Helpful Score: 5
Not as dumb as it sounds. I enjoyed it reasonably well. However, she lays on the villainy of the villains a bit thick at the end. Not to mention perpetuating a certain stereotype of homosexuality that I found somewhat offensive.
Helpful Score: 4
An erotic romance between a prim and proper Victorian lady and the bastard son of an English countess and an Arab sheik who teaches her the art of sensual delight. A surprisingly good story with depth.
Helpful Score: 4
One of the best books I have read...
I recommend this book for readers who want more than just a titillating erotic read. It is erotic, but it is also a passionate love story, with strongly defined characters, intrigue, depravity and loss of innocence and broken dreams... It is a story of attitudes and depravity of men, women and politics of the era. And ultimately of a woman - daughter, wife, mother - whose beliefs, values and very life takes an abrupt turn into the harsh light of reality...leads ultimately to the passion and love her soul craves. Excellent writing!
I recommend this book for readers who want more than just a titillating erotic read. It is erotic, but it is also a passionate love story, with strongly defined characters, intrigue, depravity and loss of innocence and broken dreams... It is a story of attitudes and depravity of men, women and politics of the era. And ultimately of a woman - daughter, wife, mother - whose beliefs, values and very life takes an abrupt turn into the harsh light of reality...leads ultimately to the passion and love her soul craves. Excellent writing!
Helpful Score: 4
This book was great... I did not expect the plot to be so intriguing, but I couldn't put it down. The story portrays a lonely married woman, whom despite having had two children is pretty much in the dark about sex. Her husband has not visited her bed chamber in a long time and when she finds out he has taken a mistress, she goes to Ramiel (an Arab, bastard son of a sheik) for instruction on seducing and winning her husband back. From there on the book takes twists and turns that kept me guessing... I cheered for Elizabeth as she fought for her right to be loved, touched and cherished, and yet found it very sad at times, especially how ignorant women were kept about their sexuality back then. Ms. Schone developed her characters and storyline superbly and as always the sizzzzzling love scenes never disappoint and will be fun to try out, lol... hope you will enjoy.
Helpful Score: 3
Story: building to high drama, unexpected turns, very romantic
Romance: very erotic
Both lead characters are strong but vulnerable. The villains are truly despicable.
Although this is a HUGE book, I read it within 24 hours. I just couldn't put it down. I even took it to work with me so I could read bits in snatches throughout the day. This is my first time to read Ms. Schone, but it will not be her last. I'm already reviewing her other books to see which I will read next. Sorry, I will not be posting this one. It is my latest KEEPER.
Romance: very erotic
Both lead characters are strong but vulnerable. The villains are truly despicable.
Although this is a HUGE book, I read it within 24 hours. I just couldn't put it down. I even took it to work with me so I could read bits in snatches throughout the day. This is my first time to read Ms. Schone, but it will not be her last. I'm already reviewing her other books to see which I will read next. Sorry, I will not be posting this one. It is my latest KEEPER.
