A Dangerous Seduction by Jillian Eaton – a Review

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Description:
A MURDER….

When Lady Scarlett Sherwood’s husband is killed in a riding accident that turns out to be no accident at all, she becomes the number one suspect in a murder investigation that takes the ton by storm. Her accuser? None other than the dark, ruthless Sir Owen Steel, Captain of the Bow Street Runners… and the only man Scarlett has ever loved.

A BETRAYAL…

Owen was just the poor son of a baker when Scarlett spurned him for a highborn lord. Now he is one of the most powerful men in England, but he never forgot the woman who left him humiliated and heartbroken. He always vowed he would make Scarlett pay for her treacherous betrayal, and what better way to seek revenge than to see her imprisoned for murder?

A DANGEROUS SEDUCTION…

But old passions are hard to ignore, and one kiss is all it takes for Owen and Scarlett’s sizzling chemistry to be reignited. Soon they find themselves swept up in an affair that could have dangerous consequences for them both. Because there is still a murderer on the loose, and he’s just found his next victim…

Scarlett.

Review:

The introduction was forward and flirtatious, unbecoming of such a well-bred lady, but was it ever so charming and tantalizing! Good for Lady Scarlett to engage, and commit, to securing the attention of Owen. Where was that spine, though, when she had to make a choice between her head and her heart? Seven years later, Owen returns to London to face Scarlett, to declare that…her husband is dead. As captain of the Bow Street Runners, Owen is charged with the heavy task, but damn if he’s not a tiny bit satisfied, even suspicious, about Scarlett’s role in the murder. Second chance romances get me every time and Jillian Eaton‘s A Dangerous Seduction, the first of her Bow Street Brides series, delivers well.

As the investigation unfolds, details reveal Scarlett’s loveless farce of a marriage. Given their failed past, perhaps Owen should have recused himself from the investigation if not based on the sheer amusement derived from Scarlett’s misery! I suppose it’s only natural to experience a degree of satisfaction to learn that the one who spurned you has suffered in your absence. I suppose that’s reasonable. Owen, however, arrived with a derisive chip on his shoulder; so determined to make Scarlett admit that she regretted her choice (and, oh yeah, committed murder). Again, this may fall within the realm of “How you like me now?”, but when Owen drops his barriers, and faces Scarlett’s truths, we discover Scarlett isn’t the only one holding back feelings this whole time. It was total denial, of course, but it allowed us to forgive Owen’s cruel exterior and hope for reconciliation.

It’s not a quick fix, if that’s what you’re expecting — where’s the fun in that? While technically “free” of her acrimonious marriage, an immense relief to be sure, Scarlett must don the pretense of grieving widow. How can she get close to Owen, explain that her rash decision, made as a child, was one of inexperience, not lack of love? Ms. Eaton uses opportune flashbacks to explain the fundamental inequity of wealth and opportunity between Owen and Scarlett. Choices break hearts, but fate finds a way to intervene.

What a fun read! I enjoyed the feisty banter between Owen and Scarlett. It was insolent and combative, but their fierce love for each other prevented irrevocable harm. *sighs* Something that nagged at me, an issue I hate to criticize since it’s not content, but I feel compelled to recommend an additional review of the manuscript. There were so many typos, it was distracting.  I’d love to catch those for you by way of an ARC ;). I’m shameless.  I just want your work to shine!

The prologue prepared us for the saucy sequel starring two secondary characters who experienced quite a moment. Sign me up now, please!

Reviewed by Carmen

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