The Prince of Pleasure

May 5, 2003
Lush scenes of lovemaking spice up Jordan's newest Regency-era romance (following Ecstasy), which chronicles the hunt for master criminal and spy Lord Caliban. This time Caliban's adversary is English marquess Dare North, the notorious Prince of Pleasure. After losing his heart many years earlier to a woman whom he thought betrayed him, Dare is generous only with his body in his entanglements with women. But when he discovers his former love, Julienne Laurent, is the breathtaking actress who has London at her feet—and who may have ties to Lord Caliban—Dare decides to mix the business of spying with the pleasure of revenge. Caught by a public exchange of wagers and determined to take her own vengeance for her broken dreams, Julienne defiantly engages Dare in sensual warfare. Mistrust, past hurts and anger form walls around the protagonists' hearts, but as Dare's investigation of Caliban forces the couple to become allies, the walls crumble. Jordan draws out the emotional and sexual tension with skill, never losing sight of Dare's and Julienne's deeper feelings even during the most sizzling of bedroom games. Each one of Jordan's books has been richer than the last, and readers who prefer their historical romances liberally seasoned with fiery passion will jump on her fan wagon. (July 3)Forecast:The saying "you can't judge a book by its cover" certainly applies here. Like a plain brown wrapper, the book's pastel cover gives little indication of the sensual story within, but the title is a red flag for those who like racy reads.

July 1, 2003
Jeremy never forgot his first love, Julienne Laurent, or the way she betrayed him. Seven years ago, Jeremy spent one gloriously romantic summer with his beautiful Julienne. Willing to risk his aristocratic grandfather's disapproval by falling in love with a penniless French emigre, Jeremy was ready to elope with Julienne when he found her in the arms of another man. Now Julienne is London's most dazzling new actress, and Jeremy needs her help. To get closer to the man who might be the ruthless traitor Caliban, Jeremy pretends to vie for the role of Julienne's new protector, but Julienne has a different plan in mind. She is determined to teach Jeremy, the "Prince of Pleasure," a lesson in seduction he won't forget. Rife with richly detailed, splendidly sensual love scenes," "the fifth book in Jordan's Notorious series will tempt readers who prefer their sexy historicals laced with a generous measure of dangerous intrigue.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2003, American Library Association.)