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The League of Second Sons #3
Ripe for Seduction
The League of Second Sons: A secret society of younger sons, sworn to aid and abet each other, no matter the scandal or cost...Their fathers and brothers may rule the world, but they run it, and when it comes to passion, they refuse to accept second best.
After the scandalous demise of her marriage, Lady Olivia Carlow knows the rakes of the ton will think her fair game. So when a letter arrives bearing an indecent offer from the incorrigible Roland Devere, she seizes the opportunity. Turning the tables on the notorious rogue, she blackmails him into playing her betrothed for the season. But no matter how broad his shoulders or chiseled his features, she will never fall prey to his suave charm.
When Roland boasted he'd be the first into Lady Olivia's bed, he couldn't have imagined that behind those brilliant blue eyes lurked a vixen with a scheme of her own. Still, Roland is not about to abandon his original wager. If anything, learning that the lovely Olivia is as bold as she is beautiful makes him more determined to seduce her into never saying "never" again.
After the scandalous demise of her marriage, Lady Olivia Carlow knows the rakes of the ton will think her fair game. So when a letter arrives bearing an indecent offer from the incorrigible Roland Devere, she seizes the opportunity. Turning the tables on the notorious rogue, she blackmails him into playing her betrothed for the season. But no matter how broad his shoulders or chiseled his features, she will never fall prey to his suave charm.
When Roland boasted he'd be the first into Lady Olivia's bed, he couldn't have imagined that behind those brilliant blue eyes lurked a vixen with a scheme of her own. Still, Roland is not about to abandon his original wager. If anything, learning that the lovely Olivia is as bold as she is beautiful makes him more determined to seduce her into never saying "never" again.
328 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
4 people are currently reading
618 people want to read
About the author
Isobel Carr
12 books153 followersIsobel Carr has a BA in philosophy, with minors in history and creative writing (Hollins College) and an MFA in creative writing (San Francisco State University). Combine all that with $3.25 and you can buy a spicy chai at her favorite coffee shop. After finishing graduate school, it became painfully clear that a job in the arts wasn't going to pay enough to eat, so she set about looking for a "real" job, ending up as an international trade consultant (basically, fighting with lawyers for a living). When she is not doing that, she is usually writing, though she very occasionally still takes a day to go to a historical re-enactment, in the name of research of course.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 28, 2013
The plot and the story was okay. And if you're looking for a story that doesn't have much development other than a means to an end for a detailed slow seduction, then this novel is for you. However, if you want everything to be woven beautifully with strong character development as well as a strong plot, you'll need to look else where.
This story is mostly about Roland seducing Olivia. It's all about her succumbing and Roland developing more than superficial feelings. I could understand it if her character wanted to say the hell with society's rules and she was going to go down in flames but she only makes half hearted attempts at everything. She doesn't really know what she wants other than to retreat from Society in light of her scandal which was not her fault in anyway. She really came off as headstrong brat. Roland does slightly better. He still a hedonistic son with no real expectations. While he has his moments of development, they are only moments that do not carry through. However, his character remains generally consistent.
It's the secondary characters who adds the depth to the story but on parallel tracts. Philip and Margot are far more compelling and mature. They were far more interesting than their younger counterparts. It was almost distracting though that Philip is Olivia's father and Margot is Roland's older sister. But still, I wanted to know more about them. The part with the evil cousin was predictable but had potential but the story was already being pulled in all different directions that it would have made it difficult to develop.
All in all, it's an okay novel. Not great. Not entirely bad either.
This story is mostly about Roland seducing Olivia. It's all about her succumbing and Roland developing more than superficial feelings. I could understand it if her character wanted to say the hell with society's rules and she was going to go down in flames but she only makes half hearted attempts at everything. She doesn't really know what she wants other than to retreat from Society in light of her scandal which was not her fault in anyway. She really came off as headstrong brat. Roland does slightly better. He still a hedonistic son with no real expectations. While he has his moments of development, they are only moments that do not carry through. However, his character remains generally consistent.
It's the secondary characters who adds the depth to the story but on parallel tracts. Philip and Margot are far more compelling and mature. They were far more interesting than their younger counterparts. It was almost distracting though that Philip is Olivia's father and Margot is Roland's older sister. But still, I wanted to know more about them. The part with the evil cousin was predictable but had potential but the story was already being pulled in all different directions that it would have made it difficult to develop.
All in all, it's an okay novel. Not great. Not entirely bad either.
March 20, 2013
1.5 stars Olivia was involved in a bigamous marriage due to no fault of her own. The husband is dead and her reputation in tatters. She rusticates in the country for a year until her father forces her to London for the season. Roland is a member of the League of Second Sons and in a drunken stupor bets his friends he can bed Olivia and sends her a letter basically asking her to go to bed with him. Olivia uses this letter to brilliantly blackmail Roland into posing as her fiancé for the season to head off inappropriate offers and when she cries off at the end the scandal will force her father to leave her in the country which is where she wants to be.
The premise pulled me in. I loved how Olivia blackmailed Roland and adored his embarrassment about the situation. This takes us through the first 20 pages or so. Then the book slides down the hill of idiocy and never turns back. First I had problems with the writing style. The book was very choppy, much of it seemed to be short scenes thrown together. Many a scene cuts off long before it should and does not flow into the next chapter.
Roland is a second son who doesn’t do anything. He drinks heavily and gambles. That’s about it. This League of Second Sons is ridiculous. As far as I could see it has no organization and the members get together to drink and bet. There is a silly story about them saving an underage girl from being forced away from her beloved by her evil older brother but that was shallow and likely thrown in to try and give Roland some purpose or dignity. It doesn’t.
After Roland is blackmailed, he realizes it is a great opportunity to get Olivia into bed and win his bet. Seriously. So a big chunk of the book is Roland trying to get Olivia into bed. The story doesn’t even bother to stick with the reason Olivia wanted him to begin with. At the first party they attend, Roland is with her in the beginning then his sister pulls her away to clean her dress and he spends most of the rest of time in the card room. The rest of the time it doesn’t come up.
It must have been clear Roland and Olivia’s story did not have enough to make a full story so we also have the story of Roland’s sister Margo and her affair with Olivia’s dad. Not only was that uncomfortably weird, it took up a third of not more of the book.
Then there is Henry, Olivia’s cousin and her father’s heir. He has his sights set on Olivia. That situation is awkward and is there simply to force the BIG MISUNDERSTANDING at the end of the book. And this misunderstanding is stupid. A two minute discussion would have taken care of it, instead Olivia heads back to the country and Roland and Margo leave the country.
Pointless plot, forgettable characters. Not a series I will continue.
The premise pulled me in. I loved how Olivia blackmailed Roland and adored his embarrassment about the situation. This takes us through the first 20 pages or so. Then the book slides down the hill of idiocy and never turns back. First I had problems with the writing style. The book was very choppy, much of it seemed to be short scenes thrown together. Many a scene cuts off long before it should and does not flow into the next chapter.
Roland is a second son who doesn’t do anything. He drinks heavily and gambles. That’s about it. This League of Second Sons is ridiculous. As far as I could see it has no organization and the members get together to drink and bet. There is a silly story about them saving an underage girl from being forced away from her beloved by her evil older brother but that was shallow and likely thrown in to try and give Roland some purpose or dignity. It doesn’t.
After Roland is blackmailed, he realizes it is a great opportunity to get Olivia into bed and win his bet. Seriously. So a big chunk of the book is Roland trying to get Olivia into bed. The story doesn’t even bother to stick with the reason Olivia wanted him to begin with. At the first party they attend, Roland is with her in the beginning then his sister pulls her away to clean her dress and he spends most of the rest of time in the card room. The rest of the time it doesn’t come up.
