What do you think?
A Society of Scandal #4
Secrets for a Seductress: A Northam Hall Novella
An uncompromising man
Samuel Evans, Principal Officer for Bow Street, carves order from anarchy in London’s violent slums. He has neither the time nor inclination for self-indulgent drivel, and he certainly will not yield to the lust that dogs him every time he sets eyes on Anna Briggs. The madam of the city’s most infamous brothel, she is the very personification of sin—a drop hemlock in every spoonful of honey. She barters secrets as readily as she does her body, and it’s those secrets alone that draw him to her door.
A notorious courtesan
Anna refuses to apologize for who or what she is. She hasn’t reached these insurmountable heights by following the rules, and there’s no reason to start now. Besides, the men who preach morality rarely practice it, and those who do are too busy congratulating themselves to notice the futility of their modest contributions. Worse still, their decency is laced with judgment. Nevertheless, Anna cannot help teasing the strait-laced Bow Street runner who repeatedly comes sniffing at her door, delighting in the tension that gathers through his broad shoulders whenever she steps too close.
A seductive entanglement
When a regular at The Silken Lotus turns up dead, desperation and opportunity collide, bringing the unlikely pair together. What begins as a tenuous alliance soon becomes something far more dangerous, as the lies they each rely upon to carry them through the day begin to unravel in the shadows of the night. Caught between moral certainty and necessary deception, two people on opposite sides of order discover that the truth is seldom simple and often perilous.
Secrets for a Seductress is a part of A Society of Scandal, a multi-author collaboration aiming to highlight the joy of reading historical romance and escaping to the past in this wondrous genre whilst cherishing openness, inclusivity, and equality.
Samuel Evans, Principal Officer for Bow Street, carves order from anarchy in London’s violent slums. He has neither the time nor inclination for self-indulgent drivel, and he certainly will not yield to the lust that dogs him every time he sets eyes on Anna Briggs. The madam of the city’s most infamous brothel, she is the very personification of sin—a drop hemlock in every spoonful of honey. She barters secrets as readily as she does her body, and it’s those secrets alone that draw him to her door.
A notorious courtesan
Anna refuses to apologize for who or what she is. She hasn’t reached these insurmountable heights by following the rules, and there’s no reason to start now. Besides, the men who preach morality rarely practice it, and those who do are too busy congratulating themselves to notice the futility of their modest contributions. Worse still, their decency is laced with judgment. Nevertheless, Anna cannot help teasing the strait-laced Bow Street runner who repeatedly comes sniffing at her door, delighting in the tension that gathers through his broad shoulders whenever she steps too close.
A seductive entanglement
When a regular at The Silken Lotus turns up dead, desperation and opportunity collide, bringing the unlikely pair together. What begins as a tenuous alliance soon becomes something far more dangerous, as the lies they each rely upon to carry them through the day begin to unravel in the shadows of the night. Caught between moral certainty and necessary deception, two people on opposite sides of order discover that the truth is seldom simple and often perilous.
Secrets for a Seductress is a part of A Society of Scandal, a multi-author collaboration aiming to highlight the joy of reading historical romance and escaping to the past in this wondrous genre whilst cherishing openness, inclusivity, and equality.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 8, 2026
2.5 ⭐️
This one didn’t really work for me unfortunately. The idea was good but I felt like we veered so far away by the end that it felt like I was reading a different type of book.
What also confused me was that Anna’s work and the hidden secret of her brothel, was to take care and look after women but some of her comments about the women of society were just… head scratching. You can’t feel sympathy for a mistress and then in the same breath say "No one is married when they walk through the doors of The Lotus, but it's sweet that you think there are men who would prefer the wife they've conceived six children with to a beautiful blond with tits like ripe peaches." That’s some real internalised misogyny there and it left a really bad taste in my mouth for the rest of my reading experience.
The romance. While there was a lot of chemistry between these two, most of it was done before the book started. I understand that this is a little bit longer than a novella so sacrifices had to be made in this department but it didn’t feel properly touched on. More time could have went into this, we do get a little backstory but it wasn’t enough in my opinion.
