Seduction in Silk by Jo Beverley

Seduction in Silk (A Mallorean Novel, #13) (the Malloren World)

by Jo Beverley

From five-time RITA Award winner Jo Beverley comes a scintillating historical romance set in the Georgian age—where a centuries old feud and a wicked curse lead to a most unconventional marriage...

When confirmed bachelor Peregrine Perriam is named heir to Perriam Manor, he discovers that he only has a month to persuade a stranger to the altar. Otherwise the property will be lost and his line will be cursed—forever.

Having survived her parents’ tormented marriage, Claris Mallow prefers poverty to any husband. When a high-born stranger demands her hand, she drives him off at pistol point. Then Perry finds weapons of his own, and the reluctant lady is compelled to accept his proposal.

Claris sets the condition that their marriage be in name only. But once she becomes mistress of Perriam Manor, she discovers that she isn’t immune to Perry’s charms. Perhaps a real marriage might be worth the risk—including a real marriage bed...

Reviewed by Amanda on

2 of 5 stars

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For a book whose title is "Seduction in Silk" I certainly expected more seduction... and for silk not to be considered evil for at least half the book.

By 45%, the hero and heroine had done nothing more -- not even in thought -- than hand kissing. And even that, the heroine acted all scandalized. Heaven forbid your fiance should want to kiss your hand!

I might have cheered her if she hadn't already gotten on my nerves. She was stubborn to a fault and she didn't endear herself to me at all. I couldn't even feel dismay at her being goaded into marriage.

By 50%, they were married and finally -- FINALLY -- hero thought about kissing her. Which was the first sexual inclination he'd shown beyond kissing her hand the entire book thus far.

There's slow romance and then there's... this. Which was more like a whole lot of nothing until hero decided he wanted to kiss his wife and his wife -- who'd avoided her husband and resented him the entire time -- decided she wanted a baby.

Ugh.

Then, as one would expect, everything progressed rapidly from there, but by that point, I was so disillusioned and annoyed by both hero and heroine that I didn't much care. The whole curse thing -- especially in regards to her parents marriage and the twins -- was ever resolved to my satisfaction either.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 23 August, 2014: Finished reading
  • 23 August, 2014: Reviewed