His Perfect Passion

Somerset Historicals #1

by Raine Miller

Somerset, 1837

‘Ti amo, mia cara’

The fine art of persuasion. Darius Rourke and his burning passion for a woman. The gentle Marianne…as beautiful as she is mysterious.

When presented with an opportunity to make her his bride, Darius takes it, and knows Marianne will finally belong only to him.

Or will she?

Marianne carries a secret. Something she believes will prevent her from ever being worthy to be loved by any man—even the masterful Darius, despite the fact he captivates her utterly.

A look… A caress… A kiss… A brooding sensuality. A lushly passionate tale of lovers entangled in the discovery of each other’s sins and secrets. As Darius and Marianne embark upon the journey together, they will find that learning to command is just as important as learning to surrender.

A man who knows what he wants...

A woman who needs him in order to know her worth…

‘Ti amo, mia cara’


2nd edition
© Raine Miller Romance, September 2016
Originally published with the title: His Perfect Passion

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Erotica, Erotic Romance, BDSM, Historical Fiction

118 pages

First published March 24, 2014

About the author

Raine Miller has been reading romance novels since she picked up that first Barbara Cartland book at the tender age of thirteen. And it's a safe bet she'll never stop, because now she writes them too! Granted Raine's stories are edgy enough to turn Ms. Cartland in her grave, but to her way of thinking, a hot, sexy hero never goes out of fashion. A former teacher, she's now writing sexy romance stories full time. She has a handsome prince of a husband, two brilliant sons, and two bouncy Italian Greyhounds to pull her back into the real world if the writing takes her too far away. Her sons know she likes to write stories, but gratefully have never asked to read any, thank God! Raine loves to hear from readers and to chat about the characters in her books. You can contact her at raine_miller@ymail.com or visit www.RaineMiller.com to sign up for updates and her newsletter with links to upcoming books. Join us on Facebook at the Raine Miller Romance Readers group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/raine...

Reviews

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★ 1/2 ! The passion of Darius, Prequel #1. Darius Rourke lovingly kinky seduction of Marianne’s body & soul!

“Still standing in the same spot, tracking her, Mr. Rourke smiled, his perception all-knowing, as if he’d been assured she’d turn back to him.”

The Blackstone Affair and Rothvale Legacy historical prequels introduce us to the Rothvale’s, Greymont’s and Rourke’s and their homes in Somerset England. All which will serve a part in the contemporary series.

SOMERSET HISTORICALS
Book 1: The Passion of Darius
Darius & Marianne (year 1837)
Book 2: The Undoing of a Libertine
Jeremy & Georgina (year 1837)
Book 3: The Making of Lady Percival
Percy & Claire (year 1838)
Book 4: Untitled
Nathaniel & Flor (year 1838)

THE BLACKSTONE AFFAIR - Ethan & Brynne
Book 1: Naked
Book 2: All In
Book 3: Eyes Wide Open
Book 4: Rare and Precious Things
Book 5: The Blessings of Ethan Blackstone

Stonewell Court Somerset, England, spring 1837.

In The passion of Darius we meet British-Italian gentleman Darius Rourke who has had his eyes set on and worked tirelessly to have Marianne George as his wife. Exactly for how long and to what extent will unfold with story.

DARIUS ROURKE:
30-35 years/Italian-British/Heir/Gentleman/Landowner/$$$/Black hair/Brown eyes.

Marianne has been caring for her father since her mother’s passing. Though enthralled and mesmerized by the attentive, handsome and mysterious Mr. Rourke she is set on becoming on old maid.

MARIANNE GEORGE:
20-25 years/British/hobby artist/Dark brown hair/Blue eyes.

It’s not only about securing a wife and an heir. The kinky side of him has zeroed in on Marianne’s submissive tendencies. Set against the backdrop of Darius’ wooing, seducing and coaching Marianne as they become husband and wife it’s very much a journey of sexual exploration with them venturing into the world of BDSM.

“She had fire in her waiting to be stoked. This he could tell. He also suspected that submitting to him, to his dominance, would appeal to her.”

But both have secrets they rather keep, Marianne more so. What’s holding her back? What’s Darius story? And is kinky sex enough? Ultimately it’s their story of self-reflection and growth and making peace with one’s past.

