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The Lover #1
The Lover
The Price of Pleasure
Anne Aimes is a lonely spinster who has spent her entire life caring for ailing, elderly parents. She is not beautiful, but she is wealthy. With no one left to love and nothing left to lose, she hires Michel des Anges—a beautiful man she briefly glimpsed 18 years earlier during her disastrous coming out—to give her one month of passion, memories to warm a cold, barren future.
Michel des Anges—Michael of the Angels—is a beautiful prostitute renown for his expertise at bringing women pleasure. But a killing fire destroyed his beauty five years earlier. Now whores cringe at his touch. Yet one woman still desires him ... He accepts her offer: one month of pleasure for ten thousand pounds.
But the price of pleasure is not paid in sterling pounds; it is paid in blood and flesh. Because everyone Michael has ever loved has been murdered. By using Anne as bait, he will draw out the killer. She doesn’t deserve her fate. But neither had the ones before her ...
Anne Aimes is a lonely spinster who has spent her entire life caring for ailing, elderly parents. She is not beautiful, but she is wealthy. With no one left to love and nothing left to lose, she hires Michel des Anges—a beautiful man she briefly glimpsed 18 years earlier during her disastrous coming out—to give her one month of passion, memories to warm a cold, barren future.
Michel des Anges—Michael of the Angels—is a beautiful prostitute renown for his expertise at bringing women pleasure. But a killing fire destroyed his beauty five years earlier. Now whores cringe at his touch. Yet one woman still desires him ... He accepts her offer: one month of pleasure for ten thousand pounds.
But the price of pleasure is not paid in sterling pounds; it is paid in blood and flesh. Because everyone Michael has ever loved has been murdered. By using Anne as bait, he will draw out the killer. She doesn’t deserve her fate. But neither had the ones before her ...
375 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
103 people are currently reading
1599 people want to read
About the author
Robin Schone
48 books493 followersUSA Today and Amazon Bestselling Author Robin Schone writes British Victorian novels about love, the legal & social penalties of Women’s sexuality and the occasional dinosaur. She is translated in 15 languages. The Lady's Tutor is a Cosmopolitan "Must Read" erotic novel. RUSQ (Reference and User Services of the American Library Association) chose Scandalous Lovers to “represent the wide range of historical fiction in romance.” Claims RUSQ: "Robin Schone writes sensual, explicit stories...about characters who are frequently older and less beautiful than most romance protagonists. Her history is impeccable; the storytelling is straightforward but emotionally driven."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
February 14, 2016
3 1/2 to 4 Stars
This book took me by surprise. I didn't expect such a dark, angsty, provocative, convoluted, and thoroughly engrossing tale. I did have some mixed emotions regarding the writing prose. I loved the overall clandestine feel of the book; however, I had to pay attention to understand the intent within the author's prose. Also, I didn't care for the authors continual use of technical terms (vagina, clitoris, penis, ect) during the highly erotic sex scenes. It felt odd, dispassionate and impersonal. It's just not sexy.
The cast of characters were intriguing, palpable, and tormented souls. I loved the chemistry and connection between the hero and heroine. I only wish the ending could have given me more closure about their future. I suppose we will get that closure in the second book, Gabriel's Woman. Having said that, I would have preferred a more satisfying ending.
On a final note, this book has forever changed the way I look at worms(shutter), bananas, and chocolate!
The Lover was an enjoyable, highly erotic, and captivating read. If you're in the mood for a dark and intriguing plot, give this book a try.
Note: It's very important to read this book first before reading the second one in the series Gabriel's Woman. You will find Gabriel's Woman confusing if you don't.
This book took me by surprise. I didn't expect such a dark, angsty, provocative, convoluted, and thoroughly engrossing tale. I did have some mixed emotions regarding the writing prose. I loved the overall clandestine feel of the book; however, I had to pay attention to understand the intent within the author's prose. Also, I didn't care for the authors continual use of technical terms (vagina, clitoris, penis, ect) during the highly erotic sex scenes. It felt odd, dispassionate and impersonal. It's just not sexy.
The cast of characters were intriguing, palpable, and tormented souls. I loved the chemistry and connection between the hero and heroine. I only wish the ending could have given me more closure about their future. I suppose we will get that closure in the second book, Gabriel's Woman. Having said that, I would have preferred a more satisfying ending.
On a final note, this book has forever changed the way I look at worms(shutter), bananas, and chocolate!
The Lover was an enjoyable, highly erotic, and captivating read. If you're in the mood for a dark and intriguing plot, give this book a try.
Note: It's very important to read this book first before reading the second one in the series Gabriel's Woman. You will find Gabriel's Woman confusing if you don't.
September 13, 2024
Why do you call yourself Michel … des Anges?” The question momentarily caught him off guard.
“‘Voir les Anges,’” he murmured cryptically, wondering how far he dared go, how risqué to be.
She carefully translated his words, as if she had not spoken French outside of finishing school. “To see the angels.” “To see angels,” he silkily corrected her, monitoring her reaction. “It is a French expression for having an orgasm.”
She was not beautiful, this woman who had come to him for her pleasure. But he did not require physical beauty. Anne Aimes wanted him. Despite his scars. That was more than enough. He would not disappoint her. For the allotted time they had together he would be Michel, the man who made women see angels, not Michael, the man who brought them death.
Raw lust and soul-deep need entwined with the threat of danger and looming menace, I was twisted up with the knowledge that something much bigger than the author was letting on was driving the story. A darkly compelling tale, with undercurrents of dread, seduction, vengeance and deception, it kept me on edge, kept me wondering, who is Michael? Who caused his suffering? What the hell is really going on here? Then I let go of trying to figure it all out and just enjoyed the ride, trusting (hoping) the author would make the ride worthwhile. I was not disappointed. The author kept me off balance, played my emotions like a finely tuned instrument and I loved every minute of it.
“Do you always join a woman in climax?” The harsh drag of his fingers inched up and out of her drawers, grasped the ends of the tape to her corset, proceeded to unlace it. “When the time is right.”
“How do you know when the time is right?” “When a woman’s screams echo in my head.”
Bloody brilliant storytelling!
“‘Voir les Anges,’” he murmured cryptically, wondering how far he dared go, how risqué to be.
She carefully translated his words, as if she had not spoken French outside of finishing school. “To see the angels.” “To see angels,” he silkily corrected her, monitoring her reaction. “It is a French expression for having an orgasm.”
She was not beautiful, this woman who had come to him for her pleasure. But he did not require physical beauty. Anne Aimes wanted him. Despite his scars. That was more than enough. He would not disappoint her. For the allotted time they had together he would be Michel, the man who made women see angels, not Michael, the man who brought them death.
Raw lust and soul-deep need entwined with the threat of danger and looming menace, I was twisted up with the knowledge that something much bigger than the author was letting on was driving the story. A darkly compelling tale, with undercurrents of dread, seduction, vengeance and deception, it kept me on edge, kept me wondering, who is Michael? Who caused his suffering? What the hell is really going on here? Then I let go of trying to figure it all out and just enjoyed the ride, trusting (hoping) the author would make the ride worthwhile. I was not disappointed. The author kept me off balance, played my emotions like a finely tuned instrument and I loved every minute of it.
“Do you always join a woman in climax?” The harsh drag of his fingers inched up and out of her drawers, grasped the ends of the tape to her corset, proceeded to unlace it. “When the time is right.”
“How do you know when the time is right?” “When a woman’s screams echo in my head.”
Bloody brilliant storytelling!
October 14, 2010
Wow, this book was actually really good. Do I sound surprised? I suppose I am, a bit. I had no real basis for low expectations, I freely admit that, but for some reason I had them. I had been told this was dark, and that was what made me pick it up, but I really didn't expect the reality of it.
I liked it! I liked it enough to order the next book, Gabriel's Woman, before I had finished this one. What can I say? I found him the most interesting character in the book. That's not a slur against everyone else, that's just a nod to how complicated he is. I admit it...I'm a sucker for complex men.
This story was dark and a bit morbid and gloomy at times. It had twists and turns and kept me on my toes. I didn't know who was good and who was bad, and I spent most of the book in the dark about the 'Why' of it all. While that would have irritated the living hell out of me in a book that I was struggling through, I loved it here because I did care. I was engrossed and needed to find out what plots and manipulations Michael had going on. When the reveal came--well, I didn't quite expect that. I had some assumptions going on, and I was wrong. So kudos to the author for that!
There was a rather gloomy, repressed attitude permeating these pages. I know what you're thinking. Repressed??? In an erotic romance??? Yes, you didn't read that wrong. I'm not talking about the sex--although I'll touch on that soon (snicker)--I'm talking about the atmosphere. I'll give a few quotes to illustrate what I mean...
(I bleeped that last one on purpose to avoid even the slightest of spoilers) Taken by themselves these quotes are powerful things, yes, but those lines were not unique. They were special in the sense that they spoke to me the most, but there were many more scattered all throughout the book. Combined, they all created a rather melancholy air.
The friendship between Gabriel and Michael was very complex. Gabriel's restitution reveal and the reason behind it didn't surprise me in the least. I was never angry, just sad, because how could he not hate him for his pleasure? So sad... But their bond was strong at the same time. Even in the face of betrayal, they still clung to that relationship. They were brothers in heart, and I feel that their relationship was one of the best parts of the book.
The relationship between Anne and Michael was much murkier for me. I enjoyed reading it, but if I had gone into it expecting a Romance book with a capital 'R' I would have been disappointed. There is a romance, but it's...complex and twisted at times. Their actions toward each other and their emotions for each other aren't always neatly labeled. In the beginning Anne's emotions were easier to define, but toward the end when everything started becoming clearer, but darker, that's when it all became twisted.
The book ended on a hopeful note, but it did not have a clear Happy Ending. It worked for the book, but it might bother some. I wouldn't have minded another chapter or two being included so I could have been witness to them working out their differences and having a heart to heart, but like I said, I wasn't expecting a Romance.
The sex was really the weakest part of the book for me. I think it'll appeal to a lot of readers, but it just didn't work for me. I am not a fan of monologuing during sex. Having characters talk, talk, talk during sex and explain in detail everything is a turn off to me. It comes off clinical, not hot.
As I was reading this book I kept thinking of Madeline Hunter's older works. They have completely different styles, but the plots and machinations of the men seemed very similar. That's not a bad thing, I liked it. Once someone mentioned Three Nights of Sin I realized that I was picking up strong similarities of that too. So, if you enjoyed either of those for their darker aspects, you might enjoy this one.
I liked it! I liked it enough to order the next book, Gabriel's Woman, before I had finished this one. What can I say? I found him the most interesting character in the book. That's not a slur against everyone else, that's just a nod to how complicated he is. I admit it...I'm a sucker for complex men.
This story was dark and a bit morbid and gloomy at times. It had twists and turns and kept me on my toes. I didn't know who was good and who was bad, and I spent most of the book in the dark about the 'Why' of it all. While that would have irritated the living hell out of me in a book that I was struggling through, I loved it here because I did care. I was engrossed and needed to find out what plots and manipulations Michael had going on. When the reveal came--well, I didn't quite expect that. I had some assumptions going on, and I was wrong. So kudos to the author for that!
There was a rather gloomy, repressed attitude permeating these pages. I know what you're thinking. Repressed??? In an erotic romance??? Yes, you didn't read that wrong. I'm not talking about the sex--although I'll touch on that soon (snicker)--I'm talking about the atmosphere. I'll give a few quotes to illustrate what I mean...
pg. 106:
Everything could be bought, Michel had said. Sexual satisfaction. Intimacy. Friendship.
pg. 177:
In all her years she had never heard anyone say they loved another. Not husband to wife. Not mother to child.
pg. 279:
...she said deliberately, cruelly--hating herself, hating him, hating *bleep* for destroying the only beauty she had ever experienced.
(I bleeped that last one on purpose to avoid even the slightest of spoilers) Taken by themselves these quotes are powerful things, yes, but those lines were not unique. They were special in the sense that they spoke to me the most, but there were many more scattered all throughout the book. Combined, they all created a rather melancholy air.
The friendship between Gabriel and Michael was very complex. Gabriel's restitution reveal and the reason behind it didn't surprise me in the least. I was never angry, just sad, because how could he not hate him for his pleasure? So sad... But their bond was strong at the same time. Even in the face of betrayal, they still clung to that relationship. They were brothers in heart, and I feel that their relationship was one of the best parts of the book.
The relationship between Anne and Michael was much murkier for me. I enjoyed reading it, but if I had gone into it expecting a Romance book with a capital 'R' I would have been disappointed. There is a romance, but it's...complex and twisted at times. Their actions toward each other and their emotions for each other aren't always neatly labeled. In the beginning Anne's emotions were easier to define, but toward the end when everything started becoming clearer, but darker, that's when it all became twisted.
The book ended on a hopeful note, but it did not have a clear Happy Ending. It worked for the book, but it might bother some. I wouldn't have minded another chapter or two being included so I could have been witness to them working out their differences and having a heart to heart, but like I said, I wasn't expecting a Romance.
The sex was really the weakest part of the book for me. I think it'll appeal to a lot of readers, but it just didn't work for me. I am not a fan of monologuing during sex. Having characters talk, talk, talk during sex and explain in detail everything is a turn off to me. It comes off clinical, not hot.
As I was reading this book I kept thinking of Madeline Hunter's older works. They have completely different styles, but the plots and machinations of the men seemed very similar. That's not a bad thing, I liked it. Once someone mentioned Three Nights of Sin I realized that I was picking up strong similarities of that too. So, if you enjoyed either of those for their darker aspects, you might enjoy this one.
September 16, 2012
I know people love the books this author writes.
She sure writes with a passion, I can tell you that! Her syntaxes are good and she has no visible flaws in her text. She does not, like so many of the new authors, sound like a child trying to write. But...Oh and what a but that is!...her books sound so pretentious and cocky - it actually gets weird.
Only a few chapters after I plunged in to this read - I have grown to hate the chopped up thoughts. It was tedious. It was horrorific. And most importantly - it was boring! The mussing of her characters were supposed to be deep and dark.
Well, guess what? They aren’t. They are mostly just pimped up phrases that are supposed to sell, sell sell!
Plus, the plot? Don’t get me started on the plot! Wait…what the hell am I saying? What plot?
The desires!
The death!
It has no real meaning. Nothing does. Nothing in the WHOLE book has any kind of point, other than to sound majestic.
I realize that this kind of writing is supposed to make everything sound gothic and gloomy. Let us be real, it is a well know trick. It has been done before. But not as badly as in the “Lover”, mind you.
In this novel the backbone of the illusionistic and mood producing writing was to bring up the word count. And nothing else.
You think this book is about getting a second chance? Hope for a better future?
Nah, it is a 101 manual about how to adjust your hopes and dreams in order to not be disappointed and disillusioned by life.
This is a love story?
Lies, all lies! This is a show and tell of how to make the best of horrible situations.
These are not happy endings.
There is no choice. Nothing. No decisions. Just two characters caught up in the winds of life, getting stuck together trough a storm. And not in a romantic and pre destined way, btw.
The author makes her lead characters friendless. Afraid. Beaten up. Broken down. She makes them settle for second best and then pretend to be happy.
Also, has anyone else noticed how all her male leads had a (prevous) grand love affair in their life? And how those love stories were not real love stories at all - since the guys were are always in love with happy-go-lucky-moronic-sex-addicts with a really pretty faces?
What ever kind of (ex) love there was I never felt –in any of her books- that the said love was transferred from the ex lover to the heroine.
And the ex lovers? They mostly die. What say I?
I say – what a cop out! Did we really need more angst? Oh! We did? Right!
Then again...I can almost understand why these heroes are reluctant to invest their emotions and time in to the heroines. The heroines are – in one word - pathetic.
They are portrayed as strong of intelligence and full of wit - but in reality they are ever so…broken. I cringed every time they asses themselves - and decided they were lacking.
I wanted to face-palm myself with every surrender of their self-esteem.
I needed a glass of strong alcohol when ever an inner monologue of verbal self-flogging started.
And the sex? It was never hot. Not one single time.
Why and how did this happen?
I guess it was all the mussing-mussing-mussing.
These heros and heroines never forget their dark pasts. They always hurt. They are always moodily dramatic. They never find anything nice, fluffy and happy things to think about...not even when they orgasm.
You would think that all this depth would make the acters of the story more dimensional!
Aaaaaaand…you would be wrong. 'The whore' and 'The spinster' are as flat as their superficial labels. And they stay that way right in to the pointless finale of the book.
In the end, I had the weirdest epiphany – This book is the predecessor of the "Fifty Shades of Gray"!
No, really, it is! The boring drama drama drama…the inner rumblings…the not all that kinky sex…the utter lack of the hotness fact in a freaking erotica…basically, the only thing missing was an inner goddess. Would a inner ugly spinster do?
She sure writes with a passion, I can tell you that! Her syntaxes are good and she has no visible flaws in her text. She does not, like so many of the new authors, sound like a child trying to write. But...Oh and what a but that is!...her books sound so pretentious and cocky - it actually gets weird.
Only a few chapters after I plunged in to this read - I have grown to hate the chopped up thoughts. It was tedious. It was horrorific. And most importantly - it was boring! The mussing of her characters were supposed to be deep and dark.
Well, guess what? They aren’t. They are mostly just pimped up phrases that are supposed to sell, sell sell!
Plus, the plot? Don’t get me started on the plot! Wait…what the hell am I saying? What plot?
The desires!
The death!
It has no real meaning. Nothing does. Nothing in the WHOLE book has any kind of point, other than to sound majestic.
I realize that this kind of writing is supposed to make everything sound gothic and gloomy. Let us be real, it is a well know trick. It has been done before. But not as badly as in the “Lover”, mind you.
In this novel the backbone of the illusionistic and mood producing writing was to bring up the word count. And nothing else.
You think this book is about getting a second chance? Hope for a better future?
Nah, it is a 101 manual about how to adjust your hopes and dreams in order to not be disappointed and disillusioned by life.
This is a love story?
Lies, all lies! This is a show and tell of how to make the best of horrible situations.
These are not happy endings.
There is no choice. Nothing. No decisions. Just two characters caught up in the winds of life, getting stuck together trough a storm. And not in a romantic and pre destined way, btw.
The author makes her lead characters friendless. Afraid. Beaten up. Broken down. She makes them settle for second best and then pretend to be happy.
Also, has anyone else noticed how all her male leads had a (prevous) grand love affair in their life? And how those love stories were not real love stories at all - since the guys were are always in love with happy-go-lucky-moronic-sex-addicts with a really pretty faces?
What ever kind of (ex) love there was I never felt –in any of her books- that the said love was transferred from the ex lover to the heroine.
And the ex lovers? They mostly die. What say I?
I say – what a cop out! Did we really need more angst? Oh! We did? Right!
Then again...I can almost understand why these heroes are reluctant to invest their emotions and time in to the heroines. The heroines are – in one word - pathetic.
They are portrayed as strong of intelligence and full of wit - but in reality they are ever so…broken. I cringed every time they asses themselves - and decided they were lacking.
I wanted to face-palm myself with every surrender of their self-esteem.
I needed a glass of strong alcohol when ever an inner monologue of verbal self-flogging started.
And the sex? It was never hot. Not one single time.
Why and how did this happen?
I guess it was all the mussing-mussing-mussing.
These heros and heroines never forget their dark pasts. They always hurt. They are always moodily dramatic. They never find anything nice, fluffy and happy things to think about...not even when they orgasm.
You would think that all this depth would make the acters of the story more dimensional!
Aaaaaaand…you would be wrong. 'The whore' and 'The spinster' are as flat as their superficial labels. And they stay that way right in to the pointless finale of the book.
In the end, I had the weirdest epiphany – This book is the predecessor of the "Fifty Shades of Gray"!
No, really, it is! The boring drama drama drama…the inner rumblings…the not all that kinky sex…the utter lack of the hotness fact in a freaking erotica…basically, the only thing missing was an inner goddess. Would a inner ugly spinster do?
March 31, 2011
Holy cow I've got mixed feelings on this one! It was DARK and gritty and horrifying and sexy and sweet and romantic, all wrapped up into one crazy little package.
What worked for me:
*Male prostitute hero and a spinster heroine. Oh yeah, I'm a sucker for stuff like that
*I would liken Michel/Michael to an Anne Stuart hero -- tortured, earthy, at times very cruel, while at the same time both resistant and deliciously befuddled by the feelings elicited by the heroine. I was especially reminded of an AS hero by the hatpin bit.
*Gabriel. Oh my word. I'm reading his story next, and I hope it lives up to my expectations because WOWZA is he a tortured man or WHAT?
*The sex. Holeeshizz there was some hot loving in this book!
*The murder mystery. I can honestly say the whole bit with "the man" was very intriguing and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the story, and I didn't even guess the twist until it was revealed.
What didn't work for me:
*Technical language is a turn-off for me in erotica/romance. Vagina, clitoris, penis, and so forth get old after a while. Not saying that it should be all "purple-headed warriors" and "quivering mounds of love pudding" or anything (10 points to anyone who gets the reference on that btw), but still, I tend to go for euphemisms in general with a light sprinkling of technical/crude speak
*One trend I'm noticing with her books is a tendency to have the servants be two-faced and easily bribed, to the great detriment of the main characters. While I'm sure this is quite accurate historically, it's still depressing as hell to think you're not even safe from the people you live with.
*The gore, specifically in descriptions about Michael's childhood. Seriously y'all, don't read that chapter while eating *gag*
*The banana. All I could think was "wow, that's an infection just WAITING to happen!" LOL
Other minor points of note:
*There's a tiny bit of backdoor luvin, but with hands only and a bit of talk about the possibility of more.
*There is a lot of talk of child abuse, child molestation and child prostitutes (by modern definitions). The point is made in the book that back then, the age of consent was 13, but that doesn't lessen what actually happened.
Overall, I really liked it. Be warned this is NOT a straight-up erotica story. It's very dark, very earthy, and very angsty, but overall, I'm going to have to say 4 Stars.
What worked for me:
*Male prostitute hero and a spinster heroine. Oh yeah, I'm a sucker for stuff like that
*I would liken Michel/Michael to an Anne Stuart hero -- tortured, earthy, at times very cruel, while at the same time both resistant and deliciously befuddled by the feelings elicited by the heroine. I was especially reminded of an AS hero by the hatpin bit.
*Gabriel. Oh my word. I'm reading his story next, and I hope it lives up to my expectations because WOWZA is he a tortured man or WHAT?
*The sex. Holeeshizz there was some hot loving in this book!
*The murder mystery. I can honestly say the whole bit with "the man" was very intriguing and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the story, and I didn't even guess the twist until it was revealed.
What didn't work for me:
*Technical language is a turn-off for me in erotica/romance. Vagina, clitoris, penis, and so forth get old after a while. Not saying that it should be all "purple-headed warriors" and "quivering mounds of love pudding" or anything (10 points to anyone who gets the reference on that btw), but still, I tend to go for euphemisms in general with a light sprinkling of technical/crude speak
*One trend I'm noticing with her books is a tendency to have the servants be two-faced and easily bribed, to the great detriment of the main characters. While I'm sure this is quite accurate historically, it's still depressing as hell to think you're not even safe from the people you live with.
*The gore, specifically in descriptions about Michael's childhood. Seriously y'all, don't read that chapter while eating *gag*
*The banana. All I could think was "wow, that's an infection just WAITING to happen!" LOL
Other minor points of note:
*There's a tiny bit of backdoor luvin, but with hands only and a bit of talk about the possibility of more.
*There is a lot of talk of child abuse, child molestation and child prostitutes (by modern definitions). The point is made in the book that back then, the age of consent was 13, but that doesn't lessen what actually happened.
Overall, I really liked it. Be warned this is NOT a straight-up erotica story. It's very dark, very earthy, and very angsty, but overall, I'm going to have to say 4 Stars.
December 1, 2011
Opening line: "Death. Desire. Michael did not know which of the two had brought him back to London."
I have never read a book quite like this before. Robin Schone's style of writing is amazing. Extremely personal and without rush, with pages of deliciously drawn out foreplay. The intimacy of her words makes you feel as though you were right there in the room with our lovers. Voyeuristic, reader foreplay if you will.
I was initially surprised that THE LOVER is a period piece, taking place in Victorian London but Robin Schone has done her homework and the attention given to the detail of the time is excellent. The clothing, and home trappings, the formality of the servants, and the constant reminders of ones status make for a well written historical novel.
The Lover tells the story of 36 year old Anne Aimes. A self admitted spinster who spent her coming out years caring for her elderly parents. After their death she is alone and feels that her only attribute is her vast wealth. Beneath Anne's virginal plain looks and grey streaked hair however lurks a passionate woman who yearns to know the caress of a man. For the period of one month and at a cost of ten thousand pounds Anne hires the services of prostitute Michel Des Anges from the house of Gabriel.
Anne has admired Michel since she first saw him years before at a high society ball. but time hasn't been kind to Michel. His face and hands having been horribly disfigured by fire. Anne however isn't bothered by the scars, she still finds Michel attractive. He has the body of a god and those eyes, those violet eyes. What Anne doesn't realize is that Michel is tormented and driven by vengeance. In hiring Michel's services Anne has unwittingly become a sacrifice in his plans for revenge. As the wheels of retaliation are set into motion Michel begins to doubt if he can really surrender the one woman who still wants to touch him, the one that sees beyond his scars, the spinster he now loves.
The ending here is dark and plenty suspenseful. The sex scenes are some of the best I've ever read and you will find yourself craving chocolate and bananas when done.
Highly recommended, this is more than just erotica.
I have never read a book quite like this before. Robin Schone's style of writing is amazing. Extremely personal and without rush, with pages of deliciously drawn out foreplay. The intimacy of her words makes you feel as though you were right there in the room with our lovers. Voyeuristic, reader foreplay if you will.
I was initially surprised that THE LOVER is a period piece, taking place in Victorian London but Robin Schone has done her homework and the attention given to the detail of the time is excellent. The clothing, and home trappings, the formality of the servants, and the constant reminders of ones status make for a well written historical novel.
The Lover tells the story of 36 year old Anne Aimes. A self admitted spinster who spent her coming out years caring for her elderly parents. After their death she is alone and feels that her only attribute is her vast wealth. Beneath Anne's virginal plain looks and grey streaked hair however lurks a passionate woman who yearns to know the caress of a man. For the period of one month and at a cost of ten thousand pounds Anne hires the services of prostitute Michel Des Anges from the house of Gabriel.
Anne has admired Michel since she first saw him years before at a high society ball. but time hasn't been kind to Michel. His face and hands having been horribly disfigured by fire. Anne however isn't bothered by the scars, she still finds Michel attractive. He has the body of a god and those eyes, those violet eyes. What Anne doesn't realize is that Michel is tormented and driven by vengeance. In hiring Michel's services Anne has unwittingly become a sacrifice in his plans for revenge. As the wheels of retaliation are set into motion Michel begins to doubt if he can really surrender the one woman who still wants to touch him, the one that sees beyond his scars, the spinster he now loves.
The ending here is dark and plenty suspenseful. The sex scenes are some of the best I've ever read and you will find yourself craving chocolate and bananas when done.
Highly recommended, this is more than just erotica.
June 8, 2008
This is a strange book and hard to rate. In terms of love story it's a 3 star, in terms of orginality and brilliant writing it's a 5--so 4 stars it is :)
I didn't really feel the love between Anne and Michael because I thought it lacked build-up and development. The whole non-stop "how can you love/be with a whore/spinster" thing got on my nerves after awhile. Yes she paid to be with him and he wanted to be with her and in the end they liked each other so move on and stop rehashing already.
Anne's coming into herself and finally doing what she wants to do is well described. The humiliation she felt of visiting the gynechologist for a diaphragm or of simply going without a corset really made you feel for her situation--an inexperienced woman of 36 who has lived a very sheltered life but yearns for more. What I didn't like about her was that you don't really feel as if she has been totally liberated or that she's completely comfortable with herself despite society's rules --a piece is still missing.
The sex scenes were explicit but not yucky--well I didn't really like the banana scene too much, that was a bit icky for me but not sleezey because you understand why that scene is included.
The creepy uncle and all the suspense surrounding the secondary story took away from the romance I thought even if it was a good story. It's as if the writer was torn between writing a good historical romance or a good suspense novel. At some points there was too much focus on the suspense.
Schone really makes you feel like you can see what's happening without getting bogged down in details and narration which is why her stories really shine.
The Author's Note at the beginning is very interesting. Schone seems to write erotica to educate and make women feel good about their sexuality and coming into their own without being preachy which is refreshing.
I didn't really feel the love between Anne and Michael because I thought it lacked build-up and development. The whole non-stop "how can you love/be with a whore/spinster" thing got on my nerves after awhile. Yes she paid to be with him and he wanted to be with her and in the end they liked each other so move on and stop rehashing already.
Anne's coming into herself and finally doing what she wants to do is well described. The humiliation she felt of visiting the gynechologist for a diaphragm or of simply going without a corset really made you feel for her situation--an inexperienced woman of 36 who has lived a very sheltered life but yearns for more. What I didn't like about her was that you don't really feel as if she has been totally liberated or that she's completely comfortable with herself despite society's rules --a piece is still missing.
The sex scenes were explicit but not yucky--well I didn't really like the banana scene too much, that was a bit icky for me but not sleezey because you understand why that scene is included.
The creepy uncle and all the suspense surrounding the secondary story took away from the romance I thought even if it was a good story. It's as if the writer was torn between writing a good historical romance or a good suspense novel. At some points there was too much focus on the suspense.
Schone really makes you feel like you can see what's happening without getting bogged down in details and narration which is why her stories really shine.
The Author's Note at the beginning is very interesting. Schone seems to write erotica to educate and make women feel good about their sexuality and coming into their own without being preachy which is refreshing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2020
Me trying to solve the mystery of the Man:
Before letting it go and enjoying the wonderful Michel des Anges:
You all know you'd volunteer as tribute for Michael to catch the Man. Just sayin'
My favourite Robin Schone read so far. Hooked from the first page. For fans of historical erotica and cinematic, cryptic atmosphere. You're not going to know what's going on until the last few chapters. You may have some guesses but Schone keeps her cards close to her chest - you're not going to guess the full extent of it. Not sure why but this reminded me a lot of Anne Mallory's Three Nights of Sin. Or perhaps I should say Three Nights of Sin is reminiscent of The Lover. A beautiful man who knows he is beautiful to women and dark, atmospheric storytelling. It's moody, stark - like a prestige TV series. Sound fades, time slows at pivotal moments. The stark sound of crackling logs, the observation of an old man rolling two silver balls in one of his hands, harmlessly but the sound, the movement arrests you - feels almost sinister, ominous. The stylization of "the Man" may get repetitive if you're not into it.
Before letting it go and enjoying the wonderful Michel des Anges:
You all know you'd volunteer as tribute for Michael to catch the Man. Just sayin'
My favourite Robin Schone read so far. Hooked from the first page. For fans of historical erotica and cinematic, cryptic atmosphere. You're not going to know what's going on until the last few chapters. You may have some guesses but Schone keeps her cards close to her chest - you're not going to guess the full extent of it. Not sure why but this reminded me a lot of Anne Mallory's Three Nights of Sin. Or perhaps I should say Three Nights of Sin is reminiscent of The Lover. A beautiful man who knows he is beautiful to women and dark, atmospheric storytelling. It's moody, stark - like a prestige TV series. Sound fades, time slows at pivotal moments. The stark sound of crackling logs, the observation of an old man rolling two silver balls in one of his hands, harmlessly but the sound, the movement arrests you - feels almost sinister, ominous. The stylization of "the Man" may get repetitive if you're not into it.
July 1, 2021
3.5 stars
So weird. I wasn't really sure what to expect and I'm kind of (very!) torn on how to rate the book. It's a very emotional read featuring two - or three, if you include Michael's friend, Gabriel - tortured souls. Michael and Gabriel especially are haunted and have survived some unbelievable things. This is the first book I've read where the hero was this old (they're both 40).
Our heroine, Anne, is 36 - also unusual - and while she doesn't have the tragic history that they do, she is tortured by her loneliness, regret, and guilt. She's an heiress, but very plain-jane, and has spent the years taking care of her aging parents (who recently passed away). She has no friends, no one to confide in, no relatives, no close servants - nothing. You can really feel the starkness and emptiness of her life and it's very heartbreaking.
There were all these twists and turns, which I thought were GREAT. As I read, things started to fall into place, but there were still all these question marks and things that didn't make sense; sometimes I would not at all understand where it fit into the broader picture. I was reading the last section and I just kept on thinking, Oh, so that's what that meant and Holy crap! The bad guy is bad - as in insanely-evil-oh-my-god-he-will-give-me-nightmares - but although we're given some insight into his behavior, I did not feel fully satisfied on that subject. When one combines all of the things he's done to the different people, it seemed a little (understatement of the century) over-the-top to me, with no clear reasoning behind it.
The book is marketed or identified as erotica, but frankly I'm not sure I would classify it as such. Don't get me wrong: Schone is very upfront and blunt in her writing and the characters have detailed conversations, so be aware of that before reading it. But oddly enough (and I am still shocked by this, let me tell you), it didn't do anything for me; I did not feel much chemistry and didn't have any "Where's a fan when you need one" moments. Anne and Michael are a great pairing and although their initial relationship revolves around sex - she's paying him for it - their emotional connection is probably the strongest aspect in my mind. I don't want to give the impression that the rest fell flat - it didn't at all - but it was not what I expected. The romances I normally read are the more "mainstream" ones, and I have read other HRs that had far less description and shorter love scenes, but felt much more sensual and sizzling.
While I did feel the connection between Anne and Michael and really enjoyed their relationship, the entire book takes place over three days. When I first started it, I had been hoping that we would get to see their relationship develop over the month they had promised one another; I thought we might see them become friends, do activities together, maybe go to his house in the country.
Definitely needed an epilogue. I know there's the next book, which might serve to give us an update on these two, but I don't like when you have to rely on the next book to get your full dose of HEA. The ending felt very abrupt to me and nothing in Anne and Michael's relationship is clearly decided. It's a romance, so sure, we all know where it's going, but regardless I'd like to be given a little assurance and peek into what their future holds.
My biggest complaint and horror was definitely what happened - or started - on page 288. I had a perfectly good snack that I've been eating since childhood completely ruined and am still working through the trauma and feelings of loss.
Am curious to read Gabriel's story. He seems to have suffered through some pretty horrendous things and I can only imagine how Schone is going to have him work through his issues.
Random Notes:
* Loved how Michael took to referring to Anne in his mind as "his spinster."
* Thought Anne's inner conflicts and vulnerabilities were dealt with very well; strongly portrayed and are very emotionally affecting.
So weird. I wasn't really sure what to expect and I'm kind of (very!) torn on how to rate the book. It's a very emotional read featuring two - or three, if you include Michael's friend, Gabriel - tortured souls. Michael and Gabriel especially are haunted and have survived some unbelievable things. This is the first book I've read where the hero was this old (they're both 40).
Our heroine, Anne, is 36 - also unusual - and while she doesn't have the tragic history that they do, she is tortured by her loneliness, regret, and guilt. She's an heiress, but very plain-jane, and has spent the years taking care of her aging parents (who recently passed away). She has no friends, no one to confide in, no relatives, no close servants - nothing. You can really feel the starkness and emptiness of her life and it's very heartbreaking.
There were all these twists and turns, which I thought were GREAT. As I read, things started to fall into place, but there were still all these question marks and things that didn't make sense; sometimes I would not at all understand where it fit into the broader picture. I was reading the last section and I just kept on thinking, Oh, so that's what that meant and Holy crap! The bad guy is bad - as in insanely-evil-oh-my-god-he-will-give-me-nightmares - but although we're given some insight into his behavior, I did not feel fully satisfied on that subject. When one combines all of the things he's done to the different people, it seemed a little (understatement of the century) over-the-top to me, with no clear reasoning behind it.
The book is marketed or identified as erotica, but frankly I'm not sure I would classify it as such. Don't get me wrong: Schone is very upfront and blunt in her writing and the characters have detailed conversations, so be aware of that before reading it. But oddly enough (and I am still shocked by this, let me tell you), it didn't do anything for me; I did not feel much chemistry and didn't have any "Where's a fan when you need one" moments. Anne and Michael are a great pairing and although their initial relationship revolves around sex - she's paying him for it - their emotional connection is probably the strongest aspect in my mind. I don't want to give the impression that the rest fell flat - it didn't at all - but it was not what I expected. The romances I normally read are the more "mainstream" ones, and I have read other HRs that had far less description and shorter love scenes, but felt much more sensual and sizzling.
While I did feel the connection between Anne and Michael and really enjoyed their relationship, the entire book takes place over three days. When I first started it, I had been hoping that we would get to see their relationship develop over the month they had promised one another; I thought we might see them become friends, do activities together, maybe go to his house in the country.
Definitely needed an epilogue. I know there's the next book, which might serve to give us an update on these two, but I don't like when you have to rely on the next book to get your full dose of HEA. The ending felt very abrupt to me and nothing in Anne and Michael's relationship is clearly decided. It's a romance, so sure, we all know where it's going, but regardless I'd like to be given a little assurance and peek into what their future holds.
My biggest complaint and horror was definitely what happened - or started - on page 288. I had a perfectly good snack that I've been eating since childhood completely ruined and am still working through the trauma and feelings of loss.
Am curious to read Gabriel's story. He seems to have suffered through some pretty horrendous things and I can only imagine how Schone is going to have him work through his issues.
Random Notes:
* Loved how Michael took to referring to Anne in his mind as "his spinster."
* Thought Anne's inner conflicts and vulnerabilities were dealt with very well; strongly portrayed and are very emotionally affecting.
May 4, 2008
Not a bad story--actually a pretty original plot, with the male prostitute and the 36 year old virgin spinster. I found the book more explicit than erotic; I just didn't feel the 'heat' between the characters, although I liked both Michael and Anne, and was rooting for them. Maybe it was the time period, or the author's style, but I just wasn't feeling it like I thought I would. I did want to keep reading to find out how/why Michael became in his words, "a whore". And the book really picked up at the end for me with a little bit of suspense. I just got tired of hearing the characters referring to themselves as "the spinster" and the "whore". And 'why would she want to be with a whore with scars' and 'why would he want to be with a spinster'. I found myself thinking, 'I got it, I got it, you're the whore, she's the spinster!' Anyway, that little annoyance won't stop me from reading the follow up, "Gabriel's Woman".
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2017
3,5
Es lo primero que leo de Robin Schone y qué bien escribe erótica.
No encontramos a los típicos protas y eso la hace llamativa. Para mi gusto le ha faltado más romance.
Es lo primero que leo de Robin Schone y qué bien escribe erótica.
No encontramos a los típicos protas y eso la hace llamativa. Para mi gusto le ha faltado más romance.
June 14, 2022
Why I have never written a review for this book? It's literally one of my favorites. Robin is a queen!
I'd be lying to you if I said Robin's work isn't a little purple. It can be hard to understand, you can get confused and honestly her sex scenes can be slightly clinical. However, you can really sink your teeth into her work. She creates these lost and tortured characters, some a bit dramatic, some realistic, some tragic. But for whatever reason it always works. You can literally be on the verge of giving up on the book, when Robin will pull you back.
