Dear Reader,
Renee Bernard is a ‘new to me author’ and I had no idea what to expect when I picked up her latest release Seduction Wears Sapphires. What I found was a delightful historical with well drawn characters and a unique and interesting story line. It had me asking the question: “What happens when the shoe is on the other foot?”
With many historical romances we have the young heroine being carefully watched by an overbearing relative, a concerned mother or perhaps a pompous brother. Much to my delight in Seduction Wears Sapphires we have the complete opposite.
Ashe Blackwell has returned from India a changed man, and the changes are not for the better. Unfortunately he has become an unrepentant rogue who is tearing through London hell-bent on scandal and self destruction with nary a care for the consequences. However his beloved Grandfather has reached the end of his limit and worries for the family legacy. Seeing no end to Ashe’s incredibly destructive behavior he presents a challenge: Spend one month in London without causing a scandal or he will be disinherited. Ashe accepts the challenge thinking it will be an easy feat to perform away from the watchful eye of his grandfather. Ah- but there is a catch; he will be chaperoned and his every move watched by Miss Caroline Townsend, an independent and educated woman from across the pond—an American.
Caroline and Ashe are complete opposites; they couldn’t be more different. She is unlike the fashionable woman of London that Ashe is accustomed to. In fact, when Ashe first meets Caroline he says: “A woman who cannot embroider or play the pianoforte but can quote Dante and Socrates—imagine that!” From that moment on they are well on their way to finding out how difficult it will be to live under the same roof. Both Caroline and Ashe have to weave their way through the minefields of living together, a London season and a mutual attraction that may cause the very scandal they are both trying to avoid.
Every month there are many historical romances to choose from. What makes one stand out above the rest? For me it’s the tone and timbre of the book; the voice if, you will. And I found the author, Ms. Bernard’s voice to be rich and nuanced. She moves the story line along with both dialogue and an interesting technique of highlighting the characters’ thoughts. It allows us, the reader, to know exactly what they are thinking and feeling and gives the book an almost voyeuristic feel. Ms. Bernard also gives both protagonists very strong back stories and clear motivations for their actions. The romance and passion are believable and strong and the story line kept me turning the pages.
Seduction Wears Sapphires is the second book in her “Jaded Gentleman” series yet it completely stands alone. I’ve yet to read the first book, Revenge Wears Rubies, but after reading this one I’ve already purchased it and I’m looking forward to reading it.
So, dear reader, if you’re looking for an historical romance with a bit of a twist, a headstrong American, an Englishman in need of some emotional rescue, an interesting story line, well-developed characters, and really good romance, might I suggest Seduction Wears Sapphires.
Until next Monday, remember, there’s a book waiting to be read.
I’m curious: When you look for a new author to read – what are you looking for? Have you recently found a ‘new to you’ author? And if you do discover a new author you like do you immediately go out and buy other books in their backlist?
Marisa is an avid reader and television producer.
Ellie: I know exactly what you mean! oh my goodness that Cade Byron...woohew... 
but my favorite was Edward. He took my breath away. Jack made me cry and like Meg said, "Rakes make the best husbands, especially when they fall in love." What Jack did for Grace, I could not stop crying when I reached that one part.
Oh Tracy Anne Warren definatly knows how to write a good story and keeping her readers hooked!
xxxx
Rosemary
