Karen Erickson (3)

The above blurb is a perfect hook for this heartwarming and very touching story of one woman’s acceptance of the tragedy that befell her family and hope for their future.

Jane Clark is surrounded by her children, her siblings and her parents, yet deep down she feels that the hole in her heart where her husband used to dwell, is empty. And when she decides to face her fears of fires and meets a man who just might help her do that and possibly offer her a second chance in love, she isn’t show more sure of herself, nor of the man himself.

Christian Nelson was surprised how quickly he became attracted to the young widow and how much he started to care for her children. As a new friend to her brother Mac, he knows that his reputation of ‘player’ might hurt his chances with Jane, but what worries him even more is his fear of commitment.

MY GOD! The chemistry between these two was AWESOME! Every scene between the two was electric. The author blew me away with the tension build up! As I was reading the story, through Chris’ eyes, I just went through everything he felt. My heart beat faster and the tension had me shaking at some moments. The sexual chemistry was jumping off the page, that’s how good this story is!

Yes, there’s a lot of pull and push, second guessing, family drama and cute kids to boot, but make no mistake, this is romance at its best. I am so glad I read it! Another must for your Christmas List!

I am new to Karen Erickson’s work, but I mean to correct that very soon!

book provided by NetGalley show less

By now, if you're one of my blog followers, you already know my weak spot for older woman/younger man stories. You all know that I've basically `robbed the cradle' as it were, by marrying a young man that's twelve years my junior, and that I'm enjoying every minute of our life together. And because of that, it came as no surprise to me how easily I identified with Lady Julia Renwick. Here she is, at thirty-one and a widow that most of her married life suppressed her sexuality. Her husband show more was older than she and her passionate nature had been subdued by his proper lovemaking. As this story opens, she finally makes the decision to take a lover. This decision wasn't made lightly. She even has a man in mind.

Garrett Walker, the Earl of Bedingfield is twenty-six years old, and he's known Julia since he was fourteen. His father was friends with her husband and they belonged to the same circles. He watched her from afar and liked her very much. He respected her and now that she's widowed, he wants her as his lover. His desire for her is overwhelming and all-consuming for him to wait, so he sets out to seduce her.

As these two passionate people come together for a one Season's liaison, we're treated to a very hot and sensual romance that is too short. I wanted this to keep going, and going and going!

I loved this strong and determined woman. She acknowledges who and what she is. She has no grand illusions about this `affair of the lust' and she is more than ready to experience the passion only Garrett can give her.

Oh, and now I come to Garrett! From the moment he asks Julia to dance with him, I just knew I'd like this rascal! He doesn't give a rat's ass of what society thinks of him. He is arrogant, handsome, and sought after by a bevy of beauties, married and unmarried. He wants none, but Lady Julia. Every scene written with them just sparkles and sizzles! From the garden scene, then the carriage scene and their bedroom scene, I just enjoyed it all. The end of their story just made me cry. How cool was this Dude! I'm not spoiling it for you when I tell you I shed happy tears at the way they get their HEA! Karen Erickson wrote a very erotic romance that melted my heart and gave me a hero to remember for a long, long time. So the long and short of it is this: Lady Julia Renwick and Garrett Walker were putty in the hands of Karen Erickson who has managed a perfect balance between romance and erotica with this short yet still sweet and heartwarming story.

* I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review* show less

4 stars/5 stars
Source: NetGalley

Lady Daphne Pomeroy is a widower at the ripe old age of thirty-three. She has a fine if somewhat boring life living with her bachelor brother, Hugh. She has money, a bit of status, and absolutely no designs on bagging a new beau. And then one day her lovely brother mentions the possibility of a ball; a grand affair with costumes and masks that will allow his sister to re-enter London society. According to Hugh “We can invite a herd of titled gentlemen who show more are in dire need of a wife and line them up for your perusal.”

At first Daphne is a bit scandalized by the thought of such an affair but as the planning continues and the date draws closer she begins to see the masquerade as a romantic affair that will provide her with an excuse to dance, laugh, and just enjoy the night. All is going according to plan until Daphne spots a wonderfully handsome masked man from across the room. At once Lady Daphne determines that this fine gentleman will be hers. The only problem with her plan? The masked man is none other than the Marquess of Hartwell or as London society commonly refers to him “Black Hart”. Black Hart is well positioned in society, has loads of money, and absolutely no desire to socialize. They only thing anyone really knows about him is that he is openly rude and rarely ever speaks to anyone. If only they knew . . . .

Daphne is bound and determined to know Hartwell! Breaking with all tradition and good manners Daphne pursues Hartwell first for a simple dance, then a conversation and a kiss, and then a night neither of them will soon forget. As a widower, Daphne is less concerned with a scandal attaching itself to her and her good name and more concerned with pursuing Hartwell and finally understanding the meaning of true passion and desire. Daphne is absolutely certain Hartwell is not the man everyone thinks he is.
Hartwell simply doesn’t know what to think or do with the beautiful and intriguing Lady Pomeroy. She defies every standard set by 19th century London society when she openly pursues him. And, while Hartwell isn’t actually the cold and heartless rat bastard everyone thinks he is, he is still gentleman and is concerned with ruining Lady Pomeroy’s good name. But there is something about her that he just cannot resist.

The highlight of this novella is far and away its characters. Daphne is a woman after my own heart: she is unashamed by her desire and willing to fly in the face of tradition to pursue her desires. She isn’t wanton or low-class by any means but sure of herself, her desires, and her ability to win over the gorgeous Marquess. Daphne is also kind and caring and despite a few bumps in the road is patient and understanding where Hartwell is concerned. Hartwell is never really portrayed as a heartless or black-hearted character, just a man with a secret that he is not willing to share with just anyone. Hartwell is, in all actuality a good if lonely man with a kind heart and a burning desire for Lady Daphne. Daphne and Hartwell’s lust-filled night together is quite fun for everyone, including the reader. The only problem with their night together is Hartwell’s sudden and extended disappearance the very next day. Didn’t I just say he isn’t a cold-hearted rat bastard?? Well, I am not spoiling this for you; you’ll just have to find out what happens for yourself.

The bottom line: This is a quick (30-45 minute) historical romance for adults only that is sweet, lusty, and full of fun. Daphne and Hartwell are both good and relatable characters that the reader can care about almost immediately. The only thing keeping me from rating this as a full 5 stars is length. (There is so no pun intended here!) Since I did like both characters so much (and their sex) I would have liked to have known more about them; that is, I would have liked a longer story with more naughty bits. show less

I reviewed this book on my blog at www.bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.com


By now, if you’re one of my blog followers, you already know my weak spot for older woman/younger man stories. You all know that I’ve basically ‘robbed the cradle’ as it were, by marrying a young man that’s twelve years my junior, and that I’m enjoying every minute of our life together. And because of that, it came as no surprise to me how easily I identified with Lady Julia Renwick. Here she is, at thirty-one show more and a widow that most of her married life suppressed her sexuality. Her husband was older than she and her passionate nature had been subdued by his proper lovemaking. As this story opens, she finally makes the decision to take a lover. This decision wasn’t made lightly. She even has a man in mind.

Garrett Walker, the Earl of Bedingfield is twenty-six years old, and he’s known Julia since he was fourteen. His father was friends with her husband and they belonged to the same circles. He watched her from afar and liked her very much. He respected her and now that she’s widowed, he wants her as his lover. His desire for her is overwhelming and all-consuming for him to wait, so he sets out to seduce her.

As these two passionate people come together for a one Season’s liaison, we’re treated to a very hot and sensual romance that is too short. I wanted this to keep going, and going and going!

I loved this strong and determined woman. She acknowledges who and what she is. She has no grand illusions about this ‘affair of the lust’ and she is more than ready to experience the passion only Garrett can give her.

Oh, and now I come to Garrett! From the moment he asks Julia to dance with him, I just knew I’d like this rascal! He doesn’t give a rat’s ass of what society thinks of him. He is arrogant, handsome, and sought after by a bevy of beauties, married and unmarried. He wants none, but Lady Julia. Every scene written with them just sparkles and sizzles! From the garden scene, then the carriage scene and their bedroom scene, I just enjoyed it all. The end of their story just made me cry. How cool was this Dude! I’m not spoiling it for you when I tell you I shed happy tears at the way they get their HEA!

Karen Erickson wrote a very erotic romance that melted my heart and gave me a hero to remember for a long, long time. So the long and short of it is this: Lady Julia Renwick and Garrett Walker were putty in the hands of Karen Erickson who has managed a perfect balance between romance and erotica with this short yet still sweet and heartwarming story.


Melanie show less