The Seduction of Sebastian St. James

House of Renwick #2

by Rachel Van Dyken

When the angelic Duke of Tempest, Sebastian St. James, appeared unexpectedly at his boyhood friend’s home, he had but one Find a suitable wife as soon as possible. However, his impeccable reputation made him a prime target for ambitious mothers of debutante daughters. He needed a plan.


Help came in the form of an unlikely alliance with Miss Emma Gates, the beautiful daughter of a wealthy viscount, who has deemed herself on the shelf and only wants to marry in order to appease her parents. Together they could sort through the mire of would-be mates to find their perfect matches. That is, if they could keep their hands off each other long enough to pursue likely candidates.


When a man from Emma’s past makes a play for her hand, the truth about her life threatens to destroy Sebastian’s reputation, a reputation he has carefully guarded since his youth. In the end, the Angel Duke has to make a choice that will end up changing his reputation forever.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Regency, Historical Fiction, Ebooks, Amazon

271 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 22, 2011

About the author

Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances.

Hey guys I'm rarely on Goodreads, if you need to reach me feel free to email!
EMAIL ME: rachelvandykenauthor@gmail.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-...

Reviews

[Nicole Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duke of Tempest Sebastian St. James arrives at his friend Nicholas Devons home to ask for a place to stay during the season. He also attempts to enlist Nicholas and his wife Sara's help in finding him a wife this upcoming season. Sara has her cousin Emma Gates also coming to stay with them during her season to look for a husband to pacify her parents. With that in common both Sebastian, escorting Emma, leave for their first ball that night.



At the ball both escape outside to the balcony for a breath of fresh air and to take a break from the assembly. Crouched and hiding Sebastian and Emma make a game out of pegging unsuspecting people nearby. The winner gets a kiss. Emma misses her first target and Sebasian nails his right in the forehead. Emma hits her next two targets and Sebastian misses. The winner gets their kiss and they get busted by Nicholas also. As their punishment Nicholas makes an announcement the whole ball hears, that Emma and Sebastian will announce at the upcoming Fenton ball their choices for whom they wish to court.

The following morning Sebastian shares his plan he came up with on how to avert Nicholas's announcement from the previous night. His plan is that he and Emma will pretend to be engaged. Giving them both the opportunity to find the perfect suitors. Emma excepts with the stipulation that they get to choose eachothers husband/wife. The announce their engagement at the next ball and travel to a house party at Rawlings' estate in the country. Where they would do some scouting for whom they would like to match with.



I adored this book! It's titillating and hillarious at turns. Emma and Sebastian are both smart asses. And lord knows how I do love a smart ass! So wonder on over to purchase both of these books. Hell, get all four! I know I'm going to continue the House of Renwick series.

[Sophie Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've ever read by Rachel Van Dyken, and what a wonderful read it was! Emma's character was lovely - I simply adored her adventurous spirit and found myself rooting for her the entire time. Finding herself ruined (albeit mistakenly so, for she was innocent, though even her own parents failed to believe her), she lives with the constant fear that her tarnished reputation will become public knowledge, destroying her chances of happiness forever. Naturally, things are about to get a bit tricky when she meets Sebastian St. James, the devastatingly gorgeous "angel" duke. His reputation is spotless, he is a gentleman through and through and though he seeks marriage, it must be to someone with an equally spotless reputation - see where this is going? =D
Their interactions with one another are wonderfully entertaining. Though there were a couple of instances where I wasn't exactly sure of whose pov I was following (I believe it was purposefully done to keep the reader guessing about the identity of 'the bad guy' - yes, there's one of those too =)), I didn't feel as if it distracted from the plot which was excellently devised in order to hold the reader captive. Looking forward to reading the sequel =)

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like how Sebastian was a good guy from the beginning. It ended up being kinda sweet.

