Sins of a Virgin (Sinners Trio, #1)

Apr 10, 2013 Callixta rated it 4 of 5 stars

Great heroin!!

Anna Randol est une auteure à suivre, croyez-moi. Elle ouvre avec ce roman une trilogie sur des personnages peu ordinaires même si on peut croire qu’ils ont été déjà été croisés dans la romance. Les trois protagonistes qui vont soutenir la trame générale de la série sont deux hommes et une femme anciens espions au service de la couronne britannique, désoeuvrés après les guerres napoléoniennes . Tous ont leur histoire, leur spécialité. Ils ont également tous été choisis encore enfan...more Great heroin!!

Anna Randol est une auteure à suivre, croyez-moi. Elle ouvre avec ce roman une trilogie sur des personnages peu ordinaires même si on peut croire qu’ils ont été déjà été croisés dans la romance. Les trois protagonistes qui vont soutenir la trame générale de la série sont deux hommes et une femme anciens espions au service de la couronne britannique, désoeuvrés après les guerres napoléoniennes . Tous ont leur histoire, leur spécialité. Ils ont également tous été choisis encore enfants ou presque pour exercer leurs talents.

Madeline Valdan est une femme superbe qui a toujours utilisé son physique pour extorquer les informations aux hommes. Sauvée du gibet en échange de sa collaboration, elle forme un des plus beaux mélanges de force et de faiblesse que la romance nous a présentés récemment. Solide, formée pour se défendre elle-même, elle es reste curieusement démunie en tant que femmes lorsqu’elle perd son « emploi ». Elle décide alors de mettre aux enchères sa virginité, scandaleux projet puisque personne n’y croit véritablement. Pour cela, elle va se faire aider par un bow runner, un policier londonien qui a lui-même bien des raisons personnelles de collaborer avec elle. Ce curieux couple va se mettre en chasse, allié pour des raisons bien différentes qu’ils se cachent bien-sûr.

L’une des grandes forces du roman est l’extraordinaire alchimie que partagent nos deux personnages. Madeline est bousculée dans ses convictions sur les hommes par le charme, l’honnêteté et le sérieux de Gabriel Huntford. Il est attirée immédiatement par cette femme qui reste totalement hors d’atteinte et qui n’est pas son objectif. Ils se tournent autour à coup de dialogues tendues, à fleuret moucheté, où chacun tente de manipuler l’autre, de ne pas se laisser séduire. Ces dialogues sont brillants et fonctionnent au mieux. La relation tendue sexuellement se développe malgré tout. Le personnage de Madeline est particulièrement réussie, surtout ce mélange d’efficacité et de dureté intérieure et de fragilité. Madeline a tout vu, subi beaucoup et pourtant, elle demeure étonnamment vulnérable et sensible.Cela lui donne une dimension très touchante tout comme son manque d’estime personnelle. Gabriel est un héros tout aussi intéressant, focalisé sur son but et oublieux de lui-même. Il a une volonté à toute épreuve qui pourtant se fissure devant Madeline. C’est classique mais remarquablement efficace.

L’intrigue vient terminer ce tableau alléchant. Recruté pour servir un peu de gros bras et d’enquêteur privé pour Madeline dans son projet d’enchères, Gabriel va devoir rapidement s’employer car le vie de la jeune femme est menacée à plusieurs reprises. Qui est derrière ces attaques ? Est-ce qu’elles pourraient bien aider Gabriel a mené sa propre enquête qui est de trouver l’assassin de sa sœur jumelle ? Les fausses pistes se succèdent avant un dénouement final satisfaisant.

Anna Randol exploite très bien cette intrigue usée d’espions et d’hommes et de femmes de l’ombre. Sa brillante idée est de ne pas les placer dans les circonstances habituelles. Elle dresse aussi le portrait de personnages secondaires qui apportent juste ce qu’il faut. Il ya évidemment les amis de Madeline mais également la mère de Gabriel. Nous devrions les retrouver dans les autres livres. En attendant, ce roman se déguste avec grand plaisir entre mystère et attirance amoureuse entre deux êtres qui partagent plus qu’ils ne le pensent.(less)

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Dec 15, 2012 CoffeeTimeRomance andMore rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

e called La Petit, Madeline Valdan has used her wiles all over Europe, for the benefit of the English government. She perfects the use of seduction and pleasure, making her body into a weapon guaranteed to win any game of intrigue. Now the war is over and Napoleon defeated. Madeline finds herself cut loose from her work as a spy. Possessing only one skill, she knows how to put to good use.

Gabriel Huntford is a crack investigator for the Bow Street Runners. His dogged pursuit of criminals has bec...more

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Oct 24, 2012 My Book Addiction and More MBA rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, regency-england, trilogy

SINS OF A VIRGIN by Anna Randol is an intriguing Regency historical romance. A fast paced story with suspense,dark secrets,passion,seduction,danger,mystery,romance,murder,deception and betrayal. It also has witty banter but with a serious plot and engaging characters. Madeline Valdan, a scandalous courtesan,an ex-spy who is so much more. Gabriel Huntford,a bow street runner,who is also after the killer of his beloved sister. Follow them on a journey of danger as they find so much more than they...more

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Sep 10, 2012 Amanda rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: bawdy-books, 3-5-star

This review is also posted at www.thebawdybookblog.com

So this book was… umm… it was…

Actually I’m sitting here, trying to find the words to get this review started and I’m all… wait a minute… what???

See, to me, this book is masquerading as a romance novel. It’s got the mask on, it’s wearing a full ball gown, it’s spinning around with the music going “Look at me aren’t I such a pretty romance novel” and then, BAM! that dress comes off and you’re left holding a pair of shoes and a pretty mask while...more This review is also posted at www.thebawdybookblog.com

So this book was… umm… it was…

Actually I’m sitting here, trying to find the words to get this review started and I’m all… wait a minute… what???

See, to me, this book is masquerading as a romance novel. It’s got the mask on, it’s wearing a full ball gown, it’s spinning around with the music going “Look at me aren’t I such a pretty romance novel” and then, BAM! that dress comes off and you’re left holding a pair of shoes and a pretty mask while murder and mystery unfold in front of you.

Seriously go back and read that blurb from the back cover, I’ll wait, go on, read it. Okay, now go look at the cover again. Half naked guy, scantily clad (remember this is a historical romance, she is scantily clad) woman. Right, so if you’re like me, you’re expecting a basic romance plot. There is nothing that even hints that this book might be more.

Madeline is basically a British Mata Hari. She has worked for the government for the past 10 years stealing secrets and now they have let her go. Taking the tiny amount of payment the government gives her, she strives to make her life better in the only way she knows how. She does play a courtesan, is truly a virgin, and she does auction herself off to the highest bidder. (Look, the back of the book was right!)

Gabriel is sort of a PI, in that he is for hire, but it seems that he’s more cop than PI. His sister was murdered years ago and he is still searching for her killer. When another murder happens that is exactly like his sister’s, he wants to jump at the chance to run it. His boss, instead, pulls him and sends him to Madeline. She wants him to look into the suitors/bidders to make sure they can pay up at the end. (A girl’s gotta have her priorities!) He realizes this is the perfect cover for him to do a little covert work as well. The suspects he has from his sister’s murder are also some of the bidders for Madeline.

As their pasts start to come out and they start to realize how much they can help each other, the sexual tension between them rises. In this, the book does follow the tried and true romance plot. That said, as an avid reader of romance novels, this book was not steamy enough for me. I want to fall in love with the characters and feel those pangs of lust with them. I want my romances to cause me to blush when I read them. I just didn’t get that with this book. The handful of sex scenes were meh for me. I honestly could have skipped those pages and not missed them at all. If I were to rate this book purely on the romance part I would give it a 2.

Anyway, like I said, I did not see this book as a true romance. The problem was that, for me, all you just read was more of a background to what I really enjoyed, the mystery part of the book. Why was his sister murdered? Why is the murderer back now? How does Madeline’s life fold into his investigation? Why is she being targeted now? The more I read, the less I cared about the romance between Madeline and Gabriel. I kept turning the pages because I wanted to get all those questions answered. Seriously, I started the book at 7PM and read until it was finished. I was left guessing who the murderer was till the last few chapters. When you read as much as I do, it is no easy feat to keep me guessing up until then end. I felt that Randol could have easily given this book a different title and cover and it would have attracted a whole different crowd. As a mystery I would easily give it a 4.

Now I’m running into the problem of rating this book on a whole. This book was published as a romance and for me is just didn’t fulfill my fantasies of what I want in a romance. That said, I enjoyed this book quite a lot and because of that I’m going to give it a 3.5 for a final rating.

Disclaimers: This book was provided by the publisher in exchange of an honest review.(less)

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Jul 03, 2012 Deborah rated it 5 of 5 stars

I received this book via Edelweiss in exchange for my honest opinion. Ooh!! I've discovered a brand new author to follow. I loved this book. Refreshing new story line. The title says it all. A retired female spy who has retained her virginity decides to hold an auction. The prize? Her virginity. Don't believe I've read that one before. Things start to heat up when Madeline retains the services of runner Gabriel Huntford as her bodyguard. It soon becomes apparent that she does indeed need a bodyg...more

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Sep 03, 2012 Dottie rated it 4 of 5 stars

A delightul start to author Anna Randol's new Sinner's Trio series! Actually rated 4.5! Taken from my review at RomanceJunkies.com:

Madeleine Valdan is one of the Trio; Wraith, Cipher and La Petit, the three whose present boss, Glavenstock, had plucked from the gallows years ago. In exchange for their lives being saved, the three had agreed to hone their particular skills in service to His Majesty’s government. They have become the government’s finest agents, an unstoppable force. But now that th...more A delightul start to author Anna Randol's new Sinner's Trio series! Actually rated 4.5! Taken from my review at RomanceJunkies.com:

Madeleine Valdan is one of the Trio; Wraith, Cipher and La Petit, the three whose present boss, Glavenstock, had plucked from the gallows years ago. In exchange for their lives being saved, the three had agreed to hone their particular skills in service to His Majesty’s government. They have become the government’s finest agents, an unstoppable force. But now that the war is over their services are no longer needed and the government cannot afford to let it be known that they had hired the hangman’s leftovers. Providing them with a pittance, something he had had to fight for, Glavenstock had let them go. He only hoped that they continued to fight for their country…otherwise, England itself was in for trouble.

