Publisher's Weekly Review
Hawkins's first Masters of Seduction historical takes readers back to the late 18th century, in which one woman hopes to reform a man who embodies the dissipation of the British aristocracy. Tristan Bailey Rooke, Duke of Blackbern, and Cason Brant, Marquess of Norgrave, are young noblemen intent on sampling all of London's pleasures. Their latest wager involves Lady Imogene Sunter, the oldest daughter of the Duke of Trevett. Norgrave, whose roguish antics disguise a villainous heart, challenges Blackbern, who's more the genially clueless sort, to see which man Imogene will take as her lover with the "intention of marriage, not ruination." The attraction between Blackbern and Imogene is intense, and their friendship quickly leads to a physical encounter, leaving Norgrave debating how to intervene. Imogene may initially appear to be a simpering noblewoman, but that impression is quickly dashed when she stalwartly survives sexual assault (described in graphic detail that may startle readers used to kinder, gentler historical romances). Consensual carnality also abounds, but the romantic plot line remains the main focus, keeping readers guessing about whether the love of one good woman will rescue a rake. Agent: Lynn Seligman, Lynn Seligman Literary Agency. (July) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Kirkus Review
Two Georgian-era noblemen, a duke and a marquess, spur each other to ever greater depths of depravity, until the duke falls in love with one of their victims. Hawkins (Twilight with the Infamous Earl, 2013, etc.) returns with the first book in her Masters of Seduction series. Tristan Rooke, Duke of Blackbern, has been friends with Cason Brant, Marquess of Norgrave, since they were children. The two have spent their formative years wenching and brawling like most gentlemen of their class, with perhaps a bit more ruthlessness in their sexual exploits. But when they wager over who can seduce Imogene Sunter, the virgin daughter of the Duke of Trevett, Tristan begins to resent his friend's competitive nature. Still, they enter into the bet even though Imogene is a lady, unlike the women they usually use and discard. More than once Tristan wishes that Imogene didn't share his social class. If she had been a servant, "he could have enjoyed her company for a time, and eased her disappointment with a few dresses or a piece of jewelry." For her part, Imogene quickly figures out that the two men are competing over her, but she prefers Tristan from the beginning. Eventually, due to some shocking lack of supervision on the part of her parents, she manages to start a full-blown affair with Tristan. Tristan conceals his success from his friend because he is smitten with Imogene and knows he's being a blackguard by sleeping with her. But the villain of the piece is much smarter than either the hero or the heroine, and he figures out that the two have become involved. His revenge is swift and vicious. The book is full of tiresome inconsistencies and weak-willed characters, but readers who enjoy dark sex scenes may find it entertaining. Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
As best friends, the Duke of Blackbern and the Marquess of Norgrave have each other's back in their lives of debauchery, gambling, duels, and other mischief, including their bet on who will seduce the beautiful, innocent Lady Imogen Sunter. She is charmed by both men as they court her, but it is Blackbern who attracts her. He is surprised to realize that he cares more about her than winning the bet and they indulge in a passionate love affair. Norgrave does not like to lose, and goes to viciously violent lengths to get revenge, raping and beating Lady Imogen, yet Blackbern stands by her as they plan for their future. Imogen and her family are smart, loyal characters with bright appeal in this dark story. Blackbern's growth arc reaches hero status in a satisfying end. Hawkins launches her Masters of Seduction series with this sensual and evocative tale in which she brings the lovers and the villain to vibrant life. This edgy historical will appeal to romantic-suspense readers looking for darker layers in a Regency love story.--Alessio, Amy Copyright 2015 Booklist
