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Scandalous #4.5
The Secret of My Seduction
The final chapter in the Scandals series...
Rule #1: Be discreet
No one suspects Bathsheba Crawford of being the anonymous author of a wickedly scandalous series of naughty novels. But she is.
Rule #2: Do not fall in love
When she approaches her publisher, rakish Liam MacGregor, with an indecent proposal, he’s shocked. But he accepts.
Rules were made to be broken…
The requirements for their affair are simple: complete secrecy and no romantic attachment. But the more they see each other…the more pleasure they find in each other’s arms…the harder it becomes to remember the rules…
Rule #1: Be discreet
No one suspects Bathsheba Crawford of being the anonymous author of a wickedly scandalous series of naughty novels. But she is.
Rule #2: Do not fall in love
When she approaches her publisher, rakish Liam MacGregor, with an indecent proposal, he’s shocked. But he accepts.
Rules were made to be broken…
The requirements for their affair are simple: complete secrecy and no romantic attachment. But the more they see each other…the more pleasure they find in each other’s arms…the harder it becomes to remember the rules…
123 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2017
About the author
Caroline Linden
55 books1,717 followersCaroline Linden was born a reader, not a writer. She earned a degree in mathematics from Harvard University and worked as a programmer in the financial services industry before realizing writing fiction is much more exciting than writing code. Her books have won the NEC-RWA Readers' Choice Award, the JNRW Golden Leaf, the Daphne du Maurier Award, and RWA's RITA Award, and have been translated into seventeen languages around the world. She lives in New England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
March 16, 2023
⭐⭐⭐
3 stars.
➕ What I liked :
A little bit “older” heroine (29)
That the heroine was not naive/innocent.
Scottish hero.
➖ What I disliked:
Too short and rushed plot.
The plot and the main characters were underdeveloped and needed more depth.
Most parts of the story are rather cliché and formulaic…
The chemistry and the romantic build up was rushed and lacking.
3 stars.
➕ What I liked :
A little bit “older” heroine (29)
That the heroine was not naive/innocent.
Scottish hero.
➖ What I disliked:
Too short and rushed plot.
The plot and the main characters were underdeveloped and needed more depth.
Most parts of the story are rather cliché and formulaic…
The chemistry and the romantic build up was rushed and lacking.
March 15, 2017
Caroline Linden's Scandals series was supposed to end with Book 4, Six Degrees of Scandal, but readers and one plain but determined character just wouldn't quit. Thus, Caroline gave us this brilliant, steamy little gem as a coda for an
excellent
series.
The Secret of My Seduction can be read as a stand alone for a short, sexy read, but it is that much better if you've read the series. My friends, I LOVED this series. There are only a small number of authors whose complete series have made it to my shelf (limited shelf space and all that), and the Scandals series has a prime spot.
The Secret of My Seduction is exactly what the back blurb describes. It is basically an extended series of sex scenes (three of them) with a lot of emotion built in to eloquently capture how two characters eventually come together for the long haul after building their relationship out of order. Bathsheba has been secretly writing naughty stories for publication after her involvement in the wild success of 50 Ways to Sin (the sexy pamphlet that is present in the previous four books). However, she is lacking experience and is worried that her writing will become stale. So what does she do? Propositions her boss, Liam. Her reasons go a lot deeper than that, but I don't want to spoil the emotional journey. Liam is shocked, but accepts. Again, for more reasons than either I, or the characters, first suspected.
As a rule, I generally do not like a ton of sex in my books...and this novella packs in three (maybe four) full scenes in its short page count! However, in this case, I'll make an exception to my rule because there is still a complete love story in there too. And Liam's "lessons" are romantic and eye-opening for both Bathsheba and himself.
Overall, this was a romantic read that I enjoyed enormously. While none of the leads made an appearance (Madeline Wilde of Book 1.5 did get a mention), it was still fun to revisit the Scandals world and smile as two overly logical people fall into completely illogical and sigh-worthy love.
Truly, guys, if you haven't read this series, you need to. It really is one of the best.
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Secret of My Seduction can be read as a stand alone for a short, sexy read, but it is that much better if you've read the series. My friends, I LOVED this series. There are only a small number of authors whose complete series have made it to my shelf (limited shelf space and all that), and the Scandals series has a prime spot.
The Secret of My Seduction is exactly what the back blurb describes. It is basically an extended series of sex scenes (three of them) with a lot of emotion built in to eloquently capture how two characters eventually come together for the long haul after building their relationship out of order. Bathsheba has been secretly writing naughty stories for publication after her involvement in the wild success of 50 Ways to Sin (the sexy pamphlet that is present in the previous four books). However, she is lacking experience and is worried that her writing will become stale. So what does she do? Propositions her boss, Liam. Her reasons go a lot deeper than that, but I don't want to spoil the emotional journey. Liam is shocked, but accepts. Again, for more reasons than either I, or the characters, first suspected.
As a rule, I generally do not like a ton of sex in my books...and this novella packs in three (maybe four) full scenes in its short page count! However, in this case, I'll make an exception to my rule because there is still a complete love story in there too. And Liam's "lessons" are romantic and eye-opening for both Bathsheba and himself.
Overall, this was a romantic read that I enjoyed enormously. While none of the leads made an appearance (Madeline Wilde of Book 1.5 did get a mention), it was still fun to revisit the Scandals world and smile as two overly logical people fall into completely illogical and sigh-worthy love.
Truly, guys, if you haven't read this series, you need to. It really is one of the best.
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2017
Seduction is the art of making a woman fall in love with you, to bare her heart, to see her soul, to know her so deeply and intimately you would happily lose yourself in her and never want to be found. The seduction has succeeded when she wishes to do the same to you.
At the end of Six Degrees of Scandal, Bathsheba Crawford picks up a pen and starts writing her first story. She wants to write something as daring as the infamous tales of Lady Constance (stories all the heroines of the series are secretly reading), but how to write about intimacy when she has never experienced it? She asks her publisher, Liam MacGregor, the man she has been in love with on since she met him, to seduce her so she can "improve her writing"...
