Your Scandalous Ways

Francesca Bonnard lives as a courtesan in Venice after her scandalous divorce from an English nobleman. Her past returns to haunt her when James Cordier, a British spy, receives orders to retrieve incriminating letters in her possession. The mission becomes complicated as James finds himself drawn to Francesca despite his determination to remain detached. Their encounters in 1820s Venice play out against a backdrop of political intrigue, danger, and the city's glittering social scene. Both protagonists must navigate trust, redemption, and the weight of their respective pasts. The story combines elements of historical romance with espionage and the complexities of reputation in high society. The novel explores themes of second chances and the societal constraints placed on women in Regency-era Europe, particularly regarding divorce and independence.

Readers found this historical romance stood out for its unique Venice setting and mature characters, particularly the courtesan heroine who owns her sexuality. The witty dialogue and banter between leads garnered frequent mentions in positive reviews. Liked: - Complex characters with morally gray backgrounds - Departure from typical "innocent" romance heroines - Historical details of 1820s Venice - Humor and sharp writing style Disliked: - Slow pacing in middle sections - Some found the espionage subplot distracting - Romance develops late in the story - A few readers uncomfortable with heroine's profession Ratings: Goodreads: 3.85/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (120+ reviews) Reader Quote: "Finally, a historical romance heroine who isn't a virgin wallflower - Francesca is unapologetically experienced and that's refreshing." - Goodreads reviewer Critical Quote: "The spy elements felt forced and took away from the central romance." - Amazon reviewer

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🌟 Author Loretta Chase spent years as a department store copywriter before becoming a successful romance novelist 🌟 The book is set in Venice during the 1820s and features extensive research into the city's architecture, culture, and social scene during that period 🌟 The heroine, Francesca Bonnard, was inspired by real-life courtesans of 19th century Europe who wielded significant social and political influence 🌟 The novel subverts traditional romance tropes by featuring a divorced heroine who is unapologetic about her sexuality - unusual for historical romance of the time 🌟 "Your Scandalous Ways" is part of Chase's Fallen Women series, which focuses on heroines who live outside the bounds of conventional Victorian society