"Dazzling Second Book in Series!"

For me, reading Candice Hern is oftentimes similar to reading a history book, only one that is going to deliver a much juicier and stimulating version of what goes on behind the staid doors to some of the lofty grand mansions of jolly ole England! Ms. Herns outstanding new trilogy featuring the wealthy 'Merry Widows' who choose to remain independent while embracing their newfound freedom into discreetly taking lovers and enjoying themselves is proving to be a 'treasure trove' of sensual delights!

Beatrice, Lady Somerfield had yet to even think about taking a lover. She was too busy acting as a chaperone for her very beautiful but headstrong niece whose outrageous flirting at a masquerade ball bears some careful watching. What Beatrice soon became aware of was that someone was intently watching her, and as their eyes met a shiver of awareness ran up her spine. Her masked admirer approached and whisked her away to dance, then to the gardens for a very sensual dance of a different nature. Shaken and horrified at her lack of control and wanton behavior, Beatrice fled without ever learning who her mysterious lover was.

The Marquess of Thayne had returned to England to honor a vow made to his father to marry. Thoroughly captivated by the mysterious and passionate woodland nymph 'Artemis' at the masquerade ball he couldn't concentrate on the young ingénues that would make respectable matches for him. This included Miss Emily Thorkill the 'Catch of the Season' whom Beatrice, Lady Somerfield seemed to be pushing into his orbit. For some reason, the niece didn't seem to affect his libido so much as the very proper aunt. When Thayne finally discovers that the Beatrice is the elusive Artemis, they are both shaken with the conundrum this poses on the relationship. With a passion for each other which cannot be denied, they embark on a clandestine love affair. As disaster struck and their affair was publicly brought into the open, many lives would be affected and Beatrice would have a life altering decision to make.

*** This reviewer has come to cherish the stories that Ms. Hern puts her indelible stamp on that continue to deliver impressive historical detail as well as providing endearing characters, wit, and charming sensual delights. She puts an uncommon twist to this story with a rare occurrence of a titled lord attracted not to the younger 'Diamond of the first water' but to an older, beautiful but more accomplished widow. High marks go to the author who was wise enough to fashion the character of Thayne as intelligent and mature enough to make the relationship feel real enough to be believable. The secondary characters all came into play in most convincing supporting roles in providing momentum to further the story into a fast paced read that kept this reviewers interest without having to resort to using a villain or mystery to carry the story. Any one whose love of a well-written traditional regency with a delicious dose of beautifully inspired sensuality will surely find this a treat not to be missed!

Marilyn Rondeau -- RIO, Reviewers International Organization

Reviewed by Marilyn Rondeau
Posted July 25, 2006

Summary

The Merry Widows are thought to be the finest ladies of society... though secretly their thoughts are quite unrefined.

With the comforts of wealth to replace the absence of their husbands, the Merry Widows need not trouble themselves again with marriage. But that doesn't mean these five friends must deprive themselves of their most basic need—physical pleasure. So they each agree to take a lover...or two.

Beatrice, Lady Somerfield, is too busy chaperoning her headstrong niece and overseeing her own young daughters to find time to take a lover—until one night at a ball when a masked stranger makes her realize the delights she's been missing. When she learns his identity, however, an affair seems impossible. He is Gabriel, the Marquess of Thayne, just returned from India, the catch of the Season—and the one man half the debutantes of London (including Beatrice's niece!) want for a husband.

But Thayne is thoroughly captivated by Beatrice, and their attraction leads to several mutually satisfying encounters. As he searches for a bride among the Season's young ladies, he finds himself increasingly drawn to the beautiful, sensual, more sophisticated Lady Somerfield, and suspects his mistress might make the perfect wife. But will Beatrice's deepening feelings for Thayne be enough to overcome her vow never to marry again, and the scandal once their relationship is revealed?