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Aspiring artist Delaney Harper sails to New Orleans after her mother’s death. On the night of her arrival, she’s welcomed by a masked stranger who steals one breathless kiss.
Alderic Beaumont is a fallen aristocrat. Once a corsair and now a smuggler, he’s a force to be reckoned with. On the night of his friend’s celebration, he’s captured by an irresistible beauty. He kisses her, promising to find her come morning.
By then, Delaney’s world has crumbled—the truth about her mother reveals Delaney now owns a brothel. With Alderic, Delaney embarks on a path of intrigue and passion. Her wit and artistic skills help conceal her identity and restore the once-prestigious bordello...but her deceptions could cost her Alderic’s heart.
Alderic couldn’t lie; he was fascinated. She was an exquisite creature. He shook his head and tried to gather his wits. What was wrong with him? He finished his wine and was ready to leave. He could appreciate beauty and intrigue, but his reaction to this place was disarming. To find himself on the opposite side of seduction, and succumbing to it like an unseasoned boy, bothered him.
He set his wine glass on the nearest server’s tray and spun on his heel. That was when he nearly fell over the madam. A nagging sense that he knew her plagued him.
“Monsieur Beaumont, what are you doing here?” she asked, the faintest smile crossing her lovely mouth.
“I was invited...it is Madame Cardui, no?”
“Oui,” she replied.
He smiled. “How do you know who I am?”
“I should not be surprised that you were discovered amongst the birds.”
She hadn’t answered him. Perhaps he did know her? “I’ve heard that a couple of times tonight, madam. Tell me, is it my lavish attire, or my charm?”
“Neither, monsieur,” she said, waving her gloved hand and turning away. She gave him one last glance over her shoulder, and said simply, “You are quite tall. You stand above the crowd.”
A wicked grin formed on his lips as she walked away and weaved through the crowded parlor.
4 out of 5 (very good)
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Delaney comes to New Orleans after her mother dies, to find she is now the owner of The Bird House, a brothel. Meeting Alderic is the bright light in a dark place. But Alderic is a smuggler, and Delaney is now a Madam, The Painted Lady. They walk in different circles. Someone, however, wants The Bird House.
What I liked about this, was Delaney did not know what her mother did. She was sent away as a child, and has not returned home for a long time. Remi (who turns out to be far more than a bodyguard!) is her only connection to her mother. But once Delaney got her head round the idea, she embraced it. I loved that the girls in The Bird House were all there voluntarily.
I liked that it took Alderic a LONG time to figure things out! Loved how he got Delaney back!
It's not explicit, at all, given where Delaney now lives, but it is emotional. Delaney deals with a lot here, and it takes a toll.
I'm left intrigued, though. By Alderic's partner, Nye, and his new wife, Sarafina. They have a book that precedes this one, I want to go back and read it. I have a feeling that Sarafina was a shock to Nye's system!
4 very good stars
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found HERE
Avery Sterling's love for the romance genre began in her teen years when she picked up her first novel. She was captivated by the sweeping scale of emotions brought about by the words. The experience catapulted her towards learning the art of wielding a breathtaking adventure, with a love that felt authentic. Wanting to inspire people with her own thoughts and words, she finished her first novel at sixteen. It was a step towards understanding the essence of what she wished to create. Most of her youth was spent traveling, searching out the romance and beauty in her everchanging world. From the waves that crashed against the rocky shores of Downeast, Maine, to the warm breezes of the Caribbean, she discovered that love was universal, apparent in its grandest and simplest of forms. Her goal is to write novels an audience can relate to, one that conveys the truth and nature of love… with all that steamy romance.
Website: https://www.avery-sterling.com
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Tour hosted by: Goddess Fish Promotions
I really enjoyed reading the excerpt and the review!! Sounds like an interesting historical romance read!!
I enjoy historical romance. This sounds great.
by--Marcy Meyer
This looks like a fantastic read. Thanks for sharing and hosting this tour.
Thanks so much for hosting today and your awesome review! So glad you enjoyed The Painted Lady, and hope you'll enjoy Nye and Sarafina's journey, as well!
Avery