“Delicious. I want to remember this forever. Your innocent flavor as it is now… before I take you. So I may never forget how perfect you were in this moment.”

***
Hero rating: 4.5 stars
Heroine rating: 4 stars
Sexual tension rating: 4.5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 4.5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 4 stars
Plot rating: 4 stars
Dialogue rating: 4 stars
Storytelling rating: 5 stars
Story ending rating: 4.5 stars
Book editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): 4.5 stars
************************************************
Overall rating: 4.5 stars

Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Yes.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish]

No Rating: Did Not Finish

Based on the synopsis and the 4+ star Goodreads rating, I had such high hopes for this story, but by the halfway point I just couldn’t go on.

What I liked:

The idea of the story. The compelled marriage theme set in a historical erotic romance with a D/s relationship sounded sublime!

What I didn’t like:

Again, the idea of the story, because while I knew where Ms. Miller wanted the story to go, it was taking too long to get there.

The dialog really put me off. The hero and heroine repeatedly using each others’ names during sex scenes, and I do mean repeatedly.

The hero telling the heroine to do something, then frequently telling her “you know you want to…” felt awkward. It wasn't sensual to me, instead it sounded like the hero didn't think the heroine could think for herself.

I never felt the passion being described, instead, I felt like I was reading a script.

The bottom line:

Since I DNF’d this story at the halfway mark, I don’t feel right about giving it a Goodreads rating because it might have picked up had I continued reading, who knows?

As I mentioned before, this is a highly rated book, so it's possible that my less than enthusiastic opinion of the story is just a "me" thing. If it sounds like something you'd enjoy, I encourage you to give it a try.

For those wondering, if I had to rate the portion I did read, I would give it 2 stars.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first historic romance, but knowing that there was going to be some cross over to Rare & Precious Things, I knew I had to read this.



Darius has taken notice of Marianne, he notices an instinct to submit and there is nothing that Darius wants more than to take her and gain her submission. Marianne is caring for her drunken father who is slowly drowning them in debt. When not being able to pay your debt is cause for punishment, Darius steps in with an offer that can solve all their problems. Simply really, just marry him.

But Marianne harbors a secret and the guilt she suffers makes her feel unworthy of the man that she’s taken as a husband and a lover – the same man that has fallen in love with her. Now he must convince her that she is worthy of his love.

This was a very steamy romantic read that had woven in aspects of BDSM in effortlessly. Although this was fantastically written and the characters were both ones that you instantly wanted to know more about, the historic thing just isn’t my cup of tea. But with the way that Raine Miller tells a story, you can’t help but just be pulled completely into it.

I recommend this to not only those who like historic romances, but for those who are fans of The Blackstone Affair books. Having now finished Rare & Precious Things; the connection really was a neat aspect of the story to discover.

[Joëlle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for “Somerset Historicals - 01 - The Passion of Darius” by Raine Miller

I was gifted this book by the author as a winner of the “Shh… Holiday GIFT Drawing 2016!”. A special thanks to this author but also al the other authors gifting books in that GiveAway as well as a thanks to the amazing team which organized it.

I haven’t read many historical books yet but I loved this one. It was well written and descriptive. This was the first book ever written by this author.

In the year 1837 Darius Rourke knows what he wants, who he wants and won’t stop until he has the lovely, sweet, mysterious, submissive Marianne George in his arms and in his bed. When Marianne's father’s debt get to high, Darius sweeps in to save them and accomplish his goal. Marianne feels cherished but thinks she’s not worthy to be loved and carries a secret. Will it ruin their marriage?

I loved Darius. He’s a real gentleman. At least outside of the bedroom... That’s how I love them!

The blurb mentioned ‘aspects of BDSM’ but I think it was very light.

I’m giving this book 4 stars and diving directly into the next book in this series ‘The Undoing of a Libertine’

[Belinda Boring · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yep, I went into this book hearing how amazing it was so I was somewhat prepared but seriously, the very INSTANT I met Darius Rourke, the sexy hero .... I was a COMPLETE goner!! This man felt like he was dipped in decadent chocolate ... I was dipped in chocolate or heck, we both were because he was absolutely SINFUL!! He was caloric!! He was swoonworthy!! He was masterful!! He was panty melting material!! It didn't take long for me to fall under his spell to where I was ready to follow any of his commands. In fact had you watched me reading, you would've heard me whispering giddily "Darius, tell me to say it. I will you know... I love you." This is the EXACT reason why I love reading romance and it just got better and better.

