MIDSUMMER VENUS - Sophie del Mar
Siren Publishing - www.SirenPublishing.com

ISBN: 1-606010-11-5
Erotic Historical Romance

Sensuality Rating: Scorching

February 2008

Thorn’s Crossing – late 1850s

Once a callous-hearted rake, Lord Jason Pendorric, was almost killed by a woman he was attempting to have his way with.  He did change his lifestyle but still has nightmares.  He also resists temptation by not being around attractive females.  He has had custody of his niece, Emily, since the death of her parents.  Emily is in need of a governess, and the woman, Alicia Andrews, recommended by Emily’s nanny, Miss Irma Grey, is beautiful beyond compare.  How long will his resolve hold?

Alicia Andrews has worked at the Primrose Academy for Young Ladies.  She is being pursued by James Brandon and although Alicia has told him no more than once, Brandon refuses to accept her decision. Her mother and Miss Grey were friends and Alicia is grateful to Jason for the change of employment. She is not prepared for Jason’s magnetism.

Lady Celeste Clement served as a nurse alongside Florence Nightingale during the Crimean War.  She now runs an orphanage out of the home where her mother grew up.  Celeste’s father disapproves and keeps her inheritance from her so she only has a small allowance to provide upkeep for the house and children.  She is grateful for any and all help and has come to rely on Vicar Edward Percival.

Desmond McCallister was dishonorably discharged from the Army for disobeying an order from his commanding officer just before the Crimean War ended.  After drifting for a few years, he came to find a home with his old schoolmate, Jason.  He did not know that there was an orphanage near Jason’s home.   While out riding, his horse almost runs over a youngster who lives there.  When he takes the boy home, Desmond takes one look at Celeste and falls instantly in love. .

There is a section of the dense woods not far from the orphanage that no one dares enter.  Tales of ancient evil are spoken of only in whispers.  It has been one hundred years since the unspeakable last occurred … and once each hundred years a new Midsummer Venus must be found to appease the darkness.  This year, the evil in their midst has set its sights on Alicia.  Is there a way to keep her safe?  Jason will not let her go without a fight.

MIDSUMMER VENUS is a blend of superstition, dark legends, and danger. Sophie del Mar gave me the creeps with parts of this story.  Her characters are intelligent and strong.  As visions come to Jason and Alicia and they can no longer resist their compelling attraction to each other, reality blurs and past and present are not easily separated.  Trust is soon in short supply and survival is not guaranteed.  Can Jason and Alicia along with Desmond and Celeste ferret out friend from foe?  Or will innocence be destroyed and evil triumph?  Unusual in the way the author presents the characters and situations, MIDSUMMER VENUS is a very well-written tale of magic, courageous fortitude and love. It is a keeper which I very much recommend.

Maggie Anderson