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The Seducers #2
O Santo
Vergil Duclairc é um homem habituado a ter o que quer. E agora, que foi nomeado guardião da jovem Bianca Kenwood, o que ele quer é descobri-la e trazê-la de volta para casa. Não podia imaginar que iria encontrá-la escandalosamente vestida e a trabalhar no decadente mundo do teatro. E muito menos podia antecipar a atração que sente por ela, o desejo que o cega e sobre o qual nunca poderá atuar sob pena de ver os seus segredos descobertos e os seus planos frustrados.
Por seu lado, Bianca não tem nenhum interesse em abdicar da sua liberdade, mas há algo de estranhamente cativante no belo e taciturno visconde. Pois Vergil - que parece acreditar que é dono dela e da sua fortuna - é um homem de segredos antigos e sensualidade poderosa… e Bianca não é imune ao seu charme.
Subitamente, num momento que transformará tudo, ambos cedem à paixão, mesmo sabendo que vão ficar à mercê do escândalo, da intriga e de uma ameaça que poderá ser-lhes fatal.
Por seu lado, Bianca não tem nenhum interesse em abdicar da sua liberdade, mas há algo de estranhamente cativante no belo e taciturno visconde. Pois Vergil - que parece acreditar que é dono dela e da sua fortuna - é um homem de segredos antigos e sensualidade poderosa… e Bianca não é imune ao seu charme.
Subitamente, num momento que transformará tudo, ambos cedem à paixão, mesmo sabendo que vão ficar à mercê do escândalo, da intriga e de uma ameaça que poderá ser-lhes fatal.
351 pages, Paperback
First published November 4, 2003
101 people are currently reading
846 people want to read
About the author
Madeline Hunter
102 books2,106 followersMadeline Hunter is a nationally bestselling author of historical romances who lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two sons. Her books have won two RITA awards and seven nominations, and have had three starred reviews in Publishers Weekly. In a parallel existence to the one she enjoys as a novelist, Madeline has a Ph.D. in art history and teaches at an East Coast university.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
April 15, 2008
I should be ashamed to even list this in my books, but seriously... I got on this whacked out trashy-romance novel kick in January and this was one of the first few I read. As soon as I was done, I went on to read all 19 trash-novels by this author because she rocks my romance-novel world. :) As cliche as it probably sounds, she really is a good writer and weaves history and mystery throughout all of her books with characters' lives being entwined from one book to the next. My husband is thrilled that the phase is over, but I'm secretly just waiting for her latest novel to come out in June. bahahaha!
March 31, 2019
Vergil Duclairc, Viscount Laclere, inherits the guardianship of the troublesome Miss Bianca Kenwood. Bianca wants to sing opera and in public no less which he obviously cannot allow because ~secrets. After attempting to sic his brother Dante on her, he realizes that no man can have her save himself, obviously, of course. Then secrets, sex, secrets, sex, etc. Also a crammed in resolution to the marriage question. (If you think the yes is a spoiler I don't know what to tell you.)
1. This is an overwrought thing. I both hated it and loved it. It's ridiculous but romantic (stylistically). And it's alpha as hell. But I still enjoyed it.
2. I was intrigued with the idea of art vs. society as an underpinning for the hero/ine's conflict. It got undermined by all the other secrets and conflicts and blackmail and whatnot, but it was an interesting thread that I don't think gets explored super well in historicals because we are so often told that "all their dreams came true and they lived happily ever after THE END" when in reality it's far more often a series of compromises and retired dreams and shifting scopes that allow for the growth of a happy ever after.
3. Hunter's writing is very engaging. I think I like it.
4. I'm definitely going to read The Sinner; I don't know about the other two main titles in the series, but we shall see. I'm nothing if not a confused ball of library holds and bookish mania.
1. This is an overwrought thing. I both hated it and loved it. It's ridiculous but romantic (stylistically). And it's alpha as hell. But I still enjoyed it.
2. I was intrigued with the idea of art vs. society as an underpinning for the hero/ine's conflict. It got undermined by all the other secrets and conflicts and blackmail and whatnot, but it was an interesting thread that I don't think gets explored super well in historicals because we are so often told that "all their dreams came true and they lived happily ever after THE END" when in reality it's far more often a series of compromises and retired dreams and shifting scopes that allow for the growth of a happy ever after.
3. Hunter's writing is very engaging. I think I like it.
4. I'm definitely going to read The Sinner; I don't know about the other two main titles in the series, but we shall see. I'm nothing if not a confused ball of library holds and bookish mania.
January 19, 2016
I loved this book. The overall theme appealed to me. Vergil was a man who was as straitlaced as they come. Not because he wanted to be that way, but he had a family that was depending on him to make the right decisions after his older brother passed away. So when he finds out he has been named guardian of an American young miss, he is very surprised.
Color him even more surprised when he finds Bianca in the situation he did after she gave his brother the slip. Bianca has dreams of her own and those dreams don't include "Uncle Vergil" and his rules of decorum and how he thinks a lady should act. I loved the word byplay with these two. You could practically feel the sparks on your fingertips as you read the scenes. They were a good couple together.
Vergil though is not quite what everybody sees on the surface and Bianca just exacerbates and excites the side of himself that he wants to keep hidden. The love scenes were as hot and sexy as I have ever read from MH and I felt the connection. If you haven't read MH, this is a good one. There are characters from the previous book, but not something you feel lost with. It was good to see how Dianne and St. John were doing. I hope the next book in the series is as good or better than this one was...although I don't know how it could be.
