I'd heard that Grace Callaway's books were high steam, and they weren't lying. The very opening scene is already in a brothel, lol. The story was okay, the characters were a bit daft at times, and the events are not necessarily 'likely', =D, but it was fine really. Not amazing, but I was entertained, and will read another. ( )

Well, the book had possibilities there were too many contradictions for me to give it more than three stars. 1st was the fact that at the very beginning of the book Lady Helena was able to talk about sex in such a manner after having a mother such as hers. Not believable - getting carried away with sex yes but talking like a harlot, no. 2nd was the fact that Helena could talk and act like a harlot but could was not able to talk about the issues of the day - she who had no problem clocking a man of the ton? Which brings me to the 3rd issue - the fact that while there was no limit to the sexual discussion there was very little description, comparatively, of the violence or how very dirty and awful it was in the stews. Even the voices of the different classes still rang with, if not the upper class,at least the merchant voice.

I did believe that Nicholas would be so ashamed and guilt-ridden as that would fit what has happened to him which was well written. The other characters were all superfluous. I know this book is supposed to be the start of a series however I really don't care to know more about any of the other characters. More characterization is needed. ( )

Really liked this story. The whole thing really worked for me, except for the side-story with the blackmailer. I found myself bored during those passages and hoping that it would just all resolve itself already. The writing itself was evocative, making me feel that I really had a grasp on the characters throughout. Can't wait to see more from this author. ( )

An Erotic Twist on Historical Romance

The title tells you what you need to know.

Harlot: A promiscuous woman.
That word right there should clue you in on the novel’s sex: bawdy yet HOT. If you’re not into those kinds of scenes, this isn’t for you.

That being said, the title also includes the word husband.
This novel focuses on a husband and wife and their journey toward building a strong, enduring marriage. That kind of marriage requires both emotional intimacy and physical intimacy. You can’t have one without the other.

Nicholas and Helena deal with past and current conflicts, insecurities, and miscommunications, just like any other couple, and they do it with drama and humor, mystery and intrigue, and sweet romance and erotic love scenes.

Works for me! ( )

This is a good way to pass a few hours, but it's more of an erotic story than a romance. The sex scenes are accompanied by some very strong language that some might find offensive. It's bawdy rather than flowery.

It was reasonably well done with some mystery, some tragedy (in the past) and some humour, especially funny when an older male character was trying to explain to Nicholas that Helena might be in a bad mood because she was suffering from PMT.

Nicholas is dark and brooding, while Helena is fiesty and not as much of a lady as her husband thinks.

There was a bit of unintentional humour for me when two characters ordered "two ploughmans". For breakfast! But were then served "plates heaped high with eggs, bacon and thick buttered toast." Historical accuracy is low on the agenda.

There are two more books in the series, but I don't think I'll be bothering with them. ( )