Lessons in Indiscretion – Karen Erickson

Widowed Lady Julia Renwick is still young enough to crave a man’s touch; but she’s too old to think that the Earl of Bedingfield could see her as anything more than a family friend. Garrett Walker is handsome, charming and only 26 years old—the perfect catch for any one of this year’s debutantes.

Garrett has no interest in the maidens vying for his attentions. He wants only Julia. With just two weeks left in the season, he makes a bold move by asking her to dance. When she counters with a shocking request of her own, Garrett eagerly agrees.

Soon, they are stealing away for passionate encounters at every society event they attend. Garrett introduces Julia to excitements she never knew existed, and her newfound confidence quickly attracts other eligible men. It’s not long before Garrett realizes he must find a way to keep the lady all to himself…

17,000 word

Julia and Garrett have known each other since she was a newly married 19 year old and he 14.  Now, 31 and widowed, Julia finds herself contemplating a tryst with the oh so handsome Garrett the last two weeks of the season.  She finds him very attractive and he’s been paying attention to her at the ton events, so she figures now is her chance for a little excitement before everyone leaves London for their country estates and she’s left all alone.

Garrett only wants one woman and that’s Julia.  When she suggests their affair, he figures he’s gotten what he wants.  But with the season about to come to a close and their number of days together about to end, Garrett realizes he can’t go without having Julia with him, always.  The trick is going to be convincing her she’s worth it to be with him.

This is a very, very quick read.  Although it wasn’t bad, I felt like I was missing something (for those who may not have read any of my other novella reviews, I think this is a problem on my part, since I keep expecting to get more).  I needed something about Julia and Garrett’s history.  Why did she feel unworthy?  What did Garrett see when he spied on his father and Julia’s husband? (I have an idea and would explain why she never conceived).

Not bad overall, but I really wanted more.

3 Cocktails