GENESIS IN BLOOM - Sophie del Mar
Siren Publishing - www.sirenpublishing.com
ISBN: 1-60601-093-X
June 2008
Erotic Historical Romance with F/F Interaction
Sensuality Rating: Scorching

Paris, France – Late 19th Century

Lord Alexander Lansing, the Earl of Landower, is still trying to get over the death of his lover after two years. His friend Gregory wants him to enjoy life again and takes Alex to Le Petit Palais, a very upscale Parisian brothel. Alex is not really thrilled with the idea, but perhaps he will find a woman who can tickle his fancy.

Alex does find a courtesan when he comes to a closed door and knocks on it. A beautiful young woman opens the door, and Alex is amazed. She is Genesis Kelly, but hasn't become a courtesan yet. Genesis's father has died, and now that Genesis is left quite an inheritance, she can do whatever she likes with her life. She decides to experience the life of a French prostitute because her mother was one. Genesis never knew her mother and feels if she becomes a prostitute, she will be closer to her mother in spirit.

When Genesis meets Alex, she feels he is the perfect man to introduce her to the delights of sex. From there, she will become more comfortable and will then take on customers. But Alex feels Genesis is his since he took her virginity and is even willing to make her his mistress and give her anything she wants. But Genesis denies him, and jealousy consumes Alex as Genesis begins to ply her trade with male customers and even welcomes the experience of a woman's touch with one of her fellow courtesans. Alex will try to make Genesis see reason because there is a murderer on the loose who is targeting French prostitutes, and Genesis may be the next on his list!

The one thing about GENESIS IN BLOOM is that Genesis surely does bloom in so many ways. She has a sexual awakening of sorts that was a bit shocking in my opinion. What woman in her right mind would become a courtesan merely because she wants to? I am all for Genesis trying to find more about who her mother was, but her explanation of why she wants to experience the life of a prostitute was too unrealistic for my tastes. This is a woman who has money and no responsibilities, but places herself in a position of degradation that I just couldn't understand.

Alex is your typical hero who has loved and lost a woman he has truly cared about. When he meets Genesis, he feels he can live again. But the poor guy gets no love from Genesis because she is thinking of her next "john." She treats Alex very poorly, and I wished he would find someone else who could appreciate him for his worth.

Sophie Del Mar does write tantalizing sex scenes, especially one between Genesis and fellow prostitute, Sylvie, that may be of interest. Plus, there is a twist on the Jack the Ripper legend that involved Genesis, but that also fell flat.

I am all for ladies of the night finding true love, but with GENESIS IN BLOOM, I couldn't suspend my disbelief long enough to enjoy the storytelling techniques of Ms. Del Mar. GENESIS IN BLOOM may be the right type of story for some readers who have a more open mind.

Kate Garrabrant