The Pleasure of Your Kiss by Teresa Medeiros

• Title: The Pleasure of Your Kiss
• Classification: Adult Fiction
• Genre:  Historical Romance
• Format: Paperback, 528 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Star; Original edition (December 27, 2011)
• ISBN-10: 1439157898
• ISBN-13: 978-1439157893
• Author's Website:  http://teresamedeiros.com/

Clarinda Cardew was on the way to her wedding when tragedy struck. The ship she was sailing on was attacked by pirates. The Cosairs were notorious for raiding ships in the Mediterranean and selling the women they captured at the slave markets of North Africa and Arabia--if they were lucky. As fate would have it Clarinda and her best friend, Poppy, were the lucky ones...

"Once we arrived in Algiers," she continued, "they dragged us to the underground slave market in chains. They stripped us of our gowns, leaving us in nothing but our undergarments."

Sold to Zin al-Farouk, the Sultan of El Jadida, her fiance, Captain Maximillian Burke desperately tries to find a way to get her back. Left with no other choice, he seeks out the aid of his brother, Captain Ashton Burke. Ash and Clarinda have a past, one Max hopes will never rekindle. Ash was Clarinda's only hope.

Sometimes, however, even those known for doing the impossible can't. When Ash finally finds Clarinda he finds he may be in over his head. He might not survive this quest.

     Farouk beamed like a proud papa. "My Clarinda has spent the last few months being tutored by some of the women who once served my father in his harem."
     "Tutored?" Feeling his wariness grow, Ash glanced a Luca, who was hanging on Farouk's every word as if it would be his last. "In what subject, may I ask?"
     Before Farouk could reply, Clarinda lifted her head, looked Ash dead in the eye, and said coolly, "Pleasure, Captain Burke. How to give it...and how to receive it."... 
     "Her tutors assure me she is an apt and eager pupil and will soon be ready to retrieve my attentions and become my wife."

Clarinda was smart and brave. She kept her head during everything that went on and never gave up hope that she'd be rescued. The way she handled herself with the other woman of the harem was admirable. Plus, she showed her loyalty when she persuaded Farouk to also purchase her friend Poppy.

Captain Sir Ashton Burke had a reputation of being the ultimate rake. His exploits, both romantic and military, were legendary and documented in the scandal sheets. He was nicknamed 'Sir Savage' by the men under his command for his "ferocious skill in single combat." Clarinda described Ash as having, "amber irises rimmed in black and flecked with sparks of the purest gold, a devil-may-care dimple slashed in one lean cheek, beautifully sculpted lips that always seemed to be on the verge of quirking in a teasing smile before softening to steal a kiss... or a defenseless heart." He was impossibly good looking.

I loved how both Clarinda and Ash started out wary of each other. The heat between them, however, couldn't be denied and was extremely flammable. It practically lept off the pages. Course I suppose that could have had something to do with turbulence from my plane, but when I decided to investigate that theory (yes, it was a hardship) and reread it later, I confirmed it was definitely the romance heating up the pages. lol On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one gets a SHOWER rating - a cold shower might be necessary. Need I say more? Some books should come with a warning - make sure your significant other is handy or your shower is in working order. lol

Why is the book entitled 'The Pleasure of Your Kiss'? Well, I believe it has to do with the following conversation:
     "Is it true what the scandal sheets say about you, Captain Burke? That when you rescued the Hindustani princess, you turned down a fortune in gold and precious gems?"
     "I did." His gaze dropped to her lips. "And all for the pleasure of a kiss."
     "Then who am I to deny you such a reward?"

This was such a fun and enjoyable read. I actually read it while stranded at an airport for 6 hours. Anything that can distract me from the fact my plane is late, stop me from getting upset with my unruly children and keep me up for the two hour flight (1:00 AM to 3:00 AM) is definitely a noteworthy book. I loved the dynamics of the Harem. I adored Poppy and her quirky personality. I enjoyed all the twists, turns, and the mystery of what exactly happened between Ash and Clarinda. Overall, this book gets a 4 1/2 out of 5 roses. It has a delightful combination of humor, drama and romance.

Pictures of El Jadida. It's a real place! (Yes, I know, I'm revealing my lack of geographic knowledge. )