As La Petit, Madeleine had had to seduce men to accomplish her many missions; the world believing her to be a courtesan. So it comes as a surprise when she sets up an auction to sell off the one thing that society figures she no longer owns…her virginity. Having no other way to make money now that she is no longer employed by the government, Madeleine has set up this auction using the pittance she received from her former employer to finance it. So now she is as close to broke as she can be, until the bidding is over. But she figures she can make enough selling herself for one night this way to set her up for years. Her only other option would have been marriage, but after witnessing her parents’ tragic marriage, she wanted nothing to do with it.

Bow Street Runner Gabriel Huntford has been trying to find his twin sister’s murderer ever since her death. The case had been put aside seven years ago, but now there is another death with the same earmarks as his sister’s murder. During his previous investigation, he had ruffled quite a few of the aristocracy’s feathers, something his boss wants to avoid this time. Witnesses had given a vague description, pointing to the murderer being an aristocrat. So cross-checking the men in town at the time of his sister’s death against the men available at this most recent death, Gabriel was left with a list of seven suspects. But his boss, informing him that he was too close to the case, had reassigned it to someone else. Still Gabriel figured he will conduct his own investigation unofficially. But his one constant fear is that if he had been better, smarter, more vigilant, he could have been able to catch the murderer. If he had caught the killer seven years ago, he could have saved the life of Molly Simms, the latest victim. This uncertainty and the fear that he has missed something nags at him.

To Gabriel, Madeleine is the stuff of fantasies, but with two murders to solve, he has no intention of entering the bidding war for her virginity. He was also not happy when his boss assigned him to look into the background of the men bidding on her. But seeing the list of names she has, he figures he can use this investigation to cover his own. His assignment requires that he check the finances of the men bidding for Madeleine, as well as venture into the underbelly of London, investigating other parts of their lives. This is just the type of investigation he needs to conduct to reveal the identity of his sister’s killer, especially since several of his suspects appear on her list of bidders.

But as they spend time together, he begins to see another side of Madeline, the side she does not let the public see. Soon a passion develops that neither one expected, but someone wants her dead. Can he catch the killer before it is too late? Can he convince her to call off the auction and give them a chance at a future together?

SINS OF A VIRGIN, the first book in talented author Anna Randol’s SINNER’S TRIO series, is an intriguing, sizzling hot historical romance that will soon spin its sensual magic, captivating the reader in a truly delectable tale. Having Gabriel accompany her to outings as her bodyguard was a ruse to make it look like he was guarding something valuable. But she never suspects that she may soon have a legitimate reason for a bodyguard and Gabriel is just the man she needs. With spies, passion, scandal, murder, suspense, complex characters, an intriguing plot, romance and true love, this is a story will keep you turning pages to see how it all turns out. Ms. Randol is quickly gaining popularity, and I have recently added her name to my list of ‘must read’ authors. After reading Madeleine and Gabriel’s story and enjoying it immensely, I look forward to reading the stories of her two partners, Wraith and Cipher. Do not miss Ms. Randol’s exciting new story, SINS OF A VIRGIN!

Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
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Sep 26, 2012 Lynn Spencer rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

I'll admit that when I saw the title, Sins of a Virgin, my first thoughts went to the virgin widows and faux courtesans that seem to live in abundance in Romanceland, if not anywhere else. And as I started getting into the backstory, I wondered whether the spy heroine was going to be one of those fake tough women who is really just looking for an opportunity to gush sunshine and rainbows while she rescues urchins. No such thing. The characters in this book are the real deal, and this was a very...more I'll admit that when I saw the title, Sins of a Virgin, my first thoughts went to the virgin widows and faux courtesans that seem to live in abundance in Romanceland, if not anywhere else. And as I started getting into the backstory, I wondered whether the spy heroine was going to be one of those fake tough women who is really just looking for an opportunity to gush sunshine and rainbows while she rescues urchins. No such thing. The characters in this book are the real deal, and this was a very entertaining adventure romance.

The book opens as Madeline Valdan and her friends receive their dismissal from the government, together with rather paltry lump sum payments by way of pensions. The three are all criminals rescued from the gallows and sent off to spy for the Crown during the recently ended Napoleonic wars. Given their histories, their ability to fit back in to society will be somewhat limited. Madeline, the heroine of this book, comes up with a brazen scheme to ensure her future security: She will auction off her virginity.

Prior to announcing her auction, Madeline used her pension payment to set herself up in Town and to ensure that she got herself seen by all the right gentlemen. Given her flirtatious antics, many doubt her virginity, but Madeline is beautiful and appears to be the consummate tease, so the men of London have no problem when it comes to bidding on her favors. Madeline plans to drum up interest and drive the price as high as possible, so she hires Bow Street Runner Gabriel Huntford to act as her bodyguard and also to investigate bidders to make sure they actually have the money to back up their bids. Gabriel finds Madeline's scheme abhorrent, but Madeline has a connection to a murder case he desperately wants to solve, so he takes the job. Along the way, threats to Madeline mount and Gabriel finds himself liking and protecting Madeline more than he had anticipated.

This is a partial review. You can find the complete review at All About Romance: http://likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookRev...(less)

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Sep 06, 2012 Jess rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: for_review, historical

Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Blog rating: 2.5/5

Madeline is auctioning off her virginity, and that is how we start. I have to say, Madeline was one of the more unique characters I’ve read about in this genre. She was accused and convicted of murder when she was 14. She had good cause, but that doesn’t mean much when a young girl kills a man in this society. She, along with two other men, Ian and Clayton, are saved from death and recruited in a way; they become a team of spies, getting...more Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Blog rating: 2.5/5

Madeline is auctioning off her virginity, and that is how we start. I have to say, Madeline was one of the more unique characters I’ve read about in this genre. She was accused and convicted of murder when she was 14. She had good cause, but that doesn’t mean much when a young girl kills a man in this society. She, along with two other men, Ian and Clayton, are saved from death and recruited in a way; they become a team of spies, getting the information in ways that only this trio could. Madeline seduced information out of men that she was tasked with getting, however, she claims that she never crossed the virginity line. She plays coy which only gets the bidding for said virginity off to a fast and furious start. The reason Madeline is holding this auction? She’s been given a full pardon and as a result, her spy services are no longer needed, nor is a paycheck coming. She needs money, she was trained in how to flirt and use her sexuality to get what she wants and she’s using it to her full advantage now.

To keep up appearances, she hires a Bow Street runner, Gabriel, to act as her bodyguard. He’s in the dark about the truth of Madeline’s past, but he quickly realizes that this auction could be loosely connected to his twin sister’s murder, a case that he hasn’t been able to solve and it haunts him. The story follows Madeline and Gabriel, uncovering clues about her auction bidders and how they might or might not be a murderer.

This book and story is – fine. I feel bad using that word as a description, but as I was reading, there are a few stand out moments, otherwise the story moved along well, but nothing jumped up and grabbed me that made it unforgettable. Madeline plays the role of the virginal courtesan through much of the first half and we only start to see the real Madeline when she starts working closer with Gabriel. I was far more interested in the murder subplot that Gabriel is tracking than I was in the auction storyline. I didn’t buy into it. These men couldn’t wait to simply be in Madeline’s presence and I never understood why. She’s flirty, sexy, but to cause the uproar she does among the male population seemed overdone. I was so intrigued by her life as a spy, I’d have loved more emphasis on that and less on the auction.

I enjoyed Gabriel and his quest to bring his sister’s killer down. He’s the type of character that wants justice, he wants to help the helpless and it eats at him that he’s never been able to give his sister peace, at least in his eyes. There’s a very small storyline about his mother and his absent father, whom he’s rarely talked to. This is something I’d have loved more detail about. As it is now, it feels just tossed in, his parents had such an angsty past, but there is so little time given to them, the resolution for them at the end made no impact on me.

Where the story shined was when Gabriel and Madeline started working together, no lies between them, and figured out a way to bring the killer down. I liked seeing them in action, especially seeing this side of Madeline, which has her being fierce, smart and tough. Their romance, which built from the start of the auction, was sweet but it was missing something, a spark or something more. As it is, Madeline does find in Gabriel a man she can completely be herself with, but with all the flirting and teasing Madeline does throughout the book with all the men, I guess I expected her sex scenes with Gabriel to be a little naughtier then they were. It’s nice romance, but a bit underwhelming.

I liked the set up for this story, especially Madeline and her past as a spy and the potential for future stories for Ian and Clayton. Gabriel was a solid hero and easy to like especially seeing how badly he wants to find closure with his sister’s death. In the end, the story was ok but ultimately didn’t stand out for me.(less)

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Aug 08, 2012 Lisarenee rated it 5 of 5 stars

Notes: I received the ARC from the publisher via Edelweiss.

My synopsis:
Gabriel Huntford was a Bow Street Runner. Seven years ago his life was changed when his twin sister, Susan, was murdered. Ever since he's been on a mission to find her killer. A killer who didn't just stop at one victim and still roams the streets of London. Her death is the reason he became a runner.

Before her death, his sister Susan had been involved with an aristocrat whose name her brother did not know. Now another murder...more

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Sep 17, 2012 Kimberly Rocha~ Book Obsessed Chicks rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romances-a-la-kimberly

Sins of a Virgin
by Anna Randol
(The Sinners Trio # 1)
Review also at Book Obsessed Chicks :
http://book-obsessed-chicks.blogspot....

And, Under the Cover Blog: http://underthecoversbookblog.blogspo...

Madeline Valdan, ex-spy and current courtesan, shocks all of London by setting up an auction for her virginity.... Yes, you read that right. The beautiful former British spy, who has men all over London falling at her feet has decided she wants to live very well after being let go by the British govern...more Sins of a Virgin
by Anna Randol
(The Sinners Trio # 1)
Review also at Book Obsessed Chicks :
http://book-obsessed-chicks.blogspot....

And, Under the Cover Blog: http://underthecoversbookblog.blogspo...

Madeline Valdan, ex-spy and current courtesan, shocks all of London by setting up an auction for her virginity.... Yes, you read that right. The beautiful former British spy, who has men all over London falling at her feet has decided she wants to live very well after being let go by the British government with a pittance to show for her years of work. Madeline's beginnings were not very bright, but in her darkest hour she was given a chance to live, but in service to the crown. Never completely free and always surviving with deception.

Gabriel Huntford is a Bow Street Runner ( London's first professional police force), who has an obsession with finding his sister's killer. In a attempt to curb Gabriel's seven year obsession, his superiors have given him the undesirable task of watching out for Madeline and "assisting" her in the quest to sell her virginity to the highest bidder.Gabriel is to investigate the eager suitors who bid in the auction and see whether they are financially able to follow their bids.

