Amazon.com Review

Setting: Charleston, South Carolina, 1803
Sensuality Rating: 6

Get the champagne out of the refrigerator! It's time to celebrate The New York Times bestselling author Kathleen E. Woodiwiss's latest epic, A Season Beyond a Kiss. This pioneer of the romantic fiction genre renews her grateful readers' acquaintance with old friends, the Birminghams of The Flame and the Flower and The Elusive Flame fame. This time it's Brandon's younger brother Jeffrey and his off-again, on-again marriage to beautiful English import Raelynn that captivates audiences. Circumstances--and a murderous villain--have conspired to separate newlyweds Jeff and Raelynn. Raelynn has been broadsided by the accusation that Jeff has impregnated a young serving girl and refused to acknowledge his child. Jeff, of course, vehemently denies the accusation, but Raelynn is unsure she can trust her handsome husband. Just when the young lovers manage to mend their quarrel, a pregnant Raelynn is horrified to discover Jeff standing over the body of the murdered serving girl with the murder weapon in his hand. Throw in a ruthless merchant with designs to possess Raelynn at any cost and a mysterious murderer with a secret worth killing for, and you've got a new classic from veteran author Woodiwiss. In spite of the sometimes convoluted dialogue, fans old and new will be able to overlook the impression that Woodiwiss believes she's being paid by the word and revel in a fresh tale with familiar friends._--Alison Trinkle_

From Library Journal

The romance genre has changed drastically in the last two decades, but Woodiwiss here returns us to the unlamented bodice ripper. Overblown prose coupled with cardboard characters makes this title almost impossible to wade through. In this sequel to her legendary "Flame and Flower" series, Jeff Birmingham is wed to Raelynn Barrett, the Englishwoman he had rescued in a prior novel. The marriage gets off to a rocky start. Once the wedding vows are consummated, however a detail that takes 90 endless minutes to accomplish marital bliss ensues. Then a young woman is killed, and Jeff is discovered standing over the body holding the murder weapon. Reader Susan Ericksen's matter-of-fact delivery makes it possible for the listener to almost overlook the endless sex that masquerades as a plot. Every character is recognizable by both accent and mannerism. Unfortunately, Ericksen can't overcome the book's tiresome pacing. For diehard fans only. Jodi L. Israel, Jamaica Plain, MA
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