[Giulia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oringally reviewed at www.devastatingreads.blogspot.com

I like the first book in the series, The Ugly Duckling Debutante well enough. Van Dyken's style is light and fun and easy to get drawn into. And this time around I noticed less editing errors, though I still caught some basic grammar/punctuation errors that made me want to ground my eyes out. But it wasn't grammar that got on my nerves this time around. I was quite put out this time around to find that as entertaining the story was, and as madly hot as these two characters are for each other, the bedroom door was shut in my face. I was very annoyed! I mean, Sebastian (why am I forever falling for fictional British guys by this name?) was constantly lusting after Emma. And she could hardly seem to do anything but flirt with Sebastian or day dream about his kisses. I really liked this couple together.

Emma is pert, and daring and highly adventurous. I love how she is constantly challenging Sebastian. Emma loved to arouse and challenge Sebastian and just generally annoy him, which made me want to cheer for her; but she was convinced that with her soiled reputation, Sebastian could never want to marry her, even if it did seem that he shared the same feelings for her that she had for him. He's such a stuffed shirt after all, she just didnt' see it happening. I mean, his nickname among the ton was the Angel Duke. Who gets called that? Only him because he's so meticulously cultivated a thoroughly spotless reputation. He's a perfect angel, very proper and worried about appearances, but underneath it all, he's something of a rake at heart. He thinks it's damn inconvenient that he has to get married at all, but a duke (naturally) must produce a heir. He really loathes the idea of attending the season and having all sorts of silly girls trail after him for the title of duchess, so he enlists Nicholas' and Sara's help in choosing a wife.

Then he throws that plan out the window as he promptly falls in love with Emma and the two of them begin the most ridiculous romance ever. They decide to pretend to be engaged so that they keep all the suitors at bay while each of them picks out the other's spouse. You know how this story is going to end...which is fine by me because I couldn't take these two constantly kissing in dark corners and then thinking of each other all night long and gnashing their teeth over hot and bothered they were. Especially Sebastian. Enter the novel's villain, John, the brother of Emma's ex-fiancee, Rawlings, who kidnaps Emma with the purpose of forcing himself upon her. Naturally, his efforts are thwarted at Gretna Green and Sebastian marries Emma after confessing how madly he loves her.

This is where the bedroom door gets shut in our faces. And I couldn't understand why! After all, the scene was set. They had disrobed. There was a bath. We all know what follows next. And it's not and they wake up the next morning which is what I got. As well as a case of whiplash! I was like, "what happened?" And, thinking, "but the last book had a bedroom scene, so I don't get it..."I was totally put out. But then, as I was surfing around on Goodreads, I read that this series is on a clean romance list and many of the reviewers mentioned how clean the first one was. So, um, I can't be mad about that bedroom door being shut in my face. Clearly I'm remembering the first book incorrectly when it comes to the bedroom activity.

But I'm left with a little problem...how do I rate this clean romance? Not that I have a problem with clean romances, I mean clearly it didn't bother me in the last book, but this time around I was expecting it not only because of my faulty memory but because it seemed to really be leading there? I have to set that aside however if this series is "clean." Taking that into consideration, it does change how I'm viewing this. I have to say, the characters made me laugh, the pacing was good, and I connected a bit more with Sebastian and Emma than I did with Sara and Nicholas. The only thing that really bothered me was that the villain John was overthrown and that part of the story was wrapped up far too quick and easy and off page for me.

3.5 glittering stars

[Jody · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well the first book ended with Sebastian walking in and saying he needed a favor. So of course I wanted to read the next book. I kinda liked this story although it probably could have been better. I really liked Sebastian's grandmother (even though only played a tiny role in story). The author did a great job with the major-minor character (if that makes sense) of Rawlings. I really look forward to reading his book, even though hated him at first.
Emma is looking to finally marry, despite her tarnished reputation. Sebastian is getting married and all he is worried about is his reputation. Well of course you can guess these two are gonna butt heads. They decide a betrothal (fake) between them would serve their purposes. And lets just add that they will pick out the spouse for the other. Things certainly get complicated when they can not get the other off their mind long enough to look for a spouse.

