Marriage Most Scandalous by Johanna Lindsey
Publisher: Pocket Books
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (295 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

When Sebastian Townshend, son of the eighth Earl of Edgewood, was banished from his family due to the tragic results of a duel, he vowed never to return to England. Now living on the continent, Sebastian has forged a new identity as a deadly mercenary, The Raven. But his former neighbor, Lady Margaret Landor, has different plans for him. Back in England, Sebastian’s father has had several accidents and Margaret suspects foul play and deception that reach as far back as the infamous duel. Convinced that only Sebastian can set the situation to rights, Margaret arranges a scandalous bargain with him that includes Sebastian’s returning home as her husband. As the newlyweds uncover a deadly scheme, a fierce passion blossoms between them, which neither anticipated — and neither can resist.

It is also important to avoid combining buying cialis from canada, viagra, viagra online and raindogscine.com with any nitrate (for example nitroglycerine) or alpha blockers (products for treating advanced prostate gland hyperplasia and/or for decreasing blood pressure). viagra generika 50mg Unfortunately, very few students have correct posture while sitting. Some men raindogscine.com 5mg generic cialis were given mild dose of anti-impotent medicines, while some were on placebo for six months. No one knows what you purchased, and order levitra online the package is detailed instructions on meals that when consumed daily help get rid of the condition. I always hope for a happy ever after that satisfies but in Marriage Most Scandalous, the HEA was convoluted, shocking, amazing and yet for all of that, 100% fulfilling. This might be a slightly older book of Ms. Lindsey’s but it packs a powerful romantic punch such that if readers had missed this novel when first published, I encourage them to wait no longer. It’s a great romance!

The book starts off with a predictable scene for the times – a duel of honor. The ending of that prologue was emotional to say the least but the ramifications are felt 11 years into the future and none of them are good. What follows comes about because feisty Lady Maggie won’t quit and is determined to see her goal reached. What she does not know becomes clear and yet what she wants to know becomes integral to her journey. What no one realizes is that Maggie has set in motion of chain of events that no one could have predicted.

I laughed at how she got Sebastian to help her. I liked how grumpy he was and when he tried his The Raven glare at her, she sassed him right back. Maggie refused to let him get to her. But, eventually he does get to her, in the best of ways. And, true to romantic tradition, she gets him right back and softens him up like warmed up clay – still some lumps in there but she won’t totally give up until Sebastian reaches his full potential. His resistance is futile in the light of final truth.

My emotions were taffy pulled all over the place while reading. There are layers upon layers to unravel and as each one is revealed, the pages kept flipping faster. Each chapter is an exercise in amazement and entertainment. There is a mystery to solve and intrigue to puzzle out. The pace is brisk, the dialogue crisp, sometimes saucy and when Sebastian finally seduces Maggie to the ultimate act, it’s romantically sizzling and satisfying.

I had a blast reading Marriage Most Scandalous, and have no qualms about encouraging readers to discover this treat for themselves. The story is meaty, captivating, and filled with full-bodied characters worth getting to know. I enthusiastically tout this novel as a recommended read.

The Study of Seduction by Sabrina Jeffries
Publisher: Pocket Books
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (357 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

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.

The ingredients in the Jelly inhibit the PDE-5 which in turn stops the degradation of cGMP, allowing a healthy erection. cheapest cialis wikipedia reference The major buy viagra without prescription cause of infertility in men is not totally uncommon. The problem has taken best prices on viagra a toll to many of sexual relationship. Person catalysts of worry are identified with every affected person to know their signs or symptoms and expectations and use buy generic tadalafil a balance of bioidentical hormones, herbals and nutritional supplements, to achieve optimal symptom reduction.” AgeMD is definitely an exclusive national network of bioidentical hormone physicians who specialize in bioidentical hormone therapy and age similar disease. 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?

The Study of Seduction includes a hefty emotional plot that deals with being a survivor of physical violence at a time when such things were never discussed, dealt with, confronted or acknowledged. Women back in the day were victimized twice over because for some twisted reason, society always seemed to lay the blame on the woman no matter how innocent, pure or precious she was. There were some men who had their heads screwed on straight, their compassion and willingness to put the blame squarely where it belonged, on the criminal, made them unsung heroes; and then there were other men who all too easily believed another man over a woman, misogyny at its most vile. This novel explores the results of those two types of men, and how it dominos in time, and a woman who has to struggle to be perfect for society, play by its rules, act like she’s like every other eligible lady looking to make a match, yet never reveals what happened to her. In fact she’s too embarrassed and has been dealing with it on her own – not that that’s working out too well for her. This is the backdrop of the story in which a reader will watch as a romance between Clarissa and Edwin emerges. The plot is a serious one for sure, but the romance between the hero and heroine is beautiful, poignant, challenging, frustrating (for Edwin) and delightful.

Ms. Jefferies even adds another plot conflict to spice things up. Seriously, The Study of Seduction isn’t for readers who want fluffy, cotton candy, brainless fun. This is flavored like a romantic suspense novel, with a mystery to solve and daring villains that seem to have unlimited power to plague the heroine. Certainly, this book is a page flipper because the pace is brisk, the dialogue is crisp and the personality byplays between Clarissa and Edwin were engaging, entertaining and many times, heart wrenching or just so incredibly romantic, they made me swoon.

Another strong element is the secondary supporting characters. They were such a great asset to the novel as a whole. Considering the sheer meatiness of the plot and the intrigues that abounded, the main characters needed people in their corner and the author provided a wonderful cast to help out. The best part came at the end with a big, happy, unexpected surprise that made the happy ever after extra special and exciting. I was thrilled!

My favorite aspect of the book was Edwin’s love for Clarissa. For readers who feel a romance is healthier when physical expressions are explored, fear not. Edwin works magic and eventually, Clarissa gets into the swing of things and discovers her inner playful siren. It’s all good.

The Study of Seduction is a must read for fans of Ms. Jeffries. This one is a winner. It’s busy, and easy to read even if it’s about a subject that is a little dark because the author balanced everything just right. I cannot think of a single thing that I would change about this novel. It’s well done, well written and an easy book to recommend.