Review: Improper Relations by Juliana Ross

Improper Relations by Juliana Ross

Available April 23rd, 2012 

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

A short but sweet review.

Dorset, 1858

When Hannah's caught watching her late husband's cousin debauch the maid in the library, she's mortified-but also intrigued. An unpaid companion to his aunt, she's used to being ignored.

The black sheep of the family, Leo has nothing but his good looks and noble birth to recommend him. Hannah ought to be appalled at what she's witnessed, but there's something about Leo that draws her to him.

When Leo claims he can prove that women can feel desire as passionately as men, Hannah is incredulous. Her own experiences have been uninspiring. Yet she can't bring herself to refuse his audacious proposal when he offers to tutor her in the art of lovemaking. As the tantalizing, wicked lessons continue, she begins to fear she's losing not just her inhibitions, but her heart as well. The poorest of relations, she has nothing to offer Leo but herself. Will it be enough when their erotic education ends?

22,000 words

“Tell me what this feels like,” he demanded.

How should I answer?  “It’s very nice,” I said,which seemed to fit the moment.

“Nice?  That’s all you have to say?  Nice?”

“I beg your pardon---”

“It’s more than goddamn nice,” he growled.  “It’s bloody perfect, that’s what it is.”

Wowsa.  That was a hot one.  This novella is set in England in the year 1858.  We meet Hannah who is widowed and a companion to her late husband's aunt.  One day in the library she witnesses the passion between her cousin (by marriage) Leo and one lucky lady.  Hannah never knew that there could be such pleasure shared between two people.  Leo makes a proposal to teach her.  At first she approaches it more out of curiosity but soon lust is taken to a whole other level. 

Juliana Ross is very talented and knows how to write steamy scenes.  You can bet I will be watching out for more from her.

Highly recommended for anybody wanting a quick afternoon read filled with passion and discovery.   

ARC provided from Netgalley