The Seduction of an English Scoundrel

Never before had a bride looked so appealing…

Grayson Boscastle, the Marquess of Sedgecroft, has been admiring the sweet derriere of his cousin Nigel's bride for quite some time. The longer that she stood alone at the altar, the more obvious it became that there would not be a wedding today. Lady Jane Welsham is destined to become a social outcast; tomorrow news of her humiliation will spread throughout the ton. Grayson notes that Jane does not weep or collapse, but that she seems to bear her embarrassing situation quite well. Of course she must be deeply wounded, so her stoicism is highly intriguing.

Following his father’s untimely death, Grayson is left as the head of his disreputable family. He takes Nigel’s slight toward Jane personally, and vows that he will restore her esteemed position in society. Legends of Grayson’s ill-spent youth precede him, and there is no doubt that his reputation of consummate rake and rogue is well-deserved. How is it possible for a man such as this to restore a prim and proper miss to her rightful standing in the eyes of society?

Jane is relieved that it is finally over. Now, she has the freedom to choose her own mate, away from pressures and protocol. The last thing that she expects is for the head of the Boscastles to interfere with her well-thought out plans. It would not be so difficult to refuse him if not for the fact that Grayson is the most seductive, handsome male to ever cross her path. His very presence is mesmerizing. Grayson certainly makes a dent in her steely resolve for independence.

Although Grayson and Jane are immediately attracted to one another, both neatly side-step around this issue because any relationship would be inappropriate coming so soon on the tail of her failed wedding. Grayson’s noble plans to redeem Jane are soon clouded by his ravenous desire to have her. Jane’s own wish for freedom begins to pale as her yearning for the company of the outrageously daring Grayson increases. For this reader, some of this early courtship tended to drag on a little. However, the pace picks up so much in the second half of the story that readers will be bowled over as the plot takes on many unexpected twists. It is then that the true game between the lovers begins, and from this point on I was unable to put the book down.

Siblings and extended family create welcome and unwelcome distractions, and provide many light-hearted comments. They also serve highlight possible motives for the couple’s intensity by explaining the past. The bedroom scenes are highly charged and steamy. Full of decadence and teasing, both partners lead each other to unexplored heights. If you love historical tales with a touch of spice and spirit, you are sure to enjoy The Seduction of an English Scoundrel. This book has left me in no doubt that I must read more of Jillian Hunter’s romances.

Reviewed by: Naomi