Two Sinful Secrets (The Scandalous St. Claires, #2) by Laurel McKee

Feb 22, 2013 My Book Addiction and More MBA rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, victorian-england

TWO SINFUL SECRETS by Laurel McKee is a wonderful Victorian Historical Romance. #2 in "The Scandalous St. Claires,but can be read as a stand alone. See,"One Naughty Night".

"A hundred years has passed since the bitter rivalry between the St. Claires and the Huntingtons began. But in London, the feud goes on . .."

With gambling,secrets,danger,family,theater,romance and love. Fast paced and filled with action and sizzling passion. Follow, Dominic St. Claire,out for revenge and Lady Sophia Huntington...more

like · see review

Feb 04, 2013 Melanie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Here comes the second installment in Laurel McKee’s Scandalous St. Claire's series.

We met Lady Sophia Huntington [now Mrs. Westman] as she ‘bites more than she can chew’ in her first meeting with our hero Dominic St. Claire who owns the Devil's Fancy hell in London.

As her story opens, she’s now a widow and residing in Baden-Baden, Germany. As she sits at a gaming table across from a man that is making her skin crawl, playing for very high stakes, we are apprised of the reasons behind her dire st...more

like · see review

Nov 26, 2012 Lisarenee rated it 4 of 5 stars

"Oh, my brothers can be such fools sometimes!...I blame the steady of Shakespeare we've been fed ever since the nursery...All those feuds and revenge. But they never remember how those things always turn out--with everyone dead."

Lady Sophia Huntington had it all--brains, looks, wealth, position, proper breeding, and a wild side. She frequently snuck out of her house at night to the gambling dens of London. When she found a man with an equally wild streak, she thought she'd met her perfect match...more
"Oh, my brothers can be such fools sometimes!...I blame the steady of Shakespeare we've been fed ever since the nursery...All those feuds and revenge. But they never remember how those things always turn out--with everyone dead."

Lady Sophia Huntington had it all--brains, looks, wealth, position, proper breeding, and a wild side. She frequently snuck out of her house at night to the gambling dens of London. When she found a man with an equally wild streak, she thought she'd met her perfect match and took a gamble on what she thought was love and lost just about everything. Her family deserted her, she was disinherited, and her husband turned out to love a good drink more than her, and that is what ultimately lead to his demise. Only months after marrying the man, Sophia found herself a widow. Now, after finding herself low on funds and far from home, she'll rely on those skills she honed in those unauthorized late night outings to the gaming tables, but this time the stakes are high.

Dominic St. Clair is every girl's fantasy--smart, charming, and devilishly handsome. He's an owner of a casino and comes from a long line of actors who own a theater company. He and Sophia crossed paths one late night years ago and had both felt an instant attraction. She knew exactly who he was but he hadn't a clue as to who she was, but neither has ever forgotten the other nor that night. Let's just say the experience was unforgettable. *smirk* Now, years later, their paths cross once again and the question is will she once again gamble on love and, if so, will she have better luck? Especially since Dominic's family has despised the Huntingtons for over a hundred years?
_____________

This was a very fun read. Ms. Mckee starts off this one with Dominic and Sophia's first meeting. I believe author did this to not only to show a connection between the two, but perhaps emphasize that some things in life are meant to be and timing is important. I thought that was a nice touch.

I loved the characters. Sophia is a smart, resourceful, and strong young woman. She'll make the most of a bad situation and let the cards fall where they may. Despite being a bit unlucky in love with her last marriage, she hasn't given up on men or love entirely. When a female acquaintance offers her a position at her soon to be open casino that isn't a casino, she jumps at the chance but she's still unsure whether to go crawling back to her family and beg their forgiveness or try to make the most of her new found freedom.

When Dominic first comes to the Palais Royale, he only expected to find some fun and to perhaps pick up a trick or two for his Casino, the Devil's Fancy, back in London. He never expected to see the woman who years ago said "No" to his advances and left him in agony after kneeing him in the groin. When he learns her true identity, he is torn between his attraction for her and his wish to exact revenge, not for the physical pain she wrought years earlier, but revenge for what her family did to his over a hundred years ago.

Overall this one gets a 4 out of 5 roses. I loved the drama created and not just from the revenge angle. I loved how no matter how they tried, Dominic and Sophia kept gravitating back toward one another. I enjoyed watching Dominic take a good look at himself and figure out what he really wanted, and in the process managed to grow into the man Sophia needed him to be. A delightfully delicious read that kept me captive till I'd finished the book. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one got a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.(less)

like · see review

Nov 05, 2012 Shauni rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley

Oh I have found a new love.. Laurel McKee aka Amanda McCabe writes an absolutely brilliant book. Set in Early Victorian England, tells the story of two lost souls from feuding families who find each other.

