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The Ladies' Sewing Circle #5
Travolgente piacere
L'alta società londinese di fine Ottocento è scossa da uno scandalo che vede protagonista Beatrice Weatherly, una sensuale fanciulla dagli occhi di smeraldo e dalla chioma fulva, soprannominata la Sirena di South Mulberry Street perché ha posato nuda per delle foto lascive. Tuttavia sono proprio quelle immagini licenziose ad attirare l'attenzione del torbido libertino Edmund Ritchie, che fa alla ragazza una proposta indecente: un mese di piaceri sfrenati in cambio di un generoso appannaggio. E' un'offerta che Beatrice non può rifiutare, intenzionata a sanare i debiti di famiglia.E così l'innocente Beatrice si trova proiettata in una dimensione di trasgressioni erotiche. Il turbinio di esperienze sensuali di quel mondo di piaceri nascosti coinvolge nobili e domestici senza alcuna esclusione. Ma il tenebroso Ritchie nasconde un segreto che potrebbe impedire a una coppia appassionata di trovare l'amore e la felicità.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 20, 2011
About the author
Portia Da Costa
169 books516 followersI'm a Sunday Times, New York Times and USA Today bestselling British author of romance, erotic romance and romantic fiction. My novels have been published by a variety of different houses, both in the US and the UK, and translated into many languages including German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Norwegian and Japanese. I'm best known for my many novels for the pioneering British erotica publisher Black Lace and I writing books with contemporary, paranormal and occasionally futuristic settings. I'm now venturing into historical erotic romance too, with a new novel for Harlequin Spice set in London in the year 1890.
I also write as Dorothy Starr and Megan Paul
I've been writing for publication since 1990, and have had over twenty novels published and around 100 short stories. I've contributed to many different short story anthologies and women’s magazines. I've also written a number Spice Briefs for Harlequin.
I'm a member of Romance Writers of America, the Passionate Ink RWA Chapter, the Romantic Novelists Association [UK] and the Society of Authors [UK].
I live in the heart of West Yorkshire, UK, with my husband and my cats. When I'm not writing I enjoy reading, watching TV and movies, hanging out on Twitter and Facebook, and online life in general. I was formerly a librarian and have also worked in local government.
I also write as Dorothy Starr and Megan Paul
I've been writing for publication since 1990, and have had over twenty novels published and around 100 short stories. I've contributed to many different short story anthologies and women’s magazines. I've also written a number Spice Briefs for Harlequin.
I'm a member of Romance Writers of America, the Passionate Ink RWA Chapter, the Romantic Novelists Association [UK] and the Society of Authors [UK].
I live in the heart of West Yorkshire, UK, with my husband and my cats. When I'm not writing I enjoy reading, watching TV and movies, hanging out on Twitter and Facebook, and online life in general. I was formerly a librarian and have also worked in local government.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 4, 2017
a touch of Mr Darcy about this one but the motives to save her not quite as self sacrificing
May 7, 2012
Originally posted on my blog: http://readingandwritingurbanfantasy....
The Good
Usually I would do my own little recap of the book but there is no need. The summary hits it right on the button. So let's get straight to the review.
One, Two, Threesome...
I have to say, the characters of this book were very interesting. Beatrice was a strong, vivacious woman that I think many could respect. She knows how to survive and have fun doing it. She was very open-minded for a young lady in the 1890s and I admired her willingness to try anything and her view on enjoying life.
Richie knows what he wants and isn't ashamed to grab life with both hands. His passion for Beatrice was so raw and sweet at the same time. He may have secrets but he is a good man overall. He's strong, ruthless, and has a business savvy that all men would revere. And Richie and Beatrice together make an adorable couple that don't hold back their passions.
It was actually Jamie, Charlie, and Polly who where the funniest threesome. And I mean THREESOME. All three were mischievous in their own way and had me smiling every time they entered the scene. Jamie is still a mystery to me, and I liked that. Kept me guessing, wanting to know his story.
Times Long Passed...
I did enjoy the banter between all of the characters. That was probably the best part of In the Flesh. The writing was beautiful and the lush description was very well done. I really got a feel for the time period. I truly do love reading historicals because I find it captivating to read about how people lived in times long passed.
The Bad
My biggest problem is the lack of plot. Okay, yeah, Beatrice's reputation has been ruined by her nude photos, so she sells her charms to Richie in exchange for money. Cool. But that was literally the extent of this book. Nothing else to add. We get a little side story with Beatrice's brother and some servants. We have the villain that wants to tear the couple apart. But he doesn't even try anything evil until the end of the book. And even that was lackluster.
There were barely any obstacles or huge events that tested the love of Beatrice and Richie. Just one small inconvenience that was eventually taken care of quite quickly. In the Flesh is only about the lead up to a month of sex, then the actual month of sex. Then the couple both start to have feelings for each other. Bam! Done. I told you the whole story. Where was the drama, the action, the twists?
Now, I do realize that the cover and description are very sexual, but I have read many book summaries and seen lots of book covers even more racy than In the Flesh and they still followed the guidelines of a true romance, not erotica.
The Snuggly
Well, if you are looking for sex, you found it. This book is chalk full of sexual situations. A lot of them I felt belonged more in a soft erotica sort of book. I just don't see how this book can be called a romance, it goes way beyond that. I am in no way a prude, I just didn't like being surprised with such graphic sex when I expected to read a romance (Which in my experience has sex but not to this extent. It's more about the love story). Did this book have romance, sure. But the focus was the sex, that simple. I did like Beatirice and Richie together though. They were quite cute together.
Overall
Though there were a few redeemable qualities in this book, overall I would not recommend it for romance readers. But if you are looking for a soft version of erotica with a little plot, then this might be the book for you. So this one will have to be a judgement call for most of you. Me, if I knew then what I know now, I wouldn't have requested this book from NetGalley. It was not what I was looking for.
Excerpt
"Who is that man over there?" demanded Charlie, "See the one I mean? The tall impertinent looking fellow by the ballroom door, talking to Sir Horace Rumbelow."
Beatrice Weatherly suppressed a sigh. Her brother always got peevish when he drank too fast, and the champagne was disappearing down his throat at an alarming rate.
