Seducing Mr. Knightly (The Writing Girls, #4)

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Seducing Mr. Knightly (The Writing Girls #4)

by Maya Rodale (Goodreads Author)

3.95 of 5 stars 3.95 · rating details · 267 ratings · 69 reviews

He’s the only man she’s ever loved…

For ages it seems advice columnist Annabelle Swift has loved Derek Knightly, editor-owner of The London Weekly from a distance. Determined to finally attract her employer’s attention, she seeks advice from her loyal readers—who offer Annabelle myriad suggestions…from lower-cut bodices (success!) and sultry gazes (disaster!) to a surprise...more

Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages

Published October 30th 2012 by Avon

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Nov 02, 2012 Jess the Romanceaholic rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: not-released-yet, october-2012, favorite-series, most-anticipated-reads, historical-working-woman, historical, steam-level-warm, edelweiss, arc, arc-review-held

This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.

Expected Release Date: October 30, 2012
Publisher: HarperCollins
Imprint: Avon
Author’s Website: http://www.mayarodale.com/
My Source for This Book: Edelweiss
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 4, Writing Girls Series
Series Best Read In Order: Yes
Steam Level: Steamy
Favorite Tropes: Unrequited Love
Pet Peeves: “Noble Sacrifice” that does nothing but hurt everyone involved.

I’ve been waiting on this book ever since I picked up the fir...more

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Nov 04, 2012 Nicole rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, favorite-heroine

4 Stars (only for the heroine)

Yes, the hero is a huge nodcock but the heroine stole the show. I absolutely loved her! Her little schemes and plots were hilarious to read about and I just can't tell you how much fun I had reading about her. Two words: utterly adorable. But yeah, derek was an oblivious nodcock and no one special but at least he got his act together by the end.

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Dec 14, 2012 My Book Addiction and More MBA rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

SEDUCING Mr. KNIGHTLY by Maya Rodale is an exciting historical romance. Book 4 in "The Writing Girls" but can be read as a stand alone with re-appearing characters. Follow Annabelle Swift and Derek Knightly on a journey to find love. Annabelle, one of Knightly's "Writing Girls",who has loved him from the first day she meet him.He has never noticed her until,she desires to seduce him totally and completely with a bit of help from her loyal readers. Filled with passion,desire,witty banter,jealous,...more

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Nov 12, 2012 Lindy rated it 2 of 5 stars

DNF. I got about 70% through simply because I needed something to read to get me to sleep since exams is stressing me out but sadly this one just didn't cut it for me. Too bad because it had a great premise! Quiet, shy Annabelle is sick to death of pining away for her clueless, sexy, self-made Editor and decides to take charge and seduce him.

It had so much potential to be wonderful, but never actually rose to the occasion sadly. There just didn't seem to be any real connection between these cha...more

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Oct 28, 2012 Dottie rated it 5 of 5 stars

A Recommended Read! Taken from my review at RomanceJunkies.com:

For three years, six months and two days Annabelle Swift has been in love with her boss, Derek Knightly. Not for his good looks or sex appeal, of which he has plenty, but because he gave her a chance. He believed in her when she did not even believe in herself. She lives with her brother and his wife Blanche, who has made it plain that she does not like her. Since her brother Thomas married Blanche, Annabelle has gone out of her way...more A Recommended Read! Taken from my review at RomanceJunkies.com:

For three years, six months and two days Annabelle Swift has been in love with her boss, Derek Knightly. Not for his good looks or sex appeal, of which he has plenty, but because he gave her a chance. He believed in her when she did not even believe in herself. She lives with her brother and his wife Blanche, who has made it plain that she does not like her. Since her brother Thomas married Blanche, Annabelle has gone out of her way to be useful, working as both governess and housekeeper, always fearing that she will be thrown out otherwise. At work, she keeps a low profile and does her job, not bringing attention to herself. At work is the one place where she is happy. But, although she and the other girl writers are friends, she does not even confide in them. However, they cannot miss her attraction to their boss.

