Customer Reviews

Lessons From a Scarlet Lady (Signet Eclipse)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

3.5 stars.

Kindle Readers: Please note that this book has a prologue, but that the book opened - at least for me - at chapter 1. The prologue is also not mentioned in the table of contents. I only discovered it because I hit the back button by mistake. Without it, you'll be missing the much discussed carriage scene.

I selected this book, because ... well, I don't entirely know. I'd pre-ordered it, so I must have heard something good about the author or she must have impressed me on a message board somewhere. Besides, gorgeous cover, which - as a Kindle owner - I can only appreciate from afar. I'm sure I was also interested because the plot promised some raciness. While I appreciate trembling virgin heroines, I also like a story with more advanced sensuality.

The plot actually gives us both types of heroines. We have the newly married Brianna and her friend, the yet unmarried, Rebecca. Brianna discovered in a small shop a book from a "scarlet lady." She bought it because she wanted to seduce her husband into being more attentive and also fulfill some of her own personal needs. Her husband, Colton, is both highly aroused and confused as to where she's coming up with these ideas. He finds a confidante in his brother Robert. Rebecca, Brianna's friend, is quite smitten with Robert, who is a "rakehell." Robert gives his brother terrific advice which amounts to not looking a gift horse in the mouth. This attitude immediately made me anticipate his scenes with Rebecca.

Brianna, Robert, and Rebecca are all - in their own ways - progressive thinkers. This is both good and bad. Obviously, it's enjoyable to read characters that see the world more in easily relatable modern terms. Jane Austen would have committed seppuku before writing a book about a wife dropping to her knees, although she might have enjoyed Rebecca's interest in composing. Robert, being the more experienced brother and Colton's sounding board, is as close to a feminist as one could expect back then - at least until he takes leave of his senses AKA falls in love. However, and remember that I want the heightened erotic elements, a book like this can edge on coming across as being people playing dress-up, rather than genuinely inhabiting that time.

I didn't fully buy that Brianna, who'd apparently been a perfect "lady" up until then, bought the book and then freely shared this knowledge with her friends, following the advice without trepidation. The plot wasn't a problem, but her comfort level struck me as too modern. How much this, and similar details, are a problem for you will be based on your expectations.

The actual guide book felt authentic though, and acknowledged the different expectations for women at that time and, certainly, the outsized control wielded by the men in their lives. This was a good device for speaking to the reader and used to greater effect than the moments when the characters seemed to take on the role of providing social commentary through their thoughts, as the heroines tended to do. I certainly didn't want them to be unaware, but the execution came across a reminder that this was a book written in modern times and with a modern sensibility rather than letting the events and the interactions between the characters lead the reader to her own thoughts on the restrictions of the time.

In truth, Rebecca and Robert started out as being the more interesting couple for me. She secretly composed music and the plot allowed an opportunity for him to accompany her in the playing of one of her compositions. I quite enjoyed that - the unknowing intimacy. The revelation that she was the composer came and went too fast. A third brother was also present, and he was also an enjoyable character. I have to say that Colton was my least favorite of the men up until the last few chapters.

The lovemaking wasn't truly outrageous, only perhaps advanced for the time, and more time was spent out of the bedroom than in it. There was a lot of conversation between the characters, and the pages were divided between the couples, so there was not a lot of time to fully explore any of the main characters.

I enjoyed "Lessons" overall, but I can't say I fully clicked with this author in the same way I have with a few other books I've reviewed recently. I adored the premise, but I'm left feeling not all of the potential was achieved. There's enough here for me to anticipate that this will find an appreciative audience though. I'm guessing the remaining brother, Damien, might find his own lady in the parlor, naughty girl elsewhere soon -- hopefully she'll get a copy of a certain advice-filled book.

Brianna and Colton have been married for three months. Their marriage is built on respect and care for one another. Colton has a reputation of being cold and straight laced because of his status as the Northfield, the fifth Duke of Rolthven. He's one of the wealthiest men in England and his wife thinks of him as her dashing prince. But as a new wife to such a man, she has doubts, which leads her to wonder if she can keep Colton satisfied and happy in bed, because many men like him to turn to mistresses for more outlandish requests when it comes to lovemaking. Brianna doesn't want to lie back in bed wearing her long virginal nightgown with the lights on low as Colton makes respectable love to her as he feels he should. She comes up with a plane to seduce her husband where he'll go wild with desire for her by using a naughty book as a guide from a former courtesan, the Lady Rothburg. When Brianna dresses in a very low cut gown at the opera, Colton is shocked and aroused. Things go quite well afterwards when the Northfields enjoy a steamy encounter together in their carriage.

