Gothic Blue (Black Lace)

Far in the past, we meet Count André von Kastel at the archduke's reception, waiting for Arabelle who is to become his betrothed in a week. He sees Isidora, Countess Katori, and is disturbed by his attraction to her. She mesmerizes and seduces him. He can sense the evil within her, but is powerless to resist. She tells him he will be her lover for all time, and he realizes he's helpless against the transformation she's forcing upon him. Flash to present day, where Belinda Seward and Jonathan Sumner are traveling across the countryside. They have car trouble and end up walking in a rainstorm, looking for shelter. They find themselves at the gate to Sedgewick Priory. Belinda is already feeling an odd arousal, but at the same time the gothic priory gives her a sense of foreboding. They see a smaller building and go inside to escape the rain. Giving in to an uncontrollable urge, they have wild sex. Both are surprised at the unusual intensity of their sex drive. Belinda wakes next morning and finds the big house is indeed inhabited. She is met at the door by Oren, a mute, who indicates his master would like to offer food and a bath. Despite her misgivings, she follows him upstairs, and some exploring leads her to André's bedchamber. Meanwhile, Jonathan hears female laughter and goes to investigate. He finds two young blond women getting friendly by the water. Jonathan gives in to the uncontrollable urge to masturbate. This is just the beginning of an intense sexual journey for Belinda, Jonathan, and their unusual hosts, because André's need for Belinda and Jonathan goes beyond a simple sexual outlet. He needs their help to achieve his ultimate goal. Portia Da Costa's undeniably intense Gothic Blue will keep you utterly enthralled as the story unravels and dark secrets are revealed. The author expertly pens superb sensuality, dripping with eroticism and intricately seductive details. Although the rampant promiscuity throughout the book may bother readers looking for monogamy, when taken in context and in light of the seductive nature of the priory, it all seems perfectly acceptable. You won't be able to put down this book until you arrive at the gripping climax. I absolutely adore Portia Da Costa's style, and will be looking for more of her books. This is very highly recommended. 5 Kisses, 2 Peppers (f/f, f/f/f, f/m/f, m/m, BDSM) ~Lindy Reviewer, TwoLips Reviews, LLC www.TwoLipsReviews.com

Portia da Costa has done it again! Or perhaps I should say, Black Lace has done it again - with a reprint of her 1996 novel, 'Gothic Blue.' This is a timeless story that is as fresh today as it was over ten years ago. It lives up to its erotica label from the very start - a prelude in which we are introduced to Count Andre von Kassel and the evil Countess Isidora Katori. The spell that is cast on the Count divides him from his true love, Arabelle, for all time - or at least, for four hundred plus years, when the arrival of Belinda Seward and her lover, Jonathan Sumner, at the Count's dilapidated manse gives the slumbering, suffering Count Kassel new hope. While his blonde, mute, gorgeous servants (two females and a male) keep Lindi and Johnny `occupied' when they're not happily occupied with each other, it is the developing relationship between Andre and Lindi that drives the story forward. Will she succumb to his advances (yes), will it be all she imagines (oh yes) will she help him in his quest to lift the curse before the equally ageless Isidora interferes? The answer to that question I leave to you to discover when you read the book. Elements of fairy tales and magic and timeless love meld seamlessly with a whole lot of steamy sex to make this book a winner. Congratulations, Ms da Costa, on this reprint. It's a great way to launch a reader into the incomparable imagination of the lively, lovely work of Portia da Costa - and a treat for anyone already familiar with her reliable, riveting prose.

This is the first of Portia Da Costa's books I have read and the first 11 pages of the books Prologue are so hot that it was worth the price of the book for me. The Prologue details the plot where our hero, the count Andre, at his engagement (betrothal at that time) party to his beloved virginal Belle, meets the evil, but oh so delicious, countess Isidora. Sizzling love is made, spells are cast and, in Chapter one, we are thrust into the future where Andre and Belle are trapped to meet up with Belinda and Johnathan, a young couple who lost their way on a dark and backwoods road. Our young couple abandon their car and find refuge in what appeared to be an abandoned priory hidden away in the middle of nowhere. Our cast of characters are revived to while away the days surrendering to the most base, and erotically yummie, desires of the flesh. The erotic sex is fantastic and superbly written and it's little wonder you'll have trouble finding any of this author's books in stock because most of them will be hidden away to be read at those most private of moments.

A new story from Portia Da Costa is always a pleasure, and this has to be one of her best. 'Gothic Blue' has the lot - a gripping story, a delicious setting provided by a remote Gothic priory, incredible sexual chemistry, obsession, the paranormal and the exciting aristocrat André von Kastel. The sex - and there's lots of it! - is tense, powerful and relentless from start to end. A great book, and one I know I shall read again and again.

If you're looking for an erotic tale that's just that bit different and something that makes you use your brain - rather than the hackneyed 'we're all part of a secret society' - this one's for you.Gorgeous characters, decadent surroundings, fabulous sex... it's a book you can enjoy on a surface level, and then enjoy again at a deeper level when you recognise the subtleties in the plot. I won't give any secrets away, but there's something very X-files ish about the paranormal world Belinda discovers.Enjoy it!