From the national bestselling author of Pleasure and Purpose, a provocative new novel of a woman who lives to serve...It was at the request of Lord Gabriel Delessan that a handmaiden of the Order of Solace be delivered to his manor house. For young and ingenuous Tranquilla Caden, it would be her new position of service - devoted as she was to fulfilling every demand of her new master, to stimulating his mind, stirring his soul, and arousing his body. Yet something happens that Quilla never counted on: she was falling hopelessly, dangerously in love with the enigmatic - and very married - man she was required only to service.
I picked this book up for two reasons - I recognized the author from DHABA's Book Bracket and because Borders had it for $3.99. I'm so glad that I went for it because it was an incredible read and very different from what I was expecting. Yes it was in the romance section, but I figured I was picking up an erotica - one with a different type of premise maybe, but an erotica just the same. Instead I picked up a very well written book with unique character interactions and a relationship that was more than just physical.
Now don't get me wrong; I enjoy erotica just as much as the next girl, but this book was so much more than that. Quilla is not a woman called for just to assuage a physical ache - she is there to try and offer true solace, incorporating the full meaning of that word. Not only is it hard enough to do that when there's a wife in the picture, it's even harder when the person who called you doesn't really understand the type of solace he needs. Adding to that picture, as I continued to read the book I was frequently reminded of Jane Eyre. I think it was the combination of Quilla's semi-submissive air with Gabriel's gruff but appealing exterior. Combine that with a crazy wife and a dark, almost depressive air, over the entire house and it all just made me think of Jane Eyre! I want everyone to understand that the sentiment is a compliment to Hart because that book is one of my all time favorites.
Overall Feeling - Thumbs up. Not what I was expecting, but the emotional connection between Quilla and Gabriel is very compelling and makes for a VERY interesting read!
Series - 1) Pleasure and Purpose 2) No Greater Pleasure 3) Selfish is the Heart (October 2010)
