A very well-written and completely unexpected erotic novella. Unexpected in that it wasn't until I'd finished the book that I realised Ms Waite had performed some skilful misdirection and sleight-of-hand.

The replacement of the usual meet-cute instant-attraction opening with a graphic description of genteel poverty and gambling addiction should have put me on alert, but then came the completely implausible episode of the heroine's visit to an exclusive brothel, segueing into a fairly standard series of rollicking sexual encounters. Lulled into complacency and waiting for the usual happy ending, I wasn't prepared for the psychologically convincing recapitulation and resolution of the gambling subplot.

Fat slob Lord Wart ("The name dropped into the room like a horse-apple into the street" -- love it!) gets his just desserts. Millicent and Jasper get hitched, but the pessimistic fate of gambler Duncan brings a cold draught of realism into the fairy tale. A refreshingly different novella with enough plot hooks on which to hang a complex full-length novel.

A solidly four-star novella with an extra star thrown in for the enlightening and informative detail of a Victorian prophylactic.

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Reviewed by Molly

Well. I wasn't expecting this to be a book I would really enjoy. While I like steamy romance novels, this one was WAY beyond steamy and I still REALLY enjoyed this! Olivia Waite has a beautiful writing talent and one that I would love to read more work by. She instantly drew me in and took me a wonderful whirl wind ride in this short novella.

A historical novella through and through, with Mill being married off to a man she doesn't love, and turning to live life in a brothel as tainted lady. I could just see the brothel rise before my eyes. Wow! And Jasper.....oh my! I would LOVE to have a Jasper in my life! Jasper and Mill hit it off instantly. The passion and sparks that flew between them was absolutely mind blowing. A tale of love being found in the most unexpected places, Jasper and Mill will touch your heart and pull you into the erotic ride of a passion filled night full of steam.

I would definitely recommend this novella to all who enjoy a good, HOT, steamy romance story. It's a quick, enjoyable ride and full of some laughable moments, too. Definitely a 4 star book in this reader's opinion! I can't wait to read more Olivia Waite work!

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