Derek Knightly is the illegitimate and much favored son of the Earl of Harrowby, who left behind two families when he passed away. Derek’s mother was an actress and had been the earl’s much loved mistress for twenty years. After the death of his father, Derek had used his inheritance to buy a news rag, which he turned into the most popular, influential and widely read newspaper in London, the London Weekly. He did it on his own and was beholden to no one. But the one thing he wanted was to be part of the aristocracy, especially after being kicked out of his own father’s funeral. As for women, the newspaper consumes all of his time and he is intent on not letting any woman into his heart. But knowing that woman in writing spelled scandal, which sells newspapers, he has hired four women, known as the Writing Girls. This has added a great deal to the popularity of his paper.
Sick in bed with a bad cold, Annabelle is late for the first time turning in her column. So, tired, depressed and desperate for help in getting her boss to notice her, she turns the question to her readers. After her question of how to win the attention and affection of a man she has loved for the past few years is published in the paper, all of London becomes involved. The question is the talk of every home and social event. But, during a weekly meeting of the reporters, Annabelle is disturbed to discover that her boss has not even read her article. Finally reading Annabelle’s article, he begins to notice the changes in her, as she begins to take her readers’ advice, such as making a trip to her modiste.

Lately, authorities were going after a reporter who impersonated a physician of the aristocracy, so the newspapers were being threatened. Many would be shut down due to questionable journalistic practices and Derek could not help but take notice. Since most of his reporters are guilty of gaining their stories through subterfuge, Derek knows his paper could be brought down just like the rest. At a ball, Derek gets into a discussion about the problem with Lord Marsden, who is conducting the inquiry into the situation. Whereas Derek is looked down upon by society due to his illegitimacy, Lord Marsden is very influential in Parliament and had many connections. But his fortune is dwindling. So Marsden makes him a deal. He will protect the London Weekly, not letting his inquiry harm it, if Derek marries his sister, which would also give Derek’s his much desired step into society. Of course, this also means that Derek will be beholden to someone for the first time in his life. But lately, he has been seeing Annabelle in a new light since her article was released and she is following her readers’ advice. Why do her eyes suddenly seem so much bluer and her lips so tempting? She was even distracting him from his work. Will Annabelle’s dream finally come true, or will he choose his paper?

An outrageously hilarious tale, SEDUCING MR. KNIGHTLY, the fourth book in talented author Maya Rodale’s WRITING GIRLS series, is a clever, passionate historical romance that will keep you glued to the book until you reach the very satisfying ending. Known for her smart, sassy historical romance, Ms. Rodale definitely does not disappoint with this one. As the story progresses, the suggestions from the readers of the London Weekly grow more and more outlandish. You cannot help but feel for Annabelle, who puts everyone else first while she wears her heart on her sleeve for Derek. At times, the story is laugh-out-loud funny and at other times, I found it very touching. Brimming with humor, schemes that range from the ridiculous to the sublime, scandal, sexy situations, secrets, passion, romance and true love, this story is a keeper. In fact, not only have I given this story five blue ribbons as a rating, I have named it as a Recommended Read. Definitely one of the best novels this year!

Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
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Oct 10, 2012 Melissa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Annabelle was orphaned at the age of 13 and lives with her brother and his family. Her sister-in-law treats her as a member of the household staff. Her family thinks she spends days working on charitable endeavors, but she is actually one of the Women Writers for the London Weekly Newspaper. Annabelle is in love with her boss Mr. Knightly, but after working for him for almost four years he doesn't seem to notice her as a woman. Annabelle decides to use her column; Dear Annabelle to ask her reade...more

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Sep 15, 2012 Addictive rated it 2 of 5 stars

I was slightly disappointed by Seducing Mr. Knightly, the last book in the Writing Girls series by Maya Rodale. And only slightly because it’s good to see or read about how the other half lives. The other half who have no passion in their marriage or romance in their courtship, the other half who just goes the expected path with no surprises in store. And that’s the feeling I got from Seducing Mr. Knightly.
From the first book, A Groom of One’s Own from The Tattooed Duke, we got snippets of Annab...more

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Aug 14, 2012 Huma Rashid rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 19th-century, england, fiction, romance

Annabelle Swift is Writing Girl #4 - a cute little gimmick thought up by newspaper tycoon Derek Knightley, who happens to be the illegitimate older son of a late Earl (whose ton-family understandably despises him). Derek is nothing if not a savvy newspaperman, and one of his cardinals rules is that scandal equals sales. Girls writing is scandalous - girls chasing down stories, writing the stories down in their own words, with their own unique voice, and being paid for their endeavors is not some...more

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Aug 14, 2012 Cocktails and Books rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: cnb-reviewers

Annabell writes for London Weekly giving out advise. And does everything her sister in law asks of her. Always trying to help others.