"I advised you to wear a more conservative dress. Something dark and modest," Charlie went on "and now look what's happened. I swear that if he doesn't stop ogling you this minute, I'll go across there and box his ears for him!"
I'd like to see you try, brother dear. He looks as if he could swat you like a gadfly with just one hand.
"Please, ignore him, Charlie. He isn't bothering me in the slightest, so I don't see why he should bother you." Keeping her face carefully averted, Beatrice sipped her own champagne. She was determined to make every glass last as long as she could tonight. Just look what had happened the last time she'd drunk it.
But, truth be told, her bold scrutinizer across the reception room did bother her and it wasn't an urge to box his ears she felt. No, it was something far more alarming. Her heart pounded and her entire body felt deliciously strange every time she caught his hot gaze on her. Something that seemed to happen every few moments or so because try as she might, she couldn't help looking back at him. And he hadn't taken his eyes off her since they'd entered the room.
Of course, when she and Charlie had been announced, almost everybody had swiveled around stare at them. "Oh look," she imaged them all saying, "There she is, Beatrice Weatherly, the 'Siren of South Mulberry Street'… the shameless hussy who posed naked for those dreadful cabinet cards…" Men who probably owned copies of the said cards had eyed her with salacious interest when their wives weren't looking. Their wives had frowned and pursed their lips as if worried that their men would be so overcome with lust that they'd flock around the indecent Siren, unable to help themselves. Even the discreet servants circulating with their trays had seemed to study her covertly.
The Good
Usually I would do my own little recap of the book but there is no need. The summary hits it right on the button. So let's get straight to the review.
One, Two, Threesome...
I have to say, the characters of this book were very interesting. Beatrice was a strong, vivacious woman that I think many could respect. She knows how to survive and have fun doing it. She was very open-minded for a young lady in the 1890s and I admired her willingness to try anything and her view on enjoying life.
Richie knows what he wants and isn't ashamed to grab life with both hands. His passion for Beatrice was so raw and sweet at the same time. He may have secrets but he is a good man overall. He's strong, ruthless, and has a business savvy that all men would revere. And Richie and Beatrice together make an adorable couple that don't hold back their passions.
It was actually Jamie, Charlie, and Polly who where the funniest threesome. And I mean THREESOME. All three were mischievous in their own way and had me smiling every time they entered the scene. Jamie is still a mystery to me, and I liked that. Kept me guessing, wanting to know his story.
Times Long Passed...
I did enjoy the banter between all of the characters. That was probably the best part of In the Flesh. The writing was beautiful and the lush description was very well done. I really got a feel for the time period. I truly do love reading historicals because I find it captivating to read about how people lived in times long passed.
The Bad
My biggest problem is the lack of plot. Okay, yeah, Beatrice's reputation has been ruined by her nude photos, so she sells her charms to Richie in exchange for money. Cool. But that was literally the extent of this book. Nothing else to add. We get a little side story with Beatrice's brother and some servants. We have the villain that wants to tear the couple apart. But he doesn't even try anything evil until the end of the book. And even that was lackluster.
There were barely any obstacles or huge events that tested the love of Beatrice and Richie. Just one small inconvenience that was eventually taken care of quite quickly. In the Flesh is only about the lead up to a month of sex, then the actual month of sex. Then the couple both start to have feelings for each other. Bam! Done. I told you the whole story. Where was the drama, the action, the twists?
Now, I do realize that the cover and description are very sexual, but I have read many book summaries and seen lots of book covers even more racy than In the Flesh and they still followed the guidelines of a true romance, not erotica.
The Snuggly
Well, if you are looking for sex, you found it. This book is chalk full of sexual situations. A lot of them I felt belonged more in a soft erotica sort of book. I just don't see how this book can be called a romance, it goes way beyond that. I am in no way a prude, I just didn't like being surprised with such graphic sex when I expected to read a romance (Which in my experience has sex but not to this extent. It's more about the love story). Did this book have romance, sure. But the focus was the sex, that simple. I did like Beatirice and Richie together though. They were quite cute together.
Overall
Though there were a few redeemable qualities in this book, overall I would not recommend it for romance readers. But if you are looking for a soft version of erotica with a little plot, then this might be the book for you. So this one will have to be a judgement call for most of you. Me, if I knew then what I know now, I wouldn't have requested this book from NetGalley. It was not what I was looking for.
Excerpt
"Who is that man over there?" demanded Charlie, "See the one I mean? The tall impertinent looking fellow by the ballroom door, talking to Sir Horace Rumbelow."
Beatrice Weatherly suppressed a sigh. Her brother always got peevish when he drank too fast, and the champagne was disappearing down his throat at an alarming rate.
"I advised you to wear a more conservative dress. Something dark and modest," Charlie went on "and now look what's happened. I swear that if he doesn't stop ogling you this minute, I'll go across there and box his ears for him!"
I'd like to see you try, brother dear. He looks as if he could swat you like a gadfly with just one hand.
"Please, ignore him, Charlie. He isn't bothering me in the slightest, so I don't see why he should bother you." Keeping her face carefully averted, Beatrice sipped her own champagne. She was determined to make every glass last as long as she could tonight. Just look what had happened the last time she'd drunk it.
But, truth be told, her bold scrutinizer across the reception room did bother her and it wasn't an urge to box his ears she felt. No, it was something far more alarming. Her heart pounded and her entire body felt deliciously strange every time she caught his hot gaze on her. Something that seemed to happen every few moments or so because try as she might, she couldn't help looking back at him. And he hadn't taken his eyes off her since they'd entered the room.
Of course, when she and Charlie had been announced, almost everybody had swiveled around stare at them. "Oh look," she imaged them all saying, "There she is, Beatrice Weatherly, the 'Siren of South Mulberry Street'… the shameless hussy who posed naked for those dreadful cabinet cards…" Men who probably owned copies of the said cards had eyed her with salacious interest when their wives weren't looking. Their wives had frowned and pursed their lips as if worried that their men would be so overcome with lust that they'd flock around the indecent Siren, unable to help themselves. Even the discreet servants circulating with their trays had seemed to study her covertly.
