Helpful Score: 8
WOW! This book was fabulous! Not only was it smoking hot, but I really loved the story. The hero, Mark, is soooo delicious and the author does a nice job of contrasting his domineering side (yummy) with his sensitive and vulnerable side (sigh). And I am tired of prickly, fiesty heroines that are fighting the hero and/or their own passion/desires the entire book. This heroine (in spite of her ridiculous name) is warm and compassionate and a perfect counterbalance to Mark. I absolutely do not get emotional about books, but the author did such a great job depicting Mark's torment the last few chapters of the book (and its solution), that I was almost in tears! And did I mention that the sex in this book is HOT!! I actually didn't mind the liberal use of the 'c' word in this book, because Mark was soooo......uh, how should I put it....fanning myself.....well, you get the idea!
Helpful Score: 8
For a historical romance, this read more like erotica, but not especially well written erotica at that. Emma Holly (for example) has written historical romances that were much more erotic than this one (Beyond Innocence; Beyond Seduction). Personally I didn't find the author's many references to Mark's 10.50 inches of dripping "purple"-headed love thang, battering Passion's "womb", or the soreness Passion describes afterwards, very enticing. The words the author chose to describe the "equipment" were all -- bleech. (Cods, quim, and the over-frequently-used c-words for his & hers, were very unfortunate choices.)
The setting is London, 1851 but it didn't seem at all like Victorian England. It could have been set in Anytime, Anywhere, for all this debut author brings in any understanding of the time period. The hero, Mark, encounters the heroine, Passion, at the Crystal Palace. They are screwing against a wall, behind a screen, by page 12. Passion (the heroine) is a receptacle for Mark; he's the conflicted tormented one who needs Passion's sympathy & love in order to get over the fact that his mother never loved him. Passion is made an unwakened widow with a dead-in-the-bed prior marriage to make her more mallable to Mark's sexual persuasion.
Unless you like your historical romances with extreme sex scenes stuck together with a fragile plot and cardboard one-dimensional characters, avoid PASSION like the plague.
The setting is London, 1851 but it didn't seem at all like Victorian England. It could have been set in Anytime, Anywhere, for all this debut author brings in any understanding of the time period. The hero, Mark, encounters the heroine, Passion, at the Crystal Palace. They are screwing against a wall, behind a screen, by page 12. Passion (the heroine) is a receptacle for Mark; he's the conflicted tormented one who needs Passion's sympathy & love in order to get over the fact that his mother never loved him. Passion is made an unwakened widow with a dead-in-the-bed prior marriage to make her more mallable to Mark's sexual persuasion.
Unless you like your historical romances with extreme sex scenes stuck together with a fragile plot and cardboard one-dimensional characters, avoid PASSION like the plague.
Helpful Score: 5
After all the hype on other reader boards about this book, I have to say I was somewhat disappointed and resorted to skimming parts because it was so predictable. I had a hard time believing that a woman who would have sex with a stranger in a public place would suddenly develop such strong moral convictions.
Be still my heart.
Wow. What a book. This book holds the number 78 slot on AAR's top 100 list. It deserves a ranking closer to the top 10! If I was a bettin' woman, next year when they repoll the top 100, I would bet this one will move up significantly. I know I can't do this review justice, but here's my attempt.
Okay, here we have a tortured hero and a sweet and kind heroine, who is very likable, and Ms. Valdez made this so much more than a bunch of romps, which, there are a bunch. While this book is steamy, and liberally uses the f word, it is a fantastic book. I was very emotionally involved, and I had to ask myself two questions about why. Was it 1- Because Passion (I'm not to keen on that name) lived for the moment and I lived that through her as something I would never ever do, or 2- that lust turned into love unexpectedly between two people that just wanted to satisfy their own needs, but whose souls belonged together, like a hunger each other could only ever satisfy. Maybe it's both, but I just loved this book.