[Desiree]

Why have I seen this photograph as the cover of three different books now? . I have never seen the same cover for multiple, seemingly unrelated books before and now all of a sudden this one is taking over! I think it's gorgeous... but does it really need to be everywhere?

[amanda s. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, good but it's not as good as I thought it would be. It's been a while since the last time I read book one so I had to do a wee bit catching up to do.

I looove the drama and I also enjoyed the small twist. But overall I enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read the next installment of this series! ❤

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing like finishing a book in one day!!! Really enjoy the characters in this book, and look forward to any more this author may write.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was eagerly anticipating reading The Seduction of Sebastian St. James, having finished Rachel Van Dyken’s first book in the House of Renwick series, The Ugly Ducking Debutante. As I truly enjoy her characters, I was interested in seeing her newest creations and what twists and turns of the plot she had in store for me.

Sebastian St. James, the Duke of Tempest, is known as the “Angel Duke” for more than one reason. Not only is his appearance angelic, but his conquests and heroics are flawless, as well as his honesty. In short, he is a man of perfection. However, despite having all of this he does lack one thing, a person to share his life with. Thus, he travels to his lifelong friend Nicholas Devons’ (Earl of Renwick) home in order to find a suitable match among the eligible women of the Ton. He finds a partner in crime in a woman named Emma, who is in a similar situation, as her parents (her father is a wealthy viscount) are forcing her to marry in order to obtain social and economic security, as well as protect the family inheritance. With this common bond, Sebastian and Emma grow affectionately close. Their relationship is put to the test however, as a man from Emma’s past makes a play for her hand. This backfires and causes details from Emma’s past to come to light, which have the ability to ruin the carefully laid reputation that Sebastian has fought so long to protect and cultivate. What will become of Emma and Sebastian? Are these new details about Emma’s life true?

Sebastian is one interesting character. His rakish tendencies, coupled with his need for a flawless reputation, were interesting characteristics to find packed together in one person. Emma on the other hand has been dealt a serious blow in life and is understandably skittish of men’s affections. This odd couple, as I liked to refer to them, were extremely interesting to read about and watch blossom.

While the books may not be 100% historically accurate, they are still written in a descriptive manner that transports the reader into the time and place from which Sebastian and Emma hail. The descriptions of the balls and parties that the characters get to attend make me pea green with envy. The lush settings add to the romanticized feelings within the novel, making this love story even more enjoyable. I found myself wanting Emma and Sebastian to dispense with the inner monologues that were keeping them apart from each other, and finally see how the other person could solve all of their problems. But isn’t that how life goes? As humans we make things more difficult for ourselves rather than opening our eyes and taking advantage of what’s right in front of our faces. Their inability to see the benefits of their relationship made Emma and Sebastian seem very real and relatable.

Van Dyken is currently at work on a third book in the Renwick Series, The Redemption of Lord Rawlings. I highly suggest that you get to work on reading The Seduction of Sebastian St. James as well as The Ugly Duckling Debutante if you haven’t done so already in order to catch up before Rawlings is released! You won’t regret it!

Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
http://wp.me/p18lIL-Kk

[Angela Blount · Rating 4 out of 5]

A semi-solid ★★★½ Stars

Disclaimer:
Up front, I think it would benefit readers to understand that Van Dyken is something of a hybrid historical author. While the setting is period, the phraseology often has a more modern appeal. I personally feel as though the author's style makes the historical genre feel more accessible for historical laymen—such as myself. But if you are a stickler for total immersion in unwavering historical accuracy, her books may not be for you. Fair warning. :)

Now, on the review:

As far as “sweet” romances go, this one toes the line with steamy expertise.

Emma made for a refreshingly unusual heroine. Sensual and free-spirited, yet still innocent and driven to redeem herself in the eyes of her family. We find her trapped within the societal expectations and gossip of the Regency era, almost apathetic after years of facing the sharp end of it's misogynistic unfairness. With good reason, she's lost hope in the idea of happiness.

