Lord of Pleasure – Book 2 in the School of Gallantry Series by Delilah Marvelle
Publisher: Kensington Zebra
Genre: Historical
Length: Full (408 pages)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 cherries
Review by: Tiger LilyDesperate Times. . .
It’s been months since Lady Charlotte Chartwell’s philandering husband met his untimely end at the hands of an angry mistress. But as miserable as he made Charlotte in life, his death proves to be an even harsher blow. For not a farthing of his fortune or estate have passed on to her, and as a ruined widow, she is destitute, penniless, and utterly without hope.
Lead To Desperate Pleasures. . .
Then, as Charlotte is considering the worst, a man steps into her carriage. His intentions are quite indecent at first, but the more he learns about her, the more an unfamiliar—and undesirable—emotion creeps over him. Could it be compassion? Never! For this is Alexander Baxendale, third Earl of Hawksford. He is known throughout the ton as the Lord of Pleasure, dedicated to passion, ruthless in his pursuit of sensual gratification. Yet never in all his exploits has he met a woman who could intrigue him as Charlotte does. Can this mysterious beauty make him hang up his title and see to her pleasure alone?
She’s determined not to love again. He’s determined to live a life of order and obedience to the ton. But he forgets his nickname.
She’s dying for affection, especially from the Lord of Pleasure.Ms. Marvelle writes an intriguing historical novel. The characters are intricate and snappy. They keep the reader engrossed in the story throughout. I liked the complexity of the plot. I couldn’t put this novel down.
But as an erotic novel, I felt a bit let down. I realize that what is considered scandalous for the time period is considered commonplace now, but aside from some brusque language, I’d label this work as steamy.
Alex makes an interesting hero because he thinks he knows what he wants, but when faced with his heart’s desire, he finds a way to make it implode. What a typical man, but how great in the story! I loved that he bumbled, goofed, and fumbled his way past his desires and into Charlotte’s heart.
As for the heroine, I loved Charlotte. She knew what she wanted and when she got the chance to get it, she acted on her desires. I also liked her frailty. She had a rough past and she allows it to color her decisions, but she’s still a tough woman. I respected her independent spirit.
If you want a fun, happily ever after, then you want to read Lord of Pleasure. I give this book 4 cherries.
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