Beyond Seduction

Beyond Duet #2

by Emma Holly

To avoid marriage, Merry Vance has concocted a sinfully scandalous scheme: to pose for Nicolas Craven, London's most sought-after artist. No man in his right mind would marry a woman who posed nude for this notorious rogue. But Nicolas has his own plans for the feisty young woman. And Merry has no idea how hot it can get in an artist's studio.

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

297 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 28, 2002

About the author

I'm a USA Today bestselling author who LOVES the hot stuff, both to read and to write. My favorite obsessions are all things coffee, almost everything on HGTV, and dreaming up new stories.

Reviews

[Eastofoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written fire engine red hot story that will leave you with an overwhelming feeling of happiness at the end.

Merry Vance thinks she’s a plain Jane and everyone has pretty much treated her that way. She doesn’t want to marry the person her mother has set up for her so she plans a brilliant scheme to dishonor herself so as never having to marry anyone and then she can do whatever she wants with her life. Enter the highly successful sexy painter Nicolas Craven who shows Merry how beautiful she truly is by painting her as Lady Godiva—a guaranteed scandal to follow. He seduces her but he’s so chivalrous and gallant about it all that he gets caught up in the bit of fun and starts to fall in love with her.

Lots of twists and turns in this refreshing novel with a lovely jaunt to Venice that makes you feel like you’re riding the gondolas looking up at the palazzos that line the canal. Holly paints slow and languorous pictures with words.

And then there's the sex --Phew! Just amazing! It's fast, it's slow, it's fast AND slow, it's all over the place! This is one of those borderline hot romance/erotica reads.

Pick it up if you’re looking for something new, something wicked and something that will beg you to stand in front of the freezer with the door open ;-)

[Julianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

"4 1/2 stars" After being less than impressed with Beyond Innocence it took me a while to talk myself into reading Beyond Seduction, but in my opinion, Emma Holly definitely redeemed herself with this one. It had the depth of emotion that I tend to prefer in my romance novels, but don't always find. It was amazing how the author could convey so much emotion with a mere touch or glance, or some other simple but meaningful gesture. This just left me with very warm feelings throughout the entire story. Many part of it were rather predictable, but Ms. Holly managed to throw out a couple of surprises that I didn't see coming. Overall it was a really satisfying read.

I really liked both Nic and Merry. In Beyond Innocence Merry was a rather independent, tom-boyish girl who rather shamelessly pursued the hero of that story, so I wasn't sure if I would like her as a heroine. My opinion of her changed very quickly though, as I came to understand her as a kind-hearted young woman who was outwardly brash, but inwardly insecure about her plain appearance. Nic was a wonderfully gentle beta hero with the sensitive heart of an artist and an eye for true beauty, who helped Merry realize what a desirable woman she really was. I just couldn't help but like him in spite of his flaws. I thought that the interactions between these two were incredibly romantic mostly because they both generously gave of themselves to each other. The story was rounded out by a large colorful cast of secondary characters consisting mainly of family and friends who ran a gamut of varying personalities.

Beyond Seduction was almost as much about flawed family ties and friendships and forgiving those we love, as it was about love and romance, which I thought gave it a much deeper meaning. This really helped to draw me into the story and overlook some of the more cliched elements which otherwise might have annoyed me. I really enjoyed reading Beyond Seduction. Sometimes it was difficult to put down, and it was always a pleasure to pick up again. Even though these two novels are a series, they can easily be read independently without loosing any storyline. Since I borrowed this from the library, I look forward to getting my own copy of Beyond Seduction for my keeper shelf.

Note: Beyond Seduction, reads very much like a traditional historical romance, but in my opinion, certain elements of the sexual content and a bit more explicit language (both of which some may find offensive) push the boundaries of what some readers may consider traditional, giving it a mild erotic feel.

[Jennifer Leighton · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ stars!

AMAZING story, even better than the first in this duet.

I loved that Nic was instantly attracted to Merry, and saw her unique beauty, despite her not being what was "normally" considered pretty. He loved things she hated about herself, such as her hair. His constant building her up and getting on to her when she would tear down her looks endeared him to me and I really respected him for that.

The sexual tension was off the charts...these two have an immediate connection that only intensifies as their feelings for one another grow.

Emma Holly has a way with words, and when it came to the sex scenes she did not disappoint. Hot, erotic perfection.

Top it off with a feel good happy ending, and you have the perfect book, and a love story I'll remember with fondness.

*Note: Merry has a small role in Book 1, Beyond Innocence. While reading Book 1 first will give you a bit of insight on the character of Merry, it's not essential. Helpful, certainly, but not a MUST read in order to enjoy this story.