It must be hard sometimes to write historicals, I am sure often people accuse a writer of falling into format writing or having it easy because well, things remain the same.. you know history is set (yeah right). What is spectacular about this book is Ms McKee's amazing use of history as a char...more Oh I have found a new love.. Laurel McKee aka Amanda McCabe writes an absolutely brilliant book. Set in Early Victorian England, tells the story of two lost souls from feuding families who find each other.

It must be hard sometimes to write historicals, I am sure often people accuse a writer of falling into format writing or having it easy because well, things remain the same.. you know history is set (yeah right). What is spectacular about this book is Ms McKee's amazing use of history as a character. During Queen Victoria's reign the importance of morals, purity and propriety became an obsession. The world went from a place of earthiness and acceptance of sex to an extremely proper place. Of course sex has always been around.. this was also the era where woman went to a doctor to have their female humors taken care of.. yep they were given orgasms.. Anyway, this was an era where the lady in the ballroom and whore in the bedroom became a bit more literal.. Meaning many men had just that, except of course they weren't the same woman. And the women, well let's just say they no longer had that same privilege. It's important to realize this because that is when this book is set. In the beginning of the great divide. Ms McKee uses this setting brilliantly

Dominic St Claire, son of those St Claires.. They own gaming halls and theatres and *gasp* they act.. A family that was once brought low has risen among the ton as one of the great acting families and Dominic is their golden boy. Charming, sexy, talented, sexy, charismatic, sexy *grins* he adores his family and as a member of his family has spent his lifetime loathing the Huntingtons. The family that destroyed his back in the time of Charles II.. It doesn't help that these same Huntingtons are arrogant, aristocratic and oh so sure that they have the right.. to do just about anything. Dominic has accepted exactly one St Claire into his family, his sister's husband (Aiden and Lily from One Naughty Night Book 1 in this series). Until he meets a woman who is dark and sensuous, one who captures his attention and holds it as a mystery woman for three long years.. when finally he makes her aquaintance imagine his surprise when he realizes that she too is a Huntington.

Lady Sophia Huntington is trapped. Trapped in the ties of her self righteous family.. trapped in societies rules.. trapped in life itself. After a one time meeting with the mysterious Dominic St Claire, she realizes that there is more to life than being trapped. She escapes in with an elopement and spends the next three years traveling Europe, one gambling town to another. First as a means of providing for her wastrel of a husband then as a means of survival, Sophia has gambled in all the hells, all the salons.. until one night she realizes there must be more and in a desperate move gambles on the flip of a card. If she wins, she gets 500 pounds. If she looses she spends the night with the Ever so sinister Lord Hammond. Amazingly enough she wins but in doing so makes an enemy. with her 500 lbs in hand she runs to Paris where she begins a fascinating new life working with a friend who owns a "salon". Together they make this the place to be.. which of course brings in the visiting St Claires..

Sophia and Dominic are not Romeo and Juliet.. they are much too mature for that. They may come from feuding families but together they sizzle.. As a couple they face incredible obstacles and instead of succumbing they thrive. I think I really liked this book because both lead characters have secrets. Not the kind that could start wars but they are self contained. Protecting their hearts. How could I not adore Sophia? A woman who just wants to belong. Who has a lifetime of feeling like an outsider, who wants to be loved but not at the expense of herself. She refuses to give up on who she is and in the end, even when lonely she is the victor.

Ms McKee writes a very Shakespeareanesq novel.. it is hard to describe how her characters face life in ways that only Shakespeare could really understand. She has dark and sinister villains, complex heroes, feuding families and yes great romance. I liked how she intertwined these themes with the fact that her characters were a family of actors..

This was a wonderful story and many times I had tears in my eyes.. I wanted so much for Sophia, I wanted her to have it all.. and it was wonderful to watch her work for it.

