Seduced at Sunset

Pembroke Palace #6

by Julianne MacLean

USA Today bestselling author Julianne MacLean brings the popular Pembroke Palace Series to a passionate, satisfying conclusion…

Note: print edition includes bonus short story A KISS BEFORE THE WEDDING.

Sometimes the matchmaker finds a love of her own…

Lady Charlotte Sinclair has long given up her dreams of happily ever after. Years ago, a tragic accident claimed the life of her beloved fiancé, but somehow she found the strength to go on—as an independent woman with a secret double life that has earned her millions. Lately, however, she has begun to yearn for something more…
While setting out to play matchmaker for her mother, Lady Charlotte meets a rugged, handsome stranger who saves her from a thief in the street, but her heroic rescuer soon turns out to be more mysterious—and dangerously captivating—than any man she has ever known. Swept away by passion into a sizzling summer affair with a man who leads a double life of his own, she vows to live only for pleasure with no promises of tomorrow. But soon she must accept that one final night of ecstasy with an irresistible lover is never going to be enough…

print edition includes bonus content: A KISS BEFORE THE WEDDING - a short story prequel.

lady Adelaide is engaged to be married to a duke, but sometimes the heart creates a new destiny... Lady Adelaide Robins, the charming and beautiful daughter of an impoverished earl, was raised on the foggy moors of Yorkshire. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine she would travel to London, capture the heart of a duke, and receive a proposal of marriage. Is she ready for a life of luxury and privilege as a duchess? Or will her heart forever belong to another? William Thomas, the second son of a Yorkshire viscount, is about to be disowned for his unbecoming ambitions to become a medical doctor. But what does it matter if he can have the woman he loves at his side? Determined to finally claim the hand of Lady Adelaide, his lifelong beloved, William is shocked to discover that she has accepted a marriage proposal from a duke. With the wedding only days away, will he be able to win back her heart?

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Regency, Victorian, Fiction

182 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 18, 2013

About the author

Julianne MacLean is a USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty novels, including the contemporary women’s fiction Color of Heaven Series. Readers have described her books as “breathtaking,” “soulful” and “uplifting.” MacLean is a four-time RITA finalist and has won numerous awards, including the Booksellers’ Best Award and a Reviewers’ Choice Award from Romantic Times. Her novels have sold millions of copies worldwide and have been published in over a dozen languages.

MacLean has a degree in English literature from the University of King’s College in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and a degree in business administration from Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. She loves to travel and has lived in New Zealand, Canada, and England. MacLean currently resides on the east coast of Canada in a lakeside home with her husband and daughter.

For more information about Julianne and her writing life, please visit her website at www.juliannemaclean.com. Be sure to follow her on Bookbub to be notified whenever her ebooks are offered for FREE or 99 cents. (www.bookbub.com/authors/julianne-maclean) and chat with her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/JulianneMacLeanRoman...), Twitter (@JulianneMacLean), and Instagram (@JulianneMaclean).

Reviews

[Elis Madison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leave it to me to come in on a series at the last book. If you've been reading along you'll probably love the way it ties into the other books—plenty of references to past romances.

Now we're on the last sister, Charlotte, and there's plenty of backstory to get through before the present story works. Suffice to say that Charlotte has lost her (dramatic voice) first and only love, and she's reconciled to breathing her last mortal breath (sigh) alone…



She's more focused on her fortunately widowed mom's love life. The love of Adelaide's life is one Dr. Thomas, not her husband, though not for lack of trying. Adelaide was betrothed once upon a time to the Duke of Pembroke, but she preferred Dr. T and tried to run off with him. They were caught, and under duress (they'd have killed Dr. T) she married the duke. Dr. T took a tour of the Continent to get over his broken heart. When he returned, he found that the duke was mistreating Adelaide. They did run off this time, though Addy decided to go home after a week when she realized she couldn’t do without her sons. The duke decided to be less of a sh*t after that, despite the fact that, nine months after her escapade, twin siblings Charlotte and Garrett were born. Addy became fond of the duke before the end. Dr. T presided over that end, but then stepped back and hasn't stepped up again. So (longwinded backstory over) Charlotte wants her mom and "real" dad to hook up.

C is busy playing matchmaker (and disappointed to learn that Dr. T is courting another woman), when she's accosted by a cutpurse (or cutreticule, in this case). Enter Mr. Drake Torrington who is back in London to settle some family finance issues. He saves C from the thief, punches the snot out of the guy, and between his animal attraction and the fact that he plans to return to his digs in America (where he's a railroad entrepreneur) by end of summer, he seems like the perfect answer to C's personal quest. See, she's decided that if she's not going to marry, she might as well sate her once-awakened sexual needs with a meaningless affair.



One good twist keeps this from being predictable. As a finale to a series, this one is probably four stars. As a standalone it's OK. My rating: 3 stars.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from one of my favorite authors!!!!

[Missy · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75
After reading so many virginal heroines, I wanted a change. This was a short audio book (5 hours compared to some that are 8 - 11 hours). Not a lot of drama, nor angst, nor some mystery to solve. Thank goodness! Sometimes I just don't have the patience to read how the mystery unfolds.

[Aspoon · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is my second book that I’ve read in this series as I’m reading them out of order but one thing that’s constant in these books is the characters seem to fall into bed very easily…especially the women. It’s kind of unsettling considering I like reading historical romance book because of the innocence of the era and the people. They usually move at a slower pace than your modern day couple…it’s refreshing to see couples slowly come to together and communicate and sometimes argue along the way. But this series have such aggressive and overly sexual heroines. I’m not sure if it’s due to the era being the Victorian era or what…but this book did not have much of a storyline…no true depth or heart tugging moments….no adventure. Charlotte was worse than a mistress…at least with a mistress they get jewels, they get taken out to dinner and the opera…not Charlotte…she got nothing but a good roll in the hay…and yet she was so in love…came off very desperate.

[Blender · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so thrilled with this story. I was so proud of the way Charlotte took control of her life after living thru such a tragedy, and with such a brooding hunk of hero... sigh... Such a fitting ending to this wonderful series, so glad Adelaide and William found each other again. Loved this story and all the Pembroke family.

[Laura J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

both characters were likeable

The author did a good job of bringing the H and h to life. They were both independent, intelligent, gone through tragic first loves. The secondary love story was so so. Although I also liked those characters, the love story wasn't told quit as compelling. I could have done without the generations-long fairytale epilogue.

[Mariana Ponce · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5
Este libro continúa la historia del libro anterior, pero a la vez nos habla de la hija de la protagonista, Charlotte. Charlotte es una mujer de más de 20 años, que conoció el amor y estuvo a nada de casarse, cuando su prometido muere. Luego se entera que está embarazada y también pierde al bebé. Han pasado años de esto y ahora quiere ayudar a su madre a que sea feliz con el hombre que siempre amó haciendo de casamentera. A la vez que conoce a Drake, un hombre viudo que también perdió un hijo y con el que empieza una relación casual. Poco a poco vamos viendo el progreso de ambas relaciones. La verdad como ya tenía mucho que me había leído los primeros 4 libros, no recordaba la historia de Adelaide y cuando leí el libro corto anterior a este, me dolió muchísimo lo que pasó con William.

[Barbara "Cookie" Serfaty Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seduced at Sunset (Love at Pembroke Palace Book 6)

The last of the "Love at Pembroke Palace" series. The love story of Charlotte and Drake and ending love story of Adelaide and William. It's two year after the death of Theodore, the duke of Pembroke and Adelaide is free to fund love again. Will she be able to find love with William? Charlotte is now a famous author and she too is looking for love or an affair. When she is attack by a thief and save by Drake. She hope for a summer affair with him but will it turn to real love? Great story.

[Twila Leininger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, but felt a pull on my heart at the same time. I did not want the Pemrose Palace series to end. I loved Julianne Maclean’s characters and banter and the time the family shared at the palace. Overall, this book did not have as much banter between siblings as the others in this series and was more talk between mother and daughter. I think this was because the book at two love stories untwined and the setting at the palace was minimal. It still worked… and I’m sad the series is over now.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last but not least we must see where Charlotte's life has taken her. Also the duke has died and Adelaide is widowed. Charlotte meets Drake Torrington who has been in America for the last twelve years. They start an affair but can it lead to love? Charlotte and Adelaide both need to find their own happiness.

[Kbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audible Romance Package

AUDIOBOOK: Read April 3
6hrs 3 min

Narrator: Rosalyn Landor no question about it she does one heck of a job!
Last in the series and what a series!!
Mother and daughter finally find their match.

[Toula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it. Have the paperback

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love for two

Charlotte is literally hit over the head before meeting Drake! Drake saw Charlotte being accosted rescued her and thought she was abuse beautiful! Charlotte had her reticle taken and was knocked about the head she was on the ground disoriented! Drake raced after the villain to retrieve her reticle and knocked the villain out cold! Drake definitely was a hero with bulging abs and other assets instant heat between him and Charlotte just when she decides to take a lover! Drake is only looking for a summer fling but both if their lives are far more interwoven than could be believed! Adelaide thinks she has hurt William too many times and he deserves happiness even if it will break her! Is it really too late for a love that strong that has endured decades will Adelaide give into pride! Will William stay angry? Read on....

[MELISSA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, I listened to this on Audible with the excellent Rosalyn Landor narrating. The Pembroke Palace #6 has Lady Charlotte and former boxer and now wealthy businessman Drake Torrington meeting and soon beginning a "torrid" affair. Be aware of some fairly sizzling scenes. Add in Dr. William Thomas and Dowager Duchess Adelaide Pembroke and two delightful HEAs had me enjoying the entirety of the novel. Ms. MacLean is quite a master storyteller turning the historical romance trope into a creative and witty and delightful read.

[Letschat1974 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stars 3/4 (Kate Pearce, Maureen Driscoll, Elisa Braden)

Hey fellow readers I don’t summarize the books (as there are always great full summaries written that I read myself).

I only give it my personal, general, summary of 5 stars to 1 star.

3 stars: This book is worth a read but didn’t really have me excited about interacting with the book where I could not put it down. It lacks the excitement and well roundness of my personal markers for a great read throughout the book.

Development and interest in main characters, secondary characters, humorous, movement of the book, writing/conversation and romantic/sexual content (1-2 scenes or too much unnecessary).

Read it once and that is enough for me.

However, if this book is part of a series, I would read the next book (pervious book) in the series as it would still peek my reading interest.

I’ll continue reading from this author. I wouldn’t cross the author out of my potential reads in the future.

[Libby · Rating 2 out of 5]

Clumsy, pedestrian effort. Maybe 6 so closely related stories in a series is too much. The information drop conversation at the beginning of the book was close to deterring me from proceeding. Oh, if that had been the case. I think maybe I was supposed to be titillated but I was kind of grossed out. And while sexual behaviors were certainly much looser among the British aristocracy in the late 19th century than we might believe, the rules governing that behavior weren't. So while a youngish woman might eventually engage in some questionable sexual hijinks, she wouldn't likely be fantasizing and speculating about them prior to actually engaging in them. She was a 19th century woman not a 21st century woman. Not to mention the ever present looming specter of an unwanted pregnancy. People, if reliable birth control had been available, the advent of the pill wouldn't have been such a big deal.

[Regina · Rating 4 out of 5]

An all-around wonderful story with the short prequel worked into the main story very well. You get two HEAs here: one for Charlotte and one for her mother, Adelaide. This was a satisfying conclusion to the series, which takes place a decade after Charlotte's brothers' romances. I liked that she was a more mature woman who was open to an affair with a strong hero; theirs was a lusty relationship. Even Adelaide was finally able to grasp her brass ring. I enjoyed how the major characters situations were intertwined and gradually revealed. Riveting story-telling made Seduced at Sunset a quick read. Enthusiastically recommended at 4.5 stars.

