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Beyond Duet #1-2
Beyond Desire
A two-in-one volume of her hottest historical romances, Beyond Seduction and Beyond Innocence. Together for the first time in a special single trade volume--two complete erotic historical romance novels.
In Beyond Innocence a naive young woman in Victorian London goes from nubile bride to gorgeous pawn in a devious scheme-one with a passionately unexpected twist-between two brothers.
And in Beyond Seduction a scandalously clever Victorian beauty agrees to pose nude for a notorious artist in order to discourage her overly- respectable suitor from a proposal of marriage.
In Beyond Innocence a naive young woman in Victorian London goes from nubile bride to gorgeous pawn in a devious scheme-one with a passionately unexpected twist-between two brothers.
And in Beyond Seduction a scandalously clever Victorian beauty agrees to pose nude for a notorious artist in order to discourage her overly- respectable suitor from a proposal of marriage.
ebook
First published January 3, 2006
About the author
Emma Holly
95 books1,272 followersI'm a USA Today bestselling author who LOVES the hot stuff, both to read and to write. My favorite obsessions are all things coffee, almost everything on HGTV, and dreaming up new stories.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 9, 2008
Beyond Desire consists of Beyond Innocence and Beyond Seduction, two Emma Holly stories that were previously published individually as full-length novels. These two novels comprise the Beyond Duet.
Beyond Innocence
"3 stars" I had very mixed feelings about this story. There were things that I liked about it, but there were other things that really frustrated me and came perilously close to giving it wall-banger status, something that is highly unusual for me. It was a primarily character-driven story with nearly all the conflict being of an internal nature. I found the plot to be interesting but very predictable. While there were some emotional romantic moments, they were just too few and inconsistent. The love scenes were very hot and steamy, but just lacked a certain emotional depth. I think this was partly due to the back-and-forth, will-they-or-won't-they nature of the story which became rather tiresome.
I liked Edward and Florence, but didn't really feel that their characterizations were consistent and sometimes they just weren't relatable to me. Florence was a sweet simple vicar's daughter who was extremely naive particularly when it came to things of a sexual nature, but yet was very willing and even eager to participate in sexual intimacies that were out of the ordinary. She almost instantly went from innocent girl to hot sex kitten, something which I thought stretched the bounds of credibility. I felt like I generally understood Edward as the brooding, aloof hero, but what I never could really grasp was his compelling need to protect Freddie. What under other circumstances would have been an endearing bond between two brothers, ultimately felt like obsessive behavior on Edward's part. Also his assertion that Florence was Freddie's last hope of regaining some respectability in society just didn't ring true. It seemed to me that any young woman could have filled the position as Freddie's wife, considering that he never lacked female admirers. In the end I just found Edward too passive for me to be able to fully respect him. I actually liked Freddie more, because I never felt like he was trying to hide behind false pretenses, and admittedly he was a rather charming scene-stealer. This was my first read by Emma Holly and although I can tell she has talent as a writer, it is possible that her writing style simply may not be for me. However, I'll wait until I've read Beyond Seduction before making further comment.
Beyond Seduction
"4 1/2 stars" After being less than impressed with Beyond Innocence it took me a while to talk myself into reading Beyond Seduction, but in my opinion, Emma Holly definitely redeemed herself with this one. It had the depth of emotion that I tend to prefer in my romance novels, but don't always find. It was amazing how the author could convey so much emotion with a mere touch or glance, or some other simple but meaningful gesture. This just left me with very warm feelings throughout the entire story. Many parts of it were rather predictable, but Ms. Holly managed to throw out a couple of surprises that I didn't see coming. Overall it was a really satisfying read.
I really liked both Nic and Merry. In Beyond Innocence Merry was an independent, tom-boyish girl who rather shamelessly pursued the hero of that story, so I wasn't sure if I would like her as a heroine. My opinion of her changed very quickly though, as I came to understand her as a kind-hearted young woman who was outwardly brash, but inwardly insecure about her plain appearance. Nic was a wonderfully gentle beta hero with the sensitive heart of an artist and an eye for true beauty, who helped Merry realize what a desirable woman she really was. I just couldn't help but like him in spite of his flaws. I thought that the interactions between these two were incredibly romantic mostly because they both generously gave of themselves to each other. The story was rounded out by a large colorful cast of secondary characters consisting mainly of family and friends who ran a gamut of varying personalities.
