Review: The Private Affairs of Lady Jane Fielding by Viveka Portman

Title: The Private Affairs of Lady Jane Fielding by Viveka Portman
Regency Diaries
Publisher: Escape Publishing – Harlequin Enterprises, Australia Pty Ltd
Genre: Historical, Romance
Length: 94 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Summary:

In the world of Regency England, only one thing matters — the begetting of an heir…

There is one fact I cannot hide nor deny. I have borne my husband no sons…

When Lord Jacob Fielding suffers a traumatic injury denying him more children, it devastates both his present and his future. He and his wife Jane have only daughters, and the brother in line to inherit his title and lands is a disgusting reprobate, a man who should never have power over anyone.

In desperation, Lord Fielding formulates a wicked plan. He invites his distant cousin Matthew to come and share their home…and possibly more. Jane is shocked, but cannot deny her curiosity. She loves her husband, and their situation is desperate, and Matthew is a kind, gentle, attractive man. But what can this situation bring, but tension and jealousy?

Emotions and libidos run high as the Fielding men search for a way to satisfy the need for an heir, their own lusts, and, most importantly, the desires of Lady Jane, before time runs out.

The Review:

The Private Affairs of Lady Jane Fielding by Viveka Portman is a scorching hot historical novella that is highly erotic but also full of emotion. This quick read has a wonderfully unique storyline, well-developed characters and a delightful surprise ending.

Jane and Jacob Fielding are deeply in love and their marriage is quite happy and lust-filled. Jacob’s unfortunate accident does not diminish their desire for one another but with Jacob’s odious brother Arthur in line to inherit the family fortune, the need for a male heir becomes quite urgent. After a year passes with no pregnancy, Jacob devises a rather scandalous and unconventional plan to procure an heir but will Jane and his cousin Matthew agree to Jacob’s outrageous proposal?

The Private Affairs of Lady Jane Fielding is written in first person from Jane’s perspective. Using a journal to confide her innermost thoughts, Jane reveals her fears about her husband’s accident, the disgust over her brother-in-law’s actions, and her trepidation over her husband’s solution to their pressing need for an heir. There is never any doubt about the couple’s deep love and devotion to one another however a future with Arthur controlling her fate provides a compelling reason for Jane to give serious thought to Jacob’s proposal.

Seen only through Jane’s eyes, Jacob and Matthew are vibrantly life-like with a great deal of depth. Jacob’s plan is born of desperation but he is just as uneasy with the situation as Jane and Matthew. His love for Jane is always apparent as is his keen despair over the loss of his fertility. Matthew is hesitant to agree to his cousin’s plan, but he is quite impoverished and in need of funds to renovate his crumbling estate. All three are in an untenable position but when Arthur continues to press Jacob to declare him as his heir, Jane and Matthew reluctantly agree to Jacob’s plan.

The three have very surprising and unexpected reactions once their arrangement is put into motion. Jealousy, unanticipated desire and unforeseen pleasure lead to an open and honest discussion of the situation which results in a shocking decision regarding the future of their unusual relationship.

The Private Affairs of Lady Jane Fielding is an outstanding erotic novella that fans of historical romances do not want to miss. It is a well-written story with an engaging cast of appealing characters, incredibly sensual sex scenes and an amazing array of believable emotions. Absolutely one of the best historical romances I have read in a long time and as soon as I finished it, I immediately purchased and eagerly devoured Viveka Portman’s backlist.