Courtesan cover art

Courtesan

 Preview

Get 30 days of Premium Plus free

£8.99/month after 30-day free trial. Cancel monthly.
Try for £0.00
More purchase options
Buy Now for £16.99

Buy Now for £16.99

About this listen

Amid the disapproving gossip of the Court, a royal romance defies all obstacles.

The Court of François I is full of lust, intrigue, and bawdy bon temps—a different world from the quiet country life Diane de Poitiers led with her elderly husband. Now a widow, the elegant Diane is called back to Court, where the King's obvious interest marks her as an enemy to the King's favorite, Anne d'Heilly. The Court is soon electrified by rumors of their confrontations. As Anne calls on her most venomous tricks to drive Diane away, Diane finds an ally in the one member of Court with no allegiance to the King's mistress: his teenage second son, Henri.

Neglected by his father and disliked by his brothers, Prince Henri expects little from his life. But as his friendship with Diane deepens into infatuation and then a romance that scandalizes the Court, the Prince begins to discover hope for a future with Diane. But fate and his father have other plans for Henri—including a political marriage with Catherine de Medici. Despite daunting obstacles, Henri's devotion to Diane never wanes; their passion becomes one of the most legendary romances in the history of France.

Contains mature themes.

©1993 Diane Haeger (P)2022 Tantor Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Medieval Romance Royalty Marriage Middle Ages Tudor French Historical Fiction
All stars
Most relevant
The book really moved me, the story is beautiful, and the narrator did a wonderful job.

Loved it

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
story is entertaining and convincing. Liked it a lot.
I will absolutely tell others to listen.

performance

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I adored this book I literally couldn’t “put it down “ the sweet romance of it just grabbed me I surprised myself the pleasure it gave me …

Gloriously romantic with elements of real historical truth

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Beautifully written book well narrated and though long not slow or boring. If you enjoy historical novels this is a good one

The narration

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
This book is a wonderful take on a life at french Royal Court. I love that the author has kept facts of history intact. And yet once you start you want to continue finding out what's next. The narrator has perfect style and voice for this book.

New Perspective on French Royal Court

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
See more reviews