September 12, 2024
wow. i did not expect this good of a storyline from what is marketed as "just another historical fiction smut book". the characters were all incredibly lovable, apart from eustace, who was utterly detestable. the romance was swoon worthy and heartfelt, all while having well written smut. ritchie was an amazing love interest, and bea was a wonderful, fiery main character. the plot was riveting. did i expect to cry reading this book? no. did i cry reading this book? yes. when ritchie opens up about his past, i actually full on sobbed, which is hard to achieve with most books for me. this was an absolutely amazing book, and i look forward to reading more of Portia Da Costa's work.
Read
October 14, 2021For all who appreciate sensual books... This is a great book to read,
and I have to say I was a bit disappointed to read some of the bad reviews it has received.
It's not boring at all-in fact, I have never read a book so fast.-It has such vivid scenes
that will make you blush and picture everything in your head. It has humor and romance in side
and a lot of luscious depictions of erotica.
Enjoy
and I have to say I was a bit disappointed to read some of the bad reviews it has received.
It's not boring at all-in fact, I have never read a book so fast.-It has such vivid scenes
that will make you blush and picture everything in your head. It has humor and romance in side
and a lot of luscious depictions of erotica.
Enjoy
April 6, 2018
Bit of a twist on the Bluebeard/Rochester type storyline, and quite good fun. One really feels badly for the tormented hero, and it's very enjoyable as the heroine lets her hair down. Nice little erotica, and has some soul to it.
March 30, 2020
Read and Enjoy
I will say I enjoyed the book. For me I was more caught up in the mystery and how it would all play out. Of course if you are a Jane Eyre fan the story is similar in a sense but not the same. Worth a read.
I will say I enjoyed the book. For me I was more caught up in the mystery and how it would all play out. Of course if you are a Jane Eyre fan the story is similar in a sense but not the same. Worth a read.
June 11, 2017
this book had a slow beginning but gradually got better. I just wish it was a bit more fast pasted.
July 13, 2019
Hot book. Twisted. The main male character is so seductive. Loved the story. 😍
December 31, 2019
Trigger warning: fire, discussion of rape, loss of spouse and child, mental illness
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2023
Think a sexed up Jane Eyre. Fun read. Not sure if it's worth rereading
May 8, 2023
I liked the story but it was a little drawn out.
April 19, 2012
This review also appears on my blog at http://www.thegoldenruleof666.blogspo...
Okay, I thought I would like this book more but it fell flat for me.
The plot involves a woman, Beatrice, whose reputation has been ruined by her nude pictures-which she was tricked into posing for. Edward Edmund Richie saw the pictures and was overtaken with a need to hook up with her. They strike a deal: Beatrice will offer her "services" for a month in exchange for her brother's debts being paid off.
Let's get the bad over with.
Richie seemed like a bit of a creeper in the beginning. Though I eventually grew fond of him, the whole situation of his obsession was a little bizarre.
The real problem, however, was the constant sex. The character were constantly jumping onto each other. That's all well and good if done right but this amount seriously detracted from the plot. It wasn't just Beatrice and Richie. Bea's brother, Charlie, was hooking up with Richie's employee, Jaime. Yes, this is guy on guy action. I was a little unprepared for that revelation, to say the least. I don't mind guys being into each other at all, but I don't seek out the particulars. At the same time, both of them are doing Bea's lady's maid, Polly. Eventually, this escalates into a threesome. Their tri-relationship was a little bizarre for me. I'm not really into all of that. All of this constant hooking up on every other page became wearing. I lost interest after a few hot scenes and started skimming until a found part of the actual plot. Quite honestly, the first 90% of the book could be condensed into 10 pages in terms of plot.
So what saved this from being a total tank? The last chunk of the book. The ending was when the plot finally kicked into gear and took off. Not only that, but it actually became exciting. The stakes were suddenly raised and I found myself getting in to the story. The revelations are shocking and I found a distinct parallel to Jane Eyre in terms of one aspect of the plot. I don't know if this was on purpose because it doesn't really mention it in the summary, but there was a very clear influence of Jane Eyre on the last bit. I can't say why without giving away the best surprise, so I'll leave you to speculate on that.
Really, the ending was so brilliant that it saved this book from becoming a one star, adding a whopping two stars. It was that good.
So, if you happen to really like a mountain load of graphic sex, I'm sure you will love In the Flesh. If you don't like it but can find the patience to bear through A LOT of it, I think you'll find the magnificent ending worth the wait.
Pulling a massive save right at the end...3/5
PS, thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin for a copy!
Okay, I thought I would like this book more but it fell flat for me.
The plot involves a woman, Beatrice, whose reputation has been ruined by her nude pictures-which she was tricked into posing for. Edward Edmund Richie saw the pictures and was overtaken with a need to hook up with her. They strike a deal: Beatrice will offer her "services" for a month in exchange for her brother's debts being paid off.
Let's get the bad over with.
Richie seemed like a bit of a creeper in the beginning. Though I eventually grew fond of him, the whole situation of his obsession was a little bizarre.
The real problem, however, was the constant sex. The character were constantly jumping onto each other. That's all well and good if done right but this amount seriously detracted from the plot. It wasn't just Beatrice and Richie. Bea's brother, Charlie, was hooking up with Richie's employee, Jaime. Yes, this is guy on guy action. I was a little unprepared for that revelation, to say the least. I don't mind guys being into each other at all, but I don't seek out the particulars. At the same time, both of them are doing Bea's lady's maid, Polly. Eventually, this escalates into a threesome. Their tri-relationship was a little bizarre for me. I'm not really into all of that. All of this constant hooking up on every other page became wearing. I lost interest after a few hot scenes and started skimming until a found part of the actual plot. Quite honestly, the first 90% of the book could be condensed into 10 pages in terms of plot.
So what saved this from being a total tank? The last chunk of the book. The ending was when the plot finally kicked into gear and took off. Not only that, but it actually became exciting. The stakes were suddenly raised and I found myself getting in to the story. The revelations are shocking and I found a distinct parallel to Jane Eyre in terms of one aspect of the plot. I don't know if this was on purpose because it doesn't really mention it in the summary, but there was a very clear influence of Jane Eyre on the last bit. I can't say why without giving away the best surprise, so I'll leave you to speculate on that.
Really, the ending was so brilliant that it saved this book from becoming a one star, adding a whopping two stars. It was that good.
