Seduction & Scandal by Charlotte Featherstone

Publisher: Harlequin
Pages: 384

(Released: June 21, 2011)

From the Cover:

With the scandalous nature of her birth to live down, Isabella Fairmont dreams of a proper marriage—even if a passionless one. She saves her deepest desires for the novel she dares to pen, wherein a handsome lord with dark powers seduces her. But then her courtship with an appropriate suitor is threatened by the sudden attentions of the reclusive Earl of Black…whose pale blue eyes and brooding sensuality are exactly as she described in her book.

Isabella tries to resist the mysterious Earl of Black.

Yet as he pursues her, with inexplicable knowledge of her past and kisses that consume her, Isabella fears she will succumb.

If only the earl could tell Isabella the truth. With very real, and treacherous, thieves endangering her life, Black will need to protect Isabella from the very people she trusts the most….

Isabella's life has been anything but scandal free. She herself was the unlucky result of a love tryst gone wrong. It was the weakness of Isabella's mother, giving her heart and love too freely. She's grown up without...without security, money, the ability to give herself, and trust in herself. With the loss of her mother and grandmother, she loses part of herself that she did have, and the unfortunate incident occurs.

Her uncle comes to her rescue, bringing her back to London. With her cousin Lucy at her side, she learns to live again. Security found, legitimacy won in passionless arms of her suitor, Knighton. But, Lucy has become enamored with the occult, dragging Isabella from one cemetery to another, one seance to another, until Isabella meets her breaking point. When Death is courted, Death finds a way.

Into her life walks the dark Earl of Black, a mysterious figure in London society, the talk of the ton. Rumors and innuendo follow him, his own background almost as scandalous as Isabella's. He's promised to fulfill the duties entrusted by his father. There are relics, items, that could effect the fate of mankind, and it's his responsibility to hide them away.

When these two meet, the cocoon wrapping Isabella starts to melt away, but it scares her, unable to deal with the feelings his presence evolves. Black can't keep his eyes from finding her, even after her rebuffs. He knows he shouldn't but he can't resist, he seduces, coaxes, coercers. She's the water to his thirst, without ever knowing it.

Seduction & Scandal by Charlotte Featherstone is the first book in the Brethren series, dealing the Templar Knights and the secrets they've carried to their graves and beyond. The Earl of Black, forced to carry on the family heritage, doesn't want to extend his family line beyond himself. He doesn't want force his sons to bear the burden he's shared. When he meets Isabella, all those feeling of aloofness disappear. He burns for her presence, and not matter how hard he tries, he can't stay away. Isabella is a timid heroine, she's been burned by life, first living down the scandal of her mother's life, then her own unfortunate incident. She's hiding from life in her uncle's home. She's found a "safe" relationship, even if it's a passionless one, she won't have to worry about scandal finding her. She's come to live through her journal where she writes her stories... about Lord Death. Little does she know that the Earl of Black is her own Lord Death. From the first meeting, Black and Isabella flame to a burning fire. Though she tries to run, she can't outpace desire.

Seduction & Scandal is another heartfelt story told as only Ms. Featherstone can. It's a historical romance with elements of the paranormal thrown in as well as a bit of mythos of old England, and the Templar Knights. It pulls at your heartstrings, waiting for the reluctant lovers to find out they don't really have a choice. The villain, and there are several in this story, tries to stop the lovers from being together as well as keep the relics for themselves. If you're a fan of historicals, Charlotte Featherstone is certainly an author to try, you simply can't go wrong. Her stories sometimes address issues such as addiction, abuse, suicide, but she does it with subtly and guile, making her stories very involving and readable. I have come to look forward to her books even though historical romances aren't my usual read. She has captured my attention, always must read. 5 out of 5 fairy kisses for this reader, I hope you pick it up, it's a story within a story, spellbinding.

I received my ebook for review from NetGalley and Harlequin. All opinions express are my own.

Lust by Charlotte Featherstone

Publisher: Spice, Harlequin
Pages:  377

(Release Date:  January 31, 2011)

From the Cover:

Of old, humans and Faeries have dwelt side by side in parallel realms. Only the canniest mortals recognize the alluring creatures that often walk—and lie—among them.

The righteous Fae of the Seelie Court cherish an ancient quarrel with their Dark counterparts: a curse born of anger and deceit. The Unseelie Court will perish unless one of its princes can win a woman's love—honestly, without coercion…and love her wholly in return.

To halt the slow demise of his people, Prince Thane—the embodiment of Lust—infiltrates the Georgian court to seduce his mortal inverse. Noblewoman Chastity Lennox is purity incarnate—a sensual prize well worth winning. But Thane's carnal quest proves more challenging than he ever dreamed.

No other has ever been able—or willing—to resist his erotic charms. Chastity's resolve is maddening…and intriguing. It makes him want her all the more. But how best to seduce one who truly seems above temptation? Discover her greatest weakness and become the intoxicating essence of her deepest, most forbidden desires….

Chastity is beyond temptation, such is her gift and her curse, her attention is only called by the one who completes her purpose. She and her sisters proudly hold their heads and their virtues high, again part of the gift and their curse. 


Thane, a prince of the Unseelie Court, desires to crack Chastity's resolve, his desire for her is unlike any he has known before. And he will have her, willingly given, by glamour if need be if only temporarily.  But his court needs love given freely, so by love it will have to be.


Chastity's father, had made a deal with the Seelie Queen, promising away his daughters to their court, but he has also made a deal with the Unseelie Prince, for great wealth, with payment to be made later.  When both come seeking his daughters, he's at a quandary... who to refuse? Both are dangerous. The answer is obvious, the Unseelie are unworthy, dark, dangerous, depraved. But Chastity has already lost her heart, she feels little desire to prop up the Seelie Court... Will she follow her heart or her duty?


Lust by Charlotte Featherstone is another beautifully told tale of sensual desire.  Prince Thane has been promised his heart's desire, and the Unseelie Court is dying, it needs love, it needs the virtues. The Queen of the Seelie Court has cursed the Unseelie Court with death, unless their Princes can win love, not steal it or coerce it, and the virtues are their only hope.  But the virtues in the form of Chastity and her sisters, have been promised to the Seelie Court, and the Queen will see them in her home. It becomes a battle of wills and love to see who will be the winners and survivors, Seelie or Unseelie?  Love is the answer.


Lust was a wonderfully told tale, with mythological beginnings in the fae world. The Seelie Court may not be an good and pure as thought to be, they are not below coercion to get what they want, by crook or by foul. The Unseelie Court  has at it's core the desire to take want it wants, but that's how they ended up cursed. Now, if they are going to survive, they have to give up their wicked ways, and learn to love and give love if they're going to survive. Charlotte Featherstone does not fall to deliver in Lust, I found myself pulling for the Unseelie princes with their darkness, while the beautiful Seelies tried to work their magic. If you're a fan of sensual tales, dark magic, historical romances, this is a book for you. Lovers of paranormal romance will also find a home in this story, it's filled with sensual romance that will pull at your heart. I recommend picking it up, nice done tale of fae against humanity, love over duty.

I received the ebook for review from Net Galley and Harlequin.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Sinful by Charlotte Featherstone (ARC)

Publisher: Spice, Imprint of Harlequin
Pages: 360

From the Cover: In Victoria England vice of every kind can be purchased, and Matthew, the Earl of Wallingford, makes certain he avails himself of every possible pleasure. Bored and jaded, he is as well-known for his coldness as for his licentious affairs with beautiful women.

While these numerous dalliances fulfill Matthew's every physical need, they secretly leave him numb and emotionally void. Until one night when he finds himself beaten, eyes bandaged and in the care of a nurse with the voice of an angel - and a gentle touch that soothes the darkness in him and makes him yearn for more.

Yet Jane Rankin is a lowly nurse, considered shy and plain by most. There is no place for her amongst the lords and ladies of the aristocracy - despite Matthew's growing craving for the fire that burns behind her earnest facade. And then there is Matthew's secret. A secret so humiliating and scandalous is could destroy everyone he loves. A sin, he fears, not even the love of a good woman can take away...

***May Contain Spoilers (though I try to avoid all spoilers, beware)***

Lord Matthew Wallingford wants nothing to do with proper society. He's a lost soul, abused and used, and he can only endure when he uses as well, to chase away the demon. He's dirty, sinful, outrageous to society, and that's the way he likes it. No attachments, no strings. If he wants a body, there are plenty available willing to abide his rules. No touching, no bed, and certainly, no words of love. What is love but the confinement that he can't bring himself to endure. He has only seen love once, between Lord Raeburn and Anais, childhood friends turned lovers waiting for the bonds of marriage to claim them. Wallingford has no illusions of marriage for him, he can't begin to imagine himself tied down in the restraining noose of marriage.  Especially with the sins he has committed, he is unfit.

Miss Jane Rankin, lady's companion to one Lady Blackwood who has been shunned herself by society in disgrace for having divorced her vicious husband. Jane has little time for the foolish desires that some call love. She's always been a plain Jane, she has no illusions about herself as well as the knowledge that she rarely draws the attention of a roving male eye. But, she's determined to make the best of her world and of her worth. Working as a nurse at the London College Hospital has given her a purpose as well as a skill to allow her independence when Lady Blackwood is no longer with her. And with Anais as her best friend, she'll get to watch true love from afar.  She realized long ago that no one in improper society would ever greet her as an equal or truly see the person that she is.

Jane's life abruptly changes when a Lord is brought to her hospital after a mad attack. Matthew is injured and ravaged by fever, and only one voice can penetrate his fevered ramblings and desires, only Jane can bring calm to his body. She's like nothing he has ever heard or felt. As he heals, he realizes that he will never fully recovery without the voice of his angel, Jane. But, can the rake that Wallingford is take plain Jane for what she is? Can he become what his angel of mercy needs? Can they accept each for the other, damaged goods and all?

Sinful by Charlotte Featherstone is the telling of Wallingford's story who we met and loved for his disdain in Addicted. Wallingford is a tortured soul with a secret history. He has never felt love, safety, and peace in his life, making him into the maladjusted man that society finds before them.  He hides behind the slick veneer of a wasted life, pleasure bound.  Jane is the daughter of an aristocrat thrown from his house when he tires of her mistress mother. Forced to live on the street, and with the death of her mother, sold as if a possession.  This she cannot live with and this is what brings her into the employment of Lady Blackwood. She hides behind her plain appearance, unable to let the world see her beauty.  When Matthew and Jane discover each other, they bloom together into what could become love. But, Matthew is used to the finer things in life and plain Jane is nothing like what he's had before. Jane has grand expectations for her handsome Lord and she's crushed when Wallingford can't see her true self when it is before his eyes.

Sinful was a very quick read, one that I found impossible to put down. Ms. Featherstone's voice sings from the pages that turn without your knowledge. I was very much looking forward to Wallingford's story with the completion of Addicted, and I was not disappointed.  Thank you Ms. Featherstone for the Sinful breadcrumbs.  It was not at all what I expected it to be, and my heart broke for Wallingford. He is very much the tortured soul, but with a good heart if only the pieces can be put together and healed.  It is fear and disdain that drives Wallingford's destructive behavior.  He finds himself in impossible situations throughout his life that are not of his own making, making the reader love him all the more. This is a beautifully told story and I've found once again another book to add to my keeper's shelf. This book is the continuing story from Addicted, but easily read as a stand alone. If you'd like background information and an introduction to Wallingford as well as a glimpse of Jane, I would read Addicted first. I highly recommend Sinful to lovers of romance, historical or not, in need of well spun story. Warning: Burning hot romance, sensually told, and tugs at your heart strings.

I received this book for review from the publisher, Spice, Harlequin and Net Galley. All opinions stated are my own.

A Review In The Works....Coming Soon

Sinful by Charlotte Featherston
Publisher:  Spice/Harlequin

Many of my followers may remember my review of Addicted by Charlotte Featherstone, the story moved me, made me love the characters, and it gained a spot on my keepers shelf.  Recently, I was offered an opportunity to read Wallingford's story in Sinful.  Well, I didn't question the opportunity, and I'm so glad that I took the time to enjoy another keeper.  The book doesn't release until May, so I'll be posting my review closer to the begin of April, but I wanted to post the cover art.  It's beautifully done and complements the story told in the pages.  Charlotte once again holds nothing back and gives a stellar performance, the reader receives a wonderful story.  I can't wait to share it with you.  Please come back to get a taste of what is to be Sinful.

HOT IN HERE (ARC) by Sophie Renwick

Publisher: Penguin Group
Pages: 288
Released Date: June 2, 2009

From the Cover: A sizzling debut novel starring a sexy TV chef who steams up more than just entrees...

She wasn't his kind of dish—until someone turned up the heat...

Celebrity chef and infamous ladies' man Bryce Ryder can't believe the thoughts he's having about his old friend Jenna McCabe. She's always been the shy girlnext- door, but when some bad publicity threatens everything he's built, Jenna gets down to business— and shows a side of herself that is take-charge and totally irresistible.

Soon things are heating up in and out of the kitchen—and all of Jenna's secret fantasies about Bryce start coming true. But will she be the one to tame his heart, or is the sexy chef just indulging another one of his cravings?

Bryce Ryder doesn't know how his life got so screwed up. He's a mega-popular celebrity chef with his own restaurant and cooking show. He thought he had everything worked out since his time with the wicked witch Chrissy, who almost cost him his beloved restaurant as well as all of his savings. Now, some crazy reporter is spreading lies that could cost him his dreams and his plans. Thank God Jenna is here, she always saves the day, she'll make it right. If she can just come up with a plan that he can live with. As Bryce sits down with Jenna, he notices something distinctly different, she's more self possessed, more sure of herself, and damn, she looks better and hotter than he's ever seen her. What's going on with her. And the plan she comes up with, be seen dating an average girl instead of the size zero's he been dating. He likes the kind that don't except anything. But he would love someone who could appreciate his fine skills as a chef, both in the kitchen and out.

Jenna has known Bryce for her whole life, since he moved to Lucan in middle school when she dump her meatloaf in his lap. He's cute, sweet, and walking talking sex appeal. If he could only see her as something more than a friend, but Chrissy has almost ruined him for all women. Now all he can wants is the convenient one night stand. Jenna wants the whole deal, ring, wedding, kids. Jenna has a plan, it's her birthday tomorrow, and she can't think of a better present than Bryce. If only she can get him to realize that she's more than Jenna McCabe, friend and girl next door. But, as usually Bryce takes her for granted. This is really starting to tick Jenna off.

As Jenna storms out of his restaurant, Bryce can't help but wonder what's up with her. His brother, Titus, mentions that maybe it's his thoughtlessness, not even remembering her birthday. Birthday? God, he did forget, but he can take care of this oversight by whipping her up a fantastic birthday dessert. Jenna could never refuse his cooking. When he rings Jenna's bell, she answers in her babydoll pj's as his eyes pop out of his head. Could this be his Jenna? Jenna the girl next door, Jenna that is his best friend? As they cozy up on the couch, preparing to eat his fantastic dessert, he can't keep his thoughts away from Jenna. Bryce comes to realize doesn't want to keep his thoughts away from Jenna, Jenna who he has always thought of as his. He can't keep his thoughts away, or his hands, lips....Suddenly Jenna has become his dish du jour. Who knew food could be so much fun.

This is what Jenna has always desired, a night with beautiful Bryce, but what will she do now? It isn't a casual fling for her. She's in love so deep, she doesn't know if she can keep her head above water. Sarah, her sister, would tell her to go with her heart, but Rachel from work would say to play it cool. If she goes with her heart, Bryce might run. If she plays it cool, her heart might break. Bryce is too sweet a dish to pass up.

Trey, Bryce's older brother, tries to push Bryce toward Jenna knowing his brother's desires better than his own. Together Sarah and Trey conspire to keep these two together. But are there other matters cooking between Sarah and Trey, her secret heart's desire?

As Bryce and Jenna delve deeper into what could be, Bryce comes to the realization that Jenna is everything his heart desires, but this new Jenna may not feel the same. His life is forever changed after grabbing Jenna in Italy and becoming captivated by her heart, body, and soul. He realizes he loves Jenna. Where can this lead? Will he ever be able to let her go?

Hot in Here by Sophie Renwick (Charlotte Featherstone) is Sophie's debut contemporary romance. It's the story of a top chef, Bryce Ryder, with his own cooking show that he fears his loyal audience will abandon after getting some bad press. Hiring Jenna McCabe's firm may be the only thing that saves the day. Jenna is his best friend, someone he can always turn to; someone he can trust. But can he trust her with his heart. Bryce is an unsure hero, unsure of himself, bruised by the reality of life. He's vowed never to be put in a position where he'll be used again; never to give his heart to love. Bryce is actually a kind and decent man, he cares for others around him, willing to give his time, effort, or money. He doesn't need to take credit or have accolades. The one thing he needs to learn to trust his instincts; those instincts that are telling him to give it all to Jenna, take the love he sees in her heart and soul. Jenna has always been the outcast, never one of the beautiful people. That's what happens to a girl who's a size fourteen in a size zero world. Jenna is a heroine who has been slightly damaged by life, who has learned lessons the hard way; who has had to fight her way to making a name for herself. She used to been timid, but not anymore. And there's still a chance she could lose it all; all it takes is one failed business deal. Her family farm is in trouble and she doing everything in her power to save it. She's loved the beautiful Bryce her whole life, but is he ready to hear the truth and is she ready to tell it. Is he the same Bryce or has he changed? When Bryce and Jenna come together, it definitely heats up the atmosphere with sparks that blow the mind. Bryce is a consuming lover that is willing to give and needs to take. His need for Jenna becomes a force in his life, a force that Jenna has wanted her whole life. Hot in Here is a great debut contemporary romance for Sophie Renwick. It's funny, sweet, adventurous, hot, and sexy. The setting is beautiful with a backdrop into rural life and the sweet lands of Italy. This was an incredibly fast, fun read and I enjoyed it immensely. To find out more information about all of Sophie Renwick's wonderful books and new releases, please visit her website or her blog. Charlotte Featherstone's historical and paranormal romances are also fantastic, if you haven't tried Addicted, I can highly recommend it. To read my review of Addicted, click here. Charlotte's other great books can be found here or visit her blog.

Addicted by Charlotte Featherstone

Publisher: Spice Books
Pages: 443

From the Cover: Friends since childhood, Anais Darnby and Lindsay Markham have long harbored a secret passion for one another. When they finally confess their love, their future together seems assured, sealed with their searing embrace.

But when a debauched Lindsay is seduced by a scheming socialite, a devastated Anais seeks refuge in another man's bed........

Anais and Lindasy had been best friend longer than each other can remember, it's only natural for those feelings to grow over time, right? Each is thinking of the other as their eyes meet across the room kindling unknown fires, not knowing if these feeling will be shared or destroy a friendship that has lasted a lifetime.

When each confess to the other their true feelings, Lindsay sets about proving just how much he cherishes the insecure Anais. Her mother has done a pretty fair job of undermining any confidence she's had about her voluptuous body. When Lindsay professes his love and shows her what it's like to be desired, she can hardly believe that someone as beautiful and strong as Lindsay would find her the least bit attractive, let alone propose marriage, but that's what he's says he is going to be at the Masquerade Ball. He begs her to attend as a harem girl, his own personal odalisque.

But Lindsay has another mistress, Opium, the red devil smoke, the only thing that rivals Anais. When he see Rebecca, conniving social climber and Anais' best friend in Anais' costume through the clouded mind of Opium and Hashish, he mistakes Rebecca for Anais, his one true love. How can he convince Anais that it's all a big mistake, what must he do? Anais turns to Garrett, Rebecca's intended, as a willing shoulder to cry on. Lindsay has betrayed and belittled their love. She runs away, leaving her mother to tell Lindsay she has left the country.

Lindsay makes a mad search across Europe and into Paris only to come up empty handed, Anais is not to be found anywhere. As a means to escape his broken heart, he agrees to travel to the East to Constantinople with his best friend, Wallingford, and to attend to his other mistress, Opium. His seductive mistress that erases all his feelings and thoughts, leaving him numb.

Through all of his searching, Anais has kept hidden, hiding her secret, her shame, her love, and her broken heart. When Lindsay returns to his home, it is to find that Anais has returned, but she will no longer see Lindsay. She can only remember him as an Opium addict, not the best friend or the passionate lover. The thing she doesn't realize is that not only is Lindsay addicted to Opium, but to her, and he can't live without either. But she is also hiding a terrible secret of her own that no one, especially Lindsay, must ever find out.

Charlotte Featherstone has created a world where love is the answer, the only salvation, to the wrongs Lindsay and Anais have committed against each other. Addicted is a beautiful love story where Lindsay and Anais have to accept that they are human, and no matter what, they will always have each other. As Lindsay sinks further into his addiction, Anais is the only thing that is stronger than the call of the Opium. Without her love, his life isn't worth living and the sooner it's over the better, only death can take away the pain and betrayal, and fill the hole that resides where his heart once was. This story grabbed my heart, making me want to see the happy ending and not knowing if it was possible. It's a masterfully told story that will keep you turning pages, hoping against hope that it will end well, with exotic locations and the mysterious draw of the Opium. For more information about her other books, please see Charlotte Featherstone's website. For readers out there that have become Addicted, she's giving a taste of her new book, Sinful, to be released May 2010. She also has a new contemporary romance, Hot In Here coming out in June 2009, under her pen name, Sophie Renwick. For information about Hot In Here, see Sophie Renwick's website. I can highly recommend picking up Addicted, you won't be able to put it down.