Book 2, The Burgundy Club
by Miranda Neville
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: September 28, 2010
Sebastian Iverley is a nerd by all accounts. He wears glasses. He dresses deplorably. He loves old books. He doesn’t know how to act around women and thus comes across as a man who loathes the company of women. He has never been kissed, let alone enjoyed a tumble between the sheets. Given his unusual upbringing (raised by his guardian in a home with no women), Sebastian really doesn’t want to waste his time with giggling ladies. During a visit to his cousin’s country estate, Sebastian catches a glimpse of a shapely leg in sensual pink stockings. That small glimpse is enough to send Sebastian into a tail spin. Offering to escort the young woman on her ride, Sebastian finds himself in territories unknown.
Lady Diana Fanshawe has finally gotten closer to Lord Blakeney, who is in line to become a Duke and the man she has wanted to marry since she was fourteen. Attending a house party given by Lord Blakeney has been a dream of Diana’s. Too bad the country home is so close to her family home and her somewhat unusual parents. Sneaking away from the house party to visit her eccentric family, Diana is shocked to find Lord Blakeney’s somewhat sheepish cousin in the stables offering to escort her. Thankful that Lord Blakeney will not see her unfashionable family and thus look down on her, Diana agrees to Sebastian’s escort. Upon arriving at her family home, Diana is shocked to see the ease at which Sebastian converses with members of her family as she hasn’t seen him act that way at the house party.
During the house party, Lord Blakeney and one of his friends talk about Sebastian and just how much of a nerd he really is. During the conversation, a bet is proposed – if Lady Diana is able to get Sebastian to kiss her, Lord Blakeney will pay her 500 pounds. Determined to win the money and score points with Lord Blakeney, Diana takes Sebastian out into the gardens during an evening stroll. When Sebastian gives in to his needs and kisses Diana with gusto but not much finesse, Diana coaches him on the finer points of kissing. Surprised by the fast beat of her heart and the feel of strong muscles beneath her fingers, Diana begins to see there is much more to Sebastian than glasses, baggy clothes and old books.
But Diana is not the only one who is surprised. Sebastian is surprised himself. He can’t believe he can carry on an intelligent conversation with Diana (and members of her interesting family), but that he can also feel lust and maybe more for this woman. A lifetime of moonlight kisses under the stars seems like a great idea. So the day after the kiss, Sebastian waits for Diana to arrive in the library so he can ask for her hand in marriage. But instead of Diana, Lord Blakeney and one of his friends arrive. Sebastian quickly hides and overhears the details of the bet. Hurt beyond words, Sebastian leaves the house party without a word.
His plan is now to seek revenge on Lady Diana by seducing her.
Seeking the assistance of his two closest friends, Sebastian transforms from a bookish nerd to a dangerous viscount. A man who dresses the part, talks the talk and has the women practically falling at his feet. The transformation is stunning and no one is more shocked than Diana.
As the tension builds between Sebastian and Diana, both of them begin to realize the extent of their feelings for one another -- feelings that go beyond revenge and lust. But as is the case for any couple searching for their happy ending, Sebastian and Diana are faced with a few unexpected events. These two really have to work for their happily ever after. But all that hard work does pay off! While I am a reader who thoroughly enjoys an alpha hero, Sebastian is a beta hero who quickly had me begging for more. There is something special about a man revealing his vulnerable side. That is quite an endearing quality!
If you are looking for a book that will draw you in and not let go until the very end, then The Dangerous Viscount is the book for you!
~ Buffie
