Sandy M’s review of Lessons from a Scarlet Lady by Emma Wildes
Historical Romance published by Signet 5 Jan 10

What a delightful book this is. A breath of fresh air. We don’t get the usual historical read of a hero and heroine meeting and going through their courtship toward that HEA. Instead, Colton and Brianna are already married, and some fun is on the way.

We do learn a little of their courtship in that for Colt, he married the perfect woman to be his duchess and for Brianna, she loved the man on sight. Being the virginal bride, Brianna isn’t sure what to expect after the wedding night, but a few months into the marriage, she figures what she’s gotten so far is not how it should be between husband and wife. Colton hasn’t changed his life or his schedule one iota since tying the knot and Brianna is tired of it. She’s about to make some changes.

Having stumbled across a copy of a forbidden book, Lady Rothburg’s Advice, Brianna is determined to take this courtesan’s advice from page to bedroom to keep her new husband interested in what he has at home. She’s going to make sure he won’t stray. With an innocuous beginning, Brianna trumps up each of her lessons as the story goes on, and I have to say that I enjoyed Colton’s reactions to her playfulness just as much as Brianna did.  Little does she know, though, how well her lessons will go, but Brianna is delighted with her results so far nonetheless.

Colton, of course, is as surprised as can be that his innocent wife should know how to do such things in their bed. But the joy he receives from her at first knocks that knowledge clear out of his head. He much prefers the pleasure she’s doling out. However, the more Brianna seems to know and bring to their bedroom, the more Colt’s curiosity gets the better of him, and that doesn’t bode well for either of them. They go through a rough patch stemming from Brianna becoming her own woman, but that new woman doesn’t let Colton get away with anything once he begins to let the situation skew his perception.

In between all this, we also get the romance of Brianna’s friend Rebecca and Colton’s brother Robert, touched in part by Lady Rothburg too. This side story is just as enjoyable as the main one. There is another brother, Damien, who thinks he’s escaped the clutches of marriage, but I have a feeling Ms. Wildes has something in mind for him. I surely hope so because he’s just as delicious as his brothers and I’d love to see him fall too.

I had a marvelous time reading this book. I love everything about it. I’ve checked Ms. Wildes’ backlist, and, heavens, does she have some books out there. But I’m on the hunt now. I’m curious to see what she’s done in other genres besides historical. I think I might be in for some terrific reads.

Grade: A+

Summary:

No real lady should take lessons from a scarlet woman…

The Duke of Rolthven’s new wife, Brianna, is the perfect aristocratic bride. So what would society say if they saw her with a copy of Lady Rothburg’s Advice–a courtesan’s lessons for the boudoir? When his innocent wife suddenly becomes a vixen in the bedroom, the proper Duke is truly astounded by her seductive powers. Following a courtesan’s advice might lead to trouble-but will it lead to Brianna’s ultimate desire: winning her husband’s love? No excerpt found.