cover image Bellissima

Bellissima

Anya Richards. Samhain, $3.50 e-book (87p) ISBN 978-1-61922-368-4

Sensual submission infuses Richards’s arousing erotic romance set in 1846 London. Jane Rollins has spent years perfecting her disguise as a housekeeper, serving in the homes of London’s nouveau riche. Yet it takes Sergio Fontini, a jewelry designer masquerading as a dancing master, no time at all to see the passionate young woman hiding behind the guise of a mature matron. What follows is a seductive waltz that probes the intricacies of maintaining a façade within the bounds of personal integrity. The novella is light on plot, but abundant historical touches enliven the story and serve as a delicate counterpoint to the graphic scenes of passion. Bold characterization and liberal use of internal monologue provide a solid foundation upon which the titillating intellectual journey is built. Unfortunately, the potential displayed in Sergio and Jane’s first intimate encounter does not carry through to subsequent trysts. (Oct.)