This vintage erotic romance title is set in 1944, although nothing specific for that era is used as background. The introduction warns of sexually explicit material. Readers must be over 18. And yes, the author's right there. Sarah Barnes is the victim of an extremely abusive husband. But once you think that this book is about a troubled relationship or overcoming sexual abuse, the plot's twisted into a blended mix of a recipe for a perfect murder and a sexual playbook. Jon Bartleaux pops up as a teacher and practitioner of everything intimate, yet hiding a secret for Sarah.

The lack of personality development in this novel is compensated by the abundance of detailed descriptions of explicit content. What's left is a deathly drink for another abusive husband and an open end that will lead to the sequel of Lovers Lies and Lilies. Despite a few inconsistencies the flow of the narrative is okay. ( )