TEST
In AAR’s early days, we used to talk a lot about “the bedroom door” – and whether it was open or closed. In My Lady’s Pleasure, it’s waaaay open. In fact, everyone’s bedroom (and barn, and study, and…) door is open. This book is a bit like spying on your neighbors – assuming your neighbors are all rich, uninhibited turn of the century English people.
Lady Georgiana Vernon is the daughter of an earl, and she’s always had an unconventional approach to life. Though she lives at a time when women are beginning to have a bit more freedom, she still feels stifled by the fact that a young, unmarried man can satisfy his sexual urges as he chooses, while women are supposed to remain pure. The book begins with her thumbing her nose at that convention and sharing a delightful sexual interlude with Jeremy, her equally well-born neighbor with whom she’s been cavorting for a year. The two seem to be very light-hearted about their relationship, though Jeremy will not be attending the Penfield house party/masquerade to which Georgiana is heading.
The house party provides the backdrop for most of the book, which is essentially erotica, but with a bit more conflict and substance than is typical. Soon after arriving at the house party, Georgiana embarks on an affair with a landscape designer. Though she tries to be discreet, her escapades become known, and she even receives some menacing messages from someone who does not approve. She has to come to terms with her own desires and society’s expectations, as well as her own feelings. She does this by discussing her life with her hostess, Lady Loughlin, as well as a new friend, Miss Niven.
Meanwhile, every sexual encounter of every guest or Loughlin family member is explicitly detailed. Freddy Loughlin (the son), is sleeping with a milkmaid. Lord Loughlin has some unusual sexual proclivities which he has been sharing with his wife’s maid. The staff sleeps with each other and with the guests. And the masquerade at the end is a virtual free-for-all, which includes the obligatory threesome.
But though there’s sex and plenty of it, this book is not just about sex; it’s about relationships. It is easily the best erotic novel I’ve read. Granted, my experience with erotica is fairly limited, because I read a couple a year at the most. But those that I’ve read in the past have a checklist feel to them, almost as if they are including every possible sexual act just so it can make an appearance. While unusual sex happens in My Lady’s Pleasure, it generally has a point, particularly if one of he major characters is involved. I liked that people not only engages in sex – they thought about what it meant, and what the ramifications could be.
Georgiana’s storyline is probably the best example of this. Her affair and its aftermath are explored in a very believable way. But Lord and Lady Laughlin share a story that is both tender and interesting, which is pretty surprising when one considers that it involves Lady Loughlin’s maid, BDSM paraphernalia, and a horse’s tail (don’t ask).
There is one hallmark of fantasy, however. No one, at any time, behaves as if sex might result in a baby. There’s no birth control, withdrawal, thought of potential pregnancy, etc. Actually, there are no young children either, which was kind of refreshing. In this sense, the book is firmly granted in a fantasy world, though the rest really seems quite believable.
While I wouldn’t say My Lady’s Pleasure is perfect, I enjoyed it from start to finish. And I will certainly read more by this author, particularly if she continues to write erotica in such a thoughtful way. If you’ve been put off by erotica in general because you really don’t want to sacrifice plot and conflict for sex, I’d encourage you to give this one a try.
Grade: B
Book Type: Erotica
Sensuality: Burning
Review Date: 14/07/10
Publication Date: 2010/07
I've been at AAR since dinosaurs roamed the Internet. I've been a Reviewer, Reviews Editor, Managing Editor, Publisher, and Blogger. Oh, and Advertising Corodinator. Right now I'm taking a step back to concentrate on kids, new husband, and new job in law...but I'll still keep my toe in the romance waters.
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Recent Comments …
Yep
This sounds delightful! I’m grabbing it, thanks
excellent book: interesting, funny dialogs, deep understanding of each character, interesting secondary characters, and also sexy.
I don’t think anyone expects you to post UK prices – it’s just a shame that such a great sale…
I’m sorry about that. We don’t have any way to post British prices as an American based site.
I have several of her books on my TBR and after reading this am moving them up the pile.