Seven Deadly Sins, Book 3
By Kathryn Caskie
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: November 30, 2010
The "Seven Deadly Sins" lived for scandal and delighted in disgrace, but now they must repent—in marriage!
Lady Siusan Sinclair and her brothers and sisters are known as the Seven Deadly Sins, creating gossip wherever they go. Siusan embodies the sin of sloth, relishing the fact that, as the daughter of a duke, she doesn't have to work for her money. But ever since her father issued an ultimatum to all of the Sinclair siblings to make something of themselves or be completely cut off, Siusan's life hasn't been as carefree. On the first anniversary of her fiance's death, Siusan is attending a ball to introduce the Duke of Exeter. Still grieving, she wants nothing more than to escape the crush of society and allow her tears to flow in private. Siusan manages to sneak away from the noise and heat of the crowd, closing herself in the dark and blessedly quiet library. But her solitude is soon interrupted when a stranger enters.
Sebastian Beaufort, the Duke of Exeter, never wanted to be duke, but his brother's untimely death thrust him into a position of responsibility and notoriety he could barely tolerate. He knew it was up to him to redeem his family's tarnished name, but tonight he sought to numb himself with brandy....and time with a highpriced whore. Sebastian opens the door of the library and in the shaft of moonlight sees the woman he thinks he has paid for. Sebastian has what he considers the most passionate encounter of his life with a woman whose face he cannot see, but whose body he cannot forget.
Siusan sought solace in the arms of this stranger, figuring that this one night of sin won't hurt anyone, because she will never tell. Her plan goes awry, however, when she discovers that her mystery lover is none other than the Duke of Exeter! Siusan flees the library before he can see her face clearly, and she and her siblings quickly exit the ball. Knowing her father will disown her if he ever discovers this scandal, Siusan leaves London for Bath, becoming a teacher---known as Miss Bonnet--- at Mrs. Huddleston's School of Virtues. Never having worked a day in her life, Siusan doesn't know the first thing about being a teacher, but she does know how to act like a proper lady. So she decides to instruct her charges in how to be a proper lady. She finds it hard to maintain her proper demeanor when the handsome guardian of one of her students begins spending an inordinate amount of time at school. When Siusan discovers he is the Duke of Exeter, she wonders how long she can keep her identity a secret.
Siusan and Sebastian have a long road on the way to their happily-ever-after, and it is filled with countless twists and turns and even a few potholes. But it makes their happy ending that much more satisfying and well-deserved at the end. Sebastian is a reluctant duke, believing his family is full of flaws and at times, maybe even cursed. Siusan has lost much in her life: her mother, her fiance, and the respect and approval of her father. Is it any wonder she feels unworthy of love?
She had tasted true love, and yet because of her past, because of her sinful ways, she could never live the life her heart begged of her.
She had ruined everything. She wrapped her arms around herself and began to rock.
She was too flawed, not worthy of being loved by anyone. She had proved this again and again to herself and to all of Society. And soon, Sebastian would realize it, too.
Siusan finds love with Sebastian, but she also finds purpose and fulfillment as a teacher, and I found that so satisfying. Who doesn't want to find love with the man of their dreams and also find their purpose in life? The Duke's Night of Sin is another winner in Ms. Caskie's Seven Deadly Sins series. The Sinclairs are entertaining in the extreme, and there is never a dull moment when they're around! This is the third book, but if you have never read the first two, you will not be lost if you start with this one. Once you meet the Sinclair siblings, though, I'm sure you'll want to start from the beginning. There are plenty of "sins" to go around. Enjoy!
~ Gannon