This was a lovely (and steamy) addition to the Scandals series. Both hero and heroine were likeable, and I enjoyed spending time with them. And oh the letter Liam writes at the end... I can't wait for Linden's next full-length novel!
At the end of Six Degrees of Scandal, Bathsheba Crawford picks up a pen and starts writing her first story. She wants to write something as daring as the infamous tales of Lady Constance (stories all the heroines of the series are secretly reading), but how to write about intimacy when she has never experienced it? She asks her publisher, Liam MacGregor, the man she has been in love with on since she met him, to seduce her so she can "improve her writing"...
This was a lovely (and steamy) addition to the Scandals series. Both hero and heroine were likeable, and I enjoyed spending time with them. And oh the letter Liam writes at the end... I can't wait for Linden's next full-length novel!
December 28, 2022
3.5
Oh, my goodness! Now this is how you write a lesson in seduction scenes. 😍😍😍 I would be butter in Liam MacGregor's hands (and tongue. 😏)
Oh, my goodness! Now this is how you write a lesson in seduction scenes. 😍😍😍 I would be butter in Liam MacGregor's hands (and tongue. 😏)
May 29, 2017
I've given this a B at AAR.
One of the things linking together the books in Caroline Linden’s recent Scandals series was Fifty Ways to Sin, the series of erotic pamphlets featuring the amorous adventures of the anonymous Lady Constance, a woman whose uninhibited pursuit of sexual pleasure captured the imagination of thousands of readers throughout England. The final book in the series, Six Degrees of Scandal, revealed the identity of the author, and saw the publication of the final instalments in the promised fifty stories, giving Lady Constance her own happy ending in the arms of a mystery lover and closing the book on the series.
But did it?
Bathsheba Crawford who, together with her brother, Daniel, had been responsible for printing the original pamphlets, was reluctant to say goodbye to their illicit enterprise. Not only had the money made from publishing Fifty Ways made them secure financially, she had, on occasion, edited the stories for publication, and had enjoyed being part of something that celebrated a woman’s sexuality and her search for love. So she decided to try her hand at writing something similar, and, when The Secret of My Seduction opens, has been writing a series of successful stories entitled Tales of Lady X for a number of months, now. Her brother knows nothing of this, however; Bathsheba’s publisher is Liam MacGregor – the owner and editor of the London Intelligencer, a popular news and gossip sheet – who appeared briefly in the final stages of Six Degrees when his presses helped meet the demand for the final issues of Fifty Ways to Sin.
But Bathsheba has a problem. While she has plenty of ideas for her stories, her writing is becoming stale, and she is becoming bored with writing the same thing over and over. She’s not a virgin, but her few sexual experiences were not exactly exciting and she has never experienced the sort of passion described by Lady Constance, which makes it difficult to write about in a believable way. So she comes up with the idea of asking Liam to make love to her in order to further her knowledge. After all, she tells him in her typically no-nonsense way, it will be to both their benefits – it will make her writing better and hopefully increase sales – and, she says, if the rumours about him and his prowess with the ladies are true, then she should certainly gain some useful experience in his bed.
Liam is stunned by her request, and his first instinct is dismissal – until Bathsheba suggests finding someone else to help her instead. At that point, of course, Liam’ protective instincts kick in, and he changes his mind, realising that perhaps seducing the plainly dressed, often overlooked, but very forthright Bathsheba Crawford won’t exactly be a hardship.
Okay, so this is a terribly contrived set up, but once the reader has rolled their eyes and moved on, The Secret of My Seduction is a very well-written, sexy novella that delivers more than just a hundred-page bonk-fest. Yes, there are several sex-scenes, but in this story that’s kind of the point, and I wasn’t expecting otherwise. More importantly, though, the author does a great job in those scenes of revealing more about the characters through their interactions under very intimate circumstances. Bathsheba knows that she has long harboured feelings for Liam and tells herself sternly that anything more than the physical release he is offering her is out of the question. And Liam is surprised to discover in Bathsheba a woman after his own heart – rational, logical, persistent and passionate – and begins to wonder if he really had not given any thought to seducing her before she asked him to, or if he’d secretly longed to all along.
Ms. Linden also fleshes out both characters quite well considering the limited page count, with Bathsheba probably being the more well-defined of the two. Life hasn’t been easy for her – following the death of her parents, the failure of the family printing business and her brother’s return from war unable to work, it was her sheer determination to grasp what opportunities she could that saw her and Daniel resurrecting their old printing press to print the first issue of Fifty Way to Sin. Liam is perhaps a little more of your stereotypical tall, dark, handsome sex-god of a hero, but his competitive relationship with his brother and his obvious fondness for his family adds some shading to his characterisation and rounds him out a little.
The sex scenes are steamy, intensely romantic and very well-written and the chemistry between Bathsheba and Liam is evident from their first scene together. This builds steadily throughout the story to culminate in an explosive wall-banger(!) which I think will make my personal “hottest of 2017” list. The story moves fairly quickly without feeling rushed, although I did think that Liam’s realisation of the truth of his feelings for Bathsheba was a little fast. That said though, I liked that he wasn’t afraid to admit it and was then ready to go after what he wanted and the final scene, wherein he answers all her questions about love, seduction and kissing is sweet and maybe just a little bit melty 😉
The Secret of My Seduction is a quick, sexy read that works both as a standalone and as a nice coda to the Scandals series.
One of the things linking together the books in Caroline Linden’s recent Scandals series was Fifty Ways to Sin, the series of erotic pamphlets featuring the amorous adventures of the anonymous Lady Constance, a woman whose uninhibited pursuit of sexual pleasure captured the imagination of thousands of readers throughout England. The final book in the series, Six Degrees of Scandal, revealed the identity of the author, and saw the publication of the final instalments in the promised fifty stories, giving Lady Constance her own happy ending in the arms of a mystery lover and closing the book on the series.
But did it?
Bathsheba Crawford who, together with her brother, Daniel, had been responsible for printing the original pamphlets, was reluctant to say goodbye to their illicit enterprise. Not only had the money made from publishing Fifty Ways made them secure financially, she had, on occasion, edited the stories for publication, and had enjoyed being part of something that celebrated a woman’s sexuality and her search for love. So she decided to try her hand at writing something similar, and, when The Secret of My Seduction opens, has been writing a series of successful stories entitled Tales of Lady X for a number of months, now. Her brother knows nothing of this, however; Bathsheba’s publisher is Liam MacGregor – the owner and editor of the London Intelligencer, a popular news and gossip sheet – who appeared briefly in the final stages of Six Degrees when his presses helped meet the demand for the final issues of Fifty Ways to Sin.
But Bathsheba has a problem. While she has plenty of ideas for her stories, her writing is becoming stale, and she is becoming bored with writing the same thing over and over. She’s not a virgin, but her few sexual experiences were not exactly exciting and she has never experienced the sort of passion described by Lady Constance, which makes it difficult to write about in a believable way. So she comes up with the idea of asking Liam to make love to her in order to further her knowledge. After all, she tells him in her typically no-nonsense way, it will be to both their benefits – it will make her writing better and hopefully increase sales – and, she says, if the rumours about him and his prowess with the ladies are true, then she should certainly gain some useful experience in his bed.
Liam is stunned by her request, and his first instinct is dismissal – until Bathsheba suggests finding someone else to help her instead. At that point, of course, Liam’ protective instincts kick in, and he changes his mind, realising that perhaps seducing the plainly dressed, often overlooked, but very forthright Bathsheba Crawford won’t exactly be a hardship.
Okay, so this is a terribly contrived set up, but once the reader has rolled their eyes and moved on, The Secret of My Seduction is a very well-written, sexy novella that delivers more than just a hundred-page bonk-fest. Yes, there are several sex-scenes, but in this story that’s kind of the point, and I wasn’t expecting otherwise. More importantly, though, the author does a great job in those scenes of revealing more about the characters through their interactions under very intimate circumstances. Bathsheba knows that she has long harboured feelings for Liam and tells herself sternly that anything more than the physical release he is offering her is out of the question. And Liam is surprised to discover in Bathsheba a woman after his own heart – rational, logical, persistent and passionate – and begins to wonder if he really had not given any thought to seducing her before she asked him to, or if he’d secretly longed to all along.
Ms. Linden also fleshes out both characters quite well considering the limited page count, with Bathsheba probably being the more well-defined of the two. Life hasn’t been easy for her – following the death of her parents, the failure of the family printing business and her brother’s return from war unable to work, it was her sheer determination to grasp what opportunities she could that saw her and Daniel resurrecting their old printing press to print the first issue of Fifty Way to Sin. Liam is perhaps a little more of your stereotypical tall, dark, handsome sex-god of a hero, but his competitive relationship with his brother and his obvious fondness for his family adds some shading to his characterisation and rounds him out a little.
The sex scenes are steamy, intensely romantic and very well-written and the chemistry between Bathsheba and Liam is evident from their first scene together. This builds steadily throughout the story to culminate in an explosive wall-banger(!) which I think will make my personal “hottest of 2017” list. The story moves fairly quickly without feeling rushed, although I did think that Liam’s realisation of the truth of his feelings for Bathsheba was a little fast. That said though, I liked that he wasn’t afraid to admit it and was then ready to go after what he wanted and the final scene, wherein he answers all her questions about love, seduction and kissing is sweet and maybe just a little bit melty 😉
The Secret of My Seduction is a quick, sexy read that works both as a standalone and as a nice coda to the Scandals series.
July 21, 2018
3.5 stars rounded up to say thank you for the series
I've enjoyed this whole series, with a particular weakness for the first book, Love and Other Scandals (that's because Linden lets the hero be a home-improvement nut - very sweet). Along the way, to my pleasure, CL has dropped in the odd novella to round out the series. She's one of only few authors that gets the novella form right more or less every time (I Love the Earl from the "Truth about the Duke" series is just luvverly).
TSoMS is another winner. There's a simple plot -
Bathsheba: "For research purposes only - ahem - I require you to seduce me."
Liam: "Bad idea. I mean, so-so idea. On third thoughts, maybe it has potential. Lots of lovely potential...."
They fall in love. The end.
What I liked though about this version of what is, after all, a reasonably common plot is that it avoided the Condescending Sex Tutor pitfall. You know, the one where the H twirls hypothetical moustaches & ignores any comments the h makes about the Process, in favour of telling her he knows best. The h is then grateful and certain this is love.
Here, instead, Bathsheba is (or certainly tries to be) ruthlessly practical about the whole exercise.
He took the glass out of her limp fingers. “Tonight you’re going to undress me. If you also wish to disrobe…” He flashed his lazy smile. “I will not object.”
Oh dear Lord. The thought of Liam, naked, sent her pulse leaping so hard, she thought she might faint. “That is not what I asked for,” she blurted out.
“Seduction goes both ways,” he countered. “At least, it should.” He folded back one shirt cuff and undid it, then undid the other one. He dropped the studs on the mantel. “Or do you find it unappealing?”
No. She found the idea dangerously, lusciously appealing, and she feared the actual experience of it would leave her a lunatic, mad with lust for him. “Don’t be silly,” she said brusquely. “You’re the bloody expert, I’ll follow your recommendation.”
It's Liam who finds himself surprised by the depth of emotions he experiences. Although the focus is very much on H&h, Liam's scenes with his brother are both entertaining and a useful barometer of his feelings.
I do wish though, that I could actually read "50 Ways to Sin" and "The Tales of Lady X".
I've enjoyed this whole series, with a particular weakness for the first book, Love and Other Scandals (that's because Linden lets the hero be a home-improvement nut - very sweet). Along the way, to my pleasure, CL has dropped in the odd novella to round out the series. She's one of only few authors that gets the novella form right more or less every time (I Love the Earl from the "Truth about the Duke" series is just luvverly).
TSoMS is another winner. There's a simple plot -
Bathsheba: "For research purposes only - ahem - I require you to seduce me."
Liam: "Bad idea. I mean, so-so idea. On third thoughts, maybe it has potential. Lots of lovely potential...."
They fall in love. The end.
What I liked though about this version of what is, after all, a reasonably common plot is that it avoided the Condescending Sex Tutor pitfall. You know, the one where the H twirls hypothetical moustaches & ignores any comments the h makes about the Process, in favour of telling her he knows best. The h is then grateful and certain this is love.
Here, instead, Bathsheba is (or certainly tries to be) ruthlessly practical about the whole exercise.
He took the glass out of her limp fingers. “Tonight you’re going to undress me. If you also wish to disrobe…” He flashed his lazy smile. “I will not object.”
Oh dear Lord. The thought of Liam, naked, sent her pulse leaping so hard, she thought she might faint. “That is not what I asked for,” she blurted out.
“Seduction goes both ways,” he countered. “At least, it should.” He folded back one shirt cuff and undid it, then undid the other one. He dropped the studs on the mantel. “Or do you find it unappealing?”
No. She found the idea dangerously, lusciously appealing, and she feared the actual experience of it would leave her a lunatic, mad with lust for him. “Don’t be silly,” she said brusquely. “You’re the bloody expert, I’ll follow your recommendation.”
It's Liam who finds himself surprised by the depth of emotions he experiences. Although the focus is very much on H&h, Liam's scenes with his brother are both entertaining and a useful barometer of his feelings.
I do wish though, that I could actually read "50 Ways to Sin" and "The Tales of Lady X".
June 16, 2022
Bathsheba Crawford is the anonymous author of smut pamphlets and she wants to do some research, so she asks her publisher, Liam MacGregor to do her. You know, boning style. He teaches her three important lessons about seduction before realizing that he's gone and fallen for her. Oh no! Luckily for him, Bathsheba feels the same way. Feeling style.
1. This was cute! Some of the emotional angst was a little fraught, which felt a bit ungainly in the shortness of this book, but: that's life.
2. I liked Bathsheba; I liked Liam. I would have liked a little more about how they worked together before how they bone together, but maybe that is in other books that I haven't read?
3. Bathsheba's makeover was a bit much?? In the grand scheme of things it isn't much but I know while it was happening I was like "oh, I don't like this". So.
4. So at one point Bathsheba and Liam have a fight because she wants Liam to "get on with it" and he's savoring the whole experience. And the adjectives they throw around are kind of hilarious?
This? Wasn't that. Unfortunately.
5. Vigorous and lively.
1. This was cute! Some of the emotional angst was a little fraught, which felt a bit ungainly in the shortness of this book, but: that's life.
2. I liked Bathsheba; I liked Liam. I would have liked a little more about how they worked together before how they bone together, but maybe that is in other books that I haven't read?
3. Bathsheba's makeover was a bit much?? In the grand scheme of things it isn't much but I know while it was happening I was like "oh, I don't like this". So.
4. So at one point Bathsheba and Liam have a fight because she wants Liam to "get on with it" and he's savoring the whole experience. And the adjectives they throw around are kind of hilarious?
Liam brooded over her words. Briskly and efficiently! What sort of woman wanted that? Not that he hadn't thought of taking her roughly and quickly [...]I think the thing that bothers me isn't necessarily the fight OR the words—there's obviously a philosophical divide separating their preferences for the use of erections. I mean: let's have the Great Debate; I will facilitate.—Rather, it's the very fumbling, clumsy way the words are clunked into the text, with all the grace of a sloppy thesaurus-izing. I've read great plays on adjective-based love-making, which brought the characters who were doing the boning (swiftly and briskly) together and made the whole thing delightful.
This? Wasn't that. Unfortunately.
5. Vigorous and lively.
March 24, 2017
In The Secret of My Seduction, the writer heroine engages the publisher hero in an affair as a means of research and inspiration for her erotic novels. BEST. CONCEPT. EVER. The fact that Bathsheba approached the whole situation in a very methodical, almost scientific way, even going so far as to bring a pencil and paper to the assignations for note taking purposes, amused me to no end. Sexy times in the name of science? YES PLEASE! And boy, does her hot, Scottish test subject/instructor, Liam, deliver on the goods. I’m still fanning myself over that library scene where they both go down on each other. Whoo!
Fun premise aside, I found Bathsheba herself to be a very interesting character. Bathsheba was definitely not the average HR heroine we’re used to seeing: she was twenty-nine, she wasn’t a virgin (though not exactly experienced either) and she was self sufficient, single handedly bringing herself and her brother out of poverty through the success of her writing. However, she was not without flaws. Bathsheba seemed to be caught up in how other people viewed her, which in turn affected the way she viewed herself. Believing others saw her as plain and insignificant, why should she then try to be anything else? It’s Liam who later awakens not only sexual desire within her, but also a desire to fully embrace the passionate, talented, incredible woman Liam saw her to be. I wish this character journey of awakening agency had been fully explored because I don’t believe the short format did it justice.
While I enjoyed Bathsheba and Liam both as individuals and as a couple, I didn’t fully believe that love had formed between them by the end, so I couldn’t give this 4-stars. I will say that I have responded much better to Caroline Linden’s novellas than her full length books. Then again, I’ve only read ONE full length book by her so maybe I can’t fully form an opinion just yet.
Fun premise aside, I found Bathsheba herself to be a very interesting character. Bathsheba was definitely not the average HR heroine we’re used to seeing: she was twenty-nine, she wasn’t a virgin (though not exactly experienced either) and she was self sufficient, single handedly bringing herself and her brother out of poverty through the success of her writing. However, she was not without flaws. Bathsheba seemed to be caught up in how other people viewed her, which in turn affected the way she viewed herself. Believing others saw her as plain and insignificant, why should she then try to be anything else? It’s Liam who later awakens not only sexual desire within her, but also a desire to fully embrace the passionate, talented, incredible woman Liam saw her to be. I wish this character journey of awakening agency had been fully explored because I don’t believe the short format did it justice.
While I enjoyed Bathsheba and Liam both as individuals and as a couple, I didn’t fully believe that love had formed between them by the end, so I couldn’t give this 4-stars. I will say that I have responded much better to Caroline Linden’s novellas than her full length books. Then again, I’ve only read ONE full length book by her so maybe I can’t fully form an opinion just yet.
March 21, 2017
What a delightful new novella from Caroline Linden. It is short and so very sweet!!!