I loved the mixture of historical romance and bdsm. Now before you go thinking of lords and ladies wielding floggers and chains, it's not like that. This was really light bdsm - think robe sashes to restrain and blind folds. The focus was more on the need to submit and dominant... to provide the needs of the other so that both were happy and fulfilled. I thought Raine did an outstanding job with it, the things Darius would say to Marianne making me tingle. I loved the way the author explained it and the limits she set within the story. It made for interesting dynamics between the couple, especially when it came to sharing feelings of love.

I adored this couple. Can you imagine how incredible it would be to find out the man you marry has loved you for what seems like your entire life? You have been watched over and protected. Things you said in passing carefully and lovingly remembered. It was enough to make me swoon to know Darius had always loved Marianne, he was just bidding his time before stepping in and making her his. The opening scenes were enough to make me feel like his gaze was on me, it was so easy to fall into the story and join the characters.

I loved the conflict and inner turmoil I found in His Perfect Passion. It reached in and grabbed hold of my heart, laughing and crying for both of them. Marianna has this terrible secret, one she hopes Darius will never find out because even though it takes her a while, she actually loves him and doesn't want to lose him. To know his wife is harboring something, something he can't fix and wipe away the sadness from her eyes, it hurts Darius. Oh gosh, it was all just so beautiful because all they needed to do is confide in one another but hey, what would the story be without the extra angst to make you really love the characters? The storyline was PERFECT for me as a romance junkie. It left me breathless and excited for more.

I would recommend this book to everyone without hesitation. Please don't let the term "bdsm" make you overlook this wonderful romance story. Love comes in all forms ... what's important is the journey and this is one I am so VERY grateful I didn't miss. Happy reading everyone!!

[Grecale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bellissimo!!!!

[Nσҽɱí · Rating 3 out of 5]

Una historia corta y fácil de leer, no tiene una trama muy complicada... Eso si, ella a veces me ha resultado muy pavita y él demasiado empalagoso, pero por lo demás no ha estado mal. Espero que los demás libros de esta serie estén mejor

[Laura Helder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let us take the time to review an older novella by Raine Miller. We are constantly craving the next hot story to be released. We should take the time to reflect on our favourite authors’ earlier body of work and see how these stories may have shaped the stories and characters we now know and love!

His Perfect Passion by Raine Miller

Darius Rourke has long desired the beautiful and mysterious Marianne, seizing the opportunity to claim her when her family falls on hard times. Darius intuitively understands Marianne's need for direction and is willing to do anything to be the one to give it to her. What he doesn't know is that submission is security for Marianne, helping her to cope with a sin from her past. The wedding night confirms his virgin bride is the passionate woman Darius always dreamed she would be, but the more entangled they become, the harder it is for Darius to play the role of 'master,' for ultimately it will never give him that which he wants most of all—Marianne's love. A confrontation is due for Darius and Marianne who must both face the fears and painful secrets threatening to destroy their fragile love, their future together, and the perfect passion they both crave. Published in 2011

I have just finished “His Perfect Passion” by Raine Miller. This novella is described as a historical erotica…and that it is!! Going into it I thought, historical? Will I even like this? But then I thought it’s Raine “freaking” Miller! She gave us Naked and All In and aren’t we all eagerly anticipated Eyes Wide Open on May 14th? Oh, Ethan Blackstone…*sigh*

Ms. Miller does not disappoint with this love story between Darius and Marianne.

" Fisting handfuls of her hair, he breathed in the scent, his weight settling back against her side. “I’ve imagined you like this with your glorious hair flowing free, lying in our bed, waiting for me.” His mouth moved to her neck, grazing in the hollows with gentle lips and teeth. “Open the top of your dress. I want to see you, Marianne.” "

If that isn’t hot enough for you…

" “Mia cara…ti amo.” He whispered the words under his breath. Despite his whispering, Marianne still heard him. She also knew what his words meant. Marianne was not fluent in Italian, but she knew he’d said, “I love you. "

This is a love story laced with some steamy erotic love scenes. Darius is a loving Dom and Marianne his submissive. I loved Darius. He was dominant but was somewhat insecure. This made me feel compassion for him-wanting him to get the love he so desired! I found Marianne to be a strong sub! I admired her for the strength she had and how she loved the passion (aka, the hot sex) she found with Darius.
He feels he doesn’t deserve her because of how he “acquired” her. She doesn’t feel she deserves love because of an incident of her past. I don’t want to give too much away because I feel you should just read it and see for yourself!

