At forty-one, Lady Ruth Attwood, is feeling insecure and old especially since Ruth's last two suitors left her for younger women; the beginning of the end for a courtesan such as herself. Ruth has no choice but to consider retirement, but before she does, Ruth must secure an estate to house the overflowing children from the orphanage she began over a decade ago. Ruth must prove to her peers that the latest abandonment doesn't bother her in the least by attending a ball knowing her pride is at stake. All the while, she is trying to figure out how to pay for the needed estate. The moment the dark and brooding stranger enters the ballroom Ruth's neck begins to tingle and a heat she has never experienced before leaves her shaken and ready to go home. To make matters worse, this stranger defends her honor then asks for a dance confirming Ruth's thought that she must escape as soon as possible.

Baron Garrick Stratfield has done the best he can to provide for his family by taking care of them when he can and finding husbands that will adore them as he does. The humiliation of Garrick's past regarding his uncle and a woman Garrick thought he loved has Garrick doing what he must to protect a secret that will destroy him if found out. Garrick's situation begins to spiral out of control as his mistress decides to marry the tutor, leaving him open to ridicule unless he finds a replacement quickly. Lady Ruth comes to mind but she seems to not want his attention no matter what he does to gain her favor. A woman has never excited him like Lady Ruth but her obsession with her age compared to his own is an obstacle he can overcome if she will allow it and ignore the gossips. Keeping his hands to himself will prove to be difficult especially while trying to convince Ruth that he is the perfect choice as her protector.

PLEASURE ME is Monica Burns' follow up novel to Kismet telling a story of tragic emotional insecurities and a strong love that can rise above it all. Absolutely enjoyed every page.

Book Summary

Despite his reputation as a man’s man, Baron Garrick Stratfield has never bedded a woman. His physical impairment is such that he knows not even a whore will touch him, and he’s looking for a mistress who’s willing to be kept without sharing his bed. But passion is just one delicious kiss away because the mistress he wants is a virtuoso in the bedroom. She’s wreaking havoc with his senses, and she has him on the verge of surrendering not only his secrets but his celibacy as well.

Youth and beauty are a courtesan’s greatest assets. At forty-one, Lady Ruth Attwood has lost both as her lover has left her for a younger mistress. Ruth’s all too familiar with abandonment. Her father, convinced she was another man’s child, renounced her, and survival offered few choices. Feeling old and undesirable, Ruth never expected a younger man’s attentions or caresses could make her feel young again. But losing her heart is certain to remind her just how old she is.

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