[Judy Lavik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely memorable!

There are times when I have a feeling of Deja Vu while reading a book, but don't know for sure that I've read it before until I'm well into it. Once I had even gone through 3/4 of a book before I recognize it. These books may be good, but I'll never consider them great because they didn't leave a lasting impression. Which brings us to this book. I knew within the first sentence that I'd read it before, but with a mountain of books waiting for me, I couldn't put it down until I'd read it again.

The characters sizzle, their encounters are seductive, and there's just the right amount of intrigue. I loved this book!

[Tabetha Waite · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a fan of this entire series, my biggest complaint, was the same as Garrett's story, that it just wasn't long enough :) I was glad to see that Charlotte was matched up with Drake, who had known his share of heartache and that Adelaide and William were finally able to be together after years of being denied their true feelings. I was happy with the epiloge, which tied up everything together quite nicely and while I love the idea of more Pembroke stories around the children, a part of me was willing to bid this great series a wistful farewell -- along with the ghosts of the past.

[Melodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars! Loved this book & the character! Only thing holding it back from a 5th star was the epilogue. Too much future input. I like to know a bit down the road and all ( about the H&H ) but not 30 plus years and give me the whole sense of everyone's mortality. I like the take the little bit given and indulge my own imaginings towards their and other characters futures.... All around good read besides.

[Jyoti Achameesing · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely historical romantic story. The main actors are involved in their pursuit of fulfilling their desires. The author is very vivid in describing the emotions and passionate encounters of both secret lovers. Sex alone is not sufficient, love finally dawns on both characters who resolved to get married. I would surely recommend readers to discover this book as I did enjoy it. In future I plan to read other books of the author to discover what fantasy she weaves.

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has finally come to the final story in this series... I was tempted to stop reading before this book because I knew the second I finished this book I would cry because during the time I read this series I cried, I laughed, I was shocked, I was falling in love with the story but now it is ending.... how do you end a series you loved by reading the last one? well I was to curious to know what became of Lady Charlotte.

[Faye Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding, gloriously, scandalously romantic!

From start to finish this novel had me enthralled! Two mature individuals began a summer love affair, thinking they could enjoy a titillating sexual relationship and part amicably at summer's end, they were wrong! Complications arise from the meddling by Lady Charlotte Sinclair in their parents love life! But as Shakespeare said 'All's Well That Ends Well'!

[Paula Altenburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the ending to this series. The book was well written, as usual for Ms. MacLean's books, and it wasn't difficult to root for Charlotte and Drake. William is also a favorite character of mine. Even in his sixties, the man is still sexy!

[Amy Alvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to see this book hit the shelves. I read all the others in the series back to back and couldn't wait to continue the series. The wait was definitely worth it. I was definitely satisfied with the conclusion of the series.

[Billie Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Charlotte and Drake's story and the happy ending with Adelaide and William.

Just a little bit disappointed that we never heard more about this mysterious Monk Ghost the Father often spoke of. I really enjoyed reading this series!

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great end to series. Charlotte and Drake were a passionate couple. I wanted to know how many children all the brothers had. that detail was missing for me. the HHA for Adelaide and Thomas was a bonus part of this coda.

[Rachel Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, I love all the palace books! The only thing I wish I could have changed was appearances by Iris & Brother Salvador! I wish they would have finished their storyline! But I loved that everything came together!!!! I hope she continues with the series!

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seduced at Sunset is an unexpected story. It follows through on a plan never carried out (but talked about) in other historicals. It is well written and the resolutions (no spoilers allowed) are softly handled. I really enjoyed this story because it was different. You will too.

[Sally Hannoush · Rating 5 out of 5]

This reminds me that everyone who has loved and lost and have been through hardships can have faith in happiness. It is not always the case but it does make me want to believe it. I was emotionally involved with the characters so that makes it worth reading.