Knightly is the owner of the London Weekly. Aspiring to become part of high society were he feels he belongs.

Annabell has been in love with Knightly for several years, but never really being noticed. Until Annabell makes a bold move asking the readers of Dear Annabell advise on how to attract the attention of the man she loves. advise starts pouring in make her art...more

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Jul 23, 2012 Elyssa rated it 2 of 5 stars

SPOILERS AHOY.

This one did not work for me, sadly.

Oh, Derek Knightly. You are so so very stupid and, as the heroine would say, nodcockish.

Here's my many problems with you, Derek:

1. You're an editor of The London Weekly yet don't read an article the heroine hands in (albeit late because she was sick) but only peruse it for grammatical errors, etc. Excuse me?!!! What sort of editor does this??? It makes me think you are a very BAD editor, which is reinforced in my next point.

2. Later in the bo...more

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Oct 25, 2012 Allison (The Allure of Books) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, 2012

Seducing Mr. Knightly is fourth in Maya Rodale’s Writing Girls series. I’ve only read one of the other books in the series, but I didn’t at all find myself at a disadvantage. The characters are interesting and made the book a blast to read!

You guys, the beginning of Seducing Mr. Knightly took me back to high school (in a good way). You know…back in the days where you have a crush on the really hot guy but don’t have the guts to do anything about it? Well, Annabelle Swift has had enough of that....more Seducing Mr. Knightly is fourth in Maya Rodale’s Writing Girls series. I’ve only read one of the other books in the series, but I didn’t at all find myself at a disadvantage. The characters are interesting and made the book a blast to read!

You guys, the beginning of Seducing Mr. Knightly took me back to high school (in a good way). You know…back in the days where you have a crush on the really hot guy but don’t have the guts to do anything about it? Well, Annabelle Swift has had enough of that. She takes the bull by the horns and devises a plan to get her man. She writes a regular newspaper column answering questions and giving advice – so she asks her readers for seduction tips. Boy, do they answer…(mad props to Annabelle for actually climbing that tree in the middle of the night…)

As for Mr. Knightly, I have to say: I’m impressed. He is NOT a perfect hero, y’all. He has flaws, and Maya Rodale isn’t shy about displaying them. Prominently. It made me like him so much more, because he felt like a real person. Then…he goes and pulls what can only be called a DICK MOVE. Like, a punch him in the face and stomp all over his manly bits piece of jackassery. Even though it made me hate him a little, I was so much more invested in his character after being given the opportunity to watch him learn from his mistakes. The moment when he realized how stupid he was being? I actually felt my heart wrench. There was melting. Sa-woon.

The plot (you know, the thing in romance novels that distracts you from the good stuff) involved a scandal at a competing newspaper that had all of London on the warpath against crazy invasive reporting tactics. Companies were shutting down…reporters were being arrested…crazytown! At first, I was kinda just annoyed by the whole thing because I wanted to get back to the swoonage, but I actually ended up getting sucked in and wanting to see how things turned out on this front!

So, this is random, but there is reference to gentlemen being N.S.I.C., which I at first read as N.C.I.S. and got confused about why one of my favorite TV shows about Navy cops would be relevant in a historical romance novel. Once I got done laughing at myself for being a moron, I appreciated the cleverness of N.S.I.C. – which stands for Not Safe in Carriages. This should be a thing. I love me a good carriage tryst.

So, basically Seducing Mr. Knightly is one of the better historical romances I’ve picked up in a long while. I absolutely loved seeing Annabelle take matters into her own hands and fight for what she wanted instead of just passively letting her life happen. (And I only laughed at her a little when she kept embarrassing herself horribly!)

To Sum it Up:

=After having an unrequited crush on her boss for YEARS, Annabelle Swift decides to finally do something about it. From lowering her bodice to breaking into his house – she is one determined lady.