So, if you happen to really like a mountain load of graphic sex, I'm sure you will love In the Flesh. If you don't like it but can find the patience to bear through A LOT of it, I think you'll find the magnificent ending worth the wait.
Pulling a massive save right at the end...3/5
PS, thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin for a copy!
March 21, 2012
3.5 Stars
Well, my goodness. This is my first Portia Da Costa book and I went in to it thinking this would be a standard 19th century London historical romance. (Those of you already familiar with Da Costa can stop laughing at me now.) This is not a story of a gentle romance where the innocent virgin lands the rakish gentleman. It more like the randy and explicit sexual adventure where the innocent virgin lands the rakish gentleman. Let me explain.
No one will ever look at Beatrice as a lady again, ever since nude photos surfaced of her on cabinet cards in the gentleman's clubs. Granted, her ex-fiance drugged her beforehand, but no one knows that. And because of the photos, she has caught the eye of Edmund Richie, a notorious and wealthy ladies man. Richie offers to pay off her brother's debts and give her an allowance if she agrees to be his mistress for a month. With no other prospects and the debts piling up, Bea accepts.
Richie's seduction is a slow one, but he gives Bea quite the education. Most of their interactions surround some kind of sexual act ranging from masturbation to voyeurism and sex toys to, eventually, the full monte. Richie is nearly obsessed with Bea because of the cards. And because of his tortured past relationships, he feels like an affair is all that can ever be between them. Bea is truly an innocent as the book begins, but ends up quite the lusty temptress. And that's not only bed play the story has to offer. There is also a spicy subplot featuring a m/m/f menage, with Bea's brother in the center of it all.
The romance is essentially the plot. Bea and Richie fall in love, despite the futility of a relationship between them. But theirs is a relationship that is built almost entirely on bedsport. Don't get me wrong. The sex is hot. And I cared enough about both characters to want them to have a happy ending. It was clear there was only one way that could happen, so in that respect it was a little predictable --or perhaps, I should say, inevitable. But it entertains and titillates along the way.
I don't think anyone looking for an erotic historical would be disappointed. I just wish we could have experienced the couple together a little bit more out of bed, to make the deeper emotions a little more believable. 3 1/2 stars.
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
Well, my goodness. This is my first Portia Da Costa book and I went in to it thinking this would be a standard 19th century London historical romance. (Those of you already familiar with Da Costa can stop laughing at me now.) This is not a story of a gentle romance where the innocent virgin lands the rakish gentleman. It more like the randy and explicit sexual adventure where the innocent virgin lands the rakish gentleman. Let me explain.
No one will ever look at Beatrice as a lady again, ever since nude photos surfaced of her on cabinet cards in the gentleman's clubs. Granted, her ex-fiance drugged her beforehand, but no one knows that. And because of the photos, she has caught the eye of Edmund Richie, a notorious and wealthy ladies man. Richie offers to pay off her brother's debts and give her an allowance if she agrees to be his mistress for a month. With no other prospects and the debts piling up, Bea accepts.
Richie's seduction is a slow one, but he gives Bea quite the education. Most of their interactions surround some kind of sexual act ranging from masturbation to voyeurism and sex toys to, eventually, the full monte. Richie is nearly obsessed with Bea because of the cards. And because of his tortured past relationships, he feels like an affair is all that can ever be between them. Bea is truly an innocent as the book begins, but ends up quite the lusty temptress. And that's not only bed play the story has to offer. There is also a spicy subplot featuring a m/m/f menage, with Bea's brother in the center of it all.
The romance is essentially the plot. Bea and Richie fall in love, despite the futility of a relationship between them. But theirs is a relationship that is built almost entirely on bedsport. Don't get me wrong. The sex is hot. And I cared enough about both characters to want them to have a happy ending. It was clear there was only one way that could happen, so in that respect it was a little predictable --or perhaps, I should say, inevitable. But it entertains and titillates along the way.
I don't think anyone looking for an erotic historical would be disappointed. I just wish we could have experienced the couple together a little bit more out of bed, to make the deeper emotions a little more believable. 3 1/2 stars.
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
November 16, 2012
Without a doubt I give 5 super hot stars to IN THE FLESH!!!!
Loved every bit of it...the way it was written...their oh so sexy speaking, but still so peculiar and so distinctive of that time. What led me to this book was that the cover said it was 50 Shades meets Mr. Darcy, but it also reminded me so much of Wuthering Heights...I really enjoyed it :-D and it definitely made it to my personal Top10, Yay!!!
The thing I enjoyed the most yeah, it was their language, how they approached each other, very forward, but keeping a little distance and decorum...so perfectly kinky!!!
Oh my...where to begin??? Beatrice was an awesome character, always so proud and witty, not taking too personally what other people thought of her. Always willing to feel, to learn...she was so cool!!!
Lloyd?? I just felt like killing him!! The bastard xD (no gif for him...such an A**hole)
OMG...Richie??? A very caring, carnal, playful character...so sweet, even I would consider his offer and say yes hahahaha so kind and always so willing to please you...yes, oh yes!
What about Polly, Charlie and Jamie??? WOWOWOWOWOWWWW!! sexy sexy sexy!! hahaha....even in those years uh???
And how can I forget Margarita...this is what I though of her...
xD....Anyways I loved it from begining until the very end :-D just what I expected...and much more :-)
Now I wonder...Would have Austen or the Brontë sisters written like this?? hahaha...I bet they had a naughty imagination :P
Loved every bit of it...the way it was written...their oh so sexy speaking, but still so peculiar and so distinctive of that time. What led me to this book was that the cover said it was 50 Shades meets Mr. Darcy, but it also reminded me so much of Wuthering Heights...I really enjoyed it :-D and it definitely made it to my personal Top10, Yay!!!
The thing I enjoyed the most yeah, it was their language, how they approached each other, very forward, but keeping a little distance and decorum...so perfectly kinky!!!
Oh my...where to begin??? Beatrice was an awesome character, always so proud and witty, not taking too personally what other people thought of her. Always willing to feel, to learn...she was so cool!!!
Lloyd?? I just felt like killing him!! The bastard xD (no gif for him...such an A**hole)
OMG...Richie??? A very caring, carnal, playful character...so sweet, even I would consider his offer and say yes hahahaha so kind and always so willing to please you...yes, oh yes!
