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The Men and Women's Club #2
Cry for Passion
A brand-new, intensely erotic romance from a USA Today bestselling author known for her "sizzling"( Booklist ) novels.
Married twelve years to a man who does not desire her, Rose Clarring is dying of loneliness. She seeks the help of renowned barrister Jack Lodoun to challenge English Parliament and win her a divorce. Cynical and haunted by personal tragedy, Jack will only take the case if Rose can prove to him that there exists a passion that supersedes marital vows.
And so meeting by meeting...touch by touch...the two embark on a journey of discovery that leads to intimacies neither could have sex that knows no sin; love that has no limitations; a carnal bond which heals both grief and guilt. Together Rose and Jack will explore the ultimate in pleasure, but what must they sacrifice to claim the passion they so desperately desire?
Married twelve years to a man who does not desire her, Rose Clarring is dying of loneliness. She seeks the help of renowned barrister Jack Lodoun to challenge English Parliament and win her a divorce. Cynical and haunted by personal tragedy, Jack will only take the case if Rose can prove to him that there exists a passion that supersedes marital vows.
And so meeting by meeting...touch by touch...the two embark on a journey of discovery that leads to intimacies neither could have sex that knows no sin; love that has no limitations; a carnal bond which heals both grief and guilt. Together Rose and Jack will explore the ultimate in pleasure, but what must they sacrifice to claim the passion they so desperately desire?
354 pages, Paperback
First published February 2, 2009
20 people are currently reading
313 people want to read
About the author
Robin Schone
48 books492 followersUSA Today and Amazon Bestselling Author Robin Schone writes British Victorian novels about love, the legal & social penalties of Women’s sexuality and the occasional dinosaur. She is translated in 15 languages. The Lady's Tutor is a Cosmopolitan "Must Read" erotic novel. RUSQ (Reference and User Services of the American Library Association) chose Scandalous Lovers to “represent the wide range of historical fiction in romance.” Claims RUSQ: "Robin Schone writes sensual, explicit stories...about characters who are frequently older and less beautiful than most romance protagonists. Her history is impeccable; the storytelling is straightforward but emotionally driven."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
April 13, 2022
I picked this one up on a whim, mainly because I was curious to find out whether this author’s work would live up to its reputation. I can confirm that the rumors are true: this is a haunting story and the most disquieting historical romance/erotica I’ve ever come across. Ruthlessly realistic, focused on character study and the significance of sex rather than romance (though the latter is present and its nature is discussed at length), and written in a minimal and terse style, this book wasn’t a pleasant or particularly easy read.
The characters in this story are neither heroic nor particularly good people and perhaps for that reason I found myself sympathising with everyone, even the antagonists. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to try something that breaks many of the rules of HR.
The characters in this story are neither heroic nor particularly good people and perhaps for that reason I found myself sympathising with everyone, even the antagonists. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to try something that breaks many of the rules of HR.
August 16, 2017
La reseña en el blog https://alacamaconunlibro.blogspot.co...
August 15, 2022
The writing style, namely the prose, was very distinct from other books I have read. I've read Robin Schone before, but I don't think I remembered that. The word "auroeled" was used several times. Too often, in the beginning, the main character would feel the sensation in their testicles or womb, when they were not being actually touched there. Also, there was dialogue like this: "Look, Mama, it's Mrs. Clarring!" wafted over the dual bells. (a sentence actually from the novel)
This book is erotica, but it's a discovery of the erotic in ways and descriptions that aren't hot or sexy.
I wished that Rose and Jack (took me till page 131 to realize that they have the names of the Titanic lovers) said "I love you" once during this book; however, they and others repeatedly asked them if they loved each other, and the answer was always no (but it was too soon then).
I didn't like how anti-having kids Rose was because it felt like a reaction to her husband's desires. Originally, it had seemed like she wanted kids. And then the secretary of Rose's husband was like the guy with the pale purple eyes and that beautiful blonde woman would make such beautiful children together. It's a woman's right to decide to have kids or not, but I don't like reading in a romance novel how hard the woman is trying not to have a kid that we literally have a scene of her getting a contraceptive inserted inside her and backup pills if that fails. I'm super biased, but accidental pregnancy is one of my favorite tropes in romance.
It's crazy how little rights women had back then, even in the late 1800s. A man could forcibly detain his wife in his house, it was hard for a woman to get a divorce, etc.
This book is erotica, but it's a discovery of the erotic in ways and descriptions that aren't hot or sexy.
I wished that Rose and Jack (took me till page 131 to realize that they have the names of the Titanic lovers) said "I love you" once during this book; however, they and others repeatedly asked them if they loved each other, and the answer was always no (but it was too soon then).
