Reviewer: Connie Payne
Title: Too Scandalous to Wed - Sequel to Too Great a Temptation
Author: Alexandra Benedict
Publisher: Avon
ISBN: 9780061170430
Release Date: August 2007
Genre/Sub-genre: Historical Romance
Year/Setting: 1821 London
Overall Rating: 4.5
Sexual Content Rating: Sensual/Sexual
Language (Profanity/Slang) Content Rating: Mild
Violent Content Rating: Minimal+
Alexandra's Website:
www.alexandrabenedict.ca
Henrietta, "Henry", has been in love with Sebastian, Viscount Ravenswood, since she was a girl of twelve. It was no matter that he was years her senior. It was no matter that he was labeled a rogue. It was no matter that he rebuffed her flirtatious advances. She was destined to become Sebastian’s wife and the next Viscountess Ravenswood.
Yet when Sebastian announces his intentions to travel to the mainland not to return for several months, Henry knows she must do something drastic to snag his attention once he returns. Her only recourse really, is to learn how to seduce her rogue through the tutelage of Madam Jacqueline, one of the most famous and powerful courtesan’s in England.
Upon his return during the holidays, Sebastian notices a marked change in Henrietta. He’s intrigued, but wary. He’s definitely caught up in her allure. At least until he finds out she’s deliberately set out to seduce him, trap him. Furious, Sebastian leaves the festivities with barely a word.
Henry is desperate and distraught. With information of Sebastian’s whereabouts from her brother-in-law, Peter, and instruction from Madam Jacqueline, she sneaks off to find her love. What she finds nearly destroys her.
What will become of this unlikely couple? Will Sebastian realize what he had and lost? How can they trust and love each other after so much pain?
Too Scandalous to Wed is a book to be read and re-read. It’s one of the best historical romances I’ve read in a long time. The plot and setting thoroughly garners the reader’s attention with just the right amount of emotion, detail, and description.
Henry blossom’s before the reader’s eyes from an infatuated girl into a woman disillusioned with her hero. She’s a character to sympathize with yet enjoy. She’s charming. Sebastian is more complex. It’s only with time that the reader is able to see beneath some, not all, of his layers.
Ms. Benedict writes a lush story full of angst, seduction, betrayal, wit, and unrequited love. Her voice is a breath of fresh air.
Connie
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