Title: Beyond Innocence
Author: Emma Holly
First published July 1, 2001
295 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780515130997 (ISBN10: 0515130990)
Rating: 3.61
Overview
Emma Holly’s Beyond Innocence is a tantalizing tale of scandal and desire. Florence Fairleigh is a young woman searching for security in a world that has left her alone.
Edward Burbrooke is a man on a mission to save his family from ruin, and he believes the answer lies in a marriage for his brother Freddie. When Edward introduces Florence to Freddie, they seem like the perfect match, but as Edward gets to know Florence, he realizes his true feelings for her.
Her beauty and innocence ignite a passion in him that he can’t resist, even if it means betraying his own brother. Will Edward follow his heart, or will he succumb to the pressure of familial duty?
Follow the journey of these three individuals as they navigate through the complexities of love, lust, and scandal in Victorian London.
About the Author
As a bestselling author on USA Today, I have a deep passion for all things steamy, both in my reading and writing. I find myself particularly drawn to the aroma of fresh coffee, and I can spend hours indulging in the captivating shows on HGTV.
But above all, my true love lies in crafting new and intriguing stories that captivate my readers.
Editoral Review
Beyond Innocence by Emma Holly is a compelling novel that immerses readers in a world of passion, intrigue, and suspense. This novel, published on July 1, 2001, is one in a series by Holly, who is known for her erotic romance novels.
Beyond Innocence takes readers on a journey to 19th century England, a time when society was rigidly stratified according to class and women were expected to behave in accordance with strict moral codes. The novel follows the story of Lady Sophia Averford and Max and Thomas Ashton, two brothers who come from different worlds but share a common desire for Sophia.
Sophia is a woman who is constrained by the social expectations placed on her as a member of the aristocracy. This makes her vulnerable to the advances of the brothers, who see her as an object of conquest.
As the story unfolds, the characters are forced to confront their desires, fears, and secrets. One of the strengths of Beyond Innocence is Holly’s writing style, which is elegant and evocative.
She transports readers to a bygone era with vivid descriptions of clothing, architecture, and social customs. Her characters are well-developed, and their motivations and conflicts are believable and relatable.
The pacing is also excellent, with just the right balance of action and introspection to keep readers engaged. Another strength of the novel is the way Holly weaves together themes of love, desire, power, and social class.
The novel deals with serious issues such as sexual harassment, exploitation, and the limitations imposed on women by patriarchal society. These themes have relevance today, and Holly’s treatment of them is sensitive and thought-provoking.
One possible limitation of the book is that it is part of a series, so readers who have not read the other books may struggle to fully understand the characters and their backstories. Additionally, the explicit sexual content may not appeal to all readers.
Despite these limitations, Beyond Innocence is a worthwhile read for fans of historical romance novels, as well as anyone interested in exploring issues of power and sexuality. It is a well-crafted novel that offers an immersive experience of a bygone era, while also highlighting the universal themes that connect us to the past.
On a scale of 1 to 5, I would give this book a 4.5 for its well-crafted characters, immersive setting, and thought-provoking themes.
