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The Rarest Blooms #1
Deslumbrante
Numa época em que a reputação de uma mulher é o seu bem mais precioso, Audrianna desafia todas as convenções. Ela é uma jovem determinada, independente... e disposta a tudo para aniquilar o seu adversário, o altivo Lord Sebastian Sommerhayes. A uni-los está um homem: o pai de Audrianna, que morreu envolto nas malhas de uma conspiração. Para Audrianna, essa tragédia significou o fim da sua inocência. Para Sebastian, que liderou a investigação, foi apenas uma morte merecida. Audrianna jurou limpar o nome do pai, mas nunca esperou sentir um desejo tão avassalador pelo homem que o arrasou. A busca pela verdade vai levá-la demasiado longe numa sociedade que é implacável perante a ousadia feminina. Ao ver-se mergulhada num escândalo que pode ser-lhe fatal, Audrianna tem apenas uma inconcebível opção... Deslumbrante é o primeiro volume da série As Flores Mais Raras. Mais uma apaixonante e sensual saga histórica pela mão da Rainha do Romance.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 26, 2010
238 people are currently reading
2997 people want to read
About the author
Madeline Hunter
102 books2,100 followersMadeline Hunter is a nationally bestselling author of historical romances who lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two sons. Her books have won two RITA awards and seven nominations, and have had three starred reviews in Publishers Weekly. In a parallel existence to the one she enjoys as a novelist, Madeline has a Ph.D. in art history and teaches at an East Coast university.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 405 reviews
June 3, 2010
It's been a few years since I read Madeline Hunter. But, I didn't forget how good her writing is. Her style has an authentic feel that I love to read in historical romances. I like her choice of words and her use of subtle wit. This story wasn't particularly steamy, and at first, I was disappointed at how mild the love scenes were. But, as I continued to read, I came to realize that they fit this story.
I love books in which the couple marries early, and the progression of the book shows how they come to know each other and fall in love as husband and wife. This book is no different. Sebastian and Audrianna had a very inauspicious start to their courtship, but it was deemed by fate, on many levels.
I liked and respected both Audrianna and Sebastian. I think Sebastian turned out to be a wonderful husband, even though he doubted that he would be. He was raised in the shadow of a big brother who was the perfect gentleman, and his harridan of a mother never let him forget that. When Morgan, the Marquess of Wittonbury, was wounded in the war, and paralyzed, he stepped in to attend to Morgan's duties as the Marquess. Sebastian felt like his identity had been absorbed into that of his brother, and that he would never live up to him. He married Audrianna mostly out of duty, although there was not a little bit of desire there, as well. His brother immediately liked Audrianna, which spurred him to offer for her when her reputation is ruined. Although it's perfectly innocent, it doesn't look like it; as they are caught together in an inn room where they both go to meet the man who might have information about the adulterated gunpowder that lead to soldiers' deaths, and ruined Audrianna's father's reputation. Despite the reason for marrying Audrianna, he treated her with kindness and respect, and listened to her, meeting her needs. Soonafter, he gave his heart to her fully. Audrianna rejected Sebastian's marriage proposal twice, and finally agreed, having doubts as to the success of her union. She resigned herself to a ton marriage in which a husband's unfaithfulness was a forgone conclusion. She had no idea how she had stolen her husband's heart.
This is a very strong, good read. It falls short of five star for me, because the passion seemed a bit muted, and it lacked a certain intensity that I like in a good historical. However, it's a very well-executed love story, with a captivating cast of secondary characters. I think it's also very successful as a historical; one in which I never felt like I was reading a modern book with window-dressing. This is one of those books I want to read when I yearn for a good historical, and I'm glad that Ms. Hunter delivered that reading experience to me.
I must say that Sebastian makes a very polite jealous/possessive hero, with some good quotes that show he won't be a man to be cuckolded:
"You will have to forgive me, Major Woodruffe. I am new to marriage, and perhaps more given to jealousy than some of the more experienced husbands that you know. It is possible that you seek only friendship with my wife. If, however, you entertain any other--"
-Sebastian to Woodruffe (Audrianna's ex-fiance who comes sniffing around her now that she's safely married to a man of influence)
"I assure you that such a thing is the furthest thing from my mind."
-Woodruffe to Sebastian
"Come now, Major. We are both men. Such ideas are never far from our minds at all. But if you do anything that causes me to think that your mind dwells long on that particular idea, I will thrash you, I will ruin you, and I will probably kill you."
-Sebastian to Woodruffe
"I did indeed say you could have lovers. But I never promised that I would not kill them.
-Sebastian to Audrianna
Those moments gave me some glee, as I do love my jealous/possessive heroes. I was glad that he intended to do his best to be faithful. I admired that he said he would do his best. Since he is not a man to lie or to shirk his responsibilites, and he is very much in love with his wife, I have no doubts that he will be faithful to her for the duration of his marriage. Before, Sebastian seemed to be rootless, but he found his home in his wife. I don't expect him to return to his wandering, rakish former ways.
If you want to read a good, entertaining, historical romance that reads like a historical, I'd recommend Ravishing in Red. Ms. Hunter writes so beautifully, I feel you'll enjoy this novel.
I love books in which the couple marries early, and the progression of the book shows how they come to know each other and fall in love as husband and wife. This book is no different. Sebastian and Audrianna had a very inauspicious start to their courtship, but it was deemed by fate, on many levels.
I liked and respected both Audrianna and Sebastian. I think Sebastian turned out to be a wonderful husband, even though he doubted that he would be. He was raised in the shadow of a big brother who was the perfect gentleman, and his harridan of a mother never let him forget that. When Morgan, the Marquess of Wittonbury, was wounded in the war, and paralyzed, he stepped in to attend to Morgan's duties as the Marquess. Sebastian felt like his identity had been absorbed into that of his brother, and that he would never live up to him. He married Audrianna mostly out of duty, although there was not a little bit of desire there, as well. His brother immediately liked Audrianna, which spurred him to offer for her when her reputation is ruined. Although it's perfectly innocent, it doesn't look like it; as they are caught together in an inn room where they both go to meet the man who might have information about the adulterated gunpowder that lead to soldiers' deaths, and ruined Audrianna's father's reputation. Despite the reason for marrying Audrianna, he treated her with kindness and respect, and listened to her, meeting her needs. Soonafter, he gave his heart to her fully. Audrianna rejected Sebastian's marriage proposal twice, and finally agreed, having doubts as to the success of her union. She resigned herself to a ton marriage in which a husband's unfaithfulness was a forgone conclusion. She had no idea how she had stolen her husband's heart.