The sex. While I actually liked that Anna was very much a dom in bed and I loved the (sadly) unusual role reversal and how different it was, I did find myself wanting more emotional development as the spice in this takes over by the end and reads like erotica (I read and enjoy erotica It’s just not what I signed up for in this) the scenes are explicit and I had no issue with the content but they went on for so long that I just wanted them to have a conversation. The length of this scene could have been cut in half to cover more backstory and emotional depth.
The writing. This is where the story really flourishes I think. Laura is a great writer and she can write gritty characters and a gritty setting extremely well, I would have loved to have seen more emphasis on some of the other girls here as it felt they were brushed over and I mean.. Anna’s whole thing is that she was looking out for them.
In conclusion, just not the type of read I thought I was going to get and it was down to the development and growth of the characters or lack of it that lowered my rating. Also I just didn’t like how Anna was out here sympathising with every woman she helping but not the women that these types of men have to go home to at night.
This one didn’t really work for me unfortunately. The idea was good but I felt like we veered so far away by the end that it felt like I was reading a different type of book.
What also confused me was that Anna’s work and the hidden secret of her brothel, was to take care and look after women but some of her comments about the women of society were just… head scratching. You can’t feel sympathy for a mistress and then in the same breath say "No one is married when they walk through the doors of The Lotus, but it's sweet that you think there are men who would prefer the wife they've conceived six children with to a beautiful blond with tits like ripe peaches." That’s some real internalised misogyny there and it left a really bad taste in my mouth for the rest of my reading experience.
The romance. While there was a lot of chemistry between these two, most of it was done before the book started. I understand that this is a little bit longer than a novella so sacrifices had to be made in this department but it didn’t feel properly touched on. More time could have went into this, we do get a little backstory but it wasn’t enough in my opinion.
The sex. While I actually liked that Anna was very much a dom in bed and I loved the (sadly) unusual role reversal and how different it was, I did find myself wanting more emotional development as the spice in this takes over by the end and reads like erotica (I read and enjoy erotica It’s just not what I signed up for in this) the scenes are explicit and I had no issue with the content but they went on for so long that I just wanted them to have a conversation. The length of this scene could have been cut in half to cover more backstory and emotional depth.
The writing. This is where the story really flourishes I think. Laura is a great writer and she can write gritty characters and a gritty setting extremely well, I would have loved to have seen more emphasis on some of the other girls here as it felt they were brushed over and I mean.. Anna’s whole thing is that she was looking out for them.
In conclusion, just not the type of read I thought I was going to get and it was down to the development and growth of the characters or lack of it that lowered my rating. Also I just didn’t like how Anna was out here sympathising with every woman she helping but not the women that these types of men have to go home to at night.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This unusual gem hit just right, and is well worth checking out!
It felt different than what I’m used to from this author – darker, spicier – but every bit as emotionally devastating as her full length novels (which you should most definitely read if you haven’t already).
Anna is an unapologetic retired ladybird who joined forces with a superfluous lordling to run a covert women’s rescue operation. Her own illustrious brothel the front, her curves and quick wit an effective decoy, and the secrets she hoards a steady source of income.
Toying with a lawmen? Just a delectable distraction.
Dutiful, dedicated and dry, Samuel lives for his job and the difference he makes as a Bow Street Officer. Celibate by circumstance, no time for feelings, only a cat – and his premier informant. Oh, the way he despises himself for craving her. She pulls his strings, ignores his boundaries, rouses his dormant beast, and worst of all, she tricked him into close quarters!
And of course that gets him entangled in her cause...
While the story was compact, I still feel like it gave me everything I could wish for.
The most scrumptious slow burn combined with a perilous road trip. It had all the expected elements (only one bed, a sudden storm, a roadside raid), but also real connection and conflict, a pinch of heartbreak and two fully fleshed, strong-willed, polar opposite equals to carry it.
