The Master and The Muses by Amanda McIntyre

Publisher:  Spice/Harlequin
Pages:  416

(Release Date: June 1, 2010)

From the Cover:   Icon, rebel, unabashed romantic...with a single look, painter Thomas Rodin conveys the ecstasy of creativity-the pleasures awaiting the woman who can fuel his artistry. As fate would have it, he finds that inspiration not in one woman but three: an apprentice milliner, a prostitute and the daughter of a stableman. What follows are three transcendent tales of women bewitched by a master of seduction-a slave as much to his art as to his boundless passion.

***May Contain Spoilers (though I try to avoid spoilers, beware)***

Thomas Rodin is a man of many talents and many pleasures.  He finds it hard to refuse himself, after all he is the master of his domain, the master artisan.  He's passionate to a fault with his muses, trying to be what they all want as they try to conform to his life.  He is a true artist, able to see the beauty in the world around him, as well as the not so pretty world that in reality, he must live in.  The Royal Academy has seen him as a thorn in their side for far too long, not that they were ever tolerant of someone who resides outside the bounds of proper society.  But, no one likes to be criticized, least of all Thomas.  He's always been a bit disdainful of the Academy, but in reality, he'd like nothing more than the acceptance of that snobbish crowd, to gain their respect.  In doing so, he may have to grow up to be the man that his muses need him to be.

The Master and The Muses by Amanda McIntyre is a book told in three inter weaving stories centered around the artist Thomas Rodin and his muses.  The muses are the women that inspire Thomas to be more than he is, to create an everlasting portrait of life, love, and he hopes, future happiness.

The Book of Helen:  Helen is a red-headed muse who is not at all of the temperament described by her red locks.  She timid, raised to be a refined lady, steady fast in her beliefs, but young enough to be tempted by fate.  William Rodin is what fate brings to her door.  He's spies the young beauty realizing she would be a perfect muse for his ever searching brother.  But, can William let Thomas possess what he most desires?

The Book of Sara:  Sara is a headstrong raven-haired beauty who is willing to do whatever it takes to make her own way in the world.  Even if it means leaving the quiet comfort of her uncle's farm to explore the city and what it has to offer.  Little does she know that on her adventure to the Globe Theater, she's playing into fate's hands as well.  Upon meeting the rakish Mr. Rodin, she is destined to become his next muse.  But she has always desired an adventure, can she takes want fate offers without asking for more?

The Book of Grace:  Grace is one of the lost souls, misused and taken for granted.  She's stolen away as a young child to be bought and sold for the pleasure of a cruel master.  When an escape from her life is seen, she grabs it, even if it means a life on the streets.  But she's strong and smart, able to live by her wits and her body if necessary.  Thomas Rodin is what fate brings to Grace's door, but will he be enough for this lost soul or will he refuse what is before him in his need to bring new muses into his life, denying that he might have one true muse?

The Master and The Muses was an enjoyable read full of erotic romance, intertwined lives, and the mysteries of the artist and of life.  As I began to read The Master and The Muses, I wasn't at all sure if I was going to be able to tolerate Mr. Thomas Rodin and his attitudes.  He was a kind and gentle man, but a rogue and a user of women.  He never raised a hand in anger, never abused the women who became his muses, but as he grew tired of their affections, he left them to their own devices to find love and life.  He wasn't a bad man, just a man who liked women, wanted women to like him, and in his own way, he made sure each of his muses had their desires fulfilled, even if it wasn't by him.  By the end of the book, I once again loved Thomas with his wild little boy ways, tantrums, and wild passions.  There is no other way to describe Thomas except as a man governed by his passions.  The one revolving character throughout the book is Grace, she's the glue of the story, holding the pieces together.  But, she comes to realize that unless Thomas can give as much as he expects to receive, then she'll have to learn to live without him.

The Master and The Muses is very much an enjoyable read with many twists and turns.  The erotica is told sometimes with humor of the unexpected and always told as a love story.  It is a red hot romance, both fun and sophisticated.  The cover art of this book is probably one of the best I've seen in a while, it depicts Thomas Rodin almost perfectly especially his eyes and tousled curls.  I recommend this book to lovers of historical romance who don't mind steam with their romance.  This is definitely a tale told with erotica, so be prepared for the level of sensuality.  If you haven't tried Amanda McIntyre, give this book a try, it was well worth my time.  For a little taste of Thomas and what's in store for his muses, click here.  If you'd like to pre-order this book, click here or at Amazon, here.

Here's a peek at the awesome book trailer.



I received this book from Spice/Harlequin and Net Galley for review.  All opinions expressed are my own.