It must have been clear Roland and Olivia’s story did not have enough to make a full story so we also have the story of Roland’s sister Margo and her affair with Olivia’s dad. Not only was that uncomfortably weird, it took up a third of not more of the book.
Then there is Henry, Olivia’s cousin and her father’s heir. He has his sights set on Olivia. That situation is awkward and is there simply to force the BIG MISUNDERSTANDING at the end of the book. And this misunderstanding is stupid. A two minute discussion would have taken care of it, instead Olivia heads back to the country and Roland and Margo leave the country.
Pointless plot, forgettable characters. Not a series I will continue.
September 18, 2012
I loved this book. The ingenious twist on the scandalous widow plot grabbed my interest from the start. The whole story came together so well. The characters were interesting. Especially the heroine's ( plural) . Their are two powerful love stories here. As a first for this reader, the secondary romance may have eclipsed the primary story between Olivia & Roland.
Through no fault of her own Olivia is scandoulously ruined . It seems her deceased husband was a bigamist. Now prey to the more unscrupulous men of the ton. When a drunken Roland unwittingly plays into her hands by sending Olivia a letter containing an indecent offer. Never one to pass up a golden opportunity Olivia uses the letter to blackmail Roland into a faux betrothal. Will she bring the notorious rake to heel ? Or loose her heart to his seduction?
The secondary romance between Margo & Arlington was gloriously written. Equally as romantic as the featured story. The love scenes between those two were scorching hot !
This author has a talent for creating characters that demand the readers attention. This refreshing story has everything needed to grasp the readers interest. The dual love stories. Not one but two strong heroines who know what they want. And how to get it. Two dashing heros. And let us not forget the inept villain to give the story an extra edge. As if it needed one. I give this story a well deserved five stars !!!
Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to review this book.
Through no fault of her own Olivia is scandoulously ruined . It seems her deceased husband was a bigamist. Now prey to the more unscrupulous men of the ton. When a drunken Roland unwittingly plays into her hands by sending Olivia a letter containing an indecent offer. Never one to pass up a golden opportunity Olivia uses the letter to blackmail Roland into a faux betrothal. Will she bring the notorious rake to heel ? Or loose her heart to his seduction?
The secondary romance between Margo & Arlington was gloriously written. Equally as romantic as the featured story. The love scenes between those two were scorching hot !
This author has a talent for creating characters that demand the readers attention. This refreshing story has everything needed to grasp the readers interest. The dual love stories. Not one but two strong heroines who know what they want. And how to get it. Two dashing heros. And let us not forget the inept villain to give the story an extra edge. As if it needed one. I give this story a well deserved five stars !!!
Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to review this book.
December 9, 2012
MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT
Olivia has returned home in shame since her marriage was nothing more than a scam, and her husband a bigamist. Her father, a member of Parliament, knows she can recover and encourages her to get back in the social life in London. She reluctantly agrees and knows she will have to play this just right or she will be forever an outcast. Carlow, her cousin, sets her up for failure by betting his friends that none of them can be the first to bed her. Roland Devere, drunk, accepts the bet, and sends her a note with an indecent proposal. Once he recovers from his hangover, he realizes that he has made a mistake and tries to make amends, but she is going to gamble that she can use him to get back into society with his "proposal". With her father's blessing, she starts to make the social rounds with him as her fiancee.
There is a lot of action as the two weave through society and romance blossoms between his sister, Margo, and Olivia's father, Arlington as well as this perfectly match pair. The story is full of intrigue that involves both families and the relationships flare white hot! The best thing about this series is that you don't need to read them in any order since it involves new, but related characters that are all unique individuals. I really enjoy Carr's writing style since it captures the time period while remaining contemporary and with lots of humor intertwined. Now, I can't wait for the next book in the series.
LOVED IT
Olivia has returned home in shame since her marriage was nothing more than a scam, and her husband a bigamist. Her father, a member of Parliament, knows she can recover and encourages her to get back in the social life in London. She reluctantly agrees and knows she will have to play this just right or she will be forever an outcast. Carlow, her cousin, sets her up for failure by betting his friends that none of them can be the first to bed her. Roland Devere, drunk, accepts the bet, and sends her a note with an indecent proposal. Once he recovers from his hangover, he realizes that he has made a mistake and tries to make amends, but she is going to gamble that she can use him to get back into society with his "proposal". With her father's blessing, she starts to make the social rounds with him as her fiancee.
There is a lot of action as the two weave through society and romance blossoms between his sister, Margo, and Olivia's father, Arlington as well as this perfectly match pair. The story is full of intrigue that involves both families and the relationships flare white hot! The best thing about this series is that you don't need to read them in any order since it involves new, but related characters that are all unique individuals. I really enjoy Carr's writing style since it captures the time period while remaining contemporary and with lots of humor intertwined. Now, I can't wait for the next book in the series.
December 29, 2012
2.5 Stars
Carr had a superb idea when she wrote the plot for Ripe for Seduction. A drunken bet turning into blackmail...which eventually turns into two people finding love. What isn’t there to like about that situation?
Roland is the unlucky (or lucky?) gentleman who finds himself over the barrel and at the whim of Olivia. Olivia only wants freedom, if only she would realize that freedom does not have to be a life of spinsterhood in the country. Roland puts effort into seducing the lovely lady, and it is fun to see him try his hand.
The third book in the League of Second Sons fell flat for this reader. The characters never clicked and the numerous characters parading through the book failed to make lasting impressions. A struggle to get through, but maybe you will like it? It might be enjoyable for you, who knows.
Carr had a superb idea when she wrote the plot for Ripe for Seduction. A drunken bet turning into blackmail...which eventually turns into two people finding love. What isn’t there to like about that situation?
Roland is the unlucky (or lucky?) gentleman who finds himself over the barrel and at the whim of Olivia. Olivia only wants freedom, if only she would realize that freedom does not have to be a life of spinsterhood in the country. Roland puts effort into seducing the lovely lady, and it is fun to see him try his hand.
The third book in the League of Second Sons fell flat for this reader. The characters never clicked and the numerous characters parading through the book failed to make lasting impressions. A struggle to get through, but maybe you will like it? It might be enjoyable for you, who knows.
March 15, 2013
In the game of seduction, is the playing field really equal?
After becoming the scandal of last season, Olivia Carlow reluctantly returns to London with her father. She's no longer married, she's not divorced and she's not a widow -- and Olivia knows her strange situation will leave her vulnerable to the unwanted and unsavory overtures of London's single (and not-so single) men. When the letter from Roland DeVere arrives, Olivia uses it to her advantage.
Roland DeVere enjoys the carefree life of a second son -- perhaps a bit too much. After another night of revels, he wakes up to find that he has proposed marriage to Olivia Carlow and that she intends to hold him up to it for the time being.
It is blackmail, pure and simple. And Roland DeVere, a man used to making his own decisions and forging his own path, suddenly finds the tables turned on him: his whole life and future hangs on the balance and one woman's yes or no will mean a world of difference for this rogue.
Ripe for Seduction is the third book in Isobel Carr's The League of Second Sons series and was published last December 2012 -- one year and a few months after the second book came out. If I remember correctly, the first two books have more action/adventure/danger but this book shifts gears completely: the tension in the story is very subtle and, for the most part of the book, we are reading about the courtship of Roland and Olivia and of Margo, Roland's sister and Olivia's father, the Earl of Arlington.
The juxtaposition between the two couples is very interesting and it was what propelled me to finish reading this novel. Olivia and Margo both have scandal attached to their names -- but that is where the similarity ends: Margo revels in her notoriety and enjoys flaunting it in the face of society. Olivia never wanted the infamy and she would want nothing better than to hide away in the country, hoping the scandal would just disappear. But the two women are connected through Roland and, in each other, they learn about how to manage their circumstances.