The first two thirds are a tightrope between what’s morally right vs the law, truth vs variations, lust vs control. Love-infused frustration. The ultimate test of his restraint, and trust me, it’s legendary! Which in turn drives her mad. Yeah, she kinda has the hots for him too – more than a little – and life or death situations do tend to kickstart reluctant hearts 😉
The last third is her unravelling him. Willingly, on both sides. A dom/sub awakening like I haven’t read before. Brutal yet tender. Humiliating but considerate. The way she guides him, to see him come completely undone, his pent-up passion unleashed, the way that undoes her, and the moment all the pieces fall into place – it moved me more than I can explain.
It felt different than what I’m used to from this author – darker, spicier – but every bit as emotionally devastating as her full length novels (which you should most definitely read if you haven’t already).
Anna is an unapologetic retired ladybird who joined forces with a superfluous lordling to run a covert women’s rescue operation. Her own illustrious brothel the front, her curves and quick wit an effective decoy, and the secrets she hoards a steady source of income.
Toying with a lawmen? Just a delectable distraction.
Dutiful, dedicated and dry, Samuel lives for his job and the difference he makes as a Bow Street Officer. Celibate by circumstance, no time for feelings, only a cat – and his premier informant. Oh, the way he despises himself for craving her. She pulls his strings, ignores his boundaries, rouses his dormant beast, and worst of all, she tricked him into close quarters!
And of course that gets him entangled in her cause...
While the story was compact, I still feel like it gave me everything I could wish for.
The most scrumptious slow burn combined with a perilous road trip. It had all the expected elements (only one bed, a sudden storm, a roadside raid), but also real connection and conflict, a pinch of heartbreak and two fully fleshed, strong-willed, polar opposite equals to carry it.
The first two thirds are a tightrope between what’s morally right vs the law, truth vs variations, lust vs control. Love-infused frustration. The ultimate test of his restraint, and trust me, it’s legendary! Which in turn drives her mad. Yeah, she kinda has the hots for him too – more than a little – and life or death situations do tend to kickstart reluctant hearts 😉
The last third is her unravelling him. Willingly, on both sides. A dom/sub awakening like I haven’t read before. Brutal yet tender. Humiliating but considerate. The way she guides him, to see him come completely undone, his pent-up passion unleashed, the way that undoes her, and the moment all the pieces fall into place – it moved me more than I can explain.
September 5, 2026
Wow, this was such a great read this is my third book in this series. Nine authors are writing stories for this series. Samuel Harrison is the principal officer of Bow Street. He is different from a lot of offices as he lives by his own code of honor and discipline. He has no time for the draw of one Mrs. Anna Briggs. She is an ex-courtesan who owns and runs The Silken Lotus Brothel. He has been half in love with her for the last seven years. Anna knows the secrets of men from the lowest cut throats to the men highest up in the ton society. Her information helps solve his cases faster than chasing down leads. He hates how she gets the information, makes money from women with no other choice but he also can’t overlook her intelligence either. Anna will never apologize for who she is or what she has made of herself. She knows Samuel hates needing her which just makes teasing the uptight office all the more fun. She secretly loves his sense of duty and doing what is proper. When one of her clients is murdered, they come to her for information on who may have wanted him dead. Instead of coins for same she tells him as it was a murder, she needs extra protection even thru she has two big guards for the girls. She demands him! Oh, by a bow street runner living at a brothel! Her partner and co-owner think she has lost her mind. As the Silken Lotus is a front for saving women who need to never be found. As events and plans go wrong, making them work together, many secrets from both will come out. Along with danger, suspense, murder, and hidden feelings and desire. Both will need to decide how much they are willing to change or lose what they have found. The last few chapters may not be for everyone, as they turn more toward erotica and are very steamy. The chapters are very well written and fit the story perfectly. Just a head up. This is a fast-paced story with lots of action and twists and turns. I read it in one setting. Grab a copy and get started. This is my first book by this author and will not be the last. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest, if somewhat long opinion and am freely giving it.
