Dorset, 1858
When Hannah's caught watching her late husband's cousin debauch the maid in the library, she's mortified—but also intrigued. An unpaid companion to his aunt, she's used to being ignored.
The black sheep of the family, Leo has nothing but his good looks and noble birth to recommend him. Hannah ought to be appalled at what she's witnessed, but there's something about Leo that draws her to him.
When Leo claims he can prove that women can feel desire as passionately as men, Hannah is incredulous. Her own experiences have been uninspiring. Yet she can't bring herself to refuse his audacious proposal when he offers to tutor her in the art of lovemaking. As the tantalizing, wicked lessons continue, she begins to fear she's losing not just her inhibitions, but her heart as well. The poorest of relations, she has nothing to offer Leo but herself. Will it be enough when their erotic education ends?
~My Thoughts~
Having read many historical romance stories, I'm so happy to finally have an author step off the train and take a dive right down the alley!
This story is a bit of a comedy for me, seeing as Leo is not afraid to speak about sex and how to properly perform various activities that provide each partner passion.
So many times it's such an unspoken subject.
Poor Hannah...you just can't help but love her character. Her husband dies, leaves her nothing, now she has to be a companion to his aunt.
Then to top it off seeing your "cousin Leo" with the maid....what a turn on!
Of course then there is the lessons..... :0)
How could such an eager Hannah turn Leo down?!?
I loved how the author progressed the teaching, how each "lesson" went further and they in turn learned more about each other.
Maybe not enough though.....
Status with the Rich means everything even if you're the "Black Sheep" and dear auntie had other plans.
The ending was a rather sweet piece of pie in the face for Leo's family...one of my favorite endings thus far.
A great job on a fun story.
~Where to Buy~
~About The Author~
An editor by profession but an historian by inclination, I have an abiding interest (one might even say obsession) in British social history that first took root when I studied at the University of Oxford.
I now live in Toronto, Canada with my husband, young children, a cat, a dog, and piles of laundry that refuse to fold themselves, no matter how much I glare at them.
In my spare time I like to cook for family and friends, make inroads into my weed patch of a garden, and read e-books (the steamier the better) on my Kobo.
I’m represented by Kevan Lyon of the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
~Check Juilana Out On Her Website~
Thank you to NETGALLEY and CARINA PRESS for allowing me a copy of this novella in exchange for an honest review.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising*
This looks like a great sultry read, I will have to give it a try thanks for the honest review! :)
ReplyDeleteThis one sounds interesting, I like that Leo seems to be funny and charming. I love those type of male characters, they always made me fall in love. Thanks for your review, I think I'll give it a try :)
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a fun story with some interesting characters.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review. It sounds intriguing based on what you said. Might check it out :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review! Love the idea of comedy in a historical romance. It isn't always my favorite genre but you have convinced me to give it a try. Thanks!
ReplyDelete