-I will be ~~stealing~~ adopting the term N.S.I.C. you guys: Not Safe in Carriages. Oh the rakes, how they make me swoon…

-Both the plot and characters definitely had me turning the pages: read it in one sitting! Definitely recommended.(less)

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Oct 07, 2012 Lisa rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, edelweiss, historical-romance

Seducing Mr. Knightly was cute but not much else. It didn't have enough sexual tension and I didn't believe in the characters passion for each other. It didn't have enough passion to make me believe in their love story.

I guess when I read a historical romance, I expect to feel the lust or love radiating off the pages. I like characters who make funny banter with each other. I like reading about a couple who make sense and are fun to read about.

I'm not saying this was a bad historical romance. It...more

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Feb 05, 2013 Melissa Levine rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reader, part-of-a-series

This was a pretty good book. I wasn't really a fan of Annabelle, she was just too naive, dumb....for my likely. Although Knightly had his moments too, considering how long it took him to realize who Annabelle was in love with. A few comments/questions I had:

1. Considering in these types of stories where the characters don't go around kissing whoever they want, you'd think more would be said once said kiss thought place. Especially after Annabelle's first kiss. It's like they kiss and then sudden...more

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Dec 07, 2012 Jody rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reading-list-2011-12-romance

I believe I came in at the end of a series about the Writing Girls, 4 women reporters hired by a newspaper man in the early 1800s, and who manage to find adventure and true love outside the drawing room. Advice columnist Annabelle Swift has been in love with her boss Derek Knightly for years (and can also count off the months, days and possibly hours since she first met him). Workaholic Knightly, however, barely noticed his shy, self-effacing admirer. One day Annabelle finds the courage to chang...more

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Nov 10, 2012 Jen (Red Hot Books) rated it 4 of 5 stars

You don't have to be a longtime reader of Maya Rodale's Writing Girls series to enjoy this romance. But if you've been following along, you know it's about time for sweet and quiet Annabelle to finally get her HEA with the man she has been pining over for years: her boss, the completely oblivious Derek Knightly. After suffering through the pangs of unrequited love for so long, she finally decides to take matters into her own hands to win him over.

Annabelle writes an advice column for the paper....more

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Dec 08, 2012 Spanglemaker9 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: period-romance

I ended up liking this much more than I thought I would. I got it because I was planning to attend a talk given by two historical romance writers and Maya Rodale was one of them. I couldn't go, but I'd already bought the books, so I gave them a try. Of the two, I was less excited to read this one. But this one ended up being the more enjoyable of the two. I liked her writing style, humorous and slightly ironic. It suited the story very well. Pining, shy wall-flowers aren't usually the most enjoy...more

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Nov 26, 2012 Sierra Dean rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebook, historical-romance, romance

This was a fun, sweet, cute historical that managed to avoid some of my hated tropes and create a very memorable book.

Seducing Mr. Knightly tells the story of wallflower (almost) spinster Annabelle Swift who has "secretly" pined for Derek Knightly, the editor of the newspaper she writes an advice column for. I say "secret" because her love is only unknown to the obtuse Knightly who can only think of his newspaper.

Annabelle seeks the advice of her devoted readership on how best to woo a gentleman...more

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Feb 10, 2013 Jo rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013

This book shows just what a hypocrite I am. I have a deep loathing for English-set historicals, where the characters slip into American speech. It's one of my big bug bears. And yet when I found one of these errors in Ms Rodale's book, it only pulled me out of the story long enough to forgive her one slip then I went back to enjoying the story.

I think it is probably because her books don't take themselves too seriously and therefore, as long as I'm enjoying the ride, do the technicalities of sto...more

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Nov 11, 2012 Marianna rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical

Some things are simply true: the earth rotates around the sun, Monday follows Sunday, and Miss Annabelle Swift loves Mr. Derek Knightly with a passion and purity that would be breathtaking were it not for one other simple truth — Mr. Derek Knightly pays no attention to Miss Annabelle Swift.

We met Annabelle and her love for her boss in the previous books from The Writing Girls. The series tell the story of four women who work writing columns to a weekly newspaper, in the nineteenth century. It wa...more Some things are simply true: the earth rotates around the sun, Monday follows Sunday, and Miss Annabelle Swift loves Mr. Derek Knightly with a passion and purity that would be breathtaking were it not for one other simple truth — Mr. Derek Knightly pays no attention to Miss Annabelle Swift.