This is a very strong, good read. It falls short of five star for me, because the passion seemed a bit muted, and it lacked a certain intensity that I like in a good historical. However, it's a very well-executed love story, with a captivating cast of secondary characters. I think it's also very successful as a historical; one in which I never felt like I was reading a modern book with window-dressing. This is one of those books I want to read when I yearn for a good historical, and I'm glad that Ms. Hunter delivered that reading experience to me.
I must say that Sebastian makes a very polite jealous/possessive hero, with some good quotes that show he won't be a man to be cuckolded:
"You will have to forgive me, Major Woodruffe. I am new to marriage, and perhaps more given to jealousy than some of the more experienced husbands that you know. It is possible that you seek only friendship with my wife. If, however, you entertain any other--"
-Sebastian to Woodruffe (Audrianna's ex-fiance who comes sniffing around her now that she's safely married to a man of influence)
"I assure you that such a thing is the furthest thing from my mind."
-Woodruffe to Sebastian
"Come now, Major. We are both men. Such ideas are never far from our minds at all. But if you do anything that causes me to think that your mind dwells long on that particular idea, I will thrash you, I will ruin you, and I will probably kill you."
-Sebastian to Woodruffe
"I did indeed say you could have lovers. But I never promised that I would not kill them.
-Sebastian to Audrianna
Those moments gave me some glee, as I do love my jealous/possessive heroes. I was glad that he intended to do his best to be faithful. I admired that he said he would do his best. Since he is not a man to lie or to shirk his responsibilites, and he is very much in love with his wife, I have no doubts that he will be faithful to her for the duration of his marriage. Before, Sebastian seemed to be rootless, but he found his home in his wife. I don't expect him to return to his wandering, rakish former ways.
If you want to read a good, entertaining, historical romance that reads like a historical, I'd recommend Ravishing in Red. Ms. Hunter writes so beautifully, I feel you'll enjoy this novel.
November 23, 2025
A very solid beginning to the Rarest Blooms series, and Castleford (the degenerate duke from Dangerous in Diamonds) made a few book-stealing appearances, not all of them sober…because not every day is Tuesday.
Thanks to a munitions scandal which implicated her father as negligent in the deaths of soldiers in the Napoleonic War and his subsequent suicide, Audrianna and her family live in poverty and disgrace. When she sees a personal notice in the newspaper from a mysterious “Domino” asking her deceased father to a meeting at a particular place and time, Audrianna shows up hoping for information to exonerate her father and clear his name.
Lord Sebastian Summerhays, who led the investigation that resulted in Audrianna’s family’s ruin, also sees the notice and appears at the meeting. After a passionate kiss, a shooting, a suspect’s escape, and an overnight incarceration at the meeting site, Sebastian is unable to contain the fallout and the resulting scandal threatens to destroy his own family’s future as well as further harm Audrianna’s. They must marry, and they decide the rules ahead of time: they will spend minimal time together while pursuing individual interests and, after she provides an heir, are free to live separately and take other lovers.
Umm hmmm.
The physical side of their relationship flames hot. The emotional side is slow-burn, with Sebastian reluctantly finding himself drawn to his wife’s company and jealous of any sign of rapport with other men, and Audrianna resisting her attraction to the man she blames for her father’s disgrace and death. The initial agreement they made about their marriage starts to fray around the edges, and Audrianna wants to clarify a few points:
”…I remind you that you agreed that you would accept rivals, and be reasonable. Quite specifically. Once a child was born. That was part of the settlement, in a way of speaking.”
He stopped walking and faced her. He smiled in that bedazzling way. “I did indeed say that you could have lovers. But I never promised that I would not kill them.”
The romance takes center stage over the mystery, but the mystery isn’t stupid or frivolous and is resolved pretty satisfactorily.
This lacked that extra special something that makes a book 5 stars for me, but this series continues to please.
Thanks to a munitions scandal which implicated her father as negligent in the deaths of soldiers in the Napoleonic War and his subsequent suicide, Audrianna and her family live in poverty and disgrace. When she sees a personal notice in the newspaper from a mysterious “Domino” asking her deceased father to a meeting at a particular place and time, Audrianna shows up hoping for information to exonerate her father and clear his name.
Lord Sebastian Summerhays, who led the investigation that resulted in Audrianna’s family’s ruin, also sees the notice and appears at the meeting. After a passionate kiss, a shooting, a suspect’s escape, and an overnight incarceration at the meeting site, Sebastian is unable to contain the fallout and the resulting scandal threatens to destroy his own family’s future as well as further harm Audrianna’s. They must marry, and they decide the rules ahead of time: they will spend minimal time together while pursuing individual interests and, after she provides an heir, are free to live separately and take other lovers.
Umm hmmm.
The physical side of their relationship flames hot. The emotional side is slow-burn, with Sebastian reluctantly finding himself drawn to his wife’s company and jealous of any sign of rapport with other men, and Audrianna resisting her attraction to the man she blames for her father’s disgrace and death. The initial agreement they made about their marriage starts to fray around the edges, and Audrianna wants to clarify a few points:
”…I remind you that you agreed that you would accept rivals, and be reasonable. Quite specifically. Once a child was born. That was part of the settlement, in a way of speaking.”
He stopped walking and faced her. He smiled in that bedazzling way. “I did indeed say that you could have lovers. But I never promised that I would not kill them.”
The romance takes center stage over the mystery, but the mystery isn’t stupid or frivolous and is resolved pretty satisfactorily.
This lacked that extra special something that makes a book 5 stars for me, but this series continues to please.
June 11, 2022
Very enjoyable mystery and romance. The books rates a strong 4* from me and I recommend it. I think the mystery was interesting and well written. I did not guess how it was going to play out. The romance was a bit less well defined but the end was satisfying.
