Search - Sleeping Beauty

This book was in my TBR pile for the longest time. I finally pulled it to read and discovered it was wonderful. Coco and James are not the average heroine and hero. It almost stayed as part of my keeper collection.

This is considered one of those "must read" books in romance reading circles. The characters, though not always entirely likable, aren't your standard hero/heroine and the writing is quite beautiful.

Once, a long time ago, Coco Wild learned to never allow a man's kiss to move her, for that way led to downfall. A slender beauty with alluring eyes, she built impregnable defenses around her emotions. The men who came to adore her, fought to conquer her and learn her mysteries, made her the toast of London, but none were able to rouse her passions.
But that hard-taught lesson is about to unravel because of Sir James Stoker. Back in England with a treasure of gold from his adventures, newly knighted by Queen Victoria herself, and feted everywhere, the handsome explorer has the world at his feet. He's exactly the man Coco might have dreamed about when she was young: a tall, fair hero with a charming smile. Now he's turned his energy toward winning her, the most desirable and the least attainable woman he knows; and Coco's aft-aid James may just find his way past the thorns that have so long protected her from the world, and awaken her slumbering heart...with just one kiss.

Another well-written romance by Judith Ivory about a unique couple. He is a number of years younger than her, she's a former courtesan. It was difficult for me to overcome both the age disparity and her former profession as their romance developed. I think if Judith Ivory had not had at least three of Coco's former paramours present in every other scene, it would have been simpler to get past the notion of her being a courtesan.

However despite my difficulties with both issues, they were a good match and this book had one of the sexiest love scenes I've ever read.

The resolution to the overarching plot line (his trip to Africa) was a bit pat and surprisingly brief given a whole book was wrapped around the premise.

Overall though, a worthwhile read.

interesting twist to the May-Sept. love affair

for my first romance novel ever, I think it was a good read.