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Summary: Lies and deceit, but it all works out in the end
Review: Holly has chosen quite a complex issue here. In addition to being a tale of romantic love between man and woman, the book touches on the love of an elder brother for the younger, and the issue of homosexuality in the Regency period. Edward Burbrooke thinks that marriage is the answer for his brother Freddie, to save Freddie from scandal following recent exploits (the footman, no less! Shock, horror). Edward truly loves his brother and does not want Freddie's life in society to be ruined by his exploits, so he looks for the most sweet and innocent woman he can find to save his brother's reputation. Enter Florence Fairleigh, a vicars daughter, newly arrived in London, all alone in the world and in something approaching desperate circumstances. Although feeling some guilt in the manipulation, Edward sets out to ensure that Florence will marry his brother and save them all. And as Freddie and Florence soon become engaged, the plan seems to be working. Except that really, none of the three want this, and the situation is about to get very out of hand. Attractions ignite into something more (for all three). Then Florence finds out what Edward's plan was all along...The themes of brotherly love of Edward and Freddie with it's subtext of protection, and repression of sexuality in Regency times are both handled with sympathy by Holly. All three of the central characters here grow, make decisions - good or bad - and live with the repercussions of those decisions. It's not a life changing book, but there are some interesting issues explored. And it's unusual in that Freddie has almost as large a part to play in the text as Edward and Florence. Steamy, fun, sensitive, sad - for a 'simple' romantic tale, there's a lot to recommend itself in this book.
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Summary: Sexy book worth reading
Review: This racy book by Emma Holly is a must read for fans of steamy romance. This book is not for the faint of heart. It was a good easy read for the long cold winter.
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Summary: HOT HOT HOT
Review: If you like a hot romance, you'll love this. I read it in one day and ordered some more of her books.
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Summary: Reading Beyond innocence was a delicious pleasure
Review: Beyond Innocence is a really sexy novel. Like a big book on foreplay. You know, the part that we women like best. We're talking some hot-enough-to-make-you-sweat-and-steam-under-your-collar stuff here. I was really impressed with JOVE for for finally publishing material like this that pushes past the ho-hum space that most main stream romance publishers have boxed themselves into. I definitely have to tip my hat to JOVE for being proactive enough to publish this slightly erotic and teasing love story of a passionate Lord and his lust for his brother's bride-to-be. Take a bow Jove. This is the kind of hot-as-a-funeral-pyre romance I want to read more of in the future and I hope this book inspires more such authors and publishers (besides elloras cave cause right now, Elloras Cave has the adult romance genre market cornered).
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Summary: A GREAT book
Review: I've read many romance novels through the years and have become quite jaded. To me, romance novels are mainly in two catagories. One is about romance, the sweet blush, the lingering kiss. The other is about Sex, graphic and arousing. I like reading both kinds. This book is one of the very few which combines romance with amazing love scenes. It'll melt your heart and melt your... I've never recommended a book on Amazon before, but I couldn't help myself. This book was just too good to not be enjoyed by all romance lovers.
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Summary: Terrific!
Review: I thought this novel was first-rate, a really good read, Emma Holly is my new favorite romance author. I never read anything by her before; now I can't stop!
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Summary: OKAY....
Review: So this book was hot and steamy in some parts but I really didn't feel that I was in the 1800ths with the dialogue. I did like the relationship between the hero and the heroine, and it's not like alot of romance stories out there. But, I would have to say that this is a book that I will not read again.
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Summary: Hot and Sensual
Review: Florence Fairleigh is the innocent - daughter of the recently deceased vicar of a small village, she has come to London to ask a solicitor friend of her late father's for assistance in finding a sponsor that would help her to find a husband. Her sights were not set on a love match, but she thought herself attractive enough to at least find a suitable husband that would be able to provide for her some semblance of security and a home. She was willing to risk one half of the meager inheritance she had left towards this cause. The solicitor knew of the recent scandal surrounding the Earl of Greystowe's younger brother Freddie and thought that this might be the answer to everyone's prayer. He broached the subject with the Earl and arranged for him to view the young lady without her knowledge, to ascertain whether he thought she would be a prospective bride for his brother. The Earl was quite smitten himself with the girl and set in motion a plan to have her sponsored by the dowager Duchess, his Aunt Hypathia. Clueless as to what plans were made behind her back, Florence was taken in, appropriately gowned and presented to the ton, with the help of the Duchess, and her two nephews, Edward and Freddie. Freddie, with his charm and good looks soon became Florence's best friend as Edward did his best to bury the growing lust and connection he felt towards Florence by appearing gruff and unapproachable. Edward's entire life had been devoted to caring for his younger brother. He had to save Freddie and he would be willing to go to any lengths to accomplish that, including forsaking any thoughts of taking Florence for himself. What follows is a very erotic tale of Edward trying his best to control his lust for Florence. Florence, the innocent, was too naive in the beginning to realize what her body was telling her every time she and Edward touched, but eventually the urges got the better of both of them. Quite sinfully delicous! WOW! This is the very first novel I have read by this author - it most certainly will not be the last. The war Edward fought with himself in trying to do what he considered was the best thing for his brother was quite touching - one could feel the love and devotion projected here. Edward's attraction to Florence and his struggle to do the right thing for his brother was so very well developed, you felt his torment as well. Written with deep erotic sexual undertones, it is not for the faint hearted. The story itself is quite different, not your usual run of the mill romance and the sensuality projected here is quite HOT! Personally, I loved it and look forward to reading the sequel - Beyond Seduction.
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Summary: Seductive, sexy and a great introduction to Emma Holly
Review: For those that aren't aware of her more erotic titles from Black Lace, you'd think Emma Holly's historical was just another prett cover on the shelf but in fact, her words capture and combine prose with poetry for a genre that's largely lost on people like me (go for the modern times!) While I do prefer her Black Lace series books, "Beyond Innocence" still caught my attention, turned me on, made me care about the characters and deal with the oddities of Edward's brother. Emma Holly manages to sneak in a few life lessons as well, while sticking to the central point of the story, the hot romance! Bravo Miss Holly, S
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Summary: A lovely, unconventional story
Review: Edward Burbrooke, Earl of Greystowe has a problem. His younger brother and best friend Freddie has been caught (again) in a compromising situation with a servant - a male servant. In order to derail any scandal, Edward decides that Freddie must marry and quickly. Enter Florence Fairleigh, a country girl and daughter of a vicar who has recently passed away. Florence's financial situation is not good and so she seeks help from her father's old friend and solicitor to find a fairly well off husband. Coincidentally he is also the Earl of Greystowe's solicitor and he brings Florence into the world of the Burbrookes under the guise of Edward's Aunt Hypatia's sponsoring Florence's entry into Society. But she is quickly engineered into a relationship with Freddie. While she and Freddie are fond of each other, something is missing. Unfortunately, it is Edward who makes her heart flutter, her palms sweat, her blushes appear. And Edward is no less affected by Florence. Secretly he wants Florence for himself, but she is intended for Freddie - she's his salvation. What to do? I thought this a well written, well paced book and Freddie's sexual orientation was handled with care and sensitivity. Florence and Edward were an engaging if conflicted couple. I liked this book a lot, but I enjoyed the author's next book, Beyond Seduction (about Merry Vance who had a severe crush on Edward) even better! An enjoyable read!
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