Why I read it: I've been hearing about this book since way before it's release with big raps for it from Sarah Wendell (Smart Bitches Trashy Books) and Jane Litte (Dear Author) - initially on their DBSA podcasts. After it's release I bought it fairly quickly but it stayed on my TBR. I think I was worried it wouldn't live up to the hype. Anyway, I recently decided to bite the bullet.
Did it live up to the hype? Yes. Yes it did.
What it's about: (blurb from Goodreads) Newly widowed and
desperate to protect her estate and beloved servants from her malevolent
brother-in-law, Martha Russell conceives a daring plan. Or rather, a
daring plan to conceive. After all, if she has an heir on the way, her
future will be secured. Forsaking all she knows of propriety, Martha
approaches her neighbor, a London exile with a wicked reputation, and
offers a strictly business proposition: a month of illicit interludes . .
. for a fee.
Theophilus Mirkwood ought to be insulted. Should be appalled. But how can he resist this siren in widow’s weeds, whose offer is simply too outrageously tempting to decline? Determined she’ll get her money’s worth, Theo endeavors to awaken this shamefully neglected beauty to the pleasures of the flesh—only to find her dead set against taking any enjoyment in the scandalous bargain. Surely she can’t resist him forever. But could a lady’s sweet surrender open their hearts to the most unexpected arrival of all . . . love?
Theophilus Mirkwood ought to be insulted. Should be appalled. But how can he resist this siren in widow’s weeds, whose offer is simply too outrageously tempting to decline? Determined she’ll get her money’s worth, Theo endeavors to awaken this shamefully neglected beauty to the pleasures of the flesh—only to find her dead set against taking any enjoyment in the scandalous bargain. Surely she can’t resist him forever. But could a lady’s sweet surrender open their hearts to the most unexpected arrival of all . . . love?
