I really enoyed this romance. ( )

While I enjoyed the themes of this book, I did not enjoy page after page of the same angst over and over again. For instance, a question is asked, and two or three pages later after you are treated to what goes on in both of their minds, the question is answered. I found myself skimming a lot to find conversation and action.

Everything was wrapped up nicely, and I enjoyed the HEA. ( )

Four stars for a very unique idea. An older courtesan and a younger inexperienced gentleman make for quite a contrast. Very steamy scenes! I don't like the crazy-evil-murderer protagonist part (I've never encountered anyone that evil), but the book definitely kept my attention. ( )

I reviewed this book for Romance Reader At Heart website:

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Lady Ruth Attwood is forty-one, and Baron Garrick Stratfield is twenty-nine. Ruth knows he’s younger, just not that much younger. She’s a courtesan that has been let go by her current lover, Marston, who’s getting ready to marry a younger woman. Ruth is aware that the years are passing her by, and she has decided to get out of the ‘biz’ altogether while she still has her beauty. She also is a benefactress of an orphanage, and is planning to buy a very nice home for all her ‘children’ and is actually looking forward to retirement.

Baron Garrick Stratfield is a ladies’ man with a couple of secrets that only his uncle is privy to, or so he thinks. He’s one of those heroes that is wise beyond his years and will always come to the rescue of anyone that’s in distress. He also is a benefactor to an orphanage. His mistress decides to get married, and Garrick fears that his secrets will come out, unless he can find another to fill her place.

These two have an awesome chemistry, and we watch the story unfold as they become friends first, and lovers later. Ruth’s obsession with her age is not surprising, yet we’re made to feel her emotions deeply. Garrick, on the other hand, is terrified of anyone finding out his secret, but when those are revealed to us, we just want to cuddle the man and tell him, "It’s all cool, Dude!"

I was anxious to read this book for only one reason: a huge gap in the ages of main characters. There aren’t many stories told of women being so much older than men, and I was curious as to how this would play out in a romance. To be honest, I was expecting this book to be a basic ’porn’ on paper. Well, color me happy! PLEASURE ME was such a pleasant surprise. The age difference was handled with such grace, such aplomb, that I loved every page I read. I would have never thought to classify this book as an erotic read.

Ruth and Garrick’s story was tender, heartwarming, and full of sexual tension. It was an emotional read, and it hit the right notes in my heart. It felt personal as well. I identified with Ruth on so many levels as I’m married to a man twelve years my junior, and I could see her point-of-view so clearly. She saw herself as old compared to him, while all he could see is a woman that came into her own, a woman worthy of his affection.

I don’t usually read erotic novels, but let me assure you, PLEASURE ME is one sensual, sultry, and heartwarming story you won’t be able to put down.

Melanie ( )

The standard playboy and the virgin plot, but with the roles reversed. Ruth is the older, experienced lover and Garrick the virgin, which I found refreshing and different. His past explains why he remained a virgin, I found it believable, but he kept obsessing over it even after Ruth told him it didn't matter and they had made love several times. Ruth also kept harping about her age, even thought Garrick was most devoted to her and told her several times it didn't matter. I understand where the characters were coming from, kudos to the author for writing that well, but they kept protesting too long. I felt the author kept trying to make Garrick into an alpha male when he was happy being a beta. Also the mystery appeared late in the book and wrapped up quickly making the ending feel rushed. ( )