The Study of Seduction

Sabrina Jeffries

Mar 2016 · Simon and Schuster

About this ebook

In “a delectable and rewarding read,” a marriage of convenience turns to love in this Regency romance from a New York Times–bestselling author (Library Journal, starred review).

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 witty, 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. Yet 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?

Praise for The Art of Sinning, book 1 of the Sinful Suitors series:

“Jeffries’s talent is clear, and readers will delight in the multidimensional characters, fast-paced plot, and heaps of emotional passion and sensuality.” —Publishers Weekly

“With every book, Jeffries grows into an even more accomplished writer whose memorable characters and unforgettable stories speak to readers on many levels.” —RT Book Reviews

Ratings and reviews

Sabrina Jeffries has something to be proud of. Her stories are well thought out and spicy. I also love that she writes noteworthy female characters that don't fit the mold of the standard damsel in distress. For instance, The Study of Seduction gives a wonderful example in Lady Clarissa. She's more than just a pretty face. Opinionated, smart and full of attitude, she wants to live on her own terms. Although her outlook was somewhat naive, she made it work for her. Of course this is a romance and there does have to be conflict and that came in the form of Edwin, Earl of Blakeborough. His favor for a friend spins out of control stunning both he and Clarissa. Sabrina Jeffries makes historical romance come alive in this irresistible novel.

This is the second book in the Sinful Suitors series. This book is Edwin Barlow's story. Edwin is Lady Yvette's brother, whom we met in book #1. Edwin is very smart and tends to always do the right thing. He reminds me of a modern day engineer. Edwin is asked by his friend, Warren Corry to look after his ward Lady Clarissa because he needs to travel out of the country. Warren is concerned because of a French diplomat, Durand, that has been stalking her. Edwin has always found Clarissa to be intriguing and agrees to help out his friend. As Edwin and Clarissa spend time together, they both realize they have feelings for each other but because of things in both of their pasts, they both feel that they cannot act on these feelings. Both of them start to realize that what they thought they knew about each other, isn't exactly true. As Durant continues to pursue Clarissa, Edwin starts to realize he wants Clarissa in his life and comes up with a plan that Clarissa should marry him for her safety. I loved this story. These two people, both of whom had bad things happen in their past, have been brought together to heal each other, and they were perfect for each other. Edwin needed a woman who was smart and strong and Clarissa needed a man who embraced her strengths. I loved the way their love story developed and their happy ending was perfect. Sabrina Jeffries really knows how to write wonderful stories with such fun and fantastic characters. There is such depth to Edwin and Clarissa that you can't help but be drawn to them. Thanks for another great read!

Based on the first book in this series, I knew THE STUDY OF SEDUCTION would be good, but I was wrong; it is stupendous! The St. George Club was formed by four friends who met in Oxford; their aim is to protect women from rakes and fortune hunters. The Marquess of Knightsford is one of those men: he asks his friend Edwin Barlow, the Earl of Blakeborough, to escort his cousin Lady Clarissa Lindsey throughout the London Season. The unsavoury Count Durand, attached to the French Embassy, has been relentlessly harassing Clarissa, even after she bluntly refused his marriage proposal. Edwin has been a friend of Clarissa’s family for a long time; she’s as effervescent as he’s rigid, and she loves to taunt him to see if she can thaw his cool demeanour. However, secrets from both their pasts push them into a marriage of convenience, and I will say no more about this supremely intricate and wonderfully plotted story. THE STUDY OF SEDUCTION is storytelling at its very best, and Ms. Jeffries demonstrates how brilliant a wordsmith she is: the dialogues are brilliant, and the banter between Edwin and Clarissa is beyond compare. The author’s attention to detail is exemplary when it comes to her vivid descriptions of automatons and the theatre, among many other things. THE STUDY OF SEDUCTION is book 2 in the Sinful Suitors series, and one part of the story arc that started in the first book comes to an explosive conclusion with revelations that left me gasping, while others had me tearing up; and still, this book can be read as a standalone. Edwin and Clarissa are profoundly endearing, exceptionally drawn, their story so compelling that I never stopped reading. In some places, I laughed myself silly, while in others, I wanted to embrace the characters and ease their pain. Edwin is a gentleman, a gentle man, and Clarissa is strong and extremely appealing. I cannot wait for the next instalment of The Sinful Suitors! I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

About the author

Sabrina Jeffries is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of several Regency-set historical romance series, including the Royal Brotherhood, the School for Heiresses, the Hellions of Halstead Hall, the Duke’s Men, and the Sinful Suitors. When she’s not writing in a coffee-fueled haze, she’s traveling with her husband, caring for her adult autistic son, or indulging in one of her passions: jigsaw puzzles, chocolate, music, and costume parties. With more than nine million books in print in twenty 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.