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 JeffriesAlso 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!!
I wish she would just have told him, but yes I liked it
I have this one in my pile, and have been looking forward to Edwin series. I am glad that despite the slowness you enjoyed the romance
I literally just read another review of this same book! This one sounds good – I like marriages of convenience in HR novels. I read a few Jeffries books in the past but they didn’t work for me! This one seems like it might though. I’m glad you enjoyed this book! 🙂
Fabulous review!
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
Still need to read one of her books. The marriage of convenience and plot sounds good.
I really loved the cover too! It fit them nicely I thought. The villain was interesting and seeing how it all connected in the end.
I really liked this one, too! I fell in love with Edwin and Clarissa’s bickering and loved their spark!!
my review
I’m happy you enjoyed this one overall, Renee, even if you found the pace at the beginning a bit slow. I have The Art of Sinning coming up and I’m excited to start this series. I only found Sabrina Jeffries last year and am wishing I’d found her sooner. I love her stories!
Great review! I could not get interested in this novel nor many stories that Jeffries pens. I think I just look forward to more compelling historical-romances.
I really enjoyed this one as well, Renee, and Jeffries usually manages to include some very funny banter between her characters.
Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews
I just adored this book. Edwin was adorable and Clarissa was awesome. I do get what you were saying about the pace at the beginning, but, by the end, Jeffries delivered an amazing story as she always did.