How the Scoundrel Seduces by Sabrina Jeffries (review) (and a few contest links) Updated

                                      





How the Scoundrel Seduces by Sabrina Jeffries is part of the ‘Duke’s Men series and gives a more complete picture of Tristan Bonnaud, one of the key members of Manton’s Investigations, aka the Duke’s Men. Lady Zoe Keane is owed a favor and calls it in so that she can discover the truth about her antecedents but she is not thrilled at being forced to work with Tristan, whose personal goals temporarily dovetail with her investigation, and the antipathy seems mutual. The more they get to know each other, the more amazed they are to discover that there is plenty to admire, but they aren’t sure how to resolve the life-changing issues that they each face, although they seem to be on a similar journey to reconcile their history with their current lives.

A delicious historical romance that gives more insight into the events that resulted in Dom Manton forming his successful agency, as an investigation into the background of an apparently successful heiress takes place. It was delightful to see a new twist on the premise of inheritance and assumption of duties and responsibilities for a thriving estate and fascinating to watch the mystery unfold. I love the members of this particular agency (although I am tempted to kick some of its more stubborn men at times) and it was delightful to watch Zoe’s story unfold. I particularly love self-reliant and proactive heroines and she is a shining example of a well-loved child who has a strong moral code instilled that prompts her to pursue what may be an unpalatable truth. There are poignant moments interspersed with delightfully spicy encounters that one can be sure of enjoying when presented with this author’s typical expertise and as usual, the combination of romance, wit and mystery provided another entertaining tale. I look forward to having some of the ongoing dangling threads tied off as more of the Duke’s Men succumb to the euphoria of bonding with their soulmates.

© Night Owl Reviews 

I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review. 

                              
 

 My review of the first in the series, What the Duke Desires, is at this link

 
 My review of the second in the series, When the Rogue Returns, is at this link


(can you tell I love this author's historical romances?)

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I am currently buried in edits right now...so sadly, I have not had as much time to wander as usual (although my mailbox had notifications of two different books that I had won today, yay!)  I completely spaced out about the contest deadline on one of the ones I regularly enter so that tells you that I am juggling a few too many things.  

Don't forget The Romance Reviews is having a "Fall Into Love" party (and who can resist that) at this link.  What a great way to learn about so many intriguing titles...and I love the memory and hangman games, lol.


Lisa Renee Jones always has great contests going on, there is one on her blog at this link and one at this link

Fresh Fiction has lots of contests at this link

I've been enjoying reading about the books being spotlighted (and entering the giveaways, of course!) at Harlequin Junkies at this link

Night Owl Reviews has multiple contests at this link (and don't forget to come by after October 1st to enter the Halloween Booklovers Contest)

There are tons more out there...feel free to share some in the comments as you come across them!

And, of course, there are all of the great giveaways that Reviews by Crystal has at this link


And, I keep forgetting to go to this site (and, frankly don't really have the time to take advantage of the wonderful opportunity) but don't forget the XOXO After Dark free reads at this link. 

When the Rogue Returns by Sabrina Jeffries (review)

Sabrina Jeffries is one of my favorite historical romance authors and I had the pleasure of meeting her at a conference a few years ago and discovered that she is just as nice in person as she seems from her website.  Sadly, one of the websites that she was an active participant in has gone away but she still has a very lovely website of her own at this link.

                                     

My review:

4 out of 5 stars


When the Rogue Returns by Sabrina Jeffries is a historical romance that continues the ‘Duke’s Men’ series which highlights members of an investigative agency. Victor Cale is uncomfortable with the recent changes in his life and seizes the opportunity to request an assignment to investigate a widow in Edinburgh who sounds suspiciously like the faithless wife who abandoned him to be charged with the theft of the jewels she counterfeited. Isabella Franke has gone on with her life after being betrayed by her family and husband and she is prepared to defend her new life against everything but the longings that reawaken once she is in the presence of the man who hurt her so long ago.


This intriguing tale continues to explore the amazing men who have discovered unexpected connections to the powerful Duke of Lyons as they try to deal with their complicated lives. The conflict between society’s expectations and their own inclinations provide interesting situations that allow them to display their strength of character and ingenuity. I liked the premise of this story but thought that some aspects stretched incredulity a tad too far even though I enjoyed watching the various characters dance around the complications caused by their attraction. I look forward to reading more about the ‘Duke’s Men’ and revisiting some of the characters already introduced and finding out what other adventures they can get into.

© Night Owl Reviews

I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review.