September 17, 2026
Thanks to the author for a copy of this novella and this is my freely given opinion.
This is the first story I am reading from this author I think, and it is part of the multi-author series, a Society of Scandal, though they are all stand alone stories I do believe.
This one is an opposites attract, enemies to lovers, courtesan with a heart of gold story. Anna Briggs is a notorious madam of the Silk Lotus, and she trades in secrets and sex.... but she and her cohorts are secretly using the Lotus as a front to help women in dire straits, to escape abusive and dangerous situations. Blackmail is how they fund their endeavours.
Sam Evans is an upright, uptight Bow Street Runner, who lusts after Anna, but has spent years suppressing his desire to maintain his professional principles. Too bad his job means he frequently crosses her doorway. Now he is investigating a murder of one of her clients, and is forced into the role of protecting Anna, and with their closer acquaintance, hidden secrets and truths become revealed, including that Anna and Sam share far more than either believed, including a mutual attraction, and shared purpose.
Spicy story with a lot of give and take between the pair, as well as the drama of a murder investigation and threats that Anna and Sam have to face when they cross the wrong people in trying to help one more woman escape a dangerous relationship. Despite their apparent disparity, Sam and Anna find they are far more alike than not, and find their happily ever after together.
4.25 stars out of 5
This is the first story I am reading from this author I think, and it is part of the multi-author series, a Society of Scandal, though they are all stand alone stories I do believe.
This one is an opposites attract, enemies to lovers, courtesan with a heart of gold story. Anna Briggs is a notorious madam of the Silk Lotus, and she trades in secrets and sex.... but she and her cohorts are secretly using the Lotus as a front to help women in dire straits, to escape abusive and dangerous situations. Blackmail is how they fund their endeavours.
Sam Evans is an upright, uptight Bow Street Runner, who lusts after Anna, but has spent years suppressing his desire to maintain his professional principles. Too bad his job means he frequently crosses her doorway. Now he is investigating a murder of one of her clients, and is forced into the role of protecting Anna, and with their closer acquaintance, hidden secrets and truths become revealed, including that Anna and Sam share far more than either believed, including a mutual attraction, and shared purpose.
Spicy story with a lot of give and take between the pair, as well as the drama of a murder investigation and threats that Anna and Sam have to face when they cross the wrong people in trying to help one more woman escape a dangerous relationship. Despite their apparent disparity, Sam and Anna find they are far more alike than not, and find their happily ever after together.
4.25 stars out of 5
Review of advance copy received from Author
Tropes: opposites attract; madam MFC; Bow Street Runner MMC; Big Secret
Steam level: 4 (note: this features a dom MFC kink)
3.5 stars. This author is new to me, but this novella works well enough on its own. It's well-written overall, with a bit of humor and action along with sexytimes. I do love a stoic MMC/wild MFC dynamic and HR's that feature working class MC's, but the plot leaned a bit more into erotica than I'd expected.
The first 70% features an interesting storyline, in which the MFC is trying to hide her plans to bring an abused woman to safety, as she and her cohorts tend to go about their rescue enterprise in a slightly unlawful fashion. She and the MMC banter and circle around each other until he ends up assisting her. It's fun and slow burn-ish.
Your liking for the last 30% is dependent on how much you're into the kink and steam level. I'm all for steam but would have liked a deeper dive into the mains' personalities and emotions. I enjoyed the MMC but needed to get a bit more into MFC; she came across as a bit crass for me at times (but I'm a romantic softie, so there you go).
Overall: fun leads and premise; heavy on the erotica in the final chapters.
This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this novella. Thanks to the author for this opportunity.
Steam level: 4 (note: this features a dom MFC kink)
3.5 stars. This author is new to me, but this novella works well enough on its own. It's well-written overall, with a bit of humor and action along with sexytimes. I do love a stoic MMC/wild MFC dynamic and HR's that feature working class MC's, but the plot leaned a bit more into erotica than I'd expected.
