things may begin to escalate. This is a wonderful story, well written and entertaining. I would highly recommend this book as a great read.
This is the 2nd book in the series The Gentleman Courtesans. This is definitely a BDSM Erotic Book so if you do not like that kind of book, skip this. But if you are open to this type of book with love mixed in – this is the book for you. Victoria Vale always writes a story which has you enjoying its contents. She has you enjoying and understanding the characters, their wants, needs and their feelings. All Lucinda wanted was a sexual relationship, nothing else. All Aubrey wanted was to earn extra money. This of course changes when they meet and get to know each other. I am anticipating the next book in this series.
It is so refreshing to see characters who have loved and lost. In too many stories, the characters hate their previous spouse. Aubrey and Lucinda are pure, raw and emotional characters. The storytelling is gorgeous, as always with Ms. Vale’s works. The story draws you into a world of love that is just on the precipice of acknowledgement and when it is acknowledged it makes it all the more special. And Aubrey’s love for his niece is truly a wonderful thing. I think this is one of Ms. Vale’s best works to date.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
When you think that it just can’t get any better than the previous books by Ms Vale, you find out you were wrong. Aubrey comes in and grabs your heart (and other miscellaneous body parts) and takes you to a whole new place. I wish I had half the talent in writing as Ms Vale so I could give this book the review it deserves, but unfortunately I am not that blessed. I would love to crawl inside her brain and live for a week or two because what a world that must be. A few tears were shed at the end as Aubrey and Lucinda get what they both need the most. Bravo Ms Vale for another stunning book!
After two years of mourning, Lady Lucinda Bowery, the Dowager Countess of Lanhope, has decided to attempt to get on with her life after the loss of her beloved husband and dominant. When her friend suggests she procure a contract with a gentleman courtesan known to be an experienced dominant, Lucinda decides this may be just what she needs to bring her back to the land of the living, maybe even back to her former self.
Aubrey Drake needs the extra income from his courtesan contracts to bolster his ever-growing business and to provide a substantial dowry for the niece he is responsible for. In his two years as a courtesan he has grown bored of his situation and resentful of the women who merely use and discard him when they’ve had their fill of the exotic. Aubrey has grown cold and disillusioned to such activities now and fully expects to feel the same emptiness with his new keeper. So he’s struck dumb when he meets Lucinda and feels a distinct, immediate attraction and need to dominate her in every way possible. Too bad Lucinda is determined to keep him at a distance.
Lucinda finds her new courtesan to be very agreeable but as she develops a relationship with him that goes beyond the physical she has trouble keeping her deepening feelings at bay. To consider a future with Aubrey, she has to give up her past with her late husband, which leaves her feeling guilty and unsure. Aubrey longs for Lucinda’s love, but has no idea how to earn it in the shadow of her feelings for her first husband.
Y’all this book was so emotional. I wasn’t prepared for how much so. Lucinda is still working through terrible grief and Aubrey is growing more and more desperate to find a meaningful, loving connection with another person. These two had explosive chemistry and some very steamy scenes, which only served to showcase their emotional connection more. This book was so beautifully well-written and I really felt a connection with both main characters. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
By this time, every person who knows me, knows I love Regency erotica by this author. She is writing a series about Gentlemen Courtesans and I loved the first book – but not half as much as I loved Aubrey’s book – What a Courtesan Wants. This book showcased what Victoria Vale is so good at – the mix of character development with an interesting story and erotica that hits all the right spots.
Reading this book was like getting caught in a room during one of Bill Nye, the Science Guy’s experiments – all chemistry, all the time. Yes, you can tell I loved this book. The character of Aubrey, who is a man of color, is so very nicely painted in this book. He is a Master of BDSM, and his “keeper” (what they call the women who have hired the Gentlemen Courtesans) is a lovely widow who is a submissive. What always impresses me in Ms. Vale’s books is that she treats the subject of BDSM the way it should be treated, with respect and with the knowledge that there is nothing at all wrong with kink…whether it is written from a Regency viewpoint or any other. I don’t know how she does it, but she always manages to define the power exchange without really putting it into words, which allows the reader to FEEL what the participants are feeling.
I will note that the copy I received was an ARC through Booksprout.
This author is one I’ve been reading for over two years now. I haven’t had reason to give her less than five stars on any of her books because she believes in putting 100% effort into her writing, and believes in the characters she writes about (and if you’ve read my reviews for long, you know I do not hesitate to give less than five stars if something is lacking). You will find no shrinking violets in Vale’s books. And her books aren’t meant to be read by shrinking violets either. When she develops her characters, she takes it a step farther than a lot of authors do…she reveals them down to the bone. After reading this book, I know what Aubrey was feeling every single second. And I also know that when he gets his HEA, I teared up. That’s tough to get me to do when I’m reading erotica. Really tough…another feather in the cap of Ms. Victoria Vale. And now, she should march right back in her office, and write another…and another…and another – I am dying to meet the rest of the Courtesans, as well as anyone else that brilliant Vale brain can come up with.
What did I like about this book? The actual question should be what did I not like about this book?
This is book 2 in this series of Courtesans, and it does not fail to hold your interest and captivates. Ms. Vale is a wonderful writer who knows what the reader wants, she has introduced two characters Aubrey and Lucinda. Aubrey is a black courtesan who is efficient at the finer skills of discipling his clients. Unlike the other courtesans who seem to last longer with their keepers he feels as if he is constantly being released from his and wants a longer lasting relationship.
Enter Lucinda who is looking for just such a dom, she has been in mourning for 2 years for her husband Magnus who introduced her into the world of BDSM. She is trying to branch out of her mourning and enter back into the world of the living.
Aubrey knows how to discipline her, the question is can he make her let go of her old life and come into the new. Once she does let go the sparks fly and Aubrey finds that he loves her and wants her anyway he can have her. The chemistry between them is palpable and gradually she lets go of her widowhood and blossoms into the woman she has held down for so long. You will fall in love with Aubrey and Lucinda.
Wonderful read, all you need is a day…..clear the house and read away….it’s what I did. Absolutely loved it!!
I received this book free via book sprout and am leaving an honest review.
This is the second book in the series that I have read and it does not disappoint.
The chemistry between the main characters is palpable. I was turning each page to see what would happen. I automatically got the next book in the series. Love it!
This is the second book in The Gentleman Courtesans Series, an Erotica Romance. Lucinda and Aubrey’s story is beautifully written, sensual/erotic, and captivating. They are great together, and they share a sizzling hot chemistry. Darcy Stark did an amazing job with the narration! He has the perfect voice as Aubrey. I enjoyed it and I highly recommend it! Looking forward to listen to the next installment, Making of a Scandal. I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
This is a historical romance with steam. The plot and the characters are very well written and have some depth to them. It’s an enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.