Shauni

This review is based on the ARC of Two Sinful Secrets provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on November 20, 2012

For more reviews by Shauni check out Tea and Book and
Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy (less)

like · see review

Dec 08, 2012 Mary (BookHounds) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, from-publisher-author

Recently widowed and now Mrs. Westman, Lady Sophia Huntington has fallen on hard times, banished from her family after eloping against their wishes, she resorts to managing a gambling establishment to support herself. At a masked event, she has just won an outrageous wager which should set her up to be respectable and possibly be forgiven by her father when she meets a man who threatens to reveal her secret life. Dominic St. Claire would like nothing better than to expose Sophia and exact reveng...more

like · see review

Nov 21, 2012 Kimberly Rocha~ Book Obsessed Chicks rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romances-a-la-kimberly

A young Lady Sophia Huntington wears a mask when she goes to gamble at the handsome Dominic St. Claire's London club, the Devil's Fancy. Even masked the Sophia attracts Dominic, who quickly takes Sophia's breath away. When the Lady leaves St. Claire doubled over in pain after a passionate kiss, he vows to find the mysterious woman.

After running away to marry beneath her station, so to speak, Lady Sophia Huntington, now the widowed Mrs. Sophia Westman is making her way across Europe surviving by...more
A young Lady Sophia Huntington wears a mask when she goes to gamble at the handsome Dominic St. Claire's London club, the Devil's Fancy. Even masked the Sophia attracts Dominic, who quickly takes Sophia's breath away. When the Lady leaves St. Claire doubled over in pain after a passionate kiss, he vows to find the mysterious woman.

After running away to marry beneath her station, so to speak, Lady Sophia Huntington, now the widowed Mrs. Sophia Westman is making her way across Europe surviving by occasionally winning at cards. After escaping a rather creepy Lord Hammond hands in Baden-Baden, a little bit richer Sophia heads to Paris where she begins to work in a new gaming club owned by a wealthy woman.

Much to Sophia's surprise, she becomes reacquainted with Dominic St. Claire and his acting family, for the St. Claires are a famous family of stage actors in Paris to present a play. Dominic quickly realizes that Sophia is the masked woman from London years ago, and more importantly, he discovers that she is from the dreaded Huntington family. You see the St. Claires and the Huntingtons have had a feud going on for over 150 years, when a Mary St. Claire married a Huntington who apparently to the Huntingtons was mistreated and died of a broken heart.

After a whirlwind affair begins and trouble comes to Sophia's doorstep, Dominic marries Sophia with the intention of protecting her. The unconventional couple have neither declared their love for one another nor come to terms with the relationship. Sophia's dream of reconciling with the Huntington family is all but dashed when Dominic and Sophia come upon Sophia's mother in the park and the meeting is ridiculously cold on the mother's part. Such incidents begin to show what Dominic what a gem he actually has in Sophia, but is he willing to forget 150 years plus of animosity and open his heart to his wife? Will Sophia come to terms that she is no longer a Huntington, but a St. Claire, and will they fully accept her? Well you are just going to have to read Two Sinful Secrets to find out, won't you?

I thoroughly enjoyed Two Sinful Secrets by Laurel McKee. This is first read by this author and I will most definitely read her again. I love how unconventional these families are. The way the St. Claire family members relate to one another makes me want to be adopted by them. How could Sophia resist when he family was so different, so flawed? Although Sophia has had a life fraught with let-down and sadness, she is not bitter, in fact she is quite refreshing and I really liked her. Dominic may seem like a self-absorbed rake, but those thoughts are quickly dispelled when we find the true Dominic St. Claire as he relates to Sophia and those around him. Laurel McKee is a truly talented author, bringing to life her characters in this awesome tale.

~KIMBERLY~
(less)

like · see review

Sep 13, 2012 D.C. rated it 4 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE BOOK: A hundred years has passed since the bitter rivalry between the St. Claires and the Huntingtons began. But in London, the feud goes on . . .

Lady Sophia Huntington isn't what she appears to be. Born into a noble family, the impulsive, wild-hearted beauty has fallen on difficult times. Banished from her home, Sophia dreams of the day she can finally win her father's forgiveness and return to London. Until the sudden appearance of a suitor from the scandalous St. Claire family threa...more ABOUT THE BOOK: A hundred years has passed since the bitter rivalry between the St. Claires and the Huntingtons began. But in London, the feud goes on . . .

Lady Sophia Huntington isn't what she appears to be. Born into a noble family, the impulsive, wild-hearted beauty has fallen on difficult times. Banished from her home, Sophia dreams of the day she can finally win her father's forgiveness and return to London. Until the sudden appearance of a suitor from the scandalous St. Claire family threatens to reveal her darkest secrets . . .

