To Seduce A Sinner
Elizabeth Hoyt
Forever, October 2008, 400 pages
ISBN 10: 0-446-40692-9
ISBN 13: 978-0-446-40692-5
Series: Legend Of The Four Soldiers — Book II
London, England 1765
$6.99 US $8.50 Canada
Reviewed by Teresa
October 2008
Jilted on his wedding day and nursing a hangover, Jasper Renshaw, Viscount Vale, is pleasantly surprised by an offer of marriage from the mousy Melissande Fleming. Melissande has loved Jasper for six long years, and when the opportunity presents itself, she seizes the chance to claim him.
Melissande and Jasper both carry their share of private pain. Outwardly, Jasper is a lively and boisterous man who enjoys going to social functions. Internally he is in constant turmoil over an appalling betrayal that happened during his time in His Majesty's army. Melissande tries to suppress her feelings for Jasper to spare herself the pain of opening up emotionally. She has experienced first hand how loving someone can end in misery.
Jasper and Melissande are two extremely likable protagonists. They complemented each other very well and their scenes together were charged with a blend of emotional depth and sexual tension. Their relationship felt very real and progressed naturally. Jasper is an exceptionally charming man who discovered the treasure hidden underneath his wife's seemingly plain exterior. When they finally confided in each other it was heartrending and uplifting at the same time. The secondary characters were wonderfully written and added much to the story, everyone involved was personable. I also applaud Elizabeth for making a character from Melissand's past a side note rather than using them as a plot device.
To Seduce A Sinner was yet another remarkable historical by the divine Ms. Hoyt, with a character driven affective plot that is a moving and very seductive read.