Guest Review: Ripe for Pleasure by Isobel Carr

Posted May 4, 2011 by Ames in Reviews | 2 Comments

Ames’ review of Ripe for Pleasure by Isobel Carr.

Second in line, first in love.

A secret society of younger sons, sworn to aid and abet each other, no matter the scandal or cost…. Their fathers and brothers may rule the world, but they run it . . . and when it comes to passion, they refuse to accept second best.

Searching for hidden treasure, finding forbidden fantasy.

London’s most sensual former courtesan, Viola Whedon, is incapable of being seduced-she does the seducing. Until she meets Leonidas Vaughn. Her salacious memoirs have made her the target of half the lords in England, and Vaughn is the only man she can turn to. When he promises to protect her-and to make her beg for his touch-the alluring beauty finds both offers impossible to refuse.

Leonidas Vaughn secretly believes Viola possesses a fortune given to his family by the King of France. So the strong and sexy Vaughn charms his way into Viola’s life . . . and her bed. But when their arrangement is consummated, he’ll experience pleasure far beyond his wildest fantasies-and realize his heart may need the most protection of all.

Viola Whedon is one of London’s most sought after courtesans. And she’s using her notoriety to publish her memoirs. And so when two men break into her home one night, she assumes it’s for the draft of her second manuscript, in which her most recent patron is featured. She figures he’s trying to get his hands on the manuscript before it goes public.

Leonidas Vaughn knows this is not the case but decides to use it as a cover for the truth. He knows that those two ruffians broke into Mrs. Whedon’s home for treasure. But since Leonidas wants the treasure, he’ll play into Viola’s fears and come to her rescue, all to gain access to the house. But Leonidas is not the only one after this so-called treasure. His cousin wants it and Leonidas knows those two men that broke into Viola’s home were working for him.

Leonidas strikes a bargain with Viola, he’ll pretend to be her protector in exchange for the safety he’ll bring her. Viola is tempted by Leonidas, so she agrees. But things don’t go quite as Leo planned them.

I enjoyed this Georgian romance about a duo of non-traditional characters. It was good to read about a second son who doesn’t inherit a title and makes his own way in the world. And yes I’ve read about courtesans but never one who used what she was to really try to improve her circumstances. The chemistry between these two characters struck the perfect balance and I believed the romance between the two of them. The conflicts they faced were also believable. There was no easy HEA for these two because Leo needs to marry an heiress basically, to make his estate profitable eventually. And then there’s the scandal of what Viola is. Leo and Viola knew exactly why they couldn’t fall in love with each other, but sometimes love strikes anyway.

Also, I thought the external conflict of Leo’s cousin was handled very well. I thought the little bit of intrigue surrounding the treasure was a good reason to introduce more characters from the League of Second sons without shoving them down our throat. That whole plot was a good way to bring all the characters together but it also remained enough in the background that it didn’t overwhelm the romance.

Ripe for Pleasure was a solid historical read with just enough variety in the characters to keep it fresh. I can’t wait to read the second book, Ripe for Scandal, when it comes out in August.

4 out 5.

This book is available from Forever. You can buy it here or here in e-format.

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