I received this book for free from Pocket in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Study of Seduction by Sabrina Jeffries Also in this series: The Art of Sinning, The Danger of Desire, The Pleasures of Passion, The Secret of Flirting
Series: Sinful Suitors #2
Published by Pocket Books on March 22nd 2016
Genres: Historical Romance, Regency Era
Pages: 384
Format: eARC
Source: Pocket
ISBN: 1476786070
A marriage of convenience ignites into a passionate love affair in the hotly anticipated second novel in New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries’s addictive Sinful Suitors series!
When Edwin Barlow, the Earl of Blakeborough, agrees to help his best friend’s impetuous ward, Lady Clarissa Lindsey, in her time of need, he knows he’s in for trouble. He’s been hunting for someone to wed, and she’ll just get in the way. Although captivated by the whip-smart, free-spirited beauty, he fears she’d be all wrong as a wife ... if she would even take such a gruff cynic for her husband. Too bad he wants nothing more than to have her for his own.
Clarissa has no intention of marrying anyone—not Edwin, whom she’s sure would be an overbearing husband, and certainly not the powerful French diplomat stalking her. But when matters escalate with the diplomat, she chooses Edwin’s gallant offer of a marriage between friends in hopes that it will deter her stalker. She expects nothing more than an amiable union, but their increasingly tempestuous kisses prove more than she bargained for. When her stalker’s vow to expose the lovers’ deepest secrets threatens to destroy their blossoming attraction, will their tenuous bond withstand public ruin, or will Edwin lose all that’s important to him to protect his bride?
Summary
Edwin Barlow, the Earl of Blakeborough, has known the Lindsey’s for a long time, and is a close friend to the family. When Lady Clarissa’s brother Warren, asks Edwin to watch over Clarissa while he heads off to Europe to help their younger brother…Edwin is more than willing. But the moment he agrees, he realizes that he is way in over his head, because the chemistry between himself and Clarissa is flame worthy. Edwin escourts Clarissa around town for certain events, balls and soirees, but there is a reason he is their escort. There is a stalker, a french nobleman, who is after Clarissa for unknown reasons. Clarissa is afraid of him but won’t explain why, but he knows it must be something serious to make her so fearful since she is bold and daring and not hesitant to put a man in his place if need be. But there is a secret plot in place, soon Clariss and Edwin end up in a marriage of convenience when they are left with no choice unless Clarissa wants to be forced into a marriage with the one man she fears the most.
Plot and Story Line
Study of Seduction is a story I have been highly anticipating ever since the first book “Art of Sinning” came out. I was excited for Edwin and Clarissa’s story. We see the sizzling chemistry between them in the first book, so I couldn’t wait to open this one up. I will say that overall this was a wonderful romance that I just soaked up. Although I do feel that the first half was a bit slow, still engaging but not as much as the second half. I did love the bantering between these two though. They are a riot together. They tease each other mercilessly and I had a ball of fun with their antics. I found this story to be quite interesting especially in the way they end up together. Because even though its a marriage of convenience romance, we do see the affection and friendship these two have for each other before that aspect comes into play. It leads up to it, and doesn’t happen instantly, which I really liked. At times I had a hard time connecting with the actual romance on ocassion but there were so many elements that made this story a very much enjoyable read. It did have some more intrigue and tension in the plot than I was expecting. I liked the involvement of the villain and seeing how it adds a few thrills to the story. There were quite a few tear worthy moments here especially toward the end. The actual romance between Edwin and Clarissa was heartwarming and lighthearted. I felt like Sabrina Jeffries really balanced this story out so well.
The Cover
Oh I am in so love with this cover….I really like the man behind set up of the pose and the colors are just perfect. I love the blue and pink.
Overall View
The Study of Seduction is charming, sweet and has some twists to keep you ever engaged. HEARTWARMING!!
About Sabrina Jeffries
Sabrina Jeffries is the NYT bestselling author of 39 novels and 10 works of short fiction (some written under the pseudonyms Deborah Martin and Deborah Nicholas). Whatever time not spent writing in a coffee-fueled haze of dreams and madness is spent traveling with her husband and adult autistic son or indulging in one of her passions—jigsaw puzzles, chocolate, and music. With over 7 million books in print in 20 different languages, the North Carolina author never regrets tossing aside a budding career in academics for the sheer joy of writing fun fiction, and hopes that one day a book of hers will end up saving the world.
She always dreams big.
