The Gentleman’s Seduction by Lauren Smith – a Review
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Description:
‘Tis the season…for revenge.
Eleven years ago during Christmas, Martin Banks’ family was thrown into the streets by wealthy landlord, Edwin Hartwell. Now this holiday season, Fate has handed Martin an unexpected gift. Vengeance. Defeating Hartwell at cards gives Martin the chance to financially ruin the man—but damn, instead of money, Hartwell offers his daughter as payment. And double damn, Martin stupidly accepts. How did retribution turn into seduction? Martin refuses to let himself fall in love, so there must be rules to this game.
And perhaps a bit of romance.
Desperate to save her father from ruin, Livvy Hartwell agrees to accompany Martin as his paramour. She long ago accepted that a penniless bluestocking like herself had no chance for a well-suited marriage. If a few passionate months with a man like Martin is all she’ll ever have as far as romance, it’s an opportunity she will take. But she must guard her heart. He might be handsome as the devil and tempting as sin, but she can’t be a typical mistress and doesn’t want Martin to call her such. In fact, she has a list of rules.
Livvy’s Rules:
~ Adventures outdoors such as horseback riding would be appreciated.
~ Evening meals should be eaten together to converse about the day’s events.
~ Allotted time alone to read gothic novels.
~ Kissing should be kept at a minimum.
Martin’s Rules:
~ Adventures are required—particularly indoors—and will be greatly appreciated.
~ Evening meals will sometimes be eaten in the bedroom, naked.
~ Allotted time together to act out the sensual gothic novels.
~ Kissing—a lot of it and in some very pleasurable spots — is required.
Review:
The Gentleman’s Seduction by Lauren Smith is a marvelously romantic story with a lovely Christmas theme. It’s a story of healing and forgiveness as well as finding true love.
The Prologue is a very unhappy scene on December 5, 1814 when Martin Banks, then 17, and his family faced eviction from their home for debts their father owed to one Edwin Hartwell. The seemingly heartless Mr. Hartwell evicted them, and the stress made Martin’s mother collapse and eventually die. His father, shamed and heartbroken followed his wife before long, leaving the two children to take care of themselves. He vowed someday to avenge the cruel treatment of his family.
The story then changes to London, December 10, 1825. Martin Banks, now a successful investor with a great deal of wealth, sits in his club and thinks about how much he dislikes Christmas. He’s a confirmed bachelor, but sometimes has mistresses that live in his townhouse. Later, while drinking and talking with friends at the Argyll Rooms, he sees the man he’s dreamed of ruining all his life…Edwin Hartwell. Mr. Hartwell is gambling and not doing well, he loses a great sum to Martin and others (he didn’t recognize Martin). Martin acts quickly to buy up all his notes and tells him he will visit him tomorrow to discuss payment.
When Martin goes to the Hartwell house to demand payment and get his revenge, he’s gob smacked by Lavina Hartwell (Livvy). She’s exquisite and full of fire. She offers herself willingly to save her father and mother, and he takes her up on the offer.
That’s the basic setup for this wonderful story. There is of course much more to this than what I’ve mentioned, but you need to grab a copy and enjoy how this marvelous story works its way to love.
It’s full of fun conversations, action, steamy stuff and just plain fun! A great Christmas gift for yourself or a friend!
Reviewed by Georgianna
Copy supplied for review