Gabriel insists he has better things to do, but when Gabriel finds Madeline in mortal danger, his innate sense of decency has him protecting Madeline at every turn. Once Gabriel spends time with Madeline, he finds that there is so much more to her than meets the eye, and their continued proximity to one another sprouts an attraction that could be hazardous to his state of being.

I will honestly say, when I read the back cover I was a bit taken aback. The title itself made me hesitate, but once I picked it up, Sins of a Virgin was quite the enjoyable read. The depth that Anna Randol has taken Gabriel and Madeline keeps you rooting for the unconventional characters, even hoping that Madeline doesn't achieve what she has set out to do. The humorous and sarcastic banter between the two is highly entertaining as is the dark mystery that has Gabriel and Madeline on edge. I am looking forward to reading more by Anna Randol. I really enjoyed this story and I think you will as well...(less)

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Jan 21, 2013 Giulia~Bubbles rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: historical fiction fans, fans of crime romances, romance fans

Shelves: historical-romance

Originally reviewed at www.devastatingreads.blogspot.com

I think I more or less bought this book on a whim. It sounded intriguing and so I decided as I might buy it as not. I'm so glad I did. Sins of a Virgin wasn't just a romance story, it was a crime story. And the crimes were wrapped around the main characters so tightly that never for one moment was the romance not centre stage.

Gabriel, a Bow Street Runner, is far more interested in finding his sister's killer than he is in protecting Madele...more Originally reviewed at www.devastatingreads.blogspot.com

I think I more or less bought this book on a whim. It sounded intriguing and so I decided as I might buy it as not. I'm so glad I did. Sins of a Virgin wasn't just a romance story, it was a crime story. And the crimes were wrapped around the main characters so tightly that never for one moment was the romance not centre stage.

Gabriel, a Bow Street Runner, is far more interested in finding his sister's killer than he is in protecting Madeleine when he first accepts the job to strut her around London. He doesn't think very highly of Madeleine, who is after all, auctioning off her virginity. But when he realizes that several of her bidders are men he suspects in the case of his sister's murder, he decides to accept the job in the hopes that it might lead him to the murderer.

Soon, both Gabriel and Madeleine realize there is more to one another than meets the eye. Gabriel doesn't buy that Madeleine is merely a whore or opportunist, and Madeleine is rather admiring of the fact that she can't fool Gabriel. She appreciates how observant and intelligent he is. But even though they are both drawn to one another, neither desires seriously pursuing their feelings. Madeleine has a fortune to make off her virginity, and Gabriel wants to find the killer. But when Madeleine is stabbed, things start to heat up.

I really liked Gabriel. I loved that he didn't buy the games Madeleine played, that he saw right through them. I loved that he was too honourable to be indifferent to the fact that Madeleine was selling her virginity, but would never have placed a bid even if he had the money. I loved that while he wanted to protect her, he also let her be involved in the investigation. I was blown away with how he makes Madeleine think of her own pleasure and desires instead of his own. He was determinedly single minded throughout the book, and I loved that with Gabriel, you always knew where you stood. And what I loved most was that even after he and Madeleine had been together, and she'd accepted his offer of marriage, he gets together a huge of money to bid at the last minute simply to show Madeleine that she is everything to him, far more than any sum of money.

Madeleine is kick ass! I loved how strong she was, how unflinchingly brave. I loved that she was able to come out of the jails of London and take the fate of becoming a spy for England and make it her strength. She thought her work as a spy, her seductions, had somehow made her into a whore, and I was very proud of her when she casts off all the insecurities she had carried with her because of that and her early family life, and allows herself to really be herself. I was especially cheering for her when she decided to jump off the cliff and let her heart lead her. And her heart led her right to Gabriel, who had fallen in love with the woman under the masks she presented to the world. A woman, who is a little fragile but his perfect match.

The story was great, the crimes were wrapped up neatly and logically, the romance sizzled, and I'm very curious about Clayton and Maddox. Can't wait to read more of Anna Randol.

4.5 glittering stars(less)

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Oct 08, 2012 Linda rated it 4 of 5 stars

When I 1st started reading this I was extremely dubious if I'd like the heroine who's a former spy & uses seduction as her tool to get info. Then she auctions her virginity to the peerage for $! She's quite blatant on using her charms to get what she wants. But as the story unfolds glimpses of the real Madeline surfaces & I quickly came to like her as the heroine. I'd actually put the book down the 1st time after reading the 1st few pgs but stuck thru it the 2nd time around & quickly...more

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Sep 02, 2012 Jen (Red Hot Books) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Madeline has spent the past 10 years of her life as part of a trio of spies. Plucked from the gallows, she was trained in stealth and seduction. She did her job well, but when her usefulness came to an end, she was pensioned off with a sum she would never be able to live off of. Her only resources are her beauty and her ability to read people. She puts both to work, with an outlandish plan to raise funds.

After six months of setting herself up as an unattainable courtesan, she puts her virginity...more Madeline has spent the past 10 years of her life as part of a trio of spies. Plucked from the gallows, she was trained in stealth and seduction. She did her job well, but when her usefulness came to an end, she was pensioned off with a sum she would never be able to live off of. Her only resources are her beauty and her ability to read people. She puts both to work, with an outlandish plan to raise funds.

After six months of setting herself up as an unattainable courtesan, she puts her virginity up for auction.