Color him even more surprised when he finds Bianca in the situation he did after she gave his brother the slip. Bianca has dreams of her own and those dreams don't include "Uncle Vergil" and his rules of decorum and how he thinks a lady should act. I loved the word byplay with these two. You could practically feel the sparks on your fingertips as you read the scenes. They were a good couple together.
Vergil though is not quite what everybody sees on the surface and Bianca just exacerbates and excites the side of himself that he wants to keep hidden. The love scenes were as hot and sexy as I have ever read from MH and I felt the connection. If you haven't read MH, this is a good one. There are characters from the previous book, but not something you feel lost with. It was good to see how Dianne and St. John were doing. I hope the next book in the series is as good or better than this one was...although I don't know how it could be.
September 19, 2025
A Vergil Duclaire (25) un aristócrata británico bastante estirado, que juzga a todos por sus altos criterios, le toca ser tutor de Bianca Kenwood (20). No duda ni por un momento que sabrá hacer lo correcto con esta muchacha, educarla para convertirla en una perfecta damisela inclesa. Lo que ocurre es que Bianca ha sido criada en EE. UU., con otra libertad, y con un sueño, que es convertirse en cantante de ópera. Vergil tiene también sus secretos y sus intenciones ocultas, además de deseos de lo más impropios.
Va de suyo, pues, que Bianca y Vergil chocan. Ella no se amolda a lo que Vergil quiere que sea. Para acentuar la intriga, la autora añade un par de misterios.
Un gustazo de lectura, sin prisa pero sin pausa, entre personajes que hablan como adultos, que aciertan y se equivocan, que aprenden, que se conocen y se desean, se odian y se aman,...
Crítica más extensa, en mi blog.
Va de suyo, pues, que Bianca y Vergil chocan. Ella no se amolda a lo que Vergil quiere que sea. Para acentuar la intriga, la autora añade un par de misterios.
Un gustazo de lectura, sin prisa pero sin pausa, entre personajes que hablan como adultos, que aciertan y se equivocan, que aprenden, que se conocen y se desean, se odian y se aman,...
Crítica más extensa, en mi blog.
December 24, 2024
Strange little book! I picked up this up because I assumed it was another Hunter medieval (the sword on the front), but it is a Regency.
It would be a great read for anyone who thinks that romances before 2020 never dealt with women in careers or characters considering where their money came from. The historical politics are very matter of factly put on the page. The heroine specifically is uninterested in inheriting money from her slave-ship owning grandfather and Hunter deals with this without doing over the top, wallpaper "no character we like can have remotely time period accurate politics" thing.
I really did enjoy the romance between Bianca and Vergil--the main thing that kept this from being a favorite is how Vergil frequently thought about Bianca in contrasting terms to his past relationships with sex workers and how he felt her talent as an opera singer distinguished her from other performers in a need for protection/worthy of respect. He did land correctly with regards to her career aspirations generally, just these sort of writing tics, where the hero has to distinguish the heroine from other, less worthy, women are always going to be bug me!
I haven't notice Hunter indulge in that characterization crutch in her medievals, so I wonder what it is about the Regency setting that makes her feel like it is necessary!
It would be a great read for anyone who thinks that romances before 2020 never dealt with women in careers or characters considering where their money came from. The historical politics are very matter of factly put on the page. The heroine specifically is uninterested in inheriting money from her slave-ship owning grandfather and Hunter deals with this without doing over the top, wallpaper "no character we like can have remotely time period accurate politics" thing.
I really did enjoy the romance between Bianca and Vergil--the main thing that kept this from being a favorite is how Vergil frequently thought about Bianca in contrasting terms to his past relationships with sex workers and how he felt her talent as an opera singer distinguished her from other performers in a need for protection/worthy of respect. He did land correctly with regards to her career aspirations generally, just these sort of writing tics, where the hero has to distinguish the heroine from other, less worthy, women are always going to be bug me!
I haven't notice Hunter indulge in that characterization crutch in her medievals, so I wonder what it is about the Regency setting that makes her feel like it is necessary!
August 16, 2020
One of the first ward-guardian couplings that I have read where the ward and guardian are on equal footing. If you enjoy this coupling and are intrigued to read a take where the ward is feisty with absolutely zero hero worship in her bones, read The Saint. While Karen Robards' Forbidden Love is still my #1 take on this story, the hero worship is quite blatant, and you don't get that at all in The Saint. You do, however, have to deal with white guilt and the sacrifice of a musical career for love.
Bianca is an American heiress brought to England to settle her inheritance. She is one year away from coming into full control of her finances and plans to become an opera singer. Unfortunately for her, Vergil is a very stuffy and proper guardian with a scheme for her to fall in love with her younger brother, and secure her inheritance for the family coffers. However, Vergil doesn't account for Bianca...
She knew precisely what she was about. Which was doing exactly what she wanted, and guessing that the doing of it would induce him to wash his hands of her, so she could go on doing it.
Bianca is the reason why The Saint is as fun as it is. Bianca is smart. She is passionate and skilled at singing and is not only determined but logical about the steps she needs to take to become a professional singer. For every argument Vergil throws at her, Bianca shows how silly the objections are in the grand scheme of things. I love that. She also hatches scheme after scheme to make Vergil wash his hands of her. Yet any strong emotion Vergil feels do not last. Vergil works out her schemes pretty quick so that it becomes a light comedy of errors, and quite harmless, as Vergil is generally relieved than angry about the root cause of her manipulations.
