Private Places

Private Places
Robin Shone, Claudia Dain, Allyson James & Shiloh Walker
Berkley. Aug 2008, $14.00
ISBN: 9780425221723

“The Men and Women’s Club” by Robin Schone. In 1887 London, the Men and Women’s Club has been meeting to discuss sexology, but now face a law suit. Member Professor Joseph Manning demands London Museum publicist Miss Ardelle Dennison give back what she took from him two years ago, his virginity.

“A Night at the Theater” by Claudia Dain. In 1782 at the London theater, French exile Zoe Auvray loses her acting position because of the machinations of untalented Miranda Sinclair. Zoe’s best friend scandalous courtesan Sophie Grey says she needs a wealthy patron and suggests the married Duke of Aldeth; Sophie also says she will marry the Earl of Daltry. Bets occur over who will end up with whose penis

“The Decidedly Devilish Duke” by Allyson James. In 1835 Surry, Duke Michael Beaulieu still regrets his actions that drove his beloved Amelia to the late Lockwood and him into a decade exile in the Ottoman Empire. He knows he still loves Amelia; to keep her safe from her odious cousin in law he offers to marry her and vows he will not touch her if she chooses.

“Hunter’s Mercy” by Shiloh Walker. In 1783 Williamsburg, Virginia, Jack Callahan comes home after fighting for American independence. Three years ago, his best friend Richard Harper died in his arms, but made him vow he would take care of the his sister Mercy. Jack is a werewolf like his paternal ancestors, but also a hunter who kills feral werewolves. As Jack and Mercy fall in love, he has no hope because she feels werewolves are an abomination.

The lead couples are developed enough so readers will like their tales while the historical settings come across as solid background and the sex scenes are well written and fit inside the story lines. Although the Shiloh Walker entry is excellent, fans will feel it is out of place as the only paranormal in what is a fine erotic historical romance anthology.

Harriet Klausner