I didn't like how anti-having kids Rose was because it felt like a reaction to her husband's desires. Originally, it had seemed like she wanted kids. And then the secretary of Rose's husband was like the guy with the pale purple eyes and that beautiful blonde woman would make such beautiful children together. It's a woman's right to decide to have kids or not, but I don't like reading in a romance novel how hard the woman is trying not to have a kid that we literally have a scene of her getting a contraceptive inserted inside her and backup pills if that fails. I'm super biased, but accidental pregnancy is one of my favorite tropes in romance.
It's crazy how little rights women had back then, even in the late 1800s. A man could forcibly detain his wife in his house, it was hard for a woman to get a divorce, etc.
June 11, 2010
Cry for Passion is the second book in Robin Schone's Men and Women's Club Series. Rose Clarring seeks out Jack Lodoun to help her divorce her husband of twelve years. Jack refuses to aid her in a divorce, because the law does not support it. Jack and Rose begin an affair to ease their loneliness and grief and guilt. What began as passion quickly turns to love.
Cry for Passion was a most unusual book, in that it seemed like it had a split-personality disorder. The first half of the book was written in the most unusual prose. The writing was short and choppy and it flowed more like a poem, than a novel. It was jarring and unusual, which left me struggling to follow along with the story. The second disconcerting thing about this book, were the sexual metaphors constantly interspersed with normal everyday life. Common items were constantly described in sexual terms. It was as if everything was sexual; a hairbrush, a cup of tea, even a button on a coat. It was too much. That leads me to the next issue I had, which was the prose. I don't think I have ever read a book where the prose was so purple. Good Lord. I lost count of how many times a vagina or a cock was weeping in this book.
Even though the first half of the book was a train wreck, there were some redeeming qualities that were more prominent in the second half of the book. The prose was less choppy and purple and the focus was less on the sex and more on Jack and Rose's struggle with the law. The subject matter of women's rights at the turn of the century was very well researched. Robin Schone was meticulous in researching this era and was accurate down to the last rich detail. Cry for Passion was based on an actual court case that had happened and was one of the catalysts for changing the laws specific to married women. It really was eye opening to legally see just how little the law was on a woman's side. It is very sad to think what lengths had to be taken before the law could be changed.
Because of the extreme differences between the first and second part of the book, I had difficulty giving it a grade. Had I not finished this book I would have rated it a D-, and believe me it crossed my mind once or twice to put it down and not pick it back up. Yet, had I done that I would never have imagined that the second part would have been as strong as it was. Honestly, it was like two different books. I would have given the second part a B+. So that leaves me to rate it somewhere in the middle with a C.
Cry for Passion was a most unusual book, in that it seemed like it had a split-personality disorder. The first half of the book was written in the most unusual prose. The writing was short and choppy and it flowed more like a poem, than a novel. It was jarring and unusual, which left me struggling to follow along with the story. The second disconcerting thing about this book, were the sexual metaphors constantly interspersed with normal everyday life. Common items were constantly described in sexual terms. It was as if everything was sexual; a hairbrush, a cup of tea, even a button on a coat. It was too much. That leads me to the next issue I had, which was the prose. I don't think I have ever read a book where the prose was so purple. Good Lord. I lost count of how many times a vagina or a cock was weeping in this book.
Even though the first half of the book was a train wreck, there were some redeeming qualities that were more prominent in the second half of the book. The prose was less choppy and purple and the focus was less on the sex and more on Jack and Rose's struggle with the law. The subject matter of women's rights at the turn of the century was very well researched. Robin Schone was meticulous in researching this era and was accurate down to the last rich detail. Cry for Passion was based on an actual court case that had happened and was one of the catalysts for changing the laws specific to married women. It really was eye opening to legally see just how little the law was on a woman's side. It is very sad to think what lengths had to be taken before the law could be changed.
Because of the extreme differences between the first and second part of the book, I had difficulty giving it a grade. Had I not finished this book I would have rated it a D-, and believe me it crossed my mind once or twice to put it down and not pick it back up. Yet, had I done that I would never have imagined that the second part would have been as strong as it was. Honestly, it was like two different books. I would have given the second part a B+. So that leaves me to rate it somewhere in the middle with a C.
July 3, 2011
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies
Rose Clarring's husband is sterile and she will never be able to give him the child he wants. And truthfully, she doesn't want children. She wants to be wanted for more than her birthing abilities and she can't live with a man who can only love her if she bears him a child.
Twelve long, lonely years of her life she has spent with one man who has no true desire for her. Rose's new mission in life is to find real passion. As a first step, Rose joins a controversial club for men and women that discuss topics that are considered inappropriate by others.
Rose realizes she must break free from the marriage so she is no longer living a lie and breaking free involves divorcing her husband.
When Rose is subpoenaed to court, she feels she must do her duty to help a member of the club, no matter what it does to her reputation. Rose leaves her husband and moves into her own home as the town speaks crudely of her. She seeks out Jack Lodoun, a barrister, to get her a divorce. Jack knows a divorce will never be won, but he agrees to take her case if she can prove to him that a woman's passion is worth a man's reputation.
