Review & Giveaway: How to Seduce a Scoundrel by Vicky Dreiling

Title: How to Seduce a Scoundrel
Series: Book #2
Author: Vicky Dreiling
Available: Now
Genre: Historical Romance
Reading Level: Adult
ISBN: 9780446565387
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Description via Goodreads:

When Lady Julianne Gatewick realizes the rake of her dreams thinks of her as practically his sister, she decides it's time to get even. The charming Marc Darcett, Earl of Hawkfield, is every lady's fantasy, but he's determined to evade virgins and their matrimonial traps - especially his best friend's sister.



Hawk reluctantly agrees to be Julianne's guardian for the season, but he's having trouble resisting his gorgeous ward. Worse still, she's taunting him by flirting with every scoundrel in London - and he's sworn to protect her! Certain she's learned her tricks from the authoress of that scandalous publication "The Secrets of Seduction", Hawk sets out to uncover the writer's identity. But he never expects to find the formerly angelic Julianne behind the mask - and between his sheets.



My thoughts:


After reading and falling in love with Vicky Dreiling’s debut novel, How to Marry a Duke, I couldn’t wait for her next release. Having become familiar with main characters, Julianne and Hawk, over the course of the first book, I was eager to see the direction the author took with their forbidden romance.


Julianne is younger and more naive than what I’m used to in a historical romance main character. I think this really showcased her role as the younger, and sometimes coddled, sibling of a very overprotective older brother. As a reader, I appreciated how much room this gave her to grow. I did enjoy her strong and stubborn nature. I have difficulty relating to female character who err on the side of weak minded, and was thrilled Julianne was anything but. I really grew to adore her over the course of the novel, and felt having her write a sinful pamphlet advising others on how to land a man suited her mischievous nature perfectly.


As for love interest Hawk, I don’t think he is a character all readers will enjoy. He was completely blind to Julianne’s feelings, and inadvertently hurt her on numerous occasions. Having spent his life looking at her as his best friend’s little sister, seeing her as a grown (and beautiful) woman was an adjustment. For me, I truly enjoyed watching him reform from Hawk the notorious rake to the man he becomes at the conclusion of the novel. I thought the chemistry between him and Julianne was spot on. There was very little about this couple I didn’t enjoy.


Hawk’s aunt Hester was probably the highlight of How to Seduce a Scoundrel. Her eccentricities and advice for the young women seeking a husband were priceless. Novels need more characters like her. She made me laugh out loud on more occasions than I can count. I just loved her!


Aside from enjoyable characters, the storyline of this novel was a good one. I enjoyed watching “The Secret of Seductions” form from initial idea until the upheaval its publication causes. I love how fresh and unique Vicky Dreiling’s ideas are. It really makes this series something special. She also has such a fun writing style, and I love the wit that encases her dialogue. She really gives historical romance a fun and feisty edge!


Vicky Dreiling’s series is a must read for all fans of historical romance! While How to Seduce a Scoundrel can easily be read on its own, I highly recommend reading the series in order. 

My Rating:

Books in this series:

Vicky Dreiling on the web:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Giveaway:

I have 3 copies of How to Seduce a Scoundrel up for grabs courtesy of Hachette Book Group!

To enter please leave a comment with a way to contact you (email, Twitter, etc.)

Open to residents of the U.S & Canada

No P.O Boxes please

Book ships directly from publisher

Ends 7/22

FYI: Vicky will be signing at Katy Budget Books in Houston, Texas on July 30th with Sophie Jordan. Anyone thinking of attending? I’m going to try my best!