Never Seduce a Scoundrel [Mass Market Paperback]

This is the first book in Sabrina Jeffries' new "School for Heiresses" series, and it is fast-paced and engaging, but less sophisticated than her previous series. The book's heiress is Lady Amelia Plume. The daughter of an earl, she has lived the majority of her 21 years very frugally, since her father had little money. Then two years ago, the earl married a wealthy American widow, Dolly, and Amelia's circumstances changed drastically. With Dolly's money, Amelia was sent to finishing school and gifted with a large dowry, and she is now considered a very desirable marriage prospect. Amelia has yet to find a suitor who appeals to her intellectual and adventurous nature, but that changes one night when she attends a London society party. On a dare, Amelia goes upstairs to sneak a love letter from her girlfriend into the host's bedchamber. She winds up in his American cousin's room, where she stumbles upon some very disturbing documents. This cousin, Major Lucas Winter, is apparently secretly investigating some criminals on behalf of the American government, and his primary suspect is none other than her beloved stepmother, Dolly. Adventure-loving Amelia immediately goes into espionage mode and begins a flirtation with Lucas in order to gain information and help protect Dolly. Lucas, who does not realize that Amelia is on to him, employs the same strategy, trying to wheedle or seduce as much information as he can from Amelia in hopes of incriminating Dolly. Of course, there is a remarkably strong attraction between two people "feigning" interest in each other. Soon the conflicted Lucas has become quite the jealous suitor, and Amelia is torn by her contradictory feelings towards him. How can this impossible situation ever be resolved?

I have always enjoyed Sabrina Jeffries fun style of writing, and this book is no exception. That said, this story is a little less romantic than some I have read by her, although certainly not short on erotic encounters. The romance seemed to lack a certain tenderness and maturity, and seemed more raw and purely physical. I did like Amelia as a heroine, however, and thought she behaved admirably and with a cool head under difficult circumstances. Lucas was more difficult to empathize with, for his sometimes overbearing military ways were a little hard to warm up to. The intrigue aspect was probably the strongest part of the story, as I remained curious throughout as to how the Dolly dilemma would be resolved. Overall, this was a good and a pleasant read, just not a momentous one. I look forward to reading the next installment, featuring Amelia's friend Louisa North, Marcus' sister from "To Pleasure a Prince."

Lady Amelia Plume was a graduate of Mrs. Harris' School for Young Ladies, more commonly known as the School for Heiresses. The very high-spirited young heiress sought adventure. In her second season she was growing bored with the balls of Mayfair offering the same dull fops and fortune-hunters. While attending Dowager Viscount Kirkwood's annual ball with Mrs. Harris as her chaperone she noticed the rakishly handsome yet arrogant American Major Lucas Winter. Even though he appered haughty, talk of his dangerous exploits appealed to Amelia's taste for adventure.

Doing a favor for a friend, Amelia innocently entered the wrong bedchamber and discovered Lucas' papers showing his true purpose in England of investigating rather than socializing. From the notes she saw, Amelia determined that the person he was looking for was none other than her beloved step-mother. Almost caught by the scoundrel, she decided that she wasn't about to let any insolent American destroy her family and that two could play the same game.

As they played cat and mouse with one another, each trying to ferret out information, their games took on a very sensual tone. When Lucas came to Amelia's rescue after a suitor kidnapped her intending to ruin and then marry the heiress, Lucas saved her and her reputation by marrying her himself. Further adventures on the way home from Gretna Green led to some enlightening truths as Amelia now found herself married to the enemy.

*** This was a sensually laden regency adventure featuring two lively protagonists who spiced up the pages sparring with snappy dialogs as well as some very hot physical encounters. In this first book of a new series, Jeffries introduces Mrs. Harris who has a mysterious and anonymous benefactor (think of Charlie's Angels) funding her school. Additionally she sets the stage for a sequel featuring Amelia's enticing friend Venetia and the `Scottish Scourge' who seems to hold a huge grudge against Venetia's father. If the sequels come anywhere near as hot and spicy as this initial entry Jeffries is bound to have another spectacular series on her hands and I for one will be anxiously awaiting those sequels!

Lady Amelia Plume is pursued by beaux interested only in her fortune. But Amelia longs for adventure; something none of her suitors can provide. When Major Lucas Winter arrives from America, Amelia is immediately drawn to the mysterious man. Soon Lucas is pursuing Amelia and is wooing her with romantic kisses. As their passion increases, so does Amelia's suspicions. For Amelia suspects that Lucas' motive for courting her has little to do with marriage and could potentially prove disastrous to her family... and her heart.

I very much enjoyed Luke and Amelia. These two share quite a bit of chemistry that, at times, left me quite breathless. In fact, my favorite scene of the book involved a very romantic scene with Luke and Amelia onboard a ship. At the scene's end, I was panting for Luke more than ever before.

I am a fan of Sabrina Jeffries. When I discovered this newest series, I was very excited. Finding good historical romances is a hard task, but I have yet to be disappointed by Sabrina Jeffries. Strong character development adds to the tension-filled plot, creating a satisfying story. Never Seduce a Scoundrel was indeed a pleasure to read!

Annabelle

Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

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