To me, Ms. Schone has always had an extreme talent for making you feel hooked on her characters. They are always confident, strong-willed, and have a lot of backbone. Jack and Rose were a couple I'll never forget. CRY FOR PASSION was an amazingly sad love story. I couldn't put this one down. The club picketing for her had me shedding several tears. Those people, not to mention her own family, offered her a lot of support in the end. This is a time period when divorces were unacceptable and to see things changed, it really touched my heart. Ms. Schone took reading to a new level with CRY FOR PASSION.
Rose Clarring's husband is sterile and she will never be able to give him the child he wants. And truthfully, she doesn't want children. She wants to be wanted for more than her birthing abilities and she can't live with a man who can only love her if she bears him a child.
Twelve long, lonely years of her life she has spent with one man who has no true desire for her. Rose's new mission in life is to find real passion. As a first step, Rose joins a controversial club for men and women that discuss topics that are considered inappropriate by others.
Rose realizes she must break free from the marriage so she is no longer living a lie and breaking free involves divorcing her husband.
When Rose is subpoenaed to court, she feels she must do her duty to help a member of the club, no matter what it does to her reputation. Rose leaves her husband and moves into her own home as the town speaks crudely of her. She seeks out Jack Lodoun, a barrister, to get her a divorce. Jack knows a divorce will never be won, but he agrees to take her case if she can prove to him that a woman's passion is worth a man's reputation.
To me, Ms. Schone has always had an extreme talent for making you feel hooked on her characters. They are always confident, strong-willed, and have a lot of backbone. Jack and Rose were a couple I'll never forget. CRY FOR PASSION was an amazingly sad love story. I couldn't put this one down. The club picketing for her had me shedding several tears. Those people, not to mention her own family, offered her a lot of support in the end. This is a time period when divorces were unacceptable and to see things changed, it really touched my heart. Ms. Schone took reading to a new level with CRY FOR PASSION.
December 10, 2019
Robin Schone é sempre surpreendente com suas histórias. Sempre aborda bem os temas de sobre comportamento das mulheres, seu papel sexual e o que sucedia às mulheres que não se conformavam com o puritanismo e machismo da época vitoriana. Em neste livro o pranto da paixão encontramos uma mulher que depois de algum tempo casada se propõe a procurar um advogado para se divorciar. É um romance com erotismo e aborda o divórcio e a dificuldade que as mulheres tinham para conseguir uma separação, já que eram vistas como propriedade do homem. Sabemos que o sexo com intuito de dar prazer a mulher não existia e sim de procriar. E aí está o motivo do seu desejo de divorciar-se.
A história gira em torno a Rose Clarring, casada com um homem que só enxergava nela sua capacidade de gerar seus filhos, mas como ficou estéril, se afoga na bebida e não a procurar mais porque ela perdeu o sentido para ele e, assim não cumpre seus deveres conjugais. Como Rose não quer ser apenas alguém que coloca filhos o mundo e sim quer ter prazer, sentir paixão, além de alguém para curá-la da solidão... Pede o divórcio. E busca ajuda do advogado Jack Lodoun, um quarentão que também se sente só e, portanto, eles já tem em comum a solidão. Quando eles se conhecem, se sentem atraídos e começam um relacionamento intenso. Jack se encarrega de lhe demonstrar que a paixão existe. E assim com toques de sensualismo, a autora vai desenvolvendo o relacionamento numa época difícil para as mulheres, e mostra esse lado feminino em busca de liberdade, do prazer e de não ser só alguém que reproduz sua prole.
E Rose e Jack vivem intensamente essa paixão: hot, hot, hot . E essa paixão provoca um escândalo na puritânica e vitoriana Londres, pois Rose e Jack se envolvem abertamente num relacionamento quase impossível, já que dificilmente eles poderiam ganhar a causa do divórcio.
Há boas cenas como a de Jack pedindo a ajuda de James Whitcox( outro advogado que tem sua história) para libertar Rose, e assim, mostrando seu amor por ela, seu cuidado e o desejo de estar com ela, e em compartilhar coisas; outra cena boa é a da visita da mãe dela em sua nova residência.
Eles têm uma pequena vitória no final, mas de qualquer forma uma vitória.
Então, aqui nada de mocinha tímidas, mas uma mulher mais madura em busca de seu próprio eu e um homem que ousou tudo para viver com a mulher amada. A autora mostra de maneira explícita o relacionamento dos dois.
