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The Price of Pleasure
The Black Widow
That was what she was called by the desperate prisoners incarcerated in Devil's Chateau. Young and beautiful, she was rumored to buy men for purposes both scandalous and secret. Whatever she did with them, one thing was certain: Her unfortunate victims were never seen again. But when she whisked Reed Harwood out of the cell where he'd been left to die for spying against the French, he discovered the lady was not all she seemed.
Fleur Fontaine was the most exquisitely sensual woman he'd ever met, yet there was an innocence about her that belied her sordid reputation. Though he'd been tortured and starved by his jailors, his body reacted eagerly to her nearness. Only a dead man would fail to respond to the sight of those ebony curls, the touch of those luscious lips. Reed was not dead yet, but was he willing to pay...The Price of Pleasure.
Hero: Reed Harwood
Heroine: Fleur Fontaine
That was what she was called by the desperate prisoners incarcerated in Devil's Chateau. Young and beautiful, she was rumored to buy men for purposes both scandalous and secret. Whatever she did with them, one thing was certain: Her unfortunate victims were never seen again. But when she whisked Reed Harwood out of the cell where he'd been left to die for spying against the French, he discovered the lady was not all she seemed.
Fleur Fontaine was the most exquisitely sensual woman he'd ever met, yet there was an innocence about her that belied her sordid reputation. Though he'd been tortured and starved by his jailors, his body reacted eagerly to her nearness. Only a dead man would fail to respond to the sight of those ebony curls, the touch of those luscious lips. Reed was not dead yet, but was he willing to pay...The Price of Pleasure.
Hero: Reed Harwood
Heroine: Fleur Fontaine
319 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
13 people are currently reading
412 people want to read
About the author
Connie Mason
141 books537 followersConnie Mason or Cara Miles is the best-selling author of more than fifty historical romances and novellas. Her tales of passion and adventure are set in exotic as well as American locales. Connie was named Story Teller of the Year in 1990 by Romantic Times and was awarded Career Achievement award in the Western category by Romantic Times in 1994. Connie makes her home in Tarpon Springs, Florida with her husband Jerry.
Prior to her first published work in 1984, Connie was a full time homemaker. Always an avid reader, writing was one of Connie's dreams.
In 1995 Connie was featured on a segment of the CBS news show 48 Hours, a television production that devoted an entire program to the romance novel industry. Connie was also featured in an article published by National Inquirer.
In addition to writing and traveling, Connie enjoys telling anyone who will listen about her three children and nine grandchildren, and sharing memories of her years living abroad in Europe and Asia as the wife of a career serviceman. In her spare time Connie enjoys reading, dancing, playing bridge and freshwater fishing with her husband.
Prior to her first published work in 1984, Connie was a full time homemaker. Always an avid reader, writing was one of Connie's dreams.
In 1995 Connie was featured on a segment of the CBS news show 48 Hours, a television production that devoted an entire program to the romance novel industry. Connie was also featured in an article published by National Inquirer.
In addition to writing and traveling, Connie enjoys telling anyone who will listen about her three children and nine grandchildren, and sharing memories of her years living abroad in Europe and Asia as the wife of a career serviceman. In her spare time Connie enjoys reading, dancing, playing bridge and freshwater fishing with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 4, 2012
What I liked...The plot was very interesting, better than many books I've read recently. The heroine is a spy known as a black widow who has helped several men escapes the terrible prisons of France. She rescues our hero, and a long and believable 'get to know you before sex' relationship evolves. Eventually the story takes us back to England, where they try to find who is a traiter and trying to kill them.
What I didn't like... The bad guy was obvious, which is OK, but it was upsetting that our smart hero was clueless in guessing who was trying to kill him. I wanted to scream "Come on, duh!" It was the only part of the plot that had a flaw. Secondly, the sex scenes were a bit cold and just copies of each other. There must have been a good 8-10 sex scenes, but they were exactly the same each time. Nothing really spicy or flirty or risky ever happens in bed, just mechanical sex (mostly anyway). I'd rather one really good passionate sex scene than a handful of boring ones.
