In a captivating and
beautiful story, we find the beautiful, young, and innocent Lady
Perdita (Poppy) who has fallen head over heels in love with the
handsome Duke of Fletcher, considered the catch of the season. Fletch
feels the same for his beautiful Poppy and patiently awaits their
wedding day. Little does he realize that the young and innocent Poppy
has not been properly prepared for her wedding night, but instead has
been controlled by an overbearing mother who has filled her head with
unrealistic expectations of marriage and the marriage bed. Fletch
experiences a disappointing wedding night, not understanding that Poppy
needs tutoring in the ways of passion and marriage. Instead of being
patient and instructing Poppy, Fletch distances himself from his beauty
and soon an intense love turns to disappointment and severe loneliness
for them both. As four years go by, Fletch even considers obtaining a
mistress, but all he can think about is his love and desire for Poppy.
Besides, he sees all the infidelity and unhappiness around him in
society that brings little happiness to those involved.
Poppy understands that something is seriously wrong with her marriage,
doesn’t understand how it can be fixed, and is left heartbroken. How
can she bring back the intense love that Fletch had for her at one
time? Before the marriage, she always seemed to please him, and since
the marriage, everything she does is for Fletch. But that is the sweet
Poppy’s main problem; pleasing everyone but herself and in so doing,
feels she has accomplished nothing but disappointing the man she loves
so intensely. Poppy understands the whole society side of being a
duchess, but not a thing about being a true wife, especially because,
just as her loving Fletch, she sees nothing but unhappiness in society
marriages. Poppy makes the ultimate decision in her yearning for
happiness in her life. She walks out on Fletch and her overbearing
mother, leaving them both behind, and decides she will enjoy her own
life and stop trying to please everyone else. It is not until Fletch
loses his precious Poppy that he realizes he must woo her back somehow.
Unwilling to lose her, Fletch decides to begin an intense seduction of
Poppy that has her head and heart spinning, but not impressed. Can
Fletch win back the love of his precious Poppy before Christmas?
In the masterful writing style of Eloisa James, An Affair Before
Christmas is a wonderful sensual sequel to the Desperate Duchesses
Series. Adding an interesting depth to this story, the reader gets to
revisit some of the secondary characters from the first book, like the
infamous rake The Duke of Villiers and the dysfunctional Elijah and
Jemma, The Duke and Duchess of Beaumont. Ms. James cleverly allows the
reader to revisit these dysfunctional characters in order to emphasize
and help the reader fully understand how Poppy and Fletch can become so
disillusioned about love. An Affair Before Christmas romance is a
delightful read and perfect for a holiday that celebrates true love and
happiness.
Publisher: Avon
(November 2007)
Reviewed
by Beverly,
Beverly Romance Books
