Reviewed by Gannon Carr
Publisher: NAL/Berkley
3.75 stars
“Innocence in women is a vastly overrated quality, and an unnecessary one at that.”
So the author sets the stage for the erotic escapades of young Marianna Wren, a foundling who was taken in and trained as a scullery maid. After willingly being seduced and “ruined” by the handsome Mr. Lyon, Marianna is dismissed and left to fend for herself. She is decides to set off for London and all the adventures it has to offer. But fate intervenes, when Calliope, a member of the demimonde, decides to take Marianna under her wing and introduce her to a world of sexual pleasures.
Under Calliope’s tutelage, Marianna transforms herself into Madame Bliss and becomes sought after by the gentlemen of London. Her world is filled with seductions, fantasies, wealth and fame. She attracts the attention of the handsome-as-sin Marquess of Blackwood, who wants to make her his mistress. Marianna is flattered and fascinated by Lord Blackwood, but she in time she discovers his sexual proclivities and realizes she cannot be with him. She finds companionship with Colonel Goodleigh as his mistress and is content, but Marianna’s most fervent desire is to find true love.
Written in the bawdy style of Fanny Hill and Tom Jones, Madame Bliss is a entertaining tale of how the whims of fate change a young girl’s life; from innocent to experienced mistress, poverty to wealth. This erotic story may shock some readers as the sex runs the gamut from men with women, women with women and group sex. Not for the faint hearted for sure. Still, I found Marianna’s journey an interesting one. At times, it seemed like Ms. Lovejoy was spoofing the genre and at the same time being serious. I found the narration style that she used distracting; it pulled me out of the story once in awhile.
Nevertheless, if you’re looking for ribald story with entertaining characters, Madame Bliss is a fun read. Pick up a copy and find out if Marianna finds her happily-ever-after and who she finds it with. You may just be surprised.
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Marisa
on Mar 15th, 2009
@ 6:32 am:
Hey Gannon – ‘written in the bawdy style of Fanny Hill and Tom Jones’ – this sentence really brought the book to mind instantly. You have me very curious about this one and I actually have this book on my bed side table. If Ms. Lovejoy is spoofing the genre and embracing it at the same time that would be a neat trick and something I’d like to read. Looks as if I’ll have to see what you’re talking about.
orannia
on Mar 15th, 2009
@ 2:11 pm:
Thank you Gannon! Hmmm, not so sure about this one…it might be a little too risque for me
Gannon
on Mar 15th, 2009
@ 2:59 pm:
Orannia, risque is an understatement! Scorching would be more like it! ;0
Buffie
on Mar 15th, 2009
@ 3:28 pm:
Not really sure this ones for me either, but great review Gannon!