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This sensuous
anthology begins with “Zuleika
and the Barbarian”, a
mystical Arabian-night-style story by author Bertrice Small. Princess
Zuleika is furious when her cousin, who’s also the future ruler of the
ancient kingdom of Dariyabar, decides to barter her away as favor to an
invading barbarian, rather than marry her. With her father, the King,
growing weak and old, the future of her country looks bleak in her
cousin’s impending reign and Zuleika, the headstrong and ambitious
princess, then takes a desperate gamble. She turns the tables by making
a sexy little deal with the fierce barbarian, Amir Khan himself. But
little does Zuleika know of barbarians and their proclivities – what has
the poor princess let herself in for?!!
Bertrice Small has
long entertained her readers with fascinating tales, and this story,
like others before it, follows the long-established trend of history and
sensuality. The ‘rogue’ in this story is a fascinating barbarian, and he
dominates the story with his masculine appeal. Zuleika is equally
fascinating and the bedroom games are hot enough to make the readers
blush. Overall, this story is fascinating.
The second story is
“All the Secret Pleasures”
by Thea Devine. The recently widowed Lady Corinna returns to London
society which fawns over this beautiful young, exotic woman. Although
she has no wish to remarry, Corinna’s sexual appetite hasn’t diminished
and she’d returned home after an extended sojourn in the Continent with
the intention of taking a lover, and so the search begins. But the only
man she meets who fascinates her utterly is, Simon, the childhood
friend she’d jilted long ago. Unknown to her, that rogue has long been
plotting his revenge – who will win this sexual game of love and lust?
Historical London
is the setting for this story, and the author brings it to cheerful life
with its balls and routs and the powerful grapevine of gossip. Corinna
and Simon’s shared past history only makes their current entanglement
all the more thrilling. They begin a war of wits, private and intensely
passionate in nature, with certain delicious fantasies thrown in. The
characterizations are well-rounded and the story develops with fervor,
and holds the readers intrigued.
“The Bedroom is
Mine” is the third and final
story by author Jane Bonander. A small logging town in California near
the turn of the twentieth-century is the setting for it. Ross Benedict
is a bachelor and happy with his situation. But his matchmaking sister,
Samantha has other plans for him. One day he returns to his cabin only
to find a gorgeous redhead making herself at home in it. Lily, the new
cook hired by Samantha, and Ross lock horns from day one, but as they’re
forced to share a residence, gradually become intensely aware of each
other. But misunderstandings abound even as passion simmers heatedly.
Will the two of them ever make a match of it?
Jane Bonander’s
story is heartwarming and fun to read about. The quarrels between Ross
and Lily amuse the readers even as the sexual tension between them
becomes heated. Side characters are many and equally well-developed. The
plot is that of an old-fashioned romance which is cozy and ingenious.
The simmering sexual heat is gradually and very effectively built up.
Overall, this story is simply wonderful.
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Each story in
this anthology is unique and a gem to read. The authors are all expert
in their own genres and as such, bring their proficiency into making
their story true to its individual era and flavor. Well-written, filled
with love and sensuality, this book is a downright joy to read.
Reviewed By
Rashmi Srinivas for The Road to Romance
January 6, 2004 |
