Louisa, Lady Brookingston, has a secret. Despite being happily married to the love of her life for six years, she remains a virgin. A war injury prevented her husband from fulfilling his martial duties before he passed away. When she decides to remarry, she knows she cannot dishonor his memory by entering into a marriage as a virgin. And she knows of only one woman who can help her: Madame Rouge. A woman owning a house of "ill reput", she is compassionate about Louisa's situation and feels she has the perfect man for her.
Geoffrey, the Marquess of Swanton, is in need of a wife. He knows he needs an heir to carry on the family line but his sexual appetite prevents him from going after any woman. He craves control; the control he receives at Madame Rouge's establishment. When she comes to him to explain she is in need of a man to show a widow about carnal passion, he is intrigued.
After a night of passion, both players are drawn towards each other; both wanting to know who was with whom. As a stipulation of Louisa's, neither know the identity of the other. Until Geoffrey spots Louisa from across a crowded ballroom. His body knows hers, his lone colorful memory is that of her beautiful hair. Can he convince her that he is the man for her and that he is just the man she needs?
I absolutely adored this novel. This is historical erotica at its finest. Yes, the sex scene where Geoffrey unleashes Louisa's passions goes on for page after page, you never once feel that it is being drawn out. You watch as Louisa's inner woman comes out after being a perfect housewife to her husband. You watch as Geoffrey becomes enamored with Louisa and desperately wants to find out her true identity. Underneath it all, this story is about each person's search for themselves. Louisa struggles with this newfound sexual awakening; Geoffrey struggles with his desire for control and his "by day" gentlemanly appearance. I loved taking this story with them and watching as both of them came to terms with both sides of their lives - together.
An ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
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