The story wasn't that interesting, and I don't have a hard time with lots of sex. This author just didn't display the complexity that I've gotten used to from authors like Robin Schone and Sylvia Day. I'm not talking about plot complexity here, but complexity of emotion and connection. It is possible to have both in a book, but you won't find it in this one. A very "by the numbers" plot.
I picked this book up because it sounded like an interesting story and Sherrilyn Kenyon (whom I like) was quoted on the cover saying "I savored every word!" She may have savored it - but I did not!
"Beautiful c_ _ k" (Drake's anatomy) was used way to much and if Merriam called Drake "incorrigible" one more time...ugh! Overall, there was something about the entire story that just seemed shallow and unrealistic to me. I mean I'm all for changing for the better or gaining some new founded courage, but how a completely shy unaggressive woman who freezes up in conversation, goes to the extremes Merriam did - simply because she heard a gentleman make a *general* comment about "widows & virgins" - I'll never know.
Merriam goes to a madame for private lessons, seduces a complete stranger, and the wrong one at that, then becomes his mistress all in the blink of an eye? OoooK! And all the sex, sex, sex from A to Z pretty much, Merriam takes to like a fish in water. ?|?
Also, there was no resolution between Julian and Drake who had been best friends at one time. Both had falsly accused each other, lived with a strong hate of one another for 8 years, wounded each other physically and financially, yet when the real murderer is discovered, they don't as much as "Oh sorry. Guess we were wrong."
This is Ms. Bernard's 1st novel; she follows up with #2 next year - "Madame's Deception," Madame DeBourcier and Lord Colwick's (Alex, Drake's best friend) story. This is the madame in this book that Merriam goes to for private lessons.
But hey...just MHO. Obviously Ms. Kenyon loved it! Maybe you will too! Enjoy! =)
"Beautiful c_ _ k" (Drake's anatomy) was used way to much and if Merriam called Drake "incorrigible" one more time...ugh! Overall, there was something about the entire story that just seemed shallow and unrealistic to me. I mean I'm all for changing for the better or gaining some new founded courage, but how a completely shy unaggressive woman who freezes up in conversation, goes to the extremes Merriam did - simply because she heard a gentleman make a *general* comment about "widows & virgins" - I'll never know.
Merriam goes to a madame for private lessons, seduces a complete stranger, and the wrong one at that, then becomes his mistress all in the blink of an eye? OoooK! And all the sex, sex, sex from A to Z pretty much, Merriam takes to like a fish in water. ?|?
Also, there was no resolution between Julian and Drake who had been best friends at one time. Both had falsly accused each other, lived with a strong hate of one another for 8 years, wounded each other physically and financially, yet when the real murderer is discovered, they don't as much as "Oh sorry. Guess we were wrong."
This is Ms. Bernard's 1st novel; she follows up with #2 next year - "Madame's Deception," Madame DeBourcier and Lord Colwick's (Alex, Drake's best friend) story. This is the madame in this book that Merriam goes to for private lessons.
But hey...just MHO. Obviously Ms. Kenyon loved it! Maybe you will too! Enjoy! =)
Helpful Score: 3
I did not really like this book. I ordered it based on some excellent reviews and I was pretty disappointed. There is no real development of the relationship between the two characters; their only connection and relationship is physical. If you want a book filled with sex scenes, then get this one, but if you are looking for a touching romance with memorable characters, look elsewhere.
Susan J. (louisiana-susan) reviewed A Lady's Pleasure (Mistress Trilogy, Bk 1) on + 25 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I was intrigued enough to want to read the next in the series but I do agree with some of the reviews that say too much sex and weak story. I'm all for sex scenes but there seemed to be TOO many. But it was good for a quick read on a Sunday afternoon.
Helpful Score: 1
Very spicey, bordering on erotica. Can't wait to see the next book from this author next year!
Helpful Score: 1
Characters were well drawn and the heroine wasn't TSTL. The premise of the "Deadly Duke" was a bit thin, though. Otherwise, an entertaining read.
Helpful Score: 1
I had a library book and since I have to return it, I ordered my own copy. It is an erotica book but the book looks like a regular historical romance. OK, maybe it looks a bit spicy, but definitely readable at work with the cover art. In any event I absolutely loved it and strongly recommend this book.
