Charlotte is the daughter of a dutchess in England during the turn of the 19th century. Right before her "coming out" she steals away with a friend to a masquerade ball for her last chance to have some un-chaperoned fun. There she encounters a man who has a devastating (and never before felt) affect on her. Charlotte is lured into a "grand discrection" - actions that could ruin her and her family if discovered. She flees the ball and tries to put the experience behind her.
But Charlotte cannot forget the passion she felt with the mysterious stranger. She convinces herself that he is simply a lowly servant who she will never see again.
But three years later, Charlotte is still unmarried due to the fact that she cannot escape the memory of her stranger. They meet again - Charlotte discovers that he is no servant but rather an Earl... an Earl who does not recognize her!
Once again the passion immediately surges between them... but that's all I'm going to share.

What kind of question is this? This type of book is good for... a woman I suppose. It's very romantic! You will fall immediately in love with the hero.

-The heroine. You are placed directly in her shoes and she is such a good honest person you can't help but love her.
-I also loved how the author brought you back to the 19th century! That takes skill!
-The way the author could create such close bonds of friendship between the herione and her best friend, also with her mother. You could just feel the love.

How cruel the hero could sometimes be. It was part of the story I realize... but sometimes you just hated him! (As did the heroine which I guess is the point.)

Read it again. No... jump into it!

I cried through the last 2 chapters.

Is destined for greatness. It's her first novel!

Think Pride and Prejudice. Though the writing is obviously more modern - if you like Pride and Prejudice you'll like Potent Pleasures.
I think that this book is my 2nd favorite of all time! (1st is Phantom by Susan Kay.)

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Created Sep 27, 2003 at 11:19pm • Submit your own review...