Veronica COURTESAN (Fragrant Courtesans Book 1)

by Daiko, Siobhan

  As if suddenly shaken awake from deep sleep, I gained courage from the danger I’d escaped, though a woman, born to trivial tasks; and, weapon in hand, I learned warrior’s skills, so that, by bearing arms, I learned that women by nature are no less able than men...

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Siobhan Daiko is an author of romantic historical fiction and a new series of erotic novellas featuring famous courtesans – strong women who held their own in a man’s world. A lover of all things Italian, Siobhan lives in the Veneto region of northern Italy with her husband and two cats. After a life of romance and adventure in Hong Kong, Australia and the UK she now spends her time, when she isn’t writing, enjoying the dolce vita near Venice. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter @FCourtesans and email: info@fragrantpublishing.com

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  I would like to thank the following people:

  Ann Bennett, my lovely beta reader and friend, for her comments on the first draft. Thanks for saying that nothing I write shocks you anymore, and for reading my chapters when you’re so busy. And all my other friends, both authors and readers. Thanks for your support and online chats.

  John Hudspith, my fantastic editor, for his highly professional, prompt, and precise editing. Your excellent suggestions have helped make Veronica even more captivating. You’re simply the best.

  Jane Dixon-Smith, my wonderful cover designer, for a truly sumptuous, arty and inviting design. You are amazing.

  Shweta and Tracy, my fab PAs, for their help with introducing Veronica to the world. Thanks, and warm wishes for your future careers.

  My husband, Victor, for his love, support, and for putting up with me spending hours at my laptop. Our son, Paul, and his girlfriend, Lili, for their help with technology.

  Last, but not least, I thank you, dear reader, for downloading this e-book.

  Così dolce e gustevole divento, quando mi trovo con persona in letto, da cui amata e gradita mi sento, che quel mio piacer vince ogni diletto, sì che quel, che strettissimo parea, nodo de l’altrui amor divien più stretto.

  So fragrant and delightful do I become, when I am in bed with someone who, I feel, adores and appreciates me, that the joy I bring exceeds all pleasure, so the ties of love, however close they seemed before, are knotted tighter still.

  Veronica Franco

  AUTHOR’S NOTE

  Veronica Franco was a historical courtesan who was born in Venice in 1546. My novella is inspired by her life, but it’s a work of fiction not a biography, and should be read as such. When reading her poems and letters, though, I was struck by the force of her personality and I hope I have managed to bring the feisty Veronica to life on the page. I’ve taken the fictional Veronica’s poems from the historical Veronica’s Terze Rime, adapting them for the modern reader. Her lovers’ names are authentic, but the erotic scenes with them spring from my imagination.

  The following books have helped with my research and inspiration:

  Dunant, Sarah, In the Company of the Courtesan, London, 2013.

  Fiorato, Marina, The Venetian Contract, London 2012

  Kimm, Gabrielle, The Courtesan’s Lover, London 2011

  Rosenthal, Margaret F. The Honest Courtesan: Veronica Franco, Citizen and Writer in Sixteenth-Century Venice. Chicago, 1992.

  Jones, Ann Rosalind and Rosenthal, Margaret F. Veronica Franco, Poems and Selected Letters, Chicago, 1998

  I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my novella as much as I enjoyed writing it. Your feedback is important to me and I would love to know what you think of Veronica, Ludovico, Andrew and Marco. I’ll keep an eye out for reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, or you can drop me a line by email. Please follow Fragrant Publishing for updates. My second novella in the series, Theodora COURTESAN, will be published in November 2015.

  ALSO BY SIOBHAN DAIKO

  Lady of Asolo

  The Orchid Tree

  Theodora COURTESAN

  Coming November 2015

  I stand at the palace gates, the letter in my hands.

  A letter of introduction to the Emperor’s nephew.

  I’m here to seduce him.

  I’m here to spy on him.

  I’m here to be his COURTESAN.

  I know how to bewitch a man; I can play that game. After all, I’m an actress, an erotic dancer, a temptress.

  But I want more out of life. I want him. And not just in my bed…

  Set in Constantinople 6th Century.

  Contents

  1

  2

  3

  4

  5

  6

  7

  8

  9

  10

  11

  12

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  AUTHOR’S NOTE

  ALSO BY SIOBHAN DAIKO

  THEODORA: Fragrant Courtesans Book Two