Passionate Pleasures

Interesting characters and unique plot make this a recommended book. The mindset of the St. John family and the town of Egret Point lent a historical feel to the book. I felt like I was reading modern characters that that were stuck in a time warp. On the other hand, the way Kathy could call up a sexual fantasy was almost futuristic. I loved the contrasts in the book. Kathy was smart, savvy and sexy and it shows in her confidence in herself. She is well-liked and respected in the town. Tim was a little more low-key but still just as interesting. Secondary characters added to the plot and humor in the story. The pacing was pretty even throughout. The plot advanced at the degree that it should have with Kathy learning more about herself each day she was with Tim. The only thing that didn't ring true to me was the dialogue while they were having sex. It was stilted and didn't flow very smoothly for me. I really liked how they fell in love without Kathy realizing it and how they meshed their lives together. It made the romance very real for me. This was my first book by this author and I was impressed enough that I will look for some of her previous books. - Lisa Freeman

Lucifer Nicholas is CEO of Channel, which is a woman's only network where females can fulfill their fantasies in private (parts and no family or friends knowing). Tall fortyish Kathryn St. John is the Egret's Point librarian. Lucifer wants to lure Miss Kathy as he has successfully done with the males of her "Sin Gin" family, but she will be tough to bring to the dark side through passion as she is a typical librarian avoiding scandal. Lucifer's fantasy takes an upbeat turn when the new middle-school principal Timothy Blair arrives at the library. He wants Miss Kathy, but she remains reluctant and not just because he is younger than her. She prefers the Channel males that he conjures from literature than hard bodies. Still they go out on dates and soon make love. He knows she is his fantasy while she learns loving a hard body is better than a dream. However, the townsfolk led by her brother object to the scandalous behavior between the principal and the librarian. Passionate Pleasures is a fun well written romantic fantasy starring a wonderful "triangle" as Tim's arrival makes Lucifer's plans for Kathy attainable until love complicates the equation. Readers will passionately gain pleasure from Bertrice Small's clever tale of a woman learning "Ain't nothing like the real thing" (Marvin Gay and Tammi Terrell). Harriet Klausner

Kathryn St. John is a prime example of a prim and proper librarian. As a member of one of the town's founding families she takes her duties to Egret Pointe's community seriously and is very careful not to besmirch the St. John name. Of course, like any red-blooded woman, Miss Kathy has private fantasies and desires and thanks to the Channel, a secret interactive cable network known only to women, she's able to maintain her public persona and still live out every fantasy her heart desires. Miss Kathy is quite content with her life. She maintains all the professionalism and propriety expected of her in public but when the library is closed and she returns home she's able to tune into whatever fantasy she craves - and as a faithful erotic romance reader her imagination is very vivid. The Channel fulfills her needs perfectly! There's no messy relationship issues, no dirty underwear on the floor and no demands - you just tune into the fantasy you desire and when you're done simply close the program and go about your business. Thus far The Channel has been a delight to Miss Kathy but when the new middle school principal arrives in town her fantasies suddenly begin featuring him as the hero and that has left her completely disconcerted. New middle school principal Tim Blair is thrilled with the opportunities presented to him in Egret Pointe. The close knit community and their easy acceptance of him prove that he made the right decision in relocating here. What he hadn't anticipated is the attraction or frustration he experiences all due to the uppity town librarian. Their initial meeting takes place in a grocery store where she rants at him because of his `negligent' care of his dog who's howling his discontent at being left behind in Tim's vehicle. There's no doubt Tim and Miss Kathy rub each other the wrong way but with a little time, understanding and acceptance they could definitely burn up the sheets. Erotica at its best! Bertrice Small's books have long been a staple of my keeper shelf and PASSIONATE PLEASURES is a prime example of exactly why she's earned the loyalty of so many readers. Like all Mrs. Small's storylines, PASSIONATE PLEASURES incorporates believable characters, captivating situations and plenty of passion as well as a bit of the unexpected. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this novel - from Tim's dog Rowdy to Miss Kathy's snobby and controlling brother Hallock there's a host of characters who keep this story hopping. Throw in the temptation of The Channel and its CEO Mr. Nicholas and PASSIONATE PLEASURES is sure to tantalize all your senses. Tim and Miss Kathy's relationship evolves at an interesting pace and holds your attention throughout every facet of its development. If you haven't read Mrs. Small's other PLEASURE novels yet don't worry, this story can easily be enjoyed all by itself. Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)

Passionate Pleasures (Pleasures Series) by Bertrice Small Contemporary Romance- Aug. 3, 2010 4 ½ stars If you aren't already a fan of Bertrice Small you will soon be once you read this humorous and smoldering romp of a romance! Passion burns behind the proper and prestigious facade Kathryn St John shows to the world. Her life is comfortable and she values her independence. A content woman in her forties, she has no other needs. All her secret fantasies are played out on the erotic and role playing Channel cable network only for woman. Because of this, she doesn't need a man. They could never match her dreams anyway. Kathryn isn't looking for a man and has nothing against them but feels they might try to control her and she had enough of that while living in a household of strong men. Plus she likes the danger and excitement she gets in her fantasies from the Channel network. But her life is challenged when a younger and handsome new principal named Tim Blair takes over the town school. And to her dismay Kathryn is surprised at how much she likes him and starts to think about him! And when the men in her fantasies resemble Tim, she knows she is in trouble. But Kathy is soon surprised when she finds that sometimes reality can surpass fantasy... Tim Blair isn't afraid to play out his fantasies with Kathy. All he has to do is seduce her. But Kathryn is a tough sell and Tim must use all his powers of `persuasion' to make her see that a real man is so much better... At first I didn't know what to expect. Although the author has written erotic romances. I had only read her historical romances and this was definitely a switch. And one that I really enjoyed! Kathryn's erotic fantasies were sexy but also extremely entertaining to read. She didn't take them seriously and a couple of them were hot but also ridiculous and outrageously fun. Kathryn was a wonderful character. I liked how she had her own individual and really didn't need a man in the beginning of the story. She has a lot of self- confidence but isn't arrogant. I have never read a heroine who was so sure of herself. It was a nice change from the needy, doubting or wimpy heroines that are often in romances. I also enjoyed reading the developing relationship between the 2 main characters. Although the couples 1st meeting is rocky it seemed very real. And when Tim decides he wants to `win' Kathryn over that is when the fun really begins. I felt that the main characters actually got to know each other and have hot sex!! The 2 really complimented each in and out of bed. I could actually see them in my mind as a real couple. Lighthearted, sexy and really fun to read I loved this story and the 2 charming main characters! Reviewed by Steph from Bookaholics Romance Book Club