Wednesday 15 July 2020

New Release Spotlight and Review: The Casanova Papers by Kate Zarrelli



The Casanova Papers by Kate Zarrelli

Ellie Murphy takes a contract teaching English at a school in Venice. There she meets the sexy, enigmatic Professor Piero Contarini, from an ancient Venetian family, and agrees to help him in his work curating a new edition of the memoirs of the famous seducer, Giacomo Casanova. Taking their task seriously, they start to enact his adventures with each other, ecstatically revealing their own kinks as they do so. But who is watching them from the shadowy alleyways of Venice?

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There was a time I read many erotic romances but it's a while since I picked one up. Also, I usually prefer to read full-length novels rather than novellas. So, when I read the blurb, for The Casanova Papers, I decided to take a chance, and I so glad I did. 

Frustrated with supply teaching and with no permanent teaching positions available, Ellie Murphy takes a positive career step and accepts a job in Venice. Once in Italy she quickly settles in and isn't long before she's asked to help out Piero Contarini, a professor specialising in eighteenth-century literature. On meeting, it's quickly established Ellie is the perfect person to assist Piero with his biography of Casanova. As they work on the manuscript she also agrees to explore and experience the adventures of Casanova with him. 

The explicit narrative is enhanced by a well thought historical details with protagonists who share an emotional connection. Piero is an intriguing and commanding man, who finds in Ellie, a woman eager to explore his risqué re-enactments whilst discovering her own kinks. He controls their relationship and their shared sexual experiences yet Ellie develops confidence as they connect on both a physical and intellectual level. 
"We have synergy, don't you think?"

Well-paced and written, Ellie's adventure is fascinating as is Piero's, as he comes to realise he wants to share not only his work with her but his life too. The only aspect I didn't enjoy was the mystery, which wrapped up very quickly towards the end and for me an unnecessary inclusion and distraction. 

Overall, I highly recommend this novel to any reader who enjoys erotic novels, especially, one like this with an absorbing plot. Ms Zarrelli's work is new to me, but I'm definitely going to read more of her books. 

***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher eXtasy books***
Kate Zarrelli is the romance and erotica pen-name of Katherine Mezzacappa. Kate is Irish but now lives in Carrara in Northern Tuscany, between the Apuan Alps and the Tyrrhenian Sea, with her Italian husband and two teenage sons. She is the author of Tuscan Enchantment (eXtasy: Devine Destinies). Kate/Katherine writes historical, erotic, feel-good and paranormal fiction, set all over Europe, and in her spare time volunteers with a used book charity of which she is a founder member.

Twitter: @katmezzacappa
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