I try not to read the backs of books once I have them to bring more surprises to the book. (I also try to avoid movie trailers). Since It had been a few weeks since I reserved the book, I had forgotten the premise. I kept being sucked in deeper and deeper, and by the time I was done was thrilled to have found a new must read author. I was disappointed that this was a first book, because I can't go immediately read everything else in the backlist, but excited to have found a newly published author I love. I am excited that there is a next book in this series and I hope there are many more. The secondary characters are wonderfully portrayed and their world seemed so real that I would be very surprised if there were not even more books in this series. I love returning characters and series books. I did not realize when I first started the book that it was a racy one and those are my favorites. I particularly love when the covers are not extremely explicit. I am just thrilled in so many ways by this book.
I try not to read the backs of books once I have them to bring more surprises to the book. (I also try to avoid movie trailers). Since It had been a few weeks since I reserved the book, I had forgotten the premise. I kept being sucked in deeper and deeper, and by the time I was done was thrilled to have found a new must read author. I was disappointed that this was a first book, because I can't go immediately read everything else in the backlist, but excited to have found a newly published author I love. I am excited that there is a next book in this series and I hope there are many more. The secondary characters are wonderfully portrayed and their world seemed so real that I would be very surprised if there were not even more books in this series. I love returning characters and series books. I did not realize when I first started the book that it was a racy one and those are my favorites. I particularly love when the covers are not extremely explicit. I am just thrilled in so many ways by this book.
Helpful Score: 1
For all of you who don't like erotica books then don't read. But I for one loved this book, love this new author and cannot wait for the next book in this series. I have read alot of books over the past few years, and alot of them have bored me so that I couldn't wait for the end. But with this book I wanted it to continue. Maybe in another book Drake and Julian will be friends once again. Again I am looking forward to more, lot's more, books from this author. LW
Helpful Score: 1
I was hoping this would be intense and erotic like Lisa Valdez's Passion, but I found it boring with a rather silly plot and a herione that was TSTL. However, I seem to be in the minority, most reviews are positive.
Helpful Score: 1
Very sexy. For readers who like a little story with their erotica.
Maryann O. (Romance-fan) reviewed A Lady's Pleasure (Mistress Trilogy, Bk 1) on + 189 more book reviews
This was a marvelous book. A sexy tale of a widow who for one night at a costume and masked ball becomes a temptress who she thinks is the arrogant earl who once slighted her. A fine plan, if the lady had not just seduced the wrong rogue, Drake Sotherton, the Deadly Duke!
Drake Sotherton left England amid dark speculation that he had killed his wife. He now seeks revenge against Julian Clay, man he believes murdered his wife. Convinced that the masked beauty who seduced him is Julian's pawn, Drake tracks her down and proposes that she become his mistress for the Season.
But will the Season be enough?
Drake Sotherton left England amid dark speculation that he had killed his wife. He now seeks revenge against Julian Clay, man he believes murdered his wife. Convinced that the masked beauty who seduced him is Julian's pawn, Drake tracks her down and proposes that she become his mistress for the Season.
But will the Season be enough?
I loved this book! The main character seems to let her inhibitions go when she masquarades as cat, only to seduce the wrong man. When he hunts her down...wow, some good smutty scenes. Good first full length novel from this author, I believe. I will definitely check out her other releases.
Not much of a story line but if you like books w/somewhat graphic lovemaking scenes you will like this book.
Rhonda T. (nmsunshine) reviewed A Lady's Pleasure (Mistress Trilogy, Bk 1) on + 301 more book reviews
Her plan foiled by seducing the wrong man makes a season spicy when she was seeking revenge on Julian and got Drake instead.
Roberta D. (pinkgirlie1977) reviewed A Lady's Pleasure (Mistress Trilogy, Bk 1) on + 25 more book reviews
I really enjoyed this book. It may not be the best romance ever, but it was pretty darn good, especially considering this is Bernard's first book. I enjoyed the development of the romance, the touch of spice to the sex scenes, and the ending even brought a tear to my eye. Just go into this book expecting it to be what it is, a bit of romantic sexy fluff. I have the next two books en route to me, and I'm really looking forward to reading them!
Joan W. (justreadingabook) reviewed A Lady's Pleasure (Mistress Trilogy, Bk 1) on + 1728 more book reviews
Wow, this had it all. Lots of hot steamy sex, great intrigue, interesting characters and a mystery or two to solve.
Good girl goes for payback and ends up in the arms of the wrong rake.
Rake back from exile and gets seduced by the good girl gone bad.
Very fun!
Good girl goes for payback and ends up in the arms of the wrong rake.
Rake back from exile and gets seduced by the good girl gone bad.
Very fun!