[Duchess Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

A sexy artist with a shady past

A society Miss with a rebellious streak

A big secret between them...(he thinks she's lower class)

Hot, hot, HOT sexual tension

A suggestion of the forbidden

One hell of an erotic Historical Romance. Somehow, a man with paint on his hands and passion for his art just SCREAMS sexuality. And this book delivered on that in spades, while maintaining a decent plot.

[SuperWendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for the first time when it was published back in 2002 and it totally rocked my world. This is my first time rereading it, and while I still enjoyed it, time and a lot of erotic romance reading water under the bridge has me tempering my excitement. I realize why 2002 Wendy loved this book, while 2022 Wendy appreciated it more for what it meant for the first big wave of erotic romance.

The hero comes off as more self-absorbed than I recall and Merry's single-mindedness with regard to how the scandal she's creating with effect those around her (her BFF, her brothers, their wives, etc.) stuck out like a sore thumb this time around. Still, you have to admire the girl for going the unconventional route of posing nude. So many of her Regency and Victorian Romancelandia heroine contemporaries would do a half-baked job in trying to seduce some guy who goes by the nicknamed "Lord Sin" in order to "ruin" themselves.

The pacing was uneven for me this go-around, basically the Venice chapters were a bit of a bore, and I was more than ready for when Merry's Big Secret comes home to roost. The final chapters were the pay off and the best part of this reread for me. Probably a B+ borderline A when I read it back in 2002, and 20 years later it probably falls more in line with a B-.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Really enjoyed! The ending was a bit rushed but good premise, fun/thoughtful/sweet/horny.

[Lyuda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Victorian romance borderline erotica reminiscent of Robin Schone's work. Merry Vance,a 20 years old daughter of Duke of Monmouth, has one secret aspiration: when she turns 30 and inherits her late grandmother wealth, she wants to set her own establishment and raise horses-her only passion. Until that time, Merry has to resist her mother's manipulations to marry her to a childhood friend. When the pressure to marry became too much , Merry concocted a plan based on something that her girlfriend said in passing. She would compromise herself by posing for Nicolas Craven. Nic is a very talented painter, darling of society and has a reputation of a heartthrob. The encounter with Nic happened earlier than Merry anticipated when she was accosted in the alley close to her home. Thinking of her as a servant "Mary Colfax" who is fleeing from an abusive household with nowhere to go, Nick rescued her and gave her shelter. His motives are not all altruistic as something in the girl inspired him to paint her. Merry was only too happy to oblige. Nick's admiration and regard slowly changed Merry's perception of herself as a plain girl. She started to see herself through his eyes as a beautiful and desirable woman. And for this, she would always be grateful when their time together comes to an end. And end is must be. Nick, with secrets of his own, slowly realized that the "servant girl" is the only person who he needs to hold on to become a better person. The story flows nicely. It had some dispense believe moments and the ending was wrapped up too nicely but if you are a Robin Schone fan than you would want to read the book. This is a new author for me and I understand that the book is part of a series. But it can definitely be read as stand-alone.

[Roub · Rating 3 out of 5]

i liked it very much though i preferred the first book in the saga. this one seemed more about lust than love! they were terrifically and insanely in lust! the chemistry was palpable and i cud smell the sheets burning!lol. merry was highly immature and i dunt think ready for the kinda of durable and everlasting love marriage requires. as for nicolas, he got caught in his own net! for a man so experienced, it was laughable he did not realise she was a virgin even if she did not bleed! light and entertaining one, dunt miss it!;-)

[Slavena · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of people have said Emma Holly is a good writer of sensual erotic stories, I was very skeptical after the first book I read by her – Catching Midnight. I did not like it at all and have been avoiding this author for a while, however she totally grabbed me with this book. It is historical erotic romance vanilla style and highly enjoyable. I have one minus to this book - the hero didn’t figure out our gal was virgin, didn’t even consider that a possibility.

[L8blmr · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I told her, Julie (Mom2lnb) wrote such a good review of this book that I certainly don't need to do one. Just know that I agree with her, even down to the extra half star! Though not as blatantly sexual (menage alluded to, not described, for example) as the contemporary and paranormals I've read of Holly's, this is somewhat on the way to erotica, so, if that offends you, you'd best stay away.

[Sarah W. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled to get into this book - there seemed to be so many frustrating characters, troupes I'm not fond of, and lots of flowery language. I did manage to finish the book, although that was mostly due to the bedroom scenes.