Hunter is quite funny, making countless jokes at the expense of Vergil's propriety. The night they seal the deal, Vergil "was damn close to waking her and demanding that she do the right thing by him." Later, Vergil decides Bianca should choose whether she wants to marry him because this is a novel published in 2003. Bianca continues on her social rounds and Vergil "sometimes wondered if she remembered that she was supposed to be considering marriage to him".
Unfortunately, the newfound sensitivity of the hero often makes for a bland story. The Saint plays it too safe, and there's also a white guilt fantasy going on too. There is chemistry between Bianca and Vergil from the start, but no steam. I was hoping it would get explosive - hot in here - but it's a gentle simmer.
The central conflict is dealt with in a fluffy manner. Bianca wants to sing, but she knows that she would not be able to sing on the stage and be Vergil's wife. Bianca decides she will give up her dream of being on stage, that she is content with singing on occasion at a really big party sometimes. Vergil is a Good Boy Hero who says that he will do whatever he can to support her music career when she says she will make that sacrifice.
Vergil brushes away every objection Bianca throws at him. He'll hire an army of nannies and tutors, he'll happily embrace a reputation for being eccentric, and reasons it won't harm his family's chance to make good marriages if they time the debut of her singing career right. He comes round to Bianca's way of thinking, and Bianca's like, nah I'm good. The whole thing that was driving me as a character is irrelevant now that I am going to be married. I don't expect to travel very much. An actual thing she says. It's almost more insulting to get this sensitive Hero when the Heroine is so traditional. It's bad and boring equilibrium of the same-old, same-old. At least in the BDs, things happened...
It was so disappointing. The last sentence even suggests it's okay because love is better than the "ecstasies of music" . Musical ambitions, self-actualization, and financial independence don't matter because Love. The question truly is: why does it have to be one or the other?!
But back to the white guilt fantasy. Bianca's grandfather made his fortune from the slave trade and Bianca, once she discovers the truth that she will benefit from slavery, wants Vergil to sell the money to charity. Yet Vergil finds out that all the inheritance money that is for Bianca is "clean" (can't remember why but viola) so her conscience allows her to keep her inheritance. She moves on from the slave trade history in her past pretty quickly. The hypocrisy of this storyline is shown so neatly here:
"She wanted to know how much she should hate Adam Kenwood before she made her decision about the inheritance. She ruefully admitted that she hoped to find some evidence of his redemption, so she would not feel obligated to renounce all of it."
Ugh. Not a good look.
Anyways, it was a miss for me. I actually didn't mind the over-the-top villain reveal or even Vergil's on-the-nose second job showing how he is not just a gentleman of leisure but a gritty industrious capitalist ready to get down in the trenches. It was more the spicy factor and the mishandling of big topics that turned me off in the end.
Bianca is an American heiress brought to England to settle her inheritance. She is one year away from coming into full control of her finances and plans to become an opera singer. Unfortunately for her, Vergil is a very stuffy and proper guardian with a scheme for her to fall in love with her younger brother, and secure her inheritance for the family coffers. However, Vergil doesn't account for Bianca...
She knew precisely what she was about. Which was doing exactly what she wanted, and guessing that the doing of it would induce him to wash his hands of her, so she could go on doing it.
Bianca is the reason why The Saint is as fun as it is. Bianca is smart. She is passionate and skilled at singing and is not only determined but logical about the steps she needs to take to become a professional singer. For every argument Vergil throws at her, Bianca shows how silly the objections are in the grand scheme of things. I love that. She also hatches scheme after scheme to make Vergil wash his hands of her. Yet any strong emotion Vergil feels do not last. Vergil works out her schemes pretty quick so that it becomes a light comedy of errors, and quite harmless, as Vergil is generally relieved than angry about the root cause of her manipulations.
Hunter is quite funny, making countless jokes at the expense of Vergil's propriety. The night they seal the deal, Vergil "was damn close to waking her and demanding that she do the right thing by him." Later, Vergil decides Bianca should choose whether she wants to marry him because this is a novel published in 2003. Bianca continues on her social rounds and Vergil "sometimes wondered if she remembered that she was supposed to be considering marriage to him".
Unfortunately, the newfound sensitivity of the hero often makes for a bland story. The Saint plays it too safe, and there's also a white guilt fantasy going on too. There is chemistry between Bianca and Vergil from the start, but no steam. I was hoping it would get explosive - hot in here - but it's a gentle simmer.
The central conflict is dealt with in a fluffy manner. Bianca wants to sing, but she knows that she would not be able to sing on the stage and be Vergil's wife. Bianca decides she will give up her dream of being on stage, that she is content with singing on occasion at a really big party sometimes. Vergil is a Good Boy Hero who says that he will do whatever he can to support her music career when she says she will make that sacrifice.
Vergil brushes away every objection Bianca throws at him. He'll hire an army of nannies and tutors, he'll happily embrace a reputation for being eccentric, and reasons it won't harm his family's chance to make good marriages if they time the debut of her singing career right. He comes round to Bianca's way of thinking, and Bianca's like, nah I'm good. The whole thing that was driving me as a character is irrelevant now that I am going to be married. I don't expect to travel very much. An actual thing she says. It's almost more insulting to get this sensitive Hero when the Heroine is so traditional. It's bad and boring equilibrium of the same-old, same-old. At least in the BDs, things happened...