Dominic St. Claire vows to exact revenge upon the Huntingtons, who destroyed his family's fortune generations ago. His perfect target is the lovely but proud Lady Sophia. After using her to discover the Huntingtons' financial secrets, he will cause a great scandal by eloping-and then abandoning his bride. But his plot soon unravels when he finds his own heart ensnared-in a trap not of his own making.

REVIEW: What a different read. I adore historical, and that’s no secret and this one held all the carvings for such a scandalous affair. Dominic was dashing and broody all at once. His pursuit of Sophia would make any woman swoon. Sophia, too, was a force to be reckoned with and I like how the author didn’t make her the modern lady you find in historicals usually. She stood out as unique and the concept between those two discovering one another was great. While a step was taken between them that I think is rushed, the tale of them falling in love is one that will send your heart thumping.

The writing was descriptive and the dialogue flowed. It seemed at times with the extra words, the flow of the style was interrupted a bit but otherwise it was a fantastic read. One that will have you up at night, reading more delicious things she brings to mind.

I did mark this down to a 4 and ½ but it was only due to the rushed scene I spoke of above and some of the interrupted flows. Truly, this is very enjoyable and one I whole heartily recommend.
(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Jan 29, 2013 Jamie Arledge rated it 1 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Only those that are following this series.

Recommended to Jamie by: Won it in a Giveaway. Sounded interesting.

I wasn't very big on this book. The storyline seemed interesting enough but my first issue with this book came with the fact that up until about page 100 the hero & heroine had only one encounter together which probably amounted to 5 minutes. I found this portion of the book to be very slow and boring.

When they finally met again it took off from there but it was a bit rushed in my opinion. They wasted no time getting intimate and they gave no thought to the consequences throughout the rest o...more

like · see review

Jan 07, 2013 Judith rated it 4 of 5 stars

One of those books that turns out to be far better than expected--a new author for me so didn't really know what to expect. But it is so well written and brings a multitude of characters, scenes, issues, family history and antagonisms all together in a tightly woven literary tapestry. It's all about the inner struggles two people have--one over the life she wants to lead that is so out of sync with the expectations of her aristocratic family, and for the other it is about settling some long held...more

like · see review

Dec 05, 2012 Belinda rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review is from: Two Sinful Secrets (The Scandalous St. Claires) (Mass Market Paperback)
I just finished reading Two Sinful Secrets and it was witty and sensual. You get story telling at its best. The main characters were Lady Sophia Huntington and Dominic St. Clair. If you have read the previous book, you know about their history together way back when. The family scandal and bitter hatred between people who won't change. Sophie has been cut by her family because she eloped with a man her p...more

like · see review

Mar 22, 2013 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars

I loved this book and the one previous so much that I emailed Laurel and here is the reply I got back...

Hello Jennifer!! Thank you sooo much for your wonderful email. I'm so glad you liked the St. Claires--I feel like they're sort of my own family after spending so much time with them lately. :) I do have ideas outlined for both of those couples, but unfortunately the publisher has decided not to go ahead with the series. But I am definitely going to get them out there myself as soon as I can. I...more

like · see review

Nov 30, 2012 Pam rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a good second installment in the Scandalous St. Claire’s series.
Sophia Huntington Westman is in Baden Baden Germany, desperate to leave, as she has been stuck here since her husband died. She is a wonderful card player and has been trying her luck at the gaming tables to earn enough money to get back to London where she wants to be welcomed back into her family’s good graces. However she needs a lot of help to gain their respect, as she went against everyone’s wishes when she eloped wit...more

like · see review

Jan 17, 2013 Jen (Red Hot Books) rated it 4 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

Laurel McKee continues her Scandalous St Claires series with this second installment, featuring Dominic St Claire (brother to Lily, the heroine in book 1) and Sophia (cousin to Aidan, book 1's hero.) I was really looking forward to this, since their first encounter eclipsed the primary romance in One Naughty Night. A young, masked Sophia shared a passionate kiss with Dominic at his family's gaming hall, but ran away before it ever became more. It was an encounter neither one has ever fo...more 3.5 Stars

Laurel McKee continues her Scandalous St Claires series with this second installment, featuring Dominic St Claire (brother to Lily, the heroine in book 1) and Sophia (cousin to Aidan, book 1's hero.) I was really looking forward to this, since their first encounter eclipsed the primary romance in One Naughty Night. A young, masked Sophia shared a passionate kiss with Dominic at his family's gaming hall, but ran away before it ever became more. It was an encounter neither one has ever forgotten. Even though years have passed, and Sophia has been both married and widowed, the memory of that kiss still scorches her. And Dominic has never stopped looking for the masked woman who captivated him.

