In the Flesh (Hqn) [Mass Market Paperback]

In The Flesh is book five of The Ladies' Sewing Circle series, but it doesn't matter if you haven't read any of the others (though I recommend that you do), as this book will still make perfect sense.

It tells the story of Beatrice Weatherly, who has been named a scarlet woman because she was tricked into posing for some nude photographs. Now polite society believes her unmarriageable. Add that to the state of her and her brother's finances, and things aren't looking too good for the Weatherlys.

At a public occasion, though, it looks as though their luck is set to change. Edmund Ellsworth Ritchie has been quite taken with Beatrice ever since he saw those infamous cabinet cards, and when he meets her in the flesh, his interest becomes obsession. He makes a proposal that will see the Weatherly finances fixed, but will further besmirch her name. Beatrice decides that since she is already seen as a fallen woman, she may as well behave like one.

So the fun begins. Beatrice is not as experienced with men as the sexy photos would have everyone believe, so she visits the House of Madame Chamfleur to learn how to appease Edmund's appetite. Life becomes incredibly exciting for Beatrice, until a dark secret in her lover's past threatens everything they have built together.

Portia Da Costa is one of my favourite erotic romance authors, and has been for a long time. In The Flesh isn't my favourite of her books (that title goes to In Too Deep), but I enjoyed it very much. The historical part of it felt very real and was immersive, and I thought the storyline and the heat level were apt for that era. The writing, as always, was superb and I watched the characters' journeys with interest, and found the ending satisfying. Definitely one to add to your bookshelves if you enjoy historical erotic romance.

There are some Hot Romance Novels that scatter the rocking the headboard around the plot, taking you through the story and using the sex scenes as an accompaniment. Then there are books like In the Flesh, by Portia Da Costa, that use the opposite tactic: you move from sex scene to sex scene, with a little plot thrown in for fun.

The basic story here focuses on Beatrice Weatherly, the so-called Siren of South Mulberry Street due to her posing nude for some racy photos, and Edmund Ellsworth Ritchie, a wealthy rake who is utterly captivated by her. Ritchie proposes that Beatrice become his courtesan, and in exchange, he will cover the debt her brother has incurred. Beatrice figures why not; everyone thinks she is a woman of loose morals, thanks to those pictures, so she might as well shed her virginity and hop into bed with Ritchie. Within minutes of meeting each other, Ritchie has her skirt up and his finger You Know Where, and we are off to the races.

A side story involves Beatrice's brother, Charles, who enjoys not just women, but men. Yes, kids, we have a threesome! I'll say that the threesome scene is pretty hot. Sadly, there is only one.

Most of the sex scenes involve Ritchie and Beatrice, as he brings her to "crisis," as Da Costa calls it. In one of their first assignations, Ritchie actually achieves "crisis" in his pants. Each is nervous; in fact, it takes a while for Beatrice to actually see Ritchie's throbbing male member, the reasons for which somewhat relate to one of the plot threads, and she has to overcome her own sense of feeling self-conscious. Still, Ritchie is bewitched by her: "Last night she'd been delicious and responsive and he knew she could and would be just as willing soon. Yet still she seemed nervous about exposing herself.
How strangely contrary. You'll pose unclothed for photographs that are circulated to hundreds of avid men, yet you won't show your naked puss to me in private. You're a conundrum, Beatrice Weatherly, a veritable mystery."

The man behind the pictures also becomes a plot point, as Da Costa tries to shake up the monotony of puckered nipples and aching erections with story lines.

In terms of literary merit, In the Flesh can be found wanting. But in terms of hot sex scenes, it's pretty good. The headboard rocking got a little repetitive, but the threesome scene? THAT was hot.

Thanks to NetGalley for a preview. This review also appears on cupcake's book cupboard.

The thing I always enjoyed about Portia Da Costa's work is that it is erotic romance - this writer delivers heart-stopping tenderness (I loved the ending especially of this novel) plus full-on sensuality. Her heroes are always sexy and noble and her heroines are warm, giving and shrewd.

I loved reading about Beatrice, the vibrant, passionate heroine of 'In the Flesh'. She is a beguiling mix of the insightful and the innocent, with a heart as big as a battleship. I can well understand why the hero falls for her and falls hard.

Ritchie is a blond hero (I always enjoy blond heroes) and he's an intriguing mix of charm, ruthlessness, blazing sexuality and heart. There is a deep mystery in his past, one which Bea must understand and come to terms with, especially after a mutual enemy unleashes a danger from Ritchie's past against the couple.

Exciting and passionate - I read this in one sitting and thoroughly recommend it.