Grey's Lady

Wild, Wicked And Wanton #1

by Natasha Blackthorne

Erotica Romance ~ Short Novella approx. 36,000 words ~ Prequel to WHITE LACE AND PROMISES.


He fascinated her. She wanted him. She seduced him. She had him. Now she's ready to go her own merry way. But he's determined to possess her, body and soul. What can bring a ruthless, powerful gentleman to his knees?

Erotic Historical Romance Set in Regency Era America.


Seeking sexual excitement and conquest, poor but beautiful Beth seduces wealthy merchant prince Grey Sexton, only to find herself the pursued as he seeks to own her body and soul.

Flouting the moral standards of Jeffersonian America, temptress Beth McConnell lets no man touch her heart. Her motto is love them once and leave them burning.

But when she boldly seduces Grey Sexton, a self-controlled merchant prince from New York, she finds herself too fascinated by his ice-over-fire nature to stay away. His possessive determination to own her, body and soul, threatens to expose her secret erotic life to public shame.

But Beth will only surrender her love to a man she can trust. And Grey's materialistic approach to relationships leaves her little reason to believe he can ever give her what she truly needs.

For these two cynical yet lonely people, can deep sexual intimacy work a miracle and lead to the opening of their hearts?

Reader Advisory: This is a work of Erotic Historical Romance. It explores the development of a romance primarily through sexual interaction. It contains frequent and graphic erotic content and frank sexual language. Grey's Lady is a short novella. As part of a series, Grey's Lady is the prequel to White Lace & Promises.

Grey's Lady is published in British English and contains British spelling.


***SHORT NOVELLA ~~ 36K Word Count ~~ ***(

Genres: Historical Romance, Erotica, Historical, Romance, Erotic Romance, Regency, Novella

135 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 8, 2011

About the author

Historical Erotic Romance Author





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Reviews

[daemyra, the realm's delight · Rating 4 out of 5]

July 3, 2023 Update:

Based on what I've seen on GR for this type of romance heroine, I guess it's kind of a good thing there aren't that many reviews of Natasha Blackthorne's Grey's Lady.

The heroine is a cobbler's daughter who is passionate about teaching piano. Unfortunately, at her last position at a well-to-do home, the doctor's son introduced her to the art of carnal pleasures without putting a ring on it. Ostensibly, she left her position to care for her siblings but really she left because hell no she would be the side piece after her man got married. Even if she wasn't, the knowledge that she was... nope. Not subjecting herself for that.

So instead she leads a double life, a dutiful daughter during the day and in the late afternoon searching for men at lectures at bookshops for a one-night-stand. Like literally two birds with one stone. Taking out her sexual frustration and sticking it to her past love.

Her latest catch is a rich shipping man. In the second book, which I don't know if I'll finish, more is made of their age gap. In fact, you find out he is 37 to her 23. Ok but then his son is 19. Like noooo 😭 I'm a peculiar reader because I get quite prim and proper, heavens to betsy about the age gap trope... unless it's a filthy taboo story. It's either nothing or open the floodgates with me with this trope, I guess.

Anyways.

I quite liked the push and pull. Heroine just wants to have one night stands on her own terms. She's not really thinking big picture but her heartbroken past does seem to be recent so I understood her need to hear herself roar.

However, it did get to a point where the hero decides he must wed the heroine that was a bit of an abrupt decision in my opinion. Although I think this is a novella.

I'll be honest. Not sure if I'll finish Book 2 because after I realized how significant the age gap was, it just take me out of the fantasy :)

July 1, 2023:
Unique with a heroine I am fond of. RTC!

[Jacqueline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know what it is about Sundays recently, but my Sundays seem to have turned into Bodice Ripper Sundays. I only wish that were more alliterative, but it is what it is.

Anyways, this was a decent bodice ripper in which an impossibly rich American chap called Grey fought his attraction for a 'soiled dove' called Beth, because he likes to keep his women separate from his business. Now a soiled dove was new to me, but it seems a soiled dove is a beautiful woman who got her cherry popped by a cad who promised her the world then bobbed off and married a better prospect. Now obviously no decent man would want to marry her without a hymen. It's kind of hard not to read that shit without getting all sorts of angry for our poor ancestors, but I fear it's historically accurate.

The smut in this was excellent and I loved how feisty Beth is in this. What I wasn't so fond of was the story stopping abruptly at 83% with a promise that their story continues in the next book. I find it highly irritating when I'm ambushed by a cliffhanger.

