From her bedroom window and back-garden in New York, Jane Elliot, could hear the whispers of intrigue and the rustling of romance, but her two big and over protective brothers made sure no lad could let her experience the magic of kissing. So, when the opportunity came to visit her Aunt Molly in England, the young Patriot agreed to the voyage hoping to have a grand adventure. That was her goal, her chance to get some real kisses. Marriage was the furthest thing from her mind.

Her father and American brothers, all sea faring men, had little use for the British especially after the War of Independence and the British proclivity for impressment of American men and others to serve in the British Navy. They were anxious to get in and out of England as fast as the next tide would let them and they were determined that they would be taking their little sister with them. Jane was equally determined to see more than a back-garden, even if attached to a large and noble house.

Yet, as Jane met her British cousins and their young wives in particular, she found some unlikely allies for her quest. At the wedding breakfast being held for Jane's cousin, the young wives suggested that Jane use the flirtatious force of Lady Sophia Dalby, who was known for her skill in getting men to do her beckoning and, unknown to Jane, for matchmaking. Hoping to secure Sophia's aid in getting her brothers to leave her in London with her Aunt Molly, Jane is annoyed when the Duke of Edenham casually joins their conversation. While he is soon besotted with her beauty, she worries that his attention will derail her plans for freedom from her brothers. How could she stay in London? For Edenham, his only goal is to marry this lively American. But, how, when being a Duke just doesn't rank in Jane's priority? Could Sophia, the ex-courtesan, help them overcome their cultural divide without either losing their pride?

With her skill as a story teller, the talented Claudia Dain has launched her fifth book in The Courtesan Chronicles. While intriguing as a stand alone, I am sure this will be a better read within the series as there are many strong and well drawn characters with their own histories and agendas (or lists, as the case may be). For my part, I quite enjoyed this trans-Atlantic romance with its sharp exchange of dialogue as people sought the true mettle behind the other's outer self. Dain writes with a seamless style as she peels back how families and people were treated, divided or formed anew during this tumultuous period surrounding the revolution. My only concern was that I was as starved as the guests for the breakfast to be served. While a nice set-up for the next books in the series, I just couldn't believe the Brits would go that long without their tea and sweets.

Book Summary

Jane Elliot of New York is in London for an adventure. Unfortunately, her two brothers are also in London and quite determined that Jane have no such thing, which does create a few problems, and really is so typical of brothers.

What Jane did not expect was the Duke of Edenham to be quite so dashing and quite definitely the most handsome man she'd ever seen. She also did not expect to capture his attention upon the first look.

It was flattering, to be sure, but did Edenham have to be quite so bold with her two brothers looking on? Most inconvenient. How was a girl to have any sort of adventure at all with brothers snarling at her and a duke commanding her attention?

How? Why with Sophia Dalby's help, that's how. If there's one thing Sophia believes it's that every proper woman should have at least one very improper adventure.

Read an Excerpt