January 6, 2017
This is the first by this author that I've read so it was something of a gamble for me; one that paid off, obviously, given my rating. It's a Regency era romance, but it has something of a different flavor than I'm used to and it took me a bit to decide whether I was in favor of it or not. In the end, I decided that I at least don't mind and the surrounding story was so engaging that I'd have probably continued reading even if I had found it off-putting.
I've been trying to pin down how it differs from other Regency romances and I'll do my best to explain. I think at heart it is a kind of unabashed embrace of sentimentality that only works because it is completely sincere. In this book, Audrianna is pursuing information about the scandal that pushed her father into suicide. In doing so, she takes risks that appeared at first to indicate that Hunter didn't much care for actual Regency norms—like traveling on her own, renting a room in a hotel and meeting a stranger there. These are things that no Regency woman would even consider, or at least, be so concerned by the impropriety that she'd put her chances of achieving her aim at functionally zero. But Audrianna is committed to exonerating her father and her heart is engaged to an extent that is beyond simply extraordinary. Which is to say it's ramped beyond human norms and thus unrealistic. The thing is, if you can go along with this (and no, I couldn't really rewrite it in my head because there were too many other dependencies), then the story unfolds beautifully and delivers very poignant vignettes of uncertainty, trust, love, friendship, honor, and forgiveness. Vignettes that it absolutely earns, even if you take the background of unabashed sentimentality into account.
The thing is, the sentimentality isn't static, nor is it limited to just Audrianna. It kind of permeates the story in a way that serves to highlight and underline other themes and motifs of the plot and characters. By dialing that aspect up, it highlights and brings forward the emotional aspects of the story in ways that would otherwise have been more subtle. And the weird thing is that even though I'm usually a big fan of subtle, I really enjoyed seeing the emotional dynamic play out center stage, here.
So it turns out I have an unexplored sentimental streak (note, I don't say unknown, as anyone who knows me well will probably give me a big "duh" on that one). Which makes me wonder if the rest of Hunter's novels have that same background assumption or if this is an aspect of Audrianna's character. I kind of hope it's universal in her work as I look forward to exploring more of it.
Of course, it also wouldn't have worked if the characters hadn't been engaging and the story interesting and the pacing excellent. Hunter also pulls off another amazing feat in making a plot about wartime materiel fraud work. It's a topic that's dry as old bones on its own, but investing it with the human interest of lies, betrayal, manipulation, and death made it as engaging as a plot of spy/counter-spy. It also gave a perfect backdrop for Sebastian to truly shine as the man of honor and determination who would fully earn Audrianna's love in the end—even though they start off absolutely opposed as he is the investigator who first shone the spotlight on her father. I loved that emotional arc and how they couldn't help developing a mutual respect despite being so fundamentally opposed in motive.
Anyway, the ending was so powerful that I'm tempted to ramp this to five stars. I may decide to change it later, but I need time to digest that unabashed sentimentality and decide what I think about it. It could be problematic and your enjoyment of the story is going to depend heavily on if you can accept that strong background element.
A note about Steamy: There are three or four explicit sex scenes in the story and that would normally pop this in the upper end of my middle range. But these scenes served so well to outline the growing trust and love between Sebastian and Audrianna that it really didn't rise that high. Really, really well done.
I've been trying to pin down how it differs from other Regency romances and I'll do my best to explain. I think at heart it is a kind of unabashed embrace of sentimentality that only works because it is completely sincere. In this book, Audrianna is pursuing information about the scandal that pushed her father into suicide. In doing so, she takes risks that appeared at first to indicate that Hunter didn't much care for actual Regency norms—like traveling on her own, renting a room in a hotel and meeting a stranger there. These are things that no Regency woman would even consider, or at least, be so concerned by the impropriety that she'd put her chances of achieving her aim at functionally zero. But Audrianna is committed to exonerating her father and her heart is engaged to an extent that is beyond simply extraordinary. Which is to say it's ramped beyond human norms and thus unrealistic. The thing is, if you can go along with this (and no, I couldn't really rewrite it in my head because there were too many other dependencies), then the story unfolds beautifully and delivers very poignant vignettes of uncertainty, trust, love, friendship, honor, and forgiveness. Vignettes that it absolutely earns, even if you take the background of unabashed sentimentality into account.
The thing is, the sentimentality isn't static, nor is it limited to just Audrianna. It kind of permeates the story in a way that serves to highlight and underline other themes and motifs of the plot and characters. By dialing that aspect up, it highlights and brings forward the emotional aspects of the story in ways that would otherwise have been more subtle. And the weird thing is that even though I'm usually a big fan of subtle, I really enjoyed seeing the emotional dynamic play out center stage, here.
So it turns out I have an unexplored sentimental streak (note, I don't say unknown, as anyone who knows me well will probably give me a big "duh" on that one). Which makes me wonder if the rest of Hunter's novels have that same background assumption or if this is an aspect of Audrianna's character. I kind of hope it's universal in her work as I look forward to exploring more of it.
Of course, it also wouldn't have worked if the characters hadn't been engaging and the story interesting and the pacing excellent. Hunter also pulls off another amazing feat in making a plot about wartime materiel fraud work. It's a topic that's dry as old bones on its own, but investing it with the human interest of lies, betrayal, manipulation, and death made it as engaging as a plot of spy/counter-spy. It also gave a perfect backdrop for Sebastian to truly shine as the man of honor and determination who would fully earn Audrianna's love in the end—even though they start off absolutely opposed as he is the investigator who first shone the spotlight on her father. I loved that emotional arc and how they couldn't help developing a mutual respect despite being so fundamentally opposed in motive.
Anyway, the ending was so powerful that I'm tempted to ramp this to five stars. I may decide to change it later, but I need time to digest that unabashed sentimentality and decide what I think about it. It could be problematic and your enjoyment of the story is going to depend heavily on if you can accept that strong background element.
A note about Steamy: There are three or four explicit sex scenes in the story and that would normally pop this in the upper end of my middle range. But these scenes served so well to outline the growing trust and love between Sebastian and Audrianna that it really didn't rise that high. Really, really well done.
