When the widowed Mercy Walcott is flogged in the village square for sexual congress outside of matrimony, her father forces her to marry Seth Burroughs, the village blacksmith. Dominant, demanding, handsome and forceful, Seth sets out to tame his wanton wife.

Adam Putnam, one of the young acolytes who was forced to subdue the lovely Mercy during her flogging has fallen hard for the tempting beauty. Viewing her luscious body, touching her soft tempting skin and with the force of the reverends blows causing her body to rub against his, he experiences desire for the first time.

Mercy remembers the feel of the hard body against hers as she shifted away from the whip. Enticing her husband to indenture Adam as an apprentice, Mercy is inflamed by her needs. Adam is torn between his lustful hungers for the woman he loves and his beliefs. Even when Seth encourages his wife to make love to Adam, even participating, he is ashamed of his needs. And how can he look his friend in the eye after he experiences carnal delights that are morally wrong?

The always amazing author Cris Anson has penned a deliciously erotic romance filled with historical details that create the ideal setting for the sexual tension and depth of emotional intensity of this riveting story. Punishment and Mercy is a compelling, complex and wickedly intricate story laced with an increasing level of drama and sexual desires that is sure to leave a mark on readers. The innovative plot also isn't too complicated for the reader to follow yet it does keep them guessing until the very end. Ms. Anson has crafted three very amazing, enduring and deep characters that are strongly defined. Both heroes, Seth and Adam are two hot men who insatiably and fiercely love Mercy in their own way, just as Mercy loves both men in two very different manners. The smoldering, carnal and heart-wrenching journey of sexual discovery and freedom is full of dark sensuality and sexual taboos that will draw the reader in and leave them spellbound to the magic of the printed words. The steamy, raw and seductive sex scenes filled with touches of Dom/sub play and volatile desires that may push a few buttons. The ending is powerfully gripping and packs quite an emotional punch for the reader.

I dare any reader to have a dry eye by the end of this captivating story!

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Explicit

Reviewer: Shannon
March 4, 2010