Harlot by Victoria Dahl Published by Self-Published on October 26, 2015
Genres: Romance, Erotica
Goodreads
He came home to marry an angel...
After working in the gold fields of California for two years, Caleb Hightower has come home to marry his childhood sweetheart, Jessica Willoughby. But when he returns, Caleb learns his refined bride-to-be is now a whore. Enraged by her betrayal, he can’t reconcile this shameless woman with the sweet innocent he once deeply loved—but Caleb knows what to do with a harlot. He’s determined to get everything from her that she’s sold to other men. And he’s prepared to pay for the pleasure of his revenge.But all he found was sin.
Left penniless after her father’s death, Jess made a deal with a devil. Now she must face her first love, whose scorn is no match for her regret. To make amends, she’ll let Caleb quench his rage with her body. Their bargain strips them down to searing passion and naked vulnerability, and Jess can still glimpse her loving Caleb buried deep inside this rough cowboy. In the end, an unbearable truth emerges that could push them toward forgiveness…or could destroy their fragile bond forever.
No one writes feminist romance like Victoria Dahl…I mean, no one. I am not a big erotica reader, but this book really blew me away. It combined a very emotional story with some blazingly hot sexy times. I loved Jessica, who did what she had to do to survive, and while she regretted how much Caleb hurt, she refused to be judged more harshly than the people who used her, as well. Caleb, for all of his initial blustering, ended up being the type of love interest who really grew as a character. There was a nice, dramatic twist at the end and, of course, and HEA that was wholly satisfying. If you like erotica or if you have been curious, this is it. Harlot is your book.
I received this galley in consideration for an honest review.
Sweetest Scoundrel by Elizabeth Hoyt Series: Maiden Lane #9
Published by Grand Central on November 24, 2015
Genres: Romance, Historical Romance
Goodreads
SHE'S TAKING CHARGE
Prim, proper, and thrifty, Eve Dinwoody is all business when it comes to protecting her brother's investment. But when she agrees to control the purse strings of London's premier pleasure garden, Harte's Folly, she finds herself butting heads with an infuriating scoundrel who can't be controlled.HE'S RUNNING THE SHOW
Bawdy and bold, Asa Makepeace doesn't have time for a penny-pinching prude like Eve. As the garden's larger-than-life owner, he's already dealing with self-centered sopranos and temperamental tenors. He's not about to let an aristocratic woman boss him around . . . no matter how enticing she is.BUT LOVE CONQUERS ALL
In spite of her lack of theatrical experience—and her fiery clashes with Asa—Eve is determined to turn Harte's Folly into a smashing success. But the harder she tries to manage the stubborn rake, the harder it is to ignore his seductive charm and raw magnetism. There's no denying the smoldering fire between them—and trying to put it out would be the greatest folly of all.
I really need to go back and start from the beginning of this series because it really is one that I am enjoying so much. Eve is not what you would call traditionally beautiful, and neither is Asa, for that matter. I actually really love stories like this because I feel like the attraction and the relationship is about more than just lust (although there is a lot of that, too.) Asa is a self made man, not of noble birth, and that is something he carries as a bit of a chip on his shoulder. Eve has a trauma in her past that is keeping her prisoner, much like Asa’s determination to prove himself keeps him, as well. It was interesting seeing this couple break free from the things that were holding the back, and with a classic I hate you then I love you set-up, I really enjoyed Sweetest Scoundrel. This was a smart and sexy historical and roves that Elizabeth Hoyt is one of the Regency Romance queens.
I received this galley in consideration for an honest review.
Everything I Left Unsaid by Molly O'Keefe Series: Everything I Left Unsaid #1
Published by Random House on October 13, 2015
Genres: Romance, Erotica
Goodreads
I didn’t think answering someone else’s cellphone would change my life. But the stranger with the low, deep voice on the other end of the line tempted me, awakened my body, set me on fire. He was looking for someone else. Instead he found me.
And I found a hot, secret world where I felt alive for the first time.
His name was Dylan, and, strangely, he made me feel safe. Desired. Compelled. Every dark thing he asked me to do, I did. Without question. I longed to meet him, but we were both keeping secrets. And mine were dangerous. If I took the first step, if I got closer to Dylan—emotionally, physically—then I wouldn’t be hiding anymore. I would be exposed, with nothing left to surrender but the truth. And my truth could hurt us both.
I’m really interested in Harlot. I mean, how can one ignore that title? I may be checking that out sooner rather than later. Great reviews!
You’ve definitely peaked my interest in Harlot! I’m not a big fan of erotica either but this one sounds very interesting. So curious about the twist. Thanks for the reviews 😀
I definitely a Victoria Dahl fan but I didn’t really enjoy the one historical romance I read by her. But Harlot seems really good and I’m glad to hear it’s also really emotional 🙂 The other two books also sound great so I’ll check those out. Great reviews, Kate!
Zareena @ The Slanted Bookshelf
Well, sounds like all of these are quite recommended and no less than 4 stars! Maybe Harlot will be my first erotica book, when you said feminist fiction I was mostly sold already!
I have only read 1 book in Elizabeth Hoyt series, and I loved it. Not sure why I never followed up on the rest ;/
Oh I have the O’keefe one on my review pile. I totally ran out of time to read it before it released. Hoping to get to it before the end of the year 🙂