Margo and Olivia are both weary of marriages, for good reason. Margo saw the Earl of Arlington as nothing more than a fling and Olivia just wanted Roland as a buffer against the Ton -- it was unexpected for both heroines to discover such stability and sense of security in our two heroes -- but is it enough?
I loved Margo -- I thought she was better fleshed-out than Olivia and her story was more touching. She lived in France and married a French aristocrat who didn't appreciate her. The ton thinks she is a walking scandal: a flighty, feckless woman -- but, in truth, Margo would want nothing better than to settle. When the author gives us glimpses into Margo's mind, we see a woman who longs for meaningful connections, but even she knows it is too late for her to be taken seriously. So she pretends insouciance --
The paradigm shift isn't one-sided -- Philip, the Earl of Arlington and Roland also experience a conversion. And this is part of this story's charm: as the story develops, so does the relationship of our two couples.
This was a wonderful, well-written romance. Isobel Carr handled the shifting perspectives nicely and I was able to follow each story without any confusion.
I wonder about the thematic direction this third installation is taking the series as a whole. The whole premise of the League was that they were the men behind the scenes, the men ran the world. In the first two books, there was a clear villain and a suspicious plot to uncover. In comparison to the first two books, Ripe for Seduction has a slower pace and did have a little bit of a villain towards the end of the story but the central focus of the book was the courtship. In this novel, Isobel Carr makes a statement that not everyone's love story requires an adventure. Sometimes, the love story is the adventure.
I found information about the next book in the series, Ripe for Revenge on Goodreads and this is the summary:
Based on the summary, the next book looks like it will be another "battle of the sexes" story, much like Ripe for Seduction was. My small worry aside, I am looking forward to reading Marcus's story.
After becoming the scandal of last season, Olivia Carlow reluctantly returns to London with her father. She's no longer married, she's not divorced and she's not a widow -- and Olivia knows her strange situation will leave her vulnerable to the unwanted and unsavory overtures of London's single (and not-so single) men. When the letter from Roland DeVere arrives, Olivia uses it to her advantage.
Roland DeVere enjoys the carefree life of a second son -- perhaps a bit too much. After another night of revels, he wakes up to find that he has proposed marriage to Olivia Carlow and that she intends to hold him up to it for the time being.
It is blackmail, pure and simple. And Roland DeVere, a man used to making his own decisions and forging his own path, suddenly finds the tables turned on him: his whole life and future hangs on the balance and one woman's yes or no will mean a world of difference for this rogue.
Ripe for Seduction is the third book in Isobel Carr's The League of Second Sons series and was published last December 2012 -- one year and a few months after the second book came out. If I remember correctly, the first two books have more action/adventure/danger but this book shifts gears completely: the tension in the story is very subtle and, for the most part of the book, we are reading about the courtship of Roland and Olivia and of Margo, Roland's sister and Olivia's father, the Earl of Arlington.
The juxtaposition between the two couples is very interesting and it was what propelled me to finish reading this novel. Olivia and Margo both have scandal attached to their names -- but that is where the similarity ends: Margo revels in her notoriety and enjoys flaunting it in the face of society. Olivia never wanted the infamy and she would want nothing better than to hide away in the country, hoping the scandal would just disappear. But the two women are connected through Roland and, in each other, they learn about how to manage their circumstances.
..."Where did you go after ..." Her voice trailed off as though she suddenly realized there was no polite way to phrase it.
"After I found out I was no longer married? I went to my maternal grandmother, Lady Heddington. Where I stayed until she and father decided it was time to force me back into the world."
"I'm sure they meant it for the best," the comtesse said softly.
Livy resisted the urge to snap at her. "Undoubtedly, but I would still rather they had let me be."
"For how long? Another year? Five? How long would have been enough?" The comtesse folded her letter and tucked it between her skirt and the leather seat. "No matter when you returned, the scandal would have been dredged up. Best to get it out of the way before it became the only thing anyone remembered about you."
- p. 254
Margo and Olivia are both weary of marriages, for good reason. Margo saw the Earl of Arlington as nothing more than a fling and Olivia just wanted Roland as a buffer against the Ton -- it was unexpected for both heroines to discover such stability and sense of security in our two heroes -- but is it enough?
I loved Margo -- I thought she was better fleshed-out than Olivia and her story was more touching. She lived in France and married a French aristocrat who didn't appreciate her. The ton thinks she is a walking scandal: a flighty, feckless woman -- but, in truth, Margo would want nothing better than to settle. When the author gives us glimpses into Margo's mind, we see a woman who longs for meaningful connections, but even she knows it is too late for her to be taken seriously. So she pretends insouciance --
Margo stopped him with two fingers pressed to his lips. Her dark eyes glittered in the candlelight. "You really don't want to marry me," she said. I was a horrible wife."
Philip kissed her fingers and removed her hand from his mouth. "I don't believe you." He tugged her closer.
"Of course you don't," Margo said with a sad shake of her head. "Which is why I can't marry you."
"Afraid you'll disappoint me?" he said bluntly. "That I'll bore you? That we'll both regret marrying in haste?"
"All of that and more, you lovely, deluded man. I'm fickle, inconstant --"
"Do you love me?"
She made an inarticulate sound of annoyance, her brows pinching into a frown. "At the moment? Yes." Her hands smacked down on the bed. "But who's to say I'll still do so in a month?"
- pp. 167-168
The paradigm shift isn't one-sided -- Philip, the Earl of Arlington and Roland also experience a conversion. And this is part of this story's charm: as the story develops, so does the relationship of our two couples.
This was a wonderful, well-written romance. Isobel Carr handled the shifting perspectives nicely and I was able to follow each story without any confusion.
I wonder about the thematic direction this third installation is taking the series as a whole. The whole premise of the League was that they were the men behind the scenes, the men ran the world. In the first two books, there was a clear villain and a suspicious plot to uncover. In comparison to the first two books, Ripe for Seduction has a slower pace and did have a little bit of a villain towards the end of the story but the central focus of the book was the courtship. In this novel, Isobel Carr makes a statement that not everyone's love story requires an adventure. Sometimes, the love story is the adventure.
I found information about the next book in the series, Ripe for Revenge on Goodreads and this is the summary:
Running has always served Caro Frazier well. It worked when her parents disapproved of her chosen groom, when her husband took umbrage at his young wife's social success, and when circumstances forced her to flee London altogether. But when her past comes back to haunt her -- in the delicious form of Marcus Reeves -- running is the last thing on Caro's mind.
Marcus Reeves never expected to see -- never wanted to see -- Caroline Frazier again, not after he saved her when her husband cast her off and then she abandoned him too. He certainly never expected to discover her living in a quiet, rural hamlet with a child who is unmistakably his. Whatever her reasons for betraying him, she's his now, and Marcus is ready for a little revenge ...
- from Goodreads
Based on the summary, the next book looks like it will be another "battle of the sexes" story, much like Ripe for Seduction was. My small worry aside, I am looking forward to reading Marcus's story.
July 8, 2017
Second sons step into the spotlight in this Georgian historical series. They won't be inheriting, so what will they do? In this case, have one heck of a journey to HEA. I don't normally read out of order if I can help it, but stumbled into the third installment before the second (will remedy that soon) and found this story self contained enough that I had to think to figure out what I'd missed.
Take one bet between friends as to who can despoil a lady already tainted by a bigamous marriage (seriously, how often do we see something like that these days?) plus one drunken overture, which said lady spins into a proposal, which she is glad to accept...with her own agenda, because lady is looking for a smokescreen, add some palpable chemistry, and a secondary romance between the hero's sister and heroine's father (hello age difference that does not mean a darned thing) sprinkle with dogs (always a plus) and the right amount of period atmosphere, then watch things take on a life of their own. This book is far from predictable, with a quick thinking heroine, and a hero who learns that a careless mistake might be the best move he ever made.
