Master of Pleasure (School of Gallantry, #5) by Delilah Marvelle

Leona Webster allowed herself to fall in love with a childhood friend who broke off their engagement to further his career as a pianist. She was left alone and pregnant.  Now, her only focus is on raising her young son.  

Malcolm Thayer, the Earl of Brayton was sent to a monastery at age 18 after he was accused of impregnating the bishop's daughter (he only kissed  her).  As he is approaching the end of his term at the monastery, he saves the life of Nasser, a Persian Prince, who rescues him from another year.  Malcolm's only issue is enjoying pain.  

Some ten years later in England, Malcolm rescues Leona from a creditor and offers her a job as long as he remains in England.  This leads to an unusual romance between Malcolm and Leona.

This is the second in the series that I have read.  I liked that they tie together, but they still stand alone.  Malcolm was quiet a different hero.  He wasn't a rake, but a virgin that knew he was waiting for the right woman to bring him the right amount of pain.  Leona is struggling to make ends meet and also escape notice of her son's father.  This book had it all, erotica, a tortured hero, and a strong heroine. 

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  After realizing that the book had just been published and Delilah Marvelle offers her books for .99 cents during the first few days of release, I bought it.