When I started this, I assumed it would be one of those stories that focused more on the sex rather than fleshed-out characters who grow to love one another. The premise of an inexperienced but curious widow who pays for a man to teach her about sex and pleasure suggested a bit of escapism. I did not expect to be drawn in by the characters.
How wrong I was. This book, while the sex takes up a high percentage of the plot, was all about the relationship between unfailingly inquisitive Elizabeth and her cold, distant tutor, Malvern.
At first, I was a bit stumped as to why either of them decided to find a sex tutor, or become a sex tutor. Elizabeth’s decision is based upon her inquisitive nature, her need to know things. Malvern’s seems to stem from his apparent jaded nature, he’s done everything he possibly can in the pursuit of pleasure, and needed to find a new diversion.
I loved seeing how they both learned from, and changed, each other. Yes, Malvern teaches Elizabeth about sex and pleasure so the heat levels in this are high, but she teaches him about making a connection and about love.
My insides melted to see her slowly breaking down the harsh facade Malvern, or James (as he eventually lets her call him), has erected and how he gives her the confidence not to feel ashamed of her inquisitive nature, for which her family has harshly criticised her.
This is certainly a love story that shows how two different people, with opposite life experiences, can bring out the best in each other. James and Elizabeth both challenge and make each other better people.
So, if you want a book that’s heavily loaded with steamy sex but combines some beautiful, and adorably cute, romantic scenes, this book is definitely for you.
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Feels: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
