The Seduction

I picked up this book on a whim... and found absolutely one of the most enjoyable reading experiences I've had in a long time. I can't remember the last time I read a historical romance that merged character, plot and emotion into such a pleasing melange of a story. I'm a longtime romance reader, but I've never purposely sought out historicals that take place in the Georgian period. I'm a little unused to heroes who tramp around in full lace and silk, with a sword at their side, looking prettier than the heroine... but Julia Ross points out the delightful contradiction between the hero's outer shell and the man inside.

Based on past reading experience with Julia Ross's books, I began reading THE SEDUCTION with very high hopes. I was not disappointed. Taking place during the Georigan period, the settings and costumes are absolutely luscious! The main characters, Alden and Juliet, seem to be as opposite as 2 people can be -- who only meet due to Alden losing a wager.Throughout the story, Juliet and Alden's interactions -- and the reasons for how they act -- flow and intermingle so smoothly it is hard to put the book down. These characters get under your skin. And the writing is so fantastic (elegant, smooth, accessible) that I immediately began a reread upon completion. I cannot recommend this book enough!

Take an enchanting rake, a mysterious widow, and three playful cats. Mix together with a froth of lace, a billow of silk, the shimmer of gold, and a deft touch of humor. Shake thoroughly, season with romance, spice with mystery--the result is a joy to read.

Julia Ross has done it again. Her latest is another great story. Alden, Lord Gracechurch, has lost his fortune at cards and has once chance to redeem his folly. He must make love to a widow chosen by his opponent and bring back her locket as proof.The lady is not what he expected but he begins his seduction...impossible not to succeed. Impossible not to fall in love either but is the lady who he thinks? Is the villain to be satisified with this task? Who is playing at what game and why?Ross uses the artifice and glamour of the Georgian period to great effect. Under the paint, the lace, the silk the Georgian gentlemen is a deadly machine well versed in swordplay and deceipt. Ladies ply their fans with hidden messages, invite men to their bedchambers to help them dress yet protest their virtue. Who is the cheat and who is true?The plot is complex and weaves the characters into situations where all is stripped and all revealed and all risked.This book is fun and bold; well written and well plotted. One of Ross' triumphs.