Take one bet between friends as to who can despoil a lady already tainted by a bigamous marriage (seriously, how often do we see something like that these days?) plus one drunken overture, which said lady spins into a proposal, which she is glad to accept...with her own agenda, because lady is looking for a smokescreen, add some palpable chemistry, and a secondary romance between the hero's sister and heroine's father (hello age difference that does not mean a darned thing) sprinkle with dogs (always a plus) and the right amount of period atmosphere, then watch things take on a life of their own. This book is far from predictable, with a quick thinking heroine, and a hero who learns that a careless mistake might be the best move he ever made.
October 26, 2018
Another positive surprise in such a short time. My recent library visit proved successful! While I don't quite need this much physical advances in my historical romance (I do prefer the mental approach in contemporary as well), this was really good. And historically better than most I've read lately. It still does feel like a contemporary read, but not because people were doing super anachronistic stuff. And the sexy parts were more permissible, since we weren't talking about virginal maidens in any case. Definitely looking into more books by Isobel Carr.
November 18, 2013
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for an honest review at Romancing Rakes for the Love of Romance.
Rating:
~4 hearts: I loved it!
Review:
Isobel Carr’s Ripe for Seduction is the third book in her League of Second Sons series, but it was easy to read as a stand-alone. It’s a light-hearted story of how a pretend engagement built on less than honorable intentions somehow manages to bloom into a real love between a notorious rake and a ruined woman of the ton.
While out carousing one night with his fellow secret society members, Roland Devere has too much to drink and agrees to yet another ill-chosen bet. He wakes the next morning to discover he has wagered a pound that he will be the first to bed a well-known lady who has returned to London months after the death of her bigamist husband. What he doesn’t count on is the lady having a secret plan of her own to thwart similar untoward propositions from anyone else during the upcoming season.
Lady Olivia Carlow didn’t know her late husband was already married when they had wed, but now that he’s dead, she’s the only one left to suffer the blame from London society. When Devere’s insulting proposition arrives via a drunkenly scrawled note sent to her father’s house, she seizes her advantage and blackmails Devere into agreeing to a false engagement. With Devere by her side as her purported fiance, Olivia intends to keep all the other less than honorable suitors from forcing their attentions and spreading lies about her even if she should turn them aside. Then when the season is over, she can break with him publicly and retire permanently to the family’s country estate at Holinshed. But as she and Devere spend more time in each other’s company, what started as pretend becomes the real thing, and the consequences of their actions have long-reaching implications for more than just themselves.
The fake marriage trope is one of my favorites and it’s used beautifully here in Ripe For Seduction. Olivia is in London under duress, preferring to stay forever buried in the country instead of in town fending off the disgusting private propositions from the men and frosty public snubs from the women. Roland would never have been so incredibly rude to her when sober, but he’s clearly not unhappy at the fate she’s forced on him in return for keeping his drunken overtures a secret. Their growing attraction was fun to watch, as was the concurrent secondary plot of how Olivia’s not-so-old widowed father became attached to Devere’s somewhat older widowed sister. There were a few villains here and there, and another side plot related to the activity of the Second Sons folding neatly into the inevitable Big Misunderstanding between Roland and Olivia near the end of the story. I found the relative lack of angst and drama to be quite refreshing, preferring the extensive details of how Olivia and her father both found happiness with the unlikeliest of partners. And after the Big Misunderstanding is cleared up and true love wins out for all, the epilogue provided the perfect ending to a lovely read.
I thoroughly enjoyed Ripe for Seduction and I’m looking forward to reading the other books in the League of Second Sons series.
Favorite Quote:
“Livy” -- he cupped her face and lowered his head until he was staring directly into her eyes -- “let me make myself perfectly clear. I love you. There’s no other reason I’d propose in earnest. Not to get you in my bed, not to enrich myself with your dowry, not to pave the way for my sister and your father. And if you don’t believe me, I’ll just have to work at it until you do.”
Rating:
~4 hearts: I loved it!
Review:
Isobel Carr’s Ripe for Seduction is the third book in her League of Second Sons series, but it was easy to read as a stand-alone. It’s a light-hearted story of how a pretend engagement built on less than honorable intentions somehow manages to bloom into a real love between a notorious rake and a ruined woman of the ton.
While out carousing one night with his fellow secret society members, Roland Devere has too much to drink and agrees to yet another ill-chosen bet. He wakes the next morning to discover he has wagered a pound that he will be the first to bed a well-known lady who has returned to London months after the death of her bigamist husband. What he doesn’t count on is the lady having a secret plan of her own to thwart similar untoward propositions from anyone else during the upcoming season.
Lady Olivia Carlow didn’t know her late husband was already married when they had wed, but now that he’s dead, she’s the only one left to suffer the blame from London society. When Devere’s insulting proposition arrives via a drunkenly scrawled note sent to her father’s house, she seizes her advantage and blackmails Devere into agreeing to a false engagement. With Devere by her side as her purported fiance, Olivia intends to keep all the other less than honorable suitors from forcing their attentions and spreading lies about her even if she should turn them aside. Then when the season is over, she can break with him publicly and retire permanently to the family’s country estate at Holinshed. But as she and Devere spend more time in each other’s company, what started as pretend becomes the real thing, and the consequences of their actions have long-reaching implications for more than just themselves.
The fake marriage trope is one of my favorites and it’s used beautifully here in Ripe For Seduction. Olivia is in London under duress, preferring to stay forever buried in the country instead of in town fending off the disgusting private propositions from the men and frosty public snubs from the women. Roland would never have been so incredibly rude to her when sober, but he’s clearly not unhappy at the fate she’s forced on him in return for keeping his drunken overtures a secret. Their growing attraction was fun to watch, as was the concurrent secondary plot of how Olivia’s not-so-old widowed father became attached to Devere’s somewhat older widowed sister. There were a few villains here and there, and another side plot related to the activity of the Second Sons folding neatly into the inevitable Big Misunderstanding between Roland and Olivia near the end of the story. I found the relative lack of angst and drama to be quite refreshing, preferring the extensive details of how Olivia and her father both found happiness with the unlikeliest of partners. And after the Big Misunderstanding is cleared up and true love wins out for all, the epilogue provided the perfect ending to a lovely read.
I thoroughly enjoyed Ripe for Seduction and I’m looking forward to reading the other books in the League of Second Sons series.
Favorite Quote:
“Livy” -- he cupped her face and lowered his head until he was staring directly into her eyes -- “let me make myself perfectly clear. I love you. There’s no other reason I’d propose in earnest. Not to get you in my bed, not to enrich myself with your dowry, not to pave the way for my sister and your father. And if you don’t believe me, I’ll just have to work at it until you do.”
December 20, 2012
Review also posted at Under The Covers Book Blog
Ms. Carr excels at creating Heroes and heroines that are society outcasts, and gives them their much deserved HEA. ~Under The Covers
Set in the late 1700, Olivia is ahead of her time. She knows exactly how society works and knows how cruel it can be to those who are outcasts. After becoming a widow from a sham of a marriage, Olivia has become the talk of the town. However, she is done with the drama and vows to get away somehow. Luckily, she received a proposal she could not refuse and Livy had figured out a way. Drunken Roland Devere had made an offer of marriage that he could not even remember. Now placed in a predicament where his honor is on the line, he must live up to the bargain Livy had propositioned him. However, he will certainly make the best of things and he is on a mission to get to know Olivia.
Ms. Carr excels at creating Heroes and heroines that are society outcasts, and gives them their much deserved HEA. Olivia, a Lady shamed by her bigamist husband and Devere a second son betrothed is certainly not common. I love that Devere and Olivia are in a forced situation but still managed to fall in love without being rushed. I think that was possible because of Devere. I love how he pursued Olivia, he definitely knows how to court a lady. He knew what and when to say or do things. Oh, and he absolutely knows how to pleasure a woman.
The secondary story between Margo (Devere’s sister) and Philip (Olivia’s Father) was also a treat. Similar to Olivia, their story is also getting a second chance at love. My only complain is that I had a hard time seeing Philip as a sexy man the way Margo saw him. I had this “older father figure” image of him and it took me a bit to get use to seeing him as a vibrant man. But overall, it was a great addition to the story.
There were a few cameos of characters from the last two books. It’s always good to see how they are doing after their HEA. And, though I am one not to recommend reading out of order, these books can be read as stand alone. I can assure you, there are no big spoilers that can ruin your read if you decide to start with this book.
*ARC provided by publisher
Ms. Carr excels at creating Heroes and heroines that are society outcasts, and gives them their much deserved HEA. ~Under The Covers
Set in the late 1700, Olivia is ahead of her time. She knows exactly how society works and knows how cruel it can be to those who are outcasts. After becoming a widow from a sham of a marriage, Olivia has become the talk of the town. However, she is done with the drama and vows to get away somehow. Luckily, she received a proposal she could not refuse and Livy had figured out a way. Drunken Roland Devere had made an offer of marriage that he could not even remember. Now placed in a predicament where his honor is on the line, he must live up to the bargain Livy had propositioned him. However, he will certainly make the best of things and he is on a mission to get to know Olivia.
Ms. Carr excels at creating Heroes and heroines that are society outcasts, and gives them their much deserved HEA. Olivia, a Lady shamed by her bigamist husband and Devere a second son betrothed is certainly not common. I love that Devere and Olivia are in a forced situation but still managed to fall in love without being rushed. I think that was possible because of Devere. I love how he pursued Olivia, he definitely knows how to court a lady. He knew what and when to say or do things. Oh, and he absolutely knows how to pleasure a woman.
The secondary story between Margo (Devere’s sister) and Philip (Olivia’s Father) was also a treat. Similar to Olivia, their story is also getting a second chance at love. My only complain is that I had a hard time seeing Philip as a sexy man the way Margo saw him. I had this “older father figure” image of him and it took me a bit to get use to seeing him as a vibrant man. But overall, it was a great addition to the story.
There were a few cameos of characters from the last two books. It’s always good to see how they are doing after their HEA. And, though I am one not to recommend reading out of order, these books can be read as stand alone. I can assure you, there are no big spoilers that can ruin your read if you decide to start with this book.
*ARC provided by publisher
September 13, 2012
ABOUT THE BOOK: The League of Second Sons: A secret society of younger sons, sworn to aid and abet each other, no matter the scandal or cost...Their fathers and brothers may rule the world, but they run it, and when it comes to passion, they refuse to accept second best.
After the scandalous demise of her marriage, Lady Olivia Carlow knows the rakes of the ton will think her fair game. So when a letter arrives bearing an indecent offer from the incorrigible Roland Devere, she seizes the opportunity. Turning the tables on the notorious rogue, she blackmails him into playing her betrothed for the season. But no matter how broad his shoulders or chiseled his features, she will never fall prey to his suave charm.
When Roland boasted he'd be the first into Lady Olivia's bed, he couldn't have imagined that behind those brilliant blue eyes lurked a vixen with a scheme of her own. Still, Roland is not about to abandon his original wager. If anything, learning that the lovely Olivia is as bold as she is beautiful makes him more determined to seduce her into never saying "never" again.
REVIEW: I loved how this piece started off. An entirely different spin for the author on how to draw the hero and heroine together. I literally laughed – out loud.
Olivia is a dashing woman who refuses to let anyone walk all over her. She has her own mind set on what she wants and what she is going to do to get it – or not – whatever be the case for her. Roland is the typically male who thinks nothing is going to hold him down. That all ends – abruptly – as Olivia gets her “hands” on him.
The buildup of their story was great. It didn’t seemed rushed, nor did it go too slow. The chemistry was on key and when the fireworks finally happened, I was dripping with anticipation.
I gave this five stars as I found the plot very well done and I loved the spin the author put on it with the whole “widow” thing. It was one that even the reader was surprised about but it fit the story, and the characters.
Phenomenal read and a great time!
After the scandalous demise of her marriage, Lady Olivia Carlow knows the rakes of the ton will think her fair game. So when a letter arrives bearing an indecent offer from the incorrigible Roland Devere, she seizes the opportunity. Turning the tables on the notorious rogue, she blackmails him into playing her betrothed for the season. But no matter how broad his shoulders or chiseled his features, she will never fall prey to his suave charm.
When Roland boasted he'd be the first into Lady Olivia's bed, he couldn't have imagined that behind those brilliant blue eyes lurked a vixen with a scheme of her own. Still, Roland is not about to abandon his original wager. If anything, learning that the lovely Olivia is as bold as she is beautiful makes him more determined to seduce her into never saying "never" again.
REVIEW: I loved how this piece started off. An entirely different spin for the author on how to draw the hero and heroine together. I literally laughed – out loud.
Olivia is a dashing woman who refuses to let anyone walk all over her. She has her own mind set on what she wants and what she is going to do to get it – or not – whatever be the case for her. Roland is the typically male who thinks nothing is going to hold him down. That all ends – abruptly – as Olivia gets her “hands” on him.
The buildup of their story was great. It didn’t seemed rushed, nor did it go too slow. The chemistry was on key and when the fireworks finally happened, I was dripping with anticipation.
I gave this five stars as I found the plot very well done and I loved the spin the author put on it with the whole “widow” thing. It was one that even the reader was surprised about but it fit the story, and the characters.
Phenomenal read and a great time!
February 27, 2013
I have always enjoyed Isobel Carr's League of Second Sons series, but I really had trouble connecting with this one. It got better for me as the story progressed. The first half, though, just didn't reel me in.
The story follows Lady Olivia as she struggles to overcome the social stigma of finding out her marriage was invalid. She had no idea she had married a bigamist --she followed all of society's rules-- but she is considered damaged goods, nonetheless. She still has her beauty and a hefty dowry, and her father is pushing her back into society.
In a drunken stupor, Roland Devere sends her a scandalous proposition, and Olivia is smart enough to turn his insult to her advantage. She tells his family and hers that he has proposed marriage. He knows that if he exposes the lie, she'll produce the letter. They make the deal to front a phony engagement long enough to insulate her from the ton, then she'll call it off and retire to the country. Of course, in their time together, the ruse becomes a reality.
The two are attracted to each other right off the bat. And Devere is set on getting Olivia into bed. But one of the first problems I had with the book is how many liberties she allows him early on. As much as she is determined not to be with him, she acquiesces to some mighty big physical advances, over and over again. Then she goes back to acting like there is nothing between them. It just didn't ring true.
I found that really preferred the secondary romance between Olivia's father, Phillip, and Devere's sister, Margo. That one kept me guessing and I thought their exchanges were both genuine and very, very sexy.
Like I said, the book did improve for me in the second half, especially once there was some actual conflict between Olivia and Devere --and the author began really pulling the threads of the book together. But the main romance never really bowled me over. I just didn't get the same pull or dynamic from them that I got from Phillip and Margo. Those two saved the story for me.
Rating: C+
*ARC Provided by Forever via NetGalley
The story follows Lady Olivia as she struggles to overcome the social stigma of finding out her marriage was invalid. She had no idea she had married a bigamist --she followed all of society's rules-- but she is considered damaged goods, nonetheless. She still has her beauty and a hefty dowry, and her father is pushing her back into society.
In a drunken stupor, Roland Devere sends her a scandalous proposition, and Olivia is smart enough to turn his insult to her advantage. She tells his family and hers that he has proposed marriage. He knows that if he exposes the lie, she'll produce the letter. They make the deal to front a phony engagement long enough to insulate her from the ton, then she'll call it off and retire to the country. Of course, in their time together, the ruse becomes a reality.
