Just One of Those Flings

This book grabbed me with its incredibly sensual beginning, and never let go. The Indian elements enriched what was an already lush read. I can't wait to get to the other books in the series!

Although I cut my novel-reading teeth on all of Georgette Heyer's books and later read my way through all of the older Signet line of Regencies, as I grew more experienced, I found this genre to be too narrow and rather tiresome. The ultimate goal of marriage to a noble and producing an heir/plus one seemed a dreadful future to wish on the sparkling female characters I grown to like from their novels. This charmer spins the genre around and now has the "Merry Widows" enjoying they newfound freedom to the fullest! Though the sensuality is blatant, it's never thoughtless. For example, when our two adults try to find a spot for a romantic afternoon away from all their family commitments/responsibilities, they are stuck when an obliging friend is unable to loan them her home. Additionally it's nice to see how trapped the noble males were as well in this system, as when our male lead gives up control of choice of his bride to his mother when his OWN choice refuses him...again...Good touches of Indian culture and a preview of the next novel to come in this series make this an enjoyable expense of time and $$$.

I loved this book even more than the 1st book in the series. Beatrice, the Countess Somersfield meets Gabriel, the Maquis of Thayne at a masquerade and He is turned on by her arms. Wow, that's certainly different, a man who is turned on by a woman's arms. They make love and she disappears, because she has never done something like this before. He next meets her again when he is introduced to meet her niece as a possible wife. They like each other but do not understand the attraction since she is five years older than him. Gabriel then discovers she is his mystery lover, Artemis and he tries to woo her into an affair. They then start one fun affair that eventually leads to the happy ending, but with a slight deterent cause by Beatrice's own sister. I think Candice Hern enjoyed writing about Gabriel and Beatrice much more than Marianne and Adam since she wrote their relationship as a more vivid, and active relationship. I liked them not only when they were together, but also when interacting with the other characters. Most romances seem to focus on the hero and heroine as a couple, but you don't really get to read that much of them as individuals. I also especially liked the scenes and relationships not only of the other Widows, but also the secondary characters that were Beatrice's daughters, Gabriel's bestfriend, Beatrice's niece, and Gabriel's parents. Those characters were also more alive in this book than in Adam and Marianne's story. I'm now looking forward to the next book in the series and hopefully more.

In 1813 single mother widow Countess Beatrice Campton chaperones her niece Emily to a masquerade party where she is dressed as Artemis. Marquess Thayne just back in England after eight years in India wants her; boldly Gabriel tells Artemis that. They surrender to their desire sharing a pleasing tryst. Not long afterward, the latest catch of the season Gabriel searches for his masked lover as he knows she shared his passion as this is not JUST ONE OF THOSE FLINGS. He also surprisingly finds himself attracted to the standoffish older Beatrice especially when he looks into the heat her eyes emit. When Gabriel realizes that Beatrice, not a simpering debutante, is his beloved lover, he decides to go all out to make her his knowing full well the scandal that will percolate and even understands the difficulty of convince his beloved. He tries to persuade one of the card carrying Merry Widows that they can share a life together especially IN THE THRILL OF THE NIGHT if she would take a chance on love with his best weapon, kisses. Once again Candice Hern provides readers with a wonderful May-December regency romance filled with humor, wit, and romance as the catch of the season courts the Merry Widow. The story line is fast-paced; however, the interrelationships between the fully developed cast (not just the lead couple) make for a fun intelligent historical. Fans will know the sub-genre is hale and hearty after reading Candice Hern's latest tale. Harriet Klausner

For me, reading Candice Hern is oftentimes similar to reading a history book, only one that is going to deliver a much juicier and stimulating version of what goes on behind the staid doors to some of the lofty grand mansions of jolly ole England! Ms. Herns remarkable new trilogy featuring the wealthy `Merry Widows' who choose to remain independent while embracing their newfound freedom to discreetly take lovers and enjoy themselves is proving to be a `treasure trove' of sensual delights! Beatrice, Lady Somerfield had yet to even think about taking a lover, so busy acting as a chaperone for her very beautiful but headstrong niece whose outrageous flirting at a masquerade ball bears some careful watching. What Beatrice soon became aware of was that someone was intently watching her, and as their eyes met a shiver of awareness ran up her spine. Her masked admirer whisked her away to dance, then to the gardens for a very sensual dance of a different nature that left her shaken but horrified at her lack of control and wanton behavior. The Marquess of Thayne had returned to England to honor a vow made to his father to marry. Thoroughly captivated by his woodland nymph Artemis he couldn't concentrate on the young ingénues that would make respectable matches for him even Miss Emily Thorkill the Catch of the Season that Beatrice was pushing into his orbit. When Thayne finally discovers that the very proper Lady Somerfield is his Artemis, they are both shaken although their passion for each other cannot be denied they embark on a clandestine love affair. When disaster strikes and their affair comes to light lives are turned upside down and Beatrice who swore never to marry must rethink her vow to never marry again. *** This reviewer has come to cherish the stories that Ms. Hern puts her indelible stamp on that continue to deliver impressive historical detail as well as providing endearing characters, wit, and charming sensual delights. She puts an uncommon twist to this story with a rare occurrence of a titled lord attracted not to the younger `Diamond of the first water' but to an older beautiful but more accomplished widow. High marks go to the author who was wise enough to fashion the character of Thayne as intelligent and mature enough to make the relationship feel real enough to be believable. The secondary characters all came into play in most convincing supporting roles in providing momentum to further the story into a fast paced read that kept this reviewers interest without having to resort to using a villain or mystery to carry the story. Anyone whose love of a well-written traditional regency with a delicious dose of beautifully inspired sensuality will surely find this a treat not to be missed! Marilyn Rondeau - RIO, Reviewers International Organization