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Genre: Historical romance
Pages: 425 (ebook)
Published: October 2011
Publisher: HQN books
Source: netgalley
Her only hope for survival…
Handsome, wealthy and respected, Sir Mark Turner is the most sought-after bachelor in all of London—and he's known far and wide for his irreproachable character. But behind his virtuous reputation lies a passionate nature he keeps carefully in check...until he meets the beautiful Jessica Farleigh, the woman he's waited for all his life.
Is to ruin the man she loves…
But Jessica is a courtesan, not the genteel lady Sir Mark believes. Desperate to be free of a life she despises, she seizes her chance when Mark's enemies make her an offer she can't refuse: seduce Mark and tarnish his good name, and a princely sum will be hers. Yet as she comes to know the man she's sworn to destroy, Jessica will be forced to choose between the future she needs…and the love she knows is impossible.
My thoughts:
This is book 2, but do not worry I could easily read this book without having read the one where the hero's brother found love first.
A hero who is a virgin, yes I do like that. So refreshing from all those rakes who are running around and surely have an STD or two by now. Instead I get a hero, Mark, who is a virgin, he has got a few issues, and at the moment he is sick of the praise put upon him. He may be a virgin, but he sure still is a man.
The heroine on the other hand is a courtesan, so she has gotten around. And sure she has got her reasons, but to try to seduce poor Mark and ruin him, so not cool. But as we learn she does have her reasons, and I do understand those reasons and why she does feel like she does not have a choice.
Thrown together it becomes a nice little tale, ok I should not call it nice. It's a tale about lies, feelings, and a woman who feels broken inside.
Of course I disliked Jessica at times, who could not, she would ruin and break his heart. But it was obvious she was falling so I had to like her. And their situation was also so hopeless. A courtesan and London's most famous virgin? Not gonna happen! But of course we all know it will happen and I am was happy when it did.
Conclusion:
It was a different sort of romance. You know there is trickery at the start, you want them to still be together, but Milan sure makes them work for it. And in the end everyone lives happily ever after.
'Cover:
I like the yellow
I really like this series and can't wait for the third. Glad you liked it too. You're right, it's a bit different but Milan does different so well!
ReplyDeleteI'm really excited for this one, I haven't read too many virgin hero stories! I loved Mark in the first book, so I can't wait for his full story. So glad you enjoyed it:)
ReplyDeleteThere are virgin hero stories in m/m, too. :)
ReplyDeleteSure is a new storyline to explore, but well, I do prefer my Rake's ;)
ReplyDeleteThat's unheard of! The man as the virgin and the woman the rouge who has went around the tree a few times? Sounds like a great read!
ReplyDeleteI agree...I am loving the yellow.
Great review--I haven't read Milan's books yet, but they are on my list. :D
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy a good virgin hero story, probably because they are not shown very often. I think if they became as common as say virgin heroine, we would probably lose our interest in it a bit. :D
Happy Holidays!
Enjoy,
TBQ
http://tbqspersonalbookpalace.blogspot.com (Note to everyone: Feel free to stop by to enter my Holiday Giveaway!)
Mary
ReplyDeleteShe does it oh so well, i really like that it is different. And she does make the couple work for that HEA
JEnny
Can't say I have either ;) I have to read the first book too, and I do got the 3rd
Chris
Oh you ;)
Aurian
Lol, those rakes are sure awesome, i give you that.
Carole
Yup, you heard me. She is worldly, he is not. But he wont let that stop him
TBQ
ReplyDeleteI agree, I would not want them too be common, because not even the heroines are that virginal anymore. They do shred it pretty quickly too
ooooh, i love this author and this sounds amazing! thanks for the great review!
ReplyDeleteCarrie
ReplyDeleteSometimes I strike gold at NG :) I have wanted to read a long book by her since I read unlocked
Sounds like a good one! I'm always on the lookout for something different in romance!
ReplyDeleteI liked this one but not as well as the third part...but you know my infatuation with Courtney Milan ;p
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good book to me!
ReplyDeleteJenny
ReplyDeleteAnd different it is, I do liek Milan's style. She braves new things.
Ana
Oh...I did not know ;) Hihi, you liked historical romance. Aye I am amazed.
Amused
It is :)
I think I just got the first one (I have to check). Yes, I'm that organized! LOL I agree, this one sounds so different than the STD rakes around (ROFL). I think I need to read this one!
ReplyDeleteMelissa
ReplyDeletenah, you can read out of order, you know you want too ;)
Never read her books but this sure sounds different! Now I'm just curious about this :)
ReplyDeleteI love that whole virgin idea! This could be a series I would like!
ReplyDeleteElysium
ReplyDeleteGive them a go :) There are 3 out, 2 from HQN and the last one self published, oh and that awesome short one
Staci
I do like that he did not fool around, awww, what a nice man
Hero as a virgin, hot! Too bad the heroine wasn't so likable.
ReplyDeleteThis one's just not calling to me. Maybe I prefer rakes to virgins.
ReplyDeleteAudra
ReplyDeleteI did like her when I knew her better, but you get how she was hard to like when she was a liar
Carol
Lol, well I do like those rakes too
Sounds refreshingly different :)
ReplyDeleteCherry
ReplyDeleteI know right, so nice
hahahaaha!
ReplyDeleteOh, girl. You are always making me laugh.
Yes, I'm sure those rakes are full of STDs. Glad to know Mark is fresh and new. LOL
I do remember your reading this author before. This sounds like a good series :) I like the idea of a virgin hero.
ReplyDeleteA virgin hero and a courtesan? Now that would be an intriguing dynamic to read about.
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting with the tricky there. :D Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThis definitely seems like a different sort of romance. The roles are reversed. I'm glad it can stand alone on its own as well.
ReplyDeleteMissie
ReplyDeleteLol, I am glad, I am here to serve Mam *tips off imaginary hat*
Oh yes, the era of syphilis.
Naida
Unlocked, awww, I loved that novella.
Steph
Hihi, right, so different, and it works.
Melissa
She does not play nice for sure
ALexis
I am glad they are since mostly it is the rake who has been around and a nice virginal heroine
I have these books and I think they will be right up my alley. :)
ReplyDeleteFelicia
ReplyDeleteThen I hope you will enjoy them :D