Review: The Accidental Courtesan – Cheryl Ann Smith (NOR)

The Accidental Courtesan by Cheryl Ann Smith
Series:
Release Date:  October 4, 2011
Publisher:  Penguin Group
Page Count:  320
Source:  Night Owl Reviews
Buy the book at: Amazon 

To save a bride-in-training” from arrest, Lady Noelle Seymour sneaks into a stranger’s bedroom to replace a stolen necklace-only to lock eyes with the handsome Gavin Blackwell, cousin of the Earl of Seabrook. To explain her presence in his private chamber, she gives the first excuse she can think of: she is there as his new courtesan. Mystified by the beautiful woman who offered her services and then vanished, Gavin tracks her down-and demands that she keep her word…

A NIGHT OWL REVIEWS BOOK REVIEW
Reviewed by: Shannschoice

One would never expect a lady to scale a trellis and break into an Earl’s house, but that’s exactly what Lady Noelle Seymour is doing when we first meet her. Noelle is trying to save Bliss, the Earl of Seabrook’s courtesan, from Newgate when she finds out Bliss was talked into stealing a necklace from the Earl’s wife. So she breaks into the house to return the necklace and finds the Earl’s American cousin, Gavin Blackwell. But Noelle doesn’t know Gavin isn’t the Earl, so to hide the real reason she’s there she offers herself as the Earl’s new courtesan and then leaves. Feeling confident that she’s gotten Bliss out of her trouble by returning the necklace and certain the Earl was drunk and won’t remember her, Noelle resumes her life. She doesn’t count on Gavin remembering her and vowing to find her and make her his.

Gavin has come to England to run the shipyard his father left him upon his death. Gavin vowed he was going to make his business thrive and be a better man than his father. His plans didn’t include the beautiful Lady Noelle and her adventures, which both captivate and infuriate him. But he can’t seem to make her bend to his will and he can’t get enough of her. While he’s managed to sidestep any romantic entanglements since his disastrous engagement in America, Noelle is never far from him thoughts and her power over him has him questioning his vow to never marry. But he first must solve the mystery around his cousin’s necklace and why those involved have taking to attacking him and threatening Noelle.

I truly enjoyed this story. I always love reading a historical romance where the heroine bucks society’s thoughts of how a woman should act. Noelle was very stubborn and determined to do what she wanted. Whether it was remaining a spinster, breaking into an Earl’s home, dressing as a courtesan or deciding to spend the night with the man she loves…she did what she wanted when she wanted. She was really all that concerned with what everyone else thought…which generally led to those around her having to run circles, but it made her that much more lovable as she went after what she wanted. That’s not to say that Noelle didn’t have her weaknesses, her parents failed marriage caused a very jaded image of what marriage is, but that just added to her lovableness.

Gavin was one of those heroes that make you sigh and wonder where all the Gavin’s in the world are. He was handsome, funny, and had a bit of that protective caveman instinct we love as we pretend it irritates us to no end. He was the perfect match for headstrong Noelle. He teased her and made her laugh, pushed or pulled her (depending on what she was doing) into the right direction when needed or followed her when she was too stubborn to see reason.

A charming story with characters that engaged you from the first sentence. Truly a joy!

Nov 29, 2011 | 9780425243978
Review was originally published on Night Owl Reviews and can be accessed by clicking the link above.