Being a “historical” novella set in the late 1830’s, I didn’t feel as if it hindered the story in any way. The descriptions of the ocean scenes made me feel as if I was there experiencing it with Marianne. The talk of clothing and where they lived was relevant to the era. The dialogue between Darius and Marianne is what I imagined it would be for that time period. Actually, the story was quite refreshing from what I have read lately, don’t get me wrong, I still love the new adult/young adult novels with the characters in high school or college, but I think I have found a new genre to love and swoon over; historical romance it is!! Thank you Raine, and I can’t wait to start “The Undoing of a Libertine”.

The only thing I didn’t like about the book is that it wasn’t long enough!! I am hoping one day that Ms. Miller will give us a longer version of this novella and more, much, much more of Darius!

~Laura Helder

[Leggere Romanticamente · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recensione sul blog qui --> https://www.leggereromanticamente.com...

[KatieV · Rating 1 out of 5]

From the description, I understood this was a mild D/s type of book. There was mention of him telling her what to say, do, etc. Sometimes I get kinky and like some mild D/s, light bondage, and forced dirty talk (yes, I'm a freak). Honestly I didn't even consider it erotica aside from the fact that the terminology used was cruder than your average historical romance. Nothing too freaky going on. I think there was a blindfolding.

Anywho... this wasn't exactly what I expected. There was a teeny-tiny bit of forced/coerced dirty talk but mostly it was the most mundane crap. It went like this (okay, yes, I'm taking some liberty with the dialogue):

Darius: 'You know you want a ham and swiss sandwich for lunch. Tell me you want a ham and swiss sandwich for lunch.'

Marianne: 'Yes, Darius. I want a ham and swiss sandwich for lunch.'

[Vicky Sp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I protagonisti di questa storia sono due amanti che si scoprono essere molto passionali. Darius ha un carattere impositivo e prevaricatore, un uomo ricco abituato al controllo e al comando. Marianne farà di tutto per assecondarlo ed essere una brava moglie, ma andrà vicino al misero fallimento molto presto dopo le nozze. Suo marito è molto affabile con lei, sempre attento e premuroso, ma lei sente di non  meritare tutto quello che le dà, tantomeno l’amore con cui la riempie. Eppure desidera ardentemente esserne degna anche se non sa da dove iniziare. Un incidente, un mancato pericolo, le fornirà l'occasione per raccontare se stessa e il suo segreto al marito. Storia breve ma intensa;  Darius un amante attento, passionale, comprensivo e tanto innamorato di sua moglie

[Debby *BabyDee* · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not sure what to say about this audiobook. It was very interesting and unusual. I came close to DNF the book as it sort of hinged on perverted. Hero watched the heroine when she was young from afar and waited until she became of age...he being 10 years her senior. Although the story does not mention age but I pictured him a lot older than her.

The narration was performed well by the male, Shane East, however I could not gravitate to the female narrator...her voice just did not agree with the story for me. This was not my cup of tea.

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

To begin with, I love Raine Miller's writing, since I read The Blackstone Affaire series last year and she's on my top list of authors that really knows how to write a hot scene ;) The main trama is quite predictable, but still has something special, like her other books the main characters have this passion and great love for each other that truly captive your attention since the beginning, it's well written and really quick to read. I was looking for a light read after a book hangover (you know something that made me smile) and it was great.

[Océano de libros · Rating 1 out of 5]

Darius Rourke está enamorado desde hace años de Marianne George, ahora que el padre de esta pasa por una situación financiera complicada decide que es el momento de hacer su sueño realidad y convertirla en su sumisa esposa. Marianne esconde un traumático pasado que complicará la relación.
Libro previo a la trilogía “El affaire Blackstone” que todavía no ha caído en mis manos pero que supongo que pronto (o no, casi seguro) aunque este libro no me ha hecho ni fú ni fá.
Primero, Darius, al principio me parecía interesante pero poco a poco (y el libro no tiene muchas páginas) se me hace demasiado pegajoso con Marianne, tanta devoción me inquieta, me repele. Además el tema de la sumisión hasta me pareció ridículo (ya a estas alturas estoy saturada de tanto libro de BDSM); prácticamente y a través de esos diálogos tirando a lo infantil nuestro prota le organiza la vida a Marianne, casi casi que se hace un monólogo el solito, oye.
Más o menos se resume en la siguiente imagen (espero que salga porque aún no le tengo cogido el truquillo para que me aparezca la imagen):


Por otro lado, Marianne parece que se deja llevar por la corriente, supongo que en un relato corto como este las cosas pasan tan de sopetón que no hay manera de adentrarse y extenderse en cada personaje y su historia personal. Sintiéndolo mucho me pareció tonta (o para que no se ofendan, un robot o loro que repite lo que le dicen u ordenan), o eso es lo que nos deja ver la autora porque prácticamente parece un títere a las órdenes de Darius.
Sinceramente me ha decepcionado, porque hasta ese secretillo de Marianne pasa desapercibido es un mero hecho para darle un interés al libro que no lo tiene. Una pena también porque el continente tenía buena pinta (portada, sinopsis) pero el contenido deja mucho que desear, una historia sin vida.

[Musing · Rating 4 out of 5]

His Perfect Passion was an outstanding read! From the first page, the passionate, delectable Hero, Darius, had me swooning! Raine Miller is one talented author! Even if you are not into reading Historical Romance, if you have read her fabulous books from The Blackstone Affair, you will receive the same jolt of lust for Darius that you did Ethan Blackstone! YUM!

This was a fast and sexy novella. With light undertones of BDSM, and I do mean light, Darius controlled his longtime love, Marianne, both in and out of the bedroom, with captivating gentleness. His delight in her, his reverent adoration of her, was completely enticing. It feels demeaning to say that such a debonair character was HOT, but seriously, Darius was. He made Marianne tingle with awareness. ( I dare to say he will do the same to you!)

Raine Miller's incredible storytelling left me breathless. Her ability to weave Marianne's mysterious and devastating history between the love story, was impeccable. The story was fast paced, the fervent intensity sizzling, and the ending blissful! A great read when you need a sensual pick me up with a wonderful HEA.

Thank you Raine Miller for sharing this book with me. No compensation was received for this honest review.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this last night and just got so lost in it I couldn't put it down. Stunningly written, this was a true historical romance. So much passion, sensuality and some erotica. The story of Darius and Marianne is breathtaking. He secretly watches her from afar grow into the woman he knows will be "His Perfect Passion" and wife. The way he looks at her and his thoughts of her are so sensual and beautiful I think I sighed through the whole novel. The epilogue had me in tears. When a book can actually bring my emotions out into the open like that I have to say "WOW". If I'm not mistaken this is Raine Miller's first published work and I do declare it was very beautifully and eloquently written. All romance with very little drama. Sometimes we need just that.

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm still trying to understand what makes this book "Gothic." A pathetic little mystery is not enough. Study Gothic characteristics before labeling your book. I kept hoping she was a vampire or something. That's a characteristic of Gothicism. But, nope. Just a sad little guilt complex over a "sin" that is more stupid than tragic. Pathetic book.

[Liriom_Land · Rating 3 out of 5]

El libro es cortito (194 paginas en fisico), quizas por eso lo he visto un poco precipitado y me ha faltado mas desarrollo de la historia, la he visto limitada a situaciones muy concretas entre ellos.
Aun asi, me ha resultado entretenido y tierno.

[✿kawehi.reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

☆ I was kindly and generously gifted this title by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you lovely! ☆

4.75 stars!!★★★★☆

Loved it!! ♥♡

[Sam Moon · Rating 1 out of 5]

NO. Me niego. Tremendo desastre.

Podrían haber escrito en la sinopsis que el libro era tan terrible...

Darius tiene los morales más CUESTIONABLES posibles... Es un maldito pervertido y obesionado, pero jaja jiji todo bien, ¿n0? ¡NO! Señora, ¿pero esto qué es?

Y el """"plot twist""""" Madre mía...

Sin comentarios sinceramente.

Gracias a la revista QMD al menos... Por hacerme reír con este libro que traían.

