Yes, indeed, not only is her bodice ripped more than once, but the heroine of Claiming the Courtesan is forced by the hero to have sex against her will (and, from my perspective, it’s most certainly a rape) and then forced again hours later while she is still weak and emotionally devastated. I don't like it when a H and H jump into bed with each really quickly and if a romance can give me that warm, fuzzy feeling after I read it, it's considered a great read! I don't mind if a romance is slightly modern and I'm a huge Jane Austen fan so Regency romances will always have a special place in my heart.First of all, there is no way for me to write this review without offering up major spoilers, so consider this fair warning.īased on this book, apparently the Powers That Be at Avon think we’re ready for a return to the bodice rippers of old, complete with a mean hero, a powerless heroine, and forced sex. I love historical romances that aren't overly sexual, with great chemistry and witty dialogue. Verity and Justin are a perfect match! The plot was hooking and I found I could not keep away from this book for too long-I would be itching to read it! Can’t wait for the next book from this author! Well done!įinal Verdict-Very dark and very intense but a wonderful and powerful love story.

Wow-another great book from my now favourite author of Victorian! I started off hating the hero and then totally falling in love with him by the end! It’s also such a beautiful story about how love can heal the wounds of the past. and though she still dreams of escape and independence, she knows she can never flee the unexpected, unwelcome love for the proud, powerful lover who claims her both body and soul. Verity spends night after night with him in his bed. He kidnaps her, sweeping her away to his hunting lodge in Scotland, where he vows to bend her to his will. But Kylemore destroys her plans for a respectable life when he discovers her safe haven. Flying in the face of society, he decides to make her his bride then, she vanishes, seemingly into thin air.ĭire circumstances have forced Verity Ashton to barter her innocence and change her name for the sake of her family. Men fight duels to spend an hour in her company. The Duke of Kylemore knows her as Soraya, London’s most celebrated courtesan.

Claiming the Courtesan by Anna Campbell