We met Annabelle and her love for her boss in the previous books from The Writing Girls. The series tell the story of four women who work writing columns to a weekly newspaper, in the nineteenth century. It was a scandalous thing at the time, but one of the Mr. Knightly, owner of the paper, mottos was that "scandal equals sales", therefor almost four years ago he hired the women. And since those four years, Annabelle has loved him.

Annabelle lay in her bed, dying, another victim of unrequited love. It was tragic, tragic!

It was love at first sight... from her. In the other books we saw how Mr. Knightly doesn't pay even the smallest attention to her. He's never noticed her wishful looks to him and the lovely sights she did every time he began the weekly meeting with the paper staff. But Annabelle can't take this any longer. Romantic 'till the bones, she dreams about having her own love story, just like the ones in the novels she reads and for that she will count with some extra help.

Writer of the "Dear Annabelle" column, she always helped every single one of her readers with tips about how to behave in certain situations. This time, Annabelle is the one who asks for help. In an apparently naive column, she puts he heart out e asks her readers to help her about how to act in order to have the attention of the man she's loved for ages. And, just like that, her column becomes the most famous of the newspaper and of the London society. They say she should change her clothes, faint in his arms e even yell at the roof her love for him. The readers fall in love with Annabelle and wish she can finally conquer her true love.

Derek Knightly, so smart for some things and yet so dumb about others, starts seeing Annabelle, of course. Her new dresses that show too much, her loving looks in his direction, her gently touches in his arms... He starts to wonder how he had not noticed her before. But nothing would come from that now. With his beloved paper at risk, he needs to marry a society lady, sister of a marquis who can save or destroy Derek's business. So, why? Why he couldn't take Annabelle of his head now?

Like the other books of the series, this one was cute. Extremely romantic, it was a light and fun reading. The only thing that bothered me was that sometimes the description gets a bit too dreamy, escaping a little from reality. It was not a bad thing, it just made the book go from excellent to just very good, in my opinion. In spite of that, it's a great book. Annabelle is amazing, romantic and lives a daily battle between fighting for her love or let it all go. And Derek is so beautiful. I didn't like him in the previous books, but like a good hero, he has his reasons to act the way he does. The book and the series are very recommended!(less)

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Oct 20, 2012 Danielle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: review, favorites

Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick

There aren't enough words to express just how much I LOVED this book. When I read Seducing Mr. Knightly I was in a reading slump and it quickly pulled me out and has definitely made my list of favorite books for 2012. This book was superb and it just reminds me why I love Maya Rodale's work so much. I couldn't seem stop myself once I started reading this book. It was just so consuming and just so very good.

Annabelle works as a advice columnist...more Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick

There aren't enough words to express just how much I LOVED this book. When I read Seducing Mr. Knightly I was in a reading slump and it quickly pulled me out and has definitely made my list of favorite books for 2012. This book was superb and it just reminds me why I love Maya Rodale's work so much. I couldn't seem stop myself once I started reading this book. It was just so consuming and just so very good.

Annabelle works as a advice columnist at The London Weekly and has been in love with the owner/editor in chief Derek Knightly for the past four years. Determined to finally gain his attention, she writes to her readers asking for their advice on how to attract his attention. With all of the suggestions pouring in, Annabelle quickly begins to take action. From wearing more enticing gowns with lower bodices to pretending to faint into his arms, Annabelle is willing to try anything to get Derek's attention.

Derek has never really noticed Annabelle outside of the fact that she was one of his infamous lady writers. But for someone reason lately she's been starting to stand out and he can't seem to get her off of his mind. When it's brought to his attention that Annabelle has sought out help from her readers to gain the attentions of a certain "nodcock" he can't help but wonder who exactly she is pursuing and why does the thought of her with another man seem to make him jealous?

I loved, loved, loved these two together. I found the build up to their relationship to be sweet. Annabelle has been in love with Derek for what seems like forever and I loved that everyone knows but him. I liked that their relationship wasn't rushed and we were able to see the growth between them.

I liked that this book had quite a lot of humor in it. Some of the scenes with Derek and Annabelle are really quite hilarious and I found myself laughing out loud quite a few times. Both characters were fun to read and I loved getting to know them both. Both Annabelle and Derek were such a great match and I really enjoyed their HEA.

