Tis the Season to Be Sinful

by Adrienne Basso

The Season For Surprises. . .

Juliet Wentworth knew what she was getting into: a marriage of convenience that will save her estate and protect her family long into the future. But she wasn't expecting to find the passion of a lifetime in her new husband's arms. After just one night, Juliet knows a marriage in name only will never be enough. . .

The Season For Seduction. . .

Richard Harper's beautiful new bride has him reeling with desire--and running for cover. After all, falling in love was never part of the bargain. Yet when Christmastime celebrations bring him back to their country manor and back into Juliet's arms, Richard finds his wife is determined--and all too able--to win over his heart, one kiss at a time. . .

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Christmas, Holiday, Marriage Of Convenience, Regency

343 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Between stints as a corporate financial analyst, marketing consultant and public librarian, Adrienne Basso has parlayed her vivid imagination and desire to tell romantic stories into a twenty-four-year writing career. She has published contemporary, Regency, Victorian, vampire, and Scottish medieval romance novels. She enjoys the challenge of creating stories that emphasize the everlasting power of love and is truly delighted that her characters always achieve the fantasy of living happily ever after. A native New Yorker, Adrienne, her husband, and their incomparable dog now live in New Jersey.

Reviews

[Sara Reads (mostly) Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was BEAUTIFUL. Totally will read this author again, because wow oh WOW. DELICIOUS. UNIQUE. JUICY. ZESTY. Whew full review to come but to sum this book up. Ugh, plot romance steam angst humor PERFECTION BITCH.
Richard.
Juliet.
That is. ALL

[Els · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars

[Lover of Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tis The Season To Be Sinful, is a holiday novel by Adrienne Basso. Now I am really coming to adore this author, and I still can't believe that I haven't read more of her until now. Every time I read her, it reminds me of a time when I first fell in love with romance, and her writing is so riveting and provocative that it instantly draws you into the story.

In Tis The Season To Be Sinful, we find a story of two people who are destined to love each other, but find stumbling blocks along the way. Richard Harper, is a American, who hasn't had it easy, but now he is rich and successful and wanting to make a life in England. Searching for ahome, he comes across a estate, with a home that he knows needs to be his own, and he is willing to pay whatever it takes to own it. Then he meets the owner, Juliet Wentworth. Juliet is a widow, and mother of three children, and is looking for a way out of her brother in laws thumb and his control over her children. They are barely making ends meet, and when Richard makes her a financial offer she can't refuse, she knows that she doesn't have a choice but to accept, and that offer is:Marriage. When she dares him to kiss her, passions are inflamed and Juliet is more than willing to start a life with a man that stirs desire in her. But Juliet soon learns that Richard isn't so easily swayed, and it will take a tough and Strong woman to keep him by her side.

This story was such a delight to read and there was so much that I found myself enjoying about this story....that I had to give it my highest rating, because I flew through this story like no other, and could barely contain my excitement when it was over. This story was rich was the Christmas theme from the yule log, picking and kissing under the mistletoe, hunting down holly to hang, picking out a tree, and yummy goodies, and the warm Christmas spirit. There is a little bit in here for everyone, and one of my favorite aspects of the story was seeing it all come together. It definitely a story I would recommend, especially if you are looking for a sensual and fun Christmas themed romance....a story to remember. This pair was quite a hoot, and I enjoyed seeing them work through things, and it wasn't easy, but I loved the setting, and the way the plot developed...the characters were charming and all of them go straight to the heart, they are pure deliciousness, and the heat in this book is not too heavy but not too light either...I felt like it was just perfect. There is quite a bit of conflict before they reach their HEA, but it really gave the story volume and some unique elements that made this romance fully satisfying! Overall a winning romance to win over your heart, and give you that warm fuzzy feeling you look for in every romance....purely sensual to the core!!!

[Vashti · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book started out with potential, but half way thru I was just plain Bored!!!!