The two are attracted to each other right off the bat. And Devere is set on getting Olivia into bed. But one of the first problems I had with the book is how many liberties she allows him early on. As much as she is determined not to be with him, she acquiesces to some mighty big physical advances, over and over again. Then she goes back to acting like there is nothing between them. It just didn't ring true.
I found that really preferred the secondary romance between Olivia's father, Phillip, and Devere's sister, Margo. That one kept me guessing and I thought their exchanges were both genuine and very, very sexy.
Like I said, the book did improve for me in the second half, especially once there was some actual conflict between Olivia and Devere --and the author began really pulling the threads of the book together. But the main romance never really bowled me over. I just didn't get the same pull or dynamic from them that I got from Phillip and Margo. Those two saved the story for me.
Rating: C+
*ARC Provided by Forever via NetGalley
February 18, 2013
เรื่องนี้เปิดเรื่องได้สุดยอดมาก น่าติดตามสุด ๆ เมื่อนางเอกใช้จดหมายที่พระเอกเขียนมาหาเป็นเครื่องมือในการแบล็คเมลล์ให้พระเอกเล่นละครเป็นคู่หมั้นให้กับเธอ เพราะเนื้อความในจดหมาย ซึ่งพระเอกเขียนตอนที่เมา ขอสมัครเป็นชู้รักของนางเอก ซึ่งเมื่อนางเอกขู่ว่า จะเอาจดหมายให้พ่อแม่ของพระเอกอ่าน เขาก็เลยจำยอมเล่นเป็นคู่หมั้นจำเป็น
ซึ่งนางเอกก็กำลังต้องการผู้ชายสักคนมาเป็นไม้กันหมาอยู่พอดี นั่นเพราะเธอเป็นแม่หม้ายแบบพิเศษ สามีที่เธอและบิดาเลือกนักเลือกหนาดันเคยแต่งงานมาก่อน และภรรยาของเขายังมีชีวิตอยู่ นั่นเลยทำให้เลดี้โอลิเวียจากดาวเป็นท้องฟ้า ร่วงหล่นหมดท่า กลายเป็นโสดอีกครั้ง แต่ชื่อเสียงป่นปี้ เมื่อบิดาบังคับให้เธอกลับเข้าวงสังคมอีกรอบ ชายคนที่เข้าหา ก็มีแต่พวกที่มีเจตนาไม่บริสุทธิ์ หญิงสาวจึงวางแผนกุเรื่องหมั้นหมาย และคิดจะสร้างข่าวฉาวด้วยการถอนหมั้นอีกครั้ง จากนั้นก็จะอยู่เป็นโสดตามสภาพ
เริ่มต้นเรื่องได้น่าอ่านค่ะ แต่ช่วงกลางเรื่องไปจนถึงตอนท้ายเรื่องออกจากอืดอาดไปบ้าง คู่หลักระหว่างโอลิเวียและโรแลนด์กลับไม่น่าสนใจเหมือนสองสามบทแรกที่พวกเขาออกมามีบทบาท แม้จะต้องบอกว่า คาแร็คเตอร์ของโอลิเวียดีเกินคาดหมายค่ะ (วัดจากที่เรารู้สึกกับเธอในเล่มสองในชุด Ripe for Scandal) เราคิดว่า เธอจะหงิม ๆ และเป็นเหยื่อ แต่ตัวตนในเรื่องไม่ใช่เลย โอลิเวียเข้มแข็งได้ใจค่ะ โดยเฉพาะเมื่อคิดถึงสถานการณ์ที่เธอต้องเผชิญมา
เป็นคาแร็คเตอร์ของโรแลนด์ที่เรารู้สึกว่าอ่อนไปหน่อย เขาดูไม่มีแรงผลักดัน ใช้ชีวิตสบาย ๆ ซึ่งก็ไม่ได้ผิดอะไรนะคะ แต่ธีมของเรื่องก็คือ สมาคมลับของเหล่าลูกชายคนรอง ๆ ซึ่งในสองเล่มแรก เราได้เห็นว่า พวกเขาสร้างความเปลี่ยนแปลง หรืออย่างน้อยก็ต้องการเปลี่ยนสถานการณ์ที่ตัวเองอยู่ (การเป็นลูกคนรองและต้องพึ่งพาเงินของครอบครัว) แต่โรแลนด์ดูพอใจในชีวิตมาก ซึ่งอาจเป็นเรื่องดีที่จับคู่เขากับโอลิเวียก็ได้ เพราะเธอมีสินเดิมติดตัวเยอะ
ประเด็นอื่นในเรื่องดูเหมือนถูกเติมเข้ามา เพราะแทบจะไม่ได้เกี่ยวข้องกับโอลิเวียหรือโรแลนด์โดยตรงเลย ไม่ว่าจะเป็นเรื่องที่เขาเข้าไปช่วยเหลือเพื่อนในเรื่องแฟนสาว หรือญาติของโอลิเวียที่หวังมรดกก็ดูเหมือนเติมเข้ามาเพื่อให้หน้ากระดาษครบ
ส่วนที่เราชอบที่สุดกลับเป็นเรื่องความรักระหว่างพ่อของโอลิเวีย และพี่สาวของโรแลนด์ ชอบมากจนอยากให้คนแต่งเขียนเรื่องนี้แยกออกมาเลยดีกว่า น่าอ่าน และน่าสนใจกว่าตัวเอกเยอะค่ะ
คะแนนที่ 60
ซึ่งนางเอกก็กำลังต้องการผู้ชายสักคนมาเป็นไม้กันหมาอยู่พอดี นั่นเพราะเธอเป็นแม่หม้ายแบบพิเศษ สามีที่เธอและบิดาเลือกนักเลือกหนาดันเคยแต่งงานมาก่อน และภรรยาของเขายังมีชีวิตอยู่ นั่นเลยทำให้เลดี้โอลิเวียจากดาวเป็นท้องฟ้า ร่วงหล่นหมดท่า กลายเป็นโสดอีกครั้ง แต่ชื่อเสียงป่นปี้ เมื่อบิดาบังคับให้เธอกลับเข้าวงสังคมอีกรอบ ชายคนที่เข้าหา ก็มีแต่พวกที่มีเจตนาไม่บริสุทธิ์ หญิงสาวจึงวางแผนกุเรื่องหมั้นหมาย และคิดจะสร้างข่าวฉาวด้วยการถอนหมั้นอีกครั้ง จากนั้นก็จะอยู่เป็นโสดตามสภาพ
เริ่มต้นเรื่องได้น่าอ่านค่ะ แต่ช่วงกลางเรื่องไปจนถึงตอนท้ายเรื่องออกจากอืดอาดไปบ้าง คู่หลักระหว่างโอลิเวียและโรแลนด์กลับไม่น่าสนใจเหมือนสองสามบทแรกที่พวกเขาออกมามีบทบาท แม้จะต้องบอกว่า คาแร็คเตอร์ของโอลิเวียดีเกินคาดหมายค่ะ (วัดจากที่เรารู้สึกกับเธอในเล่มสองในชุด Ripe for Scandal) เราคิดว่า เธอจะหงิม ๆ และเป็นเหยื่อ แต่ตัวตนในเรื่องไม่ใช่เลย โอลิเวียเข้มแข็งได้ใจค่ะ โดยเฉพาะเมื่อคิดถึงสถานการณ์ที่เธอต้องเผชิญมา
เป็นคาแร็คเตอร์ของโรแลนด์ที่เรารู้สึกว่าอ่อนไปหน่อย เขาดูไม่มีแรงผลักดัน ใช้ชีวิตสบาย ๆ ซึ่งก็ไม่ได้ผิดอะไรนะคะ แต่ธีมของเรื่องก็คือ สมาคมลับของเหล่าลูกชายคนรอง ๆ ซึ่งในสองเล่มแรก เราได้เห็นว่า พวกเขาสร้างความเปลี่ยนแปลง หรืออย่างน้อยก็ต้องการเปลี่ยนสถานการณ์ที่ตัวเองอยู่ (การเป็นลูกคนรองและต้องพึ่งพาเงินของครอบครัว) แต่โรแลนด์ดูพอใจในชีวิตมาก ซึ่งอาจเป็นเรื่องดีที่จับคู่เขากับโอลิเวียก็ได้ เพราะเธอมีสินเดิมติดตัวเยอะ
ประเด็นอื่นในเรื่องดูเหมือนถูกเติมเข้ามา เพราะแทบจะไม่ได้เกี่ยวข้องกับโอลิเวียหรือโรแลนด์โดยตรงเลย ไม่ว่าจะเป็นเรื่องที่เขาเข้าไปช่วยเหลือเพื่อนในเรื่องแฟนสาว หรือญาติของโอลิเวียที่หวังมรดกก็ดูเหมือนเติมเข้ามาเพื่อให้หน้ากระดาษครบ
ส่วนที่เราชอบที่สุดกลับเป็นเรื่องความรักระหว่างพ่อของโอลิเวีย และพี่สาวของโรแลนด์ ชอบมากจนอยากให้คนแต่งเขียนเรื่องนี้แยกออกมาเลยดีกว่า น่าอ่าน และน่าสนใจกว่าตัวเอกเยอะค่ะ
คะแนนที่ 60
November 11, 2012
*This review is based on a advanced reader's copy of the book I won through Goodreads FirstReads Giveaways.*
This book is the first I've read by this author, but it will not be the last. I'm already planning on checking out the previous two in the series.