Like I said before, this book is definitely one of my favorites of the year and I definitely can't wait to read more from Mrs. Rodale. I just love the way she is able to mix humor in her books while still making it feel sexy and romantic.

**ARC copy provided by Edeleweiss**(less)

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Nov 07, 2012 Katie(babs) added it

Shelves: dnf-award

DNFed by page 150. How many times do we have to read about the shy, spinster heroine living with her over the top cruel sister in law (who's just mean to be mean), but gets away with being sneaky that no ones notices anything because she's so unnoticeable?

And why is it the moment she lowers her cleavage, unwinds her tight bun and does a little flirting, the hero who still has issues about being on the wrong side of the blanket now wants the heroine when before he barely gave her a second look, l...more

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Dec 28, 2012 Christine Montroy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Light reading, enjoyable romance. I loved the character of Annabelle and I will probably read the other Writing Girls stories. However, I know quite a bit about British history and I found some inaccuracies that bothered me (referring to the unmarried sister of an earl as Lady Marsden is incorrect - that is what the wife of an earl is called when she is not referred to as countess - the unmarried sister of an earl is referred to only as Lady Lydia; the Duke of Kent died in 1820 but was mentioned...more

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Dec 17, 2012 Kath rated it 4 of 5 stars

The Writing Girls series just keeps getting better & better. Dear Annabelle, the advice columnist is in love with Derek Knightly owner and editor of The London Weekly. For Annabelle it was love at first sight. Desperate to win Knightly's affections she asks her readers for their advice. Knightly is dubbed "the Nodcock" because he fails to take Annabelle's signs of enticement seriously. In the end true love wins out and Annabelle blossoms into the accomplished woman she was always meant to be...more

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Nov 02, 2012 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

SEDUCING MR. KNIGHTLY by Maya Rodale is absolutely delightful from the first page to the last. We suffer Annabelle's angst as she attempts to capture Derek Knightly's attention. Just when we think it's safe, we suffer Derek's worry over whether or not he will be able to recapture Annabelle's love and convince her that she is worthy of all she wants. Maya writes SEDUCING MR. KNIGHTLY with humor, laugh out loud slapstick, and makes us remember that lack of confidence feeling that everyone, who has...more

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Dec 05, 2012 Maya rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance

I have been waiting to read this book since I started reading the "writing girls", so I finished rather fast, and enjoyed some of it.

After finishing this book I wanted to join a feminist group, a very radical one. Annabele has loved Knightly for over 3 years and has done nothing. She is treated like a servant or worse by her family and has done nothing. Suddenly she wants to change for Knightly, so he may notice her and fall in love with her. She doesn't do it for herself but for him, and he doe...more

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May 18, 2013 Lover of Romance rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, regency, avon

And then he kissed her.
Knightly. Kissing. Her.
She felt sparks, she felt fireworks. Her first kiss. A Once in a lifetime kiss. With the man she loved.
She had waited for this. She had fought for this. She earned this. She was going to enjoy every exquisite second of it.

Annabelle has loved Derek Knightly from afar ever since she first started working for him. Annabelle, knows that he barely even notices her, and she wonders if she will ever be loved in return. So after waiting for what seems lik...more And then he kissed her.
Knightly. Kissing. Her.
She felt sparks, she felt fireworks. Her first kiss. A Once in a lifetime kiss. With the man she loved.
She had waited for this. She had fought for this. She earned this. She was going to enjoy every exquisite second of it.

Annabelle has loved Derek Knightly from afar ever since she first started working for him. Annabelle, knows that he barely even notices her, and she wonders if she will ever be loved in return. So after waiting for what seems like forever, she decides to try to get his attention, that is the first step in seducing a man. Annabelle then places a question out to her faithful readers, to help her seduce a certain (nodcock) who is clueless that she is madly in love with him, and how to get him to love her in return. So she decides to take her readers and her fellow writing girls advice, and be more bold than she has ever been. Derek's life is the newspaper, after receiving his inheritance from his father, he decided to make something for himself. The London Weekly is his wife of sorts, he hasn't had any interest in women until he starts to notice changes in Annabelle, who is blossoming and become more beautiful and vibrant. Derek at first doesn't make anything out of it, but when he starts to see her pursuing other men, he gets green with jealousy, even though he is supposed to be marrying another woman soon to save his paper. Derek just doesn't know which he loves more his business or the woman who has sneaked her way into his heart.

