The Courtesan's Lover by Gabrielle Kimm

Francesca Felizzi has begun a new life. The former mistress of Alfonso de Este, Duke of Ferrera is now one of Napoli's most sought after courtesans. She attends a social event, masquerading as a grieving widow. Her glittering independent life no longer satisfies the beauty. Seeking to change her life, she falls in love and no longer takes visitors. A disgruntled customer exacts revenge by striking Francesca's heart. To escape her former life, Francesca must reinvent herself one last time.

Francesca was a secondary but important character in Kimm's His Last Duchess. Francesca carries her interesting story with her from Ferrera to Napoli. There she shines, catching the attentions of Napoli's men and the reader. I enjoyed Francesca's frank and confident nature, as well as her humble kindness. Kimm manages to balance the good and bad characters, even with the minor characters. Though the novel is about a courtesan, Kimm manages to get her point across without being vulgar. I immensely enjoyed this little gem of a book!