Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of The Rake’s Intimate Encounter by Ann Lethbridge
Historical Regency romance eBook released by Harlequin Historical Undone 1 Jan 09
Ann Lethbridge’s story for Harlequin Historical Undone isn’t likely to change a reader’s mind if they’re already dead set against short stories. Essentially this is a tasty morsel, meant to tease the reader with the author’s upcoming Harlequin Historical release, The Rake’s Inherited Courtesan in April 2009. Normally I dislike being teased and want closure in my romances, but this story accomplishes what it sets out to do. Not only was I swept up into the tale, I’m now positively dying to get my grubby little mitts on that upcoming April book.
Anthony Darby finds himself in a very respectable home, where not-so-respectable things happen, thanks to two friends. He was expecting a night of card playing. He was not expecting the presence of ladies wearing revealing clothing and charming the pants (literally!) off the male clientele. While he’s not opposed to some fun, this wasn’t exactly what he bargained for. Plus he’s hungry. It’s while he’s off in search of food that he meets the most enchanting woman he’s ever laid eyes on.
Margaret was married to a much older Russian count, and when he passed on, she returned home to England. She did her duty, was a dutiful wife, but she knows she missed out on passion when it came to the marriage bed. Since she’s a widow, she figures it might not hurt to have a little fun on her own terms. It’s while she’s trying to gently let down an overeager young man that she meets Anthony and sparks fly.
If readers are looking for a sexy short story to read on their lunch break, or before bed, this one does the trick! While these Undone stories aren’t very long to begin with, the second half of this one is made up entirely of the love scene between Anthony and Margaret. And for the record, it’s hot, sexy and sensual enough to steam up your reading glasses. However, given the word count devoted to this encounter, readers should be prepared that while the story ends with a promise, it doesn’t end with the traditional romantic happily ever after of marriage and pregnancy.
In the author’s note to this story Lethbridge calls this the “beginning of Tony and Margaret’s romance,” so one can assume these characters will be appearing in the April release. And I, for one, cannot wait. If the passion they shared in this story is any indication, they’re likely to set the pages ablaze with a return appearance.
Grade: B
Summary:
Anthony Darby thinks he is ready to give up his life of pleasure—until finds himself at an exclusive club where ladies of the ton indulge their secret desires…and he spies the most alluring woman he’s ever laid eyes on.
Lately widowed, Margaret is determined to savor some of the joys she missed while married to a cold-hearted Russian count. After paying her dues as a dutiful wife, she’s ready to begin living for the moment—starting with a night of passion with Anthony.
No excerpt found.
Other books in this series:
Well, I just had a story rejected by them. They said it was too explicit, they prefer more euphemisms. Oops!
Lynne: This story was hot stuff, but it was kinda “old school” when it came to the sex scenes. I wouldn’t classify them as full-blown purple, more like tip-toeing through Lavender Country 😉
That being said, for readers who like hot sex but don’t like to read words like c*ck and f*ck on the page…..this one fits the bill nicely.
I’ve read all the Undones now, and they’ve all been around R ratings. Certainly hotter than the regular HH line (which tends to fall around my PG or PG-13 meter) but not as hot as say the Spice Briefs. Have you thought about submitting your story to them? I think Spice Briefs have done some historicals. I think? I’m not near as well read up on those!
FYI – for anyone intrigued by this review. Ann Lethbridge just dropped me an e-mail to tell me that her April book actually features one of Tony’s friends as the hero. However, Tony and Margaret DO make an appearance in the book….it’s just they are not the main characters and readers aren’t going to get the “full story” of their romance.
Just wanted to clear the air on that. And I still heartily recommend this short story. Seriously, I’ve quickly becoming a major ho for these Undones…..
“I think Spice Briefs have done some historicals. I think? I’m not near as well read up on those!”
It might fit better. Maybe the scene of public sex in a brothel was too much for them, and I use appropriate terms, but not, I thought too explicit. Ah well. As of today, I can say that I’ll run it past my agent!
Lynne, I’m not sure spice briefs has done any historicals, but the Blaze line (and I know this is the full book length line which might not be what you’re looking for in terms of submissions) does historicals that are labeled as excessively hot so you might want to check tha direction.
Bronwyn
Oh Lynne,
I thought I’d share with you one of my favorite little reference books–“The big book of filth.” It’s actually a little tiny pocket book but it has many different names for sex, body parts, sex acts etc. and the year/century in which people would have used these terms. Thought you might like to know in case you didn’t know already.