I read this book just a few days after The Club by Sharon Page and found a surprising number of similar plot events between the two books. Both involve the heroine trying to find the whereabouts of a friend and, in order to do
so, becoming involved in a masquerade which involves her behaving in ways not expected for someone like her. In Lessons from a Courtesan, as might be deduced, our heroine, Victoria, has arrived in London pretending to be the courtesan 'Ria'.
Unfortunately for Victoria, her husband - a man
with whom she has spent just one night before he left her and went abroad - has returned, and he's singled out Ria. She's surprised to find that the Earl of Baybary
is willing to help her in her hunt for her friend, but can she spend all this
time with him and not pine for a future it seems they will never have?
There is much to like about this book even though it's not particularly original in execution. I liked both Victoria and Justin and found their relationship convincing. I was less sure about the history that brought them together, finding it not entirely believable. Historical accuracy
is less important than plot and characterization, but overall Lessons from a Courtesan is an enjoyable read.