What about Polly, Charlie and Jamie??? WOWOWOWOWOWWWW!! sexy sexy sexy!! hahaha....even in those years uh???
And how can I forget Margarita...this is what I though of her...
xD....Anyways I loved it from begining until the very end :-D just what I expected...and much more :-)
Now I wonder...Would have Austen or the Brontë sisters written like this?? hahaha...I bet they had a naughty imagination :P
March 19, 2012
In The Flesh is the latest installment of a series that started as Spice Briefs, short stories and novellas connected through the Ladies' Sewing Circle. The Circle is, of course, a front for a group of women to get together and discuss naughty things. Each story focuses on a different lady, and this is the first title not to be released under the Spice Briefs line.
It's my guess that Da Costa is a fan of Jane Eyre , as she seemed to borrow quite a bit of Rochester (minus the mood swings). Richie's deep dark secret adds a bit of conflict --or at least the potential for conflict-- but it's very tidily resolved in a deus ex machina that does no justice to the author or the reader. I would much rather have seen a more complex resolution where the characters had to work things out for themselves instead of having all the loose ends snipped off for them.
Also somewhat problematic is the depiction of insanity. If this is a hot button issue for you, you'll want to steer clear. One scene contains this gem: "How the dickens had Margarita managed to create so much havoc, so fast? The cunning of the insane, no doubt, and now they were all paying for that infernal guile." Yup. Them crazy people, so crafty and deceitful in their wacky antics.
As this is erotic romance, it's a given that the focus will be on sex. A lot of these scenes revolve around the experienced Richie teaching virginal Bea the ropes, although there's a very fun subplot involving a threesome that I wish had more attention paid to it. Since the characters there have only a couple of scenes and then disappear for half the book until the resolution is given to us in the form of a conversation between Richie and Bea, rather than letting us see how they arrived there, the wrap-up there seems just as pat as the conclusion of the main plot. The sex is pretty well varied, though, and it's interesting to note that in spite of all the playing around, Bea technically remains a virgin until about halfway through the book. (Of course, the decision to make her a virgin at all instead of merely inexperienced is a whole other discussion.)
It's my guess that Da Costa is a fan of Jane Eyre , as she seemed to borrow quite a bit of Rochester (minus the mood swings). Richie's deep dark secret adds a bit of conflict --or at least the potential for conflict-- but it's very tidily resolved in a deus ex machina that does no justice to the author or the reader. I would much rather have seen a more complex resolution where the characters had to work things out for themselves instead of having all the loose ends snipped off for them.
Also somewhat problematic is the depiction of insanity. If this is a hot button issue for you, you'll want to steer clear. One scene contains this gem: "How the dickens had Margarita managed to create so much havoc, so fast? The cunning of the insane, no doubt, and now they were all paying for that infernal guile." Yup. Them crazy people, so crafty and deceitful in their wacky antics.
As this is erotic romance, it's a given that the focus will be on sex. A lot of these scenes revolve around the experienced Richie teaching virginal Bea the ropes, although there's a very fun subplot involving a threesome that I wish had more attention paid to it. Since the characters there have only a couple of scenes and then disappear for half the book until the resolution is given to us in the form of a conversation between Richie and Bea, rather than letting us see how they arrived there, the wrap-up there seems just as pat as the conclusion of the main plot. The sex is pretty well varied, though, and it's interesting to note that in spite of all the playing around, Bea technically remains a virgin until about halfway through the book. (Of course, the decision to make her a virgin at all instead of merely inexperienced is a whole other discussion.)
January 11, 2013
Article first published as Book Review: In The Flesh by Portia Da Costa on Blogcritics.
In The Flesh is book five of The Ladies' Sewing Circle series, but it doesn't matter if you haven't read any of the others (though I recommend that you do), as this book will still make perfect sense.
It tells the story of Beatrice Weatherly, who has been named a scarlet woman because she was tricked into posing for some nude photographs. Now polite society believes her unmarriageable. Add that to the state of her and her brother's finances, and things aren't looking too good for the Weatherlys.
At a public occasion, though, it looks as though their luck is set to change. Edmund Ellsworth Ritchie has been quite taken with Beatrice ever since he saw those infamous cabinet cards, and when he meets her in the flesh, his interest becomes obsession. He makes a proposal that will see the Weatherly finances fixed, but will further besmirch her name. Beatrice decides that since she is already seen as a fallen woman, she may as well behave like one.
So the fun begins. Beatrice is not as experienced with men as the sexy photos would have everyone believe, so she visits the House of Madame Chamfleur to learn how to appease Edmund's appetite. Life becomes incredibly exciting for Beatrice, until a dark secret in her lover's past threatens everything they have built together.
Portia Da Costa is one of my favourite erotic romance authors, and has been for a long time. In The Flesh isn't my favourite of her books (that title goes to In Too Deep), but I enjoyed it very much. The historical part of it felt very real and was immersive, and I thought the storyline and the heat level were apt for that era. The writing, as always, was superb and I watched the characters' journeys with interest, and found the ending satisfying. Definitely one to add to your bookshelves if you enjoy historical erotic romance.
In The Flesh is book five of The Ladies' Sewing Circle series, but it doesn't matter if you haven't read any of the others (though I recommend that you do), as this book will still make perfect sense.
It tells the story of Beatrice Weatherly, who has been named a scarlet woman because she was tricked into posing for some nude photographs. Now polite society believes her unmarriageable. Add that to the state of her and her brother's finances, and things aren't looking too good for the Weatherlys.
At a public occasion, though, it looks as though their luck is set to change. Edmund Ellsworth Ritchie has been quite taken with Beatrice ever since he saw those infamous cabinet cards, and when he meets her in the flesh, his interest becomes obsession. He makes a proposal that will see the Weatherly finances fixed, but will further besmirch her name. Beatrice decides that since she is already seen as a fallen woman, she may as well behave like one.
So the fun begins. Beatrice is not as experienced with men as the sexy photos would have everyone believe, so she visits the House of Madame Chamfleur to learn how to appease Edmund's appetite. Life becomes incredibly exciting for Beatrice, until a dark secret in her lover's past threatens everything they have built together.
Portia Da Costa is one of my favourite erotic romance authors, and has been for a long time. In The Flesh isn't my favourite of her books (that title goes to In Too Deep), but I enjoyed it very much. The historical part of it felt very real and was immersive, and I thought the storyline and the heat level were apt for that era. The writing, as always, was superb and I watched the characters' journeys with interest, and found the ending satisfying. Definitely one to add to your bookshelves if you enjoy historical erotic romance.
March 11, 2012
Beatrice Weatherly made the mistake of posing nude for her fiance, a fiance who promptly dumps her when those nude pictures are made public. Now she thinks she has no chances of a respectable marriage. Edmund Ellsworth Ritchie has seen the pictures and now he is obsessed. He has to have her. He approaches her with a proposal. He will pay off her and her brother's growing debts if she will be his mistress for one month. She thinks she has nothing to lose, so she agrees.
This historical erotic romance started out good. The sexual build up was nice. Though the encounters are all about sex, the actual sex act does not take place right away. The two main characters are likable. Beatrice stays strong through the whole embarrassing picture ordeal and Edmund is wonderfully arrogant. But even with the slow sexual build and the fine characters, I didn't feel any connection between them beyond the sex. They were always either having sex or talking about sex. I know it is erotic story, so there is bound to be lots of sex, but I would have loved some more scenes with them getting to know each other beyond the sex. It would have made their falling in love a little more realistic in such a short time period, and at least for me, let me connect with the characters as a couple.
I also had a couple problems with the way it was written. The author had the characters repeating, either in their head or while speaking, phrases way too often. For example:
"As I do yours, Ritchie. As I do yours."
This happened enough for me to notice and to start to annoy me. The author also overused "um".
"But...um...you can have relief, can't you?" There has to be a better ways of showing a character's reluctance or shyness.
So, likable characters, plenty of sex, but not much plot-wise beyond sex.
ARC provided through NetGalley.
This historical erotic romance started out good. The sexual build up was nice. Though the encounters are all about sex, the actual sex act does not take place right away. The two main characters are likable. Beatrice stays strong through the whole embarrassing picture ordeal and Edmund is wonderfully arrogant. But even with the slow sexual build and the fine characters, I didn't feel any connection between them beyond the sex. They were always either having sex or talking about sex. I know it is erotic story, so there is bound to be lots of sex, but I would have loved some more scenes with them getting to know each other beyond the sex. It would have made their falling in love a little more realistic in such a short time period, and at least for me, let me connect with the characters as a couple.
I also had a couple problems with the way it was written. The author had the characters repeating, either in their head or while speaking, phrases way too often. For example:
"As I do yours, Ritchie. As I do yours."
This happened enough for me to notice and to start to annoy me. The author also overused "um".
"But...um...you can have relief, can't you?" There has to be a better ways of showing a character's reluctance or shyness.
So, likable characters, plenty of sex, but not much plot-wise beyond sex.
ARC provided through NetGalley.
August 31, 2015
okay so. the story line itself I loved. wen I had time to read it late into the night. even tho its set in the past, the style of writing is modern so no werid old fashion backward talking sentences. not much of a caniving plot it's hinted at but squashed into the end of the story, It would seam. leaving me a little down hearted. but as with all portia da coasta's books so far, it's a one time read, I wouldn't pick it up n re read it as I do with alot of books. I could empathise with bea she was a character that I could well connect with, I thank portia for that. there are frequent raunchy scenes but this is the nature of the story line. I'm left confused about the rushed ending. they couldn't be together, then an accident and all was fixed. how could a person just take someone from a mental home even in them times. it shows portia did her homework.l, as I know in them times once ppl were married it wasn't seen as rape, but thats potentially what he did to the wife. he took something precious from her so she took something precious from him. you could see portia was just trying to put in a dramatic ending but I feel eustace could of been more caniving and that there should have been more of a 'drum roll', as it were, before the big finarly. proposing drugged up while his dead wife lay meters from them neck snapped and head twisted....that was a bit sick to be honest I should think even in them times stuff like that wasn't the way.
pollys, charlies n jamies story line... well that was an extra bit of fun. strange how wen charlie n jamie met there wasn't andy getting to know each other or with pollys n jamie. but a happy ending all round as usual .......still an over all good read I would recommend others to give a go
pollys, charlies n jamies story line... well that was an extra bit of fun. strange how wen charlie n jamie met there wasn't andy getting to know each other or with pollys n jamie. but a happy ending all round as usual .......still an over all good read I would recommend others to give a go
March 25, 2012
Review Written for www.books-n-kisses.com
While I could explain the premise of the book in my own words I really do not think I need to since the synopsis is very clear. This book falls under erotica with the era of historical romance. This is the 5th in the “The Ladies Sewing Club” series. But it stands alone and need not be read in order.
The story is interesting. And even if it was just set as a historical and not erotica it would be interesting. Beatrice has overcome a lot of scandal and figures why not enjoy being a scarlet woman if she is going to have the title anyway yet she is naive in the act of it. Ritchie has become obsessed with her and wants her in his bed. But it is not just about Beatrice and Edward but a number of secondary characters each with their own erotic scenes.
While the story is good, the thing about this book is the author seems desperate to try to use “big” words. Words that even in their own sentences sound out of place. Yes, of course, some words are from that era and while we know what they mean they are no longer part of our daily vocabulary but it is almost like the author had a thesaurus next to her to see what words she could come up with. It is extremely distracting from the story. And the overuse of the word f*** is distracting as well. Once again I understand there are times the word can be used but really it becomes vulgar and unneeded. If you can get past that then you can enjoy the book for the story alone but it can be difficult at times.
While I could explain the premise of the book in my own words I really do not think I need to since the synopsis is very clear. This book falls under erotica with the era of historical romance. This is the 5th in the “The Ladies Sewing Club” series. But it stands alone and need not be read in order.
The story is interesting. And even if it was just set as a historical and not erotica it would be interesting. Beatrice has overcome a lot of scandal and figures why not enjoy being a scarlet woman if she is going to have the title anyway yet she is naive in the act of it. Ritchie has become obsessed with her and wants her in his bed. But it is not just about Beatrice and Edward but a number of secondary characters each with their own erotic scenes.
