4.5 stars. Another very good book. We have several issues going on: opposites attract, misunderstandings, the aftermath of a rape, a mysterious bad guy, a forced marriage. Is that enough to tempt you to read it? I hope so because SJ fans won't want to miss this one. Edwin is a rather stuffy, rule-follower with a bent for mechanical things (think engineer). Clarissa is a hard-to-manage impetuous flirt. Yet both of them hide a secret attraction for the other. When they are thrown together by circumstances their secrets hold them back from embracing their attractions. Lovely characters and an engaging plot make this book a winner. I really like good guy heroes and I loved Edwin. Clarissa was an excellent fit for him though it took a while for her to realize it. The mystery added an element of danger without overwhelming the love story. Excellent writing, very good book.

not the one for me! I read from this author before and I liked her other books better. Maybe in the future, I'll jump back on her latest releases.

The Study of Seduction by Sabrina Jeffries
There are two main, albeit interconnected, plot lines to this romance. Both provide something of a mystery: why is the sinister Count Durand, the French charge d’affaires, pursuing Lady Clarissa’s hand in marriage, despite her refusal? And why is she so fearful of sexual relations when she eventually accepts a proposal of marriage from Edwin Barlow, Earl of Blakeborough, in an attempt to discourage the persistent Frenchman?
Since it introduces the themes of stalking, revenge, blackmail, and rape, the tone is darker than is usual in romance fiction, but it issues a timely warning about the abuse of power and the vulnerability of women that is as applicable today as in 1830, when the story is set.
Recommended.
Ray Thompson

Sabrina Jeffries is one of my absolute favorite historical romance authors. She's one of the few I trust to tackle some of my least favorite tropes so I figured when it came to one of my favorite tropes (marriage of convenience) it was a surefire win. And it was for the most part. The story was definitely unique with a stalker and the heroine dealing with a past sexual assault (not a spoiler - it's mentioned and regularly discussed in her thoughts from pretty much the beginning). There's a bit of suspense, a good dash of romance, and a bit of spice.



What kept this from being a complete win for me was the characters. I liked Edwin and Clarissa but I never felt like I really connected with them. And I had a hard time really buying their relationship together. I think if the secret had been revealed earlier on I would have been a bit happier and there would have been more time to see their develop and deepen without the dreaded misunderstanding occurring. This is still a good read with a satisfying romance - it is Sabrina Jeffries after all - it just wasn't a favorite.

The Study of Seduction is filled with romance - albeit quite reluctant on both the male and the female part - danger, delight, despair, and heartfelt love.

I love this series and Edwin and Clarrisa's HEA did not disappoint! 5 stars!

Complex, sexy, intriguing. Love a good romance. Liked the characters and story flow. Highly recommend.

Honest review in return for ARC. Enjoyable and different read.