[Wendy LeGrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book by Raine Miller! His Perfect Passion is a historical novel about Darius Roarke, an Englishman with an Italian mother who has been admiring Marianne George for many years. Marianne is a beautiful girl who has secrets that have affected her life and leaves her feeling unworthy of ever receiving love. Darius strives to marry Marianne but she rejects his advances so he forces her hand with some underhanded tactics in order to achieve his goal. Once they are together Darius realizes that Marianne has a natural submissive nature which he initially uses to his advantage. But once he comes to the realization that he is truly in love with Marianne he is no longer satisfied with being dominant over her and wants desperately for her to love him in return.

Without revealing any spoilers we find out why Marianne feels the need to be submissive and the love story that unfolds with these two people is heartwarming and beautiful. Raine does an excellent job of describing the characters, their appearance, their thoughts, their feelings. She also has a way of setting the background and describing their surroundings that puts you smack dab in the middle of the story. I couldn't put the book down. I want to read it over and over again.

Something that I absolutely love about Raine's books is the way she interweaves her characters into her other books. The characters and places in His Perfect Passion make an appearance in her next historical novel called The Undoing of a Libertine. And her Blackstone series has multiple references to the characters and places in her two historical novels. I recommend His Perfect Passion, as well as ALL of Raine Miller's books as absolute must reads!

[Feel The Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recensione a cura di Persefone per Feel the Book

L’attesa del piacere è essa stessa il piacere.

Trovo questa frase assolutamente adatta a questo breve romanzo che è intriso di sensualità.

Ambientato nell’Inghilterra del 1837, questo libro si accentra non tanto sull’ambientazione storica, ma sui due protagonisti e sul rapporto che si viene a instaurare.

Darius da anni è ossessionato dalla giovane Marianne, ha atteso che diventasse una giovane donna imponendosi di aspettare e la passione era così viva che lo ha addirittura costretto ad allontanarsi dalla zona.

Darius è un uomo astuto e metterà Marianne nella condizione di non poter rifiutare la sua corte e il conseguente matrimonio.

Saprà comprendere i suoi desideri e il suo bisogno fisico di essere guidata ma, almeno inizialmente ,non riuscirà a sconfiggere quella ritrosia, quel senso di inadeguatezza che la sua compagna si porta dietro; sarà il tempo a metter a nudo il passato di Marianne, e anche in questo caso Darius, che appare come dominante nella coppia, dimostrerà invece una sensibilità fuori dal comune.

È un libro che ha tutto il necessario per piacere, l’uomo affascinante e deciso, la fanciulla solo apparentemente remissiva, sentimenti forti ed erotismo, tanto erotismo.

Le scene di sesso sono quelle che conosciamo già dai precedenti libri della Miller, dettagliate, sensuali e mai volgari anche se devo dire che la prima parte del romanzo, quella in cui ci sono sguardi e passione che brucia sotto pelle, è quella che ho trovato più erotica.

Unico appunto: è un romanzo breve. Darius e Marianne potevano raccontarci ancora molto.

Editing a cura di Dancing Fairy per Feel the Book

[HMS · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-4.5 stars. As an older story of one of my favorite authors, I am glad I saved this one...I've been on a bit of a historical bender lately and loved every word. This is a quick yet powerful read of a proper lady and a gentleman. This is a time of restrained attraction, liking the look of someone, having a few, short escorted encounters or public sightings and then asking for a hand in marriage. No getting to know you, no succession of "dates" just like the look of each other and marry or be forced into marriage because of circumstance. A short courtship and then get to know your mate, if you are fortunate to have two willing partners. Although the setting is the start of the Victorian era in England, Darius is anything but restrained for his new bride and even though a virgin bride, she has the same deep seeded passion buried under her many skirts. They develop a deep companionship and eventual understanding of each other and their individual fears. Highly recommended to those who enjoy historical romance.

[˚₊‧꒰ა vruxreads ໒꒱ ‧₊˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝗥𝗘-𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 - 12/10/24

❝ I love…I love you. Can’t you understand? I love you, Marianne!” Anguish of the heart compressed painfully inside his chest.❞

‼️no cheating, no ow drama‼️
────୨ৎ────

Darius Rourke was an Italian millionaire who was obsessed with Marianne, deeply desired her and wanted to marry her. He did some manipulative stuff to win her. Marianne was naturally submissive but strong at the same time. DARIUS WAS SO PASSIONATE ABOUT MARIANNE, he would do anything for her.