I loved the characters, although there was really only the two main characters in the story. You saw a couple of appearances by their brothers, but nothing extensive. The two characters were just made for each other and this book is about them coming to realize that. He's a publisher - she writes naughty stories even though she has no to little experience. He teaches her passion - she teaches him love. Again, a great little read!
"I received this book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
I loved the characters, although there was really only the two main characters in the story. You saw a couple of appearances by their brothers, but nothing extensive. The two characters were just made for each other and this book is about them coming to realize that. He's a publisher - she writes naughty stories even though she has no to little experience. He teaches her passion - she teaches him love. Again, a great little read!
"I received this book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
March 19, 2017
I've received this eArc in exchange for an honest review.
Review in Portuguese here: http://pepitamagica.blogspot.co.uk/20...
After reading a small novella by Caroline Linden in Dressed to Kiss, I knew I had a new author to follow. When the opportunity to read this book came up, I didn’t hesitate.
The Secret of my Seduction has a very appropriate title because that’s all the book is about. The seduction of…is it of Bathsheba Crawford, the main female character, or could it be the seduction of Liam MacGregor? It’s true that it’s Bathsheba the one who proposes that Liam teaches her flirtation and seduction, but, it’s Liam that, even though he finds it odd that the author of erotic romances needs to come to him for advice, accepts her proposal, “for business sake”.
I really liked their chemistry, the fact that they had already known each other for some time, not just “love at first sight”, but something that grew between them.
There were some seduction lessons and my only con against the book is…. how short it is! I wanted their relationship to be a bit more developed, more explored, in every way. The amount that was given, I really liked it, but I wanted more, that’s why I’m not giving it a higher score.
It was a book that I read really quickly and that gave me immense pleasure to read.
Review in Portuguese here: http://pepitamagica.blogspot.co.uk/20...
After reading a small novella by Caroline Linden in Dressed to Kiss, I knew I had a new author to follow. When the opportunity to read this book came up, I didn’t hesitate.
The Secret of my Seduction has a very appropriate title because that’s all the book is about. The seduction of…is it of Bathsheba Crawford, the main female character, or could it be the seduction of Liam MacGregor? It’s true that it’s Bathsheba the one who proposes that Liam teaches her flirtation and seduction, but, it’s Liam that, even though he finds it odd that the author of erotic romances needs to come to him for advice, accepts her proposal, “for business sake”.
I really liked their chemistry, the fact that they had already known each other for some time, not just “love at first sight”, but something that grew between them.
There were some seduction lessons and my only con against the book is…. how short it is! I wanted their relationship to be a bit more developed, more explored, in every way. The amount that was given, I really liked it, but I wanted more, that’s why I’m not giving it a higher score.
It was a book that I read really quickly and that gave me immense pleasure to read.
July 8, 2021
The Secret of My Seduction
4 Stars
Series note: This novella is the final installment in the Scandalous series, but can be read as a standalone. While the hero and heroine do appear in book #4, their roles are minor and their story is unrelated to the previous books. That said, this is a delightful series and I highly recommend it.
As an author of scandalous tales, Bathsheba Crawford is convinced her writing would benefit from some more in-depth personal experience. Toward this end, she approaches her publisher, Liam MacGregor, with a very indecent proposal.
Bathsheba and Jack's characters are quite well developed despite the short format, and their romance is sinfully sexy. Their banter and interactions are engaging and contribute to the believability of their relationship.
Overall, an entertaining end to a wonderful series.
4 Stars
Series note: This novella is the final installment in the Scandalous series, but can be read as a standalone. While the hero and heroine do appear in book #4, their roles are minor and their story is unrelated to the previous books. That said, this is a delightful series and I highly recommend it.
As an author of scandalous tales, Bathsheba Crawford is convinced her writing would benefit from some more in-depth personal experience. Toward this end, she approaches her publisher, Liam MacGregor, with a very indecent proposal.
Bathsheba and Jack's characters are quite well developed despite the short format, and their romance is sinfully sexy. Their banter and interactions are engaging and contribute to the believability of their relationship.
Overall, an entertaining end to a wonderful series.
April 4, 2017
I generally avoid novellas, I'm not a big fan, but this one was so wonderful! The story wasn't so rushed, as with other novellas I've read, the attraction and affection was believable and it was just a fun read.
I'm slowly, but surely becoming a Caroline Linden fangirl.
I'm slowly, but surely becoming a Caroline Linden fangirl.
October 29, 2017
3,5 stars cause I enjoyed it but wish it had been longer! I love short stories but sometimes they should have 20 more pages to explore the otp and their feelings. Still, I enjoyed the sexy times and again wished we had more time to see then fall in love!
May 28, 2019
Mama mia! This was hot! Great novella.
March 23, 2017
Delightful, quick read. Caroline Linden is one of my favorite authors, and this lives up to that standard. She seems to have a knack for the novella format - hers never feel rushed or incomplete.
June 14, 2024
The Secret of My Seduction by Caroline Linden, a novella in the Scandalous series
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Cover: 4/5
Story: 5/5
Steam: 🔥 🔥 🔥
Ending: HEA
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Stand Alone or Series: You can read this as a stand alone. The events of the core four books are of little importance and there is minor character cross over.
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London, Regency (1823)
Scottish Newpaper Printer
Secret Author Spinster
Bedding Lessons
Employer/Employee
Working Class MCs
Reformed Rake
Good Grovel
.
This was such a delightful novella! I must admit, Bedding Lessons isn't my favorite trope, but I simply adored how Linden plotted this story and the pace I which it progressed. Seeing each main character fully realize their feelings for each other was truly special. I particularly enjoyed that "the issue" that would be keeping the main characters apart wasn't overdone or pushed too much. This is a relatively low-angst book that left me with a happy heart.
Liam and Bathsheba make for delightful main characters. They are a pair that have known each other in a business setting and come to find that there is much more to each person than meets the eye. I loved reading about how confused each of them becomes when they realize they are falling for each other but don't want the other one to know. The Bedding Lessons were supposed to be "strictly business," and this truly added something to the romantic plot.
I will mention that there is a minor secondary romance in this novella. It is rather cute, doesn't take away anything from the main romantic plot, and helps to push that plot forward/support it.
