But intertwined throughout the emotional, tender, sweet romance there are secrets, mysteries, attempted murder, twists, unpleasant surprises and shocking revelations (which I can't even hint at as it will spoil the unfolding of this tragic compelling story) that will push their relationship beyond it's limits.

Then, as these two complex characters, who are both chasing redemption and love, finally move to the obvious next stage you feel that every kiss and caress is a reverent emotional affirmation of their feelings rather than just erotica. Their relationship eventually morphs from a mere teacher/pupil relationship by two lonely, isolated, deep characters into an intense, gripping, sexually charged mutual attraction that's dripping with passion and sizzle. His technique is to make her study the sexually explicit erotica descriptions and dialogue held within the pages of The Perfumed Garden (Arabian type Karma Sutra) chapter by chapter and return after studying each chapter to discuss, in very 'clinical' terms, the erotic meanings and merits of each one. Elizabeth's (a naive trapped wife and mother) desire to rekindle the sex and passion in her loveless marriage by enlisting a known sensual sexual womaniser Ramiel (aka the Bastard Sheik) who has a damaged tragic past who agrees to teach her erotic skills but promises never to touch her.

This is a riveting, well written, well researched, beautiful, emotionally deep, heartbreaking love story that is thought provoking, has vivid detailed imagery with it's intense atmosphere and tells of two likeable character's desperate need to love and be loved during the prejudices of the Victorian era. A LOVE STORY THAT ENDURED SO MANY CONFLICTS

A man and a woman robin schone