The Price of Innocence [Mass Market Paperback]

Susan Sizemore (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 6, 1999

Possessed by Desire

Years ago, a handsome stranger rescued Sherrie Hamilton from a harem and enticed her into becoming his lover before returning her safely home. Now Sherrie is a respectable young widow and mother, chaperoning her young charges through fashionable London society-- until she comes face to face with her erotic dream. For there, accross a crowded ballroom, stands the one man who touched the very core of her sensuality, stirring old memories, and a new unbidden desire.

Obsessed by Love

Jack PenMartyn, Earl of PenMartyn, seeks to put his past behind him, yet he's obsessed by the one womanwhose pure innocence he stole; the woman who is the mother of the child he never knew he had. He knows that with one false word, Sherrie will expose the secrets of his past. But does he dare to hope that she will give in to the tempation of their recklesspassion for a future together?

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Sweep-you-away romance!" -- -- Christina Dodd, author of The Runaway Princess

About the Author

Susan Sizemore's life and interests include such varied activities as medieval costuming and embroidery, being a chef, and working in the defense industry. She is owned by her spoiled rotten, beloved mutt dog, rather than the other way around, and this is just fine with her. Current hobbies include hiking and studying t'ai chi. She travels whenever she can, loves history, loud music, movies, good coffee, and writes constantly. She hopes readers enjoy her stories as much as she enjoys writing them. She has won the Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart Award and has been nominated for two Romantic Times awards. She can be reached at [e-mail] and would love to hear from readers!

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Avon (April 6, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380804182
• ISBN-13: 978-0380804184
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,241,893 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Susan Sizemore is the New York Times, Award Winning Author of The Vampire Primes paranormal Romance series, the urban fantasy Laws of the Blood series and numerous historical, contemporary and futuristic romances. She has numerous short stories in many anthologies. Her fantasy novels include works for Ace, Five Star, Prime Books and Tor. She is the author of original works, MEMORY OF MORNING, PRIMAL CALL and WRITTEN IN INK exclusively available in ebook format.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Complex and entertaining Victorian romance, March 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Price of Innocence (Mass Market Paperback)

Almost a decade ago, Englishman Earl Jack PenMartyn was sailing the ocean as a pirate when he met Sherrie, an American prisoner on her way to a harem. Jack offers Sherrie a deal. She willingly gives him her innocence and he will in return give her freedom back to her. A desperate Sherrie accepts the Faustian deal. To his shock the rascally Jack never forgot his captive.

Almost ten years later, American widow Sherrie Hamilton escorts her cousins, who seek spouses amidst the aristocracy. Sherrie and her daughter relish the ease and respect awarded her as a widow. She intends to never remarry, especially after that glorious time with the pirate. However, Sherrie and Jack see each other during a ball. Both believe that the other is the dream and nightmare of their existence. Love takes control of their mutual hearts, but will that prove strong enough to overcome their sordid pasts?

At first glance, readers will think that sensational Susan Sizemore has too many elements in her Victorian romance. However, to the delightful surprise of the audience, the story line cleverly gels into a torrid historical romance. The lead characters are a witty duo, whose flashbacks demonstrate how intertwined their souls had become. The support cast provides the right degree of authenticity that makes 1870's England vividly come to life. After this story hits the bookstores, sub-genre fans will demand another complex tale from Ms. Sizemore.

Harriet Klausner

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ONE OF THE MOST MEMERIZING SEDUCTION SCENES I'VE EVER READ, May 4, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Price of Innocence (Mass Market Paperback)

Set in 1877 London. Orginal, with strong hero and heroine. The seduction scene between Sherrie and Jack when Sherrie is trying to convince him she loves him is one of the very best. Emotional, sexy, and satisfying. If you want a really lucsious love story with strong confident characters, that keep you quickly turning pages to find out what happens next, then read this book.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Different, October 25, 2000

By 

"jesabelle" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Price of Innocence (Mass Market Paperback)

I would have given this 4 stars except in areas it didn't explain enough and others it said too much about nothing. To begin with, this book IS different but it is also typical. Makes no sense I know. Usually, boy meets girl sparks fly, they fall madly in love and live happily ever after. Of course, only after several trials and tribulations in between. In this case, I was confused if it was love or lust. It wasn't until the end was that I figured it out. Maybe I don't have enough imagination. I dunno. Nope, I'm not giving it away.

I'm not much of a historian but I'm sure certain things were not "politicaly correct" for the era. What the heck, it's fiction. In some areas I skimmed because it did tend to get carried away. The secondary characters Ira and May were true friends and enjoyable too. Aunt Dora and the 'girls' I wouldn't have missed. In fairness, they did show promise toward the end.

Jack and Sherrie were well matched (in all ways). They both needed to learn to trust and forgive. Both themselves and each other. The sex was steamy but tastefully done.

I enjoyed Sherrie's taste for adventure. Minnie, like mother, like daughter. I really enjoyed Minnie. She was 8 going on 30. Probably because I could see myself being as determined and blunt.

My goodness, when I previewed this review it sounds negative but it was a good read and would recommend it because it is a little different. Go for it. Enjoy. Escape.