As for steam, I'm not complaining! Linfsen uses a variety of explicit and alluded to terms in her steam writing. I felt that there was a lot of sexual tension and passion in the scenes. Readers will enjoy a variety of actions and scene lengths.
.
Read as a physical copy.
Honest review left voluntarily.
.
Content Warning (may contain spoilers):
.
.
.
.
.
War injuries
.
Cover: 4/5
Story: 5/5
Steam: 🔥 🔥 🔥
Ending: HEA
.
Stand Alone or Series: You can read this as a stand alone. The events of the core four books are of little importance and there is minor character cross over.
.
London, Regency (1823)
Scottish Newpaper Printer
Secret Author Spinster
Bedding Lessons
Employer/Employee
Working Class MCs
Reformed Rake
Good Grovel
.
This was such a delightful novella! I must admit, Bedding Lessons isn't my favorite trope, but I simply adored how Linden plotted this story and the pace I which it progressed. Seeing each main character fully realize their feelings for each other was truly special. I particularly enjoyed that "the issue" that would be keeping the main characters apart wasn't overdone or pushed too much. This is a relatively low-angst book that left me with a happy heart.
Liam and Bathsheba make for delightful main characters. They are a pair that have known each other in a business setting and come to find that there is much more to each person than meets the eye. I loved reading about how confused each of them becomes when they realize they are falling for each other but don't want the other one to know. The Bedding Lessons were supposed to be "strictly business," and this truly added something to the romantic plot.
I will mention that there is a minor secondary romance in this novella. It is rather cute, doesn't take away anything from the main romantic plot, and helps to push that plot forward/support it.
As for steam, I'm not complaining! Linfsen uses a variety of explicit and alluded to terms in her steam writing. I felt that there was a lot of sexual tension and passion in the scenes. Readers will enjoy a variety of actions and scene lengths.
.
Read as a physical copy.
Honest review left voluntarily.
.
Content Warning (may contain spoilers):
.
.
.
.
.
War injuries
Read
March 24, 2017Bathsheba Crawford has a dilemma. As the author of the popular Tales of Lady X series, she needs to spice up her stories to hold her reader’s interest. Bathsheba understands that she needs to experience passion in order to describe it. She discusses her idea with her publisher Liam MacGregor and propositions him!
Caroline Linden is a terrific writer! This fast-paced novella is a sexy read with two fabulous characters! Bathsheba is described as plain and is able to capitalize on this feature when she attends social functions. She hears gossip that she is able to incorporate in her stories because no one notices her. I loved watching her gain confidence in herself as she and Liam began their affair! Bathsheba describes Liam as a rake but, there are glimpses of his true character and family relationships during the story. Loved the clever dialogue between the characters as they push each other’s buttons. The couple’s chemistry sizzles! Caroline Linden writes an excellent story-she blends fantastic dialogue, meaningful social commentary and sensual romance in The Secret Of My Seduction.
So what happens when an experiment turns to true passion? Pick up your copy of The Secret Of My Seduction – and find out!
If you enjoy authors Katharine Ashe, Tessa Dare and Lisa Kleypas—you will love this novella!
Caroline Linden is a terrific writer! This fast-paced novella is a sexy read with two fabulous characters! Bathsheba is described as plain and is able to capitalize on this feature when she attends social functions. She hears gossip that she is able to incorporate in her stories because no one notices her. I loved watching her gain confidence in herself as she and Liam began their affair! Bathsheba describes Liam as a rake but, there are glimpses of his true character and family relationships during the story. Loved the clever dialogue between the characters as they push each other’s buttons. The couple’s chemistry sizzles! Caroline Linden writes an excellent story-she blends fantastic dialogue, meaningful social commentary and sensual romance in The Secret Of My Seduction.
So what happens when an experiment turns to true passion? Pick up your copy of The Secret Of My Seduction – and find out!
If you enjoy authors Katharine Ashe, Tessa Dare and Lisa Kleypas—you will love this novella!
March 17, 2017
For over a year Bathsheba Crawford has had no time for relationships or love. She was doing all she can to keep a roof over her head, food for the table and taking care of her brother who is injured in the war.
Now she is writing risque stories called Tales of Lady X anonymously for Liam MacGregor who owns the newspaper the London Intelligencer. She now has money in the bank and is no longer poverty stricken. The stories that she writes are sexually explicit. She's only had two experiences with bed sport, both of which were uninspiring and passionless. She has had to use her imagination in her stories and she is running out of ideas. She plans to ask Liam, who is a known rake and womanizer to help educate her in different aspects of lovemaking.
At first Liam refuses and Bathsheba says she will go find someone else. Liam gives in and they plan their first rendezvous. They are both surprised by the passion that explodes between them. The sex is amazing and the feelings they develop for each other are intense and completely surprising. After the three agreed upon meetings their affair ends. They are both denying the feelings that have taken them both by surprise.
Can either one of them find the courage to express their feelings or will they remain just business partners? Will they let down their guard and embrace a life together?
Caroline writes a deeply sensual love story about two independent people who have a chance at a HAE.
Her writing is intensely moving. Liam and Bathsheba are both compelling and wonderfully intelligent characters. Even though this is a novella it has all the emotional impact and enjoyment of a full Romance Novel. I adored this addition to The Scandals Series. It is only 99 cents and well worth it.
Received a complimentary copy for an honest review.
Now she is writing risque stories called Tales of Lady X anonymously for Liam MacGregor who owns the newspaper the London Intelligencer. She now has money in the bank and is no longer poverty stricken. The stories that she writes are sexually explicit. She's only had two experiences with bed sport, both of which were uninspiring and passionless. She has had to use her imagination in her stories and she is running out of ideas. She plans to ask Liam, who is a known rake and womanizer to help educate her in different aspects of lovemaking.
At first Liam refuses and Bathsheba says she will go find someone else. Liam gives in and they plan their first rendezvous. They are both surprised by the passion that explodes between them. The sex is amazing and the feelings they develop for each other are intense and completely surprising. After the three agreed upon meetings their affair ends. They are both denying the feelings that have taken them both by surprise.
