Review: Once a Courtesan (Once Wicked) by Liana LeFey

Synopsis

Constable Will Danbury has infiltrated a school to investigate an alleged crime. What he finds is a deeper, darker mystery—and a potent attraction to the alluring headmistress, Jacqueline Trouvère. But a constable can't get romantically involved with a suspect; even one he thinks is innocent, without committing career suicide.

As headmistress of a school devoted to saving the innocent daughters of London's soiled doves, Jacqueline’s life is complicated. Will tempts her in ways she never thought to experience, but she believes no respectable gentleman could love a former courtesan.

Despite their best efforts to fight it, a romance blossoms. When danger jeopardises the school, however, his deceptions and her omissions come to light, threatening to destroy their love. They must look beyond the past to save both their future together and the lives of those they’ve sworn to protect. 

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5-Stars Review

It's a historical crime thriller. The story touches dark side of London's life in 1700s. I find it quite interesting and enjoyed reading it.

Jacqueline is a headmistress of a girl's charity school but she is hiding a tragic past, not only hers but of every girl in her school. She loves them dearly and would do anything to protect their future, even lie. This is her calling, she is meant to help these girls and make sure that they're well taken care of. Beyond that there is no purpose of her life.

Will is a constable who is sent to investigate Jacqueline's school. Soon he realises that there is some secret which every single person at the school is protecting. No matter how hard he tries, no one is willing to tell him anything. He must investigate and find out what is going on before it's too late.

When someone threatens Jacqueline, Will is there to protect her and help her. He is learning so much about this woman and the more he learns the more he admires her. She truly is a strong woman, who is ready to take risk in order to protect those she loves.... but will they both be able to protect their loved one or will they end up worse off then before?

It's a thrilling read, with lots of drama, and some romance. I loved both Jacqueline and Will. They are both good at their jobs and know how to fulfil their duties. I think it's a unique historical fiction in a way that it doesn't gloss over the plight of less fortunate people. Author has done justice to her characters and story, I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes to read historical fiction.