I enjoyed her writing though, so I'll probably read more by this author. But it'll have to wait until Bodice Ripper Sunday ™ comes around again.

[Ronda Tutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

FAN-FUCKIN-TASTIC HISTORICAL READ!

YES! YES! YES! Natasha Blackthorne, it is authors like you that make historical reads worth reading. I can think of only one other historical read that I have gave a 5 star rating to and that was Diana Gabaldin. You have captured and implemented the substance that makes the characters come alive and interesting with their emotions leaving the reader excited and feeling the emotions themselves. The story was so exciting that I was totally glued to the page eagerly eating up each sentence and just couldn’t put the book down.

I do not read very many historical reads because they usually focus more on the historical side of the story or they lack the full connection between the characters. However, that is not what you will find in this story. You will find an immediate connection between Beth and Grey from the first moment they meet. Their attraction leads to several extremely hot erotic scenes that leave you craving for more. This is what I love about this read because Natasha Blackthorne wasn’t afraid to take that erotic step that most writers are afraid to put in their books so I applaud Natasha because she made me fall in love with a historical read.

However, there is more to the story than just having sexual scenes in a story and I can definitely tell everyone that the battle for dominance and control between the characters will peak your interest as the rebellion of the feisty and stronger willed independence of a woman (Beth) rebels against the societies ok ways of men having mistresses. No matter how many times Grey tries to bargain for a dominance to keep Beth, Beth puts him in his place and never loses control regardless how attracted she is to him or even how passionate the love making is between them. I totally love Beth, she is my heroine I can totally look up to and relate to.

The ending was perfect as it left me with tears in my eyes as I felt the strong feelings of love between the love birds. I actually wanted more in the end as in I wanted Grey to sweep Beth off her feet and marry her but the ending leaving with the possibility of a courting relationship towards a lifetime of happiness works as well. Now I will be anxiously waiting for the next book to see where Grey and Beth’s relationship takes them.

Excellent Read!

[SATIN SUE · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review starts with Grey at a meeting, he spots a beautiful lady across the room, they have eye contact and sparks fly. one thing leads to another and they end up having hot sex in the back of his carriage and they arrange to meet again. but little does he know that Beth had planned the meeting. On there second meeting Beth gets scared because she only wanted a one time thrill. but just in it for the excitement find them selves in a whole lot of trouble when there hearts take over. I love this kind of book. Historical is one of my favourite kind of books. so when its mixed with hot steaming sex it gets me all excited. I found when reading this book i couldn't put it down, needing to see what was going to happen. My heart got all fluttery with the sexual tension between the two of them. I'm gonna give Natasha an extra award for this book, because it has everything in it, romance, passion and so much more. I'm gonna go out on a limb here and tell you all to read this book. I know the Lady's I talk to are going to love this book. BUT this book is not for under 18's, be warned it very steamy in places and young people really should not read it, but for all you kink bags out there, then go a head. its GOOD!!!!!. lol.

[Emilia Redington · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5☆
Haven't experienced to like this so much. Oh, and it's not 60 pages, but 135. And it seems it has a sequel 😏🔥🔥🔥
Later edit: it seems the sequel is a no go... 😒

[Nikki McCarver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always enjoyed historical romance books. A trip into the past is a great escape from the everyday hum drum of modern society. I understand that times were very different back then, but a small detail concerning those beloved novels has often bothered me. Why are the women always virgins? Yes..I’ll agree that probably a good 70 percent of women back then did the right thing and waited for marriage, majority of that percentage being the upper class. But what of our exceptions? Every generation has them, the liberal or independent women that society frowns upon because they choose to live by their own rules. I often wondered if I were given the opportunity to journey into the past, if I could conform to the rules of times. Certainly not! Beth couldn’t either and Blackthorne’s brilliant novel Grey’s Lady has filled one of the voids in my heart for the perfect historical romance. Our heroine, Beth is one such a lady who takes fate into her own hands, who doesn’t allow a man to dictate anything to her, and who marches to her own tune. It is this saucy young woman who approaches an unprepared and slightly jaded Grey and asks politely for a ride home in his carriage. Shocked, but not misunderstanding her intentions as far as “a ride” goes, he wholeheartedly agrees. But little did either of them know that a simple erotic carriage ride could turn into so much more. Both untrusting and determined to steer the relationship, they agree to meet one more time. Beth was in it for the one time thrill, but finds herself unable to resist the temptation of seeing him again. Grey was just about to pack it up and leave, figuring he would regret only having her for an hour for the rest of his life, when she appears out of the blue beckoning him to come to her. He is determined that this time he will define their relationship and he will not allow Beth to slip through his fingers again. Beth is determined to exercise him out of her system once and for all and return to her uneventful existence. But their hearts have other ideas. The fire between this two burns bright and the sex scenes in this book are absolutely intense. I kept expecting my fingers to be scorched by the pages. Not only was this book incredibly erotic, it also was interestingly enough romantic. So if you like your historical romances with a little bit more sizzle than sweetness, this is the book for you. My only regret was that it wasn’t longer! I remember finishing it up and going noooo! This one’s a page turner ladies and definitely leaves you wanting to be Grey’s Lady!!!!

[Sassy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Heroine of this story, Beth, appears to be wanton in the seduction and affairs with other men and continues to try her control when she meets up with our Hero, Prince Grey. Grey, is a very sexual, handsome and wealthy man that is confronted by Beth as she continues in her exploits and her seduction. However, at first, Grey is only interested accepting Beth's proposal for a quick fling. This quickly changes and he then proposes that Beth become his Mistress.

My only complaint about this book was the ending as we were left hanging. Needed more story on this couple, which I am assuming will be continued in the next book (White Lace & Promises) in this series of "Carte Blanche".

I did find this book to be on the expensive side @ $4.50 for a short book of 18,000 words, but I thoroughly enjoyed the story and will definitely be reading more by this author.

[Wendi Zwaduk · Rating 5 out of 5]

She wants a good time. He wants a good time. Then they have each other and sparks not only fly...they scorch everything in sight.

I've said I'm not a big one into historicals. I don't seem to get them. Maybe it's the lingo, maybe it's the clothing. I can honestly say the tide is turning.

I picked up Grey's Lady because I'd read Waltz of Seduction. I like the author's way with words and the depth of the story. Naturally I had to see what else this promising author had in store.

I'm glad I did.

I felt like I was right there with both Grey and Beth. There is more than a few moments where things get tense between these two strong-willed people. Yes, there were times when Beth's motivations weren't clear, but rest assured. Everything is explained and worked out. I really enjoyed Grey. He's terse at times, coddling at others, but he's always got a flair with what he does. He's sexy and I couldn't get enough reading about him.

There are lots of twists and turns and emotional turmoil that makes Grey's Lady a good read indeed. Grab a copy today.
http://natashablackthorne.blogspot.com/

[Andrea Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing more wonderful than a good erotic historical and Natasha Blackthorne's Grey's Lady really delivers, almost from the first page. Hey, they have to say hello, right!

This is a novella that clocks in at about 65 pages. It was great fun to watch these characters come together. And the sex...well...steamy. I really enjoyed getting to know Beth and Grey. Both were really intriguing characters that you really want to get to know.

It is hard to get good character development in such a short book, but Natasha does a great job of making these characters real and enjoyable. I also like that it had a happy ending for the two, but not one that you'd traditionally expect. I'd tell you more, but you really should read the novella. It's worth the time it takes to devour the 65 pages!

I can't wait to read the next book in this new series.

[Kiru Taye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books you can't put down once you start reading it. I read the first chapter online yesterday, got hooked and bought the ebook. I read it in one sitting, barely coming up for air.

The characters just electrify the pages, their emotional rollercoaster so obvious as they struggle to let go of their internal conflicts until the satisfying end. Oh, and the love scenes were sizzling too. I have to say the only peeve I had was that Grey (the hero) seemed to be fully clothed in most of their encounters and Beth (the heroine) fully naked. But it worked well because he was a man who gave little of himself until he met Beth.

This is the first book I've read from Natasha. I'll certainly be reading more of her books.

[C. Zampa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is supplied on the behalf of Miz C. Zampa at Miz Love Loves Books.

http://www.mizlovelovesbooks.com/2012...

This was the Zampster’s first plunge back into the world of het erotic romance. And, boy, did I pick a doozie for my first read.

This book was also my first American Regency era novel, set in Philadelphia in 1812.

Immediately, just the period of the short story transported me back to my high school days, those wonderful days when I always found myself immersed in Georgette Heyer and Barbara Cartland. Only Ms. Blackthorne’s offering was much more titillating and sexy than any of the prim and proper novels by her predecessors.

Grey Sexton, the hero—or would you dare call this sexy aristocrat a hero?—was the most controlling, out-of-control, gorgeously outrageous package of masculine arrogance I ever wanted to bed.

Pair him with beautiful Beth McConnell—a lady who is very much not a lady—and you have the most delicious, hot, hot, hot chemistry between hero and heroine I’ve read in quite some time.


No plot telling, remember? But I will tell you the contrast between them is sumptuous dynamite. Dark, light; virile, feminine; rich, not-so-rich; big, small. Smoldering.


The sex scenes are indescribably arousing. Particularly a scene with a costly pearl necklace. I’ll say no more about that, only to promise this little feast of amor is steamy, steamy, steamy.


Without revealing plot, I have to at least gush about the humor in Grey Sexton’s struggle to corral and master this little feisty tease of a girl into being his well-paid—very well compensated—mistress is adorable and my heart hurt for his frustration.


You’ll have to read it for yourself to see if our handsome, sexy man will succeed in his conquest to dominate beautiful Beth. Or will the tables turn on his good-looking ass?


Trust me. This short story is a must-read. Cute, hot-as-hell sexy and lovely, eloquent prose to boot.

[Rosebud · Rating 2 out of 5]

For all practical purposes this is a prequel versus any substantive first in series book.

Sets the stage for main characters Beth McConnell & Grey Sexton. Their first meeting and subsequent adult content scene of passion in his carriage.

[Rustye · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, well-written novella about a US Victorian-era (jeffersonian era) battle of the sexes. Great depth of characters and a hot, sexy story.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very short story, and quite enjoyable. 3.5☆

[Rainelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
Oh wow! This book was hot, in every sense of the word. Natasha Blackthorne knows how to write a book. The illicit wild love scenes were very detailed and helped me visualize what was happening as I read the book. The characters, were built as strong characters. Grey’s character I believe was stronger than Beth’s
The give and receive, tug and pull was a continual back and forth between these two as they fought their mistrust of the people around them. The writing was raw, it was imaginative and it brought me some excitement to reading historical romance books. The introduction of the main characters was great. The writer got right to the point of the book with Grey an Beth. Not to many characters were introduced allowing the whole story to be wrapped around Grey and Beth. Oh and did I mention the sex?! There was a whole lot of that going and I was like, Oh boy! This is my kind of writing. Bring it on!
I loved this book and I will be reading more.

[♡Seetŝa♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grey’s Lady was a quick and steamy historical romance with some engaging moments, especially in the chemistry between the main characters. However, the emotional depth felt a bit boring, and I found it hard to fully connect with the heroine’s motivations at times. The writing was solid, but the plot didn’t quite grip me the way I’d hoped. Overall, an enjoyable read, but not particularly memorable.

[AG Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 to maybe 3.5 stars.

This was a reread simply because I came across it way down in my book list and couldn't remember a thing about it. It's not bad as an erotic romance, but don't expect much historical accuracy. I do plan to read the next book because I never read past the first one previously.

[LOU71 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grey’s Lady is the first erotic novella in the Wild, Wicked and Wanton series. Set in Philadelphia, 1812. Regency Era America. This historical romance has two very strong lead characters.

Grey’s Lady: 4- stars: Grey & Beth

Elizabeth McConnell is a servant’s daughter, and she lets no man touch her heart. Her motto is love them once and leave them burning. Beth is reckless, feisty, and forward. Unsophisticated. Since being jilted, Beth has created a carnal pattern for herself by choosing her men from afar, and simply just asking for a ride in their carriage. Her behaviour borders on petulance. I’m not sure I like her.

Mr Asahel de Grijs Sexton, known as Grey, a self-controlled successful merchant prince from New York, has a materialistic approach to relationships. He has a couple of mistresses, and has sworn not to marry again. Grey is one of the wealthiest men in the United States, well-educated, and extensively travelled. He’s cultured. His need to possess Beth is fierce. Maybe he is overlooking her immaturity.

Grey and Beth’s relationship begins cynical, two lonely people colliding, and develops into feelings through conversation and intimacy. They challenge each other, and want to possess the other - body, mind, and soul. An uncontrollable passion.

I recommend this novella.

[DKC · Rating 3 out of 5]

What is it with so many of the Regencies I pick up nowadays? I keep thinking, "Hm, this would've been more believable if it were set in the Victorian era."