A história gira em torno a Rose Clarring, casada com um homem que só enxergava nela sua capacidade de gerar seus filhos, mas como ficou estéril, se afoga na bebida e não a procurar mais porque ela perdeu o sentido para ele e, assim não cumpre seus deveres conjugais. Como Rose não quer ser apenas alguém que coloca filhos o mundo e sim quer ter prazer, sentir paixão, além de alguém para curá-la da solidão... Pede o divórcio. E busca ajuda do advogado Jack Lodoun, um quarentão que também se sente só e, portanto, eles já tem em comum a solidão. Quando eles se conhecem, se sentem atraídos e começam um relacionamento intenso. Jack se encarrega de lhe demonstrar que a paixão existe. E assim com toques de sensualismo, a autora vai desenvolvendo o relacionamento numa época difícil para as mulheres, e mostra esse lado feminino em busca de liberdade, do prazer e de não ser só alguém que reproduz sua prole.
E Rose e Jack vivem intensamente essa paixão: hot, hot, hot . E essa paixão provoca um escândalo na puritânica e vitoriana Londres, pois Rose e Jack se envolvem abertamente num relacionamento quase impossível, já que dificilmente eles poderiam ganhar a causa do divórcio.
Há boas cenas como a de Jack pedindo a ajuda de James Whitcox( outro advogado que tem sua história) para libertar Rose, e assim, mostrando seu amor por ela, seu cuidado e o desejo de estar com ela, e em compartilhar coisas; outra cena boa é a da visita da mãe dela em sua nova residência.
Eles têm uma pequena vitória no final, mas de qualquer forma uma vitória.
Então, aqui nada de mocinha tímidas, mas uma mulher mais madura em busca de seu próprio eu e um homem que ousou tudo para viver com a mulher amada. A autora mostra de maneira explícita o relacionamento dos dois.
June 18, 2020
I need a cigarette…phew!
Ok, so this book was chocolate cake. Dense and rich. The kind that sticks to the spoon and you have to wash down with cold milk (or red wine in my case).
Sigh.
Alright, I have gathered my thoughts...kinda. Not really. Anyway, you really need to be in the right head space to read a Robin Schone book. You have to be able to concentrate and shut the world out. Robin’s books are heavy. Fair warning.
This book was what I would call a sad love story- you can’t have the love without the pain. At first I thought Rose and Jack were really strange together. They carried on conversations while doin’ the dirty and initially that put me off, but after giving it some time, I get why Robin did this. R & J were lonely for so long. Rose was denied by her husband for years (physically and mentally) and Jack was left with only his heartbreak for company. So when these two lost souls connected, every minute was devoted to asking questions, familiarizing themselves with each other, getting lost in each other’s pleasure. And I thought that was beautiful.
I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t conflicted with who I thought Rose should be with. Her husband was dealt a bad hand. The wife and mother in me so wanted him to have what he wanted so fervently. That helped me relate to him and to Rose. On the other side of it, it consumed him- and that’s when he lost my vote.
Robin has an incredible talent for describing her characters. What they feel, what they see, what the smell. You become those characters. The conversations they have with one another are so deep and personal. I’m rambling now, but I’m on a book high so I get an excuse. I'll probably revisit and edit this review, but for now this is all I got!
Ok, so this book was chocolate cake. Dense and rich. The kind that sticks to the spoon and you have to wash down with cold milk (or red wine in my case).
Sigh.
Alright, I have gathered my thoughts...kinda. Not really. Anyway, you really need to be in the right head space to read a Robin Schone book. You have to be able to concentrate and shut the world out. Robin’s books are heavy. Fair warning.
This book was what I would call a sad love story- you can’t have the love without the pain. At first I thought Rose and Jack were really strange together. They carried on conversations while doin’ the dirty and initially that put me off, but after giving it some time, I get why Robin did this. R & J were lonely for so long. Rose was denied by her husband for years (physically and mentally) and Jack was left with only his heartbreak for company. So when these two lost souls connected, every minute was devoted to asking questions, familiarizing themselves with each other, getting lost in each other’s pleasure. And I thought that was beautiful.
I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t conflicted with who I thought Rose should be with. Her husband was dealt a bad hand. The wife and mother in me so wanted him to have what he wanted so fervently. That helped me relate to him and to Rose. On the other side of it, it consumed him- and that’s when he lost my vote.
Robin has an incredible talent for describing her characters. What they feel, what they see, what the smell. You become those characters. The conversations they have with one another are so deep and personal. I’m rambling now, but I’m on a book high so I get an excuse. I'll probably revisit and edit this review, but for now this is all I got!
March 19, 2015
I just LOVE Robin Schone's books. She writes much like Thea Devine, whom I also adore. This is a sequel to "Scandalous Lovers". Jack Loudon, the prosecuting attorney in that story, resigns his position as Attorney General. He has lost several cases to Barrister James Whitcox, up to then with a perfect record. As he walks out of the courthouse, one of the witnesses in the case, Rose Clarring, stops him, pleading for help in trying to divorce her husband.
Rose is a member of the Men and Women's Club, that played such a lurid role in the trial for another club member. The United Kingdom in the 1880's, grants the husband, father or brother of women, who are not legally independent, the right to imprison those women, or even force them into insane asylums. This was not as rare as you might think and occurred in the United States as well. At any rate, Rose is tied in an unhappy marriage and needs legal help. This request eventually leads to Rose and Jack falling in love. A wonderful story; exciting and emotive.
Rose is a member of the Men and Women's Club, that played such a lurid role in the trial for another club member. The United Kingdom in the 1880's, grants the husband, father or brother of women, who are not legally independent, the right to imprison those women, or even force them into insane asylums. This was not as rare as you might think and occurred in the United States as well. At any rate, Rose is tied in an unhappy marriage and needs legal help. This request eventually leads to Rose and Jack falling in love. A wonderful story; exciting and emotive.
September 24, 2015
Robin Schone es una de mis escritoras favoritas.
Este libro me agotó por momentos y lo dejaba, pero volvía porque la trama me mantuvo en vilo hasta el final. La química entre Jack y Rose me gustó y no, y la controversia del adulterio me produjo lo mismo. Los paralelismos y comparaciones me deprimieron de a ratos y sin embargo eso es lo que hace que un libro para mí sea memorable, que me haga pensar y se cuele en mi vida fuera de los momentos que destino a la lectura.
Ella escribiendo es impecable, pero el final fue demasiado abrupto y rápido, me quedé con ganas de más.
Este libro me agotó por momentos y lo dejaba, pero volvía porque la trama me mantuvo en vilo hasta el final. La química entre Jack y Rose me gustó y no, y la controversia del adulterio me produjo lo mismo. Los paralelismos y comparaciones me deprimieron de a ratos y sin embargo eso es lo que hace que un libro para mí sea memorable, que me haga pensar y se cuele en mi vida fuera de los momentos que destino a la lectura.
Ella escribiendo es impecable, pero el final fue demasiado abrupto y rápido, me quedé con ganas de más.
March 7, 2009
Book 3 (if you count the short story in anthology) in The Men and Women's Club. Loved it. This book is about Rose Clarring wanting to divorce her husband, but the law does not allow it. She asks Jack Lodoun for help (who was the prosecutor in Scandalous Lovers.
May 12, 2014
Fantastic! This book provides keen insight into the marital "rights" of women in England during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Warning: Hot Sex
Warning: Hot Sex
September 13, 2016
Another great read from one of my favorite authors!
June 28, 2010
Good Book---great author
July 10, 2012
This has to be one of the top ten stories I have read in my life - fascinating, profound, heartbreaking, and real.
March 24, 2019
It is SO frustrating that Nook only offers a few of this author’s books!!
Enjoyed this book but I wish I could have read the first two books of the series...Nook is seriously pushing me to another type of e-reader:(
Enjoyed this book but I wish I could have read the first two books of the series...Nook is seriously pushing me to another type of e-reader:(
July 22, 2018
I wept. I laid in my bed and wept over this book. It is wonderful.
February 4, 2019
The Men and Women's Club books are really eye opening. Such a strong female character that let nothing stand in her way to get what she wanted.
January 2, 2020
Started reading with reservations like the book is a little difficult at times but still I would give it about a 4 rating. I will read more of her books. ☆☆♡♡☆☆☆☆☆
April 13, 2020
Esta historia me gustó mucho. Yo lo recomiendo.
May 2, 2022
Perfecto
November 7, 2022
Me gusta mucho las novelas de esta autora, pero en esta la historia de amor me supo a poco. Me gustaron ambos protagonistas y el mensaje social que la novela deja.
June 1, 2023
a little bit boring
September 25, 2023
Tan interesante como su predecesora.
December 28, 2025
Une romance sexy et excitante, même si la fin laisse à désirer, que le développement de l'amour est trop superficiel, et que le découpage en chapitres est vraiment mal fait.
December 5, 2017
Quest’autrice è osannata dai più come abile narratrice di romance storici ad alto tasso erotico, ma io non ho la pazienza di leggerla. Trovo le sue trame tetre, gotiche, meste e dispersive. Non riesco mai a focalizzarmi sulla storia, non riesco a capire bene i fatti che descrive né che collegamento hanno fra loro. Ci provo e ci riprovo, ma leggerla per me è una grande fatica. E visto che oggi non sto neanche tanto bene, decido che è meglio che lasci Robin ai suoi lettori e mi conceda qualcosa di più leggero.
October 16, 2010
Well, that was heavy.
This is another quality read from Robin Schone that tells a woman's story, coupled with issues still relevant today - women's right to suffrage, empowerment, equality, and adultery. This is not the type of adultery that shall be condemned though, Rose was driven to it.
Rose and her husband, Jonathon (who makes little appearance) love each other, but since contracting the mumps, Jonathon became sterile, shattering his dreams of having a big family. He saw rose as someone to give him children, but he didn't love her for herself and her wonderful qualities.
The story started with the end of a trial where Jack Lodoun lost to his rival James Whitcox. Rose approached him for help in filing a divorce, which was impossible that time. It was really unfair for women to take the blame when husbands are sterile, that it's always the woman's fault if they can't have children, and Rose carried this secret as a burden for 12 years.
