Smitten by Books

Lovely
Author: Kris Starr
Publisher: Carina Press
Pub. Date: June 21, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-1426890291
Retail: $2.39
40 pages

They call me Lovely. But I know I am not.

Once I had another name. Now, as Angelique, I do what I can to please les messieurs. What would they say if they knew I felt no pleasure? To them I am wanton, insatiable. I alone know the truth.

So I am mystified by my reaction to my latest caller. Alexandre. Handsome. Well-bred. With an air of innocence that intrigues me. And true pain in his eyes. A mere kiss on the hand inflames me as never before. In moments this man disconcerts me like no other, and soon I can think of nothing, no one else. And yet, he barely touches me.

I know my true purpose is to mend his wounds, but I wonder what lustful appetites are buried deep within him. I will do what I can to discover his secrets…

~*~*~

A scorching, lyrical expression of sex in its basic element, this short if a good quickie for the historical erotic fan.

Angelique is the courtesan with too much experience and a jaded view of life. This short story is written in the first person from her perspective and it’s an open and intimate look at the daily life of one such as she. For some reason, unbeknownst to her, she finds herself infatuated with a young, vulnerable man who inches his way into her professional life and into her heart.

Alexandre is a naive man seeking comfort after the death of his young wife and child. He is anxious and weary about seeking the company of a notorious woman but he needs her gentle touch to heal his wounds. I thought he was a bit insipid but that is how the writer wanted him to be.

It’s hard to comment on plot and writing style with a short story but I found the story line interesting with a satisfying ending even if it was not the traditional “happy ever after”. I liked Kris’s writing to a point; the story is very explicit with a few points that were a little vulgar and I could have done without. But, she builds desire and excitement with only 40 pages… not an easy thing to do!

Very vivid and graphic love scenes.

An interesting little short and a satisfying read

Rating: 7.5 (Good+)

Heat-Level: 5 (Scorching)