Leona Webster has had enough of the polite world judging her. As a young girl she made a mistake which left her pregnant but husband-less but that hasn't stopped her from trying to better herself. When a stranger, who's an earl no less, rescues Leona from creditors, she can't believe that such kindness still exists in the world, especially the kind given without strings attached. Leona thought she had sworn off men but the more she gets to know the earl, the more she's drawn to him.

From a young age Malcolm Gregory Thayer, Earl of Brayton, has known he was different. Sent to a monastery at a young age, Malcolm has committed his life to religion and being an admiral in the Persian army. A chance encounter with Leona puts all of Malcolm's resolves to the test. Grappling with his need to suppress the darker side of himself, Malcolm finds help in the most unlikely place, from a renowned courtesan who runs a school that instructs men on the art of seduction.

When it comes to unconventional historical romances, Delilah Marvelle is one of the best. MASTER OF PLEASURE starts off with a prologue some readers may find to be too graphic, perhaps even offensive to their delicate sensibilities, so consider yourselves warned. For those who love reading books that push the boundaries in every direction, you've come to the right book. Marvelle takes us down a dark and twisted path with her brooding hero who is afraid of his own desires. Using religion to control himself for years, he finally meets his match in a feisty heroine who has her own problems. Not only do the sparks start flying as soon as Malcolm and Olivia meet but so does the scintillating dialogue. The secondary characters add richness and depth and help to lighten up the story. I've enjoyed Marvelle's School of Gallantry series from the beginning and MASTER OF PLEASURE is a terrific addition. For anyone looking for a historical that's more than the typical fare, you won't be disappointed.