What I didn't like... The bad guy was obvious, which is OK, but it was upsetting that our smart hero was clueless in guessing who was trying to kill him. I wanted to scream "Come on, duh!" It was the only part of the plot that had a flaw. Secondly, the sex scenes were a bit cold and just copies of each other. There must have been a good 8-10 sex scenes, but they were exactly the same each time. Nothing really spicy or flirty or risky ever happens in bed, just mechanical sex (mostly anyway). I'd rather one really good passionate sex scene than a handful of boring ones.
May 20, 2023
Романтична книга, която напомня старите приключенски филми с леко наивен сюжет. Книга, която се чете за удоволствие и отмора.
По времето на Напоеон Бонапрат през 1798 г. във Франция е имало английски шпиони. Фльор спасява Рийд от сигурна смърт от затвора, като и двамата шпионират и действат в полза на Англия. Привлечени един от друг, те не могат да се разделят, но Рийд е станал граф и наследник на титлата. Има много задължения и е принуден да се върне у дома. Не спира да мисли за Фльор и скоро издейства и нейното завръщане. Само че пред тях има пречки да сключат брак - тя не може да забременее, а това е необходимо за осигуряване на наследник на графството, в същото време някой се опитва да ги убие. Двамата ще действат заедно, за да разберат кой е предателя.
Имаше интриги, стрелба, любов, но книгата се движеше в познати коловози и аз още отначало прозрях кой е предателя. Не усетих тръпка в шпионската история, защото беше описана по-наивно и те не бяха толкова умни, за да разберат това, което е пред очите им. Любовната история и взаимоотношенията между тях ми бяха по-интересни, защото той я защитаваше и заставаше зад нея. Не е от най-добрите любовни романи за мен от серията, но става за отмора.
По времето на Напоеон Бонапрат през 1798 г. във Франция е имало английски шпиони. Фльор спасява Рийд от сигурна смърт от затвора, като и двамата шпионират и действат в полза на Англия. Привлечени един от друг, те не могат да се разделят, но Рийд е станал граф и наследник на титлата. Има много задължения и е принуден да се върне у дома. Не спира да мисли за Фльор и скоро издейства и нейното завръщане. Само че пред тях има пречки да сключат брак - тя не може да забременее, а това е необходимо за осигуряване на наследник на графството, в същото време някой се опитва да ги убие. Двамата ще действат заедно, за да разберат кой е предателя.
Имаше интриги, стрелба, любов, но книгата се движеше в познати коловози и аз още отначало прозрях кой е предателя. Не усетих тръпка в шпионската история, защото беше описана по-наивно и те не бяха толкова умни, за да разберат това, което е пред очите им. Любовната история и взаимоотношенията между тях ми бяха по-интересни, защото той я защитаваше и заставаше зад нея. Не е от най-добрите любовни романи за мен от серията, но става за отмора.
May 20, 2023
Spies! Also, spice!
April 2, 2020
I really enjoyed the plot. Loved the heroine and hero. They were so likable from the beginning.
May 25, 2020
THIS WAS ALMOST CLICHE, BUT IT'S A DIFFERENT 'MORE NORMAL, LESS ANGST' VERSION OF CONNIE MASON THAT I HAVE READ SO FAR.
The story is quite straight forward. REED is a British spy who is betrayed, thus he was caught and sent to French prison where he awaits death, since he's also ill with one foot in the grave. Like an avenging angel, a beautiful Black Widow 'FLEUR' swoops in to save his life and nurse him back to health. Apparently she's a fellow colleague based in France, helping out the British government. Both fell in lust and love quite easily, and for once I didn't have a problem with INSTA LOVE because it worked naturally here. I adored the way REED adored FLEUR, and adored FLEUR for her DEVOTION back to REED. They were truly in sync with each other. The only thing in their way is Reed's indecision to marry since he's now the Earl after his brother's death and Fleur's possible barrenness.
OVERALL this was a sweet and enjoyable historical romance. Barely any angst, or drama that is a signature from the more popular C.M stories.
The story is quite straight forward. REED is a British spy who is betrayed, thus he was caught and sent to French prison where he awaits death, since he's also ill with one foot in the grave. Like an avenging angel, a beautiful Black Widow 'FLEUR' swoops in to save his life and nurse him back to health. Apparently she's a fellow colleague based in France, helping out the British government. Both fell in lust and love quite easily, and for once I didn't have a problem with INSTA LOVE because it worked naturally here. I adored the way REED adored FLEUR, and adored FLEUR for her DEVOTION back to REED. They were truly in sync with each other. The only thing in their way is Reed's indecision to marry since he's now the Earl after his brother's death and Fleur's possible barrenness.
OVERALL this was a sweet and enjoyable historical romance. Barely any angst, or drama that is a signature from the more popular C.M stories.
January 12, 2025
The first quarter of the book was so lovely I could cry of how beautiful the romance between Fleur and Reed blossomed when he was still weak and bedridden. The story kinda got downhill for me after he brought Fleur to England. The book could have made do without the interference of the patronising sisters duo Helen and Violet (especially her!). Poor Fleur for having to deal with dem bitches, Violet in particularly since she wanted Reed to herself. Rubbing and purring against him any chance she got. I couldn’t fathom Reed putting up Fleur and Lisette with Helen and Violet together under the same roof. It’s like a ticking bomb waiting to explode! The story took turn for the worse after this. What started off as lovers eventually became a couple who bickered every chance they got, trying to hurt one another. My heart literally broke when Reed let himself be seduced vy Violet and they made out. I literally stressed out how the story became 5-stars to 2-stars real quick. I’m afraid this is becoming quite a pattern in a lot of Connie Mason’s books.
January 4, 2022
Half-heartedly reading romances at this point, can't give a detailed review anymore.
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August 27, 2011La mia recensione su literary:
Siamo nella Francia dell’epoca napoleonica e Reed Harwood è un agente al servizio degli inglesi, ma viene tradito da qualcuno e finisce in carcere. Quando, dopo essere stato torturato per estorcergli informazioni sulla sua attività, sembra ormai destinato a finire sulla ghigliottina viene, però, salvato da una donna misteriosa, la cosiddetta vedova nera che sembra scegliere i propri amanti tra i detenuti politici, racchiusi nel famigerato carcere, detto “Il castello del diavolo”.
In realtà la vedova è anche lei un’agente segreto ed ha ricevuto l’incarico di salvare Reed perché, nel frattempo, in Inghilterra suo fratello è morto è Reed deve ereditare titolo e proprietà che altrimenti andrebbero ad un lontano cugino francese, ma sua nonna non vuole che questo accada ed ha smosso tutte le sue conoscenze politiche per farlo salvare.
Tra Reed e la vedova, che si chiama Fleur Fontaine e che ha deciso di passare agli inglesi dopo che il marito è stato condannato alla ghigliottina solo perché appartenente all’aristocrazia, scoppia subito una forte attrazione, ma Reed prima di poterla sposare dovrà scoprire chi l’ha tradito e perché…
Connie Mason conferma il suo stile piacevole e pieno di colpi di scena, anche se, come nei precedenti romanzi che ho letto, si comprende forse troppo facilmente chi è il cattivo della storia che attenta alla vita di Reed e Fleur e che vuole impossessarsi dei suoi beni e del suo titolo, mentre sembra un po’ troppo ingenua Fleur che come agente segreto è coraggiosa ed intuitiva, ma come donna è un po’ ingenua, appunto, perché si è convinta di essere sterile, non avendo avuto figli in cinque anni di matrimonio e non si è mai fatta venire il dubbio che invece la colpa potrebbe essere del suo defunto marito…
Nel complesso “Il prezzo del piacere” è un libro piacevole e che si legge rapidamente fino al classico finale positivo dei romanzi rosa con i due innamorati che, superate tutte le difficoltà, riescono a sposarsi e ad avere tre figli.
Siamo nella Francia dell’epoca napoleonica e Reed Harwood è un agente al servizio degli inglesi, ma viene tradito da qualcuno e finisce in carcere. Quando, dopo essere stato torturato per estorcergli informazioni sulla sua attività, sembra ormai destinato a finire sulla ghigliottina viene, però, salvato da una donna misteriosa, la cosiddetta vedova nera che sembra scegliere i propri amanti tra i detenuti politici, racchiusi nel famigerato carcere, detto “Il castello del diavolo”.
In realtà la vedova è anche lei un’agente segreto ed ha ricevuto l’incarico di salvare Reed perché, nel frattempo, in Inghilterra suo fratello è morto è Reed deve ereditare titolo e proprietà che altrimenti andrebbero ad un lontano cugino francese, ma sua nonna non vuole che questo accada ed ha smosso tutte le sue conoscenze politiche per farlo salvare.
Tra Reed e la vedova, che si chiama Fleur Fontaine e che ha deciso di passare agli inglesi dopo che il marito è stato condannato alla ghigliottina solo perché appartenente all’aristocrazia, scoppia subito una forte attrazione, ma Reed prima di poterla sposare dovrà scoprire chi l’ha tradito e perché…
Connie Mason conferma il suo stile piacevole e pieno di colpi di scena, anche se, come nei precedenti romanzi che ho letto, si comprende forse troppo facilmente chi è il cattivo della storia che attenta alla vita di Reed e Fleur e che vuole impossessarsi dei suoi beni e del suo titolo, mentre sembra un po’ troppo ingenua Fleur che come agente segreto è coraggiosa ed intuitiva, ma come donna è un po’ ingenua, appunto, perché si è convinta di essere sterile, non avendo avuto figli in cinque anni di matrimonio e non si è mai fatta venire il dubbio che invece la colpa potrebbe essere del suo defunto marito…
Nel complesso “Il prezzo del piacere” è un libro piacevole e che si legge rapidamente fino al classico finale positivo dei romanzi rosa con i due innamorati che, superate tutte le difficoltà, riescono a sposarsi e ad avere tre figli.
April 25, 2017
Second time I've read Connie Mason (first time was "The Black Knight"), and I have to say "The Price of Pleasure" was way better than "The Black Knight". I was really surprised.
Both main characters felt real and were likeable. There also were a lot of lovely supporting and minor characters, like Lisette and Updike. The plot was intriguing, I especially loved the espionage-stuff and the hunt for the traitor (Oh Reed, took you long enough to get the picture.).
The narrative style is a perfect mixture of prose and refreshing dialogue.
I really loved this book, and I'm sure I'll re-read it sometime in the future.
Both main characters felt real and were likeable. There also were a lot of lovely supporting and minor characters, like Lisette and Updike. The plot was intriguing, I especially loved the espionage-stuff and the hunt for the traitor (Oh Reed, took you long enough to get the picture.).
The narrative style is a perfect mixture of prose and refreshing dialogue.
I really loved this book, and I'm sure I'll re-read it sometime in the future.
July 3, 2013
adoro la Mason!
sono pochi i suoi libri che non mi hanno entusiasmata,ma questo non fa parte di quel piccolo gruppo! la trama mi ha incuriosita e coinvolta da subito: è riuscita a ben combinare la parte romantica con quella di spionaggio anglo-francese degli anni di Bonaparte.
Reed è un personaggio che entra subito in simpatia:è forte e tenace e non si arrende e, cosa importante, è "umano". quasi tutti i personaggi maschili di questi romanzi sono descritti come in grado di affrontare qualsiasi cosa,senza apparenti punti deboli nella loro forza, Reed invece si rende conto del problema e del "trauma" causato dalla detenzione e dalle tortute e chiede aiuto,cosa che lo umanizza moltissimo.
Fleur è una grande:indipendente, forte,che affronta i problemi e la vita da sola, se serve.è un'eroina, non svenevole,ma combattiva!
gli antagonisti mi hanno un pò delusa a parte Violet...le "potenzialità di cattiveria" erano notevoli,ma non sono state abbastanza sfruttate.
sono pochi i suoi libri che non mi hanno entusiasmata,ma questo non fa parte di quel piccolo gruppo! la trama mi ha incuriosita e coinvolta da subito: è riuscita a ben combinare la parte romantica con quella di spionaggio anglo-francese degli anni di Bonaparte.
Reed è un personaggio che entra subito in simpatia:è forte e tenace e non si arrende e, cosa importante, è "umano". quasi tutti i personaggi maschili di questi romanzi sono descritti come in grado di affrontare qualsiasi cosa,senza apparenti punti deboli nella loro forza, Reed invece si rende conto del problema e del "trauma" causato dalla detenzione e dalle tortute e chiede aiuto,cosa che lo umanizza moltissimo.