This was a short book, more smutty with less plot but it was definitely worth reading. I loved it. Marianne thinks she is unworthy of love but Darius wants to make her feel loved and be there with her always.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was just meh! for me. Reminded me of a historical erotic harlequin featuring an Italian Millionaire, the Italian endearments by the half-English hero really got on my nerves. The hero was very possessive, but it came across as creepy stalkerish to me. He had loved her since she was a child and had plans to marry her, he just needed her to grow up. That just didn't sit well with me. The heroine came across as weak. I also like my historicals to be more accurate and not modern people walking around. Just was not my cup of tea.

[Eliza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasn't expecting much from this- and that's pretty much what I got...not much. It wasn't bad, but it didn't light any fires. I think the way Darius spoke with Marianne was a little weird...like it was trying to be "kinky" but ended up kinda lame..... I would laugh if someone spoke to me that way- could never take it seriously. There wasn't enough depth there.....BUT I am going to read some more of this author because I think there's potential and a little spark.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though its a novella, this was one of the best stories I have read. His perfect passion was perfect in every way. It is very rare to read a story where the man is so utterly and desperately in love from the very first line. I found this very moving and let me say, the sex scenes had me fanning myself. They were steaming hot!!!! Oh Darius where are you ???

[Patricia Tejada · Rating 3 out of 5]

¿Lo que me encantó de esta historia? Los personajes ♥

[Melluvsbooks]

DNF @ 50% - this guys idea of bdsm-ish “domination” was compelling her with his words to do stuff… “you know you want to do it”…. Like The Force, but smutty. 😅🙈.

Bored.

[Wendy LeGrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Passion of Darius is a beautiful historical written by Raine Miller, the fabulous author of the Blackstone Affair series. Set in Somerset, England in the 1830's, the story follows Darius Rourke, an extremely handsome Englishman with Italian background who is enamored with Marianne George. Marianne is a reserved beauty who takes care of her father who has fallen into drinking and gambling. Darius pursues Marianne, asking for her hand in marriage, but Marianne refuses, saying she is not worthy of him.

After finally winning Marianne and marrying her, Darius helps to unleash the hidden passion he knows is buried deep within her. He also knows a secret about Marianne, that she is naturally submissive and looks to him to dominate her. What he doesn't know about Marianne is that she harbors another secret, a secret she knows will tear them apart if Darius were to ever find out. But the longer they are married, the more he starts to see the darkness she hides within herself. And the more time they spend together, the more Darius realizes that the passion and lust he initially felt for Marianne has turned into full blown love. But does Marianne love him too? He's not sure, she's so mysterious and doesn't tell him anything that is on her mind unless he tells her to do so.

After the death of her father, Marianne starts having terrible nightmares and Darius witnesses the pain and suffering she has experienced, and the loss of someone she calls to in her sleep. Who is this Jonathan? Marianne knows it is time to reveal her dark secret to Darius, that which makes her unworthy of his love and devotion. But once revealed, will this destroy them? Will Darius still love Marianne? She is terrified he won't and she will truly have lost everyone she has ever loved, because Marianne has also fallen in love with her husband.

I love how Raine writes. She describes her characters and the scenes as if you are standing right there, immersed in the story with them. You do not feel like you are just a reader being told a story, you are there with them. Breathing them in, feeling their emotions. She writes some of the best sex scenes I've ever read. They are smoking hot and there a lot of them, but they are not repetitive so you don't feel like, "yeah, yeah, here we go again." The story flows smoothly, and I never felt like it lagged in any places or became stagnant. It kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what Marianne's terrible secret was. And Darius, I am officially in love with him and Raine has been informed! The passion and tenderness he shows to Marianne made me want to transport through time and be Marianne, even if just for one day.

Once again Raine has hit a homerun with this beautiful story. I could read about Darius and Marianne forever. And as it so happens Raine's next installment of the Blackstone Affair, Rare and Precious Things releases this week and we will get more glimpses into the lives of Darius and Marianne through journals discovered in Ethan and Brynne's new home. The Passion of Darius is truly a beautiful, beautiful love story. Darius' love for Marianne is the kind of love every little girl dreams of finding when they grow up.