It was so disappointing. The last sentence even suggests it's okay because love is better than the "ecstasies of music" . Musical ambitions, self-actualization, and financial independence don't matter because Love. The question truly is: why does it have to be one or the other?!
But back to the white guilt fantasy. Bianca's grandfather made his fortune from the slave trade and Bianca, once she discovers the truth that she will benefit from slavery, wants Vergil to sell the money to charity. Yet Vergil finds out that all the inheritance money that is for Bianca is "clean" (can't remember why but viola) so her conscience allows her to keep her inheritance. She moves on from the slave trade history in her past pretty quickly. The hypocrisy of this storyline is shown so neatly here:
"She wanted to know how much she should hate Adam Kenwood before she made her decision about the inheritance. She ruefully admitted that she hoped to find some evidence of his redemption, so she would not feel obligated to renounce all of it."
Ugh. Not a good look.
Anyways, it was a miss for me. I actually didn't mind the over-the-top villain reveal or even Vergil's on-the-nose second job showing how he is not just a gentleman of leisure but a gritty industrious capitalist ready to get down in the trenches. It was more the spicy factor and the mishandling of big topics that turned me off in the end.
August 28, 2024
Deel 2 van een serie van 7 delen waarvan ook deel 6 in het Nederlands vertaald is uitgegeven . Heel erg jammer dat niet al haar boeken in het Ned. zijn uitgegeven .
October 2, 2021
Pois bem.... este livro sinceramente desiludiu-me muito, estava eu a passar por uma ressaca literária e pensei nada melhor para acabar com isto do que ler um livro do meu género preferido. Pois é.... pensei bem, mas escolhi definitivamente o livro errado! Não consegui me identificar com nenhum personagem, os personagens principais não tinham química nenhuma e as histórias secundárias achei uma "seca". Eu gosto muito desta autora, mas este livro não é para mim...
August 22, 2020
Passado 8 anos editaram o segundo volume desta série... veremos se temos de esperar mais 8 anos pelo próximo 😒. Para além da história principal vamos tentando desvendar o mistério por trás da família do visconde. Gostei muito de acompanhar mais este casal e o enredo está engraçado. Gosto da maneira como o livro está escrito com linguajem da época. Esta escritora não desilude os fãs de livros de época.
May 16, 2011
The Saint, I’m afraid to say, was the so far weakest book I’ve read yet by Madeline Hunter. I adore her for her very intricate and clever storylines and intense emotions. Unfortunately this book did dissapoint me in respect of the storyline (which is all in all not bad but not excellent like other efforts from her).
This is Vergils story who unexpectedly inherited the title after his brothers suicide and with it also the duty of guarding his brothers ward Bianca – a young girl with ancestors in England but she herself grew up in America. Her only dream and goal is to become a professional singer like her mother has been. She’s actually coming to England to find better singing tutors. Of course this is not a future Vergil wishes for Bianca (singers were notorious courtesans) and so while she is trying to outwit him and get what she wants he tries everything to protect her by interfering with all her shemes. And of course Saint Vergil (who’s not so much a Saint at all) falls head over ears with headstrong and libertarian Bianca. In between that is mixed a bit of mystery arround the death of Virgils brother and some other politicans as well has how Virgil tries to save the family finances.
Does not sound bad as an outline but unfortunately the story had lots of holes and/or turns in the story which kept unexplained or glossed over. Just only one example. Virgils and his friends leave the manor in which they are training fencing and the Earl of Glasbury is jumping out of his carriage and blames Julian Hampton for threatening him. While this threat is not explained any closer and could be everything, especially something connected with Pen who lives seperated from her husband the Earl and Julian is her solicitor, the author uses a small trick and writes something along the lines of “of course, the earl was being blackmailed and he thought Julian was responsible”. How “of course”? I couldn’t see any “of course” anywhere. Situations like this occured during the book several times. People do something or suddenly change their minds and you don’t know why. Yes, it was always necessary for the story to go on or create the setup or viewpoint of how to write the next scene but if this is the only purpose, then that’s poor writing because of a poor stroyline for me. I had the impression this book had been glued togther very hastily.
Another big letdown was Bianca for me. Madeline Hunter is actually very good in writing good female characters. But Bianca I could not stand. She was an annoying brat. I wouldn’t say to stupid to live but close. While I appreciate the storyline of Biancas pursue of self realization I was really wondering. From the very beginning she dotched Vergil her guardian to make her own way and realize her dreams. That means she is singing in a small theater with a, we’ll learn, black reputation. There is a big heritage waiting for her (she has nothing to sustain her, it’s not like she can just go and do and buy whatever she wants) and she dodges her guardian who is not only in charge of her but also her heritage? She comes to England to hire a good singing tutor but can’t pay him? Yes, the author then explains, that Bianca counted on being found and just wanted to experience some singing on stage… OK, I could accept that, as well as that she does not care about her reputation. But it goes on like this. Vergil is Biancas guardian only until she either marries (which she does intent do) or turns 21. There are only 10 month left until she turns 21!! So a young American girl coming her first time in life to England does secure directly after debarking in London a job on a stage (how?). She does not know the city, the habits the evrything. OK, she speaks the language at least. She has no money and no connections but wants to hire a singing tutor who can improve her skills. And she is making such a fuss about 10 month of beeing ruled by Vergil? How stupid can you be? She could use these ten month much more cleverly and to her advantage. Getting to know people, getting to know England and London, getting to know about the theater scene, make contacts, let Vergil pay a tutor etc. etc. But no, the only thing she wants is to do everything now and by her own. Actually, again such a little crack in the storyline – this is just what happens after they first slept togther. Now she is content to wait till she turns 21 and apparently “only” because she loves Vergil and want to spend a bit more time with him. At leat that’s what I think because she just behaves that way without explanation.
Vergil was to me a very bland character but growing with the progress of the story. But I did not feel the sparks between them like many others.
All in all it was dragging and I put the book down several times because it could not hold my interest.
There was one small scene (again) which keep me hoping for Julians story. Unfortunately I’m a “read serials in the right order” person so it’s far away still because there are other books waiting still as well.
This is Vergils story who unexpectedly inherited the title after his brothers suicide and with it also the duty of guarding his brothers ward Bianca – a young girl with ancestors in England but she herself grew up in America. Her only dream and goal is to become a professional singer like her mother has been. She’s actually coming to England to find better singing tutors. Of course this is not a future Vergil wishes for Bianca (singers were notorious courtesans) and so while she is trying to outwit him and get what she wants he tries everything to protect her by interfering with all her shemes. And of course Saint Vergil (who’s not so much a Saint at all) falls head over ears with headstrong and libertarian Bianca. In between that is mixed a bit of mystery arround the death of Virgils brother and some other politicans as well has how Virgil tries to save the family finances.
Does not sound bad as an outline but unfortunately the story had lots of holes and/or turns in the story which kept unexplained or glossed over. Just only one example. Virgils and his friends leave the manor in which they are training fencing and the Earl of Glasbury is jumping out of his carriage and blames Julian Hampton for threatening him. While this threat is not explained any closer and could be everything, especially something connected with Pen who lives seperated from her husband the Earl and Julian is her solicitor, the author uses a small trick and writes something along the lines of “of course, the earl was being blackmailed and he thought Julian was responsible”. How “of course”? I couldn’t see any “of course” anywhere. Situations like this occured during the book several times. People do something or suddenly change their minds and you don’t know why. Yes, it was always necessary for the story to go on or create the setup or viewpoint of how to write the next scene but if this is the only purpose, then that’s poor writing because of a poor stroyline for me. I had the impression this book had been glued togther very hastily.
Another big letdown was Bianca for me. Madeline Hunter is actually very good in writing good female characters. But Bianca I could not stand. She was an annoying brat. I wouldn’t say to stupid to live but close. While I appreciate the storyline of Biancas pursue of self realization I was really wondering. From the very beginning she dotched Vergil her guardian to make her own way and realize her dreams. That means she is singing in a small theater with a, we’ll learn, black reputation. There is a big heritage waiting for her (she has nothing to sustain her, it’s not like she can just go and do and buy whatever she wants) and she dodges her guardian who is not only in charge of her but also her heritage? She comes to England to hire a good singing tutor but can’t pay him? Yes, the author then explains, that Bianca counted on being found and just wanted to experience some singing on stage… OK, I could accept that, as well as that she does not care about her reputation. But it goes on like this. Vergil is Biancas guardian only until she either marries (which she does intent do) or turns 21. There are only 10 month left until she turns 21!! So a young American girl coming her first time in life to England does secure directly after debarking in London a job on a stage (how?). She does not know the city, the habits the evrything. OK, she speaks the language at least. She has no money and no connections but wants to hire a singing tutor who can improve her skills. And she is making such a fuss about 10 month of beeing ruled by Vergil? How stupid can you be? She could use these ten month much more cleverly and to her advantage. Getting to know people, getting to know England and London, getting to know about the theater scene, make contacts, let Vergil pay a tutor etc. etc. But no, the only thing she wants is to do everything now and by her own. Actually, again such a little crack in the storyline – this is just what happens after they first slept togther. Now she is content to wait till she turns 21 and apparently “only” because she loves Vergil and want to spend a bit more time with him. At leat that’s what I think because she just behaves that way without explanation.
Vergil was to me a very bland character but growing with the progress of the story. But I did not feel the sparks between them like many others.
All in all it was dragging and I put the book down several times because it could not hold my interest.
There was one small scene (again) which keep me hoping for Julians story. Unfortunately I’m a “read serials in the right order” person so it’s far away still because there are other books waiting still as well.
May 13, 2025
Read: 4/26/25
3.5 stars
RTC
3.5 stars
RTC
July 27, 2021
This is the second book in the series and I enjoyed it. Not a favorite, but very enjoyable. There are a lot of characters so I kept a sticky note handy to keep track of everyone. A few names were similar so that may be what started my confusion. Overall, the story was fine, and had some hot love scenes, but the end made me laugh... it was basically 'Come, let's celebrate my winning the duel by going out and making love on the cliff edge where the villain just went over to his death a few hours ago.' 🤣😂🤣 How romantic! LOL! Unfortunately since this was at the end, this silly scene is going to stick with me, and not in a good way.
Nevertheless, I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. These books are best read in order because all the characters move and grow with the series.
Nevertheless, I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. These books are best read in order because all the characters move and grow with the series.
May 1, 2016
The UST, the mystery, the characters and their motivations -- I loved it all until the near end. The reveal and climax didn't fit well with me. The surprise of it and the third accomplice crossed into unbelievable, and the resolutions came abruptly, with a complete 180 of people who were so wonderfully stubborn until they just ... weren't.
But this is my first Madeline Hunter read, and I'll definitely be picking up more.
But this is my first Madeline Hunter read, and I'll definitely be picking up more.
February 7, 2017
Secondo episodio ancora più bello.
Più lieve, più divertente, ma sempre con l'intrigo in sottofondo.
E non riesco a provare simpatia per il povero Milton, il fratello maggiore che non compare e di cui si avverte comunque tutta la solitudine.
Più lieve, più divertente, ma sempre con l'intrigo in sottofondo.
E non riesco a provare simpatia per il povero Milton, il fratello maggiore che non compare e di cui si avverte comunque tutta la solitudine.
May 18, 2017
Me gustó mucho. Histórica pero con intrigas, secretos, sexo y algo de humor.
Por ahí al principio cuesta engancharse pero después va sobre ruedas.
Vergil, Vizconde Duclairc, se convierte en tutor de la heredera de un viejo amigo que no es de la nobleza. Para peor, la muchacha es americana y con aspiraciones a cantante de ópera. Bianca es independiente, con mucha personalidad y muy decidida. No se adapta a las costumbre británicas del decoro y sólo piensa en cómo huir de este tutor para iniciar su carrera operística en Italia.
Vergil, por otra parte, no solo guarda secreto de sus actividades sino que está investigando las causas de suicidio de su hermano mayor aparentemente envuelto en una serie de chantajes.
Entretenida, pasan muchas cosas, mucha intriga y amor.
Por ahí al principio cuesta engancharse pero después va sobre ruedas.
Vergil, Vizconde Duclairc, se convierte en tutor de la heredera de un viejo amigo que no es de la nobleza. Para peor, la muchacha es americana y con aspiraciones a cantante de ópera. Bianca es independiente, con mucha personalidad y muy decidida. No se adapta a las costumbre británicas del decoro y sólo piensa en cómo huir de este tutor para iniciar su carrera operística en Italia.
Vergil, por otra parte, no solo guarda secreto de sus actividades sino que está investigando las causas de suicidio de su hermano mayor aparentemente envuelto en una serie de chantajes.
Entretenida, pasan muchas cosas, mucha intriga y amor.
April 4, 2023
Più carino del primo ... non che ci volesse tanto visto che ad un certo punto lo mollai senza alcun rimpianto.
Probabilmente sarebbe stato ancora più carino se la protagonista non fosse stata così palesemente cretina.
Comunque penso di poter affermare che questa scrittrice non mi entusiasma per niente, trovo i suoi libri polverosi, grigi come una giornata uggiosa, totalmente privi di gioia o spensieratezza.
Probabilmente sarebbe stato ancora più carino se la protagonista non fosse stata così palesemente cretina.
Comunque penso di poter affermare che questa scrittrice non mi entusiasma per niente, trovo i suoi libri polverosi, grigi come una giornata uggiosa, totalmente privi di gioia o spensieratezza.
June 29, 2017
In breve è la storia torbida e sessuale che si innesca tra il bel Vergil (lo abbiamo conosciuto come uno dei corteggiatori di Diane nello scorso libro e anche come aspirante amico di Daniel nonchè membro del club dei duellanti) e la stupidissima e cretinissima Bianca Kenwood, giovane americana che sbarca nella nostra adoratissima Inghilterra per cercare di fare carriera come cantante lirica e, cosa forse più importante, per ereditare una fraccata di soldi dal nonno vecchio e stronzo che si è levato dalle palle giusto in tempo, ma che l’ha lasciata tra le sapientissime mani di Duclairc, il suo giovane, bellissimo, freddissimo, sexyssimo tutore.
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June 26, 2020
In theory, a book that was tailor made for me. Starchy, duty-bound blue-blood. A spirited heroine with ambitions for her own life.
Unfortunately Vergil spends the first quarter of the book being too rigid and stern and the last quarter being too soft and compromising. Meanwhile Bianca starts out being independent and interesting and ends by being dramatic and drama-queenish.
You also meet Vergil's brother Dante here, and he's a real ass. (That said he redeems himself in his own book "The Sinner."
3.5 stars for a missed opportunity. Oh well.
Unfortunately Vergil spends the first quarter of the book being too rigid and stern and the last quarter being too soft and compromising. Meanwhile Bianca starts out being independent and interesting and ends by being dramatic and drama-queenish.
You also meet Vergil's brother Dante here, and he's a real ass. (That said he redeems himself in his own book "The Sinner."
3.5 stars for a missed opportunity. Oh well.
September 2, 2015
Madeline Hunter writes a fine regency romance. I've read her stuff before but I've decided to catch up with her and am glad I did. The arrogant yet passionate man. The independent young miss. The backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars. All draw me like honey.
March 7, 2015
As with the first book in this series, I almost didn't keep reading. I thought the female too headstrong and the male to stuffy and stubborn. About halfway through, however, things got much more interesting and made the book a worthwhile read.
June 23, 2024
Very interesting
May 19, 2023
História promissora num casal explosivo - Este é o segundo livro da série “The seducers” que nos conta a história de um homem arrogante, mas apaixonado e uma jovem senhora independente com um pano de fundo, as guerras napoleónicas, onde a escritora tece história e mistério aos longo de todos os seus livros, com a vida dos seus personagens entrelaçada de um livro para o outro, fornecendo-nos um atrativo ímpar.
