Friday, July 15, 2011

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:

How to Marry a DukeHow to Seduce a Scoundrel


Vicky Dreiling on the web:


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!

23 comments:

  1. I've seen great reviews for this series! Would love to win!

    Annie
    alltherhage AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for the chance to win this...count me in please
    elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  3. I would love to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway!

    myra0502 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Looks like another winner! Can't wait to read it.

    Margay1122ATaolDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  5. Okay... I need to meet Hawk! I'm so curious!
    books (dot) things (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Please enter me in contest. I would love to read this book. It sounds very good. Tore923@aol.com

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  7. I've heard a lot about How to Seduce a Scoundrel, and I'm looking forward to reading it.

    Barbed1951 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love stories about a Lady who refuses to conform to conventions and takes risks.

    Cambonified[AT]yahoo[DOT]com

    ReplyDelete
  9. This sounds great...have seen good reviews for it. Please enter me!
    lgm52(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Would love to win!

    fullmoonbites@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thanks for sharing your views on this book! I would love to read it so please count me in for the giveaway!

    chibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm glad you liked this one! (not an entry, I've read it!)

    I just really liked the first one a lot better.

    ReplyDelete
  13. This sounds awesome - I love characters that make me react out loud, whether to laugh or to cry.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Sounds delicious! Count me in for the giveaway. Love the cover and the blurb too!
    raquel (dot) byrnes (at) gmail (dot) com
    Edge of Your Seat Romance

    ReplyDelete
  15. Please count me in. This book sounds great!

    heather.scarboroATgmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  16. Sounds like a wonderful book. I just love the cover. Please enter me. Thanks!

    Anita Y
    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  17. Please enter me in the giveaway. thanks!
    marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thank you so much for the lovely review. I hope you can make it to the book signing that my friend Sophie Jordan and I are doing at Katy Budget Books on July 30th. We'd love to see you there!

    Best of luck to all the entrants!

    Cheers!

    Vicky Dreiling

    ReplyDelete
  19. would love a copy

    maria
    chilosa_2004@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Please enter me. I have heard a lot about this!
    ruthaw_1974@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thanks for the great giveaway!
    cwilliams127 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  22. I've seen mixed reviews, but I would like to check it out.

    headlessfowl at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  23. I've read the first Vicky's book 'How to Marry a Duke' and loved it. It introduced the characters in her second book which I really want to read now. Please, count me in!

    tatiana_lwg(at) yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete