Partner to Lord Anthony Hart, Lady Elizabeth Cowen held a position in court that most women only dreamed of. A free woman, the privileges she was allowed, the pampered existence, was the envy of most. She enjoyed all the pleasures available to her, but best of all, if she chose, she was permitted to enjoy sexual encounters with unattached free men and knights. In an environment where sex slaves were the norm, Lady Elizabeth bowed down to no man. Would the return of a handsome blue-eyed knight change all that?

Lord Thomas Wolfe, first knight to Lord Anthony Hart, returned from a successful raid on another castle far south of Castle Hart. Bringing with him a number of free men and women to help populate the keep, the haul of slaves was pleasing to all. Taking several days to recant details of the event, the attentions of one particular woman were a cause for great consternation. Fighting the advances of this woman, absenting himself at every opportunity, he was astonished to learn that he was free to accept her overtures.

There are two types of women: the free and the submissive. When a free woman approaches a slave owner, sparks fly as neither wants to give ground. One fights for dominance whilst the other fights for equality. Who will win?

HART'S HEART is truly a unique book, exploring an alternative existence. Sex slaves do exist in today's world, though frowned upon, and Michelle Hoppe's foray into giving a glimpse of what such a world could be like is interesting to say the least. A short read, HART'S HEART is filled with erotica with a touch of BD/SM. It's not exactly the type of book that I would normally choose to read, but Ms. Hoppe does manage to throw in a number of surprises that will keep you guessing about what is going to happen next. No one will be able to predict the ending.

Emilie Spargo
© October 2004