March 28, 2017
Regency Romances......Oh man its been a while. I can say that, back in the day, this was all I read then. I owned the 3rd book from this quartet because, at the time, the book store didn't have the first two and the fourth wasn't out yet. I recently have been loving using my library for audiobooks so I decided why not try it for a romance novel I'm in no rush to buy but would like to read anyways. I have to say that I loved reading it via audiobook because of how quick I was able to get it done and move on to the sequel. Mini hint: I did enjoy the book.
To start, this was my first Madeline Hunter book and I did enjoy her writing style. I thought her prose was witty and her vocabulary was expansive. I also enjoyed both the main couple and the side characters. Audrianna, our main female lead, was confident, loyal and supportive. Sebastian, our male lead, was tenacious, supportive and surprisingly introspective. It was actually the relationship between Sebastian and his brother that really made me like his character more. He is so loyal to him and supportive of him that you can't help but grow to like him too.
One of my favourite side characters is Daphne which is the patroness of The Rarest Blooms. I enjoy her remarkably witty retorts and her intellectual ideas about woman rights which were very modern in the era the book takes place in. I love how she very logical but not so much to the point that she doesn't understand the human heart. I really hope one of the books in the quartet is dedicated to her cause thats the one I really wanna read.
Now with all the gushing I've done, you must be wondering why this book only got 3 stars? Well its because the plot was not that exciting. It was pretty weak actually. I almost forgot why Sebastian and Audrianna even met after reading part way through the book because it was just so insignificant. Then when it was brought up near the end, I was like "Oh yeah we need to kind of resolve that thing before we finish up." and that should never be the case.
If you are just looking for a light romance read then this would be for you. However don't expect fireworks because all your going to get are birthday candles.
Happy Reading
Jo
To start, this was my first Madeline Hunter book and I did enjoy her writing style. I thought her prose was witty and her vocabulary was expansive. I also enjoyed both the main couple and the side characters. Audrianna, our main female lead, was confident, loyal and supportive. Sebastian, our male lead, was tenacious, supportive and surprisingly introspective. It was actually the relationship between Sebastian and his brother that really made me like his character more. He is so loyal to him and supportive of him that you can't help but grow to like him too.
One of my favourite side characters is Daphne which is the patroness of The Rarest Blooms. I enjoy her remarkably witty retorts and her intellectual ideas about woman rights which were very modern in the era the book takes place in. I love how she very logical but not so much to the point that she doesn't understand the human heart. I really hope one of the books in the quartet is dedicated to her cause thats the one I really wanna read.
Now with all the gushing I've done, you must be wondering why this book only got 3 stars? Well its because the plot was not that exciting. It was pretty weak actually. I almost forgot why Sebastian and Audrianna even met after reading part way through the book because it was just so insignificant. Then when it was brought up near the end, I was like "Oh yeah we need to kind of resolve that thing before we finish up." and that should never be the case.
If you are just looking for a light romance read then this would be for you. However don't expect fireworks because all your going to get are birthday candles.
Happy Reading
Jo
July 14, 2021
This was a fantastically good read! It kept me engaged that I sacrificed my sleep (yet again - whoever said that books are supposed to help you sleep is clearly not a reader!). The premise was different than those that I've read so far. I do find that the author's writing style a bit muted. It's not a bad thing, not everything has to be loud. I liked the way the author portrayed the characters. People are not necessarily good or bad. People have multiple facets. The pacing was good. I'm quite keen to read her other books in this series especially Celia's story.
April 25, 2025
REVIEW
Rating: 3.5/5
POV: 1st; Dual
Heat Level: A very flowery vague 4/5
Tropes: "ruined" FMC; Class Difference; Independent FMC; Historical - Victorian (?); Mystery; Virgin FMC;
Kinks: N/A
Likes:
* I loved the home of the independent ladies. It added a unique aspect to the story line
* The mystery was well done. It didn't overpower the plot but it also wasn't predictable
Dislikes:
* the lack of romance in the story. It felt a bit clinical. I think part of that came with the sex scenes even being this weird flowery clinical something, lol.
Conclusion:
This felt like a good introduction to Madeline Hunter and her writing style. The story overall had a nice plot and good mystery but it lacked romance. In my opinion. To me this made the book a bit forgettable. I mean overall I'm just forgettable when it comes to books I've read but this one I read only a few days ago and I couldn't even remember if the couple got married, lol.
So with that being said - I don't have much of an opinion. I didn't dislike it but I definitely did not love it.
3.5/5
Rating: 3.5/5
POV: 1st; Dual
Heat Level: A very flowery vague 4/5
Tropes: "ruined" FMC; Class Difference; Independent FMC; Historical - Victorian (?); Mystery; Virgin FMC;
Kinks: N/A
Likes:
* I loved the home of the independent ladies. It added a unique aspect to the story line
* The mystery was well done. It didn't overpower the plot but it also wasn't predictable
Dislikes:
* the lack of romance in the story. It felt a bit clinical. I think part of that came with the sex scenes even being this weird flowery clinical something, lol.
Conclusion:
This felt like a good introduction to Madeline Hunter and her writing style. The story overall had a nice plot and good mystery but it lacked romance. In my opinion. To me this made the book a bit forgettable. I mean overall I'm just forgettable when it comes to books I've read but this one I read only a few days ago and I couldn't even remember if the couple got married, lol.
So with that being said - I don't have much of an opinion. I didn't dislike it but I definitely did not love it.
3.5/5
November 15, 2014
A pretty forgetful story, with insta love/lust. The characters meet, and five pages later Sebastian is trying to choke her with his tongue O_O .
There's nothing particularly wrong with this story, but there's nothing particularly interesting in it either.
I'm afraid that the author's writing style is no longer a favourite, and then reading this translated to Portuguese, was the nail in the coffin...
Who hires these people?
Despite that, I will be giving the second one a try, because according to my mother:
The second one is definitely better!
It better be! o_O
There's nothing particularly wrong with this story, but there's nothing particularly interesting in it either.
I'm afraid that the author's writing style is no longer a favourite, and then reading this translated to Portuguese, was the nail in the coffin...
Who hires these people?
Despite that, I will be giving the second one a try, because according to my mother:
The second one is definitely better!
