"Engaging erotic Victorian romance"
In 1875 Lord Althorp warns Lavinia Vance that her daughter
and his son will wed in one month or he will bare their
former love affair to the Ton. An agitated Lavinia has
failed to bring Ernest and Merry together and has no idea
what is left to do. When Merry rejects Ernest again, her parents give her one-
week to change her mind or lose her beloved horses and her
elderly loyal maid. On her way home, someone accosts
Merry. Portrait artist Nicolas Craven having just completed
a painting of Merry's father rescues her. She tells him
her name is Mary Colfax before leaving him. Merry informs
her parents she will visit her best friend in Wales while
deciding whether to marry Ernest. However, she actually
plans to become Nic's model so that her reputation is
ruined and she will not have to marry anyone. Nic agrees
and as he works on her portrait they both deny they are in
love. Besides which, once he learns who she really is,
Molly knows he will never forgive her deception. This erotic Victorian romance is at its best when the plot
focuses on the lead characters' troubles that in turn
vividly bring the era to life. However, the explicit sex
scenes seem included more as shock treatment than as erotic
elements spicing up an engaging tale. BEYOND SEDUCTION is
for those readers who want a triple X historical as Emma
Holly, known for her torrid tales, treats her readers to an
equatorial heated romance. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted May 11, 2002
SummaryMerry Vance has made it clear she has no interest in
marriage, but that hasn't stopped her long-suffering suitor
from proposing, or her parents from getting more furious
each time she refuses. Merry is forced to concoct a
scandalous solution: to pose nude for Nicolas Craven, famous
artist and infamous libertine.
But Nicolas has his own plans for the spirited young woman.
In Merry's plain face, he sees uncommon beauty. In her soft
eyes, he sees sparks ready to burst into flame. And, best of
all, he's certain the masterpiece she helps him to create
will tantalize the ton . . .
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