I can't believe how much I have just LOVED this series. I was so thrilled to read Annabelle and Derek's story. After seeing in the past books, how much Annabelle loves Derek, despite his underhanded work when it comes to his precious paper. I just love it when I can read a series from beginning to end, and not starting middle way through. It was great to see all of the characters develop as you go along through each of the installments. Seducing Mr. Knightly is the last in the series, and I would put it as my favorite or closely tied with The Tattooed Duke. I can't believe how much I just loved this one, A page turner all the way through.

This story is basically what the title states, Annabelle is sick of waiting for Derek to notice her. All Derek sees in his life is sentences and paragraphs and columns of his paper. Everything else in his life becomes secondary. So determined to get her man, Annabelle, goes out to seduce him, only that is harder than it looks. Annabelle, isn't more meek and not very bold, but it was great to see the change in her. It was such fun to see the lengths that she goes to, in trying to get Derek to notice her. I did love how she asks her readers to give her advice in seducing him. She doesn't give out the real identity on who the (nodcock is? and I just love that term...because Derek in all honesty is a Nodcock through and through (he is a man after all, and doesn't take any hints, you have to be very daring with him). Derek is courting another woman, so that scandal doesn't get attached to his newspaper. He is willing to marry a woman that he doesn't love in any way and who doesn't love him. But he is determined to do everything he can to save his life's work. Annabelle doesn't let this discourage her too much, and starts to take more drastic measures, and some of the things she does to get him to notice her, are pure entertainment. I can't count how many times I was laughing my butt off!!

Derek Knightly, I have always liked, even if he is a bit will take really drastic measures for his newspaper. We see a different side to Derek in this book, we see the human side of him--that he isn't cold in any way, he just protects his heart. I really loved him as the hero in the story, and I found him to be perfect for Annabelle. In the beginning, he is a bit "Blonde" and you would have to knock him over the head with a statue to get his attention, but eventually he catches on and then sparks really fly between Derek and Annabelle. Annabelle is just a sweet and charming heroine, she doesn't have a mean bone in her body. She sacrifices all that she is for a family that could care less about her (she is a version of Cinderella in a way). It was great seeing her change into a woman that is daring and takes risks. There is such a strong and vital connection between Derek and Annabelle, and the story only gets better the more you read.

I found Seducing Mr. Knightly to be SENSATIONAL!!! I had heard so many good things about this book, so I knew I would be in for a good time. There were so many things that I truly admired about this couple. I love the schemes and little daring acts that Annabelle goes to try to seduce Derek. It was pretty humorous how he just didn't ever get what she was trying to do, even though it was pretty obvious to everyone else. There is such powerful emotions displayed in the story, with clever characters, and a passion filled story that will capture your attention until you have finished with it. There is plenty of drama and romance and a sense of play at times. You are in for a delightful story! A Keeper of a story!!(less)

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Dec 16, 2012 Diana N rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: avon-addicts, for-review, historical-regency, ebook

I had problems with this book. It was nothing with the author's writing but the characters. Having read the other books that feature such dominant and bold heroines, it was hard to connect with this heroine because she was NOT any of those things. I find it hard to rate books where the character is so totally opposite what I desire to read. I try to be fair but its hard to do so when it is the characters that drive me.

Annabelle attempts to catch Derek's attentions came off as juvenile and manip...more

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Nov 12, 2012 Caz rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, romance-other, 4-5-stars, favourites

Okay, so I know that Seducing Mr Knighly isn't going to win any prizes for originality, but I found it to be sweet, funny, sexy and rather charming.