It better be! o_O
April 1, 2019
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
I have recently fallen in love with Hunter’s writing style, there is something so realistic about her stories with showing progressiveness and a sensual love story. I love her writing style and she tends to balance everything out so perfectly and if you are looking for an author that does the right research in regency romances, And as a plus there is a well talented narrator that weaves this story so beautifully. I was hooked into this story, although not quite at first. It did take a few chapter before I became fully intrenched in the story but slowly this authors writing style won me over.
Ravishing In Red begins with our heroine, Audrianna who, along with her family have suffered a horrible scandal and her father comitting suicide and she is looking for proof of his innocence. As she goes out in the country to meet with a contact who has information that can prove her father’s innocence, she runs into Lord Sebastian Summerhays. Sebastian is working for the government trying to find out all those involved in a portion of gunpowder that was created wrong and his own brother became paralized along with other men suffering serious injuries and even dying from the explosion. But when he runs into Audrianna, their interaction ends up in a horrid scandal that will ruin Audrianna and the only thing that can save her and her family is by marriage and so Sebastian does the honorable thing. And even though Audrianna needs some convincing, there is a strong connection between them despite the fact that they are on opposite ends of the gunpowder investigation. But what begins as a battle of wits and wills soon develops into an affair of the heart between these two strong willed people.
I adored this story quite a bit and I really was enchanted by the level of intrigue and espionage and solving a mystery of the creation of this gunpowder. We get brought into the effects and trauma that those that suffered from the war. I really loved the level of sensuality that is brought into the story. I wouldn’t say that the heat is super strong, but the writing of the love scenes is so beautifully written despite the lack of detail. Both of the character here have such strong personalities and seeing them find some common ground in their relationship was quite fun. Their sexy bantering was highly entertaining and seeing them both go on a journey together in finding the true villains was packed with adventure and mystery.
Overall I found this book to be a romance full of captivating sensuality, a mystery to keep you guessing and a love story to warm your heart! SPECTACULAR!
I have recently fallen in love with Hunter’s writing style, there is something so realistic about her stories with showing progressiveness and a sensual love story. I love her writing style and she tends to balance everything out so perfectly and if you are looking for an author that does the right research in regency romances, And as a plus there is a well talented narrator that weaves this story so beautifully. I was hooked into this story, although not quite at first. It did take a few chapter before I became fully intrenched in the story but slowly this authors writing style won me over.
Ravishing In Red begins with our heroine, Audrianna who, along with her family have suffered a horrible scandal and her father comitting suicide and she is looking for proof of his innocence. As she goes out in the country to meet with a contact who has information that can prove her father’s innocence, she runs into Lord Sebastian Summerhays. Sebastian is working for the government trying to find out all those involved in a portion of gunpowder that was created wrong and his own brother became paralized along with other men suffering serious injuries and even dying from the explosion. But when he runs into Audrianna, their interaction ends up in a horrid scandal that will ruin Audrianna and the only thing that can save her and her family is by marriage and so Sebastian does the honorable thing. And even though Audrianna needs some convincing, there is a strong connection between them despite the fact that they are on opposite ends of the gunpowder investigation. But what begins as a battle of wits and wills soon develops into an affair of the heart between these two strong willed people.
I adored this story quite a bit and I really was enchanted by the level of intrigue and espionage and solving a mystery of the creation of this gunpowder. We get brought into the effects and trauma that those that suffered from the war. I really loved the level of sensuality that is brought into the story. I wouldn’t say that the heat is super strong, but the writing of the love scenes is so beautifully written despite the lack of detail. Both of the character here have such strong personalities and seeing them find some common ground in their relationship was quite fun. Their sexy bantering was highly entertaining and seeing them both go on a journey together in finding the true villains was packed with adventure and mystery.
Overall I found this book to be a romance full of captivating sensuality, a mystery to keep you guessing and a love story to warm your heart! SPECTACULAR!
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April 16, 2022
⤅ I basically just picked this up because the heroine's name is Audrianna.
I mean, what a name.
I remember having read a Madeline Hunter book a few years ago, and came away with mixed feelings. On the one hand, there's nothing technically wrong with her writing style, and her plots can be surprisingly interesting. On the other hand, it just feels like there's ZERO CHEMISTRY between the characters. The way she writes feels so slow-paced and it sucks all the passion out.
I liked little things here - how jealous Sebastian is, how determined Audrianna is to clear her father - but it felt like it took me a lot longer to finish this book than it actually did.
I mean, what a name.
I remember having read a Madeline Hunter book a few years ago, and came away with mixed feelings. On the one hand, there's nothing technically wrong with her writing style, and her plots can be surprisingly interesting. On the other hand, it just feels like there's ZERO CHEMISTRY between the characters. The way she writes feels so slow-paced and it sucks all the passion out.
I liked little things here - how jealous Sebastian is, how determined Audrianna is to clear her father - but it felt like it took me a lot longer to finish this book than it actually did.
September 5, 2017
по-скоро 3.5 *
September 17, 2011
I reread this because 1) I only got 1 1/2 books into the series and want to catch up and 2) I almost always find Hunter worth a second read. I think my feelings about it haven’t changed much, but on this reading I was struck by the dry wit and clever turns of phrase:
“‘I suffered Mama much better before I had some experience in not having to,’ Audrianna said as they strolled down the street.”
“He had not gone far. He knelt right in front of her. Her head cleared enough to realize he was going to propose again on bended knee. That was almost too charming to bear.”
(A conversation between Sebastian and his unpleasant mother)
“Oh give me patience. You sound so much like him with your sardonic dodges.”
“If I sound so much like him, it is because you sound so much like you.”
Still didn't grab my heart or punch me in the gut, but well worth a read.
First review (originally read 2/26/10-2/27/10):
I might have appreciated this more if I'd read if before The Rules of Seduction. There are similarities in plot and theme and, well, TRoS is one of my top ten favorite romances, so naturally this one feels a bit pale in comparison. The primary relationship is similar (she has come down in the world, he is a duty-driven man whom she believes has injured her family) but the tension and emotion between them isn't as strong. I enjoyed reading it without ever feeling that strongly about the characters or anything that happens to them.
“‘I suffered Mama much better before I had some experience in not having to,’ Audrianna said as they strolled down the street.”
