“Review courtesy of RomanceJunkies.com
All her life Merriam Everett was known as Merriam the Mouse, first by her father, then by her late husband. Merriam is tired of it and vows to do something bold. After she overhears a cutting remark about “whey-faced widows” from Julian Clay, Earl of Westleigh, Merriam decides to seduce him. With the help of a local madam, she transforms from a mouse into a cat. At Lord Milbank’s infamous masque, Merriam stages her seduction. The evening goes better than planned and she experiences a night of passion unlike any she’s ever known. It’s only days later that she discovers her error: She had seduced the wrong man.
Drake Southerton, Duke of Sussex has returned home to face his reputation as the “Deadly Duke.” Years earlier Drake’s wife was brutally murdered. Julian Clay, his one-time best friend was the first to declare Drake guilty. With no evidence to support this claim, Drake was never charged, however amid scandal and gossip Drake fled the country. Now he’s back, and he’s determined to prove his theory that Julian is the guilty party behind his wife’s murder.
After a mysterious woman seduces him at the masque, he’s filled with a second mission. Drake must find that woman and make her his mistress. He tracks Merriam down, and makes her an offer. He offers her a “Grand Season”, she will remain his mistress for the rest of the Season and when it’s over they will part ways no strings attached. Merriam agrees because with him she’s found a passion she never knew existed. But will either of them be able to keep their heart out of the game?
A LADY’S PLEASURE by Renee Bernard is fabulous. It’s a story of vengeance, betrayal, and lust. But it’s also a story of justice, second chances and love. Merriam and Drake each have their own reasons for trying to keep love out of the equation. However, the more time they spend together, the more they come to mean to each other.
Drake has a skewed view of the past, and he’s determined to right the wrong. Merriam is completely unaware of Drake’s reputation. When she’s told of it by none other than Julian Clay, she’s not sure whom to believe. The past resurrects itself and the truth is revealed during a truly momentous scene in the book. I never saw it coming and I was truly surprised. After everything comes to a head and the drama dies down, you begin to fear that Merriam and Drake’s relationship will die as well. But the end brings a glorious declaration of love and a wonderfully happy ending.
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