Beyond Desire

This was the first Emma Holly book I read. I was impressed! Her attention to detail is amazing! It is so easy to get lost in her prose. I like a well written romance with a little, or a lot, of steam and Emma Holly never fails! The character development and story lines are well thought out and executed with a light touch, and, unlike some other writers, the love scenes don't rule the book. BRAVA, Ms. Holly!

****½ Beyond Innocence. An earl finds a young woman he hopes will marry his younger brother but falls in love with her himself. The twist is that the younger brother is gay. Written with a lot of affection for the characters, and Holly's trademark sensuality. ***** Beyond Seduction. Merry's being coerced into marrying (her mother's being blackmailed, unbeknownst to Merry), and when Merry, dressed as a maid, is rescued by the rakish & intriguing painter Nicolas who asks her to pose for him, she sees a way out of her difficulties. The romance & sensuality is great, of course, but there's a lot more to this--Merry's mother, Nicolas's illegitimate son, his hedonistic friends, and Merry's insecurity.

I loved this book mainly because it has two great stories in one book, although they were published earlier (2001 & 2002). Beyond Innocence about a brother, Earl of Greystowe falls in love with the woman he has found for is younger gay brother. Beyond Seduction, my favorite, where a very independent young woman poses nude for a notorious artist against her very strict fathers orders. The most erotic and sensual of the two. Romantic, erotic and sexual defines both stories. Too hot for the faint of heart!

"Beyond Desire" is a book that includes the full-length stories "Beyond Innocence" and "Beyond Seduction." There is nothing new added to these two titillating reads accept they can now be found under the same book cover. "Beyond Innocence" is the story of Florence Fairleigh. She finds herself in London looking for the one man that can bring her the things she needs such as companionship. Instead she finds herself trapped in a game of sorts by Edward Burbrooke. Edward will do what he must to protect his younger brother Freddie...even if that means allowing the one woman who has touched his heart and soul marry his brother. Will these two find a happy ending or will Florence realize she has lost more then her heart but her innocence as well? "Beyond Seduction" is the story of Marry Vance. Merry is an independent woman who agrees to pose for Nicolas Craven. This notorious man is an equally notorious artist. Merry has no idea that Nicolas has plans for the Victorian beauty. But is Nicolas ready for the way Merry makes him feel? Maybe he is about to find out what happens when his heart is engaged. These are two of Ms. Holly's better efforts and it's nice to have them in one book. These are both full-length stories. If you have already read these two stories be forewarned there is nothing new between the pages. Ms. Holly is one of the better authors in this genre and one that I highly recommend.