“He had not gone far. He knelt right in front of her. Her head cleared enough to realize he was going to propose again on bended knee. That was almost too charming to bear.”
(A conversation between Sebastian and his unpleasant mother)
“Oh give me patience. You sound so much like him with your sardonic dodges.”
“If I sound so much like him, it is because you sound so much like you.”
Still didn't grab my heart or punch me in the gut, but well worth a read.
First review (originally read 2/26/10-2/27/10):
I might have appreciated this more if I'd read if before The Rules of Seduction. There are similarities in plot and theme and, well, TRoS is one of my top ten favorite romances, so naturally this one feels a bit pale in comparison. The primary relationship is similar (she has come down in the world, he is a duty-driven man whom she believes has injured her family) but the tension and emotion between them isn't as strong. I enjoyed reading it without ever feeling that strongly about the characters or anything that happens to them.
February 24, 2010
Actually I give this book a 4&1/2 stars. I'd have given it 5 stars if it would have been a tish hotter, lol! It did have enough heat to keep me satisfied though. The story line was really good. One I had not read about before. I LOVED the H&H's characters in this book, they were both well done. I also like knowing that a lot of the other characters in this book will be written about in books to come in this series. I hope that Audrianna and Sabastian turn up during the following books since this book did not have an epilogue. I am planning on reading the next book, Provocative In Pearls in the very near future.
August 11, 2025
An enjoyable book in Hunter's classic, non-cliche style. Appealing leads who both have integrity. A strong romance element, with some well-written sensuous scenes. A light serve of intriguing mystery, which isn't solved till near the end of the book.
Audrianna's father was disgraced after being believed to be involved in a nasty scheme for adulterating gunpowder, in order to increase the profits. The gunpowder failed in the midst of war, leading to multiple soldiers' deaths and injuries. Eventually he committed suicide (before the book begins). Audrianna refuses to believe that her beloved father could have been involved in such a reprehensible scheme, and her efforts in seeking the truth lead her into the path of Lord Sebastian Summerhays, who is also seeking the truth, but from a different perspective.
The two of them are pretty much forced to marry after scandal overtakes them. So it's kinda an MOC/forced marriage type trope. It was written thoughtfully and well, and their journey towards completely falling in love with each other was convincing and enjoyable to read.
The mystery of who was responsible for the adulterated gunpowder was gradually unraveled, and it's not till the very end of the book that readers finally learn whether Audrianna's father was guilty or not. By this point, she and Sebastian have fully connected, and the ending is very satisfying.
For me, this was a book that built in power and interest as it went on, unlike many books which sag in the middle or simply peter out. I think I've read one book of the quartet before, some years ago, but have forgotten it. I now look forward to reading/rereading the rest of the books in the quartet.
Audrianna's father was disgraced after being believed to be involved in a nasty scheme for adulterating gunpowder, in order to increase the profits. The gunpowder failed in the midst of war, leading to multiple soldiers' deaths and injuries. Eventually he committed suicide (before the book begins). Audrianna refuses to believe that her beloved father could have been involved in such a reprehensible scheme, and her efforts in seeking the truth lead her into the path of Lord Sebastian Summerhays, who is also seeking the truth, but from a different perspective.
The two of them are pretty much forced to marry after scandal overtakes them. So it's kinda an MOC/forced marriage type trope. It was written thoughtfully and well, and their journey towards completely falling in love with each other was convincing and enjoyable to read.
The mystery of who was responsible for the adulterated gunpowder was gradually unraveled, and it's not till the very end of the book that readers finally learn whether Audrianna's father was guilty or not. By this point, she and Sebastian have fully connected, and the ending is very satisfying.
For me, this was a book that built in power and interest as it went on, unlike many books which sag in the middle or simply peter out. I think I've read one book of the quartet before, some years ago, but have forgotten it. I now look forward to reading/rereading the rest of the books in the quartet.
Read
March 13, 2025My Kindle tells me I have already read it, but I can’t remember a thing about it…..soo..🤷🏼♀️😅😂
September 4, 2021
Regency England. I 1st read this romance + mystery
about 8 years ago. A joy to read.
Sebastian was a MP & brother of an invalid marquess,
injured in battle. Seb investigated why the military
received gunpowder which did not fire? Audrianna's
late father, Board of Ordnance employee, seemed at
fault per Seb and associates.
Audrey sought to draw out "the Domino" RE the gun-
powder controversy to clear her Da's name. The leads
met at an inn, each expecting someone else. A shot
was fired by a 3rd party. The H + h wed under pressure
from family and the public. To marry the man who had
such a low opinion of her father?
This was a true romance which did not get lost in the
mystery. A former love tried to start something again
w/ Audrey with a chilly response. Seb came across as
smart, sexy, protective. We met Seb's friend Tristen,
the duke, drunk everyday but Tuesday, w/ casual sex
partners, but a deeper man than his persona indicated.
(I enjoyed 'his story' in bk #4).
Audrey's cous Daphne operated the Rarest Blooms, a
greenhouse and flower business. All the ladies living
in the attached house had issues & pulled back from
the world. A tight-knit group of ladies. All supported
Audrey emotionally.
about 8 years ago. A joy to read.
Sebastian was a MP & brother of an invalid marquess,
injured in battle. Seb investigated why the military
received gunpowder which did not fire? Audrianna's
late father, Board of Ordnance employee, seemed at
fault per Seb and associates.
Audrey sought to draw out "the Domino" RE the gun-
powder controversy to clear her Da's name. The leads
met at an inn, each expecting someone else. A shot
was fired by a 3rd party. The H + h wed under pressure
from family and the public. To marry the man who had
such a low opinion of her father?
This was a true romance which did not get lost in the
mystery. A former love tried to start something again
w/ Audrey with a chilly response. Seb came across as
smart, sexy, protective. We met Seb's friend Tristen,
the duke, drunk everyday but Tuesday, w/ casual sex
partners, but a deeper man than his persona indicated.
(I enjoyed 'his story' in bk #4).
Audrey's cous Daphne operated the Rarest Blooms, a
greenhouse and flower business. All the ladies living
in the attached house had issues & pulled back from
the world. A tight-knit group of ladies. All supported
Audrey emotionally.
