When I was reading The Raven Prince I found myself posting quotes from a prostitute named Coral Smythe.

"I can get you a night with an accomplished male whore or a virginal schoolboy." Coral's eyes widened. "Famous libertines or ragpickers off the street. One very special man or ten complete strangers. Dark men, red men, yellow men, men you've only dreamed of in the black of night, lonely in your bed, snug under your covers. Whatever you long for. Whatever you desire. Whatever you crave. You have only to ask me."

Oh, how Coral intrigued me. (Crap. Now I want to re-read The Raven Prince.)

And how happy I was when my GR friend Rane (waves) told me about Coral's HEA on Elizabeth Hoyt's website. I was even happier when I found it on Amazon for kindle, because frankly I'd forgotten about it.

But I digress.

This story was excellent. The perfect way to give us Coral's HEA, nicely wrapped up in the form of Captain Isaac Wargate, who "wins" Coral for seven nights in a card game. One of the things I love the most about historical romances is that deliciously sinful bargains and wagers abound. Who wouldn't want the man you've craved for years to win you in a card game???? (*shivers*) Yum.

We get a little bit of history, a whole lot of tension, and a believable story of how two people can fall in love over the space of a week. All wrapped up with an awesome happily ever after, course.

Oh! And with another beautifully done fairy tale opening every chapter. Hoyt is a MASTER at this, and one of my favourite things about her.

4 stars.