The two come face to face in Paris, where Dominic is on family business. Sophia is trying to start a new life for herself, after her late husband left her penniless. They are drawn to each other again instantly. But Dominic is caught up in the longstanding animosity that his family holds against hers. At first, he tries to stay away, but goes on to see a relationship with her as a surefire way to get under her family's skin.

I must say, just like in the last book, the family feud is very weak. And the fact that Dominic wanted to use Sophia to hurt her family made it difficult for me to really like him. Yes, he eventually comes around, but it's almost too little, too late.

In the meantime, there is a man from Sophia's past who is stalking her. This is the main external conflict in the book, and it didn't work for me. This is a powerful and attractive man who could have anyone. His actions and obsession with Sophia are over the top and simply don't have enough of a basis to ring true. It made him seem almost like a caricature of a villain, instead of a believable threat.

There were some parts of the book I really liked, though. Sophia, for instance, was a pretty good heroine. She was sympathetic with her cold family and loser husband. You could really see that she has grown a lot, and she does her best to do right by Dominic. Also... the sex was hot. Solid tension and great payoff. Plus, McKee is really great at laying the groundwork for future books. She did it last time, and she does it here again. I can't wait for Elizabeth and Brendan's book. There is so much angst there!!!

I definitely enjoyed it more than One Naughty Night... and I have high hopes for book 3.

Rating: B-

*ARC Provided by Forever(less)

like · see review

Jan 09, 2013 Aurora rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own, first-reads, really-read, rated-books

Name of Book: Two Sinful Secrets

Author: Laurel McKee

ISBN: 978-1-4555-0548-7

Publisher: Forever

Part of a Series: The Scandalous St. Claires

Type of book: Romance, Victorian Era, theater, adult, France, blackmail, protection, 1665, 1844, 1847, club, England, scandals

Year it was published: 2012

Summary:

A hundred years has passed since the bitter rivalry between the St. Claires and the Huntingtons began. But in London, the feud goes on . . .

In this battle between enemies, passion will win.

Lady Sophia H...more

like · see review

Nov 08, 2012 Arshia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Steamy! This is a definite recommendation to those who like their romance novels with a little bit more spice. I don't like widow stories but something about this book pulled me in. Sophia is not a young ingenue but a woman who has gone through some hard times. She's worried about her future and trying to make the best decisions possible. Dominic is definitely a devilish rake but he has a better side too. I really liked Dominic's character because he stays just a bit flawed through out the whole...more

like · see review

Feb 20, 2013 Bebe Knight rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: blog, novel, reading-until-i-fall-asleep, review, historical, romance

Bebe's full review is at Reading Until I Fall Asleep

This book was a little confusing to me. There were moments where I was shaking my head with disbelief and then moments where I was honestly enjoying it. I initially picked it up because of the cover. It was enticing and quite elegant. Then I read the description and thought it was something that sounded fun. But the title was a complete mislead. There were no “sinful” secrets first of all and second, the diary we are following along with the he...more

like · see review

Jan 18, 2013 Melody May rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, first-reads, romance

Originally on What I'm Reading

Hey everybody! Well, I just finished another book and I'm kind of excited to share. First off, I love Goodreads and there giveaways. I honestly never know if I'm going to be selected or not, but it feels great when it happens. So, I got a chance to get Two Sinful Secrets by Laurel McKee.

I wanted to read this story:
1) The cover. If y'all don't know I'm a pink girl. Love the color pink and any other girly color you can find.
2) The story intrigued me. Seriously. Here...more Originally on What I'm Reading

Hey everybody! Well, I just finished another book and I'm kind of excited to share. First off, I love Goodreads and there giveaways. I honestly never know if I'm going to be selected or not, but it feels great when it happens. So, I got a chance to get Two Sinful Secrets by Laurel McKee.

I wanted to read this story:
1) The cover. If y'all don't know I'm a pink girl. Love the color pink and any other girly color you can find.
2) The story intrigued me. Seriously. Here's what I mean:

You have two people that should stay away from each, because there family hate each other. Some of you might think of Romeo & Juliet, but I actually think of the Hatfields and McCoys. Then again Romeo & Juliet might work because one family does work in theater.

In 1665 there was a young woman, by the name of Mary St. Clair and she ended up marrying John Huntington. Which brings the St. Clair and Huntington families together. However, her tale is a sad one, which tore the two families apart.

