Sweetest Little Sin
By Christine Wells
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Release Date: May 4, 2010
Lady Louisa Brooke has been in love with the handsome Marquis of Jardine for years. As the sister of a duke (and former spy for the Crown), she could have her choice of men, but only Jardine (also a spy) holds her heart . . . even though the exasperating man has let her down on occasion. While at a ball, Louisa experiences the ultimate disappointment as Jardine fails to show, despite never having missed her birthday before. When she confronts him later, he rebuffs her and tells her he no longer wishes to be with her. Louisa is shocked and heartbroken, especially because of the enormous secret they share. She decides to dust herself off and accepts a mission offered to her by the head of the secret service, Faulkner. All she has to do is encourage the attentions of one of her hopeful suitors, Mr. Radleigh, and obtain invitations for herself and one of Faulkner’s female operatives to Radleigh’s upcoming house party. When the agent mysteriously disappears along the way, Louisa is left to fulfill the mission on her own. That is until she sees who else is attending the party—the Marquis of Jardine!
Jardine has recently found out that Radleigh has in his possession a list of British operatives’ names. Even though the list is written in code, Jardine knows that if it falls in the wrong hands, specifically a traitor named Smith, it could spell disaster, torture, and even death to many of his friends and allies. Jardine arrives at the party as the guest and possible suitor of Radleigh’s sister, which infuriates his beautiful Louisa. What Louisa doesn’t realize is that Jardine has a reason for breaking it off with her—keeping her safe. If anyone knew his feelings for her, she would be a target. When danger begins to come in spades, Louisa and Jardine must work together to get that list. But will they be able to mend their broken relationship in the process?
Fans of The Dangerous Duke rejoice! Louisa and Jardine finally get their happily ever after, though it’s not without a few bumps. Ms. Wells makes these two work hard and when you close the last page, you know they have more than earned it. I thoroughly enjoyed the constant banter between Louisa and Jardine. One scene in particular between them and an oblivious Miss Radleigh had me laughing out loud.
Jardine’s attention swung back to Louisa. Forestalling whatever acid comment he seemed about to make, Louisa said, “We were just discussing hunting and so forth. Have you taken your gun out yet, Lord Jardine?”
Those mobile eyebrows climbed a little. “I beg your pardon?”
“Mr. Radleigh told me he bagged a brace of partridges this morning.” She widened her eyes a little. “Have you taken out your gun?”
The corner of his mouth twitched. “I must confess I am a little out of practice. But I hear you are proficient in the art, Lady Louisa.” His smile grew wicked. “Perhaps I might persuade you to help me fire my piece.”
If she’d been given to blushing, she would be as red as sealing wax, but fortunately, that wasn’t one of her weaknesses. “By all means. I’d be happy to lend you the benefit of my . . . advice.”
“Oh, shooting!” Beth shuddered dramatically. “Honestly, just hearing the awful bang makes me scream and put my hands over my ears.”
“You get used to it,” said Louisa, never taking her eyes from Jardine’s. “The sport can be most . . . satisfying. Don’t you agree, my lord?”
His eyes burned into hers. “Yes,” he said softly. “If one has the skill and the patience to do it correctly. And one needs the right teacher, of course.”
“Naturally.” Louisa smiled, holding his gaze. “It’s so easy to rush things, and go off half-cocked.”
Jardine’s foot stopped swinging. His fingers tightened their grip on the armrest of his chair.
Interesting.
At least she hadn’t been mistaken about the heat between them. It survived, powerful and volatile as ever.
She’d have to watch herself. While they sat in a room full of people, she was safe. Heaven help her if he got her alone after she’d taunted him like that.
Boy oh boy, did these two heat up the pages when they were alone! The love scenes were fast, furious and extremely passionate. Ms. Wells convinced me with her very first book that she was on her way to becoming a star in historical romance and Sweetest Little Sin just validates that. Filled with intrigue, incredibly likable characters, and Ms. Wells’s trademark wit and passion, Sweetest Little Sin will surely find its way to your keeper shelf!
~Andrea
Great review, Andrea! That excerpt is one of my favorite scenes from the book.
ReplyDeleteSeems like I've been waiting forever for this story and I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy to read. Sometimes, after I've been eagerly anticipating a particular book for a long time, my expectations are built so high that I'm a bit let down when I finally get to read it. Not so with Sweetest Little Sin. Louisa and Jardine, along with their oh-so-talented creator, Christine Wells, not only met my expectations, they blew them completely away. I *loved* this book!
Great review! I've never read anything by Christine Wells, but I will now! :) I know you've talked about how great of an author she is.
ReplyDeleteWasn't that a great scene, PJ?!?! I loved it. And the rest of the book, too!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Trisha. Christine wells is a terrific writer. ;-)
Andrea, what a lovely review. Thanks so much--I've been biting my nails over whether SLS would live up to expectations. I had a lot of mail begging for Louisa and Jardine's story. Heaving a big sigh of relief, here!
ReplyDeleteYou hit the nail on the head about Louisa and Jardine working hard for their HEA--it wasn't just a case of throw in a suspense plot -- I felt Louisa had to live through it to fully understand and accept who Jardine was. And he had to accept that she wouldn't shatter at the first hint of adversity.
Hi PJ! Thank you, I'm blushing!
LOL on the excerpt. That was a fun scene:) Looking forward to popping over to celebrate the release!
Oooooh, this sounds fabulous! Wonderful review Andrea! It has me biting at the bit to read this one!
ReplyDeleteOh boy, another one I have been anxiously awaiting, time to rearrange my keeper shelves.
ReplyDeleteAww, thanks so much, Christine! I absolutely adored this book. And it was so worth the wait!
ReplyDeleteBuffie and Dianna, you both are in for a treat! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteAnother great review, Andrea! This one is on my TBB list. Christine is a wonderful writer and a amazingly lovely person, too!
ReplyDeleteSounds like my kind of book. Suspense, intrigue, witty banter and characters you can really like.
ReplyDeleteGood review. I'll be looking for her books.
Thanks, Gannon. I hope to meet Christine soon! Hopefully she'll be in Nashville!
ReplyDeletelibrarypat, you will enjoy Christine's books. She is a terrific writer!
LOVE this book! Great review, Andrea. You're right about the sparkling wit! And wow, those love scenes!
ReplyDelete