I really, really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the author's twist on the standard ruined woman/ruined widow trope, and the fact that Livy was such a strong female lead. Actually one of two strong female leads as this novel had dual romances in it. One between Livy and Devere and the other between Philip (Livy's father) and Margo (Devere's sister and my favorite character). Both romances were very well done and nicely developed, though I almost wish both had gotten books totally their own, because I'd have loved to spend more time with both couples.
After Livy's disastrous and scandalous marriage ends, she's not looking forward to being seen as fresh meat by the men of the ton, so when she gets a letter featuring a very indecent proposal written by a drunken Devere, Livy decides to turn the tables on him. In order to keep the rakes of the ton at bay, she has him pose as her betrothed for the rest of the season. I enjoyed watching the relationship progress between the two as the story progressed. The same with the relationship between Margo and Philip. All four characters were wonderfully written, the men strong and dashing--without falling into alpha male territory--and the women, equally strong and in control of their own lives.
Also, can I just say that I love the fact that this isn't a real angsty book? I'm just not overly fond of really angsty books much these days, so I was pleased that while this book does present our couples with obstacles to their happily ever after, they're not needlessly drawn out or made to seem insurmountable.
This book is the first I've read by this author, but it will not be the last. I'm already planning on checking out the previous two in the series.
I really, really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the author's twist on the standard ruined woman/ruined widow trope, and the fact that Livy was such a strong female lead. Actually one of two strong female leads as this novel had dual romances in it. One between Livy and Devere and the other between Philip (Livy's father) and Margo (Devere's sister and my favorite character). Both romances were very well done and nicely developed, though I almost wish both had gotten books totally their own, because I'd have loved to spend more time with both couples.
After Livy's disastrous and scandalous marriage ends, she's not looking forward to being seen as fresh meat by the men of the ton, so when she gets a letter featuring a very indecent proposal written by a drunken Devere, Livy decides to turn the tables on him. In order to keep the rakes of the ton at bay, she has him pose as her betrothed for the rest of the season. I enjoyed watching the relationship progress between the two as the story progressed. The same with the relationship between Margo and Philip. All four characters were wonderfully written, the men strong and dashing--without falling into alpha male territory--and the women, equally strong and in control of their own lives.
Also, can I just say that I love the fact that this isn't a real angsty book? I'm just not overly fond of really angsty books much these days, so I was pleased that while this book does present our couples with obstacles to their happily ever after, they're not needlessly drawn out or made to seem insurmountable.
October 26, 2014
Overall rating: 3 stars
Plot: 3
Character development: H1: 3 h1: 3 (Roland/Olivia)
H2: 4. h2: 4 (Philip/Margot)
Erotic tension/buildup: first couple: 3 stars
Second couple:4 stars
Erotic scenes descriptiveness: 4.5 stars
Erotic scenes frequency: first couple : 2-3 (not counting the under the skirt action)
Second couple:4-5
Writing style/Flow: 2.5. (Too many other elements, I almost DNF)
Writing quality: 4.5
Denouement: 5
I felt like this book was setting up future books about the other male characters in the League of Second Sons. Too many stray plot points and details about other characters. There was no need to have the side drama of the betrothed of another man missing and then have the H Roland become a Hero.
The romance between the secondary characters was actually hotter than the primary couples romance. I appreciated the amount of research that went into describing the entertainments of this period, I can say I learned a thing or two. But in describing these period entertainments, the author kind of squandered opportunities to further stoke the flames of erotic tension between the primary couple, and she did it for the secondary couple.
I kept waiting for the Hero and the heroine to GET IT ON, and they finally do at the 85% point of the novel
Plot: 3
Character development: H1: 3 h1: 3 (Roland/Olivia)
H2: 4. h2: 4 (Philip/Margot)
Erotic tension/buildup: first couple: 3 stars
Second couple:4 stars
Erotic scenes descriptiveness: 4.5 stars
Erotic scenes frequency: first couple : 2-3 (not counting the under the skirt action)
Second couple:4-5
Writing style/Flow: 2.5. (Too many other elements, I almost DNF)
Writing quality: 4.5
Denouement: 5
I felt like this book was setting up future books about the other male characters in the League of Second Sons. Too many stray plot points and details about other characters. There was no need to have the side drama of the betrothed of another man missing and then have the H Roland become a Hero.
The romance between the secondary characters was actually hotter than the primary couples romance. I appreciated the amount of research that went into describing the entertainments of this period, I can say I learned a thing or two. But in describing these period entertainments, the author kind of squandered opportunities to further stoke the flames of erotic tension between the primary couple, and she did it for the secondary couple.
I kept waiting for the Hero and the heroine to GET IT ON, and they finally do at the 85% point of the novel
June 15, 2017
Ripe for Seduction
By Isobel Carr
The League of Second Sons
Book 3
Ripe for Seduction is about Lady Olivia “Livy” Carlow and Roland “Rolly” Devere… and a bet.
Can Devere bed Livy before his friend Thane?
Lady Olivia is a woman whose marriage ended in a most scandalous way and is looking for peace from societies many suitors and rakes. What she gets is a letter that arrives with a perfect solution. Devere has made his move and Livy sees an opportunity. But the ruse is far from simple when a relative has nefarious plans for our hero and heroine.
A special bonus is the relationship between Comtesse Margo and Lord Arlington, Lady Olivia’s father. Trust me this beautiful and HOT affair and you will love it.
This romance is filled with all my requirements in a great read, wonderful sexual tension, smart plot and sympathetic character’s to root for. Carr’s writing is masterful and had me turning the page with relish. This story ensnared my heart and I highly recommend it.
If you’re new to the series, please pick up the first book, RIPE FOR SCANDAL and second book, RIPE FOR PLEASURE.
Treat yourself.
ARC was given in exchange for an honest review.
By Isobel Carr
The League of Second Sons
Book 3
Ripe for Seduction is about Lady Olivia “Livy” Carlow and Roland “Rolly” Devere… and a bet.
Can Devere bed Livy before his friend Thane?
Lady Olivia is a woman whose marriage ended in a most scandalous way and is looking for peace from societies many suitors and rakes. What she gets is a letter that arrives with a perfect solution. Devere has made his move and Livy sees an opportunity. But the ruse is far from simple when a relative has nefarious plans for our hero and heroine.
