Vexing the Viscount by Emily Bryan

Published: March 2009

Pages: 301

Vexing the Viscount is a captivating blend of romance, adventure, amusing banter & saucy moments.

Daisy Drake was first introduced to us as a precocious child in the story, Pleasuring the Pirate. All grown up, she is now a woman ahead of her time, one who loves nothing more than the thrill of adventure.
Daisy speaks fluent French and can read ancient Latin but all that she knows of 'pleasures of the flesh' has been discovered from the journals of Blanche La Tour, an infamous French courtesan & Daisy's Great Aunt.

Lucian Beaumont, Viscount Rutland is determined to discover the location of an ancient Roman payroll & return his family's estate to its former glory. Lucian and Daisy are childhood adversaries and as adults the sparks continue to fly in more ways than one.
At the Society of Antiquaries Daisy regards an ancient phallus-like lamp with much interest and speculates whether it's life-sized. Lucian, at the society to petition for a financial partner in his expedition for the lost treasure, contributes some remarks of his own, on overhearing Daisy's ramblings.
Daisy masquerading as Blanche La Tour becomes Lucian's financial backer & Daisy herself is his assistant on the excavation site. What follows is a hilarious ride complete with searing sexual tension.

I loved the quotes from the journal of Blanche La Tour at the beginning of each chapter & the flashbacks to Londinium A.D. 405 were haunting insights into the love story of Caius & Deirdre & the subsequent tragedy.

Pick up Emily Bryan's latest novel if you want an enjoyable, engaging, slightly naughty read!