"Tight plot, well developed characters, and plenty of sex."

After an unsuccessful marriage to an abusive husband, Lady Charlotte Avonleigh wants to put the past behind and get on with her life. Having been sexually debased by her husband, she has never enjoyed the sexual act and doubts she ever can. Now that she is a widow she wants to be a woman of independent means. But women in 17th century London do not have many choices for independent living.

When Charlotte discovers she has inherited the house at Number 14 Beaulieu Crescent, she gets her chance to earn independence. The house is also known as The Crescent---a high-class brothel that caters only to elite clientele. She changes her name to Madam Charlie and enters the pleasure business.

In her position as Madam, Charlie has gained quite an unexpected reputation. She never engages in sexual contact with clients, she never allows clients to abuse any of the young women who work for her, and she has set up retirement accounts for her ladies. Obviously she's no ordinary madam.

Lord Jordan Lyndhurst, Earl of Calverton visits the Crescent regularly --- but not for sex. He's seeking relief from back pain he has as a result of a war wound. One of the young women at the Crescent is a Japanese massage specialist and her techniques have given him relief. During his latest visit he is informed that the woman who serviced him is no longer employed at the Crescent. However, there is someone else who knows her techniques --- that women is Madam Charlie.

When Jordan first sees Madam Charlie he is captivated by her presence and beauty. Her poise and elegance are that of a lady, not a brothel owner. He finds it hard to believe she could be a madam and thinks there's more to her than she wants others to know. By the time his massage is over he is obsessed with two things: seducing her into his bed and finding out who she really is.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Sahara Kelly has penned a great historical novel with a tight plot, well developed characters, and plenty of sexual tension. The chemistry between Jordan and Madam Charlie is a good mixture. If you enjoy historical novels but want more sizzle in the sex then don't miss MADAM CHARLIE.

Sensuality Guide: oral sex, voyeurism. Rated NC17 by publisher.

Reviewed by Angela Black for Sensual Romance.

Reviewed by Sensual Romance
Courtesy Sensual Romance
Posted June 5, 2003

Summary

London, 1814:
A young woman inherits an interesting London house, Number 14 Beaulieu Crescent. Nothing unusual in that, you might say. And ordinarily you'd be right. But this time the "house" is actually a high-class brothel, and the young woman has a secret identity of her own that she must never reveal. Especially not to the man who brings her body to life, stirs her senses like no other, and who has begun his own campaign to unlock the mystery that is "Madam Charlie".

Sexual Content: NC-17. Genre: historical.