KISSES LIKE THE DEVIL

Author: Diane Whiteside ISBN: 9780758225153 2/2009 HISTORICAL/EROTIC Publisher: KENSINGTON BRAVA
Time Period: Eisengau 1900

His wicked desire could free her. Strikingly handsome, wealthy, and accomplished, Brian Donovan has succeeded in everything he puts his mind to—except marriage. Now, as a favor to his former military commander Teddy Roosevelt, Brian is investigating a powerful new weapon invented in the small European country of Eisengau. The task carries prestige, danger, and an enticing complication in the lithe form of Meredith Duncan. With her deliciously candid approach to all things sensual, Meredith is unlike any woman Brian has known. In fact, she wants him to ruin her reputation—and Brian eagerly obliges, initiating a passionate, playful, and wildly erotic affair. Or enslave her. A feminist who believes in free love, Meredith has always battled convention. When her parents urge her toward an odious marriage, Meredith turns to the dashing, thoroughly masculine American who could be her only hope of escape. But nothing is as simple as it seems, and as competition to acquire the new weapon turns deadly, two lovers are drawn into a treacherous game where the stakes run as high as their raw, mutual desire, and the greatest risk of all may lie within an untested and all-consuming love.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

KISSES LIKE A DEVIL is the latest installment in Diane Whiteside's Devil series. I haven't read any of the earlier books in this series, but I didn't need to in order to fully fall into Brian and Meredith's love story. After reading this book, I plan to pick up the others the first chance I get. KISSES LIKE A DEVIL was a joy to read, and I am hooked on the series.

Brian is so hot and hunky that when he's sent on a mission by none other than Teddy Roosevelt and meets headstrong Meredith, it seems natural these two would intrigue each other. Meredith is smart, and way ahead of her time, and doesn't hesitate to follow where her body leads. But murder and upheaval make the romance between this pair anything but ordinary. I have to admit that I loved every rude gesture Meredith made, as well as her complete surrender to Brian's lovemaking. She trudges along without a whimper, takes pleasure when it comes her way and remains devoted to their future even when faced with a heart-stopping gorge. She is amazing, a truly heroic heroine.

Learning a bit about Schnauzers and cannons was a bonus in this engaging tale. I enjoyed every moment of KISSES LIKE A DEVIL, and I think others will, too.

Kay James