Title: Claiming the Courtesan
Author: Anna Campbell
First published March 27, 2007
375 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780061234910 (ISBN10: 0061234915)
Rating: 3.68
Overview
SHE WAS LONDON’S MOST CELEBRATED COURTESAN, UNTIL HE DECIDED TO MAKE HER HIS OWN. Known as the infamous courtesan, Lady Isabella has never been tamed by any man, until the Duke of Ashbrook enters her life.
He is determined to make her his bride and claim her in every way possible. But just as she begins to fall for him, Lady Isabella suddenly disappears, leaving the Duke in despair.
Desperate circumstances have forced Isabella to change her identity and leave her former life behind. But when the Duke discovers her hiding place, he kidnaps her and takes her to his estate in the countryside.
There, he seduces her once again and she can’t help but fall for his charms. Though she longs for independence, Isabella finds herself unable to resist the Duke’s unexpected love and the passionate desire that binds them both.
About the Author
Hi there! I’m an author who has written numerous historical romance novels. Some of my works include 11 award-winning books published by Hachette Grand Central Publishing and Avon HarperCollins, as well as more than 30 indie romances that have become bestsellers.
My latest series, Scoundrels of Mayfair, takes place in Regency London and features themes of glamour and sensuality. The first two books, The Worst Lord in London and The Trouble with Earls, are currently available, with The Last Duke She’d Marry and The Duke Says I Do set to be released in 2023.
When I’m not traveling around the world to gather inspiration for my stories, I reside on the beautiful east coast of Australia. Reading has always been a passion of mine and I enjoy exploring a variety of genres – you can see this reflected in my book list.
Some of my favorite authors include Dorothy Dunnett, Elly Griffiths, Michael Lewis, and Loretta Chase.
If you want to learn more about me and my work, you can visit my website or follow me on social media. I always appreciate hearing from readers, so feel free to reach out to me at [email protected].
Editoral Review
Anna Campbell’s Claiming the Courtesan is a classic romance novel, published on March 27, 2007. Campbell is an Australian author known for her captivating storytelling and intricate character development.
Claiming the Courtesan is one of her most famous works and has since become a staple in the romance genre. The novel follows the story of a young woman named Verity Ashton, a courtesan who is sold to the highest bidder at a lavish ball in 1825 London.
The highest bidder is none other than Kylemore, the Duke of Kylemore. He is a stern and serious man who is used to getting what he wants, but what he wants more than anything is Verity.
Despite Verity’s unwillingness to be owned by anyone, she finds herself irresistibly drawn to the Duke, and the two begin a tumultuous relationship. The novel takes place in a turbulent time in history, where a woman’s worth is measured by her looks and connections.
Campbell draws on this historical context to explore themes such as power, control, and love. The characters are complex and intriguing, making it difficult to put the book down.
The writing is descriptive and vivid, transporting the reader to 19th century London. Campbell’s prose is elegant and evocative, with a poetic style that is perfect for a historical romance novel.
The pacing is on point, with just the right amount of action, drama, and romance to keep you hooked until the very end. One of the strengths of Claiming the Courtesan is the character development.
The two main characters, Verity and Kylemore, are both flawed and relatable, which makes them easy to empathize with. The supporting characters are also well-developed, adding depth to the story and giving it more texture.
However, the novel does have some flaws. Some readers may find the plot predictable and the romance formulaic.
Additionally, the depiction of Verity as a courtesan may be problematic for some readers. Overall, Claiming the Courtesan is a solid novel that will appeal to fans of historical romance.
Anna Campbell is a gifted storyteller who knows how to create captivating characters and a richly detailed world. If you are looking for a romance novel that is both romantic and thought-provoking, this is a book you cannot miss.
Rating: 4/5
Recommended for: Fans of historical romance, those interested in 19th century London, and anyone who enjoys complex characters and intricate plotlines.
