The Study of Seduction

January 1, 2016
Edwin Barlow, Earl of Blakeborough, agrees to keep an eye out for Lady Clarissa Lindsey while her cousin is out of town, though he's dubious the independent lady will cooperate and uncertain whether his own ambivalent feelings toward her can keep her safe. Edwin may be an earl, but he has few friends--due in part to his family's scandalous history and his own stiff demeanor in society--so when one of them asks him to squire his cousin around for the season, he can hardly say no, though he's surprised when Clarissa concedes to the plan. Clarissa is an enigma, a quick-witted beauty with an effervescent personality and the ability to "draw a man in and put him off at the same time"; Edwin has always felt there was more to her than she let on. He's quite drawn to the lady, in fact, which disturbs rather than inspires him, given his own parents' disastrous marriage. Spending time with Clarissa allows Edwin to see a deeper side of her and to understand that she's in serious danger from a would-be suitor who won't take no for an answer. Edwin concludes that the best way to keep her safe is to marry her and is shocked when she agrees to that, too, though it quickly becomes clear that her come-hither-but-no-further attitude is armor forged from a traumatic experience from the past, and her persistent suitor's intentions are far from benevolent. Keeping Clarissa safe becomes Edwin's main goal, and helping her heal may also bring some peace and understanding regarding his own family's complicated past. Jeffries tackles a number of modern notions in her newest historical title, including sexual trauma and stalking, with hints of possible light autism in Edwin's prickly personality, yet the touch is deft and compassionate, and the requisite romantic happy-ever-after is a gratifying combination of love, acceptance, healing, and redemption. Lovely, poignant, and powerful.

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Starred review from April 15, 2016

When a rejected suitor won't leave her alone, sharp-tongued Lady Clarissa Lindsey agrees, albeit somewhat reluctantly, to let curmudgeonly Edwin Barlow, the Earl of Blakeborough, act as her escort during the upcoming London Season. She needs protection and Edwin needs help with his social skills if he's ever to find a wife. If they can manage to get along, the arrangement just might work. And as they soon become friends, it does--until a vicious threat that neither of them can ignore sends them straight to the altar and into a new relationship that ends up better than either had in mind. VERDICT Graced with pleasingly wrought characters who develop beautifully and a crafty villain you'll love to hate, along with clever dialog and rapier wit, this compelling, deliciously seductive story takes the classic marriage of convenience to a new level and sets the stage for the next in the series. A delectable and rewarding read. Jeffries (The Art of Sinning) lives in Cary, NC.

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