Beyond Seduction was almost as much about flawed family ties and friendships and forgiving those we love, as it was about love and romance, which I thought gave it a much deeper meaning. This really helped to draw me into the story and overlook some of the more cliched elements which otherwise might have annoyed me. I really enjoyed reading Beyond Seduction. Sometimes it was difficult to put down, and it was always a pleasure to pick up again. Even though these two novels are a series, they can easily be read independently without loosing any storyline. Since I borrowed this from the library, I look forward to getting my own copy of Beyond Seduction for my keeper shelf.
Note: Both of these stories read very much like traditional historical romances, but in my opinion, certain elements of the sexual content and more explicit language (both of which some may find offensive) push the boundaries of what many readers would consider traditional, giving them a mild erotic feel. Beyond Innocence also contains a passionate M/M kiss which may also be offensive to some readers.
Beyond Innocence
"3 stars" I had very mixed feelings about this story. There were things that I liked about it, but there were other things that really frustrated me and came perilously close to giving it wall-banger status, something that is highly unusual for me. It was a primarily character-driven story with nearly all the conflict being of an internal nature. I found the plot to be interesting but very predictable. While there were some emotional romantic moments, they were just too few and inconsistent. The love scenes were very hot and steamy, but just lacked a certain emotional depth. I think this was partly due to the back-and-forth, will-they-or-won't-they nature of the story which became rather tiresome.
I liked Edward and Florence, but didn't really feel that their characterizations were consistent and sometimes they just weren't relatable to me. Florence was a sweet simple vicar's daughter who was extremely naive particularly when it came to things of a sexual nature, but yet was very willing and even eager to participate in sexual intimacies that were out of the ordinary. She almost instantly went from innocent girl to hot sex kitten, something which I thought stretched the bounds of credibility. I felt like I generally understood Edward as the brooding, aloof hero, but what I never could really grasp was his compelling need to protect Freddie. What under other circumstances would have been an endearing bond between two brothers, ultimately felt like obsessive behavior on Edward's part. Also his assertion that Florence was Freddie's last hope of regaining some respectability in society just didn't ring true. It seemed to me that any young woman could have filled the position as Freddie's wife, considering that he never lacked female admirers. In the end I just found Edward too passive for me to be able to fully respect him. I actually liked Freddie more, because I never felt like he was trying to hide behind false pretenses, and admittedly he was a rather charming scene-stealer. This was my first read by Emma Holly and although I can tell she has talent as a writer, it is possible that her writing style simply may not be for me. However, I'll wait until I've read Beyond Seduction before making further comment.
Beyond Seduction
"4 1/2 stars" After being less than impressed with Beyond Innocence it took me a while to talk myself into reading Beyond Seduction, but in my opinion, Emma Holly definitely redeemed herself with this one. It had the depth of emotion that I tend to prefer in my romance novels, but don't always find. It was amazing how the author could convey so much emotion with a mere touch or glance, or some other simple but meaningful gesture. This just left me with very warm feelings throughout the entire story. Many parts of it were rather predictable, but Ms. Holly managed to throw out a couple of surprises that I didn't see coming. Overall it was a really satisfying read.
I really liked both Nic and Merry. In Beyond Innocence Merry was an independent, tom-boyish girl who rather shamelessly pursued the hero of that story, so I wasn't sure if I would like her as a heroine. My opinion of her changed very quickly though, as I came to understand her as a kind-hearted young woman who was outwardly brash, but inwardly insecure about her plain appearance. Nic was a wonderfully gentle beta hero with the sensitive heart of an artist and an eye for true beauty, who helped Merry realize what a desirable woman she really was. I just couldn't help but like him in spite of his flaws. I thought that the interactions between these two were incredibly romantic mostly because they both generously gave of themselves to each other. The story was rounded out by a large colorful cast of secondary characters consisting mainly of family and friends who ran a gamut of varying personalities.
Beyond Seduction was almost as much about flawed family ties and friendships and forgiving those we love, as it was about love and romance, which I thought gave it a much deeper meaning. This really helped to draw me into the story and overlook some of the more cliched elements which otherwise might have annoyed me. I really enjoyed reading Beyond Seduction. Sometimes it was difficult to put down, and it was always a pleasure to pick up again. Even though these two novels are a series, they can easily be read independently without loosing any storyline. Since I borrowed this from the library, I look forward to getting my own copy of Beyond Seduction for my keeper shelf.
Note: Both of these stories read very much like traditional historical romances, but in my opinion, certain elements of the sexual content and more explicit language (both of which some may find offensive) push the boundaries of what many readers would consider traditional, giving them a mild erotic feel. Beyond Innocence also contains a passionate M/M kiss which may also be offensive to some readers.
March 12, 2011
Beyond Innocence: Edward Burbrooke goes to extreme lengths to protect his younger brother Freddie from becoming ostracized for his homosexual tendencies. Unfortunately the young country innocent, Florence Fairleigh, groomed to become Freddie's bride is an irresistible temptation to Edward himself.
Beyond Seduction: Headstrong Lady Merry Vance goes to very extreme lengths to avoid being forced into a marriage that she doesn't want. Living with and posing as the model for artist Nicolas Craven succeeds in destroying her reputation but certainly broadens her education as well as changes his lifestyle. He has no idea that the young maid that he has rescued and moved into his house is a highborn innocent but he is quite willing to educate her in the mysteries of passion while he attempts to paint one of his masterpieces.
Beyond Seduction: Headstrong Lady Merry Vance goes to very extreme lengths to avoid being forced into a marriage that she doesn't want. Living with and posing as the model for artist Nicolas Craven succeeds in destroying her reputation but certainly broadens her education as well as changes his lifestyle. He has no idea that the young maid that he has rescued and moved into his house is a highborn innocent but he is quite willing to educate her in the mysteries of passion while he attempts to paint one of his masterpieces.
August 27, 2018
**FROM THE *USA TODAY* BESTSELLING AUTHOR A two-in-one volume of her hottest historical romances, *Beyond Seduction* and *Beyond Innocence*.** Together for the first time in a special single trade volume--two complete erotic historical romance novels from Emma Holly, the *USA Today * bestselling author hailed by Susan Johnson as "one of the best writers of erotic fiction around." In *Beyond Innocence* a naive young woman in Victorian London goes from nubile bride to gorgeous pawn in a devious scheme-one with a passionately unexpected twist-between two brothers. And in *Beyond Seductio*n a scandalously clever Victorian beauty agrees to pose nude for a notorious artist in order to discourage her overly- respectable suitor from a proposal of marriage.
April 7, 2013
I really liked this. Well written, stories that hooked me in, likeable flawed characters that grew throughout the story and smoking hot scenes. Emma Holly is a favorite of mine when I'm in the mood for something sexy, though this is the first historical I've read of hers, I think. My only criticism is that these both turned out a little too perfectly for the HEA, but that's more that I'm in the mood for a little angst than a flaw with the stories. Merry was definitely my favorite character, but I liked the plot of Edward and Florence's story most.
Would definitely recommend to lovers of Emma Holly.
Would definitely recommend to lovers of Emma Holly.
Read
January 9, 2010ereader ebook
November 1, 2010
LOVED the second book---first one was ok
June 18, 2012
Beyond Desire 1: 2.5 stars
Beyond Desire 2: 3 stars
Discovering that not all of Emma Holly's stories are my favorites.
Beyond Desire 2: 3 stars
Discovering that not all of Emma Holly's stories are my favorites.
May 12, 2025
I have read this book over and over and I never get tired. Enough said.
May 30, 2013
Great ending to the Beyond Series.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews