The Tender Rules of Eden

The Belle House #3

by Vlad Kahany

Librarian's Note: An alternate cover for this ASIN can be found here.

She lost it all and sold herself. He had it all and fell for her.

“The Tender Rules of Eden” is a stand-alone novel in The Belle House Series.

Eva Bernal is not your ordinary courtesan. After a broken marriage, bankruptcy and social shunning, she chose the life at a luxury brothel over another loveless marriage. Did she regret it? Not a bit. An epitome of elegance and style, she made her own rules and gave herself seven years to save a small fortune and leave the profession. The seven years are up. Eva is free to do what she pleases. She is done with men, or so she thinks until she meets a shy red-haired giant, Samuel Riley, who is different from any other man she’s met. So is the way he makes her heart beat.

Samuel Riley is a recluse. They call him the Farmer. With his quiet demeanor and rough appearance, he could pass as one. Except he owns enough land to make him the best catch for the young unmarried women of London’s Season. His friends drag him to London, intending to have fun at the raunchiest places it has to offer. Their first stop is the luxury brothel on Piccadilly.
Rule #1: Don’t fall in love with a courtesan.
But when Samuel sees Eva Bernal step into the Grand Parlor of the Belle House, he knows that nothing will ever be the same.

Rules are meant to be broken. So are prejudices. So are tender hearts…

WARNING: "The Tender Rules of Eden" is a story of love and obsession. It contains scenes of an explicit nature. The Belle House is a brothel, and many characters are of the world’s oldest profession. That being said, if you have issues with any of the above, please, don’t purchase or read the book, for it’s not your cup of tea, and your anger is not mine. Thank you.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical

228 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2020

About the author

Raised on the love for music and literary classics, Kahany has studied philology and religion.
For news, updates, discounts on new releases, please visit www.VladKahany.com
For questions, comments, suggestions, please email VladKahany@gmail.com

Reviews

[Alexandra G]

This, the third in The Belle House series, is definitely the softest. The slowest of the slow burns for the woman every man desires but only few can corner, and the secret catch of the Season, a gentle giant, modest and reserved. The yearning throughout this story is breathtaking!

Eva is not your average courtesan, but a widowed Lady left a penniless social pariah through circumstance. She made her own destiny and her own rules, earning herself a tidy sum in seven years, and now she’s ready to retire... but what comes next?

A descendant of Irish tradesmen, Samuel inherited land and groundedness, gained a title through a loveless arranged marriage, lost his wife, grew his fortune and invested it in people, giving rookery boys a chance at a better future. He wasn’t looking for love, certainly not in a luxury brothel, but he’s lost as soon as he lays eyes on her.

She’s drawn to him, but also very guarded, too protective of her heart and hard-earned independence to risk it on a whim. He woos her with patience, deference and quiet devotion, and she lets herself slowly slide into love. But there wouldn’t be a story if their enthralling slow burn courtship wasn’t thwarted by a vicious serpent – and that little snake would have gotten her way if it wasn’t for Eva’s courage to go after her man.
And that grand finale! The setting, the emotion, the tenderness... my heart nearly exploded!

I admire Eva for taking control of her life, her strength, and never settling for less. If she ever wrote a memoir I would most definitely read it!
I love that Samuel remained insecure till the very end; not every hero needs to be a cocksure conqueror – and I’ll forever defend his lapse in judgement.
I got lost in the gorgeous study in human nature throughout this book. The good and the bad, how every character is the sum of their past experiences, how easily women were categorised and discarded, and the hypocrisy of the “great divide”.
And, as always, I’m in awe of Kahany’s way with words!
A stunning heart-rending and -mending read!

[Catherine]

Sweet characters but there wasn’t much of a story (at least for me!). I’m enjoying this author though and the change of time period (I didn’t think I would like historical romances). I approve!

[Space Cowgirl]

Just💘 For Him🐺🍆⛲💪👊

ADULT Historical Victorian Romance💕 and Adventure with Betrayal.
How a forgotten letter📃 almost ruins two lives... How failing to recognize and act on true love💘 until it's too late breaks💔 two hearts.....

The emotional ups💕 and downs💔 in this wonderful work of Historical Romantic fiction were almost too much for me to take.

If only people would say what is in their hearts💘...

Recommend for lovers of Historical Romance 💕.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/25/2020)! 🎁

[R Huiszoon]

Vlad Kahany, ‘ The Tender Rules of Eden’.
The Belle House Book 3.

As a Hidden Gems ARC reader I received a free copy of this book and promised an honest review. Here it is.

Rating: 4 (of 5 stars).

In general: Love in Victorian England.

The novel takes place in Victorian London. (No dates, but reference to time of Louis Philippe, king of France, 1830-1848).
Main characters:
- Eva Bernal.
Her parents died when she was an adolescent; she was raised by an aunt and married at a young age Arthur Bernal a wealthy man. But also a gambler. Within a few years they were bankrupt and he committed suicide. Her aunt didn’t want her back and after some time she realized her bad social and economic position. She never again wanted to give up her freedom by marrying a high society person, so she decided to become a courtesan at the Belle House, an exclusive brothel. And after seven successful years saved so much that she could retire if she wanted.

- Samuel Reilly.
He’s a wealthy landowner from Dorset. He loves the country and treats his employees very well. Sometimes he visits London with his friends who show him the cultural and social pleasures of the big city.

In general I’m not a fan of books taking place in Victorian England: too much hypocracy, prudery in public and (sometimes kinky) sex in secret and all that in a class society with very strict rules. Brrrr!
But the intelligent, gorgeous and independent heroine made the story interesting for me. The other main character, Samuel, I didn’t always understand: deeply in love with Eva and anyway go to bed with another girl (he even doesn’t like) immediately after a passionate kiss with Eva (???).
But, all in all, the author, Vlad Kahany, created a wonderful love story containing some hot sex scenes and described, with a lot of knowledge, in many details the Victorian society. Often interesting but - for me - sometimes too extensive.

R.Huiszoon.

[Coastie Mom]

The story of Sam and Eva had me hooked. I was rooting for them the entire time and I so wanted to beat little miss Bonnie to death for being such a wench! Sam was just a normal guy who didn’t think he was better than anyone else and didn’t think bad of anyone. Eva went through some hard times. During this time period, it was frowned upon to be in the oldest profession known. Eva was a smart, beautiful woman who spoke her mind when needed and didn’t rattle easy.

Sam was awed by Eva the second he laid eyes on her in the Belle House. Eva was also intrigued by Sam as well. Good thing both Sam and Eva has good friends to give them advice – otherwise there might not have been the HEA everyone will be searching for. Sam did not care what other people thought and he didn’t care that Eva was at one point in the profession.

Great story and I loved the descriptions given throughout the story – it made you feel like you were right there in the story. Definitely recommend and cannot wait to read more from this author.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy through Hidden Gems ARCs for an honest review.

[Jennifer K]

Although this book was slow at times, that was completely in character for both Sam, the careful 'farmer' and Eva, the former courtesan who had been burned by love too many times. I enjoyed the slow buildup to their relationship which was more in line than them just falling together at first sight.

I really, really hated Bonnie, though. And although it tried to explain why Sam slept with her, I really didn't understand that either. The first time yes, but not the second. If I were Eva that would have been unforgivable.

Some of the misunderstandings that happened seemed to happen solely to extend the story and didn't make sense in the scheme of things (like why wouldn't Sam have listened to Eva's side of the story when she gave him chance after chance with Bonnie?).

Overall a solid romance that definitely draws you into the world and doesn't just give you the ending.

[Crystal Denny]

This is the 3rd book I have read by Vlad Kahany and the third one in the Belle House series. All of the books can be read as stand alone but are in the same universe. Each book and set of characters are so different and each one equally thrilling.
I really enjoyed the story of Sam and Eva! Sam is so sweet and seemingly innocent. I absolutely love his shyness and timidness and his blushing when it comes to the raunchy side of London. It makes him so adorable and lovable! And when he lets go... oh my goodness.
I love that Eva is so independent and Mrs. Sharke let’s her make her own rules because of the business she brought in. Eva and Sam deserve each other and I enjoyed seeing their story evolve!
Cannot recommend this author enough!

[Shareta Caldwell]

Surprised by the tenderness!

This story was different from the first two books in the sense that Eva was retired and Samuel was not a Londoner. Even their journey to love was different. More organic and subdued. A bit of a slow burn with less action but man oh man when they come together it was every bit as passionate that I have come to expect with this series. I enjoyed Eva and Samuel. How a story about a courtesan falling in love was so sweet, I don't know but this author managed it. I liked everything about their journey. Even the miscommunication and unsaid words didn't bother me because it led them both to where they needed to be to finally come together. And finally, an epilogue with a nice glimpse into their future. This Belle House series is full of surprises.

[Amii]

This was a brilliant read for me, I’d already read and reviewed book 2 which is Ginger’s story as an ARC so when the opportunity came to read this book I knew it should be one I liked as I loved the second book. I’ve discovered I actually really enjoy a great historical romance. This book had a great storyline, some great characters, some really hot chemistry along with a little drama. You’ll want to read this in one go as it’s addictive so make sure you have a few hours free. I read this book as an ARC.

[cheryl giles]

Characters I would love to meet.

What a fascinating book with unexpected characters. I enjoyed the independent thought of the main character and that she was able to achieve her independence without anger. She was able, after time to understand what her role would need to be in the relationship for it to survive and moved into it, though not without trepidation. She was a very believable character.
The male character was unusual in his innocence, but that was really refreshing. And the difficulty he had in communicating seems to me, especially believable.

[Becky]

This is an excellent read! Sam and Eva. He was smitten from the start. A big man with an even bigger heart. Shy and quiet, a farmer from the country. She is a woman scorned. A retired prostitute. Strong and independent. This is their story of hit and misses. Sex scenes that thrill. The Belle House is where it's at. All very well written. Couldn't put it down.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems.

[Candace]

Samuel & Eva. The whole book is spent with our characters both wanting each other but also thinking the other one doesn't want them as much. Both characters are way to passive for this story to not drag on. I mean she's a courtesan (retired from taking clients but still living in the brothel playing the hostess role) and isn't forward at all.

Geez I don't think I've read a book that had me screaming "just do it already!"

[Amy]

Sweet angst. You never outgrow it. The flutter in your heart, the tingles in your spine as you approach the one you are infatuated with. You could feel the yearning through the pages, the confusion, and the fear of doing the wrong thing. I enjoyed this from beginning to end.

I read and reviewed a copy of this book.

[Cindy]

I did not like what happens to Eva at the start of the story until Samuel enters. The slow attraction and blossoming love story was wonderful. It’s sad what women have to endure during Victorian times when falling on hard times due to their husbands wicked ways. Eva was one of those women who is redeemed by Samuel Enjoy

[Linda]

Not a winner

DNF, I got halfway thru until the 'h' complains to himself, " why did he give in to the trollop at the WH again" UGH... Twice he did the deed with a skank while he claimed to be interested in the H. Supposedly timid comes off as Spineless . Most of what I did read was rather flat, 2 dementional and frankly too wordy and emotionless.

[Coral]

I’ve got mixed feelings on this one. At times it really felt like something reaching for the next level. There was some commentary on Society ala Austen or Wharton. But the slow burn I’m the first half slowed it down. I wanted them to spend more time together sooner. It was better once they got together despite the more cliché misunderstandings.
Might try another one by this author to be sure.

[Bookish.Helen]

A good story, but very, very slow for the first half. Things picked up a bit in the second half, but the story and characters lacked depth. This is the third book in the Belle House series, but can be read as a standalone.

[Journalist Valarie]

Thoroughly Enjoyable

Were it not for the spelling and grammar errors, this would be a 5-star review. It's a truly enjoyable love story that's worth staying up late.

[Nate]

I enjoyed Sam & Eva's book. It was an entertaining read. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.

[JO O Clark]

Very well written with well developed characters.

[Julie ambrose]

Hmmm book 3

Loving this series , every part of it I’m finding it exciting reading them .So well written a real page Turner onto book 4 can’t wait

[Jean Matlock]

What a wonderful book… sexy and endearing…. I give it. A 10* rating….

[:)]

3.7 stars

[Virginia]

A book with lots of graphic sex and a few typos --bread instead of bred, for example.

[Julie Ambrose]

So enjoyable , what an expressive sensual and erotic writer .
The Belle house series is a roller coaster of a read I have enjoyed them all .
Dark in places yet romantic and erotic as you read through the pages so enjoy this author it’s like a breath of fresh air .
Just want to read more of his work