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Two Sinful Secrets
A hundred years have passed since the bitter rivalry between the St. Claires and the Huntingtons began. But in London, the feud goes on ...
Lady Sophia Huntington isn't what she appears to be. Born into a noble family, the impulsive, wild-hearted beauty has fallen on difficult times. Banished from her home, Sophia dreams of the day she can finally win her father's forgiveness and return to London. Until the sudden appearance of a suitor from the scandalous St. Claire family threatens to reveal her darkest secrets . . .
Dominic St. Claire vows to exact revenge upon the Huntingtons, who destroyed his family's fortune generations ago. His perfect target is the lovely but proud Lady Sophia. After using her to discover the Huntingtons' financial secrets, he will cause a great scandal by eloping and then abandoning his bride. But his plot soon unravels when he finds his own heart ensnared in a trap, not of his own making.
Lady Sophia Huntington isn't what she appears to be. Born into a noble family, the impulsive, wild-hearted beauty has fallen on difficult times. Banished from her home, Sophia dreams of the day she can finally win her father's forgiveness and return to London. Until the sudden appearance of a suitor from the scandalous St. Claire family threatens to reveal her darkest secrets . . .
Dominic St. Claire vows to exact revenge upon the Huntingtons, who destroyed his family's fortune generations ago. His perfect target is the lovely but proud Lady Sophia. After using her to discover the Huntingtons' financial secrets, he will cause a great scandal by eloping and then abandoning his bride. But his plot soon unravels when he finds his own heart ensnared in a trap, not of his own making.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 20, 2022
13 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Amanda McCabe
259 books168 followersaka Laurel McKee (Amanda Carmack)
Amanda wrote her first romance at the age of sixteen--a vast historical epic starring all her friends as the characters, written secretly during algebra class (and her parents wondered why math was not her strongest subject...)
She's never since used algebra, but her books have been nominated for many awards, including the RITA Award, the Romantic Times BOOKReviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the Booksellers Best, the National Readers Choice Award, and the Holt Medallion. She lives in Oklahoma with a menagerie of two cats, a Pug, and a very bossy miniature Poodle, along with far too many books.
When not writing or reading, she loves taking dance classes, collecting cheesy travel souvenirs, and watching the Food Network--even though she doesn't cook.
Amanda wrote her first romance at the age of sixteen--a vast historical epic starring all her friends as the characters, written secretly during algebra class (and her parents wondered why math was not her strongest subject...)
She's never since used algebra, but her books have been nominated for many awards, including the RITA Award, the Romantic Times BOOKReviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the Booksellers Best, the National Readers Choice Award, and the Holt Medallion. She lives in Oklahoma with a menagerie of two cats, a Pug, and a very bossy miniature Poodle, along with far too many books.
When not writing or reading, she loves taking dance classes, collecting cheesy travel souvenirs, and watching the Food Network--even though she doesn't cook.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 1, 2023
Thanks to BookSprout for a copy of this book; this is my freely given opinion.
This is book 2 of the Scandalous St. Claires, and the story is about Lady Sophia Huntingdon and Dominic St. Claire.
The Huntingdons are hated by the St. Claires for what occurred several generations prior, when a Huntingdon ancestor married a St. Claire ancestor, and then proceeded throw over the St. Claire woman and to ruin the St. Claire family. In the present day, the St. Claires are a famed theatre clan and run a fashionable gaming hell, and are notorious and scandal fodder for Society. Lady Sophia Huntingdon is a young debutante when she first meets Dominic, hiding her identity behind a heavy veil to get into his gaming hell. They are hotly intrigued by each other as they play against each other, but when Dominic tries to get closer to the mystery woman he is so attracted to, Sophia becomes fearful and knees him hard to escape.
But neither of them can forget each other.
Years later, Sophia is now widowed and estranged from her family after eloping. She regretted her marriage soon after it happened, as her husband was a ne'er do well and they lived a hand to mouth existence on the continent until his death. She is alone and living a precarious existence, gambling to get what coins she can to live by, and hopefully get home to Britain... and perhaps back into the Huntingdon good graces. She catches the attention of a powerful Lord who tries to trap her in a relationship, but she manages to best him in his mechanisms, and to escape to Paris where she ends up in the employ of a friend, helping manage her new gaming salon.
Dominic is suffering some ennui himself, and his family thinks he is suffering from the death of his former betrothed. He and other members of his family end up in Paris also, to open a new play, and enjoy themselves. When he and Sophia find each other again, Dominic realizes she is the mystery woman from his past that he was not able to forget, and they end up in a rather torrid affair, despite his hatred of the Huntingdons. However, Sophia's past catches up to her as the lord she escaped finds her as well, and conspires to own and control her, even if it means ruining the St. Claires.
