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Strictly #1
Strictly Seduction
Submerged in debt, beautiful widow Madeline Sedgewick is stunned to discover that the man who bought her late husband's notes of credit is none other than Brock Taylor, a newly rich man who had stolen her heart years ago, forcing her to embark on risky wager that could result in the loss of her independence as well as her heart. Original.
344 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 17, 2024
Ugh.... Not a full recap because I didn't want to waste any more time.
They fell in love and he took her virginity - he left to make money to support her - she was pregnant and without him there, she married someone else. Now her husband is dead, her lover is back, and he doesn't know the kid is his. It's pretty much the same thing repeated every chapter.
"He can never find out she's his child"
"How can she believe I would abandon her?"
"He left me without looking back"
"Why didn't she wait for me? Did I mean nothing to her?"
It's boring and repetitive. Sorry.
They fell in love and he took her virginity - he left to make money to support her - she was pregnant and without him there, she married someone else. Now her husband is dead, her lover is back, and he doesn't know the kid is his. It's pretty much the same thing repeated every chapter.
"He can never find out she's his child"
"How can she believe I would abandon her?"
"He left me without looking back"
"Why didn't she wait for me? Did I mean nothing to her?"
It's boring and repetitive. Sorry.
did-not-finish-skimmed-to-end
November 22, 2011There weren't a lot of reviews on here, but I really should have checked on Amazon before I bought this one. I have a feeling the writing is probably really good (I do like Shayla Black/Shelley Bradley MOST of the time), but I think this conflict is too irritating to continue reading. I really dislike it when characters are holding onto resentments that could easily be cleared with a somewhat simple conversation. Communication, honesty -- use them, and get your conflict somewhere else. So far it looks like Brock is going to be dense about the past and mostly acting out of revenge, and that's just a big turn off for me as a reader. DNF.
dnf
July 5, 2020DNF after chapter 10. Slow, repetitive, boring, and nothing really moved the story along. The heroine's fears and misconceptions about the hero got really frustrating. The 4-year-old daughter does not know how to listen nor stay out of trouble. I'm not even tempted to skim the rest of the book. On the bright side, if you're in the mood for seduction scenes, there's plenty of that.
May 8, 2019
These two were so annoying!!!
First, we have the heroine, who believes the WORST of the hero with absolutely no evidence. Even if what she thought it was true - that he got paid off by her father after deflowering her - there was no reason WHATSOEVER to think he would banish her, separate her from her daughter, beat her, etc. And I couldn't STAND that she took such a risk that he would send her to the poor's house when she had her daughter to think about!!!
Not that the hero was any better...instead of being nice to the woman, his first proposal was "marry me or I send you to the poor's house." I mean for real!!! And when she realized what he really was up to, I couldn't believe a businessman wouldn't just negotiate! If you do this for me, I'll give this. Everything would have been so much simple!
I hope the next book doesn't have such annoying characters. The description sound interesting so I think I'll read it.
First, we have the heroine, who believes the WORST of the hero with absolutely no evidence. Even if what she thought it was true - that he got paid off by her father after deflowering her - there was no reason WHATSOEVER to think he would banish her, separate her from her daughter, beat her, etc. And I couldn't STAND that she took such a risk that he would send her to the poor's house when she had her daughter to think about!!!
Not that the hero was any better...instead of being nice to the woman, his first proposal was "marry me or I send you to the poor's house." I mean for real!!! And when she realized what he really was up to, I couldn't believe a businessman wouldn't just negotiate! If you do this for me, I'll give this. Everything would have been so much simple!
I hope the next book doesn't have such annoying characters. The description sound interesting so I think I'll read it.
March 20, 2024
A very seductive angst filled love story. This author loves her sexy scenes, yet writes a good engaging story.
March 24, 2023
The miscommunication genre is fast becoming my least favorite genre. The MCs spend 98% of the book going in circles all because they won't take the time to talk. Even worse, they spend 98% of the time in their own heads wrongly deciding what the other person's motives were and in turn making decisions based on their own misguided assumptions. This book falls into that. Maddie is a big shrew who would rather be destitute than marry Brock. On top of that she harbors a huge secret but acts like he's the one wrong. So tired of books that make the hero out to be the bad guy if he does something wrong but the heroine gets a pass when she betrays the hero. Why is it always the hero being the one to apologize when the heroine is the one who betrayed him? It's always "look at it from her perspective " and next thing you know he's groveling or having to prove his love. No. no, no she needs to own up to her bad decisions.
As for the narration, I am not a fan of this narrator. She's to sing songy and ends every sentence on a high note. A bit annoying and makes me want to either dnf a book or skip through just to get it over with, which is what I did with this book. Don't think I can sit through book two listening to her.
As for the narration, I am not a fan of this narrator. She's to sing songy and ends every sentence on a high note. A bit annoying and makes me want to either dnf a book or skip through just to get it over with, which is what I did with this book. Don't think I can sit through book two listening to her.
May 23, 2018
This was way too repetitive and slow. The whole book was about the same issues that neither of the characters would talk about so they rehashed it in there heads about a thousand times. It got quite boring.
July 9, 2018
I like this author but the depth of misunderstandings and missed opportunities for clarification was annoying and seeped into frustration. I actually liked Brock...understood the drive and his passion to win Maddie but Maddie was annoying... so I will look forward to Gavin’s story.
Audio book/ narrator was good.
Audio book/ narrator was good.
February 27, 2024
Madeline & Brock
Another Great Misunderstanding book. I got fed up with both MCs before the halfway point, and it doesn't get high marks for period appropriate situations either. A widow runs off for nightly assignations with no consequences? Her help/ aunt has a copy of the Kama Sutra that she's willing to loan out, etc. Just a bit far-fetched.
Another Great Misunderstanding book. I got fed up with both MCs before the halfway point, and it doesn't get high marks for period appropriate situations either. A widow runs off for nightly assignations with no consequences? Her help/ aunt has a copy of the Kama Sutra that she's willing to loan out, etc. Just a bit far-fetched.
December 27, 2017
No spoiler alerts just Boring
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2020
Strictly seduction
I really enjoy reading this book. I was happy that in the end everything worked out for them. I will tell my friends about this author
I really enjoy reading this book. I was happy that in the end everything worked out for them. I will tell my friends about this author
books-boxed-sets
May 24, 2023In boxed set - "The Strictly Duet: Strictly Seduction / Strictly Forbidden"
February 7, 2012
This review was posted at Under The Covers
Who knew historical romance could be this hot? Lack of communication got them apart to begin with. Madeline, who had grown up in London society, fell deepy in love for Brock five years ago. She even gave him her virginity. But Brock was nothing more than her father's stable hand then and her father paid him off so he would leave town. Or so she thought.
When she realized she had gotten pregnant, she married Lord Sedgewick to cover it up and claim the child as his. Now, with her husband's death almost a year ago and all he left behind were debts, she is left in a precarious situation. This is when Brock comes back into her life.
He's made something of himself, has money, but doesn't have the acceptance in society. He pays off her debts and proposes the deal that she'd marry him to repay him. A deal she refuses to accept. He has a lot of ulterior motives, of course: vengeance, a business venture, acceptance. But most of all he is still deeply in love with her. Even though he can't bring himself to say this to her.
Madeline doesn't want to admit she still has feelings for him, even though he makes his best attempts to seduce her. She doesn't tell him they have a daughter together either. But oh how good he is at the seduction.
While there was an incredible lack of communication between these two characters, I enjoyed every single one of their interactions and how their story slowly unfolded. They were put in a position where they had to be more intimate than they would've otherwise and face the feelings that were still there.
A story of a second chance at love. Of falling in love all over again and forgiving past and present mistakes. It kept me glued to the pages as I usually expect by this wonderful author.
* Review copy provided by author
Who knew historical romance could be this hot? Lack of communication got them apart to begin with. Madeline, who had grown up in London society, fell deepy in love for Brock five years ago. She even gave him her virginity. But Brock was nothing more than her father's stable hand then and her father paid him off so he would leave town. Or so she thought.
When she realized she had gotten pregnant, she married Lord Sedgewick to cover it up and claim the child as his. Now, with her husband's death almost a year ago and all he left behind were debts, she is left in a precarious situation. This is when Brock comes back into her life.
He's made something of himself, has money, but doesn't have the acceptance in society. He pays off her debts and proposes the deal that she'd marry him to repay him. A deal she refuses to accept. He has a lot of ulterior motives, of course: vengeance, a business venture, acceptance. But most of all he is still deeply in love with her. Even though he can't bring himself to say this to her.
Madeline doesn't want to admit she still has feelings for him, even though he makes his best attempts to seduce her. She doesn't tell him they have a daughter together either. But oh how good he is at the seduction.
While there was an incredible lack of communication between these two characters, I enjoyed every single one of their interactions and how their story slowly unfolded. They were put in a position where they had to be more intimate than they would've otherwise and face the feelings that were still there.
A story of a second chance at love. Of falling in love all over again and forgiving past and present mistakes. It kept me glued to the pages as I usually expect by this wonderful author.
