Considering how courtesan romances usually go it’s easy to think Kate Bergeron is not really a courtesan, but she is in fact one. While I very much like that she really is a courtesan, I wasn’t a big fan that Kate was victim of rape and lusty determined privileged men (her first benefactor and the Prince) because while she goes willingly into the profession there is a strong element of force. What else were her choices? Become a common whore or become a rich man’s one?
Kate comes across as worldly and innocent by turn. Part of this is because she remains ever optimistic in the face of harsh realities. She helps women who are working and living where she grew up as best as she can. She plans for the day when a man will no longer desire her. She wants to learn to cook and bake so she can support herself outside of being a kept woman. She’s practical about her place in London society and takes things on the chin for the most part.
The Duke, Grayson Christopher, is arrogant, superior, and morally righteous despite the fact that he is cuckolding another peer of the realm. I wish Kate would have pointed out his and society’s incredible hypocrisy but that doesn’t happen. The book focuses on Grayson’s struggle to love a woman like Kate who is everything he should avoid like the plague. He juggles his feelings and the pressure of his dukedom credibly and in an adorable manner. Reading Grayson overcome his built-in disdain is very pleasing.
Then there is the Prince of Wales. George purchases Kate from her last master, but can’t be with her because he desires a divorce which he can’t get if another scandal is associated to his name. It is his plan to enjoy Kate visually from afar and to steal random meetings in public. To aid in his ruse he coerces Grayson into escorting Kate to social functions.
When the Prince discovers that the ruse is no longer a ruse he puts pressure on both and sows seeds of doubt in Kate. It is social suicide for Grayson when decides to eschew propriety and follow his heart. I was so sure Grayson would give his title to his younger brother and whisk Kate to America to start afresh, but that is not how they finally get together. The wrap up happens quickly and is very brief about the details, focusing more on Kate's reunion with her long lost brother instead about the reprisal from society, Grayson's family, and the Prince. So while it wasn’t as satisfying as it could have been the story is a delightfully different historical romance.
Rating: 3.5 - 4 Stars