Fleur è una grande:indipendente, forte,che affronta i problemi e la vita da sola, se serve.è un'eroina, non svenevole,ma combattiva!
gli antagonisti mi hanno un pò delusa a parte Violet...le "potenzialità di cattiveria" erano notevoli,ma non sono state abbastanza sfruttate.
September 29, 2015
I should have guessed that this book had been published more recently than any of the other books I've read by this author. Most of Connie's early books are bodice rippers with rape, forced seduction, infidelity and all that other soap opera stuff. This was straight up romance without an unlikable hero or a hero of questionable morals.
The story was actually good. I really enjoyed the Hero and the Heroine and despite how quickly they fell in love and knew they wanted to be together they didn't just have their HEA right away. They still had to work for it. It was an entertaining book. Yes, it was predictable and the sex scenes got boring after a while and the writing is super-flowery (he parted the dewy flesh, stroked her petals, etc.), but I don't expect high-quality literature here. If you typically hate Connie Mason's books, then you'll probably like this one.
The story was actually good. I really enjoyed the Hero and the Heroine and despite how quickly they fell in love and knew they wanted to be together they didn't just have their HEA right away. They still had to work for it. It was an entertaining book. Yes, it was predictable and the sex scenes got boring after a while and the writing is super-flowery (he parted the dewy flesh, stroked her petals, etc.), but I don't expect high-quality literature here. If you typically hate Connie Mason's books, then you'll probably like this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2015
engaging plot, great intrigue and well done spy stuff, for a romance novel. fleur is a great character (and I always did love that name, ever since the Forsythe Saga) who is both decisive, independent, And willing for him to take the lead, which makes her endearingly realistic and contemporary. I would have rated this higher but it got sillier towards the ends, and the word "blunt" was used every page for the last ten. ending felt rushed and dragged out at the same time. this one is one of the tamer Connie Mason's creations, sexy wise.
August 15, 2016
This is one of the books that I truly enjoyed reading as soon as I started reading it, it was hard for me to put it down. The plot was interesting and it was easy for me to visualize the sceneries in each chapter as it was well described. Since this is a romance novel, I enjoyed the erotic bed scenes but not too heavy on description. Connie Mason again never fails me with her books, though this was only my 3rd book of her. I got more books to go from her.
June 2, 2012
Molto carino, un pò banale forse nella prima parte, dati i vari ripetimenti di alcuni concetti della storia ,ma molto stimolante nel suo proseguimento, con un bel finale. - Viola e Reed - i protagonisti di questa bella storia d'amore.
June 7, 2013
Connie Mason has written another very entertaining book with flesh-and-blood characters, romance (read that as sex), intrigue and conflict.
Good dialogue, humor, a descriptive sense of the era. Recommended!
Good dialogue, humor, a descriptive sense of the era. Recommended!
May 1, 2014
I did not finish this book. Frankly I didn't feel like it lived up to the back. Also I think I wanted a stronger heroine. Not that she wasn't strong. I just didn't feel that she was strong. I hope that makes sense
December 24, 2007
I was very disappointed in this book. Normally, I enjoy this author's books, but I found this very boring; it was a struggle for me to finish.
May 11, 2008
Not as good as the Sin books, but still pretty good.
April 7, 2008
To predictable and way to much focus on hanky panky. The author should have spent her time on character development and maybe more on a plot that wasn't so transparent!
May 4, 2008
Not the best by Connie. Very predictable.
June 21, 2009
I liked the ending.
December 3, 2010
LOVED IT! :)
August 16, 2012
HAD TO TAKE SEVERAL COLD SHOWERS
January 19, 2016
Exceptional, looking forward to starting all of your books!
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February 15, 2016Truly an enjoyable read.
December 7, 2009
A great story line!!! Suspenseful and intriguing...a little too much
sex, but necessary!
sex, but necessary!
historical
January 8, 2019Fleur Fontaine was the most exquisitely sensual woman Reed Harwood had ever met, yet there was an innocence about her that belied her sordid reputation. Though he'd been tortured and starved by his jailors, his body reacted eagerly to her nearness.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews