3.5 stars
On the surface, Cromwell Stone, Duke of Kendal and Huxley Brigmore, Duke of Bedford loathe each other. However, only a trusted few knew that the passion they shared was deeper and more forbidden not only did they go through women like they changed their cravats, they did it together.
Lady Sophia Hodges’ obsession with tarot cards and the spirit world would have labelled her as odd, if not for the fact the Queen shares her interest. She ‘s found an erotic manuscript that she's been reading in secret & it’s given her such unnatural curiosities. Then finds herself engaged to Stone but she’s been in love with Huxley ever since he chased off a gang of ruffians who had been about to accost her. Now, she was going to marry his arch enemy, Stone, and be hated by default.
Only it seems both men are intent on pursuing her and fulfilling every naughty fantasy a well-bred virgin shouldn't even be having.
This is a sizzling read & very erotic, much of the novella revolves around Stone & Huxley seducing Sophia. There is a side plot that concerns them but although this had the potential to add tension & mystery to the story it fell short. The characters were to some extent likeable but I didn’t feel they connected with each other & I was left wondering if they loved each other or if it was just about the sex as there was very little romance. It was a quick erotic read.

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. The relationship between Sophie, Stone and Huxley is rather unconventional for their time but it is very erotic. Sophie buys a manuscript that is an erotic writing describing sexual acts and she wishes to explore these different situations. Loved the book and would highly recommend it if you are a fan of erotic writings.

Look, sometimes you just want to read a fun trifle of a romance. And this book delivers. Completely low on angst and high on fun. Lady Sophia Hodges is a bit of a wallflower and loves reading. At the beginning she thinks, "Why didn't they throw library parties, where everyone wore comfortable clothes and read books?" lol. This is my kind of heroine. Anyways, she gets her hands on a book that seems really boring called The Convent Life Chronicles---but it's really Victorian-age Erotica where a dude disguises himself as a nun, breaks into the convent, and basically has sex with everyone. Reading this book gives Sophia ideas...OF COURSE.

Anyways, 2 dukes: Cromwell & Huxley seem to hate each other but really love to share women, so Cromwell offers for her hand in marriage but they all fool around together. There's also a pretty delightful sub-plot about tarot cards and fortune tellers and the Victorian belief about the occult. HONESTLY, look at that cover. What you see is exactly what you're going to get and if that's what you're in the mood for, pick it up and give it a read.

MY ONLY WARNING: This is honestly more like a novella than a novel. It is SHORT. $6.99 seems like it's way too much for how long this book is...

I read a copy of this book obtained from the publisher from a NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. This book is a novella by Lorna James and while I thought the story had some ideas and plot points the would have been better served by a longer book it does deliver everything promised.... Two hot Dukes, a lusty Virgin and some very steamy MMF scenes.

I promised a fair and honest review in exchange for this ARC.....and as soon as my breathing returns to normal I will give it! Short and directly to the hot point. Mercy!! I am only sorry that it was so brief! If your sensibilities can handle scorching fantasies, this is for you.

Deliciously decadent. I could not put down this new recency erotica from Lorna James. The introduction of two heroes was new, and the over arching plot of the spiritual and supernatural made it stand out in a sea of recency romances. I just wish a little more time had been spent on the ending. It felt rushed. I would have read another 100 pages.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this was a hot read, but also a bit fun and sweet at some points. Sophia is not the typical debutante, she is interested in pshycic abilities and the possibility of telling the future and communicating with ghosts, which makes her strange in the eyes of society. At the same time she is also curious, especially about the relationship between men and women. Finding a book that piques her interest in this subject doesn't lessen her curiosity, and since she isn't a timid person, she has no qualms talking about the book when pressured by a hansome duke.

The two men, Huxley and Stone, act as enemies because of a familiyfeud, but are actually good friends, sharing their female conquests. They both have an interest in Sophia after meeting her and agree to try persuade her into being with both of them. She is not hard to persuade when she finally realizes what is going on.

I think the author has managed to give Sophia an innocent vibe that is not too much and a curiosity that would be normal for a female of that time, since so many subjects are taboo for them. Huxley and Stone are opposites in both looks and personality, complementing each other.

The storyline is simple and have some fun moments when the confused girl is courted by both men she is attracted to. The clairvoyance and tarotcards aren't really necessary in the story, but it is a nice touch to build up Sophia's character and the part about Huxley's sister gives plausable reason as to why he hasn't courted Sophia before. Adding a little danger and mystery to the mix also gave the story something more than just sex. The sex itself is not hardcore in anyway, but truly daring for a girl from that time and the author also shows several ways to have fun without actual intercourse, giving some variety to the scenes.

All in all, this was a book I enjoyed reading!

I chose to write this review, negative comments and all, despite the publisher’s request for only positive reviews.

AT-A-GLANCE: A quick, enjoyable read about two men and a woman falling into a polyamorous-ish relationship in 19th century England. Good sex, minimal plot.

CONTENT WARNINGS: sexism from side characters

THOUGHTS: The book is probably 20% plot, 80% erotica. The plot portion is not gripping and seems like a half-assed attempt at making this a romance rather than straight erotica; it doesn’t work. There is little to no believable romance in this book. Stone’s sudden obsession with Sophia is clearly a sexual thing based on her virginity and interest in an erotic book written in the 17th century; I’m willing to bet Stone would lose interest in her quickly after the novel finishes. Huxley’s obsession with her is said to have gone on for a few years, but readers are never really shown that; interactions with him are more of the same “man claiming virgin woman” tone that interactions with Stone have.

This book is all about sex — which is fine, nothing wrong with some well-written erotica — but I wouldn’t shelve this as a romance. With a bit more work, this could have been a romance, and one that I would have been pleased to read and recommend to friends with polyamorous interests. There were hints at decent polyamory representation, but they ultimately fell flat. Where emotions could have been expressed and developed, sex took over. (There wasn’t even anything to suggest Stone and Huxley cared for each other, which actually annoyed me. The book seemed to go out of its way to remind readers that they fought constantly.) But again, erotica is fine! I was just disappointed by what this could have been.

I recommend this book if you’re looking for heterosexual erotica. I do not recommend it if you’re looking for romance.

This is a ménage story. The two Dukes Stone and Huxley were supposed to be enemies. They were always fighting but in truth they were the best of friends. They shared their women. Neither were anxious to get married. Then along came Sophia. Stone wanted to marry her because she was willing to be adventurous during love making. Stone marries Sophia. This book contains a lot of sex. There are many graphic scenes with the three of them. The book was well written and a fast read. I will definitely read more books by this author.