Big shiny five stars!!!!I flat out LOVED every second of this book. I remember the first in the series being a bit depressing, and this one still had a bit of a slummy feel. (Though I still loved it!) However, we all know that this is a ROMANCE, and a historical one at that. So there WILL be a happy ending, right? Of course! And there are few books in which I was rooting for the couple more. Charlotte and Rohan are in the typical opposites attract scenario. The libertine and rake vs. the dried up spinster. In fact, the book is full of clichés. But somehow, Ms. Stuart has masterfully made the old clichés into a new and engaging story. I never got the same feeling that I get when reading a regency involving the two most commonly used characters. And I’m not dogging on HR. It’s one of my favorite genres. This book was different. Rohan is trapped in a life of his own making, living a debauched and lonely existence while surrounded by every sin imaginable. And if you’ve read the first in the series, you know about the Heavenly Host, the gathering place for all sexual vices. Of course, Rohan is a regular attendee. And Charlotte has resigned herself to being a bluestocking spinster. In fact, she’s happy with the life. She’s also curious about what goes on between a man and woman, and convinces her cousin to allow her to attend the meeting of the Heavenly Host. As an observer, of course. And the story gets interesting…I will tout a little disclaimer here. This is a very sexual story for historical romance. I wouldn’t exactly call it explicit enough to consider it erotica, but it walks a fine line. The language is crude, but necessary to Rohan’s character. But this is not a series for those of you who read HR for the light romance or fade to black consummation of marriage vows. It IS, however, perfect for those you who, like me, enjoy a well written erotic novel with an actual plotline. It’s so exciting to find a gem among a group of books that has been sitting on my shelf, especially when it meshes so perfectly two genres that are rarely put together. Rohan’s inner turmoil is great. I’m a vindictive reader, and love the “Oh shit” moment that the hero tends to have when he realized what he’s about to lose. And Adrian Rohan’s battle with himself is priceless. He’s just so convinced that Charlotte will have him…I found myself smiling from ear to ear at the particular scene in which Charlotte lets him know that she CAN live without him. I only wish I could see facial expression.I am officially on my way to devouring the next in this series and I must thank Lady Danielle for raving about this author enough times to finally prod me into reading more of the series. I highly recommend this for fans of steamy historical romance, anti-heroes, and a heroine who is a blend of innocence and wisdom, vulnerability and strength.
