TEST
In Sharon Page’s Regency-set A Gentleman Seduced, Diana is about to marry Stephen, a gentleman to be sure, but a seemingly passionless one. He’s never even tried to kiss Diana on the mouth. So before settling into dull, staid respectability, Diana wants one sensual adventure.
Luckily for her (and the story), Diana’s secret half-sister Ivory owns a brothel. Convincing Ivory to allow Diana to masquerade as her for one evening takes some doing, until Diana threatens to find a more accommodating, and no doubt less discreet, madam. In order to protect her willful younger sister, and keep an eye on her, Ivory agrees. For one evening, Diana may masquerade as Ivory and learn what there is to be learned about passion. Then she will return to Stephen, marry, and live her remaining life in propriety, with no one the wiser.
Plans go astray however, when, during a very adult game of Blind Man’s Bluff, who should appear but Diana’s fiancé, naked and out for a last adventure of his own. Diana is unable to contain her surprise and flees the brothel, ending up in the carriage of Lucien, Viscount Pembroke. Lucien is the one patron who noticed that “Ivory” is not herself. However, he never suspects the prim and innocent Miss Tiverston. Upon hearing her reasons for being there, and being a gentleman, he quickly offers his services to aid in her erotic adventure. There are only two rules: they have only three days and two nights, and Diana must retain her virginity. But after sharing so much, Lucien finds that giving her up to Stephen is harder than it should be.
Though the plot line may seem somewhat questionable, this book has two very solid strengths. First are the qualifications put on Diana and Lucien’s time together. By not allowing the couple to consummate their relationship traditionally, Sharon Page must find a way to fill those three days. Fortunately, Ms Page has a very active imagination. Diana’s adventure is made more erotic, and much more poignant, because they both are denied the final act.
The second strength is Lucien’s reaction to Diana. The jaded hero finding ultimate sexual pleasure with an innocent is rather a well-used scenario in romance, especially Regency-set historicals. However, it can be a compelling fantasy when used correctly. As a reader, my head says “Oh please. He’s got years of sexual escapades behind him”, but my heart says “It’s different this time! He’s in Love!”. Lucien’s discovery that sex is better when a connection is made, and his obvious pleasure with Diana is, ultimately, utterly endearing.
As I mentioned, there are various plot elements that might not hold up to close scrutiny, but the emphasis is very much on Diana’s sexual and Lucien’s emotional awakenings. This is not a story to be read for its historical accuracy, but it also offers more than simply sex.
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Grade: B
Book Type: Erotic Romance
Sensuality: Burning
Review Date: 12/07/06
Publication Date: 2004
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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.