Emma Holly

Beyond Seduction

Jove Books, New York, 2002.

The spiritual is not much in evidence in this mix of Regency Romance and erotica: 'super steamy' in the words of the author, who likes to make jokes about 'the thrust of the plot (haha).'

Thomas led Merry and the horse through the gate to Regent's Park. From there they clumped past St. Dunstan's chapel and around the boating lake. Finally, on a quiet stretch of lawn near the wintry remains of the botanical gardens, Nic directed them to stop. Even now, with a frosting of snow on the ground, visitors strolled the park. Workmen hurried to jobs, servants walked dogs, and nannies from Cumberland Terrace guided their bundled charges towards the zoo.

Nicolas Craven, 'London's most sought-after artist', is about to start on his portrait of Lady Godiva. '"This spot will do"...He jerked his head at the bright, ice-skinned lake. "Plenty of ambient light." By now, she was used to this being important'. The painting is a succès fou - '"When Alma-Tadema finishes turning green, he's going to slap your bloody back"' - though Ruskin advises him to "cultivate a bit more spiritual meaning."