Vergil Duclairc é um segundo filho que se torna Visconde por morte do irmão mais velho que cometeu suicídio por um motivo desconhecido. Vergil entra numa luta por obtenção de respostas que levaram seu irmão a este trágico evento, sendo este um tópico ao longo do enredo. Ele é rotulado de “Santo” por ser exímio em seguir todas as regras da “sociedade britânica” e um ser extremamente honrado, no entanto por trás daquela camada fina de proteção esconde-se outro ser que nos fascina… Ficando desconcertado em perceber como controlar a incomum e pouco ortodoxa Bianca Kenwood que o desafia constantemente.
Bianca Kenwood é uma americana que herdou uma grande fortuna de seu avô inglês, esta é uma heroína ousada, impetuosa e um pouco atrevida, com seus próprios sonhos e ambições, sonhos esses que não incluem de todo o seu recente guardião Vergil Duclairc.
Os personagens estão bem inseridos no contexto histórico e bem desenvolvidos na presente linha de enredo, e onde praticamente sentimos faíscas saírem de nossos dedos ao ler as cenas mais quentes entre este casal que ficam extremamente bem juntos.
Não vejo a hora para que a editora dê seguimento a esta fantástica série e nos presentei rapidamente com o 3º livro “ The Charmer”. Aconselho vivamente a aquisição e leitura de todos os livros desta autora fantástica.
Vergil Duclairc é um segundo filho que se torna Visconde por morte do irmão mais velho que cometeu suicídio por um motivo desconhecido. Vergil entra numa luta por obtenção de respostas que levaram seu irmão a este trágico evento, sendo este um tópico ao longo do enredo. Ele é rotulado de “Santo” por ser exímio em seguir todas as regras da “sociedade britânica” e um ser extremamente honrado, no entanto por trás daquela camada fina de proteção esconde-se outro ser que nos fascina… Ficando desconcertado em perceber como controlar a incomum e pouco ortodoxa Bianca Kenwood que o desafia constantemente.
Bianca Kenwood é uma americana que herdou uma grande fortuna de seu avô inglês, esta é uma heroína ousada, impetuosa e um pouco atrevida, com seus próprios sonhos e ambições, sonhos esses que não incluem de todo o seu recente guardião Vergil Duclairc.
Os personagens estão bem inseridos no contexto histórico e bem desenvolvidos na presente linha de enredo, e onde praticamente sentimos faíscas saírem de nossos dedos ao ler as cenas mais quentes entre este casal que ficam extremamente bem juntos.
Não vejo a hora para que a editora dê seguimento a esta fantástica série e nos presentei rapidamente com o 3º livro “ The Charmer”. Aconselho vivamente a aquisição e leitura de todos os livros desta autora fantástica.
July 20, 2024
Wow, up until 75 percent through the book I thought this might be my favorite HR ever. It hit every single one of my favorite tropes - guardian/ward, enemies-to-lovers, feisty headstrong female + a buttoned-up male hero. Laclere was one of my favorite heroes ever. Bianca was simultaneously wild but also reasonable.
I've been slayed.
I laughed out loud during a few scenes in the book relating to his siblings and I almost never do.
Hunter loses me a little bit with the wild villains and crazy closing debacles that get dropped in at the end.
One other note: I typically skip romances written before 2005-2010 or so because I find them to be so full of toxicity and truly horrifying (and glorified) rape scenes that I just can't enjoy them. This book, and the previous one in the series, are not pushing my buttons in this way. I will say that the plot involved Trigger Warning and Mild Spoiler and it was not dealt with as much compassion as it ought to have been.
“A mistake, Miss Kenwood. Letting your annoyance show. Innocence I am duty bound to respect. Worldliness I am adept at resisting. But the light in your eyes when you fly at me reveals a passionate spirit that provokes me until nothing else matters except possessing it.” His thumb seductively brushed her lips. “Which brings us to the rest of what must be settled between us.”
I've been slayed.
I laughed out loud during a few scenes in the book relating to his siblings and I almost never do.
Hunter loses me a little bit with the wild villains and crazy closing debacles that get dropped in at the end.
One other note: I typically skip romances written before 2005-2010 or so because I find them to be so full of toxicity and truly horrifying (and glorified) rape scenes that I just can't enjoy them. This book, and the previous one in the series, are not pushing my buttons in this way. I will say that the plot involved Trigger Warning and Mild Spoiler and it was not dealt with as much compassion as it ought to have been.
March 19, 2022
this is my third of the series and found them sufficiently compelling and well written for non stop reading. finished the saint 3 am. enjoy the connections between the characters and the plots esp the dueling society. each title has its own strength in h/h. Interesting that Castlereagh [historic fact] was also caught up in the Oscar Wilde syndrome, as the necessity of such secrecy of male love was fraught with discovery. We go through periods of time where acceptance is a given and then a horror, despite the reality that has never disappeared equally with heterosexual relations. that it was the cause of suicide is more common than considered. aside from this part of the plot which was obvious from early on, found Vergil a wonderful hero, Bianca a very strident American raised with revolutionary principles and with a great gift. The attraction to Vergil was early quite blatant although not acted upon, and even then was push and pull far too long. Everyone should have a Morton in their life. this has been a good series, but Dante came off so poorly here wonder about his story. The blackmail just for fun that killed so many was handled too frivolously for its impact. More definition as to why Winthrop would participate, his betrayal of Pen, why Mrs Garston was so immoral would have been helpful. Also some sort of epilogue for closure. still a good read.