A special bonus is the relationship between Comtesse Margo and Lord Arlington, Lady Olivia’s father. Trust me this beautiful and HOT affair and you will love it.
This romance is filled with all my requirements in a great read, wonderful sexual tension, smart plot and sympathetic character’s to root for. Carr’s writing is masterful and had me turning the page with relish. This story ensnared my heart and I highly recommend it.
If you’re new to the series, please pick up the first book, RIPE FOR SCANDAL and second book, RIPE FOR PLEASURE.
Treat yourself.
ARC was given in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2013
RIPE FOR SEDUCTION by Isobel Carr is a wonderful Regency Historical Romance. #3 in "The League of Second Sons",but can be read as a stand alone.
"The League of Second Sons
A secret society of younger sons, sworn to aid and abet each other, no matter the scandal or cost . . ."
Filled with passion,scandal,trust,secrets,a wager,second chances,a scheme or two,a bit of danger,and love. Two interweaving stories of the love of a father, and the love of a sister for her brother. Margo (Devere's sister) and Philip (Olivia's Father)may be able to find a second chance in love too.Lady Olivia Carlow,after a disastrous marriage,Lady Olivia must become betrothed to stop some of the rakes seeking her flavors. Roland Devere,a second son,a scandalous rake,and is determined to be the first in Olivia's bed. But,things do not always happen as you want. An interesting plot with strong characters that will surely capture your heart. A great read. Ms. Carr is a great storyteller. Received for an honest review from the publisher and Net Galley.
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction Reviews/My Book Addiction and More
"The League of Second Sons
A secret society of younger sons, sworn to aid and abet each other, no matter the scandal or cost . . ."
Filled with passion,scandal,trust,secrets,a wager,second chances,a scheme or two,a bit of danger,and love. Two interweaving stories of the love of a father, and the love of a sister for her brother. Margo (Devere's sister) and Philip (Olivia's Father)may be able to find a second chance in love too.Lady Olivia Carlow,after a disastrous marriage,Lady Olivia must become betrothed to stop some of the rakes seeking her flavors. Roland Devere,a second son,a scandalous rake,and is determined to be the first in Olivia's bed. But,things do not always happen as you want. An interesting plot with strong characters that will surely capture your heart. A great read. Ms. Carr is a great storyteller. Received for an honest review from the publisher and Net Galley.
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction Reviews/My Book Addiction and More
February 12, 2015
So, on the plus side, one of the other reviews matched my own opinions so completely that I've found a new GR-user whose reviews I can follow in order to find books I'll enjoy.
On the negative side? I really liked the start of this book - the heroine had been handed lemons, and was determined to make lemonade. But then it just fizzled. She lost all agency and just seemed to wander from party to party, being seduced by the guy she'd been determined to hate. Blech.
Add in scene breaks that felt WAY too abrupt (to the point I thought maybe my e-book file had been corrupted somehow), a really stupid and out-of-character Big Misunderstanding, and a ridiculous sub-plot that actually made the hero look like a selfish idiot instead of a good guy, and this book was a big disappointment.
As with other reviewers, I enjoyed the secondary romance. So that's something...
On the negative side? I really liked the start of this book - the heroine had been handed lemons, and was determined to make lemonade. But then it just fizzled. She lost all agency and just seemed to wander from party to party, being seduced by the guy she'd been determined to hate. Blech.
Add in scene breaks that felt WAY too abrupt (to the point I thought maybe my e-book file had been corrupted somehow), a really stupid and out-of-character Big Misunderstanding, and a ridiculous sub-plot that actually made the hero look like a selfish idiot instead of a good guy, and this book was a big disappointment.
As with other reviewers, I enjoyed the secondary romance. So that's something...
January 7, 2013
When I was growing up there was always that pressure to be sure that one kept one's reputation unblemished--especially true for young girls. But few of us have ever had the problems this heroine faced after having found out that her husband already had a wife. Not really a widow yet no longer an "unsullied" maiden, Lady Olivia had to come up with something that would give her a way of redeeming herself in the eyes of society. Her solution was certainly not completely out of the ordinary but the outcome surprised her as much as it did the gentleman in question. I really great book and one that is entertaining from start to finish.
January 19, 2013
This is one of my goodreads wins and I have to admit I really enjoyed the book. Even in time when ladies had to be overly proper and men could be themselves this book is a testament to always being true to our hearts. The trials and tribulations that Olivia went through after her failed marriage showed that she was stronger than women were given in the time period. Roland the playboy is taught the lessons that only true life can provide. I will be reading the other books in this series and can't wait to see what else Isobel Carr has to offer.
January 15, 2013
Ripe for Seduction is the third book in The League of Second Sons series. I have not read the others yet, but I did not feel as if there were any gaps in the story. It can be read as a stand-alone book. Overall, it’s a fantastic historical romance filled with great characters, a flowing storyline and a different spin on the usual ruined woman/widowed woman storyline. The dual romances and their great chemisty were a fantastic addition to this story.
won on goodreads
January 22, 2013
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway and I read it during the weekend. I really enjoyed this book. It was long (a plus for me), which gave the author plenty of time to left the main characters fall in love and develop a good plot. I hate when a love story is rushed and you just shake your head, but I did like this one. I also was not able to guess the obstacles that would have to be overcome. Usually I can. This was a good one!
February 3, 2014
I just couldn't get emotionally involved in the main Olivia/Roland romance, but I tend to prefer the trope of the H/h not liking each other at first, and Olivia and Roland were already friends when the story began, so a lot of this could just be my personal preference. I did quite enjoy the secondary romance, though, which I won't give away, and which bumped this up to 2.5 stars (REALLY wish we could give half-stars here). Looking forward to the next book in the series. :-)
March 15, 2013
I just couldn't get emotionally involved in the main Olivia/Roland romance, but I tend to prefer the trope of the H/h not liking each other at first, and Olivia and Roland were already friends when the story began, so a lot of this could just be my personal preference. I did quite enjoy the secondary romance, though, which I won't give away, and which bumped this up to 2.5 stars (REALLY wish we could give half-stars here). Looking forward to the next book in the series. :-)
January 20, 2013
I was fortunate to receive this ARC free from goodreads.com as a free first read. This is the first book that I have read from Isobel Carr, but most definitely not the last. I got very annoyed that my life kept interfering with my reading. Now I must procure Ripe For Scandal and Ripe For Pleasure to read and then re-read Ripe for Seduction.
Read again
Read again
January 11, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed Olivia and Roland, I thought their characters were well fleshed out and they had pages of fantastically witty banter. My only complaint is that I felt that Henry could have had more "screen time" so his role as villain could be better fleshed out.
Be forewarned, the steamy parts were really steamy!
Be forewarned, the steamy parts were really steamy!
December 16, 2012
Olivia and Devere
I was totally into this one until a secondary romance kind of took over. It was a bummer. Full review to come on Fiction Vixen Book Reviews
I was totally into this one until a secondary romance kind of took over. It was a bummer. Full review to come on Fiction Vixen Book Reviews
January 19, 2013
I liked it very much, and it was a fast read. The characters seemed so real, and the cultural differences were not as far as part as some I have read in the past! I easily kept up with the various plots in the book and wanted it all to work out just as it did.
November 5, 2013
I won this book from Goodreads, I like the book, but it didn't keep me interested, another relationship one, I guess I'm more of a mystery, thriller type person, I thought it would be more interesting as I read it, but it didn't, it's ok for the people who like the more intimate type books.
January 15, 2013
LOVED IT!! I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN TILL I FINISHED IT. IT WAS AMAZON I LOVE THESE KINDS OF BOOKS. I WON THIS BOOK AT GR GIVEAWAYS.
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