October 25, 2010
This book was good, but suffered to me in some of the wording used. The premise and the majority of the book was solid. But when it came to the love scenes they were so far removed from the act with the wording used. It became hard to connect to the emotions of the h/h. I do look forward to the next book, but can't wait for Lord Castleford's book, what a man-whore. He is going to have to do some major groveling to deserve Daphne...MAJOR! :-)
March 25, 2010
Ravishing in red finished strong with a clever mystery and some interesting characters, but the slow and boring start (that spanned the first half of the book!) had me nearly quitting many times. It was hard not to get distracted and just do something else instead of read, but as everyone points out the story does eventually speed up and will hold your interest. It took me nearly a full week to read this one, and I normally burn through three books in the same amount of time. So given how much effort I put into reading this one, you can only imagine that I am not feeling inclined to continue with this series, at least not right now.
October 20, 2014
Originally posted
HERE
I put off reading this series for a long time, as every time I considered beginning it, I’d come across a negative review that made me hesitate.
Finally I was in the mood for something historical and all out of ideas, and so I took a chance on this, the first book in the Rarest Blooms series. Now I regret waiting, because I really enjoyed it.
What I liked most about this book was that the author stuck to the conventions of the time. Men and women acted within the parameters society allowed them, rather than blatantly breaking all the rules in displays of ‘feistiness’, as is the common way in historical romance these days. Attitudes to marriage and proper behaviour were in place, and so I actually felt like I was reading about the Regency era.
I loved the secondary characters, the hero’s brother in particular, and the mystery woven throughout the romance took us on all kinds of twists and turns. I especially liked that while the marriage between the two lead characters started out as a rather angst-ridden marriage of convenience, where both characters talked openly of the possibility of infidelity in the future, the way they gradually fell in love with each other seemed genuine.
The only thing I had an issue with is the same thing I have an issue with every time I read a Regency book written by an American author: the use of American words and terminology. I live in hope that one day US editors will wake up to these mistakes, but I don’t see it happening any time in the near future…
I’m going to put the mixed reviews of this one down to the fact it is hard to apply terms like feisty and erotic and romp to the story. It’s come to be what readers expect these days. However I, for one, am glad that authors like Madeline Hunter can still have their work published in the bizarre climate of today’s historical romance genre.
I put off reading this series for a long time, as every time I considered beginning it, I’d come across a negative review that made me hesitate.
Finally I was in the mood for something historical and all out of ideas, and so I took a chance on this, the first book in the Rarest Blooms series. Now I regret waiting, because I really enjoyed it.
What I liked most about this book was that the author stuck to the conventions of the time. Men and women acted within the parameters society allowed them, rather than blatantly breaking all the rules in displays of ‘feistiness’, as is the common way in historical romance these days. Attitudes to marriage and proper behaviour were in place, and so I actually felt like I was reading about the Regency era.
I loved the secondary characters, the hero’s brother in particular, and the mystery woven throughout the romance took us on all kinds of twists and turns. I especially liked that while the marriage between the two lead characters started out as a rather angst-ridden marriage of convenience, where both characters talked openly of the possibility of infidelity in the future, the way they gradually fell in love with each other seemed genuine.
The only thing I had an issue with is the same thing I have an issue with every time I read a Regency book written by an American author: the use of American words and terminology. I live in hope that one day US editors will wake up to these mistakes, but I don’t see it happening any time in the near future…
I’m going to put the mixed reviews of this one down to the fact it is hard to apply terms like feisty and erotic and romp to the story. It’s come to be what readers expect these days. However I, for one, am glad that authors like Madeline Hunter can still have their work published in the bizarre climate of today’s historical romance genre.
June 10, 2010
This turned out to be ultimately quite boring to me. Didn't draw much emotion from me at all. I think I'm just not into the Regency subgenre. All the worry over upperclass aristocracy and society gossip can be so dull. The romance was believeable between the two, but it wasn't emotionally consuming for me as a reader. The sex scenes erotic without getting too explicit, but not very satisfying. The main mystery to uncover wasn't very exciting, engrossing or dangerous. As I said, I was bored by the end.
I did appreciate the intelligence Hunter gave her characters. They spoke with wit and cleverness. I especially appreciate how Hunter writes smart, independent women characters. I liked the concept of The Rarest Blooms group of independent young women with pasts coming together to live in peace and independence, but I have no plans or desire to read more of these regencies.
I did appreciate the intelligence Hunter gave her characters. They spoke with wit and cleverness. I especially appreciate how Hunter writes smart, independent women characters. I liked the concept of The Rarest Blooms group of independent young women with pasts coming together to live in peace and independence, but I have no plans or desire to read more of these regencies.
June 29, 2010
Audrianna's father had committed suicide after being accused of a crime. In trying to find out information to help clear him, she encounters Lord Sebastian at an inn, her gun accidentally goes off and then scandal at first makes her look bad and then him. In trying to repair some of the damage they marry and work together (kind of) about finding further information on the crime her father was accused of. In between this, they slowly fall in love.
This was a wonderful book. I liked it so much, I'm planning on finding book #2 and I preordered book #3. I would recommend this book.
This was a wonderful book. I liked it so much, I'm planning on finding book #2 and I preordered book #3. I would recommend this book.
May 16, 2022
This was stupid! I did not get through the first chapter. The heroine is sitting in a room in an inn with a gun. The hero walks in, a stranger, and she allows him to just walk up to her and kiss her.
May 8, 2011
Audrianna will do anything she can to help clear her father's name. Even if it means going to an inn alone armed so that she could meet a mysterious man - Domino - who claims to know something. But the man she meets isn't the one she seeks, but Lord Sebastian Summerhays a man whose investigation placed the blame on her father in the first place.
Sebastian is enchanted by the woman he meets. Too bad that she is totally unsuitable, mainly because of her father. But when they are caught together and honor demands they marry, they must learn to get along. It does help that the attraction between them is strong.
I liked the book, but I had a few problems. The book dragged on a bit, and Audrianna had a few TSTL moments mostly when her desire to help her father overruled her sense. But later in the book she learned her lesson.
I like the marriage of convenience plot. How the couples have to learn with each other and the married life. In this case there was a mystery that could potentially destroy the relationship.
The secondary characters are great - the rest of the Rarest Blooms, and especially Castleford. :-)
Rating:
4 stars.
Sebastian is enchanted by the woman he meets. Too bad that she is totally unsuitable, mainly because of her father. But when they are caught together and honor demands they marry, they must learn to get along. It does help that the attraction between them is strong.
I liked the book, but I had a few problems. The book dragged on a bit, and Audrianna had a few TSTL moments mostly when her desire to help her father overruled her sense. But later in the book she learned her lesson.
I like the marriage of convenience plot. How the couples have to learn with each other and the married life. In this case there was a mystery that could potentially destroy the relationship.
The secondary characters are great - the rest of the Rarest Blooms, and especially Castleford. :-)
Rating:
4 stars.
August 16, 2017
Didn't like the arrogant hero, he ruined the book for me.
May 26, 2025
Loved this couple, married due to scandal. She's trying to clear her father's name and he becomes curious. Not a love match, but the both fell in love and declared they would be faithful.
July 21, 2017
3.5 stars
March 2, 2019
The heroine, Audrianna Kelmsleigh, isn’t touted for her grace or beauty, although the hero finds her to be both, but for her intelligence and strength. The hero, Sebastian Summerhays, is one of the “troubled” kind, but not in the usual manner: he is involved in a military investigation in which innocent lives were lost. His brother is the Marquess of Wittonbury, and he was seriously injured in the war, having permanently, it seems, lost the use of his legs. Sebastian is trying to further his brother’s interests and act for him, but is tormented by the guilt of stealing his brother’s life while he’s alive to watch the theft.
After a family tragedy, Audrianna has left her mother’s home and gone to live with her cousin, Daphne Joyes, a widow, who owns a large greenhouse business called The Rarest Blooms which caters to Society. Daphne has filled her home with young women in trouble who need a home in which each is free to keep her past private. In spite of the secrets among them, the women have a sisterly bond.
Audrianna is looking into the same investigation as Sebastian, albeit from a different viewpoint and with a different goal, and their paths cross under somewhat shady circumstances. When their meeting becomes public and the newspapers have drawings of Audrianna, Sebastian proposed a marriage of convenience to keep her family from social ruin. Eventually, Audrianna must accept, and she finds marriage tolerable;
she becomes close friends with Morgan, the invalid marquess, but often at odds with her mother-in-law, who tries to tell her what to wear, with whom to be friends, etc. Sebastian supports his wife.
This is a really well constructed and well executed story. It ticked lots of boxes for me. First, Daphne and her girls have an occupation and we often see them working at it.
Second, I like marriage of convenience stories and while there is certainly hot sex here, that is not the basis of their relationship. They slowly become friends and gradually realize they have grown to love each other so that the Declaration doesn’t come as a surprise to either of them.
Third, lots of close, loyal friendships are modeled. Audrianna has Daphne and the other girls and they stick through thick and thin. Sebastian has good friends Hawkeswell and Castleford (i.e. plenty of sequel bait). Further, Sebastian and his brother are close friends and Audrianna becomes a good friend with Morgan. Morgan has two particularly close friends and even after it is revealed they had been involved in some shady business (all the various shady businesses mentioned are all the same shady business), Morgan made it clear he would stick by them.
Fourth, Sebastian is an amateur astronomer! Audrianna becomes interested in it as well, at least as far as enjoying viewing the skies through a telescope.
This is not what I would call a flashy or dramatic love story, rather one that is deep and sincere. 4.5 stars.
After a family tragedy, Audrianna has left her mother’s home and gone to live with her cousin, Daphne Joyes, a widow, who owns a large greenhouse business called The Rarest Blooms which caters to Society. Daphne has filled her home with young women in trouble who need a home in which each is free to keep her past private. In spite of the secrets among them, the women have a sisterly bond.
Audrianna is looking into the same investigation as Sebastian, albeit from a different viewpoint and with a different goal, and their paths cross under somewhat shady circumstances. When their meeting becomes public and the newspapers have drawings of Audrianna, Sebastian proposed a marriage of convenience to keep her family from social ruin. Eventually, Audrianna must accept, and she finds marriage tolerable;
she becomes close friends with Morgan, the invalid marquess, but often at odds with her mother-in-law, who tries to tell her what to wear, with whom to be friends, etc. Sebastian supports his wife.
This is a really well constructed and well executed story. It ticked lots of boxes for me. First, Daphne and her girls have an occupation and we often see them working at it.
Second, I like marriage of convenience stories and while there is certainly hot sex here, that is not the basis of their relationship. They slowly become friends and gradually realize they have grown to love each other so that the Declaration doesn’t come as a surprise to either of them.
Third, lots of close, loyal friendships are modeled. Audrianna has Daphne and the other girls and they stick through thick and thin. Sebastian has good friends Hawkeswell and Castleford (i.e. plenty of sequel bait). Further, Sebastian and his brother are close friends and Audrianna becomes a good friend with Morgan. Morgan has two particularly close friends and even after it is revealed they had been involved in some shady business (all the various shady businesses mentioned are all the same shady business), Morgan made it clear he would stick by them.
Fourth, Sebastian is an amateur astronomer! Audrianna becomes interested in it as well, at least as far as enjoying viewing the skies through a telescope.
This is not what I would call a flashy or dramatic love story, rather one that is deep and sincere. 4.5 stars.
July 2, 2014
Decided to reread this as I had not finished the series, as I plan to do this week. Part mystery, part romance, the characters were very satisfying, so I can't wait to read the next 3. The females live together in a house where they grow and sell flowers. They all have secrets, so finding out those secrets is what makes these books fun." Ravishing" has an excellent beginning, and Audrianna's story continues to be interesting. I will stop now so I can go start the next one!!
January 29, 2016
My first Madeline Hunter. It definitely won't be my last!
This is an easy light book to read quickly, interesting enough to keep you going. What lowered my rating was the lack of chemistry between main characters. But I loved the plot, and I'll definitely continue with the series.
This is an easy light book to read quickly, interesting enough to keep you going. What lowered my rating was the lack of chemistry between main characters. But I loved the plot, and I'll definitely continue with the series.
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