A Novel with Thoughts and Ponderings

PLEASURE ME

Author: Monica Burns ISBN: 9780425238790 3/2011 EROTIC HISTORICAL Publisher: BERKLEY
Time Period: Victorian 1897

Pleasure Me by Monica Burns
Youth and beauty are a courtesan’s greatest assets. At forty-one, Lady Ruth Attwood appears to have lost both, as her latest lover just abandoned her for a younger mistress. Struggling with the knowledge that she’s no longer considered desirable, she’s uncertain whether to be offended or flattered when a younger man makes her an unusual offer. In need of funds, she agrees. But then she does the unthinkable. She falls in love.

Despite his reputation as a man’s man, Baron Garrick Stratfield has never been with a woman. His physical impairment is such that he knows not even a whore will touch him, and he needs a mistress who’s willing to be kept without sharing his bed. But passion is just a delicious kiss away because his new mistress is wreaking havoc with his senses. Worse yet, someone is not only out to ruin his reputation, but frame him for murder.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS: Top Pick

Lady Ruth Attwood is forty-one, and Baron Garrick Stratfield is twenty-nine. Ruth knows he’s younger, just not that much younger. She’s a courtesan that has been let go by her current lover, Marston, who’s getting ready to marry a younger woman. Ruth is aware that the years are passing her by, and she has decided to get out of the ‘biz’ altogether while she still has her beauty. She also is a benefactress of an orphanage, and is planning to buy a very nice home for all her ‘children’ and is actually looking forward to retirement.

Baron Garrick Stratfield is a ladies’ man with a couple of secrets that only his uncle is privy to, or so he thinks. He’s one of those heroes that is wise beyond his years and will always come to the rescue of anyone that’s in distress. He also is a benefactor to an orphanage. His mistress decides to get married, and Garrick fears that his secrets will come out, unless he can find another to fill her place.

These two have an awesome chemistry, and we watch the story unfold as they become friends first, and lovers later. Ruth’s obsession with her age is not surprising, yet we’re made to feel her emotions deeply. Garrick, on the other hand, is terrified of anyone finding out his secret, but when those are revealed to us, we just want to cuddle the man and tell him, "It’s all cool, Dude!"

I was anxious to read this book for only one reason: a huge gap in the ages of main characters. There aren’t many stories told of women being so much older than men, and I was curious as to how this would play out in a romance. To be honest, I was expecting this book to be a basic ’porn’ on paper. Well, color me happy! PLEASURE ME was such a pleasant surprise. The age difference was handled with such grace, such aplomb, that I loved every page I read. I would have never thought to classify this book as an erotic read.

Ruth and Garrick’s story was tender, heartwarming, and full of sexual tension.  It was an emotional read, and it hit the right notes in my heart. It felt personal as well. I identified with Ruth on so many levels as I’m married to a man twelve years my junior, and I could see her point-of-view so clearly. She saw herself as old compared to him, while all he could see is a woman that came into her own, a woman worthy of his affection.

I don’t usually read erotic novels, but let me assure you, PLEASURE ME is one sensual, sultry, and heartwarming story you won’t be able to put down.

Melanie Friedman

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