Leda Swann, The Price of Desire

The Price of Desire

Leda Swann

Avon Red, February 2007, $13.95

ISBN: 0061176443

Her banking father's death leaves Caroline Clemens and her younger siblings in monstrous debt. Her only hope to keep her and her brothers and sisters out of the workhouse is her pending marriage to Captain Bellamy. However, instead of her fianc meeting her, he is courting a different female, as the Clemens brood is no longer worthy of his social climbing ambitions. Dominic Savage introduces himself to Caroline, and offers her a deal to pay off the debts of her late father Isaac, and insure the future of her siblings outside of the workhouse, in exchange for her fulfilling his every male desire. Reluctantly, seeing no options she agrees to a deal with the handsome devil.

Caroline refuses to wallow in pity or shame as she becomes Savage's mistress. He, in turn, teaches her the pleasure of adult relations, including tough love. As she fulfills his desires with passion, and he takes what she offers and much more, she falls in love with her "owner", but knows that soon he will discard her just like Bellamy did as a mistress has short bed cycle. Unbeknownst to Caroline, Dominic fell in love with her from the moment he recognized the beating of her courageous heart.

This Victorian era (it may actually be Regency) erotic romance showcases the choices a poor person had, as Caroline must choose between becoming a kept woman, or along with her younger siblings go to the workhouse, where the destitute work for room and board (think Oliver Twist). The relationship between the lead couple seems realistic for the nineteenth century (some will say today too), though some readers will be turned off as he bought her, pleasure trained her; and forced her to do things she did not want to do. Still, sub-genre fans will appreciate THE PRICE OF DESIRE, as Caroline's courage and sacrifice make a fine tale.