After reading the first installment of Katrina Strauss' Eldridge Legacy, Secrets Revealed, I've been curious to know what happens next. I was overjoyed to have the opportunity to read the second book in the trilogy, Lessons Learned.

Lessons Learned is penned in a similar fashion to Secrets Revealed and I must again warn the readers that this is not a vanilla romance. Though not as adventurous as the first book, you will still find elements of BDSM, partner-sharing and lesbian frolics within its covers so if this is not your type of thing you will want to avoid this book.

The story opens with two young female friends, Camille Rocheford and Nicolette Neville, nearing the end of a long carriage ride to the home of a poet. A writer herself, Camille knows only that the person in question admires her work, but she does not know his identity. When her friend Nicolette finally reveals that they are destined for the home of infamous poet Stefan Eldritch, Camille is ready to have the carriage turned right back around toward home.

An inexperienced woman with virginal habits, Camille knows she will have nothing in common with the scandalous Stefan Eldritch. The rumors of his sensual parties are nothing compared to the outrageous language and subjects of his poetry. It seems the man has nothing on his mind but sex!

Camille is set on returning home as soon as possible until she stumbles upon the ancestral paintings of the Eldritch family and finds herself face to face with Stefan Eldritch himself. He is impossibly handsome, even more so than she had heard, and she can't help but be intrigued by the spark of excitement she feels at his touch. She is well aware she should leave the house immediately, that her virtue is at stake, but somehow it doesn't seem to be the important commodity it once was.

Stefan Eldritch knows this woman is different. From the moment he felt her presence she consumed him body and soul. So many women have come before her and yet he can't seem to remember any of them. His heart and mind can only focus on Camille. And to think she's so inexperienced in the matters of the flesh just makes her all that more desirable.

A black sheep in his family, Stefan has looked unsuccessfully for a woman who could match his passions and his family has nearly disowned him for some of the parties he's thrown during his search. After only a few moments though, Camille's quick tongue and confident words excite him more than any flirting or suggestive words have ever done. She's not going to be easily swayed from her prim and proper manners though, but what a challenge she will be. Stefan does not doubt she will be worth the wait.

And so the battle begins between the good little girl and the wicked boy. Lessons Learned is a satisfying read full of sensual encounters and romantic moments. The story moves in several unusual directions and the Eldritch family history plays a big part in how the story eventually ends. In fact, what I enjoyed most about the second book is the secret connections to Secrets Revealed that Ms. Strauss has hidden in unlikely places.

I want to stress that you do not have to read Secrets Revealed to enjoy Lessons Learned, but you will miss some of the historical nuances that add a tremendous depth to the story if you have not read them in order. Even without those nuances, you will still find Lessons Learned immensely satisfying to read.

My only disappointment with Lessons Learned is that the ending is abrupt compared to the slow and sensual development of the rest of the story. Though it provides adequate closure to the story, you are left with a feeling that Ms. Strauss somehow ran out of time and had to rush the ending. It is by no means a reason to skip the book though, just a minor irritation.

I highly recommend Lessons Learned to those who enjoyed Secrets Revealed and to readers who like an erotic romance with a touch of dark magic thrown in. Now that I've enjoyed both Secrets Revealed and Lessons Learned, I'm moving on to the final book in the Eldritch trilogy, Fates Fulfilled.
 
Reviewed By Sabine Maurier
© November 2007