Dominic however, despite his misgivings and mistrust of the Huntingdons, is falling for Sophia and refuses to give her up or allow her to claimed and destroyed by this man.
Interspersed in this story is tidbits from the diary of the St. Claire ancestor giving some hints of what happened to cause the family feud and past tragedy. A very intriguing little side story that was seemingly sad and tragic, yet still only hinted at one perspective of what happened. Dominic was also a very alpha brooding hero out to save the damsel in distress that was Sophia, which I found quite appealingly sexy in the moment. I liked Sophia, but had to wonder why she wanted so much to go back to her family when you consider she eloped to escape their rather stifling expectations to begin with - unless life with her vagabond husband and then alone on the Continent was so bad she just wanted safety and some place to call home again. Or she was super lonely.
But regardless, this was a passionate, sexy romance with some intrigue, danger and adventure, with the second chance, and enemies to lovers trope that I quite enjoyed.
3.5 stars out of 5
This is book 2 of the Scandalous St. Claires, and the story is about Lady Sophia Huntingdon and Dominic St. Claire.
The Huntingdons are hated by the St. Claires for what occurred several generations prior, when a Huntingdon ancestor married a St. Claire ancestor, and then proceeded throw over the St. Claire woman and to ruin the St. Claire family. In the present day, the St. Claires are a famed theatre clan and run a fashionable gaming hell, and are notorious and scandal fodder for Society. Lady Sophia Huntingdon is a young debutante when she first meets Dominic, hiding her identity behind a heavy veil to get into his gaming hell. They are hotly intrigued by each other as they play against each other, but when Dominic tries to get closer to the mystery woman he is so attracted to, Sophia becomes fearful and knees him hard to escape.
But neither of them can forget each other.
Years later, Sophia is now widowed and estranged from her family after eloping. She regretted her marriage soon after it happened, as her husband was a ne'er do well and they lived a hand to mouth existence on the continent until his death. She is alone and living a precarious existence, gambling to get what coins she can to live by, and hopefully get home to Britain... and perhaps back into the Huntingdon good graces. She catches the attention of a powerful Lord who tries to trap her in a relationship, but she manages to best him in his mechanisms, and to escape to Paris where she ends up in the employ of a friend, helping manage her new gaming salon.
Dominic is suffering some ennui himself, and his family thinks he is suffering from the death of his former betrothed. He and other members of his family end up in Paris also, to open a new play, and enjoy themselves. When he and Sophia find each other again, Dominic realizes she is the mystery woman from his past that he was not able to forget, and they end up in a rather torrid affair, despite his hatred of the Huntingdons. However, Sophia's past catches up to her as the lord she escaped finds her as well, and conspires to own and control her, even if it means ruining the St. Claires.
Dominic however, despite his misgivings and mistrust of the Huntingdons, is falling for Sophia and refuses to give her up or allow her to claimed and destroyed by this man.
Interspersed in this story is tidbits from the diary of the St. Claire ancestor giving some hints of what happened to cause the family feud and past tragedy. A very intriguing little side story that was seemingly sad and tragic, yet still only hinted at one perspective of what happened. Dominic was also a very alpha brooding hero out to save the damsel in distress that was Sophia, which I found quite appealingly sexy in the moment. I liked Sophia, but had to wonder why she wanted so much to go back to her family when you consider she eloped to escape their rather stifling expectations to begin with - unless life with her vagabond husband and then alone on the Continent was so bad she just wanted safety and some place to call home again. Or she was super lonely.
But regardless, this was a passionate, sexy romance with some intrigue, danger and adventure, with the second chance, and enemies to lovers trope that I quite enjoyed.
3.5 stars out of 5
December 21, 2022
Amanda McCabe continues her Scandalous St Claires series with another terrific instalment: Two Sinful Secrets.
Lady Sophia Huntington isn't all that she seems. Although she was born into a rich and aristocratic family, she has fallen on hard times. Banished from her home, she dreams of the day she can return back to London and be forgiven by her father who doesn't want anything to do with her. However, will the sudden appearance of a suitor from the rival St Claire family end up pushing her even further away from her family?
Revenge on the Huntington family is uppermost in Dominic St Claire's mind - and he has found the perfect pawn in his game for vengeance: Sophia Huntington. After discovering the family's darkest secrets, Dominic decides to elope and then abandon Sophia - only he never imagined that he would find himself falling in love with her!
Amanda McCabe has written another winner with Two Sinful Secrets. Passionate, intense, witty and romantic, Two Sinful Secrets is another enjoyable historical by Amanda McCabe.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lady Sophia Huntington isn't all that she seems. Although she was born into a rich and aristocratic family, she has fallen on hard times. Banished from her home, she dreams of the day she can return back to London and be forgiven by her father who doesn't want anything to do with her. However, will the sudden appearance of a suitor from the rival St Claire family end up pushing her even further away from her family?