Gabriel is a Bow Street Runner who has devoted the last seven years of his life to finding his twin sister's killer. Now, he has been assigned to work for Madeline. She needs him to investigate the men who are bidding in her auction. While he is tempted to turn her down at first, he comes to realize that he can use the job to investigate some of the same men he considers suspects in his twin's murder.

Though he sees how lovely she is, Gabriel has no intention of falling for his new employer. He watches with a mixture of awe and disgust as she beguiles suitor after suitor with practiced ease. But then, in unguarded moments, he catches glimpses of the real woman behind the mask and he can't help but want her.

Madeline wants Gabriel too, but she can't take her eye off the prize. She won't grow old in poverty. Things become even more complicated as someone begins making attempts on her life. Surely it is someone who knows her from her past. Each brush with death pushes her closer and closer into Gabriel's arms, but can they really have any kind of future together?

I liked Madeline. She is tough and smart and practical. Mercenary, even. I liked Gabriel too, for the most part. He's a good man, though a little judgemental. He has honor. I just didn't love the progression of their relationship. For one, it took more than half the book before they even kissed. It was so drawn out just for them to make their first tentative step. Beyond that, their circumstances made it difficult for me to feel warm and fuzzy. Madeline is, after all, lining up a liason with another man for the whole book. And Gabriel's opinion of her is often less than flattering.

Not to mention, I figured out the villain less than halfway through the book.

Things did pick up once Madeline finally shows Gabriel who she really is. But it takes so long to get to that point. --I didn't dislike it, but it didn't do much for me either.

Rating: C

*ARC Provided by Avon(less)

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Aug 27, 2012 Reading Romances rated it 3 of 5 stars

With an unsteady pacing and refreshing plot, Anna Randol tells a story of love, murder, secrets and suspense.

You'll either love or hate the heroine. There's no way to feel in between, she's a strong, confident, manipulative and full of wicked intentions.. She's very good at what she does being a great observer and thinking fast, turning obstacles into advantages. Even the action moment are filled with snarky comments by Madeline!

(...)

Overall it was a fun adventure with some nice twist in the mid...more

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Oct 03, 2012 SidneyKay rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-regency

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. "Cipher!
Cipher, Cipher bo Bipher Bonana fanna fo Fipher
Fee fy mo Mipher, Cipher!

Come on everybody!
I say now let's play a game
I betcha I can make a rhyme out of anybody's name
The first letter of the name, I treat it like it wasn't there
But a B or an F or an M will appear
And then I say bo add a B then I say the name and Bonana fanna and a
fo
And then I say the name again with an F very plain
and a fee fy and a mo
And then I say the name again with an M this time
and there isn't any name that I can't rh...more "Cipher!
Cipher, Cipher bo Bipher Bonana fanna fo Fipher
Fee fy mo Mipher, Cipher!

Come on everybody!
I say now let's play a game
I betcha I can make a rhyme out of anybody's name
The first letter of the name, I treat it like it wasn't there
But a B or an F or an M will appear
And then I say bo add a B then I say the name and Bonana fanna and a
fo
And then I say the name again with an F very plain
and a fee fy and a mo
And then I say the name again with an M this time
and there isn't any name that I can't rhyme

Wrath!
Wrath, Wrath bo Brath Bonana fanna fo Frath
Fee fy mo Mrath, Wrath!

La Petit!
La Petit, La Petit bo Ba Petit"...aaakkkkk!

Spoilers ahead. I gotta say this was a hard week, pick one book up - start reading - lose interest - put down - pick up, etc. So, when I started reading Anna Randol's Sins of a Virgin, I was behind my time schedule. I had to finish this one whether I liked it or not. Sins of a Virgin is the beginning of the Sinners Trio, about three ex-spies: Cipher, Wrath and La Petit. This one is La Petit's story or, as she is called in this tale, Madeline. Her knight in shining is Gabriel, who also happens to be a Bow Street Runner. And, once again I must question the smarts-o-rameter readings of this particular runner. How did anything get solved in ye' ole England? You would think if you were questioning the background of the lady you lust after and you were introduced to the other two in the group who keep addressing each other by the names of Cipher and Wrath, a light bulb would go off. And they are secretive, and sneak in windows, and quietly pull out knives and guns. You would maybe ask, hey, why are you calling each other weird names? Why are you guys so - I don't know – stealth-like? But, noooooo, Gabriel doesn't. So, Gabriel isn't the brightest wick on the candle.

Anyway, we are introduced to Madeline and Gabriel. Here is the plot: Madeline did not get paid enough severance pay so she is going to sell her virginity to the highest bidder at an auction, and even though we are led to believe that she used her body when she was a spy, we are never sure whether she is or isn't a virgin. Now for some reason Gabriel is ordered to guard her, but he doesn't want to because he is trying to solve the murder of his sister and that murder happened seven years ago. Oh, and he's illegitimate and hates his father. Of course, someone from Madeline's past is trying to kill her, and it just might be one of the men on the auction list. And you know what else? All the men on that list are also suspects in Gabriel's sister’s murder. So, Gabriel thinks, hey, I can watch this woman who hides a knife under her skirt and solve my sister’s murder at the same time. Then we have all the secondary characters, a lot of red herring suspects and the real murderer who I knew was the killer as soon as he made his appearance. And, that's most of the plot.

For me this book failed as a romance. I never understood why they loved each other. They treated each other abominably, she lied, mistrusted, pretended her way through most of the book. She wanted to earn her money as a prostitute – but you better never call her a whore, ‘cause she might get mad at you. He was a little gentler, but he also had problems in the trust department. And it took an eternity for Madeline to tell him the truth. Even after the third attempt on her life, she had problems confiding in him. It wasn't until they started working together that the book started to work for me, but that was after I was three-fourths of the way through. So, it was too little, too late. I found the two characters, especially Madeline, too dark for my taste.

This doesn't mean I'm giving up on Ms. Randol. I've heard numerous good things about her. Just because the first book I've read by her wasn't my cup of tea, doesn't mean the next one won't work for me. So I will be checking out the next book in the series and we will see what happens.
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May 08, 2013 Divine Castillo rated it 4 of 5 stars

I like The Secret in Her Kiss better than this book.Bbut Sins of a Virgin also has its merits though I can't write it down here unless you also want spoilers resulting to your not reading this book. All I can say is that the emotions in this book will reach out to you. The anguish, the pain and the sexiness of the plot will be felt with every turn of the page. This is the first book in a month that I have read without putting it down and that's a first since lately I'm getting bored with a lot o...more

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Aug 12, 2012 Amy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Mystery and suspense abound in this historical romance from the first page to the last.

Madeline Valden is nothing of what she appears. Experienced and skilled in all ways necessary to protect herself from men, including not allowing her heart to feel, she still possesses something that the men of London find priceless - her virginity - and now she's putting that last item of value on the auction block.

Gabriel Huntford is a man who never gives up - on anything. He's been searching for his sister'...more

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Aug 07, 2012 Amanda Ryan rated it 3 of 5 stars

To the world, Madeline Valdan is a scandalous woman of the night, but those closest to her know that she really is a spy working for the crown. Now that the war is over, Madeline is put out of the job and she needs a way to make some quick income. Using her reputation, she scandalizes the ton by putting her virginity up for auction to the highest bidder. In order to ensure she makes good on the bargain, she hires a Bow Street runner, Gabriel Huntford, to investigate each person making a bid. Wha...more

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Aug 31, 2012 Karen (Book Light Graveyard) rated it 4 of 5 stars

I think what I’ve come to appreciate the most about Anna Randol’s books is the strength of her heroines. Nary a shrinking violet to be found, thank goodness. But they aren’t stupidly headstrong either—they’re sensible and strong and confident and everything I like in a main character. And that goes for Madeline in “Sins of a Virgin.” Don’t let the beauty fool you—she’s one tough woman. She’s a former spy, and it shows (you find out that she’s a spy from the very beginning, so I don’t feel like I...more I think what I’ve come to appreciate the most about Anna Randol’s books is the strength of her heroines. Nary a shrinking violet to be found, thank goodness. But they aren’t stupidly headstrong either—they’re sensible and strong and confident and everything I like in a main character. And that goes for Madeline in “Sins of a Virgin.” Don’t let the beauty fool you—she’s one tough woman. She’s a former spy, and it shows (you find out that she’s a spy from the very beginning, so I don’t feel like I’m spoiling anything here). I hate in romances when women (or the men) are supposed to be former spies, but none of their training ever shows, or it shows inconsistently. But Madeline’s past is evident in practically everything she does. In fact, Randol writes Madeline’s character so well that Madeline’s actions fooled me as often as they fooled Gabriel.

And speaking of Gabriel, that man is awesome. Although I hold some doubts that any man in 1800s England could be that open-minded, once I suspended my disbelief, I really came to admire his acceptance of Madeline. Even before he knows the truth about her past, he doesn’t denigrate her for being a courtesan. And once he does find out that she was a spy, he respects her experience. He’s definitely still protective of her, but he trusts that she knows what she’s doing, and I love him for that.

I thought the mystery/murder aspects of the story came together quite well in the end. For a while, I thought it was going to all work out a little too obviously, but Randol pulled it off pretty well considering this is a romance novel not a thriller. I did guess who the murderer was pretty early, but I still enjoyed watching Madeline and Gabriel pull the clues together themselves. I wish, though, that we got to see Gabriel in action as a Bow Street Runner a little more. I got the impression that he’s supposed to be an especially competent detective, but we never really get to see him in action, aside from how it related to protecting Madeline.

And as one last thing, can I just say that I loved the minor characters in this book? Gabriel’s mother, Madeline’s butler, and her two friends Ian and Clayton were so great and gave this book a little extra oomph. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more about Ian and Clayton as this series continues.

I think this is my favorite of Randol’s works so far (the others being “A Secret in Her Kiss” and “A Most Naked Solution”). I loved the characters and plot—not to mention Randol’s liberal dashes of humor. I definitely recommend this book if you’re looking for a solid story with equal parts romance and adventure.

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Aug 19, 2012 Lisa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: anna-randol, historical-romance, edelweiss

When Madeline Valdan is no longer needed by her country, she is given a paltry sum of money for her years of work. Knowing this will not be able to sustain her, she creates a daring plan...hold an auction for her virginity. As Madeline is one of the most notorious courtesans, the question quickly becomes is she truly a virgin? Men fall all over themselves to discover the truth. Madeline is quite smart, though, and hires a Bow Street runner by the name of Gabriel Huntford to investigate all the m...more When Madeline Valdan is no longer needed by her country, she is given a paltry sum of money for her years of work. Knowing this will not be able to sustain her, she creates a daring plan...hold an auction for her virginity. As Madeline is one of the most notorious courtesans, the question quickly becomes is she truly a virgin? Men fall all over themselves to discover the truth. Madeline is quite smart, though, and hires a Bow Street runner by the name of Gabriel Huntford to investigate all the men bidding on her. After all, the men must be able to pay the price they bid and have no sickness in their backgrounds. Gabriel is hesitant to accept such a job as his true goal in life is finding the murderer of his sister but he quickly sees that Madeline's job will prove helpful as some of the men bidding on her are also on Gabriel's suspect list and he will be able to investigate them more closely. But this supposedly simply job slowly becomes much more as it becomes clear that someone is out to kill Madeline. With Madeline so used to hiding everything about herself under her seductress persona, it is hard to find the truth and she has a hard time finally trusting someone and letting them in. Can she find a way to tell Gabriel the truth and still hang on to her heart or will she finally gamble with her heart, just to have it broken?

This was another winner from the talents of Anna Randol for me! While it does not have the exotic setting of her debut novel, it does feature a couple who is not titled which is always a nice change of pace and still has the fast paced storyline. Madeline is quite a character--she has been undercover with the government for years and her ruse was that of a seductress and now that she can put that behind her, she finds that she can't. As she finds herself falling for Gabriel, he makes her question he every sultry move. He wants the real Madeline, not the showy one and we get to see Madeline slowly find her true self again. She is also bold, sassy and confident while being a strong, capable spy that is intent on protecting herself without help from some man. She has hesitations about marrying after the awful treatment of her mother by her father and it has shaped her into the woman she is today. Gabriel is a wonderful balance to her, with his devoutness to finding his sister's murderer and sharpness for details. He is the only one that can help Madeline peel away her persona and together they find that they work well together while chasing after suspects. Overall, a delightful mix of mystery, intrigue, and romance with wit and passion that will leave you happily satisfied. 4 stars

I received this eARC from Avon via edelweiss
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Nov 11, 2012 Barbara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-2012, romance-regency

Madeline was savied from the gallows by the spy service of the Government when she was younger and has been an operative ever since. With the war over she has been retired with very little severance. In order to live comfortably she decides to auction her viginity. Gabriel is a Runner hunting, always, for his sister's killer. Hired to investigate the bidders, both come to appreciate each other and what they are doing. A good story and I will look forward to the next.

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Sep 07, 2012 Katy Budget Books rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arshia

Arshia says: This story was very different from what I normally read so in the beginning I had a hard time. However, the characters really started to grow on me. Madeline was very confident and a really well developed character. The author never deviated from Madeline's core characteristics. I really liked that. She was manipulative, self assured, and really sexy!

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Sep 21, 2012 Mary rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle-edition

Wonderful first novel in this series. Full of sexual tension, complex characters, suspenseful storyline.. it's got it all.

I will admit that I figured out fairly early who the killer was, but it didn't ruin the book for me. The relationship between Gabriel and Madeline was the more important story and it was perfect.

Can't wait for the next two books in the series.

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Mar 01, 2013 Manuela rated it 3 of 5 stars

Ok! What took me so long and costs this book a star in the rating? It was sooo sloooow in the beginning. Well I do understand the introduction of characters the building up of the plot and the suspense but this was a rediculously slow process and I had troubles with it. I wanted to put it down and not finish it but I did and I did get what I was looking for in the last third of the book. It was for free, so I don't complain. And what a nice couple those two make. Steamy love scenes (not enough t...more

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Jan 19, 2013 Wendy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Really enjoyed this one a lot. Good solid suspense. A hero who wasn't a Duke. A heroine who actually ::gasp:: behaved like a spy. Also, good banter with some very dark edges to the plot.

Full review at http://wendythesuperlibrarian.blogspo...

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Jan 23, 2013 Elena rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult, historical, romance

3.5 stars. Not nearly as exciting as the second book in the series, Sins of a Ruthless Rogue. Still looking forward to book 3.

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Oct 25, 2012 Livia rated it 4 of 5 stars

An interesting historical romance with a good mystery. The heroine was way to bold in my opinion but the boldness was needed to support her background. The hero is a Bow Street Runner which always makes for an interesting tale.

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Sep 05, 2012 Arshia rated it 4 of 5 stars

This story was very different from what I normally read so in the beginning I had a little bit of a hard time. However, the characters really started to grow on me. Madeline was very confident and a really well developed character. The author never deviated from Madeline's core characteristics. I really liked that. She was manipulative, self assured, and really sexy!

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Jan 21, 2013 LizzieB rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 19th-century, avon, big-secret, book-1-in-a-series, ebook, england, english-hero, english-heroine, friend, hea, historical-romance, independent-heroine, kick-ass-heroine, kindle, money, regency, romantic-suspense, romance, scheming-heroine, spy-heroine, tortured-hero, tragic-past-heroine, tortured-heroine, tragic-past-hero, pubbed-2012

It is a sad, sad thing I can't think of as many words to write about books I love (or like A LOT), but when all I can do is put it down with a really happy sigh, I just don't bother.

Wonderful. Just wonderful.

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Oct 07, 2012 Debbie rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book just dragged on on for me. I couldn't wait to get to the end. I don't think I'll be reading anymore from this author.

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Sins of a Virgin (Sinners Trio #1)

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