Review - - A Simple Seduction

A Simple Seduction

by Janna MacGregor

Millionaires of Mayfair - Book 1

Publisher: Janna MacGregor

Release Date: April 2, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

He promised her one night…now, he wants forever.

When Lady Honoria Ardeerton, the sister of the Duke of Pelham, sneaks into her brother’s masquerade and meets the irresistible Marcus Kirkland, the Earl of Trafford, her intentions are crystal clear: one night of pleasure with no names. But their fiery passion spirals into a situation that intertwines their destinies when they’re compromised, leaving Honoria's carefully spun web of secrets on the brink of unraveling. As hidden longings and scandalous truths threaten to consume them, Honoria grapples with a revelation that could shatter them both. At the same time, Marcus is undeterred in his quest to claim Honoria’s heart.

When Honoria’s path leads her to feign love for another to safeguard Marcus and her family’s honor, the stakes become insurmountably high. Will Honoria’s secret doom Marcus’s love or will the bonds of the heart prove unbreakable?

PJ's Thoughts:

Marcus is my new book boyfriend. I'm a total goner for a redeemed rake and he is such a good one. Sure, he was wild in his youth but there were reasons. Good ones. He's all grown up now, focused on his future, and committed to his very worthy charity, one that he doesn't just throw money at but in which he fully participates. Plus, he's sexy and sensual and...and...  Well, it wouldn't be fun if he was all good guy, right? ;-) 

My heart ached for all that Honoria had endured at the hands of those who were supposed to love and protect her. I could feel her pain and anguish but also her determination to claim one night for herself. I wanted to cheer her on and wrap her in a warm hug at the same time. I wanted to encourage her to be honest with her siblings and with Marcus (she is, eventually) but understood her need to keep certain things to herself and handle them on her own terms. It's her way to put the happiness of those she loves before her own.  

MacGregor did a superb job of developing both Marcus and Honoria in this book to the point where they felt like real people in whose happiness I was fully invested. They are so good together. I loved the steam, the caring, the quiet joy, and the laughter between them. I loved that they genuinely liked one another and shared common values. They may not have been what each was looking for (her brother's best friend was not in her plans - or her protective brother's - and someone with a secret scandal that could deep-six Marcus's charity was not in his) but the heart wants what the heart wants. My heart cheered over the choices Marcus made that proved her love was not misplaced. Book boyfriend material, indeed. 

The sibling dynamic in this book is wonderful, as is the dynamic among Pelham, Marcus, and the third member of their close friend group, Ravenscroft. I'm excited to discover the direction MacGregor has in mind for all of them, including Honoria's younger sister, Pippa. If you've been reading MacGregor, you've most likely already met the Duke of Pelham (Honoria's older brother), a secondary character from her The Widow Rules series. This book gives us more insight into this arrogant duke (who is perhaps hiding a marshmallow center?), introduces a lady who has him off balance (they have a past!), and has me eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.

It won't surprise me if The Millionaires of Mayfair series ends up being MacGregor's most popular yet (and my favorite). Her writing voice sparkles and her characters shine in the author's first self-published series. It's off to a wonderful start.