[Fangirl Musings · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay, in all honesty, the characters weren't half bad, the storyline wasn't half bad, and the writing wasn't half-bad...but the main reason I couldn't get-with this book was two fold. One, Emma Holly simply didn't provide enough growing room for Merry and Nic as a believable couple. Ironically enough, I felt both characters were, separately, very well developed. With each I felt a connection, could relate to both situations and backgrounds...but I didn't feel the two were believable.

In the story, Merry is desperately avoiding the persuasion both her family, mother, and friend are pushing towards marrying Ernest- her childhood friend. (In truth, the real push comes from Lavina, Merry's mother, who is being blackmailed by Althrop, Ernest's father, so that if his son does not marry Merry, then he will expose the affair between the two that occurred years ago.) After being dictated to that her precious houses would be sold at auction and her favorite maid would be fired if she didn't marry Ernest, Merry cooks up a scheme to be painted nude by the infamous Nic Craven.

This is the base line to the plot, which was okay in its delivery. But what I couldn't stomach was the fact that Holly turned the character Merry into one that was better fit in an erotica rather than a historical romance. Don't get me wrong, sex, passion and physical attraction are keys to any romance...but their context within the characters is vastly important. Within Beyond Seduction, I honestly felt that sex was an underlying tone to every character interaction.

Althrop and Lavina. Evangeline, Sebastian, and Nic. Nic and Merry...even, at points before the novels time line, Nic and Sebastian. It was just, quite frankly, too much, and not very relevant to the story as a whole. This wouldn't have bothered me to the level it did if it hadn't been for the fact that I never felt there were any building-love scenes at all between Nic and Merry.

In over half the book, Nic believes Merry to be Mary Colfax, a ruined house maid in the Monmouth (Merry's father's) household. So in reality, Nic never really gets to know Merry on a truthful level- that she loves horses, her independent nature, her background, the obstacles she's overcome, nothing! And even after he discovers her identity when her brothers James, Peter and Evelyn come to her 'rescue' in Venice, she's whisked back to England, and within a summer, Nic returns and professes his undying love. There exists not one moment between the two where each know each other for exactly who they are before love is being spouted. (The same can be said for Nic, since it comes out that he is a Marquis, has a son Christopher- yet isn't his son at all, but is his brother, and has responsibilities he himself is running from.)

Put simply, this book could have been worlds better than what it was. I don't hate it because I couldn't connect with it enough to hate it, which is sad because I loved the base line and character makeup to both Nic and Merry...it just didn't hold water within the story. So...blah. Just a book of blah.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Nic. He is honest about what he wants and he is not afraid to give in to his baser desires. Merry however I did not like at all. She is so totally naive about the consequences of her actions and then she refuses to face up to them when the time comes. I thought her to be a selfish character and even in the end could not come to like her much.

I understand the need to be independent so I get her motivations but I disagree with her actions. Nic on the other hand I found easy to forgive for the way he treated Cris. Perhaps it is just because he is man and a sexy one at that! I never claimed to be fair!

It is a fast and easy read. The sex is pretty good but sometimes it got annoying. It was more "romance" than erotica. Instead of using the word "clit" the author would use "joy". I mean really? I almost fell out of my chair when she actually had Nic use the word "f*ck". It is all worth it though when it comes to the scene on the balcony. Holy shit! Nic's words alone would have been enough for me!

[Aneca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well I must say I had tried once one of Ms Holly erotica books and I really disliked it. I decided to try and read her historicals to see if my opinion would be the same.
It was a pleasant surprise because although filled with long sex scenes this book also had a story. It made sense and it worked for me. Much better IMHO than the previous book - Beyond Innocence. It's not a keeper but it was an ok read!

[Elizajane40 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no expectations, but this was actually fantastic and hit a lot of sweet spots for me. I loved that it was just a little bit seedier and racy than your normal HR (the throuple stuff!) while still feeling very much ‘of the period’. I loved the Venetian adventure, and the HEA was earned. Fabulous book.

[Paxnirvana · Rating 2 out of 5]

If this wasn't a historical I would have liked it better. The sex is scorching hot, but improbable and entirely too modern behaviors in people of that times kept booting me right out of the story.

The end is just... badly done. Great sex scenes, bad plot.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Soft porn - not much else

[Smut Report]

The Smut Report team is participating in Wendy the Super Librarian's #TBRChallenge 2024. Our goal: to dust off our TBRs once a month and talk about the book we read.

Read our full TBR Challenge update at The Smut Report

This book straddles the line between historical romance and erotic romance—not so much because of the amount of sex, but because the relationship between the leads is primarily developed through their sexual encounters. Put another way: I’m not sure that I buy that this is love, but I sure do buy that this is lust.

The basic premise here is that Merry is being pressured to get married, and she doesn’t want to…so she decides to get her portrait painted by a notorious rake. As Lady Godiva. This involves pretending to be a servant and moving into his house. For a while the plan is to just get the portrait painted, but Nic is very seductive.

There were bits that I really liked. I thought the sex writing was evocative and erotic, while still maintaining a patina of purple. I loved the deflowering scene, because we did not fall into the trap of “rake recognizes that virgin is virginal”; pain the first time you have sex could just be a sign of inadequate foreplay, RAKES. Overall, I thought the dynamic between Merry and Nic was fairly sweet, and both of the characters were well-developed.

I didn’t love that all of the unsavory and/or villainous secondary characters were explicitly kinky. Frankly, I am not that interested in Merry’s mom’s past sex life, and didn’t appreciate the kink-shaming that went along with the blackmail plot. (Don’t ask, it’s not actually important.)

Overall, I enjoyed reading this, but it’s not one for the keeper shelf.

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[Nightwitch · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a vague memory that Emma Holly was kind of at the forefront of the "romance novels with lots of very explicit sex" thing, and this book reads like it - the sex is both full of romance-novel euphemisms and very graphic, which is kind of awkward. The hero was mostly a cipher and the heroine was kind of one of those heroines about whom the reader can only say "oh, wow, you're really dumb." That said, the milieu was great and so lively - there was indeed a Victorian art scene full of sex and wife-swapping and adultery and scandal and Holly drew it so well - and I appreciated the time and energy devoted to Merry's mother's motivations, although that did mean that the ending of Lavinia's plot line felt kind of... abrupt.

[LadyAileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ho ritrovato tutti quegli elementi che avevo scoperto in quello precedente. Lo stile narrativo scorrevole e coinvolgente, quel giusto pizzico d’ironia che non guasta, passione allo stato puro, infine, originalità nella trama. L’unica cosa che non riesco ad accettare è l’uso di termini che in italiano chiaramente volgari.
Ho apprezzato la caratterizzazione dei personaggi. Entrambi subiscono un cambiamento nel corso della storia ma quello di Nicolas è il più interessante. Insopportabili i suoi amici (quelli avrei preferito che non ci fossero stati). Mi è piaciuto questo romance: ricco di emozione, ritmo veloce e che ti spingerà sicuramente a leggere il prossimo.

[Carol Storm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book, but I didn't finish it because the hero just didn't grab me. He's an artist in Victorian London . . . the kind that only paints beautiful ladies buck nekkid! Emma Holly tries to make him more edgy by hinting that he's clinically depressed. Literally he goes to bed and sleeps for two or three days then gets up and goes back to seducing the virginal heroine. I got bored pretty quickly, though there are some interesting scenes about bohemian London.

The other book in this series, BEYOND INNOCENCE, is much, much better!

[Judy]

APPARENTLY, this is the SECOND time I'm trying to read this book. I didn't remember until I bought the kindle book, which I had already purchased, and probably returned. I was at the 40% mark. And I still forgot about it, which means that it did not make an impression on me. And rereading a few chapters, I can see why I didn't finish it. I already do not like the hero. This is the third dnf'd book I've done. So I'm definitely in a book slump. And none of these are getting the job done.

[Pamela Fernandes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a steamy read where Nic and Merry both have secrets. She's running away from her family and he's running away from his. She's posing for him and I think the scenes are well paced. The backstory of Bess comes as a shocker. But its a wonderful story. Shame this series didn't continue and there are no more historicals from this author.

[DemetraP · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time with the believe - ability of this plot. A duke's daughter manages to fake a trip to Wales without any servants accompanying her or taking the family carriage. Ridiculous.

I kept reading because I liked the hero.

Overall the book had a few steamy scenes but was pretty forgettable.

[Aiman · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had soooo much wasted potential. I feel like the characters' initial romantic development felt so so flat. I want to see this concept done in a better way.

Also using the word "wet" 28 times in one book should be a crime. :/

[Paola Garcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

[Cat Mortera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad at all. I don't think this one aged as well as Beyond Innocence, but it has that same combination of high emotion and extremely hot sex scenes that I will never not enjoy.

[Elisa Vangelisti · Rating 1 out of 5]

Mi piaceva, ma a pag.167, dopo tutta la passione per la scoperta di questa ragazza - che è la musa dell’artista -, all’improvviso lui se ne distacca, preso dalla sua arte e lei rimane lì, in un angolo, da sola. È deprimente, perciò abbandono.

[Vanessa Lorenzo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Muy decepcionante, tiene tantas faltas a la época, q pierde por completo el interés