I think I started this one about 4 times in the past but never got past page 30. But I'm glad I persisted this time because it was pretty good. Ross' lush prose made this a smooth-flowing read but it was not her best. I was rather irritated with both the H/H at times. But it was worth picking up. (Grade: B-) ( )

I sit here wondering what to tell you about Julia Ross's The Wicked Lover. Shall I mention that it's probably the best romance novel that I've read in the past year? possibly ever? It is. But I doubt that it would appeal to everyone.

The plot [in 25 words or less]: Sylvie, a lady with a checkered past, is hired by an enemy of Robert Dovenby to uncover his well-guarded past. She does this by posing as his male secretary. [granted, that was 28 words]

This is possibly the most erotic, sensual book that I have ever read. It is set in the eighteenth century and the characters remain consistent with their time period. They are jaded, cynical, secretive and fascinating as layer by layer we learn who they are. Dove and Sylvie are strongly attracted to each other from first sight and the first two hundred pages of the book becomes an elaborate exercise in foreplay. Every aspect of their lives takes on a sensual aspect. Remember those first weeks of falling in love? The mixture of lust and sensuality? Ross captures that. Everything from the clothes that touch their bodies and to the foods they eat carries a sensual note.

It is also a well-written, sometimes lyric, story with a strong plot and interesting supporting characters. ( )