REVIEW: The Study of Seduction by Sabrina Jeffries

In The Study of Seduction (Sinful Suitors #2) by Sabrina Jeffries, Edwin Barlow, the Earl of Blakeborough, has always admired beautiful Lady Clarissa Lindsey for her sense of humor and witty observations. But he can’t imagine the society sweetheart ending up with a man like himself who would rather build automatons than go to the theater. So when Clarissa’s cousin asks him to protect her in his absence, little did Edwin realize that he would in turn fall for her, promising to move heaven and earth to keep her out of harm’s way.

“You swallowed your pride for her, you gave up your plans for a peaceful life for her, and you clearly will do anything for her. I think she’s not the only one in love, old chap.”
As the truth hit him, Edwin sucked in a ragged breath. No, she wasn’t the only one.

For the life of her, Clarissa has no idea why French diplomat Count Durand will not end his pursuit of her. And as his behavior around her becomes more and more threatening, she has no choice but to allow her friend Edwin to protect her. When the situation gets out of hand with the Count, Clarissa is offered a lifeline of sorts: a marriage proposal from Edwin. It would mean her unwanted suitor would have to finally give up. But she worries the feelings she’s always had for her good friend may grow into something more serious. Something that could jeopardize her heart.

“You’re a beautiful woman, full of vibrancy and good humor. Who wouldn’t want you?”
The delicious words startled her. They weren’t at all like him, which made her suspicious. “This is not the time to be trying out your newfound skill at compliments. There are plenty of women like me.”
“Not as many as you’d think.”

The Study of Seduction was a wonderful example of how a marriage of convenience trope should be written. I fell for the authentic characters, the deep, dark emotions and secrets they were protecting, and the intense connection they shared.

Edwin and Clarissa. What a great pair they made. I love it when romances revolve around characters who have known each other for years before they either acknowledge or realize their feelings. In this case, both Edwin and Clarissa were attracted to each other but they never let on how they felt. They were so different in personality that neither thought they would make a good match. Oh how wrong they were. Socially awkward Edwin and effervescent Clarissa balanced out perfectly when they were together.

I really thought the marriage of convenience element worked well in this story. I’m not always a huge fan of the trope, but here it was a plausible solution as a way for Edwin to protect Clarissa from the stalkerish Count Durand. In throwing the two of them together, it also made it obvious how much they felt for one another. The transition from friends to lovers was appropriately slow, allowing Clarissa to be comfortable with Edwin being so intimately a part of her life. It was a big change for them both, so I thought Sabrina Jeffries portrayed their evolving relationship in an extremely realistic manner.

I was a little surprised (pleasantly) at the true depth of emotions and feelings that were part of the story. There were some very dark moments in regard to Edwin’s family and Clarissa’s past that had me almost in tears. But conversely, there were also some delightfully lighthearted scenes that had me laughing outright. Especially Edwin and Clarissa’s fun wagers against each other. The bets and the rewards were at times comical, and other times sensual. But the scenes were always a joy to read.

If this Historical Romance doesn’t make you believe in the healing power of love, I don’t know what will. Read on its own or as part of the Sinful Suitors series, I think there’s enough mystery, heartfelt emotions, and family drama here to entice any fan of the genre.

Book Info:

Publication: March 22nd 2016 | by Pocket Books | Sinful Suitors #2

A marriage of convenience ignites into a passionate love affair in the hotly anticipated second novel in New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries’s addictive Sinful Suitors series!

When Edwin Barlow, the Earl of Blakeborough, agrees to help his best friend’s impetuous ward, Lady Clarissa Lindsey, in her time of need, he knows he’s in for trouble. He’s been hunting for someone to wed, and she’ll just get in the way. Although captivated by the witty, free-spirited beauty, he fears she’d be all wrong as a wife…if she would even take such a gruff cynic for her husband. Yet he wants nothing more than to have her for his own.

Clarissa has no intention of marrying anyone—not Edwin, whom she’s sure would be an overbearing husband, and certainly not the powerful French diplomat stalking her. But when matters escalate with the diplomat, she chooses Edwin’s gallant offer of a marriage between friends in hopes that it will deter her stalker. She expects nothing more than an amiable union, but their increasingly tempestuous kisses prove more than she bargained for. When her stalker’s vow to expose the lovers’ deepest secrets threatens to destroy their blossoming attraction, will their tenuous bond withstand public ruin, or will Edwin lose all that’s important to him to protect his bride?