MISTRESS OF PLEASURE

Author: Delilah Marvelle ISBN: 9781420104486 9/2008 HISTORICAL Publisher: KENSINGTON
Time Period: 1830 England

REAL PLEASURE CAN'T BE TAKEN.... Granddaughter of a renowned courtesan, Maybelle de Maitenon has no interest in her grandmother's school in London where gentlemen receive instruction—in the art seduction. Her only desire in life is to remain indepedent, free from men and the shackles of marriage. But when Maybelle lays eyes on Edmund Worthington, the Duke of Rutherford and hears of his scandalous reputation, she decides he's the perfect person for her to have a tryst with no strings attached. IT MUST BE GIVEN... Unbridled passion has muddied Edmund Worthington's family name. Again. After his very public dalliance with the strikingly beautiful and sensual Maybelle, his mother insists he marry her. But much to the Duke's surprise, Maybelle scoffs at his proposal. Never has he encountered such a brazen—and maddeningly irresistible—woman. But when Maybelle's grandmother falls ill, forcing Maybelle to take over the operation of her school, Edmund devises a plan to make her his. He enrolls in the school, where no one other than Maybelle must give him expert lessons in carnal pleasure...

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Beautifully written, MISTRESS OF PLEASURE by Delilah Marvelle is an enchanting read. Smart, sexy and filled with sizzling scenes, this story of love and lust is one that will stay with the reader long after the final page is turned. Just ask me, I know. I can't put this book, with its fiercely independent heroine, charming grandmother and love-struck hero out of my mind. It's long past the time I finished the last "lesson" in the book but I'm still smiling over the story. Yes, it was that good!

Maybelle is a fantastic heroine, bringing so much intelligence and candor to the page that she is almost fully lifelike. Her upbringing with her courtesan grandmother at The School of Gallantry is like none I've ever encountered. I was fascinated by the way Maybelle thrives in the sexually free environment. Despite being surrounded by women focused on pleasuring men, Maybelle learns to be her own woman, completely unreliant on any man for her own gratification. When she meets Edmund she sees the chance to experience physical fulfillment without emotional attachment. That is, of course, her intention but it isn't what Maybelle ends up with.

Edmund is dashing, a true hero who could make any woman swoon. When Maybelle proclaims herself on the dance floor, his reaction is priceless. Even as I write this, I'm smiling. I can't help it. Maybelle's candor and Edmund's reaction cannot be forgotten!

Anyone who enjoys a spicy historical, sexy hero and a strong, smart heroine is bound to love this story as much as I did. MISTRESS OF PLEASURE by Delilah Marvelle is so good I know I'll read it again. And again. And who knows? Maybe again.

Kay James