A marriage of convenience. The Heroine wants a real marriage(meaning she wants sex she tells the hero) The hero has a secret fear so he will take the house and the sex but other than that its strictly a business arrangement marriage. Extremly predictable, a rushed ending, and no chemistry what-so-ever between the hero and the heroine. All of a sudden Juliette(the heroine) is in love with Harry(the hero) and wants him to be a father to her kids and have a new baby with her. The dialogue was silly and if I had to read one more time how they wanted to jump each others bones(ok not in those exact words) I was going to rip my eyes out!!! One page Harry does not like her kids and then the next page he loves all 3 of them and hey lets have another one too. The secondary romance between Olivia and George was just as ridiculous. She completley ignores him but he loves her so madly all of a suuden he wants to marry her despite the class distinction, and oh once he kisses her sensless then she is willing to forget about his rake-hell reputation and let him court her. This book was so SAPPY that if I had the equiptment I could have made maple syrup!!!

I have never been so glad to finish a book in my life. I actually gave a victory cheer at the last page!!!

[Tiffany Day · Rating 2 out of 5]

Story started with potential but author fails to deliver -- characters never fully develop - no real romance - weak story; there are a LOT of Christmas celebrations, though, so in terms of being a seasonal read, it delivers there -- very fast, skim-able read 2 1/2 stars

[Sam I AMNreader · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Renae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This marriage of convenience romance truly had a lot to recommend it—the heroine's unapologetic sexual interest in her new husband, the Christmassy vibes, the low angst. For nearly the entire book, I was thinking that Adrienne Basso had written one of my new favorite romances. Ever. But, well...things got so saccharine in the last three chapters. There's a reason you're supposed to end a romance immediately after the couple exchanges "I love yous"—watching a picture-perfect family live blissfully happy lives is boring and corny. I think if the author's unabashed sentimentality hadn't gotten the best of her, this would have been nearly perfect. As it was, though, I'm still shook by reading a non-angsty book where the characters' approach to a marriage of convenience is basically: "Oh, so we're married, that's fine...let's make the best of it and proceed to bone in ever-more-scandalous ways." Brilliant.

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[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The strangest thing about Christmas is how it can suddenly grab at you when you least expect it.”

Richard Harper is a successful American entrepreneur who is always up for a challenge. After moving to London three years ago, he still has difficulty being accepted in British society. Determined to succeed in England, Richard embarks in constructing a new steel factory in Cornwell. Reliable sources have confirmed to Richard that any successful businessman in England who wanted to be considered a gentleman of worth owned a country estate. Richard therefore sets his sights on purchasing the finest property available.

Juliet Wentworth, widow and mother of three children, is the owner of Highgrove Manor. After her husband’s death, both Juliet and the children moved out of the main house to the smaller dowager house. With two mortgages and the lack of funds to maintain the property, Juliet seeks a tenant to lease the manor in order to have a steady income and to relinquish her brother-in-law’s (Earl of Hasting) funding for her boy’s education. Richard is only interested in purchasing the manor and proposes a generous offer leaving Juliet the dowager house along with ten acres to which Juliet agrees. Once the Earl learns of Juliet’s intent to sell the manor, he threatens legal action to stop the sale. A man who deals in solutions, Richard suggests a proposal that will solve their dilemma-marriage. Knowing marriage is the best way to secure her children’s futures and escape her brother-in-law’s tyranny, Juliet agrees to a union of convenience and practicality with one condition. She wants a real marriage consisting of an intimate and physical relationship. Richard, already being attracted and captivated by Juliet’s forward yet elegant nature, is more than happy to agree to her request.

After their passionate honeymoon night, Richard returns to London for several months due to his business and Juliet spends her days renovating and redecorating the rooms in the manor at Richard’s request. During their time apart, Juliet, still seeking to form an intimate relationship with her husband, begins writing letters informing him of the progress on the manor and the daily activities of her and her children. Through the letters, Richard begins to see his wife’s personality which piques his interest all the more and in turn causes his replies to be more personal and detailed. As the reader, you feel their bond strengthen through their written correspondence which forms a strong foundation for an inevitable love to come. When Richard returns home for the holidays, Juliet is determined to not only devour him body and soul but to also win his heart. What better way to accomplish that than show him the joys of Christmas with all the sights, sounds and tastes of the season. Believing this is what will bring an undeniable happiness and feel of family, Juliet vows to make this a Christmas Richard will never forget.

