The Good Stuff

* Very sensual
* Beautifully written
* Heartbreakingly sad at times
* writer has a gift for writing very sensual and seductive sex scenes -- and steamy
* Thomas is a delightful cad at time, mad artist at others and just a truly fascinating character
* The opening chapter is wonderful and gets you hooked right away
* Loved the spunk of the muse Sarah. She is very much like Thomas self involved but not evil or unkind
* Did I mention that there were some seriously steamy scenes, thinking hubby might just get lucky later
* It's historical and we know I love that in my romances
* The guy on the cover is yummy

The Not so Good Stuff

* The story on the 2nd muse is a little weak story-wise, which is a shame as she is a fascinating character
* Liked the character of William and would have liked more on him, but that would have made the book way too long

Favorite Quotes/Passages

"I consider myself a spiritualist, a believer in karma more so than doctrine. My passion lies in the tip of my brush, but my inspiration is women. They are my muses. I ask you, what creature in all the earth epitomizes such beauty and grace?"

"Thomas regards women with the same awe that other men reserve for the stars, or a sunrise.”

"Your hair is glorious. That deep russet—those mahogany undertones are positively scandalous!"

"I'd seen the face of a dear friend murdered by God knows who and God knows why, because she’d had no choice but to do what she did to survive. "

What I Learned

* a new term for prostitute - Ladybird
* Having a sensual affair with an artist sounds extremely decadent
* Artist's make very poor husbands
* Never judge someone by their profession (oldest)

Who should/shouldn't read

* Sooooo not for the prudish
* Fantastic book for a cold winter's night or with a glass of wine in the hot tub (but I advise getting the book and not reading an e-copy in the water -- that could go bad)
* Fans of Bertrice Small, Jo Beverly, Mary Jo Putney will enjoy

4 Dewey's - Definitely worth price of cover ( )