Jump ahead to 1847, we meet are heroine, Sophia Huntington Westman, trying to make another escape this time from the wicked Lord Hammond. Yes, he is charming and handsome, but there is something that doesn't sit well. Seriously, I got the heebie-jeebies from him and I'm just reading the book.

Anyways, Sophia makes her escape from Baden-Baden to Paris where she meets up with an old friend and starts working with her. Along the way, she meets a blast from her past, Dominic St. Clair. These two know that they should stay away from each other, but each of them is drawn to the other (like a moth to the light).

Throughout the book you have a sad undertone to the story. Sophia wants nothing more than to be accept for who she is, but her family doesn't understand her. Which leaves her to be lonely in so many ways. Being a niece of a Duke doesn't help the situation, especially when they expect her to be meek and biddable. Kind of hard when she has a free spirit that just wants to be free. She was born into the wrong family.

Dominic St. Clair use to be so charismatic until he lost his betrothal and is living a shadow of himself. Yet, I love how Sophia strikes something back to life in him. In away, both of them similar in so many ways.

Even though you have the sad undercurrent, this is a really good book. I mean with her trying to escape Lord Hammond and trying to find who she really is. Plus, you have the feud. However, I think there is hope that one day the Huntington and St. Clair feud will disappear. I think the families are destine to come back together and I hope that is true. Not only that, I really do hope that we will see more St. Clairs finding happiness and who knows they might destine to be with a Huntington. So, if you are looking for something to read, you might want to checkout Two Sinful Secrets by Laurel McKee. (less)

like · see review

Nov 28, 2012 Jess rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: family_sibling_series, for_review, historical

Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads

Sophia Huntington is the black sheep in her family. She married a man her parents didn’t approve of, they traveled around but her husband’s gambling and drinking ways were his undoing and after his death, Sophia now has no money, no place to live and is far from London. She’s always enjoyed a little more scandalous activities and has gambled her way into a nice sum of money that she won off of Lord Hammond. Lord Hammond is a miserable man who wants more f...more Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads

Sophia Huntington is the black sheep in her family. She married a man her parents didn’t approve of, they traveled around but her husband’s gambling and drinking ways were his undoing and after his death, Sophia now has no money, no place to live and is far from London. She’s always enjoyed a little more scandalous activities and has gambled her way into a nice sum of money that she won off of Lord Hammond. Lord Hammond is a miserable man who wants more from Sophia than just her time at the gaming tables. He doesn’t like taking no for an answer and even though Sophia manages to escape him, he’s not gone for good.

Sophia takes a job with at her friend’s club in France, a secret gaming club where people come for fun, dancing and drink. She’s trying to figure out if going back to London to try and make amends with her family is worth it when she sees Dominic St. Claire, a man she once shared a memorable kiss with and hasn’t seen in years. She hasn’t forgotten that one moment and neither has he and he’s not letting her disappear from his sights again.

Dominic has been thinking about Sophia since they kissed, only she was wearing a mask at the time and he had no idea that he had kissed a Huntington, a member of a family that has long since been at war with the St. Claire’s. There is no love between these two families and Dominic sees Sophia as a way to bring more scandal down upon the Huntingtons. If she’s simply associated with the St. Claire’s, the gossips will go crazy and anything negative that falls on the St. Claire’s the better in Dominic’s mind.

I liked Sophia very much. She’s never fit into society’s rules. She likes adventure, she loves a good game of cards and she’s a free spirit. But she has a sensible head on her shoulders and worries about not being close with her family and misses having people on her side. Dominic quickly fills that role and they have a sweet romance. I didn’t so much like that Dominic, while he was falling for Sophia, still made comments about what it would do to the Huntingtons when it gets out that Sophia is attached to a St. Claire. I understood his comments about that early on, but I didn’t so much care for them as their romance got more serious. I also didn’t understand the level of hatred between the two families. They’ve been feuding for so long and all the children, especially on the St. Claire side, are brought up being told the story of why these two families fight, but it didn’t feel like the fight had any weight. Dominic wanted to use Sophia, a woman who isn’t even welcome in her own family, to bring more shame on them? I ultimately didn’t buy in to that reason and found myself more focused on Sophia and her journey to find herself, her plans for the future and how Dominic brings her to life.

