The Gentleman’s Seduction by Lauren Smith – a Review

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

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The Rogue’s Seduction by Lauren Smith – a Review

The Rogue’s Seduction by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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DESCRIPTION
SOCIETY CALLS HIM THE DEVIL OF LONDON…

Lord Vaughn, Viscount Darlington, has a dark reputation for sinful pleasures, putting off even the most ardent mamas who crave his title for their unmarried daughters They say he’s dangerous enough to ruin a woman with just one look…But he can’t resist the pleas of a woman who needs his help. This rogue might yet be redeemed.

SHE’S THE DARLING OF THE TON…

All of London adores Perdita Darby. She receives invites to every party and has eligible gentlemen willing to wait for her, but she has no desire to marry. When she discovers a cruel man wishes to entrap her into a marriage that could spell her doom, she has nowhere left to turn. She makes a bargain with the devil of London, hoping to save herself. But the cost of their false engagement may put them both in danger…

 

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

YUP, another hit from Lauren Smith.  I sure love curling up with a delicious wee sinful historical romance from one of my faves.  Once again, I am left satisfied yet always wanting more!

The Rogue’s Seduction by Lauren Smith is a historical romance and the third book in her incredible “Seduction” series.  This is a classic story of two seemed to be wrongs making a very truthful right.  You should absolutely read the previous books (you will be introduced to characters there) but if you don’t, you will not miss appreciating what all this novella gives.

Lord Vaughn is a very naughty man.  He’s nicknamed “The Devil of London”!  He is an absolute rogue, handsome, witty and much smarter than he appears to be.  He is also deep down an incredible gentlemen who will protect what he feels needs protecting.  He is stuck between a rock and a hard place however as he is left with much debt from his family, and has to use his rogue persona to help his predicament. When a lady the ton considers gold, comes knocking with a business proposition, not only does he decide to agree to this arrangement, but finds himself unusually drawn to her .. and perhaps .. she is his own saviour of sorts?

Lady Perdita Darby (I have never heard the name Perdita before, and I must admit it most definitely belongs in a novella like this ..lol), is in big trouble.  She is the ultimate catch for the ton.  She is beautiful, kind, high spirited, very intelligent and a woman who knows when she is good and trapped.  She is being blackmailed by a real horse’s ass who only wants to destroy everything that makes her so lovely.  She knows her next step is a bargain, but better to dance with the devil you know .. or thought you know…

Our couple may not have had the ideal intentions when they came together .. it was a business arrangement.  But when more time is spent, more silly banter exchanged and true personalities surface, these two bring out the best in the other.  Vaughn is deep down somewhat of  sad character.  Perdita is the kind of heroine you will want to high five.  They nurture and care for the other in the most complimentary of ways, so any weaknesses they have are actually their strengths when they are together.

Again a shorter story, I don’t do spoilers!  Snag if you are up for a quick read set back in history with a side of naughty that is absolutely nice in my books!

FANTASTIC Lauren! 

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy supplied for review

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The Rakehell Seduction by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

The Rakehell Seduction by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

 

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The Rakehell Seduction
Seduction series – Book #2
by Lauren Smith
Release Date: February 6, 2017

The Rakehell SeductionAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

DESCRIPTION
HE’S MADE A DANGEROUS WAGER

Ambrose Worthing is no gentleman. He’s a proud cold-hearted rake who’s determined to stay a bachelor forever. He enjoys bedding a different woman every night without the risk of falling in love. When he hears about a wager over the seduction and ruination of the daughter of his father’s best friend, he knows he must intervene. Committing himself to the bet, he agrees to seduce Lady Alexandra Rockford—for her own good. He never expected the lady in question to be a beautiful, fiery creature who has passions of her own that call to his guarded heart.

SHE’S VOWED NEVER TO FALL IN LOVE AGAIN

Alexandra Rockford has sworn off men, her heart still broken from the false promises of a childhood sweetheart who left her to marry an heiress. When she stumbles into Ambrose outside of a country ball, she knows the rake his trouble. His smile, his touch, his forbidden kiss are all too tempting but being with him would ruin her. Determined to enjoy herself without falling in love, Alex can’t help but let her defenses down with the too charming rake. But when she discovers Ambrose is seducing her to win a bet, it will take everything Ambrose has to prove to her that he is worthy to love her.
 

 

REVIEW

 
4.5 out of 5 for this reader folks!
 
Nothing like a good read about a bad boy doing the right thing for the right reason and coming out on top.  Predictable maybe, but there is something insanely satisfying about a rake getting his heart handed to him on a platter of “I didn’t see that coming for me”!  LOL
 
The Rakehell’s Seduction by Lauren Smith is her second book in her historical romance “Seduction” series.  You do not have to read the first one to appreciate this book, but as I always state in my reviews on series, why not go back and read the first one so that you get that little extra something in the book when you revisit characters you have already gotten to know.  One of the best things to experience in a series as far as I am concerned!
 
Ambrose is a straight up rake.  He is one of the guys who goes about life basking in nothing but pleasure, bets and ruination of young ladies.  He is selfish but believes that task he is about to under take is noble.  His father’s friend has a daughter that is named as a lady to pursue amongst his rake friends.  There is a plan to seduce and ruin her.  While Ambrose recently has already met such a striking lady (rarely does a lady turn his head), what an annoyance to have to be the hero and seduce his father’s friend’s daughter first.  I mean, better him than one of his friends.  At least this way there is some control right?  Ambrose then realizes that the lady who recently intrigued him just so happens to be the lady he is here to “save”!  Game ON! 🙂
 
Alexandra “Alex” is still nursing somewhat of a broken heart.  She is strong and intelligent and has made a pact to never let a man in again.  Until she meets a man at her father’s home who is staying for a while and who is charming, sincere, kind .. YA RIGHT!  She is having none of that.  Until her defences come down bit by bit and Ambrose manages to sneak into her heart.  The thing is, Alex has snuck into Ambrose’s heart as well.  How could a relationship possibly exist when it began on nothing but lies?  Do these two even have a fighting chance when all the cards are laid out on the table?
 
I love Lauren Smith‘s writing style.  If I had any complaint it would be that the story to a little slow to get going, but once it got going I was all in and completely invested.  She truely has a gift for writing a visual, and emotional scene.  The love she gave these two was genuine and so endearing.  Don’t get me wrong, this is not all sunshine and rainbows, as the bad was bad.  The push and pull we got from Ambrose and Alex made me really root for them in the end.
 
If you are a historical romance lover than I highly recommend this book/series.  You will be transported back to a whole different time where cat and mouse games are played .. but you never really who know who is playing who!  LOL
 
HAPPY READING! 🙂
 
Reviewed by Rachel
 
Copy supplied for review

 

About The author
Lauren_Smith_2014

Born and raised in Tulsa, I spent the first twenty-two years of my life in Oklahoma, bridging the worlds between urban girl and cowgirl. After high school I attended Oklahoma State University where I earned Bachelor of Art degrees in history and political science. Drawn to paintings in museums and obsessed with antiques, I satisfied my fascination with history by writing and exploring exotic, ancient lands.

Over the years, my studies have opened doors throughout the world. From spending two summers at Cambridge to attending classes at such divergent places as Ireland and Chengdu, China, I have discovered fascinating opportunities for enrichment wherever I go. After completing college, I moved to Michigan to attend law school at the University of Detroit-Mercy and University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada.  Armed with two Juris Doctorate degrees from both countries, I returned to Tulsa and became an intellectual property attorney.

Since third grade when my English teacher proposed that all students should craft a story for a young writers’ conference, I have been hooked on writing. My first self-illustrated manuscript described the mysterious disappearance of rare brown bats that were being captured by scientists bent on using them as carriers for an incurable disease. The immense sense of joy in sharing that story with others, and discussing plots and characters, made it clear to me that writing was my true passion.

Learn more about Lauren at the following links:
Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

 

 giveaway

Lauren is graciously offering a $25.00 Gift Card ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Lauren Smith on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Giveaway open Internationally

8. Giveaway runs from February 14 – 17, 2017

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Planned Seduction by Jess Dee – a Review

Planned Seduction by Jess Dee – a Review

 

Planned Seduction

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Description:
He has a offer she can’t refuse

Daniel Tanner’s been in love with Amy since they were teenagers, and he’s tired of being seen as the proverbial best friend. If she would only give him a chance to show her how good they could be together, that giving in to the fiery attraction between them won’t burn up and ruin their friendship.

Amy Morgan has had a front row seat to the parade of women coming in and out of Daniel’s life for years, and she’s not interested in risking their friendship for something that would eventually end in heartache. And that’s how it would end, because if Amy’s learned anything in life, it’s that men leave. She couldn’t handle having her heart broken by her best friend, even if the promise of untold passion is keeping her up nights.

But no one knows Amy better than Daniel, and he’s devised a plan to show her they can have it all.

 

Review:

Planned Seduction begins with Daniel and Amy catching up, just as best friends do.  Unknown to Amy, Daniel has been in love with her for a long time and has been working on a plan to make her see they would be good together…..as more than friends.  He knows that Amy will be a hard nut to crack.  She’s had her heart broken not only by an ex, but her father as well, so he knows he has his work cut out for him. 

When Amy finally realizes that Daniel is “interested” in her, she is bound and determined to deter him and steer him back into best friend mode.  However, after the two share a passionate kiss and things progress, Amy starts wondering “what if”.   They settle into a bit of a routine, only to have it interrupted by Daniel being offered a very prestigious shoot that will take him out of town for a month.  Scared out of her mind that he will revert back to his old womanizing ways, Amy does the only thing she can.  She puts that stone wall up around her heart and pushes him away.  After all, in her mind, everyone always leaves her……………

Planned Seduction had all of the earmarks for a great story, but fell a little short for me.  I loved Daniel.  I loved his seize the day mentality and the way he was willing to put forth so much effort into developing his relationship with Amy.  He was sensitive and caring and patient and has a big heart.  Amy, on the other hand, behaved like a fifteen year old.  I found her reactions to be, for lack of a better word, disturbing.  She had known Daniel for years, yet she wouldn’t listen to him….really listen.  She put him in the same category as everyone else who had disappointed her in her life.  She had absolutely no trust in him, which is not what you expect from best friends.  The end of the book still didn’t have me convinced that they have their happily-ever-after.  Yes, then ended up together, but she still didn’t seem sure.  That’s the vibe I got anyway.  With all of that said, I did like the story, even though the first two-thirds of the book seemed to drag a bit.  The last third of the book, however, had me turning the pages faster and faster.  The chemistry between the two of them was off the charts when Amy allowed things to happen naturally.  I just wish she’d opened up sooner.  This is the first I’ve read written by this Jess Dee, and do look forward to giving her books another go.

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

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Seduction by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

Seduction by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

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Description:
Tristan is a man who knows what he wants. And he wants Kat in his bed. All he has to do is convince her they belong together . . .

Kat knows the connection she and Tristan share is special. Her British bad boy is too much of everything: too hot, too arrogant, too irresistible to stay away from. He’s her addiction and one night with him isn’t enough.

That’s what hurts the most. They can’t date, can’t be a normal couple, not when their parents are getting married. Because now that she knows he’s going to be her stepbrother, no one can ever find out what they’ve done . .

Review:

4.5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

I REALLY love a well written serial series.   I have been fortunate in finding authors that are simply incredible at stuffing a whole lot of story in a small amount of pages.  You can bet this is a hard thing for an author to do, and Lauren Smith make it look effortless.  The way I see it .. they have to fit an intro, climax and either a cliffhanger and conclusion with each serial that is released, yet make it feel part of a huge story.  Seduction is the second book of Lauren Smith‘s “Her British Stepbrother” series and it sure has it all!

This book picks up where the first book left off.  Tristen (our yummy hot Brit) and Kat (our sweet American girl), have begun one hot romance only to discover that they are about to become step-siblings.  Completely shocked and resigned to stay away from each other for the benefit of their families, each tries to carry on with their lives.  Except, what do you do when your life was just jump started by someone who is likely “the one”?  These two really try and stay away, but this magnetic pull is just impossible to ignore.  So … do they carry on in a secret relationship of sorts (knowing full well that this could ruin many things for many people) until .. maybe … the inevitable happens??  You will have to read this serial to find out!

Lots of angst in this part of the serial.  You really feel the sense of obligation by both main characters.  I mentioned before in my previous review, that some people may find this kind of book taboo.  It is not.  They are not step-siblings yet, AND they met before they even knew of their parents relationship .. also they share no blood relation.  I also made mention that this genre has been really hammered in the romance world, but once again, Lauren Smith delivers some class and maturity that sets her apart from other authors.  The heat and steamy scenes intensifies and the story is absolutely believable,

You ABSOLUTELY must read the first serial to read this one.  Another small cliffhanger with this one, and I am so anxious to read the conclusion!  WRITE LAUREN WRITE!  LOL

HAPPY READING!

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy provided by Author

 

giveaway

Lauren is graciously offering an e-copy of one book (reader’s choice) from her backlist to TWO (2) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Lauren Smith on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Giveaway open Internationally

8. Giveaway runs from March 9 – March 13, 2016

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