The Seduction of Sebastian St. James (The House of Renwick, #2)

The Seduction of Sebastian St. James (House of Renwick #2)

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3.86 of 5 stars 3.86  ·  rating details  ·  364 ratings  ·  39 reviews
When the angelic Duke of Tempest, Sebastian St. James, appeared unexpectedly at his boyhood friend’s home, he had but one goal: Find a suitable wife as soon as possible. However, his impeccable reputation made him a prime target for ambitious mothers of debutante daughters. He needed a plan.

Help came in the form of an unlikely alliance with Miss Emma Gates, the beautiful d...more
Kindle Edition, 271 pages
Published December 22nd 2011 by Astraea Press
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Community Reviews

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Jody
Well the first book ended with Sebastian walking in and saying he needed a favor. So of course I wanted to read the next book. I kinda liked this story although it probably could have been better. I really liked Sebastian's grandmother (even though only played a tiny role in story). The author did a great job with the major-minor character (if that makes sense) of Rawlings. I really look forward to reading his book, even though hated him at first.
Emma is looking to finally marry, despite her ta...more
Marissa
I feel like I should be ashamed at how quickly I read this. Perhaps I should be ashamed that I fall in to the grips of romance novels so easily in general, but if there's a sucker born every minute, I'm probably one of them too. I downloaded this on a whim, not knowing that it was part of a series, but it's not necessary to have read the previous one in order to keep up with the goings-on of this book. And on that matter, the goings-on are thoroughly engaging without being downright tawdry, whic...more
Michelle
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
Shadow
What can I say? Mrs. Rachel really knows how to keep her readers enthralled! I cant wait for book three. I love how she plots the story, how entertaining her characters are and she always has one character that you love to hate. From beginning to end, I smiled through this story. A girl sneeking out to dance like a gypsy, causing her family scandal. Years later, ready to marry, she goes to stay with Sara and Nicholas (characters from the first story) and there she meets her perfect match! Sebast...more
Sophie Barnes
This is the first book I've ever read by Rachel Van Dyken, and what a wonderful read it was! Emma's character was lovely - I simply adored her adventurous spirit and found myself rooting for her the entire time. Finding herself ruined (albeit mistakenly so, for she was innocent, though even her own parents failed to believe her), she lives with the constant fear that her tarnished reputation will become public knowledge, destroying her chances of happiness forever. Naturally, things are about to...more
Kathy
I think I enjoyed the first book a little more than this one. On its own though, I still thought it was an enjoyable read. I liked Sebastian and Emma. I would have liked a little more depth to their relationship instead of such a heavy focus on how attractive they find one another. In the end, I’m not sure if they really fell in love or in lust.

(Mild Spoilers) I enjoyed the story, I was a little confused with some of the plot points though. It starts with Sebastian arriving in London to find a...more
January
Summary: Sebastian St. James is the Duke of Tempest who earned the nickname “Angel Duke” because of his heroic exploits and his impeccable reputation. When he decides it’s finally time to find a wife, his search leads him to enlist the help of an old friend. It just so happens that old friend is also the cousin Lady Emma Gates, an eligible young woman who is also searching for a spouse.

The duke is very protective of his reputation and his family’s name. Emma is hiding a volatile secret. They tea...more
Giulia~Bubbles
Jan 12, 2013 Giulia~Bubbles rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: fans of clean romance, fans of historical romance, fans of lighter romantic stories
Oringally reviewed at www.devastatingreads.blogspot.com

I like the first book in the series, The Ugly Duckling Debutante well enough. Van Dyken's style is light and fun and easy to get drawn into. And this time around I noticed less editing errors, though I still caught some basic grammar/punctuation errors that made me want to ground my eyes out. But it wasn't grammar that got on my nerves this time around. I was quite put out this time around to find that as entertaining the story was, and as...more
Nikki (The Bibliomaniac)
Apr 23, 2012 Nikki (The Bibliomaniac) rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Historical Romance Lovers
Duke of Tempest Sebastian St. James arrives at his friend Nicholas Devons home to ask for a place to stay during the season. He also attempts to enlist Nicholas and his wife Sara's help in finding him a wife this upcoming season. Sara has her cousin Emma Gates also coming to stay with them during her season to look for a husband to pacify her parents. With that in common both Sebastian, escorting Emma, leave for their first ball that night.



At the ball both escape outside to the balcony for a bre...more
Kim
I was eagerly anticipating reading The Seduction of Sebastian St. James, having finished Rachel Van Dyken’s first book in the House of Renwick series, The Ugly Ducking Debutante. As I truly enjoy her characters, I was interested in seeing her newest creations and what twists and turns of the plot she had in store for me.

Sebastian St. James, the Duke of Tempest, is known as the “Angel Duke” for more than one reason. Not only is his appearance angelic, but his conquests and heroics are flawless, a...more
Angela Blount
A semi-solid ★★★½ Stars

Disclaimer:
Up front, I think it would benefit readers to understand that Van Dyken is something of a hybrid historical author. While the setting is period, the phraseology often has a more modern appeal. I personally feel as though the author's style makes the historical genre feel more accessible for historical laymen—such as myself. But if you are a stickler for total immersion in unwavering historical accuracy, her books may not be for you. Fair warning. :)