Rose's character, though fictional, is a true-to-life one; an epitome of women all over the world who suffer the same plight, who're powerless against their abusive husbands, who have no choice but to turn to another man for passion, and their need to be held, touched, and loved are turned against them, just because of a "reasonable" law.
The author's writing style is exceptional. She brings the senses to life with her vivid descriptions - the characters' eye color, the feel of their skin, the scent and taste of their arousal, their erotic dialogue - questions and answers, how they tell the other what they want to do, and do it - I loved all of it, the eroticism, the way they expressed their passion and needs, how they comforted each other, not the tender or romantic type, but in the way they know how.
Theirs is a mutual exchange. Rose took pleasure in the little things she and Jack shared, that she deemed intimate - watching another's morning rituals, feeding each other, and watching the other bathe, and just being in each other's presence. I liked how the simple things could be turned sensual, like drinking a fine glass of brandy, and how Ms Schone compared a lot of the usual things to a man and a woman's genitals.
I don't consider this romantic in any way, they might as well have been fuck buddies since they used that term to describe what they were doing in their first meetings. Both of them were in need of each other and they paid the price for it. It still is open ended, Ms Schone is the type of writer who captivates you one moment, and leaves everything to your imagination the next.
There were scenes that moved me. I got emotional when Rose's mother came to visit her in her new home, and took her shopping. I was moved when her mother stood by her decision in loving another man, unlike other conventional mothers who follow the dictates of society.
The most riveting scene was Jack asking James Whitcox's help to liberate Rose. That action in itself proves that he loves her, or if it can't be called that, he cares for her deeply and wants to be with her, share things with her, because he felt he's already part of her.
They have a small victory in the end, but a victory nonetheless. There's the biggest knot that's tied, and this story paved the way for women's rights. I'm glad to be living in a time where women are almost equal to men, that a wife could say "no" to her husband, and a husband who forces himself on his wife could be jailed for rape.
I gave this a four because of the slow pace, but it undeniably has top-rated erotica. The scenes weren't dragging, they explore and arouse, and it's an emotional ride. This is marginally better than the other full-length novels I've read (The Lover, Gabriel's Woman), but "The Lady's Tutor" is still my favorite. I'm still a big fan of this author and would like to read more of her works.
This is another quality read from Robin Schone that tells a woman's story, coupled with issues still relevant today - women's right to suffrage, empowerment, equality, and adultery. This is not the type of adultery that shall be condemned though, Rose was driven to it.
Rose and her husband, Jonathon (who makes little appearance) love each other, but since contracting the mumps, Jonathon became sterile, shattering his dreams of having a big family. He saw rose as someone to give him children, but he didn't love her for herself and her wonderful qualities.
The story started with the end of a trial where Jack Lodoun lost to his rival James Whitcox. Rose approached him for help in filing a divorce, which was impossible that time. It was really unfair for women to take the blame when husbands are sterile, that it's always the woman's fault if they can't have children, and Rose carried this secret as a burden for 12 years.
Rose's character, though fictional, is a true-to-life one; an epitome of women all over the world who suffer the same plight, who're powerless against their abusive husbands, who have no choice but to turn to another man for passion, and their need to be held, touched, and loved are turned against them, just because of a "reasonable" law.
The author's writing style is exceptional. She brings the senses to life with her vivid descriptions - the characters' eye color, the feel of their skin, the scent and taste of their arousal, their erotic dialogue - questions and answers, how they tell the other what they want to do, and do it - I loved all of it, the eroticism, the way they expressed their passion and needs, how they comforted each other, not the tender or romantic type, but in the way they know how.
Theirs is a mutual exchange. Rose took pleasure in the little things she and Jack shared, that she deemed intimate - watching another's morning rituals, feeding each other, and watching the other bathe, and just being in each other's presence. I liked how the simple things could be turned sensual, like drinking a fine glass of brandy, and how Ms Schone compared a lot of the usual things to a man and a woman's genitals.
I don't consider this romantic in any way, they might as well have been fuck buddies since they used that term to describe what they were doing in their first meetings. Both of them were in need of each other and they paid the price for it. It still is open ended, Ms Schone is the type of writer who captivates you one moment, and leaves everything to your imagination the next.
There were scenes that moved me. I got emotional when Rose's mother came to visit her in her new home, and took her shopping. I was moved when her mother stood by her decision in loving another man, unlike other conventional mothers who follow the dictates of society.
The most riveting scene was Jack asking James Whitcox's help to liberate Rose. That action in itself proves that he loves her, or if it can't be called that, he cares for her deeply and wants to be with her, share things with her, because he felt he's already part of her.
They have a small victory in the end, but a victory nonetheless. There's the biggest knot that's tied, and this story paved the way for women's rights. I'm glad to be living in a time where women are almost equal to men, that a wife could say "no" to her husband, and a husband who forces himself on his wife could be jailed for rape.
I gave this a four because of the slow pace, but it undeniably has top-rated erotica. The scenes weren't dragging, they explore and arouse, and it's an emotional ride. This is marginally better than the other full-length novels I've read (The Lover, Gabriel's Woman), but "The Lady's Tutor" is still my favorite. I'm still a big fan of this author and would like to read more of her works.
March 10, 2017
Ho voluto leggere questo romanzo perchè troppe opinioni, tutte così discordanti, mi avevano incuriosita.
Partiamo da un presupposto: la Schone sa scrivere bene, anzi benissimo, ma il suo talento non è utilizzato come meriterebbe.
Una buona ultimissima parte (le ultime 80 pagine) non può salvare un romanzo eccessivo, in tutto quello in cui può essere eccessivo.
Lo so, è un romanzo erotico, quindi non mi sarei dovuto aspettare niente di meno che scene esplicite, ma le scene che la Schone scrive vanno oltre l'eccesso, sono completamente fuori luogo, soprattutto perchè il linguaggio utilizzato è assolutamente fuori contesto storico.
Più che le scene di sesso in se stesse, dettagliate e ripetute fino allo stremo, è proprio il linguaggio che è maggiormente spiazzante ed eccessivo: una verbosità così spinta e ripetitiva sul sesso l'ho trovata una forzatura innaturale e non necessaria, e proprio per questo quando arriva la prima vera scena di sesso tra i due protagonisti, dopo 100 pagine, Rose e Jack ne hanno parlato talmente tanto, in tutte le salse e con tutti particolari più intimi, che la scena, e quelle successive, quasi annoiano e non sortiscono più l'effetto voluto.
Non sono però d'accordo con chi sostiene che non c'è amore tra i protagonisti: c'è tanto sesso, quello sì, ma alla fine, nella parte che infatti risulta più vera, questo amore, tra due persone sole che riescono a trovarsi e a consolarsi, si percepisce e traspare, anche se permane l'idea che la Schone ce lo mostri, per buona parte del romanzo, nella maniera sbagliata.
Partiamo da un presupposto: la Schone sa scrivere bene, anzi benissimo, ma il suo talento non è utilizzato come meriterebbe.
Una buona ultimissima parte (le ultime 80 pagine) non può salvare un romanzo eccessivo, in tutto quello in cui può essere eccessivo.
Lo so, è un romanzo erotico, quindi non mi sarei dovuto aspettare niente di meno che scene esplicite, ma le scene che la Schone scrive vanno oltre l'eccesso, sono completamente fuori luogo, soprattutto perchè il linguaggio utilizzato è assolutamente fuori contesto storico.
Più che le scene di sesso in se stesse, dettagliate e ripetute fino allo stremo, è proprio il linguaggio che è maggiormente spiazzante ed eccessivo: una verbosità così spinta e ripetitiva sul sesso l'ho trovata una forzatura innaturale e non necessaria, e proprio per questo quando arriva la prima vera scena di sesso tra i due protagonisti, dopo 100 pagine, Rose e Jack ne hanno parlato talmente tanto, in tutte le salse e con tutti particolari più intimi, che la scena, e quelle successive, quasi annoiano e non sortiscono più l'effetto voluto.
Non sono però d'accordo con chi sostiene che non c'è amore tra i protagonisti: c'è tanto sesso, quello sì, ma alla fine, nella parte che infatti risulta più vera, questo amore, tra due persone sole che riescono a trovarsi e a consolarsi, si percepisce e traspare, anche se permane l'idea che la Schone ce lo mostri, per buona parte del romanzo, nella maniera sbagliata.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2013
Secondo romanzo dedicato alle vicende dei membri del Club degli uomini e delle donne, nella Londra di fine ‘800, dove le donne sono ancora prive dei diritti fondamentali e completamente assoggettate alla tutela legale del marito.
Jack Lodoun, che negli “Amanti dello Scandalo” era il nemico giurato di James, nonché l’amante di sua moglie, viene incaricato da Rose Clarring, proprio una delle donne del club che lui ha cercato di distruggere, di ottenere per lei il divorzio da un marito sterile che, tuttavia, si ostina a tenerla in suo potere, sola e senza amore. Jack è un conservatore ed è fortemente contrario al divorzio, ma lentamente l’amore per Rose lo cambierà, facendo di lui il paladino di una riforma della stessa legge che per anni lui ha lottato di salvaguardare. Perché se nel mondo di Jack, prima che arrivasse Rose, l'unico modo in cui una donna poteva valere qualcosa agli occhi di un uomo era solo quello di dargli un figlio, Rose, e le altre come lei rifiutano questo destino. “Sono una donna, ma ho il diritto di essere desiderata per me stessa, per quella che sono, non perché ho un grembo in grado di procreare.”