Juliet is both a devoted mother and determined wife. Her clever wit, tenacious spirit and somewhat “tart” nature provided an enjoyable heroine you could not help but love and long for her happiness. As the story progresses, you begin to see the “businessman” side of Richard take a backseat to a more caring, devoted husband. What starts as a desire for success in London society becomes insignificant once Richard is surrounded with family, friends and the traditions of the season. He proves his loyalty, devotion and dare I say, love, to both Juliet and her children when a potential business deal is ruined due to a prank that backfires with her boys. This was a turning point in the story and Richard’s character had me grinning with pride in the outcome. The chemistry of Juliet and Richard was immediate, passionate and sensual whether in the bedchamber or in a welcoming embrace. Their uninhibited sexual nature as a couple is heated and consuming which left me sated and longing for Richard to take a risk with his heart knowing it would be in safe keeping with Juliet. With enduring characters and a magical setting filled with gingerbread, mistletoe and snow, Ms. Basso’s lovely Christmas setting will leave you with warmth and cheer long into the New Year.

Favorite Quote:

"He took the seat beside her and her eyes widened at the contents of his plate He began eating with gusto and she found herself gazing at his mouth as he chewed, then swallowed. Such a normal domestic moment, yet her mind was summoning an erotic image of his kisses last night – hot, raw and sweet. There were moments when they were together in bed that she felt as though he wanted to devour her with his lips and teeth and tongue, just as he was devouring his breakfast right now. A wave of desire swelled through her as she remembered the feel of his mouth on her heated flesh and the wild pleasure he had evoked. It had been all-consuming, with an intensity she was looking forward to repeating. Soon."

Original review posted at http://www.fictionvixen.com/2011/10/r...

[Patti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. Not the best writing, but if you’re looking for a Christmasy story, it scratches that itch.

[Lori ◡̈ · Rating 3 out of 5]

My second in a row book by this author that I become bored half-way thru. I cant put my finger on exactly why either. The story is creative, characters are pleasant, plenty of steam...

This particular story though, like the last one, it seemed that the hero and heroine become bffs, enjoy and look forward to spending time together and running off to the bedroom any chance they get very quickly in the beginning of the story. That doesn't leave much conflict to resolve regarding them falling in love I felt. I guess the hero had a bad hang up of not wanting his wife to get pregnant and not wanting 'to fall in love'. But in my eyes, he was already in love. They were too lovey dovey too soon I think the problem was.

Its definitely a cute Christmas story, kind of like a Hallmark movie maybe, with steamy love scenes.

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh for heaven's sake, where do they get these titles?!?! This one has absolutely nothing to do with the delightful story.

For a complete review, visit Affaire de Coeur magazine, hard copy or online at: http://affairedecoeur.com
October 2011 issue.

[Natalija · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 55%
I'm so far in and it saddens me to abandon this book, but I'm done forcing myself to read something I don't like. That's not to say that the book is not worth reading. It just wasn't my cup of tea.

[Carrie Olguin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring. DNF.

[Aly is so frigging bored · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and discovering this new author! I can't wait to try more books from her.

[Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

The plot was promising, but then this one fizzled.

[Veronica · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

Richard Harper has been an outcast since he came to England. As a man who was born in America, he has little appreciation for the noblemen that dictate everything and follow their rules. His lack of title has left him out in the cold, unwelcomed in any social group. His successful business might open many doors for him, but these were laid with problems and suspicions.

The only way Richard would be on a better footing with these people is if he married a gentle bred lady. But who would give their daughter to an American, no matter how much money he has? Regardless, Richard is determined not to get married. The best plan he can think of now is to buy house and land in the country like every other man.

When he finally finds the perfect house, he’s stumped to find that Juliet Wentworth will only lease it out. However, her difficult position as a widow is something that could be used as a business preposition. When Juliet’s brother-in-law, the Earl comes to antagonize her, Richard jumps in with a business proposal: they get married.