While the story is good, the thing about this book is the author seems desperate to try to use “big” words. Words that even in their own sentences sound out of place. Yes, of course, some words are from that era and while we know what they mean they are no longer part of our daily vocabulary but it is almost like the author had a thesaurus next to her to see what words she could come up with. It is extremely distracting from the story. And the overuse of the word f*** is distracting as well. Once again I understand there are times the word can be used but really it becomes vulgar and unneeded. If you can get past that then you can enjoy the book for the story alone but it can be difficult at times.
April 21, 2012
I wish I could say this was a great erotic story. The problem with it is that it is trying to be two things and it doesn't succeed in either. Portia has a great plot, but it never follows through.
Why?
The story is told through too many perspectives, Bea, Edmund Ellsworth Ritchie (and by the end of the book when you see his whole name written out, you will want to hurl your book or device at the wall), and Polly.
Along with too many insights, you have too much sex and not enough story. Bea and Richie have sex, but their relationship almost progresses in a historical romance kind of way. Polly has sex with Bea's brother, Charlie and Ritchie's servant Jamie..who is also having sex with Charlie..oh and they all have sex together..I mean, Charlie, Polly and Jamie.
Yeah. Lots of sex here.
Oh and allow me to add...STOP CALLING IT A PUSS!!!!!
Ahem!
I think this could have been a great book, if it hadn't tried to be erotica. I would have liked to have known about each character, as it stands, none of the characters really make you care about them, and the sex doesn't even get you all bothered when you are reading it. The abrupt ending of certain scenes doesn't help the story much.
It took me much more time to finish this book then I wanted to. It is a shame the book was such a disappointment.
Why?
The story is told through too many perspectives, Bea, Edmund Ellsworth Ritchie (and by the end of the book when you see his whole name written out, you will want to hurl your book or device at the wall), and Polly.
Along with too many insights, you have too much sex and not enough story. Bea and Richie have sex, but their relationship almost progresses in a historical romance kind of way. Polly has sex with Bea's brother, Charlie and Ritchie's servant Jamie..who is also having sex with Charlie..oh and they all have sex together..I mean, Charlie, Polly and Jamie.
Yeah. Lots of sex here.
Oh and allow me to add...STOP CALLING IT A PUSS!!!!!
Ahem!
I think this could have been a great book, if it hadn't tried to be erotica. I would have liked to have known about each character, as it stands, none of the characters really make you care about them, and the sex doesn't even get you all bothered when you are reading it. The abrupt ending of certain scenes doesn't help the story much.
It took me much more time to finish this book then I wanted to. It is a shame the book was such a disappointment.
May 16, 2014
Spoilers a-ho!
I really enjoyed this book for the first, say, 90%. Lots of sex scenes, but with genuine affection, which I like. Main characters that were tropes, but fun ones. A Mr. Rochester type with a mad wife (who loves to set fires! and kills herself setting fires while trying to attack the "new wife!") and a spunky sex-positive heroine. A dissolute brother and a saucy chambermaid! All in good fun, and on track for a high 3, low 4 star grade and then....
....Ritchie looks over and sees his wife dead with a broken neck. Then turns his head back to our heroine Beatrice and proposes marriage. In the same fucking breath, same page, practically the same paragraph (maybe even the same paragraph, I don't have the book in front of me). That destroyed any enjoyment I had in the book. It was out of character for Ritchie to propose the very instant his wife was dead. Yes, both Beatrice & Ritchie might *think* of it in the moment, but to actually do it came off as callous and gross. Especially since so many pages and paragraphs had been devoted to how tortured he was about his second wife's madness.
Ick. Just ick.
I really enjoyed this book for the first, say, 90%. Lots of sex scenes, but with genuine affection, which I like. Main characters that were tropes, but fun ones. A Mr. Rochester type with a mad wife (who loves to set fires! and kills herself setting fires while trying to attack the "new wife!") and a spunky sex-positive heroine. A dissolute brother and a saucy chambermaid! All in good fun, and on track for a high 3, low 4 star grade and then....
....Ritchie looks over and sees his wife dead with a broken neck. Then turns his head back to our heroine Beatrice and proposes marriage. In the same fucking breath, same page, practically the same paragraph (maybe even the same paragraph, I don't have the book in front of me). That destroyed any enjoyment I had in the book. It was out of character for Ritchie to propose the very instant his wife was dead. Yes, both Beatrice & Ritchie might *think* of it in the moment, but to actually do it came off as callous and gross. Especially since so many pages and paragraphs had been devoted to how tortured he was about his second wife's madness.
Ick. Just ick.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2015
I have a feeling, and based on my own reading and some of the other reviews it is more than a feeling, that this book might be a source of frustration for many readers. It is sort of erotica but not really; there is too much, let's call it 'romance' in it. It is also sort of 'romance' but not really; there are too many sex scenes in it. If both were done well then everyone might be happy. However, both were done OK. Not horribly or terribly badly but not super well either.
The plot lines tended to be somewhat farfetched and generally limped along. On the other hand, the sex scenes were fairly tame and as much of the book was dedicated to Beatrice mooning around over Ritchie than actually spending time with him. Personally, I do not find speculations on what type of business deals he might be doing to be particularly interesting, especially when she, a supposedly feisty, intelligent woman, is spending the time at home mooning around. Like some of the other reviewers, I was also unimpressed with how the ending played out.
Overall, the book was OK but does not prompt me to want to read others in the series.
The plot lines tended to be somewhat farfetched and generally limped along. On the other hand, the sex scenes were fairly tame and as much of the book was dedicated to Beatrice mooning around over Ritchie than actually spending time with him. Personally, I do not find speculations on what type of business deals he might be doing to be particularly interesting, especially when she, a supposedly feisty, intelligent woman, is spending the time at home mooning around. Like some of the other reviewers, I was also unimpressed with how the ending played out.
Overall, the book was OK but does not prompt me to want to read others in the series.
March 16, 2015
Is it bad when your more interested in the secondary story than the main characters? Cause that is seriously how it was for me and this book.
Now don't get me wrong I did actually like the main characters Beatrice and Ritchie. They both had likeable personalities but for some reason I couldn't stay interested in their story. It all felt a bit predictable and that annoyed me cause I have really liked previous books by this author.