Revenge on the Huntington family is uppermost in Dominic St Claire's mind - and he has found the perfect pawn in his game for vengeance: Sophia Huntington. After discovering the family's darkest secrets, Dominic decides to elope and then abandon Sophia - only he never imagined that he would find himself falling in love with her!
Amanda McCabe has written another winner with Two Sinful Secrets. Passionate, intense, witty and romantic, Two Sinful Secrets is another enjoyable historical by Amanda McCabe.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 28, 2022
Family vendettas have existed down through the ages. In Book 2 of Scandalous St. Claires, Sophia (formerly Huntington) travels the Continent trying to eke a living as a card player. Dominic St. Claire (actor and owner of a gambling club) tries to seek revenge for his family on Sophia, but realizes it futile because she becomes a mystery he wants to solve. Their sensual scenes are captivating and take place in Paris and England. Throw in a controlling lord who wants Sophia for his own and some rough scenes spice up the plot.
I loved that Sophia wanted to earn a living working (even though born a Lady), and didn’t let her family control her life. I was dismayed that she even thought about seeking them out again after how they treated her. It was a good thing Dominic finally saw through Sophia’s walls.
To have your in-laws on your side, even with the “old feud”, was really a comfort to Sophia. She has her chance to save them and doesn’t let them down.
I’m hoping there will be Book 3 with Brendan St. Claire and Elizabeth Huntington!
I received a free copy of the book in advance and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved that Sophia wanted to earn a living working (even though born a Lady), and didn’t let her family control her life. I was dismayed that she even thought about seeking them out again after how they treated her. It was a good thing Dominic finally saw through Sophia’s walls.
To have your in-laws on your side, even with the “old feud”, was really a comfort to Sophia. She has her chance to save them and doesn’t let them down.
I’m hoping there will be Book 3 with Brendan St. Claire and Elizabeth Huntington!
I received a free copy of the book in advance and am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 20, 2022
TWO SINFUL SECRETS follows the continuing saga of the St. Claire and Huntington families. This time around the story focuses on the scandalous widowed Sophia and the dashing Dominic. I was not sure how much I would like the two as they seemed quite shallow, but as I learned more about their backgrounds, especially Sophia, they really grew on me. I was cheering them on by the end. Author Amanda McCabe gives readers a worthy villain to root against and snippets of other St. Claires to pique my interest in their stories. I look forward to reading more. Recommended to any historical romance reader.
I received an ARC of this title from the author and publisher through Booksprout and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
I received an ARC of this title from the author and publisher through Booksprout and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
December 17, 2023
I was super excited for this book because I really enjoyed the first in this series. Unfortunately, I was a little disappointed in the start because it felt like it took a LONG time for the story line to really get going...I kept reading and once I got through that long lead up (and the main characters' lives start to cross) then I enjoyed it a lot more. If you enjoy (very) slow to warm up stories then you will probably enjoy this book, but definitely read it with the intention of waiting for the story to build. The characters are likeable and have good chemistry and I did go back and re-read it a second time before writing this review so it was an enjoyable read overall.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 13, 2022
Wow! At first I wasn’t sure i was going to like Sophia or her story. But, as the story unraveled, i could feel all the reasons for her actions and lifestyle. Add in her unspoken pain and I fell in love with her wild story. Dominic, oh my, i could eat him with a spoon! This story has everything, love, hate, intrigue, lots of twists and turns. I could go on and on. Plus the ending left me wanting so much more. I cannot wait to read Elizabeth and Brendan’s story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 12, 2022
At first I did not like the two main characters. But as the story progressed, I began to warm up to them. They both began to show depth beyond shallow fun and selfishness. The reason for their choices became more clear. I then enjoyed their story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 21, 2022
Enjoyed reading Sophia and Dominic's story Sophia wants her father’s forgiveness and to return to London. Dominic wants revenge and he sees Sophia as a means to an end, but what end as goals change and attraction builds.
December 22, 2022
The same…
Lady Sophia has a wildness about her she recognizes is the exact same wildness in Dominic. They share and attraction but Dominic has revenge on his agenda. They are both kind of surface-y and lack depth.
Lady Sophia has a wildness about her she recognizes is the exact same wildness in Dominic. They share and attraction but Dominic has revenge on his agenda. They are both kind of surface-y and lack depth.
December 21, 2022
Another St. Claire finds love. Dominic is the beautiful and dangerous brother. Sophia Huntington is lost and struggling to survive. The story shows a couple who gets a second chance at a relationship. The plot is well written and gets a little intense at times. Dominic is able save Sophia from danger and give her the love and family she is searching for.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews