Review: How to Seduce a Scoundrel

Reviewed by Jen
 

When we first met Julianne, she was the charming little sister to Tristan in How to Marry a Duke. But now, she's all grown up and she has her sights set on her brother's best friend, Hawk. She's been infatuated with him since she was a little girl, but now that she is 21, she hopes he'll finally see her as a woman.

Tristan has made Hawk Julianne's guardian, while he and his wife await the birth of their son. (Julianne is staying with Hawk's great-aunt Hester.) And though Hawk doesn't want the job, he accepts out of friendship. He feels some attraction for his ward, but can't imagine pursuing her. He is a notorious rake, and more importantly, he considers himself damaged goods. The reasons why are revealed over the course of the book and it's the main foil for his relationship with Julianne.

Despite Hawk's seeming lack of interest, Julianne is resolute in her intentions. And she finds unlikely support from Aunt Hester. It's great fun watching her unfold the secrets to seducing a man. It's even better when her studies pay off. The tension between Hawk and Julianne is hot and their love scenes are steamy.

I have to say, I am usually a fan of a tortured hero, but Hawk almost borderlined on pitiful at some points in the book. I understand his burden but I think his 12 years of self-flagellation were a little excessive. Not only that, but it's hard to believe he could be so clueless for so long about Julianne's feelings. However, I really enjoyed watching Julianne grow and mature over the course of the book... and even more, I loved watching her break down the walls Hawk builds between them. His surrender to his feelings and desires were the best part of the book.

How to Seduce a Scoundrel is entertaining, sexy and fun. It's a solid sequel and I enjoyed revisiting the characters from the previous book. I'm also looking forward Will & Amy's story, next. 4 stars.

*ARC Provided by NetGalley

How to Seduce a Scoundrel

by Vicky Dreiling

Release Date: June 28, 2011

Publisher: Forever (GCP)