While the story of "wallflower suffers unrequited love for gorgeous man she's known for years" isn't new, I did like the way that Annabelle decided to try to do something about it; in fact, it was rather refreshing to see a (supposedly) dowdy and unpreposessing character determine to get out there and change her life rather than bowing to the weight...more

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Oct 20, 2012 Lisa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: maya-rodale, historical-romance, edelweiss

Annabelle Swift has loved Derek Knightly, editor and owner of The London Weekly, for three years, six months, three weeks and two days, all without his notice. She has decided that now is the time to change this and asks the readers of her column, Dear Annabelle, for advice on gaining the attention of a man that pays you no mind. The answers pour in and Annabelle sets about trying out some of the suggestions. After a variety of attempts; lower bodices, smoldering glances, forgotten objects...it...more Annabelle Swift has loved Derek Knightly, editor and owner of The London Weekly, for three years, six months, three weeks and two days, all without his notice. She has decided that now is the time to change this and asks the readers of her column, Dear Annabelle, for advice on gaining the attention of a man that pays you no mind. The answers pour in and Annabelle sets about trying out some of the suggestions. After a variety of attempts; lower bodices, smoldering glances, forgotten objects...it seems to be working as Knightly seems to be noticing her! Yet, he is courting a society lady, the last piece he needs to right the wrongs of his past. Knightly is confused to his new found feelings for Annabelle and his duty not just to himself, but also to his paper which is coming under heavy suspicion of fraud. Annabelle and her fellow Writing Girls decide she needs to attempt one last final grand gesture but when happiness finally seems attainable, the newspaper scandal blows up and it forces Annabelle to make a rash decision. How can Knightly show Annabelle the truth of his heart while holding on to all that he has built with his newspaper?

I just adore Maya Rodale's writing and Seducing Mr. Knightly is no exception! If you have read the previous books in this series, I'm sure you have been eagerly anticipating this story and, for the most part, it delivers. I loved watching Annabelle shed her quiet 'don't notice me' shell (I mean really, her family is just plain horrible to her) and bloom into a daring, courageous woman. Her attempts at seduction are both heart warming and amusing and she shares it all with her readers. Knightly for his part, comes out of his unobservant shell and starts to wonder if he could be the man Annabelle is questing after, which I was happy about. It was not a quick about face but a slow, realistic change and you can see them falling truly in love with each other, past the initial love at first sight. They both want to belong and together they find a way to find that with each other. With how smoking hot the cover is, I was a bit surprised that the heat factor is a bit on the lower side...however, as the story unfolds, it works and in the end, I really wasn't too disappointed. The romance is slower and sweet with delicious sexual tension and the payoff is wonderful. I really did not care for the ending and Annabelle's decision she made but oh, Knightly's attempt to fix it...totally hilarious and swoon worthy! I adored that! A solid conclusion to a fun, sexy series and I am a bit sad that we are saying good bye to these characters. Maya Rodale is on my auto buy list with this series due to her fabulous storytelling filled with charm, humor, sass, characters you can relate too and swoon worthy romance. 4 stars

eARC provided by Avon Books via edelweiss(less)

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Nov 21, 2012 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 4-stars, alpha-heroes, autobuy-authors, romance, regency-era, historical, unrequited-love-heroines, european-historical, series-completed

I loved seeing Annabelle and Knightly finally get their happily ever after! I wasn't sure about my feelings for Annabelle at first because she always seemed too mild. But, I really liked learning more about her. Her quiet strength and resolve was very admirable especially once the truth about her home situation came out.

Knightly did get a little on my nerves with his obliviousness to Annabelle's feelings and I thought his feelings came about a little too quickly for my taste It was fascinating,...more

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About Maya Rodale

Maya Rodale began reading romance novels in college at her mother’s insistence. She is now the author of numerous “dazzlingly sexy and witty” historical romance novels. A champion of the romance genre and it’s readers, she is also the author of the non-fiction book Dangerous Books For Girls: The Bad Reputation Of Romance Novels, Explained and a co-founder of Lady Jane’s Salon, a national reading s...more

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Books by Maya Rodale

A Groom of One's Own (The Writing Girls, #1)

The Tattooed Duke (The Writing Girls, #3)

A Tale of Two Lovers (The Writing Girls, #2)

The Heir and the Spare (Negligent Chaperone, #1)

The Rogue and the Rival (Negligent Chaperone, #2)

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“I take it back. You're not stupid. But damn, you are insane.” — 2 people liked it

“Well, 'I'm sorry' is just a thing to say, you see. I'm trying not to be so apologetic and obsequious all the time. It's just such a habit ...” — 1 person liked it

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Seducing Mr. Knightly (The Writing Girls #4)

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