That said, this was an interesting book, and I'm glad I knew it was a "prequel" before I started it, or I would've been puzzled at how swiftly things were wrapped up. But of course, they aren't!

Intensely sexual, so not for the faint of heart where that content is concerned. However, the chemistry and the interest between the two main characters was strong, and it became very clear early on that sex is being used both as a means of therapy between them, and as an outlet for the darker aspects of their lives/issues.

It was difficult feeling a huge familial connection between Beth and her half-siblings, though. When the only parts of the relationship shown are negative, or rife with potential pit-falls, the reader doesn't get a stronger sense of why someone is putting up with the people in their family.

Grey so badly needs a person to be intimate with -- not necessarily in a sexual mode. And I liked that the author connected them first of all with a link of shared empathy/emotion. It makes the rest a bit more palatable.

[Marilyn Barr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natasha Blackthorne has done it again! Grey’s Lady is the perfect start to her Carte Blanche series. Beth is a fiery, sexually liberated woman who was born before her time. She is tender to her family, responsible to a fault, but untamed when she sets her sights on who she wants. Finally, a believable historical heroine who just likes sex. She isn’t a prostitute, isn’t having a breakdown from oppression, isn’t damaged, or a too-eager-for-her-own-good virgin. She knows what she wants and gets it.

In this story, Beth has set her sights on a damaged widow, Grey. He tries to be the controlling male to her cowering female but quickly finds that Beth is whole on her own. The dynamic turns the “soiled dove” trope on its head and I loved it. When he tries to buy her and manipulate her into being his, she laughs him off. Their relationship will be on equal footing or not at all, even though they are in different social ranks.

Overall, this scorching hot book gets the highest recommendation I can give because Beth is the type of heroine I wish to see in more steamy romance books.

[H.M. Holten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired Victorian Era Eroticism

Is Beth McConnel only wild, wicked, and wanton? Is it possible that her position in the Victorian era as a poor but beautiful young woman forces her to act the way she chooses?

Is Grey Sexton only a reckless lover? Are his acts a sign of callousness, or is he merely seduced by the underbelly of Victorian society?

The main characters in Grey’s Lady are complex and believable. The plot may be inspired by erotic trappings, but the book shows a solid base of insight that impresses the reader.

Beth may only have wanted a naughty carriage ride, but she longs for much more. She is a talented pianist, with no outlet for her talent. Her wish is to be independent, but she also cares for her family and sees no way out.

Grey may blow hot and cold, but he also has a soft core.

Natasha Blackthorne delivers a multi-faceted erotic love story with all the silk and satin, all the lace and innuendo that you’d expect. At the same time, her perception of the difficulties of a repressed society with a complex social order brings history to life.

[Zena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grey and Beth come from different walks of life and both want to to have a good time with each other but for very different reasons.
There was so much in the way of emotion written into this short story and I quite liked that these two characters managed to eventually sort themselves out and find a delightful compromise.
A great ending to a very troubled yet hot relationship.

[H.M.S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just read this book. Good story - Love the feisty lead, Beth - much more than Sexton is accustomed to, it seems! Plenty of steam, of course, and a nice romance. Makes me glad women don’t carry as many burdens as she does in this story.

[Jerrie Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

A love story about Grey and Beth. Swoon worthy story that is. Erotic, with great sex and a great plot. Her books are stand alone and written so you can move to the next book satisfied. She's an auto buy for me.

[George Ring · Rating 5 out of 5]

Top quality

Natasha Blackthorne it seems can transcend continents she seems equally at home setting her stories in Pennsylvania London Scotland or the South Coast of England. I enjoyed this one very much as I have enjoyed all that I have read from Natasha. Beth was lovely.

[leila braga · Rating 3 out of 5]

sempre o cara querendo mandar na mulher, né. afff que tédio

mas gostei que a mulher se impõe e é bem livre (guardadas as devidas proporções) sexualmente e em várias áreas da vida dela. curti :)

o hot, ó... 4/5

[BJ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not grab me, mainly because I didn't like the h or how she lived her life. It is written well, just not to my taste but I tried for a few chapters but it was DNF for me.

[Judith Bongiovanni · Rating 3 out of 5]

RRRR

[Judy Youn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down.

[Tabitha Womack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story! Steamy and well written! Tasha brings on the fire and spins a bold tale! Well researched and flawless cadence. Good job!