Because they choose to keep their affair and identity (except for their first name) hidden, both are astonished when they learn who the other is and their connections. I wondered just how the author was going to make a HEA for them, but she did. There are some heartfelt moments as love is professed and put off limits. Some of the passages, you will want to read again and again. Lisa Valdez, even though she only has ONE book in print, she is an auto buy for me. And for any romance reader, this book is a MUST.
Passion's sister, Patience will have a book of her own with Mark's brother, Matt as the hero. The release date on Barnes and Noble and My Book Garden have it listed as January 6, 2009, I hope that is correct. There was a scene in the back of Passion that pulled you right into their story. You can bet I will be at Borders that week to get it!
Wow. What a book. This book holds the number 78 slot on AAR's top 100 list. It deserves a ranking closer to the top 10! If I was a bettin' woman, next year when they repoll the top 100, I would bet this one will move up significantly. I know I can't do this review justice, but here's my attempt.
Okay, here we have a tortured hero and a sweet and kind heroine, who is very likable, and Ms. Valdez made this so much more than a bunch of romps, which, there are a bunch. While this book is steamy, and liberally uses the f word, it is a fantastic book. I was very emotionally involved, and I had to ask myself two questions about why. Was it 1- Because Passion (I'm not to keen on that name) lived for the moment and I lived that through her as something I would never ever do, or 2- that lust turned into love unexpectedly between two people that just wanted to satisfy their own needs, but whose souls belonged together, like a hunger each other could only ever satisfy. Maybe it's both, but I just loved this book.
Because they choose to keep their affair and identity (except for their first name) hidden, both are astonished when they learn who the other is and their connections. I wondered just how the author was going to make a HEA for them, but she did. There are some heartfelt moments as love is professed and put off limits. Some of the passages, you will want to read again and again. Lisa Valdez, even though she only has ONE book in print, she is an auto buy for me. And for any romance reader, this book is a MUST.
Passion's sister, Patience will have a book of her own with Mark's brother, Matt as the hero. The release date on Barnes and Noble and My Book Garden have it listed as January 6, 2009, I hope that is correct. There was a scene in the back of Passion that pulled you right into their story. You can bet I will be at Borders that week to get it!
Helpful Score: 3
Whoa Nellie! These two have some serious issues.
It was good for a few laughs through about half the book. The "erotic" love scenes were a hysterically painful mix of two juvenile words repeated over and over coupled with (pardon the pun) anatomically correct internal gynecological descriptions during Close Encounters of the Massive Kind.
There's nothing like re-living a trip to the OB-GYN to stir one's blood.
And our heroine needs to curb Mr. Ed's lusty enthusiasm before he ruptures something ...
It was good for a few laughs through about half the book. The "erotic" love scenes were a hysterically painful mix of two juvenile words repeated over and over coupled with (pardon the pun) anatomically correct internal gynecological descriptions during Close Encounters of the Massive Kind.
There's nothing like re-living a trip to the OB-GYN to stir one's blood.
And our heroine needs to curb Mr. Ed's lusty enthusiasm before he ruptures something ...
Helpful Score: 3
I got this book because I heard so many great things about it! I started reading it...and just couldn't get into it. I have no idea why, but it didn't do a thing for me. I couldn't even finish the book! When I'm dreading picking up my book to read, it's time to put it down and find something else :)
I enjoyed the book, although it may be too spicy for some.
Helpful Score: 3
Among all the sexual scenes, which can distract the unprepared, there is some real heart to this story. It can be really emotionally powerful at times. I actually wept during some scenes because I was so moved.
Helpful Score: 2
I rushed to order this book due to glowing reviews from various websites and found it disappointing to say the least. A lot of people raved about the erotic content of this book, and I have no problem with that except it borders on sleaziness. There's not romance to it at all! The characters are underdeveloped, the storyline is far-fetched. Don't waste your time reading this book, you're not missing out on anything!
Helpful Score: 2
Hot. Not for everyone,lots of bad language. But - the love story is sweet without being sappy. I loved it. A keeper for me.
Helpful Score: 2
THe lead heroine's name really is Passion. I should have known I would hate this book just from that. Come on, a woman in that time period named Passion? Ugh! Please don't order this book if you are offended by graphic language. It's not my cup of tea. I only made it through chapter two. I prefer more "romance" and not so much the see an attractive stranger across the room and two minutes later they are doin' it (and very graphically". Just wasn't believable as a true love story to me, more soft porn.
Helpful Score: 2
One of the best written, hottest erotic romances I've read! Can't wait for Patience to be published.
Helpful Score: 2
The first third of this book is very, very hot. Hero and heroine meet at an exhibition more than once and have unihibited sex. This may not sound plausible, but the characters are so well-rounded and we know all their fears and needs, so their coming together (pun intended) is believable and right. A good plot, too. Historical erotic romance. No paranormal. On my keeper shelf.
Helpful Score: 2
If you aren't into erotica, this is not the book for you. It starts on the first page and continues throughout very graphically. The plot isn't anything new but the graphic love scenes made it "interesting".
Helpful Score: 1
Steamy!! This book is very graphic almost from the beginning not for the faint of heart. Please pass it on..
Helpful Score: 1
Starts out very graphic and hot. Theme continues throughout the story line. Great read!
Helpful Score: 1
This was the first book by this author I have read. VERY SEXY and hot for the first half, then the plot comes in and it becomes more of a Jane Austen-type story of decisions and reputations and gossip. If Ms. Valdez is reading this...knock off making the guy's junk unbelievably and unrealistically big. Jeez! It is not every woman's fatasy that her internal organs must be moved aside for his girth. I actually rolled my eyes at that part and ignored it. It's what he does with his normal junk that counts. Otherwise a fun and sexy romp of a read. Gave it 4 stars.
Helpful Score: 1
One of the better Regency Romances I have read and certainly lives up to its title & heroine's name, Passion !
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book. Lisa Valdez adds much needed spice to the romance genre. Only problem with reading this is you will want to read the second in the series immediately after, and unfortunately the second book keeps getting delayed in its release. I have no doubt it will be worth the wait, hopefully the third book will be released soon after.
Helpful Score: 1
What a Story line.... I can't wait until the next book about Passion's Sister comes out to see her fall in Love with the Brother of Passion's Husband. Passion is a Great steamy SEXY story of LOVE. I could not put this book down.
Helpful Score: 1
I started this book one night with the intention of having it carry me through two days of leisurely reading. I finished this book in about 4 hours; I simply couldn't put it down.
If you are offended by the "c" word, the "f" word, or graphic sex talk at all, then stay away from this book, because these two are E X P L I C I T! While Lisa Valdez writes the sex in such a detailed manor, you feel you have a front row seat; Passion and Mark give new meaning to talking dirty.
Yes this book is erotic, but it is also very emotional. At one point in the story I was sobbing big, ugly, red and puffy-eyed, loud tears. When obstacles threaten what they have there is some very real pain and heartache.
My only regret after reading this book was that I quit smoking 6 years ago, because damn, I could have used a cigarette! ;)
Cherise Everhard, January 2008
If you are offended by the "c" word, the "f" word, or graphic sex talk at all, then stay away from this book, because these two are E X P L I C I T! While Lisa Valdez writes the sex in such a detailed manor, you feel you have a front row seat; Passion and Mark give new meaning to talking dirty.
Yes this book is erotic, but it is also very emotional. At one point in the story I was sobbing big, ugly, red and puffy-eyed, loud tears. When obstacles threaten what they have there is some very real pain and heartache.
My only regret after reading this book was that I quit smoking 6 years ago, because damn, I could have used a cigarette! ;)
Cherise Everhard, January 2008
Er... no.
I've read reviews of this book that describe it as extremely hot.
However somehow the story of a man who vows to fall in love with the first woman who can take his gaint penis inside her - it just seems like a bunch of ick and ouch to me. I dunno the descriptions of him shoving his oversized member through the mouth of her womb while he tells her to "take it" is just totally un-sexy. I read a lot of chick porn and erotic fiction. I just couldn't finish this book. The writing wasn't that bad, but I couldn't get past the premise. Not even slightly arousing.
I've read reviews of this book that describe it as extremely hot.
However somehow the story of a man who vows to fall in love with the first woman who can take his gaint penis inside her - it just seems like a bunch of ick and ouch to me. I dunno the descriptions of him shoving his oversized member through the mouth of her womb while he tells her to "take it" is just totally un-sexy. I read a lot of chick porn and erotic fiction. I just couldn't finish this book. The writing wasn't that bad, but I couldn't get past the premise. Not even slightly arousing.
Can you take the heat? My question involves the kind of graphic sensuality and details that are a fiery turn on IF you're in the mood to sex up the night and grab a hunk of your own to practice the techniques.VERY nice for we women who need a spicy world in which to lose oneself in total fantasy of being there, looking that gorgeous and sharing very naughty excitement. Not for all the time, but hang onto for re-visiting that kind of moth to the flame can't resist!
I really liked the characters and the sex is like nothing I have read before. Erotic and a new way of reading the passion between a man and a woman. I can't wait for her other book to come out. Worth reading again and again. One of my favorites.
Hot, Burning!! Very erotic.
Has very bold language. Wonderful story.
Has very bold language. Wonderful story.
Book Description
A woman called Passion. A man who would make her true to her name.
In her second year of mourning, lovely young widow Passion Elizabeth Dare never dreamed she would be with a man again--and certainly not a complete stranger. But amidst the crowds of London's Crystal Palace, Passion finds herself discreetly, yet insistently, pursued by a sensual gentleman who awakens her long-supressed desires. After a loveless marriage of restrained propriety, Passion abandons herself to true bliss for the first time.
Intoxicated by his encounter with the beautiful stranger, Mark Randolph Hawkmore, Earl of Langley, cannot wait to see her again. As a series of rapturous rendezvous follows, he and his mystery lover find something rare and wonderful blossoming between them. But a blackmail scheme against the Earl threatens to destroy everything. As a scandal brews, each will have to choose between duty and desire...their love for their families--and their love for each other.
i liked this book, when i i read it was like reading a thea devine , it was good if you like thea devine. all in all it was a good read.
A woman called Passion. A man who would make her true to her name.
In her second year of mourning, lovely young widow Passion Elizabeth Dare never dreamed she would be with a man again--and certainly not a complete stranger. But amidst the crowds of London's Crystal Palace, Passion finds herself discreetly, yet insistently, pursued by a sensual gentleman who awakens her long-supressed desires. After a loveless marriage of restrained propriety, Passion abandons herself to true bliss for the first time.
Intoxicated by his encounter with the beautiful stranger, Mark Randolph Hawkmore, Earl of Langley, cannot wait to see her again. As a series of rapturous rendezvous follows, he and his mystery lover find something rare and wonderful blossoming between them. But a blackmail scheme against the Earl threatens to destroy everything. As a scandal brews, each will have to choose between duty and desire...their love for their families--and their love for each other.
i liked this book, when i i read it was like reading a thea devine , it was good if you like thea devine. all in all it was a good read.
great book!!
All sex scenes aside (though they were quite steamy and rather abundant at the beginning of the book), Passion has a wonderfully romantic plot. Mark and Passion have a bit of a star-crossed lovers thing going on. They fall in love, but he's blackmailed into proposing to her beloved and innocent cousin Charlotte. If you're not offended by all the sex scenes, it's well worth a read.
First Book for this author - EXCELLENT ! ! !
good romance
Between the melodrama, the vulgar language, the sex scenes written in purple prose, the creative anatomy, and the "weeping" body parts (not eyes), the writing in this book is awful. It was rather like watching a train wreck. Valdez is an author I will go out of my way to avoid.