Also like other reviewers have said I felt that at times the author just put in a sex scene for the sake of it. Honestly it got boring and I found myself skimming a lot of the later scenes.
As said I did really like the secondary character and although they didn't appear often when they did I found them really interesting and fleshed out characters.
Overall, personally I wouldn't recommend this book but some of the authors other books I definitely would cause this really isn't a good example of great writing!
Now don't get me wrong I did actually like the main characters Beatrice and Ritchie. They both had likeable personalities but for some reason I couldn't stay interested in their story. It all felt a bit predictable and that annoyed me cause I have really liked previous books by this author.
Also like other reviewers have said I felt that at times the author just put in a sex scene for the sake of it. Honestly it got boring and I found myself skimming a lot of the later scenes.
As said I did really like the secondary character and although they didn't appear often when they did I found them really interesting and fleshed out characters.
Overall, personally I wouldn't recommend this book but some of the authors other books I definitely would cause this really isn't a good example of great writing!
September 6, 2016
Ieri sera ho pensato di leggere gli ultimi capitoli rimasti. A quanto penso che sia carino e scorrevole, sicuramente molto piccante , benché le scene più hot non tra scendano mai, anzi la passione diventa amore un poco tempi tra Beatrice e Edmund , li trovo davvero carini e sono davvero contenta che Bea abbia trovato una persona del genere finalmente. In quanto Polly , Jamie e Charlie, non è la prima volta che mi trovo a imbattermi in una scena di ménage a trois dove gli uomini sono bissesuali , scena comunque non sempre volgare , dolce e hot , pervarsa dal rapporto di complicità , desiderio e voglia fra i tre protagonisti. La lettura è comunque scorrevole ,piccante e allo stesso momento in alcune cose divertente.
Per chi ama sicuramente questo genere è consigliabile , per quanto riguarda me è stata più o meno una novità, non sempre questo genere mi colpisce .È stato un piacere leggerlo e mi sono divertita (｡･ᴗ･｡)
Insomma un acquisto ricompensato ᕙ( ･▽･)ᕗ
Per chi ama sicuramente questo genere è consigliabile , per quanto riguarda me è stata più o meno una novità, non sempre questo genere mi colpisce .È stato un piacere leggerlo e mi sono divertita (｡･ᴗ･｡)
Insomma un acquisto ricompensato ᕙ( ･▽･)ᕗ
June 6, 2012
An exquisite premise which I found very interesting well written although part of a series can be read as a standalone. Beatrice has been branded a scarlett woman her weasel of an Ex is to blame. With her name sullied naive Beatrice decides to become what her title suggests. Ritchie an owner of the cards and typical tall dark and mysterious has become obsessed with her and needs her in his bed. The relationship between these two was intense and definitely hot.
Although we have our main characters the mirage of secondary characters are just as interesting and I will definitely be going back to the beginning of the series to read the stories from the other ladies of the sewing circle. Be warned that this “mirage of secondary characters” also get the story told from their view point’s too!
A gorgeous read 4/5
Although we have our main characters the mirage of secondary characters are just as interesting and I will definitely be going back to the beginning of the series to read the stories from the other ladies of the sewing circle. Be warned that this “mirage of secondary characters” also get the story told from their view point’s too!
A gorgeous read 4/5
April 30, 2012
It was a struggle to finish this mostly because the entire book felt off and couldn't to figure out why it wasn't holding my interest. I enjoy historicals and appreciate tales that explore healthy sexuality in that time period. Yes, women could be sexually curious and explored it outside of their husbands or other males. This story certainly explores taboo topics: pornographic photos, brothels for women, menage relationships. Unfortunately, there's no character development and no subplot beyond the sex to really be interesting. In the end, I was just glad to finish. For anyone interested in reading this, Delilah Marvelle may be a better fit. It's not erotica by any means, but her attention to historically accurate sexuality is fantastic.
October 30, 2012
The copy I read had a different cover, with badly-written and inaccurate blurb saying it was a Regency novel and 'a cross between 50 Shades and Mr Darcy'. Both statements are inaccurate - the opening page of the story states it's 1890, and the writing is far far better than 50 shades, which I found unreadable!
So, what do we have here? Yes it's a love story, but also a mild erotic novel, and the heroine is a virgin but neither stupid nor sexually unaware, and there's a funny and sweet secondary story with yet more sex.
A good quick, amusing, well-written and involving read that mightn't be great literature but doesn't pretend to be. Generally it left me thinking I wouldn't mind reading more by the same author.
So, what do we have here? Yes it's a love story, but also a mild erotic novel, and the heroine is a virgin but neither stupid nor sexually unaware, and there's a funny and sweet secondary story with yet more sex.
A good quick, amusing, well-written and involving read that mightn't be great literature but doesn't pretend to be. Generally it left me thinking I wouldn't mind reading more by the same author.
March 8, 2012
A short novel set in Regency England that highlights the experiences of a woman who trusted her lover/fiance with her fragile reputation and who learned, to her distress, that he was untrustworthy. Now she has limited prospects for the future and only hopes to be able to help her brother. It is a story of a fragile hope in the life of a woman who discovers the inner strength and fortitude to do the best she can under the circumstances. There are a surprising number of twists in a relatively short work and it is written with balance and obvious skill. A very entertaining read.
April 17, 2013
I read this book, because the synopsis intrigued me. I really liked the pieces between Bea and Ritchie, but there was so much other things going on that were not at all part of the initial plot. I wish that these extra trysts then there would be more time to really dive into who Bea and Ritchie are, and develop their romance past just the pure physical.
I also feel the end was just thrown in there. There wasn't a real big buildup to the horrific ending, and was just added in to attempt a happy ending. All in all 3/5 stars which was generous in some ways.
I also feel the end was just thrown in there. There wasn't a real big buildup to the horrific ending, and was just added in to attempt a happy ending. All in all 3/5 stars which was generous in some ways.
March 19, 2012
I first read Portia Da Costa many years ago, I think before I even reached the age of 20. She writes some amazing erotica! In the Flesh is a historical romance/erotic romance and it was nice, naughty, and saucy! I actually had no idea it was part of a series, and it really does stand well on it's own. There was some points where I had to ignore the characters reactions to things and just go with the flow.
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