When the Marquis of Dutton presents another woman with the Melverley pearls, Lady Louisa Kirkland cannot believe it. First of all, they are her pearls given to her by her grandmother; second, she's had her eye on Lord Dutton for the better part of two years. Determined to get her pearls and her man, Louisa turns to Sophia, Countess of Dalby, who's assumed to have once been a courtesan.

Lord Henry Blakesley has loved Louisa since he met her two years before, but she prefers Dutton. So, Blakesley wagers Dutton that he can get Louisa to prefer him (Blakesley) over Dutton -- and the pearls set the plan in motion.

Louisa soon finds herself engaged; but to Blakesley, not Dutton. One thing she knows for certain is that she very much likes Blakesley's kisses, and not so very much Dutton's. It doesn't take Louisa long to realize that Blakesley is the man she really loves, while Dutton is nothing more than a fascination. When Louisa's father refuses her hand to Blakesley, a little help from Lady Sophia is required.

THE COURTESAN'S SECRET is a highly sexual story with intriguing characters. The entire book has the best characters. I think every one of them could have their own story, since their personalities absolutely shine. Awesome writing by Claudia Dain.