Lisa Valdez, Passion

Passion

Lisa Valdez

Berkley, Jul 2005, $6.99

ISBN: 0425203972

In 1851, while she waits for her cousin Charlotte to arrive, widow Lady Passion Elizabeth Dare has always behaved in perfect aristocratic decorum until she sees the hunk across the Crystal Palace hall. His eyes speak desire and his touch immediately goes to her breasts. That afternoon, Mark dares to do what no one has done before to her, release the passion in her as they make love all day.

However, Mark's brother Matthew reminds him that he is to marry Charlotte Lawrence who he has not yet met. Instead Mark tells Matthew he had the most incredible afternoon delight in his life, but does not even know the stranger's name. He dares to want more from the widow, but also knows he must marry her cousin due to a blackmail scheme involving their mothers.

This erotic Victorian romance will elicit moans form the audience whenever the lead male makes his mark. Passion is his perfect partner, but he is betrothed to her cousin instead. The storyline focuses on the twosome struggling with desire that leads to love while he is pledged to another. Luis Valdez heats up the era with a fine historical starring two ardent lovers defying society's norms and owes her audience a sequel starring a nice young lady who deserves the best in spite of her gene pool.

Harriet Klausner