Customer Reviews

Beyond Innocence

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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......

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.

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.

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.

In BEYOND INNOCENCE, Emma Holly writes a beautiful story about family love between brothers, and the degree of deception and self-denial to which one of those brothers will go to protect the other.
This book tells how young, naive Florence Fairleigh, fallen into poverty upon the death of her vicar father, is looking for a suitable husband for security sake. It seems almost miraculous that the "perfect" gentleman, Freddie Burbrooke, almost magically appears, and that in addition to being from a rich family, he also is handsome, charming and he likes Florence very much. Yet, as much as she returns his affection and enjoys his company, something is missing. That something is sensuality and passion.
Florence is quite satisfied to forego the passion in a marriage with Freddie, but with his older brother, Edward, it's another story. Edward and Florence develop a love/hate relationship that each tries to deny, yet it's visible to everyone, even Freddie. Edward maintains an outward appearance of frigid control, but Florence is the only thing that can melt him.
BEYOND INNOCENCE has extremely erotic scenes. It also deals with very real issues of homosexuality, love and denial. This is a wonderful book and a keeper.

Emma Holly is known more for her erotica than romances, so when I started this book, I knew I was in for a hot hot read...and to be sure I was not disappointed.
I loved the 'sweet' erotica mixed with the believable romance, and even the issue of Freddie's homosexuality was dealt with nicely and not just skimmed over.
Edward was one of the BEST heroes I have read about in a loooong while. Stuffy and dour from outside and seething with repressed sexuality inside...just my kind of a guy!
I am off to read Beyond Seduction now, and hope Ms Holly writes a couple of historicals soon, instead of the Werewolf books she is experimenting with now!

Emma Holly joins the bandwagon of erotic romance writers like Robin Schone and Susan Johnson with her new Victorian novel Beyond Innocence. While most erotic romance involves gothic and sinister elements as in Thea Devine's novel, Ms. Holly pens it straight with a typical moral quandry with Florence Fairleigh seeking a marriage through a solicitor Mowbry, pressed by her poverty. Lord of Greystewe, Edward Burbooke in an attempt to save his brother Freddie from a scandal of being caught with a footman in an uncompromising situation, sought Florence as his sister-in-law only to realize his attraction to her graduates to an abiding love.

Emma Holly as an erotica writer, creates deftly sexual tension that stokes on the forbidden primal urges of Edward. It builds up with Florence getting caught with him in sizzling situations, like Edward acting as a voyeur when she dresses and him coaching her in intensifying sexual acts like bondage. The preliminary seduction is deliciously intriguing and explodes to a climax when Edward learns that love surpasses his lust for Florence. Ms. Holly brings in homosexuality with Freddie falling for Nigel but falls short on insight. Edward learns that giving Freddie the happiness is the acceptance of what he is and not striving to mold him as a paragon of society's elite.

I think I expect more from Ms. Holly with her background as an erotica writer - she is undoubtedly a master at crafting rousing sexual prose, but the plot and scenario is definitely obsolete and falls short of imagination and becomes predictable. Beyond Innocence is nonetheless a must read for fanatics of erotic romance; her racy and steamy narration makes even the most innocent reader blush and panting for more.

I loved this book. Extremely erotic with several plot turns and situations that were unexpected. I couldn't put it down. I had to know what they were going to do next.

Emma Holly captures the emotions complicated situations and gives a modern feel to a story from another century and a society that didn't value women much. Yet her female characters were strong and sometimes flawed as were her male characters.

And lets not forget the erotic love scenes. Too Hot to mention on the net. You must read the book

here finally is a nice blend of erotica with historical romance. The description from the back cover reads : 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.
Exward Burbrooke thinks marriage is the only way to save his brother Freddie - and thier 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 realises that he has feelings for his brother's betrothed.

I have finished BEYOND INNOCENCE by Emma Holly and I just love it. Now I confess that I am a big fan of Emma's, proven by my possession of everything she's published. But I believe that this is the best book she's ever written. It's certainly going to be one of the 10 best books I've read all year.

Florence is a delight: spunky, loving and creative. Edward is a wonderful Alpha male who grows in imagination and compassion throughout the book. I adored Freddie, who somehow managed to be a real person instead of Too Good To Be True. The triangle between these three was intense and quite real to me. I even sniffled at a few points, something I almost never do.

The plot turns on a Big Misunderstanding that's one of the very, very few misunderstandings that I can't see anyone wanting to talk about and thereby solve. I loved the fact that Freddie was the one who broke the barrier of silence and started the resolution.

As a wannabe author, I am in total awe of the craftsmanship shown in this book. Characterisation, plotting, and the prose used - ah, the marvelous prose! Just truly beautiful. And my favorite Emma Holly verb appeared. I always grin when I read about the hero "chuffing".

If you like erotic romance, you're going to love this book