After the Kiss (Avon Romantic Treasures)
by Karen Ranney
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Book Summary Information
Author: Karen RanneyEdition: Mass Market Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2000-10-03
ISBN: 0380812983
Number of pages: 384
Publisher: Avon
Book Reviews of After the Kiss (Avon Romantic Treasures)
Book Review: A sensual and romantic masterpiece!
Summary: 5 Stars
i'm not sure why it took me so long to find this author, but i'm glad i did. karen ranney can weave sensuality and emotion into her stories like a master and in AFTER THE KISS, i was lucky enough to see her abilities at their best.
there really isn't much to the story itself: margaret esterly is a recent widow who lost almost everything, including her husband, in a fire. the only thing left of the bookstore her husband owned was a three volume set of erotic writings and illustrations. because of its value, she decides to sell each book one by one to help keep her afloat as she struggles to maintain financial stability.
michael hawthorne, earl of montraine, is actually a brilliant man who spends most of his time breaking codes for british intelligence. his estates are in disrepair and because of his lack of money, he must marry an heiress in order to save his posessions (and the lifestyle of his mom and sisters). he resigns himself to the idea of finding a woman who is meek and soft-tempered, one who can fade into the background so that he can maintain the disciplined and controlled manner of his life in order. he values this level of self-discipline because he watched his father kill himself because of what he perceived as a lack of control over his emotions and therefore, has vowed never to allow his emotions to rule him.
that is, until he meets margaret. from the very first meeting the chemistry is instant and combustible. michael is attracted to the mysterious margaret and suddenly is unable to control his thoughts or his actions, which frustrates him to no end, even as he realizes he can do nothing about it. for the first time in his life, he finds himself acting without any thought at all, as he becomes obsessed with margaret and his desire to have her.
margaret is a wonderful, mature heroine. the erotic writings have made her yearn for the passion displayed within the words and illustrations and when she is faced with the prospect of becoming intimate with michael, she doesn't shy away like a scared chit. they end up becoming intimate very early in the relationship, which is a testament to the overpowering attracting they hold for each other.
from there, the story is about how these two grow to love one another and how, because of their different statuses in society, they are forced to deal with the obstacles preventing them from being together. this is not one of those romances where everything is solved quickly and without pain or a degree of suffering. margaret's place in michael's life ostracizes her and comes to a head in her confrontation with michael's mom.
and michael has to find a way to deal with the fact that if he doesn't marry his heiress, he will lose his posessions and be unable to support his mother and sisters in the way they've become accustomed to. in other words, the decisions aren't easy ones to make.
what makes this love story so moving is the fact that both michael and margaret are depicted as real people with real problems that have no easy solutions. just because two people find themselves overwhelmed with a love for one another doesn't mean the world suddenly becomes obstacle and worry-free as a result. also, michael's transformation from a man who catalogues every one of his thoughts and movements carefully to one who is constantly blown away by the emotion that makes him behave not only irrationally but completely without thought or control, is totally satisfying.
and those love scenes. WHEW! karen ranney is especially gifted in her ability to depict a high level of sensual tension along with beautifully detailed intimate moments. the love scenes were varied and adventurous and her use of the silk ribbon has given me new ideas!
the fact that margaret's life is in danger because someone wants the books is almost an afterthought and was only addressed in small spurts culminating with a chapter at the end. otherwise, this story focused almost solely on the developing relationship between michael and margaret and how that relationship changed them both from lonely, repressed individuals into a couple who grew emotionally as a result of their feelings for each other.
ultimately, if you want a romance with a high level of character development, sensuality, and interaction between the hero and heroine with very little plot outside of that (although it didn't detract from the story whatsoever), then definitely pick up this book.
i HIGHLY recommend it!
Summary of After the Kiss (Avon Romantic Treasures)
No longer the proper English wife she always was, Margaret kissed a handsome stranger.Now the dashing earl will not rest until the beautiful widow he held in his arms so briefly is his forever.
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