July 24, 2017
Ma qualcuno aveva voglia davvero di ritrovare questo romanzo? *
Un’infrazione a tutte le regole del romance. La prima e più choccante è l’amore appassionato fra un tutore e la sua pupilla, che si esprime addirittura in una relazione sessuale. E se qualcuno ignora cosa prescrive la legge in proposito, ancora oggi, figurarsi nel 1823, è sufficiente fare riferimento ad una delle bibbie del genere, cioè Il dandy della reggenza di Georgette Heyer, per capire quanto sia inammissibile. Inoltre Bianca è una delle protagoniste più insopportabili che si possano concepire e non a caso impiega tutto il romanzo per capire quale sia per lei lo sbocco inevitabile. E ciò perché si tratta di un personaggio anacronistico, vale a dire una femminista molto ante litteram, e del genere più becero e insopportabile, quella convinta di poter avere tutto e il contrario di tutto in contemporanea.
Non parliamo poi del filone giallo: tre cattivi, uno dei quali davvero inaspettato e imperdonabile in un romance, con un doppio o triplo finale, uno più inverosimile dell’altro. E non si capisce proprio l’esigenza di scomodare addirittura Wellington per dare una conclusione purchessia a questa storia.
(Teresa Siciliano)
Un’infrazione a tutte le regole del romance. La prima e più choccante è l’amore appassionato fra un tutore e la sua pupilla, che si esprime addirittura in una relazione sessuale. E se qualcuno ignora cosa prescrive la legge in proposito, ancora oggi, figurarsi nel 1823, è sufficiente fare riferimento ad una delle bibbie del genere, cioè Il dandy della reggenza di Georgette Heyer, per capire quanto sia inammissibile. Inoltre Bianca è una delle protagoniste più insopportabili che si possano concepire e non a caso impiega tutto il romanzo per capire quale sia per lei lo sbocco inevitabile. E ciò perché si tratta di un personaggio anacronistico, vale a dire una femminista molto ante litteram, e del genere più becero e insopportabile, quella convinta di poter avere tutto e il contrario di tutto in contemporanea.
Non parliamo poi del filone giallo: tre cattivi, uno dei quali davvero inaspettato e imperdonabile in un romance, con un doppio o triplo finale, uno più inverosimile dell’altro. E non si capisce proprio l’esigenza di scomodare addirittura Wellington per dare una conclusione purchessia a questa storia.
(Teresa Siciliano)
August 30, 2019
I thought this would be a decent read but omg it was so boring. I had to push myself to read it as both Bianca and Vergil are such a bore. plus they are super annoying.
Why put Vergil on a high and mighty pedestal, borderline saint like, when in reality he can't keep his hands off of Bianca, who is his ward and he is actively trying to set her up with his younger brother. He really isn't that charming as I was lead to believe from the book blurb, and his arrangement with his fiance was kind of odd.
I thought Bianca would be an interesting character given that they found her performing on stage after running away with her maid. But it turns out she is very, very annoying and her character is never really developed to it's full potential.
What starts out from as simple seduction and temptation, turns into so much more. The story is boring, predictable and cliched.
Why put Vergil on a high and mighty pedestal, borderline saint like, when in reality he can't keep his hands off of Bianca, who is his ward and he is actively trying to set her up with his younger brother. He really isn't that charming as I was lead to believe from the book blurb, and his arrangement with his fiance was kind of odd.
I thought Bianca would be an interesting character given that they found her performing on stage after running away with her maid. But it turns out she is very, very annoying and her character is never really developed to it's full potential.
What starts out from as simple seduction and temptation, turns into so much more. The story is boring, predictable and cliched.
October 26, 2025
I actually don’t like romances where the hero is the heroine’s guardian. In this case it was rather ridiculous, because they were only about 5 or seven years apart age-wise. As a guardian the hero was too overbearing, I rather wanted to kick his butt myself.
The heroine was the kind of young woman I admire: at 20 years old, she was very independent, very smart, with a steely backbone and she could manage every situation that did arise.
I liked her so much and I disliked him so much, that I had misgivings about their romance. I did not understand what she loved him for. Still, I admired the heroine so much that I didn’t stop reading (as I wanted to many times). At the end, the heroine redeemed himself very sweetly - by compromising on her behalf ❤️🔥
The heroine was the kind of young woman I admire: at 20 years old, she was very independent, very smart, with a steely backbone and she could manage every situation that did arise.
I liked her so much and I disliked him so much, that I had misgivings about their romance. I did not understand what she loved him for. Still, I admired the heroine so much that I didn’t stop reading (as I wanted to many times). At the end, the heroine redeemed himself very sweetly - by compromising on her behalf ❤️🔥
May 17, 2020
This is a tale of Bianca Kenwood an American heiress ward and her English protector Viscount Leclare, Virgil Duclairc. They fall in love. Of course Bianca is a classic American independent spitball who wants to do as she please and spend her money. She is 20 and a budding opera singer. leclare has a secret she finds out. Vergil is a member of the Dueling Society as was Daniel St.John in the first book The Seducer. All the leads subsequent book in the series make an appearance: Adrian Burchard, Jonathan Hampton, Dante Duclairc, Fleur ,M, and Countess of Glastonberry. The St.John s now have 2 children and a happy marriage.
lare ,
lare ,
July 10, 2017
A new to me author has turned into a favorite! Hunter's characters are well developed and always put into the historical context of their times. Vergil is not exactly a saint as he appears, especially in regards to his American ward, Bianca. Bianca has come to England to claim her inheritance from her grandfather and then to go to Milan to further her operatic career. Much intrigue before the HEA!
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