I had heard lots of buzz about this book and of course this sent me looking for the book. Found it at the UBS yesterday (new not used) and started reading it last night, and finished it this morning.
For some reason I didn't realize it was an "erotic historical romance." I was expecting a "hot" historical, this was beyond hot, obviously I didn't need to hunt down the reviews to realize it was erotica with a fabulous love story. At times it reminded me of the "Anonymous" Victorian Eroticas I've read and yet at it's heart it's a romance with a fantastic HEA.
You can find good reviews over at RT and AAR.
This is lifted from the last paragraph of the AAR review:
This is not a book I will easily forget - although I was shocked by Passion’s opening pages, it is the convincing love story that rises out of such a torrid love affair that established it firmly in my mind. I don’t usually cry when reading a book, but this one had me in tears more than once. However, for my personal reading tastes, the level of eroticism ultimately kept Passion from earning an even higher grade.
The reviewer gave this book a "B". Don't get me wrong, this is a good grade (I'd have given it an "A-", but that's me.) I'm curious how "the level of eroticism" in an erotica keeps it from getting a higher grade. It didn't get an "A" because it's erotica? Does that mean this particular reviewer would never give an erotica/romantica anything higher than a B, and if that's the case, should the reviewer be reviewing these books? Was that convoluted enough?
Well, I did have a small issue with the book. There are two "mothers" in the book, both are two of the most evil characters you will find in a romance. I hate when "Mom" is the bad guy.
That's it for now.
Have a great night, happy reading.
11 comments:
I have this one in my "going to read next" pile and am SO glad to hear you liked it. I remember this AAR review and thinking the same as you. I'm the opposite. I will sometimes bump UP a grade when a book is very hot or erotic. I admit it, I like sex in the romance I read.
Yeah, but that's because your a great mom! Me, not a mom so I loved the fact that these women were so vile. I hope that Valdez gets to write a HEA for the cousin but right now it's about the sisters. Did you read the excerpt for her next book? I skimmed it because I hate spoilers but, it's not out until next June.
CindyS
Renee--move this up the "going to read next" pile. I'm sure you will enjoy it.
Cindy--I'm looking forward to her next books and I agree Charlotte needs her own story.
Anne--I don't think the author has a mother issue (that was my first thought too), on the dedication page she wrote "To my Mother, without whom I wouldn't be the woman I am. Thank you.
I'd not noticed this one, but may have to look it up later.
I too wonder about the review you mentioned. I think it ties in with the current conversation going on within RWA concerning the 'place' erotica/romantica has within the romance community.
Hi Anne,
Actually, I adore my mother. She is the first person in the dedication of PASSION. I also adore being a mother. No, no "mother issues," I just like really bad, Dickensian type villains. They happen to by mothers in this book. In books to come they are fathers, neighbors and just plain old people with heavy issues.
Just wanted to clarify that. :-)
Ciao,
Lisa Valdez
Oh! Forgive me! Forgot to say thank you to all who have enjoyed PASSION and told a friend. Thank you! Thank you!
Ciao again,
Lisa
Forgive me also for my typos...little tired, I guess.
L
Lisa, I'm glad you don't have "mother issues"--LOL and the villians will include everyone. I'm looking forward to your next book.
I didn't really get the "grading down" thing, but I thought it was good that she mentioned it. It meant I could assume that since I like HOT, I'd probably like it better than the reviewer did.
Thanks, Tara Marie!
I hope you did like it, Rosario.
Thanks for the support, gals.
Ciao,
L
By the way, Tara Marie, I'm a stay-at-home mom, and an avid reader who loves to cook, too!
Of course, I also do a little writing. ;-)
Ciao bella,
Lisa
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