JoRead

Dazzling! Sultry and equally romantic tale that continues the story of Maggie Armstrong, and her beloved Robert, Duke of Dunwoody, as they try to adapt to each other’s own concept of marriage and love.
Maggie is still somewhat hurt from what transpired during their visit to the King and is not sure their marriage is what she wants it to be. She loves her husband but feels his fetishes may come in between their love and marriage. On the other hand, Robert wants nothing more than to make it up to Maggie for his transgressions and although he tries very hard, it seems that nothing he does will ever be enough for her (not that I blame Maggie). However, and because he’s very well aware of his particular needs, he also thinks she’s too good for him and questions if she in fact may regret marrying him at all.
To me, this story was not only clearly well-researched and amazingly well-written but it’s also a story about a couple trying to find that middle ground that will make them both happy. Yes, it’s an erotic tale with scorching sex scenes but most of it happens between a wife and a husband in love. The rest take place as part of the story and is congruent with the context and although I much rather not think how barbaric and vicious people tended to be, a story like this one goes to show it DID happen! Admittedly, there is one scene where Maggie feels compelled to make Robert pay for his “unfaithfulness” while at court and asks him to watch her while she completes her plan, but her heart outweighs her need for retribution and leaves before the deed is completed. I’m not excusing what she did but more than anything it sounded to me as if she was upset beyond thinking logically. There is also a moment when they were apart from each other and he might have succumbed to the charms of another yet he never stopped thinking about Maggie, even through hazed memories. So, yes, it very much is an erotic story that will enlighten the reader in more ways than any history lesson learned in school, but it will also keep you enthralled from beginning to end, and will leave you wanting, if not panting for more.

** I was gifted a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review **