Can either one of them find the courage to express their feelings or will they remain just business partners? Will they let down their guard and embrace a life together?
Caroline writes a deeply sensual love story about two independent people who have a chance at a HAE.
Her writing is intensely moving. Liam and Bathsheba are both compelling and wonderfully intelligent characters. Even though this is a novella it has all the emotional impact and enjoyment of a full Romance Novel. I adored this addition to The Scandals Series. It is only 99 cents and well worth it.
Received a complimentary copy for an honest review.
March 20, 2017
I have read and loved all of Caroline Linden's books and this short read is a wonderful ending to the Scandals series. Bathsheba Crawford writes the popular Tales of Lady X while not having full knowledge of her subject matter. Liam MacGregor, her publisher, is surprised when she asks him to teach her what she lacks, sensual pleasure. At first he thinks it's a bad idea, but then goes along with it when she says she'll find some other man. But can a few nights turn into true love? Read this novella and find out. I enjoyed it!
Thanks Caroline Linden for the ARC.
Thanks Caroline Linden for the ARC.
December 10, 2023
Best of the series! Characters meh tho.
June 10, 2020
An enjoyable end to an enjoyable first rate series.
feel we could do with a nice wee epilogue to let us know how Bathsheba and Liam fared a few years down the track.
feel we could do with a nice wee epilogue to let us know how Bathsheba and Liam fared a few years down the track.
March 18, 2017
As reviewed at Roses Are Blue: http://wp.me/p3QRh4-w0
Bathsheba Crawford is living a double life. Only she and her editor / publisher, Liam MacGregor, know that she is secretly the writer of the Tales of Lady X, a series of fictional and scandalous stories. These stories are wildly popular, and generate a fair amount of income for both Liam and Bathsheba, so he’s willing to listen when she comes to him with a problem. It seems that Bathsheba is running out of story ideas – everything feels stale and flat. Perhaps she needs to experience genuine passion herself in order to provide inspiration since her own previous experience is limited and disappointing. Liam is shocked when Bathsheba suggests that HE be the one to teach her about passion and seduction. He flatly refuses, and Bathsheba is not going to try to force him if he doesn’t find her appealing. Yet, when Liam begins to think about another man with Bathsheba, he changes his mind and agrees.
Liam has always treated Bathsheba as a colleague, and as an equal. Her direct way of speaking, her forthright manner, and her understated way of dressing never led Liam to think of her in a sexual manner, but now it’s all he can think of. He’s very much looking forward to their series of encounters which he’s arranged to take place in his private home outside the city. Truth be told, Bathsheba has been secretly infatuated with Liam for quite a while. She doubts that she’ll ever find love, but perhaps pleasure is possible with the big, handsome Scot, for however brief a time it may be.
I don’t think either Liam or Bathsheba was prepared for their explosive chemistry together. After three steamy encounters, Liam is beginning to think of making this a permanent arrangement, while Bathsheba is ready to run for her life, fearful of losing what’s left of her heart. Is it possible for a relationship that started backwards to lead to love? SECRET OF MY SEDUCTION is short, but packs a wallop! I love stories with heroines who aren’t great beauties, but blossom in the arms of their lover, who finds them beautiful. I also adore when a strong, no-nonsense man suddenly finds that he is as susceptible to love as anyone. This story was a delight to read with its terrific protagonists, steamy passion, and genuine romance. Recommended.
Bathsheba Crawford is living a double life. Only she and her editor / publisher, Liam MacGregor, know that she is secretly the writer of the Tales of Lady X, a series of fictional and scandalous stories. These stories are wildly popular, and generate a fair amount of income for both Liam and Bathsheba, so he’s willing to listen when she comes to him with a problem. It seems that Bathsheba is running out of story ideas – everything feels stale and flat. Perhaps she needs to experience genuine passion herself in order to provide inspiration since her own previous experience is limited and disappointing. Liam is shocked when Bathsheba suggests that HE be the one to teach her about passion and seduction. He flatly refuses, and Bathsheba is not going to try to force him if he doesn’t find her appealing. Yet, when Liam begins to think about another man with Bathsheba, he changes his mind and agrees.
Liam has always treated Bathsheba as a colleague, and as an equal. Her direct way of speaking, her forthright manner, and her understated way of dressing never led Liam to think of her in a sexual manner, but now it’s all he can think of. He’s very much looking forward to their series of encounters which he’s arranged to take place in his private home outside the city. Truth be told, Bathsheba has been secretly infatuated with Liam for quite a while. She doubts that she’ll ever find love, but perhaps pleasure is possible with the big, handsome Scot, for however brief a time it may be.
I don’t think either Liam or Bathsheba was prepared for their explosive chemistry together. After three steamy encounters, Liam is beginning to think of making this a permanent arrangement, while Bathsheba is ready to run for her life, fearful of losing what’s left of her heart. Is it possible for a relationship that started backwards to lead to love? SECRET OF MY SEDUCTION is short, but packs a wallop! I love stories with heroines who aren’t great beauties, but blossom in the arms of their lover, who finds them beautiful. I also adore when a strong, no-nonsense man suddenly finds that he is as susceptible to love as anyone. This story was a delight to read with its terrific protagonists, steamy passion, and genuine romance. Recommended.
March 30, 2017
The Secret of my Seduction by Caroline Linden is the finale of the "Scandals" series. While, book 7 in the series it can be read as a stand alone. A novella, only about 95 pages, but packed full of witty banter, seduction, secrets, and does not feel rushed but definitely satisfying.
What happens when a mysterious noblewoman who writes and publishs anonymously, of course, titillating, naughty novels, meets the rakish Liam MacGregor, why shocking seduction that's what! Let the seduction begin....
This is the story of Liam MacGregor and Bathsheba Crawford. Liam is the publisher of a mysterious author's scandalous novels.
A fun but very sensual tale. Will Liam and Bathsheba find love and a HEA, once all the secrets are revealed.
Ms. Linden writes sensual, but beautiful stories of love, passion, and HEA.
Fans of Regency romance are sure to enjoy this story. Very enticing and entertaining. A great read for an afternoon read! Enjoyable and satisfying. Strongly recommended.
