Whispers of the Flesh

Whispers of the Flesh
(Book Three of the Hidden Grotto)
Written by: Louisa Burton
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Bantam
Language: English
September 2008, $12.99
Genre: Fiction/Erotica

Hidden in a deep mountain valley in rural France is an ancient castle known only to an exclusive few. Here, four exquisitely beautiful immortals who thrive on carnal energy captivate and ravish their human visitors, fulfilling their darkest fantasies, their most secret hungers.

A chaste young British Jesuit poses as a landscaper to investigate centuries of rumored wickedness at the château, forcing him to confront the long-sublimated desires and urges seething beneath his own pious exterior.... The American daughter of the château’s dying administrator can’t bear the thought of succeeding her father, since it would mean playing matchmaker to the love of her life. The roots of her dilemma, and its possible solution, hark back to a weekend in 1972 when a group of free-loving hippies descended on the château for a few days of orgiastic revelry, where every convention was broken and nothing was taboo.

Step into the Castle of the Hidden Grotto and lose yourself in a realm of mystery, temptation, and intoxicating sensuality.

+++++++++++++

I have never been a huge romance novel fan, however I do like the occasional smut every now and again (and no, I do not consider Laurell K’s smut to be satisfactory of late). This is the third installment of the Hidden Grotto series and I continue to enjoy them. Burton created some characters and some relationships that I am genuinely interested in (though give poor Darius someone to love as I adore him) and some great eroticism as well.

If you haven’t read any of the other Grotto novels, you can easily pick one up and not feel lost, though you will get more enjoyment if you do read them all. Of the two stories I enjoyed Adrien and Isabel’s story the most, especially after the last book and the way it ended. What can I say I am a sucker for the happily ever after shtick.

I think these are just the right blend of steamy erotica and an entertaining story bound with a ribbon of flesh and fantasy. Not for everyone, but a delightful diversion for those who need a good dose of smut every now and again.

3.25 out of 4 happy bibliosnark bookmarks