Sebastian is a guilt-addled charmer with a halo-ready reputation...and an eccentric grandmother who's more than determined to see him settle down. Together, Seb and Emma generate a saucy, tantalizing chemistry that carries the tale through their woes of misunderstanding. Outright sabotage comes into play when a dark presence from Emma's past returns to claim her future.

Side characters are well fleshed out and do a serviceable job of piquing the reader's interest into other books in the series--without beating the reader over the head with too much rabbit-trailing intrigue. The author handles the depiction of sexual assault and the resulting post-traumatic stress with a deft feel of authenticity, and all without turning her heroine into a victimized emotional puddle. I did feel like Sebastian's motivation to find a bride could have been a bit more compelling, and the external conflict felt like it concluded with more fizzle than zing. But all in all, an entertaining read.

I did come upon more editing errors than I like to see, but I still found the story itself worthwhile. (And as this is coming from the kind of publishing house that accepts it's reader's editing catches and makes alterations to the book accordingly, I wouldn't say it ruined the experience.)

[January · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: Sebastian St. James is the Duke of Tempest who earned the nickname “Angel Duke” because of his heroic exploits and his impeccable reputation. When he decides it’s finally time to find a wife, his search leads him to enlist the help of an old friend. It just so happens that old friend is also the cousin Lady Emma Gates, an eligible young woman who is also searching for a spouse.

The duke is very protective of his reputation and his family’s name. Emma is hiding a volatile secret. They team up to help each other find a suitable spouse. But what they thought was a great scheme for finding the perfect spouses turns into a disaster when they find themselves unable to shake the feelings they develop for one another. When their respective pasts come back to haunt them, things get complicated.

Review: This was a fantastic read. It had everything in it I would want. Steamy romance (but clean), suspense, laugh out loud sequences, action. The characters were well developed and consistent. Gotta love the hot, fun-loving male lead – and if I may say so, even Nicholas Renwick was slightly more likable in this book. Emma was just the right mixture of strong-willed and vulnerable. Her strength in her circumstances is inspiring.

The story moves fast and throws just enough twists in to keep it going at a good pace. The plot is well-constructed all the way to the end.

Recommendation: Not gonna lie, there were parts I read several times just because they were so good. Out of all of Rachel Van Dyken’s books so far, this is easily the best. I’m looking forward to Books 3 and 4 in this series!

[Shadow · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? Mrs. Rachel really knows how to keep her readers enthralled! I cant wait for book three. I love how she plots the story, how entertaining her characters are and she always has one character that you love to hate. From beginning to end, I smiled through this story. A girl sneeking out to dance like a gypsy, causing her family scandal. Years later, ready to marry, she goes to stay with Sara and Nicholas (characters from the first story) and there she meets her perfect match! Sebastian, ready to settle, is quite taken with Emma, first as a friend, later deepening into love. These two make a wonderful couple, especially seeing how they like to have fun! From throwing grapes at people, kissing and getting busted at balls and causing a stir or two! The characters are enchanting and will keep you draw to the last page! Id recommend this story to anyone who adores fun loving people, a plot that doesnt stop and a love so sweet! Pick up a copy! Its just as good as the first story, The Ugly Duckling Debutante. Havent read it? What are you waiting for? Your missing out! ;)

[Tifferz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find the cover simply amazing along with the story.Ms Van Dyken's writing is simply lovely. I really felt bad for Emma as her parents don't even believe her when tragedy strikes. This story is filled with sharp banter between Emma and Sebastian, laughter and the sexual tension that flys off the pages. Both Emma and Sebastian have a past they need to over come and if they could confide in each other. I loved how Nicholas and Sara always come to Emma's defense and it was simply priceless when Nicholas punches Sebastian. I loved how Emma would stick her tongue out when no one was looking. The grape scene was a crack up. Sebastian's grandmother has a great personality and will have you laughing and wanting her forward ideas to come to pass. This romance has a touch of mystery to it as you try to figure out why and who ruined Emma's past. Oh, and it is clean!

[Englishrose · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a cute idea behind it and I was excited about it. Apparently, it's the second in a series and I got the feeling that maybe I was missing quite a bit by not reading the first one. Overall there was an exciting and fast moving plot, though perhaps sometimes a little too fast. The characters go so swiftly through everything that it got hard to get to know them. It was a bit stilted and confusing to transition from scene to scene as the story progressed. The romance was good, though at one point a little more hot and heavy than normal. They were cute characters that went well with each other. Although detail and grammatical mistakes were distracting, the book has potential.

http://cleanromancereviews.blogspot.com

[Sonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I thought it was more like a short story since I finished it in less than a day, but that could be because I couldn’t put it down. It was pretty fast paced, and it skipped a lot of time in between certain parts. I almost wish this was a novel that went more into detail with certain characters and certain events. But other than that, I was pretty satisfied. I couldn’t wait to see how the story ended, and I was not at all disappointed. I recommend this book to someone who wants a good read, romance, and doesn’t have time to read a really long novel.

[Virginia Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me really appreciate what a different world I live in compared to my counterparts during the Victorian era. I don't usually expect a romance novel to having me sitting back and contemplating my own life, this one did. Can you ask more of a book than to be both thought provoking and entertaining?

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I won't ever own it because it was a little racier than I expected (I know, did I read the title?!) It actually is just full of people's thoughts...It was on a clean romance list, and that's probably because nothing actually happens until they are married. It ended well, after the prologue...I wasn't sure I was going to like it. But I did. Quick read.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Seduction of Sebastian St. James" is another excellent book by Rachel Van Dyken. I absolutely fell in love with Seb's character. The dialogue between him and Nicholas was interesting. The best part of the entire story was Seb's and Emma's relationship developing. Their back and forth was almost comical.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The characters of Emma and the Duke are written well and were obviously, very much attracted to each other.

Read full review in the 2012 May/June issue of InD’tale Magazine.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love regency romances!! lots of sexual-tension without being overtly gross romance novels! beautifully written.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devoured this book, it was a delicious read!

[Elizabeth Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

[Prathiba · Rating 1 out of 5]

Badly written!

[Wendy Tavenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book! I have read the series several time before and thought too again! I not only love the author's writing but her characters! Emma was ruined by an unknown assailant several years ago. When she comes to town several years later to find a husband she just hopes her scandal does not follow her. Sebastian is known as the Angel Duke for saving a young girl and a few other deeds. When he and Emma are introduced and both staying with her Cousin and her husband something good might come of it! A wonderful story!

[Jeanie's Kindle · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s so easy for a ladies reputation to be ruined. Whether she’s done anything wrong or not. Dancing alone shouldn’t matter but it does.
Being a Duke should be easy especially when your are beautiful, it’s not.
A ruined lady and a perfect Duke? A couple that can never and should never make a match. They decided to make a faux one just for fun, we know how that ends!

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had enjoyed the first in this series and was happy to find the rest of this series at the local library but was put off by the inconsistencies between the first and second books and a feeling of religion being hammered into the reader throughout the book.

[Donna Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful series

Boy am I glad I'm not in that time! A man tries to rape a girl and it's her fault? And that's the start of the story I enjoyed this a lot it's the second book in the series and I can't wait to start the next one which I have. This has some heat but not explicit.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Addison · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This regency romance combines wit, tension, and fiery chemistry between the two main characters. Sebastian, the Angel Duke, teams up with the fiery and beautiful Emma Gates to sift through a pool of potential suitors. The tension between the two is palpable as they fight their growing attraction while trying to maintain a professional façade. This book balances romance with an intriguing storyline and has great character development. The blossoming relationship between Sebastian and Emma feels genuine, and the final choice Sebastian makes adds a satisfying conclusion to their journey. It’s an entertaining and passionate read for lovers of regency romance with a bit of drama.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

All about seduction and the chase.