Who Would Like This Book:
If you're a fan of witty banter, unconventional heroines, and lush, exotic settings, this is a treat! The story delivers a refreshing twist on historical romance with its unapologetically bold courtesan heroine and a charming British spy. Venice in the 1820s is practically a character on its own, adding plenty of intrigue, gondola rides, and atmosphere. Lovers of steamy, sharp, and funny romances - especially those who crave something outside Regency London - should definitely pick this up.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers struggled with connecting to the heroine’s past as a courtesan or found the plot dragging in places with not enough action. If you prefer your romances with more traditional heroines or can't get past significant societal taboos, this might not be your cup of tea. Others felt the emotional arc lacked depth or didn't buy into the happy ending given the constraints of the period.
About:
Your Scandalous Ways by Loretta Chase is a Regency era romance set in Venice, featuring Francesca, a courtesan, and James, a British agent. The story revolves around James' mission to recover incriminating letters stolen by Francesca from her ex-husband, a traitorous Baron. The book explores the unconventional relationship between the two main characters, their witty repartee, and the backdrop of Venice, providing a unique setting for the romance to unfold.
The plot of Your Scandalous Ways delves into themes of redemption, acceptance, and societal expectations, as Francesca navigates her status as a fallen woman and James grapples with his feelings for her despite her profession. The book is praised for its well-researched historical context, engaging dialogue, and the chemistry between the protagonists, offering a blend of humor, intrigue, and sensuality against the Venetian backdrop.
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Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include themes of infidelity, explicit sexual content, and societal scandal surrounding the courtesan lifestyle.
Has Romance?
Yes, there is a significant romantic element present throughout the narrative.
From The Publisher:
James Cordier is all blue blood and entirely dangerous. He's a master of disguise, a brilliant thief, a first-class lover-all for King and Country-and, by gad, he's so weary of it. His last mission is to "acquire" a packet of incriminating letters from one notorious woman. Then he can return to London and meet sweet-natured heiresses-not adventuresses and fallen women.
Francesca Bonnard has weathered heartbreak, scorn, and scandal. She's independent, happy, and definitely fallen; and she's learned that "gentlemen" are more trouble than they're worth. She can also see that her wildly attractive new neighbor is bad news.
But as bad as James is, there are others far worse also searching for Francesca's letters. And suddenly nothing is simple-especially the nearly incendiary chemistry between the two most jaded, sinful souls in Europe. And just as suddenly, risking everything may be worth the prize.
Ratings (1)
It Was OK (1) |
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Want To Read (2) | |
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1 comment(s)
Francesca Bonnard has worked hard to have a life with freedom and jewels and pleasure - even if that doesn't include love. James Cordier finds himself enamoured with his new target but he can't afford to forget his mission of vengeance - because Francesca holds the last piece of the puzzle to who betrayed him and his men.
This was good. It wasn't great though. I think part of it was that I found it hard to understand. There was a lot of Italian and French words and phrases and while it definitely set the scene and atmosphere, it also tended to jolt me out of the book. The other part was it was somewhat vulgar. The constant references to whores just made me feel uncomfortable. It wasn't that she was having sex for jewels - that was fine. But the way it was spoken about seemed degrading and I didn't like it. The other issue was that I found the first half kind of bland and boring. It felt long and kind of endless. But the second half was a lot better than the first - it picked up speed and had more action and romance and kept my interest.
I liked the characters though. Francesca and Cordier were great. And I loved Francesca's friendship with Giulietta. I also came to quite like Lurenze (the Prince) and I loved how him and Cordier find common ground. The plot was alright, pretty straightforward spy suspense. Francesca's hiding spot for the letters was pretty funny.
She hides them in the decorative ceiling inside a boy's naked butt and then proceeds to plaster over it - all by herself. Plus she managed to prop up a ladder in the middle of the room so as not to make it even more obvious where it was.
But it was also fairly impressive. I like it when characters have clever solutions to things.
Francesca and Cordier were good together. I liked their flamboyant personalities and the over the top arguments played out. They were funny.
An enjoyable historical romance with a mischievous and daring woman and a dramatic jaded spy. 3 stars.
What can you read after
Your Scandalous Ways?
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