Now, on the...more
Tifferz
I find the cover simply amazing along with the story.Ms Van Dyken's writing is simply lovely. I really felt bad for Emma as her parents don't even believe her when tragedy strikes. This story is filled with sharp banter between Emma and Sebastian, laughter and the sexual tension that flys off the pages. Both Emma and Sebastian have a past they need to over come and if they could confide in each other. I loved how Nicholas and Sara always come to Emma's defense and it was simply priceless when Ni...more
Englishrose
This book had a cute idea behind it and I was excited about it. Apparently, it's the second in a series and I got the feeling that maybe I was missing quite a bit by not reading the first one. Overall there was an exciting and fast moving plot, though perhaps sometimes a little too fast. The characters go so swiftly through everything that it got hard to get to know them. It was a bit stilted and confusing to transition from scene to scene as the story progressed. The romance was good, though at...more
Desiree
Mar 17, 2012 Desiree marked it as to-read
Why have I seen this photograph as the cover of three different books now? The Seduction of Sebastian St. James Reincarnate, Beloved Spirited  13 Haunting Tales. I have never seen the same cover for multiple, seemingly unrelated books before and now all of a sudden this one is taking over! I think it's gorgeous... but does it really need to be everywhere?
Megan
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.

This was a pretty good story overall, but I felt like they were modern people living in the past. Not true authentic historic people. I, also, felt like there must have been a book before that explained the relationship of the two supporting characters, Nicholas and Sara as there were things that were unexplained and confusing, like the author expected us to know about them already.

I thought that parts of the story didn't flow together so well as Sebastian...more
Danielle Williams
With a scandelous past Emma has little hope for a bright future but has joined her cousin Sara in London's Season so Emma's sister can have her own coming out without causing a new scandal. The Angel Duke (as he is called) has no scandal and the hopes of marrying a young lady without a checkered past but then he meets the brazen and beautiful Emma. Will her past mar her future with an Angel? After reading the first book in this series I had no doubts that Rachel Van Dyke would deliver another wo...more
Raquel
I really liked this book. I thought it was more like a short story since I finished it in less than a day, but that could be because I couldn’t put it down. It was pretty fast paced, and it skipped a lot of time in between certain parts. I almost wish this was a novel that went more into detail with certain characters and certain events. But other than that, I was pretty satisfied. I couldn’t wait to see how the story ended, and I was not at all disappointed. I recommend this book to someone who...more
Neha
This was a cute little novella. The characters were mostly interesting, but they weren't really anything special. There was bit of humor in the story, but for the most part it just felt like a bland romance story without most of the fluff that makes for a great romance piece.

It was quite short, as being a novella, and thus made for a decent way to pass the time while I waited for my classes to start in the morning. But in all honesty, it just wasn't a very significant piece of literature. I fel...more
Dolce Amore
Reviewed for Booked Up

To See Review at Booked Up

Duke of Tempest, Sebastian St. James was searching for a wife. Although he wanted the happiness his best friend, Nicholas, found with his wife, he decided that any debutante would do. He forms an alliance with Miss Emma Gates, the cousin of Sara, Nicholas’s wife.

But when someone from Emma’s past wants to hurt her, will be Sebastian there for her?

I didn’t understand why, if Sebastian and Emma wanted to marry and they were attracted each other, they...more
Cary
I liked this book although I felt like there was a bit of angst built into the hero without a firm enough description for how it got there. The relationship with Rawlings needed more definition from the hero's point of view although not from the heroines point of view. Go figure! ALso I felt more needed to be worked into the story at the end with the gypsy dancing. Still clean and light.
Becky
I really liked this book. I won't ever own it because it was a little racier than I expected (I know, did I read the title?!) It actually is just full of people's thoughts...It was on a clean romance list, and that's probably because nothing actually happens until they are married. It ended well, after the prologue...I wasn't sure I was going to like it. But I did. Quick read.
Virginia Gill
This book made me really appreciate what a different world I live in compared to my counterparts during the Victorian era. I don't usually expect a romance novel to having me sitting back and contemplating my own life, this one did. Can you ask more of a book than to be both thought provoking and entertaining?
Nellie
I liked this series. Fun, steamy, but stops before too much happens.From the book: When a man from Emma’s past makes a play for her hand, the truth about her life threatens to destroy Sebastian’s reputation, a reputation he has carefully guarded since his youth. In the end, the Angel Duke has to make a choice that will end up changing his reputation forever.
Charlene
I haven't read a Victorian romance novel in many, many years. Can't say this will be on my list of 'favorites'; but it was alright - predictable, though. Once again, I'd made up my mind to finish it since I spent the money on it. Now I know I will not include Victorian romances in my list of to-read books in the future. Too light, not enough plot.
InD'Tale Magazine
3 stars

InD'Tale Magazine Premiere Issue, May/June 2012.

See Beth Chamberlain's review here.
Melissa
"The Seduction of Sebastian St. James" is another excellent book by Rachel Van Dyken. I absolutely fell in love with Seb's character. The dialogue between him and Nicholas was interesting. The best part of the entire story was Seb's and Emma's relationship developing. Their back and forth was almost comical.
Rebecca (Beckee)
Nothing like finishing a book in one day!!! Really enjoy the characters in this book, and look forward to any more this author may write.
Kate
i love regency romances!! lots of sexual-tension without being overtly gross romance novels! beautifully written.
Barbara
Nice little story of Emma (being redeemed) and Sebastian, neither looking for love, only marriage but find it anyway.
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The Seduction of Sebastian St. James (Paperback)
The Seduction of Sebastion St James
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Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.
She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband and their snoring Boxer, Sir Winston Churchill. She loves to hear from readers! You can follow her...more
More about Rachel Van Dyken...
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