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Hot
Reviewed by: AprilR
What happens when a mysterious noblewoman who writes and publishs anonymously, of course, titillating, naughty novels, meets the rakish Liam MacGregor, why shocking seduction that's what! Let the seduction begin....
This is the story of Liam MacGregor and Bathsheba Crawford. Liam is the publisher of a mysterious author's scandalous novels.
A fun but very sensual tale. Will Liam and Bathsheba find love and a HEA, once all the secrets are revealed.
Ms. Linden writes sensual, but beautiful stories of love, passion, and HEA.
Fans of Regency romance are sure to enjoy this story. Very enticing and entertaining. A great read for an afternoon read! Enjoyable and satisfying. Strongly recommended.
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Hot
Reviewed by: AprilR
November 25, 2023
Caroline Linden is a fairly new author for me. Prior to the series, I had only read 4 other books by her. This is now my 11th book by her. I hadn't planned on reading more of her books because as someone that reads over 350 books a year, I found some of her books a bit too expensive. I had been searching around and her name popped up again so thought I would check her out. So glad I did. Book 1 in this series was so damn good and I couldn't put it down so now I must finish the whole series.
I have enjoyed this series. I enjoyed reading Bathsheba and Liam's story. I kind of felt the last few books were a bit rushed but overall good reads.
I have enjoyed this series. I enjoyed reading Bathsheba and Liam's story. I kind of felt the last few books were a bit rushed but overall good reads.
March 20, 2021
3.5/5 stars
This was pretty fun! I liked the characters and the set up, and while the ending was a bit frustrating, I'm glad I read this.
This was pretty fun! I liked the characters and the set up, and while the ending was a bit frustrating, I'm glad I read this.
March 12, 2017
The Secret of My Seduction is a sexy and easy read novella by Caroline linden.
No one suspects or believes that the plain Bathsheba Crawford is the author of a wickedly scandalous series of naughty novels. The only person knows is her publisher the handsome rake, Liam MacGregor.
Her series is doing great but now Bathsheba needs more than imagination to continue her writing, since she doesn't have that much experience.
So she approaches Liam MacGregor, with an indecent proposal, he’s shocked. But he accepts.
Can they keep their affair simple with no romance..............
Caroline Linden's writing is fantastic, passionate and romantic.
The secret of My Seduction is a quick and sexy novella, I finished it in one day. This is another enjoyable book by Caroline with hot scenes and a great ending.
Thank you Caroline Linden
No one suspects or believes that the plain Bathsheba Crawford is the author of a wickedly scandalous series of naughty novels. The only person knows is her publisher the handsome rake, Liam MacGregor.
Her series is doing great but now Bathsheba needs more than imagination to continue her writing, since she doesn't have that much experience.
So she approaches Liam MacGregor, with an indecent proposal, he’s shocked. But he accepts.
Can they keep their affair simple with no romance..............
Caroline Linden's writing is fantastic, passionate and romantic.
The secret of My Seduction is a quick and sexy novella, I finished it in one day. This is another enjoyable book by Caroline with hot scenes and a great ending.
Thank you Caroline Linden
December 28, 2023
It lacked substance on the romance part.
The smut in this series is average and not that intense (in my opinion). Their lovemaking doesn't even reflect what they feel for each other unlike the other books I've read. No sensual touches (that feels like they can't get enough of each other in an emotional way, not just physical). The tenderness of lovemaking—that's it! That's what I was looking for here in this book. Of course, the characters here eventually fell in love, but I would like to see it in their actions, y'know. Those little hints in between the scenes that shows/reflects how they feel towards each other. (There are some, yes, but it's lacking).
Overall, a good novella
The smut in this series is average and not that intense (in my opinion). Their lovemaking doesn't even reflect what they feel for each other unlike the other books I've read. No sensual touches (that feels like they can't get enough of each other in an emotional way, not just physical). The tenderness of lovemaking—that's it! That's what I was looking for here in this book. Of course, the characters here eventually fell in love, but I would like to see it in their actions, y'know. Those little hints in between the scenes that shows/reflects how they feel towards each other. (There are some, yes, but it's lacking).
Overall, a good novella
March 21, 2017
This was a fun, quick romp featuring a strong heroine named Bathsheba, an accommodating hero named Liam and some VERY sensual love scenes! Love how Caroline Linden writes love scenes...sexy, romantic and memorable! My favorite scene (last chapter) involves what was written in a notebook....swoon-worthy! 4.3/5
I was provided an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I was provided an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2021
I loved this novella! 😍🥰 I'm happy the hero is from Scotland! 💙 He did not wear a kilt tho. Lol. 😅
April 1, 2017
I received an digital ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I loved the previous books in the Scandals series, and the other novellas she has written have been great, so I was excited to read more.
But this book was not my cup of tea. I understood going in that the heroine was the author of a scandalous book, and I am well aware that it is hard to create a well-developed story within a hundred or so pages, when longer novels have almost 400 pages to develop the story. But I couldn't find a reason to like either the hero or heroine enough to keep myself interested.
One thing I had an issue with was that it felt too rushed, like they just fell into bed and there was no emotional connection between the two. I realize the whole point was that Bathsheba wanted to have more sexual experience for her books, but it just felt too abrupt for me, and the fact that if Liam said no, she was willing to go seek it out from strangers just made me feel uncomfortable. I have no problem with sexual intimacy in historical romance novels, and they don't even need to be in a committed relationship at that point, but this one just felt too rushed.
But this book was not my cup of tea. I understood going in that the heroine was the author of a scandalous book, and I am well aware that it is hard to create a well-developed story within a hundred or so pages, when longer novels have almost 400 pages to develop the story. But I couldn't find a reason to like either the hero or heroine enough to keep myself interested.
One thing I had an issue with was that it felt too rushed, like they just fell into bed and there was no emotional connection between the two. I realize the whole point was that Bathsheba wanted to have more sexual experience for her books, but it just felt too abrupt for me, and the fact that if Liam said no, she was willing to go seek it out from strangers just made me feel uncomfortable. I have no problem with sexual intimacy in historical romance novels, and they don't even need to be in a committed relationship at that point, but this one just felt too rushed.
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