The plan seems perfect on paper: Juliet would once again have the freedom and financial stability to raise her children while Richard gets what he wants – property and a status. And while Richard is ready to treat his new wife as a business partner, Juliet has more romantic notions. With Christmas fast approaching, can Juliet find the romantic in her husband?

My Opinion

Tis the season to be Sinful has been in my reading list for a very long time and that’s only because it took me a very long time to find a copy. It’s my first Adrienne Basso read and I’m pretty impressed by the book.

Juliet married her husband for love and had three beautiful children with him. When a sudden tragedy took him, she realized what it really meant to be a woman in a man’s world. Everything she had now belonged to her younger son and while she could still live in the house, she no longer had the finance to maintain it. The money she got from her brother-in-law was barely enough to feed them and cloth them. And now, having reached her breaking point, she decided to lease out her house.

Her decision is met with resistance – first from Richard who wants to buy it outright and then from the Earl who refuses to let Juliet do so. But with little financial security, Juliet has no choice but to sell it.

Richard, on the other hand, was broody man who believed in hard work. He’s come from a working class family and that’s all he’s ever known. With no family behind, he’s determined not to have a family in the future. Simply put, he doesn’t like children. He’s instantly attracted to Juliet, but her children are exactly that – her children.

I think the best part about this book for me was how Richard slowly bonded with the family. He married her for her standing in the society, but he slowly accepted that perhaps life didn’t only have to be about work. He slowly bonded with the children – with pranks and fights of course – and the slow development of their relationship was actually funny.

Juliet could be a little annoying at times, she was a smart woman but there could have been so much more to her character than just her attraction to Richard. I think we really missed out on the instances where we could have seen other sides of her. It made her character feel a little shallow to me.

Having read so many books this year (both historical romance and others), I can’t say this book stood out to me enough to give this a higher rating. I enjoyed reading this book, but I can’t give it a higher rating in all honesty.

[alvie hoffmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story.

I always enjoy Ms. Basso's novels. They are delightful & charming & capture a true sense of love between two people.
I wish the epilogues were more complete with definitive endings, such as the birth of the new baby (babies - twins would be a nice touch) & perhaps the expectation of one for Olivia & George.
I like a romantic novels to have epilogues fast-forwarded where all important loose ends are caught up - similar to solving all the questions in a good mystery.
Thanks for an enjoyable read.
Sincerely,
Ms. Alvie Hoffmann

[Pamdave · Rating 5 out of 5]

a sweet story

I almost didn’t read this story because of some of the negative comments. However, this turned into a sweet and steamy story of second chances.

The marriage was to be a business arrangement but eventually both found love. It was a gradual process and because of that, it made the story that much better. There is no great mystery, no villain, no great angst. Just a good love story

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining Christmas story.

[Solange Lawrence · Rating 2 out of 5]

Feelings developed too quickly which ruined the feel for me

[Whitney · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light 1 day Christmas themed romance read on Christmas Day

[Sabina Alilovic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This title has nothing to do with the story. Nice story, but there are too many of Christmas celebrations.

[Marianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shades of A Christmas Carol’s Scrooge. Nice pat story where all turns out peachy keen. Hurrah

[Becca Best · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book it was really sweet, And really put me in the holiday spirit!! Great way to start off December!

[Yvonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Hilcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tis The Season To Be Sinful by Adrienne Basso is a sweet, heartwarming, family Christmas historical romance that also happens to be quite sexy! Now, I have to admit that the sexy part of it was a bit unexpected and maybe it shouldn't have been, especially with that title, but I think what really threw me about this book for a while is that all those factors are combined and work quite well.

Ms. Basso uses the marriage of convenience trope to develop the romance between the beautiful widowed Juliet and Richard, a lonely American industrialist working in London. Richard wants to purchase an English estate and needs a society wife to serve as a hostess, but hopes she will also assuage his lonely nights. Juliet as a widow with three children and a controlling brother-in-law who holds the purse strings finds herself in dire circumstances. She needs income from her son's inherited estate and decides to sell it to Richard, however her brother-in-law will not allow it. He needs a wife for business purposes, she needs a husband to ensure a better future for her children. However, although it is clear that these two people make the decision to marry each other for convenience's sake, they are adults and passion also becomes a strong factor in their decision.

This is true for both Richard and Juliet and they are both upfront and quite open about their strong attraction for each other from the beginning making this a refreshingly adult situation. There is no coyness in Juliet's part, on the contrary she's a highly sensual woman and Richard wants her more every day. It takes a while for their actual relationship to take off though and the romance develops slowly. If or when misunderstandings do crop up this couple deals with them by talking and working out the issues one at a time, even as they disagree. Richard's past is explored this way as intimacy takes the place of sex between them. Julia is the first to recognize the change in their relationship, and Richard is the one who fights it. Fortunately she's relentless in her understanding and in the loving way she handles the situations.

The Christmas holidays are grandly represented in this story. As I was reading all the beautiful scenes describing a traditional English Christmas in the countryside, I was reminded of Mary Balogh's holiday stories and well... I love those! These scenes convey the heartwarming traditional holiday season atmosphere and tell the story of a loving family in the making. The secondary characters blend in with this story to help it along with the children, especially the two boys, making a real impact.

So, surprise, surprise, so far Tis The Season To Be Sinful is my favorite holiday read this year. It has everything from a really sexy couple that steam up the sheets, to three wonderful children who add to the story with pranks that provide some really fun moments as well as some emotional ones, and a wonderful representation of the holiday season.

[Candyshy · Rating 3 out of 5]

C’est la couverture qui a arrêté mon œil au départ, j’aime les couleurs choisies, ensuite le résumé était attrayant, une romance historique, j’ai dit : Je le veux !

J’ai lu ce livre à la bonne période, celle des fêtes de fin d’année, où l’on est en pleine préparation des cadeaux, des repas, des retrouvailles en famille car dans le livre, on est également à la même période. J’ai beaucoup apprécié ma lecture !

Ce n’est pas seulement la romance qui m’a emballée, se sont ces moments de joie où l’on va chercher le sapin, qu’on le décore, qu’on déguste des friandises, qu’on reçoit la famille. J’ai soufflé d’aise pendant que je tournais les pages. On est bien dans cette famille qui s’apprivoise et se découvre.

Juliet est une veuve avec trois enfants : deux garçons entre 10 et 12 ans, ainsi qu’une petite fille de 4 ans. Elle doit entretenir le manoir mais les fonds lui manquent et elle dépend de son beau-frère : le frère de son ancien mari, pour l’aider dans cette tâche. Il n’est pas la personne la plus chaleureuse du monde.

Richard est un industriel américain, carriériste, seul qui veut acquérir un domaine à la campagne anglaise. Il se retrouve avec le domaine… Mais également marié à la « veuve » et donc propulsé papa.
Il cache un secret qui l’empêche d’être heureux, il veut arriver au bonheur car pour la première fois depuis longtemps, il est bien avec cette femme, ces enfants et cette famille qui pourrait lui tendre les bras.

Au départ, chacun essaye de continuer sa vie telle qu’elle était avant ce petit chamboulement. Le désir entre eux est présent. Chacun a vécu et connaît les besoins et envie de leur corps.
Juliet ne veut pas seulement un corps pour la combler physiquement et elle a écopé d’un mari qui la sort de la panade. Mais elle veut retrouver un foyer, une union, une famille. Elle va essayer de lui ouvrir les yeux et de l’ouvrir aux autres. Et quoi de mieux qu’un noël en famille.

Voilà je souffle encore d’aise d’y repenser, rien de révolutionnaire dans la romance, ils se plaisent, c’est d’abord charnel et découvre l’amour. C’est le contexte qui fait que l’on aime. Ces sorties en famille, ces soirées tous ensemble, j’ai beaucoup aimé.

Enfin les enfants ne l’ont pas forcément vu comme ça et quelques scènes burlesques nous attendent. C’était gentillet mais agréable. La vielle tante Mildred et le vieil oncle Horace sont trop drôles, ils sont restés de grands enfants.

C’était une bonne lecture, un bon moment de détente sous le sapin, pas de grande surprise, mais je n’en ai pas eu besoin pour apprécier cette lecture. Le couple est très touchant, chaud, ils ont entre 30 et 40 ans et savent ce qu’il veulent. (Mais restent tout de même maladroits par moment). Les enfants aussi sont attachants. Noël est une période douce et chaleureuse, on retrouve cela dans nos pages.

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juliet Wentworth had it all; a loving husband and a house that was to become their dream house. After her husband passes away suddenly, Juliet is left living in the dowager house with her children and hoping that they can find someone to rent Highgrove Manor so that they have money to get out from under her husband’s tyrannical brother.

Richard Harper is trying to make it in London. It has been a tough go since leaving the Colonies and Richard is finding the English to be less than hospitable since moving three years ago. His ideas have been met with skepticism and resistance. But now things have change. He has elevated himself in society and now to get that final accreditation he needs to own a country estate. This leads him to Highgrove Manor and Richard meets the headstrong Juliet who is unwilling to let him buy the estate unless he marries her.

This is truly a heartwarming Christmas story. Richard thinking that he will just treat the marriage as a business adventure gets thrown head first into emotions that he at first wants to deny but then opens his heart to Juliet and her three kids. He has to overcome his fear and after confiding into Juliet he knows that he can trust her. Juliet too grows and knows that she must tread carefully around Richard at first but knows that eventually he will come around. Not much in way of conflict. Once Juliet marries Richard it seems her brother-in-law just disappears. The tension comes just between Juliet and Richard and their journey to find love with each other. A great romantic read with a happy ending.

[Ingrid Fasquelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adrienne Basso, récemment publiée aux éditions Milady Romance, enchante ses lectrices avec La Saison du Péché, une romance historique attendrissante, qui se lit comme un conte de Noël...

Dans ce roman, tout respire la joie et la bonne humeur ! Depuis les préparatifs enjoués des fêtes de Noël jusqu'à l'excitation des enfants à l'approche des réjouissances, l'intrigue d'Adrienne Basso n'est qu'un tourbillon d'émotions qui flatte et électrise les sens de la lectrice !

Les traditions victoriennes sont à l'honneur, les convenances de l'époque plutôt bien respectées et les scènes sensuelles jamais vulgaires. En auteure expérimentée, Adrienne Basso sait parfaitement doser ses effets ! Sa plume est agréable, fluide, et l'équilibre entre passages descriptifs et dialogues bien maîtrisé. Ses personnages sont attachants, complexes, profonds. On prend un réel plaisir à les accompagner, à découvrir leur passé, leurs forces et leurs faiblesses, et à voir s'épanouir leurs sentiments.

Entre scènes cocasses, tendres ou carrément torrides, La Saison du Péché est une lecture fraîche et pimpante, qui n'a d'autre but que de divertir la lectrice. Malgré un schéma un peu classique, on se laisse très facilement emporter par l'histoire d'amour attendrissante de Juliet et Richard et on se surprend à tourner les pages pour découvrir leur aventure drôle et touchante... Un bon moment de détente.

[AnnMarie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this story a lot. I love romantic period pieces. The title though really had nothing to do with the story but then again, it was the title that caught my eye initially.

Richard, an American self made business man is in London and decides he needs a country estate. The estate he wants, and he always gets what he wants, belongs to Juliet, a widow with 3 children. Juliet is only looking to rent the estate to support herself and her 3 children.

What starts out as a need for independence turns in to a marriage of convenience. Juliet agrees to marry Richard to escape her brother in law and his tyrannical rule over her family. The story is sweet, whimsical, very romantic and set during the Christmas season. We watch as these two fall in love and a hidden dark past emerges from Richard. With Juliet's love he is able to heal and welcome all the love she and her children have for him. This truly was a good fun read. I enjoyed it from start to finish.