I would say her books teach us about sexual healing and exploration. How physical intimacy can be important for our individuality and our character. Taking it one step further, she shows us how physical intimacy can turn loneliness into friendships, friendships into love, and love into forever. It's never just about the sex. Her characters always grow and we get to see the process unfold.
I'd be lying to you if I said Robin's work isn't a little purple. It can be hard to understand, you can get confused and honestly her sex scenes can be slightly clinical. However, you can really sink your teeth into her work. She creates these lost and tortured characters, some a bit dramatic, some realistic, some tragic. But for whatever reason it always works. You can literally be on the verge of giving up on the book, when Robin will pull you back.
I would say her books teach us about sexual healing and exploration. How physical intimacy can be important for our individuality and our character. Taking it one step further, she shows us how physical intimacy can turn loneliness into friendships, friendships into love, and love into forever. It's never just about the sex. Her characters always grow and we get to see the process unfold.
August 14, 2018
Esta es la segunda vez que he intentado leer el libro, la primera vez lo abandoné, cosa que no entiendo porque está vez lo he devorado. O quizás si que lo entiendo, la otra vez me leí primero el segundo de la saga, La mujer de Gabriel, y creo que está serie es de las que mejor leer los libros en orden.
El Amante no es una novela romántica convencional, no hay declaraciones de amor, y si mi memoria no me falla 🤔 los protagonistas no pronuncia ni una sola vez "te amo". Y aún así el libro está lleno de sentimientos. Son dos personas que están solas que necesitan ser deseados, tocados por otra persona...
Anne buscaba al hombre que 18 años antes conoció, que era contratado por las mujeres para que le dieran placer. Y Michel esperaba que esa solterona fuera el señuelo perfecto para llevar a cabo su venganza. Pero Michel, una vez que conoció a Anne, ya no pudo llevar a cabo sus planes. En ella encontró a esa mujer que pensaba que ya no iba a encontrar. Una mujer que no se asustaba por sus cicatrices.
En estos tiempos que la erótica está de moda este es un libro aporta un soplo de aire fresco, y eso que ya tiene unos años 😉 Escenas explícitas, pero narradas con gran elegancia, sensuales y que van más allá de los látigos y BDSM. La autora nos muestra el despertar sexual de una mujer, que tienen todo el poder para exigir. A un hombre que le muestra que en el erotismo no existe nada tabú, mientras lo disfrutes.
Robin Schone en este libro demuestra ser una mujer muy lista. Te va dando piezas sueltas del por qué de la venganza de Michel, te ves atrapada en la historia y ya no puedes parar de leer hasta saber qué ocurre. Algunas veces Michel parece un personaje ambiguo, no sabes que intenciones tienen en realidad con Anne.
El Amante no es una novela romántica convencional, no hay declaraciones de amor, y si mi memoria no me falla 🤔 los protagonistas no pronuncia ni una sola vez "te amo". Y aún así el libro está lleno de sentimientos. Son dos personas que están solas que necesitan ser deseados, tocados por otra persona...
Anne buscaba al hombre que 18 años antes conoció, que era contratado por las mujeres para que le dieran placer. Y Michel esperaba que esa solterona fuera el señuelo perfecto para llevar a cabo su venganza. Pero Michel, una vez que conoció a Anne, ya no pudo llevar a cabo sus planes. En ella encontró a esa mujer que pensaba que ya no iba a encontrar. Una mujer que no se asustaba por sus cicatrices.
En estos tiempos que la erótica está de moda este es un libro aporta un soplo de aire fresco, y eso que ya tiene unos años 😉 Escenas explícitas, pero narradas con gran elegancia, sensuales y que van más allá de los látigos y BDSM. La autora nos muestra el despertar sexual de una mujer, que tienen todo el poder para exigir. A un hombre que le muestra que en el erotismo no existe nada tabú, mientras lo disfrutes.
Robin Schone en este libro demuestra ser una mujer muy lista. Te va dando piezas sueltas del por qué de la venganza de Michel, te ves atrapada en la historia y ya no puedes parar de leer hasta saber qué ocurre. Algunas veces Michel parece un personaje ambiguo, no sabes que intenciones tienen en realidad con Anne.
September 13, 2024
I did not know that horror erotica was even a thing. This was macabre and gothic, and I didn’t enjoy it, although for all I know it’s a really good example of its kind. My personal rating is two stars for the following reasons:
I got sick and tired of Anne’s “unattractive spinster” laments. The first two dozen times were more than sufficient.
I got sick and tired of the constant references to “the man” and how death was always right around the corner, then the information dump right at the end to explain everything. It takes a little more skill to drop clues along the way, to weave growing awareness of what’s going on and why, while still leaving some mystery and suspense, but I appreciate the effort to do that and this book lacked it.
I didn’t like the author’s staccato writing style. It made all the sex talk and acts feel, I don’t know, too clinical and matter-of-fact.
Lastly, erotica—sex for the sake of sex—just isn’t my thing. It bores me quickly.
However, I can understand how enjoyable this would be if horror erotica is in your wheelhouse.
I got sick and tired of Anne’s “unattractive spinster” laments. The first two dozen times were more than sufficient.
I got sick and tired of the constant references to “the man” and how death was always right around the corner, then the information dump right at the end to explain everything. It takes a little more skill to drop clues along the way, to weave growing awareness of what’s going on and why, while still leaving some mystery and suspense, but I appreciate the effort to do that and this book lacked it.
I didn’t like the author’s staccato writing style. It made all the sex talk and acts feel, I don’t know, too clinical and matter-of-fact.
Lastly, erotica—sex for the sake of sex—just isn’t my thing. It bores me quickly.
However, I can understand how enjoyable this would be if horror erotica is in your wheelhouse.
September 2, 2009
Ok I was suposed to be reading something else but picked this up,read the first page and that was it...hooked!
So what makes this book special? Anyone who has read and enjoys Robin Schones books will know... her writing is wonderful, she captures the atmosphere perfectly! This book is a dark,passionate, erotic, romantic tale between Michael (A whore ,whose life is dictated by a series of tradegies) and Anne ( A spinster,who has never been given a chance to live her life at all). They come together under an arrangement,solicited by Anne, that once made puts her into a situation that she could never imagine, Micheal however is fully aware of the potential outcome. This story follows their lives over a period of a few days and is very emotionally intense, the nature of the arrangement is for Anne to become a woman even tho' she will never loose her tag of spinster and Micheal is the man paid to fulfil her request, as a man of many talents he has no problem with alleviating Anne of her unwomanly feelings.And we find that Anne goes from being unasumming to quite positive and confident about certain aspects of her life. However the whole time there ia a dark and ominous threat hanging over them, and soon this treat turns to reality.
What follows is one mans trial with vengence, love, and finally finding himself after years of being cruelly parted from his true feelings.
There is a HEA but it is quite underplayed. The ending also makes you curious about what happens to another character from the book Gabriel( Micheals fellow whore and friend)).
I loved every word of this well written Erotic 'Gothic' Romance, and would recommend it to anyone who likes Victorian Romance a little on the explict side (but beautifully written) with a dark gothic feel.
So what makes this book special? Anyone who has read and enjoys Robin Schones books will know... her writing is wonderful, she captures the atmosphere perfectly! This book is a dark,passionate, erotic, romantic tale between Michael (A whore ,whose life is dictated by a series of tradegies) and Anne ( A spinster,who has never been given a chance to live her life at all). They come together under an arrangement,solicited by Anne, that once made puts her into a situation that she could never imagine, Micheal however is fully aware of the potential outcome. This story follows their lives over a period of a few days and is very emotionally intense, the nature of the arrangement is for Anne to become a woman even tho' she will never loose her tag of spinster and Micheal is the man paid to fulfil her request, as a man of many talents he has no problem with alleviating Anne of her unwomanly feelings.And we find that Anne goes from being unasumming to quite positive and confident about certain aspects of her life. However the whole time there ia a dark and ominous threat hanging over them, and soon this treat turns to reality.
What follows is one mans trial with vengence, love, and finally finding himself after years of being cruelly parted from his true feelings.
There is a HEA but it is quite underplayed. The ending also makes you curious about what happens to another character from the book Gabriel( Micheals fellow whore and friend)).
I loved every word of this well written Erotic 'Gothic' Romance, and would recommend it to anyone who likes Victorian Romance a little on the explict side (but beautifully written) with a dark gothic feel.
July 23, 2021
I started reading this book with the assumption that it's a historical erotica but erotic it was not .
The banana scene was 🤢🤮 I'm never eating them again
The banana scene was 🤢🤮 I'm never eating them again
December 30, 2024
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋 (I will say her scenes were a bit on the mechanical side to me – maybe just the verbage and my preference – I can prefer some flowery, emotional language haha
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Not much, this has some darker factors at play
Perspective: third person from both the hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? plot
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: immediately
Cliffhanger: This ends with a happy for now
Epilogue: No
Format: read on kindle unlimited
Why I chose this book: fellow facebook member of Upturned Petticoats and Undone Cravats (DESDAMONA) convinced me to do a buddy read!
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
This is book 1 in Schone’s The Lover series.
Basic plot:
Anne is free from being her parents caretaker, and she has the funds to request the time and pleasure of famous prostitute Michel des Anges...
Give this a try if you want:
- Victorian
- violet eyed HERO
- height difference – hero is 7 inches taller than heroine
- older mains – 40 and 36
- some unrequited longing – the heroine has wanted the hero since she saw him 18 years earlier
- murder mystery elements
- higher steam – at least 5 full scenes
Ages:
- hero is 40, heroine is 36
First lines:
Death.
Desire.
Michael did not know which of the two had brought him back to London.
My thoughts:
So Schone has been on my list to try forever and ever and I finally did it!
This book maybe isn’t one I would usually go for? There’s definitely some instalust at play and they jump into some beginning scenes almost immediately. But...there was something about this book. Something that just pulled at me. The beginning scenes were still so good with tension to me even though usually the tension is broken for me a bit when they fully give in to each other. Maybe it was because they were still learning about each other, and slowly opening to each other emotionally. I just felt it!
And I am also not usually into murder mystery kind of things. But this book was just done so differently – I really found Schone’s writing unique – that I was so intrigued. I was so gripped by this story in some parts. Kind of horrified??? But I just HAD to know what happened and how it was going to work out. This book just really clenched my heart as the mystery unfolded.
I will definitely try more from Schone!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: This is my first!
Average rating: 5 stars
Favorite book: This one
Quotes
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋 (I will say her scenes were a bit on the mechanical side to me – maybe just the verbage and my preference – I can prefer some flowery, emotional language haha
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Not much, this has some darker factors at play
Perspective: third person from both the hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? plot
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: immediately
Cliffhanger: This ends with a happy for now
Epilogue: No
Format: read on kindle unlimited
Why I chose this book: fellow facebook member of Upturned Petticoats and Undone Cravats (DESDAMONA) convinced me to do a buddy read!
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
This is book 1 in Schone’s The Lover series.
Basic plot:
Anne is free from being her parents caretaker, and she has the funds to request the time and pleasure of famous prostitute Michel des Anges...
Give this a try if you want:
- Victorian
- violet eyed HERO
- height difference – hero is 7 inches taller than heroine
- older mains – 40 and 36
- some unrequited longing – the heroine has wanted the hero since she saw him 18 years earlier
- murder mystery elements
- higher steam – at least 5 full scenes
Ages:
- hero is 40, heroine is 36
First lines:
Death.
Desire.
Michael did not know which of the two had brought him back to London.
My thoughts:
So Schone has been on my list to try forever and ever and I finally did it!
This book maybe isn’t one I would usually go for? There’s definitely some instalust at play and they jump into some beginning scenes almost immediately. But...there was something about this book. Something that just pulled at me. The beginning scenes were still so good with tension to me even though usually the tension is broken for me a bit when they fully give in to each other. Maybe it was because they were still learning about each other, and slowly opening to each other emotionally. I just felt it!
And I am also not usually into murder mystery kind of things. But this book was just done so differently – I really found Schone’s writing unique – that I was so intrigued. I was so gripped by this story in some parts. Kind of horrified??? But I just HAD to know what happened and how it was going to work out. This book just really clenched my heart as the mystery unfolded.
I will definitely try more from Schone!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: This is my first!
Average rating: 5 stars
Favorite book: This one
Quotes
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
November 26, 2011
The Story
Once a gorgeous prostitute renowned for his skills as a lover but now ravaged by burn scars on his hands and face, Michel de Anges aka Michael of the Angels seeks revenge against ‘the man’ responsible for pain. He will use Anne Aimes, a wealthy spinster, to attain his vengeance. As he teaches Anne the gratification of being his lover Michel also discovers a woman who sees beneath the scars to the vulnerable man within him. In the meantime, his enemy watches and waits to strike first.
My Thoughts
This is book one of two books. ( Book two is Gabriel’s Woman.) The characters are dark, interesting, vulnerable, and well-rounded. I struggled to understand Gabriel’s character, but, oh well, his book is next. This story has an element of horror that’s actualized towards the end but never fully explored. This historical erotic romance novel tries for suspense but doesn’t quite deliver. It felt like there were holes in Michael's backstory. (Yes, it was explained but my mind still had a hard time wrapping around how he got to where he is now.)
For an erotic novel, a love scene should make your toes curl not feel itchy and imagine kegel exercises and mashed fruit. Eh. (You’ll know what I mean if you have read the book.) Then ending felt rushed and there should have been a helluva lot more groveling on Michel’s part. Overall, I liked Anne and found Michael to be intruguing enough to complete the book. The Lover prepares me for Gabriel’s Woman, which is the book I wanted to read but felt the need to read book one first.
Grade: C- or weak 3 stars
Once a gorgeous prostitute renowned for his skills as a lover but now ravaged by burn scars on his hands and face, Michel de Anges aka Michael of the Angels seeks revenge against ‘the man’ responsible for pain. He will use Anne Aimes, a wealthy spinster, to attain his vengeance. As he teaches Anne the gratification of being his lover Michel also discovers a woman who sees beneath the scars to the vulnerable man within him. In the meantime, his enemy watches and waits to strike first.
My Thoughts
This is book one of two books. ( Book two is Gabriel’s Woman.) The characters are dark, interesting, vulnerable, and well-rounded. I struggled to understand Gabriel’s character, but, oh well, his book is next. This story has an element of horror that’s actualized towards the end but never fully explored. This historical erotic romance novel tries for suspense but doesn’t quite deliver. It felt like there were holes in Michael's backstory. (Yes, it was explained but my mind still had a hard time wrapping around how he got to where he is now.)
For an erotic novel, a love scene should make your toes curl not feel itchy and imagine kegel exercises and mashed fruit. Eh. (You’ll know what I mean if you have read the book.) Then ending felt rushed and there should have been a helluva lot more groveling on Michel’s part. Overall, I liked Anne and found Michael to be intruguing enough to complete the book. The Lover prepares me for Gabriel’s Woman, which is the book I wanted to read but felt the need to read book one first.
Grade: C- or weak 3 stars
December 2, 2010
Unique, dark, sad story and highly erotic. It is the story of two souls lost to pain, loneliness, and torment, finding each other. The book is sexually graphic but similar to a painting of a naked woman rather than a naked woman in a playboy magazine.
There is a very cryptic mystery involved and played out through the book. The “man” behind the mystery is what compels Michel’s thoughts, fear, and actions. The writing style of the author was different and the mystery elements were even more difficult to decipher by this quirky style. It took a bit of time to get used to this style but I did.
I have book 2 and I will definitely read it. I think I will need time just to think about this book and absorb everything that happened in it.
There is a very cryptic mystery involved and played out through the book. The “man” behind the mystery is what compels Michel’s thoughts, fear, and actions. The writing style of the author was different and the mystery elements were even more difficult to decipher by this quirky style. It took a bit of time to get used to this style but I did.
I have book 2 and I will definitely read it. I think I will need time just to think about this book and absorb everything that happened in it.
June 4, 2013
I think I might possibly be one of the last people in the western hemisphere to read this book. Thanks to Kristen, who read it last week and recc'd it to me. She convinced me to move it up on my tbr and dive in.
Here goes, I thought, and then spent the better part of two days scowling. Mostly at my Kindle as I tried to decipher the meaning in Robin Schone's prose, but sometimes at my husband, who insisted on chatting with me the whole time I was trying to read this. To be fair we ARE married, and I'd complain if he never talked to me either, but for cripes sakes, sometimes a girl just needs to read!!!
Anway, back to the prose. Yikes, what a style to get used to! I referred to it as terse, and spare, but I've seen it described as staccato too, and that works. Short paragraphs, cryptic references, lots of show, hardly any tell (dammit! I prefer to be spoonfed!) make a skim-reader like myself have to work REALLY hard to get through.
The story itself was intriguing, and for those of us who love the "Pretty Woman in reverse" trope, this is an excellent, if dark, example. I could have easily loved Michael if I'd have gotten to know a bit more about him. :)
Anne is 36. An only child, isolated and friendless, she nursed her parents until their deaths ten months before the book begins. She uses her dowry to retain the services of Michel des Anges, an exclusive stallion she has been infatuated with since her debut season, to relieve her of her virginity and show her what passion can be.
Michel (or Michael, as we discover his real name to be) hasn't had a patroness for more than five years, since a fire ravaged his home and destroyed his once-beautiful face. He accepts Anne's money and promises her a month of pleasure such as she has never known. (With his nine and one-half inches, no less - who knew hearing a man simply give his measurements could be so, um, arousing?)
So two tragically tortured souls are drawn together by need. Enough angst there to sink an ocean liner, but Schone throws in a cryptically (if seriously annoyingly) described plot involving Michel, his "friend" Gabriel, and a villain known only as "the man". It involves Anne too, and the underlying theme is that death is waiting for both of them at any moment. It is only at the end of the book that we discover what the plot actually is, who is involved and how it all ties Anne, Michael and the man together.
In addition to setting the pace for the novel, the prose sets the tone - dark and sensual, with a sizzling tension that is almost electric, right from the opening lines of the book. The chemistry between Anne and Michael is palpable.
At the end of the day, I'm still not entirely sure what I thought about it. Two days scowling as I read every word - I would describe the experience as similar to trying to read something without your glasses on - brings the rating down automatically. I enjoyed the story and the intimacy between the lovers. It was fast-paced, compelling and hard to put down. One niggling detail was the amount of time Anne spent talking down to herself - it got to be tiresome. Other reviewers have commented on the "I'm a scarred whore/I'm a spinster" repetition and I can certainly see where that comes from.
I'm going to call it at 3.5 stars, and reserve the right to change my rating later. This is a book that might require a re-read.
Here goes, I thought, and then spent the better part of two days scowling. Mostly at my Kindle as I tried to decipher the meaning in Robin Schone's prose, but sometimes at my husband, who insisted on chatting with me the whole time I was trying to read this. To be fair we ARE married, and I'd complain if he never talked to me either, but for cripes sakes, sometimes a girl just needs to read!!!
Anway, back to the prose. Yikes, what a style to get used to! I referred to it as terse, and spare, but I've seen it described as staccato too, and that works. Short paragraphs, cryptic references, lots of show, hardly any tell (dammit! I prefer to be spoonfed!) make a skim-reader like myself have to work REALLY hard to get through.
The story itself was intriguing, and for those of us who love the "Pretty Woman in reverse" trope, this is an excellent, if dark, example. I could have easily loved Michael if I'd have gotten to know a bit more about him. :)
Anne is 36. An only child, isolated and friendless, she nursed her parents until their deaths ten months before the book begins. She uses her dowry to retain the services of Michel des Anges, an exclusive stallion she has been infatuated with since her debut season, to relieve her of her virginity and show her what passion can be.
Michel (or Michael, as we discover his real name to be) hasn't had a patroness for more than five years, since a fire ravaged his home and destroyed his once-beautiful face. He accepts Anne's money and promises her a month of pleasure such as she has never known. (With his nine and one-half inches, no less - who knew hearing a man simply give his measurements could be so, um, arousing?)
So two tragically tortured souls are drawn together by need. Enough angst there to sink an ocean liner, but Schone throws in a cryptically (if seriously annoyingly) described plot involving Michel, his "friend" Gabriel, and a villain known only as "the man". It involves Anne too, and the underlying theme is that death is waiting for both of them at any moment. It is only at the end of the book that we discover what the plot actually is, who is involved and how it all ties Anne, Michael and the man together.
In addition to setting the pace for the novel, the prose sets the tone - dark and sensual, with a sizzling tension that is almost electric, right from the opening lines of the book. The chemistry between Anne and Michael is palpable.
At the end of the day, I'm still not entirely sure what I thought about it. Two days scowling as I read every word - I would describe the experience as similar to trying to read something without your glasses on - brings the rating down automatically. I enjoyed the story and the intimacy between the lovers. It was fast-paced, compelling and hard to put down. One niggling detail was the amount of time Anne spent talking down to herself - it got to be tiresome. Other reviewers have commented on the "I'm a scarred whore/I'm a spinster" repetition and I can certainly see where that comes from.
I'm going to call it at 3.5 stars, and reserve the right to change my rating later. This is a book that might require a re-read.
February 5, 2017
Ni Anne ni Michel son los típicos protagonistas de los romances históricos, ni Robin Schone es la típica autora de erotica, dos cosas que son muy de agradecer. Le doy un 3,5. A pesar de lo mucho que me gusta la forma de escribir de esta autora, esta historia no me acabó de enamorar.
September 12, 2013
DNF
I didn't like the author's style, I found the story seedy/sleazy and the few sex scenes that I read repulsed me.
I didn't like the author's style, I found the story seedy/sleazy and the few sex scenes that I read repulsed me.
January 7, 2024
Anne Aimes es una solterona de 36 años que quiere perder su virginidad y sentir de una vez la pasión y los placeres del sexo. No tiene belleza, pero sí dinero que le permita contratar los servicios de Michel des Anges, el más famoso seductor... aunque él tiene otros planes y envolverá a Anne en su particular venganza.
“El amante” es la primera parte de la serie “The lover” que comienza con una buena dosis de incógnita con respecto a la venganza de Michel. Me encantan la novelas de Robin Schone porque creo que tienen un toque original y que dota a sus novelas de gran erotismo y en este caso también de mucha intriga.
La trama empieza en la famosa “Casa de Gabriel”, Gabriel es el único (o por lo menos conocido) amigo de Michel o Michael, entre ellos hay una profunda conexión, un pasado en común, ambos se ha hecho famosos por los placeres que desatan en el dormitorio.
Michel es contratado por una mujer hasta el momento desconocida que le paga una alta cantidad de dinero por pasar un mes con ella y darle a conocer los placeres más íntimos.
Se trata de Anne Aimes, una virgen y solterona que ha cuidado de sus padres enfermos hasta que estos fallecen y le dejan una cuantiosa herencia que ella quiere invertir en su placer y sentirse “amada”. Desde muy pequeña se ha sentido el patito feo y sabe que su única baza es su herencia, sabe que los hombres no se fijarán más allá del dinero. Su encuentro se produce en el famoso local y pactan las condiciones del contrato, lo que ella desconoce es que Michel tiene otros planes.
A lo largo de la novela, Michel le va mostrando los placeres del sexo a Anne y sus planes de venganza se tambalean, puesto que lo que menos espera es enamorarse de esa mujer tan inocente en algunos aspectos, pero tan atrevida en otros... sigue en: https://oceanodelibros.blogspot.com/2...
“El amante” es la primera parte de la serie “The lover” que comienza con una buena dosis de incógnita con respecto a la venganza de Michel. Me encantan la novelas de Robin Schone porque creo que tienen un toque original y que dota a sus novelas de gran erotismo y en este caso también de mucha intriga.
La trama empieza en la famosa “Casa de Gabriel”, Gabriel es el único (o por lo menos conocido) amigo de Michel o Michael, entre ellos hay una profunda conexión, un pasado en común, ambos se ha hecho famosos por los placeres que desatan en el dormitorio.
Michel es contratado por una mujer hasta el momento desconocida que le paga una alta cantidad de dinero por pasar un mes con ella y darle a conocer los placeres más íntimos.
Se trata de Anne Aimes, una virgen y solterona que ha cuidado de sus padres enfermos hasta que estos fallecen y le dejan una cuantiosa herencia que ella quiere invertir en su placer y sentirse “amada”. Desde muy pequeña se ha sentido el patito feo y sabe que su única baza es su herencia, sabe que los hombres no se fijarán más allá del dinero. Su encuentro se produce en el famoso local y pactan las condiciones del contrato, lo que ella desconoce es que Michel tiene otros planes.
A lo largo de la novela, Michel le va mostrando los placeres del sexo a Anne y sus planes de venganza se tambalean, puesto que lo que menos espera es enamorarse de esa mujer tan inocente en algunos aspectos, pero tan atrevida en otros... sigue en: https://oceanodelibros.blogspot.com/2...
March 8, 2010
After reading this book two words are left in my head. WHAT? and WHY?
WHAT is going on with the Character developement? Nothing!!! Schone has two great characters constantly labels them over and over again "The Whore and The Spinster" we never really get to know them any deeper than that. The sex scenes were just words on a page with no feeling for the h/h I really didn't care what happened in the bedroom and nothing went on out of it. Even at the end you get this "powerful trust me" banana scene that was just plain awful!
WHY was I so confused? I have read books with bigger plots, sub plots, twists and turns. I really didn't have any idea where this one was going and not in a good I can't wait to see what happens kind of way. It felt like a jumbled mess.
It gets 2 stars for me for the fact that I finished it.
WHAT is going on with the Character developement? Nothing!!! Schone has two great characters constantly labels them over and over again "The Whore and The Spinster" we never really get to know them any deeper than that. The sex scenes were just words on a page with no feeling for the h/h I really didn't care what happened in the bedroom and nothing went on out of it. Even at the end you get this "powerful trust me" banana scene that was just plain awful!
WHY was I so confused? I have read books with bigger plots, sub plots, twists and turns. I really didn't have any idea where this one was going and not in a good I can't wait to see what happens kind of way. It felt like a jumbled mess.
It gets 2 stars for me for the fact that I finished it.
November 27, 2010
5+++ Because I Loved It
November 8, 2020
Non l’avrebbe delusa. Nel tempo che avevano a disposizione insieme sarebbe stato Michel, l’uomo che faceva vedere gli angeli alle donne, non Michael, l’uomo che le conduceva alla morte.
— Un mese. Di piacere. —Michael spinse il bicchiere sul tavolo. Lo avvicinò alla base del candeliere di cristallo.—Farò qualsiasi cosa desideriate, tutte le volte che lo vorrete.
Lei si inumidì le labbra, un rapido movimento della lingua rosa.—È per questo che vi pago, monsieur des Anges.
4,5 - Nella mia testa Robin Schone è l'Erotico storico per eccellenza ed erano ormai anni che attendevo una sua nuova uscita.
La duologia "Les Anges", in realtà, proprio nuova non è poiché risale al 2000, ma non credo di sbagliare rilevando che non era stata ancora pubblicata in Italia.
Come anche altri libri dell'autrice è certamente una storia cupa e "forte", quanto meno dal punto di vista erotico, ma anche a causa della sottotrama di pura tensione che la pervade.
Michael e Gabriel sono i due angeli protagonisti, due angeli caduti, uno biondo e l'altro moro.
A tredici anni sono stati sottratti dalla strada da Madame che li ha trasformati in due corpi-produttori di soldi per il proprio interesse. Ora, a quarant'anni fatti, entrambi si portano addosso il peso di cicatrici pesanti e forse intollerabili: ben visibili per Michael, nascoste ma comunque presenti per Gabriel.
Michael è peraltro scomparso per cinque anni, dopo che un incidente fatale gli ha causato ustioni in parte del corpo.
Lui, che era noto per far raggiungere vette di piacere alle clienti, viene guardato con disgusto proprio a causa del corpo che usava per incantare.
Un uomo che ama il sesso e ne ha bisogno, costretto a rassegnarsi a una vita in solitudine e a una maledizione sanguinosa che lo perseguita.
Fino a una richiesta improvvisa, una cliente nubile e ormai "vecchia" che ha passato la vita ad ottemperare i propri obblighi e vuole sentirsi finalmente donna, vivendo appieno anche la propria fisicità.
Un romanzo che procede a ritmo volutamente rallentato, quasi doloroso nella rivelazione di chi è Anne e di cosa vuole, osa, ottiene, e di chi si cela dietro alla maschera ustionata di Michael. Il sesso diviene un elemento centrale di questa reciproca scoperta, un sesso non tranquillo, non scontato, non di conforto, ma rude, curioso, quasi di liberazione e infine di ribellione a un conformismo imposto.
Se cercate una storia d'amore tranquilla, passate oltre.
Se invece volete seguire le vicende della coppia (non più giovanissima, peraltro) per capire chi ha strappato le "ali" agli angeli (quanto meno a quello biondo) e se c'è possibilità di redenzione, vi invito senza dubbio a leggere questo storico particolare e vi assicuro che le emozioni intense non mancheranno.
Io di certo attendo Gabriel e la sua resa dei conti.
— Un mese. Di piacere. —Michael spinse il bicchiere sul tavolo. Lo avvicinò alla base del candeliere di cristallo.—Farò qualsiasi cosa desideriate, tutte le volte che lo vorrete.
Lei si inumidì le labbra, un rapido movimento della lingua rosa.—È per questo che vi pago, monsieur des Anges.
4,5 - Nella mia testa Robin Schone è l'Erotico storico per eccellenza ed erano ormai anni che attendevo una sua nuova uscita.
La duologia "Les Anges", in realtà, proprio nuova non è poiché risale al 2000, ma non credo di sbagliare rilevando che non era stata ancora pubblicata in Italia.
Come anche altri libri dell'autrice è certamente una storia cupa e "forte", quanto meno dal punto di vista erotico, ma anche a causa della sottotrama di pura tensione che la pervade.
Michael e Gabriel sono i due angeli protagonisti, due angeli caduti, uno biondo e l'altro moro.
A tredici anni sono stati sottratti dalla strada da Madame che li ha trasformati in due corpi-produttori di soldi per il proprio interesse. Ora, a quarant'anni fatti, entrambi si portano addosso il peso di cicatrici pesanti e forse intollerabili: ben visibili per Michael, nascoste ma comunque presenti per Gabriel.
Michael è peraltro scomparso per cinque anni, dopo che un incidente fatale gli ha causato ustioni in parte del corpo.
Lui, che era noto per far raggiungere vette di piacere alle clienti, viene guardato con disgusto proprio a causa del corpo che usava per incantare.
Un uomo che ama il sesso e ne ha bisogno, costretto a rassegnarsi a una vita in solitudine e a una maledizione sanguinosa che lo perseguita.
Fino a una richiesta improvvisa, una cliente nubile e ormai "vecchia" che ha passato la vita ad ottemperare i propri obblighi e vuole sentirsi finalmente donna, vivendo appieno anche la propria fisicità.
Un romanzo che procede a ritmo volutamente rallentato, quasi doloroso nella rivelazione di chi è Anne e di cosa vuole, osa, ottiene, e di chi si cela dietro alla maschera ustionata di Michael. Il sesso diviene un elemento centrale di questa reciproca scoperta, un sesso non tranquillo, non scontato, non di conforto, ma rude, curioso, quasi di liberazione e infine di ribellione a un conformismo imposto.
Se cercate una storia d'amore tranquilla, passate oltre.
Se invece volete seguire le vicende della coppia (non più giovanissima, peraltro) per capire chi ha strappato le "ali" agli angeli (quanto meno a quello biondo) e se c'è possibilità di redenzione, vi invito senza dubbio a leggere questo storico particolare e vi assicuro che le emozioni intense non mancheranno.
Io di certo attendo Gabriel e la sua resa dei conti.
August 14, 2016
This book was so very weird... I don't know why I finished it, because I certainly didn't enjoy it
August 9, 2014
I decided to read this because it's the prequel to Gabriel's Woman & I don't like to read series out of order if I can help it. I've never read anything else by Robin Schone but I very much enjoyed this. I was pretty much in from the start with Anne being the one who was paying Michael for a sexual liaison. Even with her financial means & the power she could exert with it, she was still vulnerable. I found Anne interesting & while she was a spinster of the time, I was glad that even with reticence she was forging out to experience long held desires that she'd subverted her whole adult life. Oddly enough, I felt as I read that her being a spinster & nurse to her parents was less a happenstance & more of a self-imposed life in hiding.
Michael was equally engaging & tragic. The scars he had from being burned paled in comparison to those that were etched on his psyche. So well was that conveyed that I was impressed that it was balanced so well with aspects of his that were less excusable (like withholding from Anne the imminent danger she was in because of him, for instance). I was not languishing in pity for Michael & that was a good thing. It made him real. I wanted to know who was after him & why almost as much as I rooted for he and Anne to forge a real relationship beyond their re-negotiated agreement. They seemed well suited in that they were both looking to live again & were so hopeful in the other & underneath the surface their personalities & needs were so similar. I did find the mentions of Diane to be annoying at a point as I wasn't sure if Michael was over her & just trying to replace her with Anne. Happily, it is made clear, at almost my breaking point, that was not the case.
To Gabriel, for quite some time, I honestly couldn't figure out if he was a true friend to Michael or a friend turned backstabber. It was intriguing the way it all played out & I must admit, I was worried for a while as it was initially so cryptic in the telling. If nothing else, it made the case for Gabriel to have his very own story told in the next book. I was also on edge about the man who was seeking to kill Michael & anyone tangentially connected to him. So cued in on that part of the story was I that I almost wanted to rush past everything else to get to the resolution of that thread (what a thing to say about an erotic romance!). I'm glad I didn't however, as the fullness of the story would have been lost. What a revelation & resolution!
Overall this was a very entertaining & engaging read. The characters, romance & looming threat were quite well done. I already miss Anne & Michael but I'll remember them fondly & I will definitely read the second in this series.
Michael was equally engaging & tragic. The scars he had from being burned paled in comparison to those that were etched on his psyche. So well was that conveyed that I was impressed that it was balanced so well with aspects of his that were less excusable (like withholding from Anne the imminent danger she was in because of him, for instance). I was not languishing in pity for Michael & that was a good thing. It made him real. I wanted to know who was after him & why almost as much as I rooted for he and Anne to forge a real relationship beyond their re-negotiated agreement. They seemed well suited in that they were both looking to live again & were so hopeful in the other & underneath the surface their personalities & needs were so similar. I did find the mentions of Diane to be annoying at a point as I wasn't sure if Michael was over her & just trying to replace her with Anne. Happily, it is made clear, at almost my breaking point, that was not the case.
To Gabriel, for quite some time, I honestly couldn't figure out if he was a true friend to Michael or a friend turned backstabber. It was intriguing the way it all played out & I must admit, I was worried for a while as it was initially so cryptic in the telling. If nothing else, it made the case for Gabriel to have his very own story told in the next book. I was also on edge about the man who was seeking to kill Michael & anyone tangentially connected to him. So cued in on that part of the story was I that I almost wanted to rush past everything else to get to the resolution of that thread (what a thing to say about an erotic romance!). I'm glad I didn't however, as the fullness of the story would have been lost. What a revelation & resolution!
Overall this was a very entertaining & engaging read. The characters, romance & looming threat were quite well done. I already miss Anne & Michael but I'll remember them fondly & I will definitely read the second in this series.
March 15, 2014
Miss Anne Aimes has spent her life looking after her elderly parents, but now her parents have passed, she finally wants something for herself, and decides that at thirty six, it is time she lost her virginity. But Anne knows all she has is her wealth, she is plain and far past the first blush of youth, so who better to introduce her to intimacy than Michel de Anges, a man renown for giving women pleasure....at a price. But Michael is hiding something and being with Anne puts her in mortal danger...but it is risk Michael is willing to take to gain revenge.
I bought this book up on a whim ages ago but left it stagnating on my bookshelf ever since, but I wanted to pick up something completely new to me that I could read with no prior expectations and also I figured it was time to start reading through my poor pile of neglected paperbacks; two birds, one stone. And, although I am not kicking myself for reading it earlier, I did enjoy it, it was dark and sensual, and for those of you who like your heroes scarred and tortured, physically and mentally, than you will love Michael, and for those of you who like a curvier, plainer heroine just discovering her sexual power, than Anne is your gal.
For me, I found the writing a little overblown and melodramatic, I was having flashbacks of Sherrilyn Kenyon as I was reading. It did add to the almost gothic feel of the book, as well as to the sensual atmosphere, but after a while I just wanted them to stop being so damn wordy and for Michael and Anne to just get on with it. But I did like Michael and Anne together and although it wasn't a conventional romance, it was a sexy and passion filled one.
Although this book wasn't really my style, I did enjoy reading it, if you are fan of writers like Christine Feehan and Sherrilyn Kenyon you will probably appreciate this a lot more than I did.
April 1, 2015
Finally, after all the dull books I read lately, this one was a definitely good purchase ! It was totally gripping, very hot but not only.
I was originally looking for a steamy story, with lots of sex and dirty talk (yes, this is my way of relaxing from life, sue me).
But I got more. The characters were original, by their age (40 and 36), the female lead is said to be plain, have greying hair, be a little too full on the hips. Even though Michael/Michel is said to have been a very handsome man, he had been badly burned in a fire and his hands and half of his face is burned, so he repells people in general and women particularly. It changes from the on-going around "perfection".
This was not only a romance, but a historical novel as well, and also a suspense. I really wanted to know who was "the man", this dangerous man who hovers above Michael and threatens his life and that of those who surround him.
So, indeed, a really good book.
Why didn't I give 5 stars ? Because Anne and Michael have so much restraint when it comes to their personal feelings, you don't really feel the love betweeen them. The attraction, yes, indeed ! But I kept feeling he wanted her, not loved her, because she was the only woman who wanted him, period.
Still, happy ending and all.
I finished it this morning and got the sequel, "Gabriel's woman", ready on my kindle, can't wait to begin it !
Edit (while I think of it) :
1 - the french in these two books is really horrible ! Has it been Google-translated ? Cause really...
2 - I really enjoyed Victoria and Anne's first encounter, not very ladylike, but fun !
I was originally looking for a steamy story, with lots of sex and dirty talk (yes, this is my way of relaxing from life, sue me).
But I got more. The characters were original, by their age (40 and 36), the female lead is said to be plain, have greying hair, be a little too full on the hips. Even though Michael/Michel is said to have been a very handsome man, he had been badly burned in a fire and his hands and half of his face is burned, so he repells people in general and women particularly. It changes from the on-going around "perfection".
This was not only a romance, but a historical novel as well, and also a suspense. I really wanted to know who was "the man", this dangerous man who hovers above Michael and threatens his life and that of those who surround him.
So, indeed, a really good book.
Why didn't I give 5 stars ? Because Anne and Michael have so much restraint when it comes to their personal feelings, you don't really feel the love betweeen them. The attraction, yes, indeed ! But I kept feeling he wanted her, not loved her, because she was the only woman who wanted him, period.
Still, happy ending and all.
I finished it this morning and got the sequel, "Gabriel's woman", ready on my kindle, can't wait to begin it !
Edit (while I think of it) :
1 - the french in these two books is really horrible ! Has it been Google-translated ? Cause really...
2 - I really enjoyed Victoria and Anne's first encounter, not very ladylike, but fun !
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