Even though Dominic bugged me with his need use Sophia, I did like their romance quite a bit. Together, they find in each other a partner who loves adventure, isn’t afraid to go against what’s expected and I liked that for them. Dominic is an actor and works in the family gaming hall and he helps Sophia try new things, acting being one of them, and they both find a new place in the world together. Their steamy sex scenes don’t hurt things either! They even take a trip into a naughty bookstore and it was charming to see their playful sides come out together.

An interesting set up for a future book happens between another Huntington, Sophia’s cousin Elizabeth, and Dominic’s brother, Brendan. They don’t speak to each other, but both Elizabeth and Brendan have had obvious pain in their pasts and there is a lot of unspoken angst between these two; it made me instantly intrigued.

I enjoyed the romance in this solid entry in the Scandalous St. Claire’s series and Sophia stole the show. I enjoyed getting to know her and I liked seeing her and Dominic have fun and fall in love, going against society’s expectations, doing what they wanted to do and what made them happy.

Rating: B- (less)

like · see review

Nov 13, 2012 Nita rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, fiction, arc, ebook, read-2012

In my review of the first book in this series, One Naughty Night, I wrote I hoped this was a series that would get better after the first book. That book had a great premise, but I thought the book focused a little too much on their physical relationship and the feud between the two families seemed all one sided. My hopes were met. I thought the second book much improved.

The feud still seems a bit one sided, but we get more explanation on why the St. Clare's hate the Huntington's so much. Lady S...more In my review of the first book in this series, One Naughty Night, I wrote I hoped this was a series that would get better after the first book. That book had a great premise, but I thought the book focused a little too much on their physical relationship and the feud between the two families seemed all one sided. My hopes were met. I thought the second book much improved.

The feud still seems a bit one sided, but we get more explanation on why the St. Clare's hate the Huntington's so much. Lady Sophia Huntington discovers the journal of Mary Huntington. Mary was a St. Clare who married into the Huntington family a hundred years before. We get snippets of the journal throughout the book that shows what actually happened then - why there is such animosity from the St. Clare's. These journal entries really added to the story and made me more sympathetic to both families.

Sophia Huntington is a great character. She is the black sheep of her family. She eloped with a man her family did not approve of, Captain Jack Westman. Now a widow, she would like to find a way to support herself rather than go back to her family. But with no prospects she is traveling back to London and to her family. Sophia stops in Paris on her way and runs into a friend who has opened a gambling club. That friend offers her a job managing the club. Sophia is a natural at managing. Between her love of the city and her new employment, she finds happiness again.

Dominic St. Clare is in Paris with his family's theater company to perform a play. Dominic has a deep hatred for the Huntington's. But once he meets Sophia in Paris, he can't seem to stay away from her. I really enjoyed the play between Dominic and Sophia. I liked how one moment Dominic could be such a flirt and the next, very sweet. Dominic ends up showing Sophia she is stronger than she believes.

"Sophia, I think you could do whatever you set your mind to. You are obviously a determined, and brave woman."
Brave - no one had ever called her that before. Beautiful, headstrong, willful, foolish, all those things. But never brave.

There's a bit more drama beyond Dominic fighting his attraction for Sophia. She has a stalker, one Lord Hammond, who is very obsessed with making Sophia his mistress. No matter how much she shows she is not interested, Lord Hammond can't seem to take no for an answer. But the drama does not overshadow. Actually, I think the book had a great mixture of drama, the physical relationship, and the two getting to know each other and growing into their attraction.

I'm very glad I continued this series.

ARC provided through NetGalley.(less)

like · see review

Nov 09, 2012 Lisa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: laurel-mckee, historical-romance, netgalley

Lady Sophia Huntington has always been a bit of a black sheep to her proper family. She likes to have fun and not bow to the rules of society all the time and she elopes with a man that causes her family to shun her. With his passing, she is in dire needs of funds and having always been good at cards, she gambles to earn herself some money. She wins a rather large amount from an unsavory gentleman and refuses his advances and heads to Paris to begin anew. Sophia befriends a lady that is opening...more Lady Sophia Huntington has always been a bit of a black sheep to her proper family. She likes to have fun and not bow to the rules of society all the time and she elopes with a man that causes her family to shun her. With his passing, she is in dire needs of funds and having always been good at cards, she gambles to earn herself some money. She wins a rather large amount from an unsavory gentleman and refuses his advances and heads to Paris to begin anew. Sophia befriends a lady that is opening a gambling den and she sees herself happy here until a man from her past comes into the establishment. Dominic St. Claire has never forgotten the smoldering kiss he shared one night with a masked lady and is stunned to finally stumble upon her in Paris. The passion stills burns bright between them but their is an ancient family history between the Huntington and St. Claire's that makes Dominic hesitant to form a bond with Sophia, to be a part of the family that caused so much pain to his. And when the unsavory gentleman reappears and starts causing trouble, will the solution that Dominic and Sophia come up with be enough to stop him and stifle the family history?

