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SIMPLY FORBIDDEN – Kate Pearce London, England – 1822 Lisette Delornay-Ross is caught between two worlds. One world is the respectability of upper class, while the other is of watching men partaking in debauchery and enjoying erotic pleasures. Lisette is the daughter of Helene Delornay, mistress of the Pleasure House, a place where illicit sexual activity occurs, while her father is the respectable Lord Knowles, a member of high society. Lisette isn't sure where she fits and for the most part, keeps her association to her mother and the pleasure house unknown to those she encounters while living with her father. During a party at her father's house, she becomes intrigued with Major Lord Gabriel Swanfield, who isn't exactly jumping through hoops to meet beautiful women. He appears tortured, and if rumors are correct, he is suffering from the effects of the war, where he was accused of treason, though not tried on the charges. Lord Swanfield is as dangerous as can be with his unknown past, and this certainly attracts the willful Lisette. Does he also visit the Pleasure House? Lisette wants to learn more about Gabriel, and she'll move heaven and earth to do so. Gabriel wasn't born a product of normal, titular parents. His much older titled father impregnated his scullery maid and secretly married her in order to give his son, Gabriel, respectability and set him up as his heir. Gabriel inherited everything upon his father's death, much to the displeasure of his uncle and cousins. When his war service ended after his capture and imprisonment, then disgrace, one can understand how Gabriel doesn't much care for life as a nobleman. Before meeting Lisette, the last thing on his mind is courting—or even marrying—a woman. But Lisette is persistent, and Gabriel cannot resist the lure of her charms. Soon he finds himself wanting her, but even as he tries to keep her at bay, circumstances toss them into a course where neither can avoid the other. In SIMPLY FORBIDDEN, we are introduced to two characters that are seemingly opposite of character, but indeed are similar, even if they can't see it. Lisette hasn't yet admitted it, but she feels like she was abandoned by both of her parents. Her mother sent Lisette and her twin, Christian, to a French boarding school, while her father never learned of their existence until just a few years ago. Like her mother, Lisette is independent and impetuous. Yet, meeting Gabriel has her emotions thrown in turmoil. He's unlike any other man she's encountered before and she has to pursue the forbidden pleasure he presents. Gabriel's brooding, tortured soul has forced him in a self-loathing behavior and doesn't mind that others disrespect him. He feels he deserves what he gets and when Lisette throws her attentions on him, he does what he can to dissuade her. But her persistency and sensual beauty draws him to her. She isn't afraid of his darker pleasures, yet she prefers to be the one in control of their tempestuous relationship. Gabriel tries to push her away, to make her abhor him, but it only seems to drive her to pursue him even harder. When Lisette discovers his connection to the Pleasure House, she pulls a few strings (it helps that your mother owns the place) and reels in Gabriel. Their erotic games will have you fanning yourself. He's soon hooked, even though he won't succumb completely to her charms. Then, something happens that forces his hand and changes their game of pursuer and pursued. Who will win in the end? Even as Gabriel is dark and forbidding, his inner turmoil and passion for Lisette shines through in SIMPLY FORBIDDEN. With its unforgettable characters and passionate love scenes, readers won't soon forget SIMPLY FORBIDDEN. Holly Tibbs |
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