The first 70% features an interesting storyline, in which the MFC is trying to hide her plans to bring an abused woman to safety, as she and her cohorts tend to go about their rescue enterprise in a slightly unlawful fashion. She and the MMC banter and circle around each other until he ends up assisting her. It's fun and slow burn-ish.
Your liking for the last 30% is dependent on how much you're into the kink and steam level. I'm all for steam but would have liked a deeper dive into the mains' personalities and emotions. I enjoyed the MMC but needed to get a bit more into MFC; she came across as a bit crass for me at times (but I'm a romantic softie, so there you go).
Overall: fun leads and premise; heavy on the erotica in the final chapters.
This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this novella. Thanks to the author for this opportunity.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Laura Linn is a new to me author and I definitely loved this book.. for so many reasons.
Anna is a courtesan who isn't all she seems to be.. her brothel isn't all it appears to be either.. it's a safe place where women who are in trouble need to escape from unthinkable situations.
Samuel Evans is apart of bow street but he isn't like the others, he is more disciplined, more dedicated to his job than anyone in his field.. however that all changes when it comes to the courtesan he has to protect and seek help from.
Samuel and Anna couldn't be two more different people than the sun and the moon.. she's risky and she's bold whereas he is disciplined and stiff.. however when these two collide with each not only do their lives change but do their perspective on life changes, but passion and love explode like dynamite.
This book is filled with smuttiness, a bow street runner who thinks he knows it all and a beautiful happily ever after..
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the author. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Anna is a courtesan who isn't all she seems to be.. her brothel isn't all it appears to be either.. it's a safe place where women who are in trouble need to escape from unthinkable situations.
Samuel Evans is apart of bow street but he isn't like the others, he is more disciplined, more dedicated to his job than anyone in his field.. however that all changes when it comes to the courtesan he has to protect and seek help from.
Samuel and Anna couldn't be two more different people than the sun and the moon.. she's risky and she's bold whereas he is disciplined and stiff.. however when these two collide with each not only do their lives change but do their perspective on life changes, but passion and love explode like dynamite.
This book is filled with smuttiness, a bow street runner who thinks he knows it all and a beautiful happily ever after..
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the author. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
September 4, 2026
I just finished an ARC of the novella Secrets for a Seductress, the fourth installment of the nine-book Society of Scandal series. It was my first Laura Linn book, and it certainly won’t be my last! The dual-POV narration begins with Samuel, an officer on London’s Bow Street, who is investigating a serious crime. He must interview the highly informed madam of the local brothel the Silken Lotus, Anna, with whom he has been in love for quite some time. What he doesn’t know is that his feelings are mutual—and that the Silken Lotus, and Anna herself, are much more than they appear.
This was a fun, well-paced, and charming love story. My favorite thing about it was the secret purpose of the Silken Lotus; though this novella is a historical romance, it gave me hope for the present day. However, I would be sure to check content warnings (find mine and the average reader’s on The StoryGraph), because the spice, while a masterclass in consent, becomes explicit somewhat unexpectedly, and said explicit scenes are not brief. This is still a wonderful story, though, and I’m so grateful to the amazingly talented Laura Linn for selecting me to receive an ARC.
4/5 ⭐️ 4.5/5 🌶️
This was a fun, well-paced, and charming love story. My favorite thing about it was the secret purpose of the Silken Lotus; though this novella is a historical romance, it gave me hope for the present day. However, I would be sure to check content warnings (find mine and the average reader’s on The StoryGraph), because the spice, while a masterclass in consent, becomes explicit somewhat unexpectedly, and said explicit scenes are not brief. This is still a wonderful story, though, and I’m so grateful to the amazingly talented Laura Linn for selecting me to receive an ARC.
4/5 ⭐️ 4.5/5 🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
It’s been a while since I read A Wildflower For A Duke, and I didn’t immediately remember Samuel being Violet’s brother so had to go back and look him up and also found a reference explaining the relationship on Laura Linn’s instagram. I’ve loved the Northam Hall series.
I had a little bit of trouble getting into Samuel and Anna’s relationship. I would have like more background on them but I realize this is a novella. I just wanted more so that I could better see the connection between them. However, once they did get together, it was well worth it. The spice was amazing and they really connected.
I received an ARC of this novella from the author in exchange for my honest review.
I had a little bit of trouble getting into Samuel and Anna’s relationship. I would have like more background on them but I realize this is a novella. I just wanted more so that I could better see the connection between them. However, once they did get together, it was well worth it. The spice was amazing and they really connected.
I received an ARC of this novella from the author in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2026
This was great. I've recently discovered the writing of Laura Linn and I am totally hooked. Her characters and worlds come to life! This book was definitely not your typical historical but I absolutely loved it. The juxtaposition of both of their "employment", their upbringing, and their outlook is wonderful to read. When you think they are total opposites we learn they are more alike in their core than different. This was had mystery, steam, love, romance, and total vulnerability by both characters. I loved it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
High Five!!
Anna Briggs, a Brothel's Madam and a Bow Street Runner, Samuel Evans come together in this explicit and fascinating tale of a teacher and a pupil who find love and a new life together.
Their story reads so easily and it packs in so much detail for such a short book that I was amazed. The entertainment value is very high too.
I certainly learned a thing or two!
I have just finished reading an early copy and my review is given voluntarily.
Anna Briggs, a Brothel's Madam and a Bow Street Runner, Samuel Evans come together in this explicit and fascinating tale of a teacher and a pupil who find love and a new life together.
Their story reads so easily and it packs in so much detail for such a short book that I was amazed. The entertainment value is very high too.
I certainly learned a thing or two!
I have just finished reading an early copy and my review is given voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved the first part of the book. The sexually tense banter between the characters was fun to read as it was full of wit and innuendo. I enjoyed the plot. The pacing was good. The characters were mostly believable. I wanted more story as it got heavy with steam for the last third of the book. I still had questions that opened the story that never felt resolved, but this is a novella. If you want steam and sexual tension, this story will meet your needs.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Deliciously scandalous!!
I think I am a tiny bit in love with Samuel!
This story had the perfect push-and-pull dynamic, with plenty of tension, teasing, and just a sprinkle of secrets!
I loved the clash between the straight-laced Bow Street officer and the (unapologetic) bold brothel madam - these two certainly bring the fire!! 🔥
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy - all opinions are my own!! 🤍
I think I am a tiny bit in love with Samuel!
This story had the perfect push-and-pull dynamic, with plenty of tension, teasing, and just a sprinkle of secrets!
I loved the clash between the straight-laced Bow Street officer and the (unapologetic) bold brothel madam - these two certainly bring the fire!! 🔥
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy - all opinions are my own!! 🤍
September 10, 2026
Anna, a notorious courtesan and Sam, a Bow Street runner are bound together when a customer is murdered. Their interactions are fraught with unrealised attraction and subsequently drives them to seek a safe path forward. How they proceed in solving the murder and cementing their relationship makes for interesting reading. Be aware there is an exploration of sexual proclivities presented as part of the story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was my first book by this author, and I loved it! I’m so grateful to be an ARC reader. This was such a fun story. Samuel, a Bow Street Runner, and Anna, a brothel owner come together. He’s a man with upright morals and extreme restraint, while Anna was a shameless flirt. The banter and chemistry between the two was amazing! I loved how much Anna flirted with and provoked Samuel - just because she could. And then she turned into a total Domme at the end. Whew! What a ride and such a beautiful ending.
Well done!!
Well done!!
September 16, 2026
This fourth book in the A Society of Scandal series was an exciting, slowburn opposites attract historical romance novella. It was well written with witty banter, action, danger, secrets, suspense, and a lot of twists with wonderful characters. The ending was satisfying.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this. Gotta love a strait laced hero! Along with an experienced woman with a heart. Loved this intrigue in this as well. Well worth a read.
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