Colton adores Brianna, even though he wouldn't call what he feels for her exactly love. At a very young age he has been taught to be very responsible and thinks of things in very cut and dry terms. He has no room for sudden emotional outbursts and likes to stay in control. Brianna begins to break down these walls he has built, and soon all he can think about is bedding her. His regard for Brianna changes where he becomes very suspicious and comes to the conclusion that the only way she has learned these new intimacies from a man, thus he comes to the conclusion that Brianna must be cheating on him. Things will take an interesting turn because based on Colton's trust issues, he could destroy their marriage.

As Brianna and Colton's marriage begins to worsen, his well known rakish brother, Robert, starts lusts after Brianna's unmarried friend, Rebecca Marston. Rebecca has wanted Robert forever, but her father has a very low opinion of him. Robert finds her to be too innocent for an improper man like himself. With the guidance of Brianna and Lady Rothburg's advice, Rebecca will try and seduce Robert just as Brianna has with Colton and hope that it will be enough where he'll turn his back on all other women and decide she's the one woman of his heart.

Lessons from a Scarlet Lady is a refreshing Regency romance because the main couple in are already married, care for one another deeply and enjoy one another in the bedroom. Brianna is innocent when it comes to certain things, especially in regards to what she learns from the courtesan's advice book and how to use those techniques in her marriage. What she does with Colton isn't too shocking and pretty tame from dressing more scandalously to engaging in other sexual positions and acts. Colton loves being with Brianna this way, but because of her openness and these new skills, he comes to the conclusion she must have learned it elsewhere. And I can't blame him because where would a virginal English miss, who came into a marriage unaware to what occurs in the bedroom, know pleasure her husband in some shocking ways? Colton's mistrust could have been nipped in the bud if only Brianna told him about her book, but she doesn't thinking he'd frown upon her reading material. Again some open communication could have stopped a whole lot of heartache, but then again there would be no story.

I did find Emma Wildes' tale a pleasing read. I loved how she balanced these close relationships, where she shows a loving marriage with some internal problems, to that of a more innocent one with Rebecca and Colton's dastardly brother, Robert. The love scenes are nothing too eye popping, but fit the overall tone needed. Some may find themselves a bit annoyed with Colton, not because of his concern with Brianna possibly having a lover, but because his unfortunate past that makes him cold and distant. Other than that, I found Lessons from a Scarlet Lady a pretty solid historical romance.

Katiebabs

As the Duke of Rolthven's new wife, Brianna is a model of decorum and her mannerisms are without reproach. Her marriage is comfortable yet she wants more, she wants her husband's love and is finding the advice found in the forbidden book `Lady Rothburg's Advice' very helpful in her pursuit of marital bliss. Her friends are stunned at her daring. Colton would be horrified to know that his wife is in possession of such a scandalous book. Brianna's thrilled that she's suddenly got his full attention but just because he desires her doesn't mean he loves her - and it's his love that she really wants.

The sudden changes in Colton Northfield's young wife are making him decidedly uncomfortable. It's not that he finds anything she's doing particularly distasteful but how is it that the same woman who came to him as a shy virgin has suddenly turned into a vixen? Colton is a busy man who doesn't take time out just to enjoy life - after all he has many people counting on him for their wellbeing. However, with Brianna's campaign to make him love her in full force he might just discover that there's more to life than business.

Brianna's taking great delight in the sudden attention she's garnering from Colton. Their lovemaking has taken on an intensity that she'd never dreamed possible until she began reading `Lady Rothburg's Advice' and implementing the courtesan's techniques and suggestions with Colton. He's always so staid and proper and those traits have extended into the bedroom - until now. With her own success at capturing her husband's attention thanks to a courtesan's advice Brianna decides that maybe her friends Rebecca and Arabella could profit from the sage advice found in her treasured book. While the advice found in the courtesan's writing does prove helpful, it also brings about troubles that could destroy everything Brianna hoped to accomplish. Will any of them find the love and sexual gratification they desire - or will the book prove to be the downfall of their relationships?

Just when you think reading historical romance couldn't get any better - it does! Emma Wildes' LESSONS FROM A SCARLET LADY is a wickedly sinful novel that captivates the imagination and titillates readers through the antics of the unforgettable characters. I loved how at the beginning of each chapter there's a tidbit from Lady Rothburg's writing and then seeing how Brianna chooses to use her suggestions. Colton and Brianna are perfect together but obviously have a few communication issues to work out - especially now that everything is satisfactory in the lovemaking department. Of course if that's not enough to hold your attention then there's always Rebecca's scandalous pursuit of Colton's brother Robert. It's positively delightful. Ms. Wildes' is a talented author whose historical novels captivate and keep you reading until the very last page and I look forward to many more of her titles in the future.

Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)

Lessons from of A Scarlett Lady has two romances, one which was a little mediocre (except for the bedroom trysts) and the other which is quite good with only a few intimate scenes but filled with terrific tension. Both stories have the commonality of a naughty little book written by a former courtesan, teaching women how to attract a man and how to keep him sexually satisfied.

Briana is the wife of a Duke; she is a kind considerate lady but also a little bored. Her husband is handsome, dutiful and solicitous but not very exciting in the sack. She discovers the book Lady Rothburg's Advice and goes about seducing her husband. She is quite inventive and her husband is startled at the changes in his demure wife. Seems the only problem these two have is Briana's husband is stuffy and unemotional. He does not cheat and has zero desire to do so. There was little conflict in this story. I never felt as if this couple's marriage was in peril. Briana was virginal when she came to her husband's bed so I am uncertain as to why she believed that her sex life was unsatisfying as she does not seem to share much about her bedroom life with her friends until after she has read her courtesan how to manual. Colton, her husband, was very attracted to his wife, as he describes her as beautiful throughout the story. The writing here is solid though and the trysting is quite steamy.

The other story in this novel is very good, so good in fact, that I wish there could have been at least 70 or 80 pages added to it. Robert is brother to Briana's husband the duke. He is handsome, debonair, and carefree and he loves the ladies. He is not searching at all for a wife.

Rebecca is sweet, kind and the best friend of Briana. She is an accomplished musician with controlling parents who want her to marry the richest and best titled bachelor. Rebecca has other plans as she has been madly in love with Robert for a year. He is unaware of her feelings and really unaware of her but she admires him from afar despite his unseemly reputation.

Robert rescues Rebecca from an overly besotted suitor and suddenly Robert sees Rebecca in a new light. The two attend a house party hosted by Briana and there they have an opportunity to learn about the other. Robert is awed by Rebecca's musical talent and Rebecca is swept away by Robert's charm and kindness. Easily the reader can fathom why these two are attracted to each other. Rebecca feels she needs more ammunition when it comes to claiming Robert's attentions so she turns to Lady Rothburg's book for some advice. The scenes between Rebecca and Robert, and not just the physical ones, are incredibly romantic. You almost sigh when they play music together, or share a kiss. This is a very endearing couple, so much so that this book rates four stars, even if one of the couples in this novel is a bit on the boring side (except in the bedroom) Robert and Rebecca never are.

Despite the back cover description, this ended up being a story about two couples - the Duke and Duchess of Rolthven (Colton and Brianna), who are married at the beginning of the book, and the duke's younger brother, Robert, who is attracted to the Duchess' friend Rebecca. I enjoyed both stories. The Duke and Duchess have a conventional ho-hum marriage. Brianna purchases a scandalous book and uses it to shake up her marriage. I suspect Brianna and Colton's story would wear thin without the secondary romance, which was lovely.

My two complaints: The primary characters' names sound like they were chosen from a contemporary high school yearbook. At the beginning of the book, Brianna's motives are that she wants a more intimate emotional relationship with her husband, by the end of the book it's become simply that she was bored with the sex.

I think I found a new favorite author. This is one hot, sexy book. It definitely raises the temperature compared to your average historical romance read, something that has been sadly lacking on my bookshelf lately. I found Lessons From a Scarlet Lady extremely enjoyable despite several negative aspects.
On the positive side:
1)You get not one but two simultaneous romances happening: the beautiful wife seduces her boring and oh-so-proper dashing duke and the ravishing debutante reels in the reluctant rake (all with the help of a scandalous book written by a former courtesan)
2) lots of sexual tension -tons of sparks flying here!
3)tons of passionate love scenes
4)romantic (some seriously dreamy moments here)
5)tons of passionate love scenes (I might have mentioned that already but it bears repeating ;))

As far as the negative aspects of the book go, I can honestly say that I have never enjoyed a historical story so much despite its strong contemporary elements. Though most of the words and actions of the characters were completely off base as far as the historical accuracy goes, it didn't matter to me one bit, the book was just that entertaining. I think it is because it is extremely sensual without being vulgar for lack of a better word, not surprising coming from an author who has previously written many erotic romances. The only major grip that I do have is that the romance between the duke and his wife is very similar (in fact parts of it seemed identical) to one of Wilde's short stories The Letter [Reformed Rakes 1] (Siren Publishing Classic). Despite that I'm keeping this on the bookshelf next to books like Lisa Valdez's Passion and Sylvia Days historical romances (Ask For It, The Stranger I Married etc.) They seem to have similar steamy erotic romance feel.

I recommend this one to readers of historical romance who want to spice it up a bit but don't mind the contemporary faux pas. Definitely not for your historical sticklers.

Well worth the purchase. I LOVE the fact that book contains 2 stories in one, and the author does a great job of keeping the reader involved in both.

Both stories are very believable and entertaining. I highly recommend the book.

Brianna, wife to the Duke of Rolthven, has bought a copy of a banned book. The book, "Lady Rothburg's Advice", was written by a courtesan and helps the reader learn how to please a man and keep his attention. Brianna has been married for three months and is determined to please her husband, Colton, in every way so that he will never look to a mistress.

Brianna and Colton have a content marriage, but Brianna hopes that they can grow together and that possibly her husband will fall in love with her. She fell in love with him before they married but is dissatisfied with his lack of attention. She wants him to notice her and to be more adventurous sexually.

The other part of this story centers around Rebecca, Brianna's unmarried friend. She has been infatuated with Colton's rakish brother Robert ever since they first met. Unfortunately he never notices her in return. After Robert unexpectedly helps Rebecca hide from a persistent suitor sparks begin to fly between them. Watching Rebecca and Robert fall in love was a sweet experience.

I really liked the fact that this book showed a couple working to make their marriage better and an unmarried couple slowly realizing that they would like to be together forever. It was nice to get to experience both sides of a relationship.

Brianna was a little too sweet and giving for me at times, but overall I liked her. She did have a habit of forgiving slights before I was ready for her to though. I liked that she was willing to work to make her marriage how she wanted it. She obviously realized that she couldn't force Colton's feelings for her, but she was smart enough to figure out that if he spent more time with her and found her more interesting his feelings might grow. Brianna was an odd mix of modern thinking and a product of her times. At times she seemed to have authentic expectations for a lady of her time, but at other moments she would seem more modern and have more expectations of equality.

Colton was my least favorite character of the book. He was a total product of his rank which I kind of liked. I hate when high ranking peers act like they don't care that they're a duke, earl, etc. It always pulls me out of the story because I sincerely doubt that most of them walked around thinking they weren't any better than anyone else. If he was just arrogant I wouldn't have minded so much, but he was stuffy on top of it. It was kind of funny to see him struggle with asking his brother for advice about Brianna. But I also wished he would relax a bit and let me see there was more to him other than his intense need for privacy.

Rebecca and Robert were an interesting couple. I actually liked them the most and kind of wish more time had been devoted to them. As Rebecca gets to know Robert more she realizes that she was just like everyone else and became infatuated with the surface he presents. After finding that he shares a love of music with her they both start to pay more attention to learning about their internal character. I loved Robert's interactions with his brothers. Watching him be amazed that Colton would be suspicious of things most men would love to have was humorous.

All in all a good read and I'll be on the look out for more titles by this author.

this novel was breath taking. i don't typically read "romance" novels, but i checked it out from the library on a whim. i couldn't put it down. the relationship were believable and dynamic. this novel has everything.Watching the girls change from the beginning to the end was captivating and the men's reaction to "lady r's" advice was hilarious. a great book.

finally. a book where the women are likeable and can seriously relate to. so well written that they become real. brava!!! found the confusion of the men entertaining!!! also adored the discussions the men had with each other!!! bravo!