Beyond Innocence [Mass Market Paperback]

Emma Holly (Author)

Book Description

Release date: July 1, 2001

Emma Holly turns up the heat in this sinfully sensuous story of a family plagued by scandal—and a shy young woman who discovers a passion beyond her wildest dreams…

When her beloved father passes away, Florence Fairleigh finds herself alone in the world. All she wants is a man who will treat her kindly and support her financially—and she’s come to London to find him…

Edward Burbrooke thinks marriage is the only way to save his brother Freddie—and their family—from scandalous ruin. As head of the family, Edward has vowed to find Freddie a bride—and fast…

Thrown together by Edward, Florence and Freddie make a perfect pair—until Edward realizes he has feelings for his brother’s betrothed. The sight of her nubile young body makes his blood burn with lust. The sound of her voice makes his heart warm with love. And the sweet taste of her kiss makes him wonder if he isn’t making a terrible mistake….

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Emma Holly lives in Minnesota where the winters are long and people will use any excuse to warm up. According to Emma, humanity’s best inventions are hot showers, the printing press, coffee, chocolate, and bicycle shorts for men. She can be reached at [e-mail] or P.O. Box 2591, Minneapolis, MN 55402-0591.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Jove; Reprint edition (July 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0515130990
• ISBN-13: 978-0515130997
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (68 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #732,929 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Emma Holly is the USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty very hot romantic books, featuring werewolves, faeries, and just plain extraordinary ordinary folks. Her favorite things are reading, coffee, long daydreamy walks, plus whatever show she's currently infatuated with on tv. She loves sinking into the worlds of her stories and hopes you do too!

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

79 of 80 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning romance novel rekindles memories of first passions July 13, 2001

By Rudolf Spoerer

Format:Mass Market Paperback

Emma Holly has toned down her more earthy, Black Lace type erotic writing skills in this romance novel that does not stop at the bedroom door with thoughts and wishes, but rather she takes us on a wonderfull magical journey into our minds and allows the reader to fully re-experience that wonderfull moment of submission with your first true love.

The story, set in the late 1800's in London deals with Edward, our hero, who must find a wife for his younger brother, Frederick, who was caught red handed (or something like that) with one of the handsome young males by a member of the upper echelon of London society. Since Freddie was the younger brother with no real inheritance, and on top of that, was now the talk of the town, in relation to his sexual preferences, the finding of a suitable society wife was no mean task to say the least.

In walks our heroine, Florence, the only daughter of a humble vicar left with barely enough inheritance to survive for a few more years. Florence decides to hire a lawyer, take her inheritance and invest it into a search for a suitable husband that would be able to maintain her for the rest of her life.

The perfect solution for Edward and his problem in getting Freddie married off.... and ... like all simple plans of mice and men, Edward was having problems controlling himself from the first moment hey laid eyes on Florence.

The book takes us through a romantic stroll as Florence is introduced into London society, as a long lost cousin of Edward and Freddie, by the reigning queen of the social circles, Edward's Aunt, Hypatia. In true romance novel fashion, the author spends a great deal of time setting up the characters as we witness the utter frustration of watching Edward begin to realize that maybe his brother was getting the better part of this deal....

The moment of 'awakening' for Edward and Florence is so well written being both tender and filled with love lust that the pages verily sizzle, and, if there is anyone that can do that and make it seem that you are there and living the experience, it's Emma Holly ....

I must say that this is the first romance book that I have read that is also an erotic masterpiece...... Read more ›

121 of 128 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A great debut in traditional romance July 24, 2001

By Barbara O'Neill

Format:Mass Market Paperback

Her Black Lace books have won legions of fans and now author Emma Holly brings her own special brand of sensual adventures to traditional romance with her first novel, BEYOND INNOCENCE. The author easily surpasses other authors of erotic romance in this book filled with multi-layered characters, a plot with meat to it and steamy love scenes that are not just page fillers but actually advance the story.

When Florence Fairleigh travels to London in 1873 to meet with her recently deceased father's solicitor, little did she know that the meeting would have far-reaching implications that would affect her life forever. Originally thinking to secure a position as perhaps a governess or teacher, Florence is, instead, thrust into London's social whirl in a plot to encourage a marriage for young Freddie Burbrooke, in the hope of settling him down and sparing him society's censure. In the process, Freddie's brother, Edward, earl of Greystowe realizes he has feelings for his brother's intended-feelings that deepen and finally are reciprocated. But can a true and lasting relationship be built on a foundation of lies?

As much as I like the eroticism of this author's work, in this instance I especially enjoyed the warm relationship between the two brothers, the caring and concern Edward (the older) had for his younger, homosexual brother, Freddie. It softened Edward's dark, stern outward personality and made him more real.

BEYOND INNOCENCE hooked me from the first page and never let me down. I found myself reading long after I would have put another book down for the night just to discover how the situation would resolve itself.... Emma Holly's Black Lace books are all on my `keeper' shelf and now that she's taken her skill and talent into the traditional field, it looks as if I may have to add more space on the shelf. Read more ›

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A KEEPER July 24, 2001

By "tltotexas"

Format:Mass Market Paperback

I found this book as I was browsing the ... book section. The cover of the book caught my attention because I love the Regency and Victorian periods. Since I had never read this author, I didn't know what to expect; but after reading the prologue, I took a chance and bought it. I LOVE THIS BOOK! The characterizations, the story line and the beautiful writing combined with the erotic love scenes make this book a keeper. I subscribe to Romantic Times magazine, and I looked back at the review of this book. The reviewer only gave this book 2 stars; she seemed to question Emma Holly's understanding of the time period and the morals of young ladies; and quoting, "...her attempt at writing an erotic romance falls a bit short." Well, that reviewer is wrong. I hope Ms. Holly keeps writing books set in the 1800's, and keeps writing great erotica.

43 of 46 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars a very enjoyable romance with great love scenes April 14, 2002

By Brenda Condit

Format:Mass Market Paperback

Emma Holly has created a wonderful book. This book has all the romance elements: a innocent, beautiful young woman who needs help. A wonderful widowed woman who takes her under her wing. A handsome Earl who tries to put everyone else before his own needs but finds himself so taken with the innocent woman that he can't help himself.

The innocent is Florence. She has come to London to find a husband. She is a daughter of a vicar who after he passes away finds herelf alone and on the brink of disaster. She decides that she must find a husband who can take care of her and her maid. She isn't looking for love because she is very practical just security.

Edward, the Earl is looking for a wife for his younger brother Freddie. The Earl is blown away when he first sees Florence. He agrees to help her without her knowledge and has his widowed aunt take her in. She has no idea of his plans for her and Freddie. The Earl's heart and body though have ideas of their own. He wants her so bad he aches. He tries to distance himself from her but can't. He craves not only her body but her love but tells himself that she is for Freddie.

Florence falls for Edward but knows that she must marry Freddie. She is torn by her love and lust for Edward and her vow she has made to marry Freddie. Finally both cannot over ride their passions any longer and they come together in a most erotic scene. Its very sexual but also shows that this is much more than sex its love. But before this passion brings them closer they must still overcome several obsticals.

I really enjoyed this book and read it in one day. I look forward to the sequel to this book that is due out soon.