I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed how Sophia was good at cards and had no problem gambling to get funds for herself and refused to sell her body when the offer was presented. She is quiet yet bold and full of determination to protect those she loves. Her estrangement from her family causes her quite a bit of pain and I thought how that situation was handled was a change of pace that what I expected to happen. Dominic is charming and fun and also determined to protect his family, especially from the Huntingtons so the feelings he starts to feel for Sophia cause him to reevaluate what he knows. Dominic knows he belongs with his family and Sophia just wants a place to belong and she seems to finally find that with Dominic. The addition on the unsavory man adds a bit of drama and helps force true feelings to be revealed. I really adore the St. Claire family with their warmth, love and laughter and I loved seeing more of the theater aspect. Overall, a wonderful addition to what is shaping up to be a smoking hot, fun series! Recommended for fans of unique heroines, brooding, dashing heroes woven together with smoldering passion, a dash of intrigue, a strong family bond and a delightful, sinful romance. 4 stars

eARC provided by Grand Central Publishing (Forever) via netgalley.com (less)

3 likes · like · see review

Dec 20, 2012 Donna rated it 2 of 5 stars

I received this book through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.

Overall, I give this book 2.5 stars. It was very easy reading with just an 'okay' plot. It didn't really pull me in, and I didn't feel connected to the characters much. Also, the extent to which the author went to describe the main characters' physical relationship was more steamy than I prefer, which was a turn-off for me. In fact, when reading the book in public, I felt like I had to hide the text because of the choice of words and...more

like · see review

Mar 27, 2013 Sara rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was a book that turned out far better than I had thought it would be. The characters were well written, the plot flowed smoothly, and the little the nuances (ie certain scenes were absolutely hilarious.)

The only flaws was that the story didn't really match the synopsis on the back. It made it seem as if the male lead had planned the entire marriage as a act of vengeance when instead it was more or less an impromptu occurrence. Also the male lead did not plan on abandoning the female lead at...more

like · see review

Dec 29, 2012 Siv rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

This was a sweet story. It was a bit different from the usual romances of innocent females and rakish males. The story had bits intrigue and drama, but of course, love prevails.

I won this book through a First Reads giveaway.

like · see review

Feb 18, 2013 Evelyn Rivera rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Evelyn by: gift

I enjoy the story line however I wanted more from the diary entries. I would of love for Aidan and Lily to have more involvement in the story. I also would of want more involvement from the Huntington side of the family. I am hoping that the other 3 books bring them closer well I am hoping for 3 more books in order to bring the whole story together.

like · see review

Nov 15, 2012 Vanessa Booke rated it 5 of 5 stars

Review Here: http://www.boekiesbookreviews.com/201...

like · see review

Jan 13, 2013 Barbara rated it 3 of 5 stars

I'm leaning more towards 2 1/2 stars. It was good. Not great. I kept waiting for it to "take off". I didn't really understand the tie in with Mary's journal. It didn't seem to go anywhere. There was a lot of promise, not a lot of follow through.

like · see review

Sep 03, 2012 Deborah rated it 4 of 5 stars

ARC received via Netgalley. Full review to follow.

like · see review

Dec 30, 2012 Melissa rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was an excellent book, a little racier than what I'm used to but definitely loved the story.

like · see review

Sep 29, 2012 GONZA rated it 2 of 5 stars

Nice and sweet story and she was not the usual young lady virgin and he was not the usual rake in search of redemption.

THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND GRAND CENTRAL PUBLISHING FOR THE PREVIEW

like · see review

Feb 25, 2013 Pamela rated it 3 of 5 stars

Rated 3.5

like · see review

title link	preview: Two Sinful Secrets
avg rating	preview: Two Sinful Secrets Goodreads rating: 3.91 (76 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13424279-two-sinful-secrets?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1349238021l/13424279.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13424279-two-sinful-secrets?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Two Sinful Secrets by Laurel McKee[/url]

Two Sinful Secrets (The Scandalous St. Claires #2)

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (1)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Laurel McKee

Books by Laurel McKee

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Two Sinful Secrets