* Review copy provided by author
December 5, 2023
Love this book. This was a re-read for me, my first time reading it was in 2012 then read again in 2013, 2014 and now Sept. 18, 2015. So glad I revisited this old friend. Shelley Bradley aka Shayla Black is an outstanding author of romance. Be warned she is descriptive in her most passionate scenes so if that is not your cup of tea then give her a pass. But if you like a curl your toes, heart pumping very well written romance then by all means pick up Strictly Seduction. To give a brief outline of the novel:
As an innocent girl, Madeline Sedgewick, Maddie, learned that nothing comes without a price—even desire. Five years later, now widowed and deeply in debt, she’s certain that the stranger who bought her last husband’s notes of credit will demand swift, steep repayment. But she never imagines her creditor will be Brock Taylor, her father's former stable-hand turned newly wealthy entrepreneur—the man who stole her virginity,her heart and a daughter he knows nothing about. She’s even more stunned when he says that he’ll forgive her debts only if she becomes his wife. Brock’s memories of their parting are no less bitter. But seeing Maddie again—just as spirited, strong, and beautiful as ever—reawakens a desire he thought long dead. When she refuses his proposal, they strike a dangerous wager,it’s a wager only one of them can win—as long as they resist the other’s passionate seduction . . . and falling in love again.
Can not wait to read Strictly Forbidden which is Maddie's cousin Gavin Daggett, Duke of Cropthorne. Don't you just love well written romances...I know I do.
As an innocent girl, Madeline Sedgewick, Maddie, learned that nothing comes without a price—even desire. Five years later, now widowed and deeply in debt, she’s certain that the stranger who bought her last husband’s notes of credit will demand swift, steep repayment. But she never imagines her creditor will be Brock Taylor, her father's former stable-hand turned newly wealthy entrepreneur—the man who stole her virginity,her heart and a daughter he knows nothing about. She’s even more stunned when he says that he’ll forgive her debts only if she becomes his wife. Brock’s memories of their parting are no less bitter. But seeing Maddie again—just as spirited, strong, and beautiful as ever—reawakens a desire he thought long dead. When she refuses his proposal, they strike a dangerous wager,it’s a wager only one of them can win—as long as they resist the other’s passionate seduction . . . and falling in love again.
Can not wait to read Strictly Forbidden which is Maddie's cousin Gavin Daggett, Duke of Cropthorne. Don't you just love well written romances...I know I do.
March 31, 2011
I really liked this romance! It's the story of Brock and Maddie who fell in love when Maddie was only a young girl of 18 and from the upper class of London's society. Brock on the other hand was a stable hand who worked for her father. He never felt as if he was good enough for Maddie, so when he left to pursue his fortune, he left Maddie and promised to return for her. Unbeknown to Brock, Maddie was pregnant and feeling abandoned by him, married another. The story picks up 5 years later with both Brock and Maddie angry and bitter with each other and vowing revenge. This tale revolves around class prejudice, lies and misunderstandings and a passion that's tested to the limits. Ms. Bradley is one of my favorite authors and everything she writes is an automatic buy for me. Strictly Seduction just proves again why this is so. 4 Stars
January 20, 2013
4&1/2 STARS!
I loved Brock and Maddie's story and Aimee was just a prevalent part of the book too! She made it seem real and tied things together for me.
I seriously wish I could give 5. The reason I can't is because it was so frustrating, the lack of communication between Brock and Maddie drove me nuts! I guess that's why they call it fiction and not real life.
Here are what I saw Brock & Maddie to look like
I loved Brock and Maddie's story and Aimee was just a prevalent part of the book too! She made it seem real and tied things together for me.
I seriously wish I could give 5. The reason I can't is because it was so frustrating, the lack of communication between Brock and Maddie drove me nuts! I guess that's why they call it fiction and not real life.
Here are what I saw Brock & Maddie to look like
September 10, 2016
ebook had horrible formatting and editing. Maddie was angry far too long. First part of book was good, middle was very very slow with a satisfying and believable ending. Brock was a much more believable character than Maddie.
September 28, 2012
This was a good read but I gave it 3 stars because the book dragged on. I loved that it was a historical romance but I was ready to jump into the book and say get over yourselves!!!! Overall it was a decent read for me.
May 12, 2011
slowwwwwwwww
November 23, 2011
3-3.5*
It was an entertaining read, but their inability to speak to each other about their fears and misconceptions made me want to brain them every chapter...
It was an entertaining read, but their inability to speak to each other about their fears and misconceptions made me want to brain them every chapter...
Read
February 6, 2012New revised (self-pub'd) addition with added steamy content available on Kindle: ASIN: B0067WPPLY: Price Tracking on eReaderIQ.
January 16, 2013
Satisfying but not memorable.
Read
June 29, 2013Ok read nothing startling
September 13, 2013
What a surprise to see a Historical Novel from Shayla Black.
She writes as sexy as ever in this lovely romance.
She writes as sexy as ever in this lovely romance.
July 5, 2014
This is my favorite of Bradley's Historical Romance books! Ive read and reread this book several times. Please keep writing, Shelley!
August 29, 2016
ชอบ Shayla Black ทั้งแนวParanormalและHistoricalเลยแฮะ อ่านเล่มสองต่อรัวๆ
April 8, 2012
It was sooo slow. I think I will stick with her contemporary romances.
March 4, 2012
What a great book !! I Loved it !! I couldnt put it down !!! I love books like that. :)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews