This book was in my TBR pile for the longest time. I finally pulled it to read and discovered it was wonderful. Coco and James are not the average heroine and hero. It almost stayed as part of my keeper collection.
Helpful Score: 4
This is considered one of those "must read" books in romance reading circles. The characters, though not always entirely likable, aren't your standard hero/heroine and the writing is quite beautiful.
Helpful Score: 3
This classic romance from Judith Ivory is one of my all-time favorites. This book and The Proposition are her best novels (IMHO). I'm trading this copy only because it's an extra; I won't ever give up my last copy!
Helpful Score: 2
A little different from the usual historical romance. SIR James Stoker meets Coco at a dentist office, unaware she is a notorious mistress. Interesting read.
Helpful Score: 1
Another well-written romance by Judith Ivory about a unique couple. He is a number of years younger than her, she's a former courtesan. It was difficult for me to overcome both the age disparity and her former profession as their romance developed. I think if Judith Ivory had not had at least three of Coco's former paramours present in every other scene, it would have been simpler to get past the notion of her being a courtesan.
However despite my difficulties with both issues, they were a good match and this book had one of the sexiest love scenes I've ever read.
The resolution to the overarching plot line (his trip to Africa) was a bit pat and surprisingly brief given a whole book was wrapped around the premise.
Overall though, a worthwhile read.
However despite my difficulties with both issues, they were a good match and this book had one of the sexiest love scenes I've ever read.
The resolution to the overarching plot line (his trip to Africa) was a bit pat and surprisingly brief given a whole book was wrapped around the premise.
Overall though, a worthwhile read.
for my first romance novel ever, I think it was a good read.
This is a different type of story that captures the reader's interest quickly. Dr. James Stoker has just returned from a harrowing trip to Africa -- and he's the only one of his large group to return to England. All of the other scholars and scientists died in Africa.
James is all that is good; he's from lowly beginnings and was helped along life's path by his mentor, Dr. Phillip Dunne. Now all kinds of good things, including money, are coming James' way. However, James meets a beautiful, somewhat older woman at the dentist's office and becomes infatuated with her immediately. Only later does he find out that she is a retired courtesan.
My main complaint with the story is that the villain who attacks James craters rather quickly. It just didn't seem realistic, with all the sneaky things he'd done to ensure that he would win against James. However, the writing in this story is lush and beautiful. 4.5 stars
James is all that is good; he's from lowly beginnings and was helped along life's path by his mentor, Dr. Phillip Dunne. Now all kinds of good things, including money, are coming James' way. However, James meets a beautiful, somewhat older woman at the dentist's office and becomes infatuated with her immediately. Only later does he find out that she is a retired courtesan.
My main complaint with the story is that the villain who attacks James craters rather quickly. It just didn't seem realistic, with all the sneaky things he'd done to ensure that he would win against James. However, the writing in this story is lush and beautiful. 4.5 stars
interesting twist to the May-Sept. love affair
Once, a long time ago, Coco Wild learned to never allow a man's kiss to move her, for that way led to downfall. A slender beauty with alluring eyes, she built impregnable defenses around her emotions. The men who came to adore her, fought to conquer her and learn her mysteries, made her the toast of London, but none were able to rouse her passions.
But that hard-taught lesson is about to unravel because of Sir James Stoker. Back in England with a treasure of gold from his adventures, newly knighted by Queen Victoria herself, and feted everywhere, the handsome explorer has the world at his feet. He's exactly the man Coco might have dreamed about when she was young: a tall, fair hero with a charming smile. Now he's turned his energy toward winning her, the most desirable and the least attainable woman he knows; and Coco's aft-aid James may just find his way past the thorns that have so long protected her from the world, and awaken her slumbering heart...with just one kiss.
But that hard-taught lesson is about to unravel because of Sir James Stoker. Back in England with a treasure of gold from his adventures, newly knighted by Queen Victoria herself, and feted everywhere, the handsome explorer has the world at his feet. He's exactly the man Coco might have dreamed about when she was young: a tall, fair hero with a charming smile. Now he's turned his energy toward winning her, the most desirable and the least attainable woman he knows; and Coco's aft-aid James may just find his way past the thorns that have so long protected her from the world, and awaken her slumbering heart...with just one kiss.
