Everything Forbidden

The theme of “older, experienced man schools the innocent young virgin in the ways of the flesh” is a favorite indulgence of mine. No matter how many times I read this particular trope, it never gets old.

What made this story different was that this virgin, while inexperienced, is anything but naive about what goes on between a man and a woman, thanks to her wicked next door neighbor and his exhibitionist ways. So when Miranda Albright's family is in need of a benefactor, she boldly propositions the man who's been the embodiment of her fantasies for years.

I truly loved Miranda. She was gutsy, and not afraid to go after what she wanted, namely Ethan, the Earl of Rothschild, the man she's been secretly lusting after from afar. The bargain they strike is only temporary, but Miranda is dying to experience passion in Ethan's arms, however fleeting. She willingly gives him her virginity, never realizing that she would also end up losing her heart.

Ethan is a man used to controlling his desires. Normally cool and dispassionate even while indulging in the pleasures of a woman's body, he found that control quickly thrown out the window every single time he encountered Miranda. For Ethan, women had always been interchangeable, so when he finds himself wanting her, and not just the pleasure they experience together, needless to say, he's a bit terrified.

He didn't want this need to be with her more than any other woman. He didn't want this...this strange caring about her welfare. And today he would regain control over his emotions and her body.

And so, he fights against his feelings and tries (unsuccessfully) to keep her at a healthy distance.

The sex scenes were very good, extremely sensual and tastefully done. Ethan had foreplay down to an art form. I loved that he had a bit of a dirty mouth and how he seduced Miranda slowly, building up her excitement (and mine!)

The ending was sigh-worthy, although I do wish we could've got a glimpse of their lives together as a happy couple. I guess I will need to read Penelope's story for that.