Fruit of the Flesh

This equal parts hot and haunting gothic romance from Ophelia (The Poisoner) transports readers to glamorous Gilded Age New York. Ballerina Petronille “Petre” De Villier, daughter of a wealthy pharmaceutical manufacturer, goes against the grain and marries beneath her class, choosing sculptor Arkady Kamenev not out of love but as a way of escaping her domineering family. Meanwhile, Arkady needs the money and prestige her family name will bring him. The early days of their marriage are filled with misunderstandings as Arkady distances himself from Petre, but gradually engages her in some steamy sexual interludes. Meanwhile, Petre becomes a suspect in the disappearance of New York City coroner Vincent Carlisle, who was last seen visiting her home. Arkady steps in, determined to prove her innocence, but both the police commissioner and Petre’s own father seem to be working against him. Left with only each other to trust, Petre and Arkady soon discover that they share similar violent urges, a sinister revelation which only bonds them further. Ophelia crafts a genuinely eerie atmosphere and some deeply sensual love scenes on the way to a conclusion that packs a punch. Horror romance fans will find plenty to enjoy. (Jan.)