Courtesan

Diane Haeger

Sep 2022 · Tantor Media Inc · Narrated by Corrie James

About this audiobook

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.

About the author

Diane Haeger is the author of several novels of historical and women's fiction, including four novels set in the court of King Henry VIII: I, Jane; The Queen's Rival; The Queen's Mistake; and The Secret Bride. She has a degree in English literature and an advanced degree in clinical psychology.

Corrie James has worked on both sides of the Atlantic in theater, radio, and audiobooks. She credits growing up listening to the BBC for her love of the spoken word.