Scritto bene, si legge d’un fiato. E finalmente ecco un libro erotico, che è al contempo brillante ricostruzione storica e denuncia di una situazione di discriminazione sessuale, che in tanti altri libri è semplicemente ignorata dietro alla facciata di balli, carrozze, stagioni e lieti fine di matrimoni d’amore.
Jack Lodoun, che negli “Amanti dello Scandalo” era il nemico giurato di James, nonché l’amante di sua moglie, viene incaricato da Rose Clarring, proprio una delle donne del club che lui ha cercato di distruggere, di ottenere per lei il divorzio da un marito sterile che, tuttavia, si ostina a tenerla in suo potere, sola e senza amore. Jack è un conservatore ed è fortemente contrario al divorzio, ma lentamente l’amore per Rose lo cambierà, facendo di lui il paladino di una riforma della stessa legge che per anni lui ha lottato di salvaguardare. Perché se nel mondo di Jack, prima che arrivasse Rose, l'unico modo in cui una donna poteva valere qualcosa agli occhi di un uomo era solo quello di dargli un figlio, Rose, e le altre come lei rifiutano questo destino. “Sono una donna, ma ho il diritto di essere desiderata per me stessa, per quella che sono, non perché ho un grembo in grado di procreare.”
Scritto bene, si legge d’un fiato. E finalmente ecco un libro erotico, che è al contempo brillante ricostruzione storica e denuncia di una situazione di discriminazione sessuale, che in tanti altri libri è semplicemente ignorata dietro alla facciata di balli, carrozze, stagioni e lieti fine di matrimoni d’amore.
June 11, 2010
This was a strange book, but interesting in some ways. I kept asking myself why I was reading it, and yet something about it made it hard for me to leave it unfinished. The dialog was choppy, reading almost like a play or poem instead of a novel. There were a lot of questions and statements followed by one word responses. The metaphors used in the book to describe sexual parts were strange, verging more on the poetic. I like poetic at times, but in this book I felt it was overdone.
There was actually more talking and less action here in the way of the sex scenes. This is the 2nd book I've read by this author, and that seems to be her style. Although the sex scenes are limited, the 2nd half of this book was more interesting than the 1st. The writing became more fluid and the plot and characters began to develop a little more. Even more interesting is that fact that this story is based on an actual court case in 1891, dealing with the rights, or rather lack of them, specifically in regards to her husband, or in some cases, a male relative.
Parts of it made me sad and angry, and for that it gets three stars instead of two.
There was actually more talking and less action here in the way of the sex scenes. This is the 2nd book I've read by this author, and that seems to be her style. Although the sex scenes are limited, the 2nd half of this book was more interesting than the 1st. The writing became more fluid and the plot and characters began to develop a little more. Even more interesting is that fact that this story is based on an actual court case in 1891, dealing with the rights, or rather lack of them, specifically in regards to her husband, or in some cases, a male relative.
Parts of it made me sad and angry, and for that it gets three stars instead of two.
December 31, 2015
Es un libro sencillo y rápido de leer. Trata la historia de amor entre Rose, una mujer casada y Jack su abogado. Ella quiere divorciarse de un hombre al que supuestamente ama, pero no soporta ver su tristeza por no poder darle hijos. Jack es su abogado, a pesar de que conseguir su divorcio para la época es prácticamente imposible.
Se supone que trata una historia de amor, pero sencillamente yo tuve que buscar el amor con lupa. La relación es sexual, no hablan de amor hasta el final del libro, pero más que amor parece miedo a la soledad. En realidad no llegan a conocerse, no saben nada el uno del otro, lo único que los une es el sexo. El marido de Rose es un personaje muy forzado a ser el malo, hace cosas sin sentido. Estratégicamente preparado para ser odiado. Me hubiese gustado que mostrase su lado humano, su lado bueno. Es cierto que Rose habla bien de él, pero en la novela no se aprecia más que maldad por su parte.
Durante todo el libro se habla de las quedadas de Rose y Jack, y al final aparece la acción y todo se desenvuelve de forma rápida y absurda. Parece que la autora estuviese deseando acabar de escribir el libro.
Se supone que trata una historia de amor, pero sencillamente yo tuve que buscar el amor con lupa. La relación es sexual, no hablan de amor hasta el final del libro, pero más que amor parece miedo a la soledad. En realidad no llegan a conocerse, no saben nada el uno del otro, lo único que los une es el sexo. El marido de Rose es un personaje muy forzado a ser el malo, hace cosas sin sentido. Estratégicamente preparado para ser odiado. Me hubiese gustado que mostrase su lado humano, su lado bueno. Es cierto que Rose habla bien de él, pero en la novela no se aprecia más que maldad por su parte.
Durante todo el libro se habla de las quedadas de Rose y Jack, y al final aparece la acción y todo se desenvuelve de forma rápida y absurda. Parece que la autora estuviese deseando acabar de escribir el libro.
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