Wanton Wastrels #1
by Tabetha Waite
Constance Freewater has lived almost two decades of her life as a celebrated courtesan known as Madame Corressa—a woman always living on the edge. As she approaches her fortieth birthday, she realizes that what used to be a fulfilling existence no longer holds any excitement for her. She’s tired of the empty sort of temporary passion that used to be enough. When she crosses paths with a mysterious gentleman who becomes intent on pursuing her, she is inexplicably drawn to him. But when circumstances alter their fate, she has to decide if she is prepared to be his mistress—or nothing at all.
Devin Blackmore had a hard life. Growing up with drunkards, scoundrels, and pickpockets on London’s city streets was a normal way of life. But one mistake was all it took for him to learn a harsh lesson. After spending five years in a penal colony, he returns to England determined not to succumb to his old ways. However, he never intended to meet such an enchanting woman as Constance, nor believe that she could make him a better man. But when a late-night attack leaves him fighting for his life, he realizes that he can’t escape his past. He doesn’t want to drag Constance into mire with him, but he finds out she’s not easily intimidated.
As hearts become entangled, they have to decide if what they feel for each other runs deeper than the demons of their past. Or is love even possible for these two, broken souls?
The Plot
Devin Blackburn grew up in the East End with a life thievery, crime, and death. But when crosses path with the wrong person, he ends up spending five years in jail. Constance Freewater was forced into a brothel by her mother, but managed to escape by becoming a mistress. Now they both find themselves back in London for the first time in a long while. When their paths cross, the attraction is instant and Devin vows to find out more. When he is shot and doesn’t make their rendezvous, his friend lets Constance know what has happened and she moves them both to her home to nurse him back to health. Living under the same room is just flaming the attraction already there. While the heat sizzles between them, they must face the danger both of them are in by those who would destroy them.
“Why did you seek me out in the first place?” His lips quirked and Constance held her breath as he moved toward her. He kept his tone low when he spoke. “Because I thought you were the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. Because I had been a dying man in need of salvation and you were my angel who rescued me from the depths of hell.” He stopped before her. “And because I could easily find myself falling in l—” She placed two fingers over his lips. “Please don’t say it. That’s a dangerous word and only leads to heartache for those who suffer from it.” He kissed the pads of her fingers and then moved them until they were covering the steady beat of his heart. “Why does it have to be suffering? Have you been conflicted by such strong emotions when you’re with me?” She sighed. “No, but that doesn’t mean—” “You’re looking for reasons why something can’t build between us.” He reached out and ran the backs of his knuckles down the length of her braid, pausing at the tip, directly where it encircled her breast. “We are both broken in our own way. Maybe we were brought together for a reason. To find happiness with one another.” Constance swallowed. “Maybe we don’t deserve happiness.” “I disagree.” His arm slowly snaked around her waist. Lowering his head, he breathed against her lips, “And you, my dear, deserve so much more.”
The Heroine
Constance Freewater is a former mistress several times over, who is trying desperately to suppress that side of her and become a respectable lady. She is a caring, sweet person, but has lost loves and been hurt many times so she holds her heart close and refuses to let it fall again. Having grown up in the brothels, she is also a strong foe, who knows her way around a gun and a knife! She fights hard to not give in to Devins advances, but she knows her feelings for him are different and his need of her is more than just the physical.
The Hero
After serving his time, Devin Blackburn returns home to London to start a new life free of crime, but his old friends don’t make it easy. He knows what he wants and he goes after it with confidence, he accepts his past and helps Constance accept hers so she can realize there is more to their relationship than sex. He shows her how they can be friends, lovers, confidants, and even husband and wife. I loved Devin and it was obvious he cared deeply for Constance.
“All I need is you. Besides, I’m not sure I would be a very good father.” She placed a hand on his chest. “I disagree. And you should have the chance if you want it.” She sighed. “I don’t want you to have any regrets—” “Listen to me very closely.” He held her face immobile. “The only regret I would ever have is letting you go. And you can rest assured that is not going to happen.”
The Steam
There is definitely several steamy scenes, but you could also count the way Devin dirty talks to Constance…phew!
Stand Out Moment
When she goes to Devins rooms during his nightmares and she finally gives in to her lust for him!
“I’m not sure I like that look, Mr. Blackmore.” “This is the part where you have to trust me.” He offered her a teasing wink. “Because I’m going to show you what your life could be like with me.” “Indeed.” She sounded unimpressed. “And how long would that be, exactly?” “That, sweetheart, is up to you to decide.”
Tropes
Victorian Era, Warm Steam, Historical Romance, East End London, Alpha Hero, Criminal/Thief, Courtesan, Spinster, Independent Heroine, Experienced Heroine, Age Gap Romance, Suspense/Danger/Murder, Forced Proximity, Nursed Back to Health
He didn’t want them to end up in the bedroom, as that was how she evaded breaking down that fortress around her heart, if not her entire soul. She assumed sex was the answer and he yearned to show her that there was more to being with a man. It was about touching and caressing, cherishing each other’s bodies. It was about leaning on each other after a difficult day, it was gaining the courage that they required to face another dawn when it appeared that the entire world was crashing down. He intended to teach her how to let go of her inhibitions and trust in him, because he was quite sure he wasn’t falling in love with her, that he had been there from the first moment he’d laid eyes on her in that dark alley. If that made him sound like a poet, or a dandy, then he would wear the title with pride, as long as it meant he could keep her by his side.
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