The Seduction of the Crimson Rose (Pink Carnation, #4)

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The Seduction of the Crimson Rose (Pink Carnation #4)

by Lauren Willig (Goodreads Author)

3.82 of 5 stars 3.82 · rating details · 4,640 ratings · 401 reviews

Now in paperback?a novel that ?handily fulfills its promise of intrigue and romance.?("Publishers Weekly")
Determined to secure another London season without assistance from her new brother-in-law, Mary Alsworthy accepts a secret assignment from Lord Vaughn on behalf of the Pink Carnation. She must infiltrate the ranks of the dreaded French spy, the Black Tulip, before he...more

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Published January 31st 2008 by New American Library (first published January 6th 2008)

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May 07, 2013 Lisa Kay rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-pb-paperback, own-to-read, timewarp-parallel-past-present, genre-romance-historical, genre-romance-spy, genre-romance-w-mystery, genre-chick-lit-ish, 2012-in-2012-group-challenge, setting-england, buddy-read-rlftci, buddy-read-w-caro, buddy-read-w-susan, amazing-secondary-characters, m-audiobook-and-pb-both-media, well-narrated, xyzcover-flower, vocation-spy, genre-romance-suspense, genre-mystery-historical, m-library-sj-audio-ocd, genre-romance-regency, genre-romance-contemporary, reviewed-by-me, authors-l, authors-w

★★★★½ I love this series! If anyone is looking for a good serial “buddy read,” this is the book for your group. That is, if everyone can commit to sticking to the reading schedule and not jump ahead. In that case, you’ll get a lot of this in answer to your Discussion Questions: “Sorry, I can’t answer; I read ahead.”

Like most of my other “buddy read” members, I liked, not loved the main characters. Nevertheless, I truly appreciated that the author presents us with unique individuals for this, the...more

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Mar 08, 2008 Faith rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, historical

In this fourth adventure in the Pink Carnation series, Willig tells the story of almost spinster Mary Alsworthy and cryptic Lord Vaughn. If you've read any of her other novels, you know from the get-go that they are going to get together. It's in the "how" that Willig really shines this time. Using complex dialog and mostly believable situations, Willig tells the story of their romance and how they uncover the deadly spy, the Black Tulip.
This is a highly enjoyable historical fiction novel that i...more

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May 10, 2012 Pamela(AllHoney) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: spies-hr, hr-georgian-regency, challenge-2012, dangerous-or-bad-boy, dukes-earls-viscounts-etc, my-4-star-romances, british-boys-uk

The 4th book in the Pink Carnation series and a great addition. I didn't particularly like either Mary or Vaughn (I didn't hate them, though) in the previous book but I warmed up to them quickly in this one. It would be hard to say which book is my favorite so far but this one is probably in the running. Vaughn recruits Mary at the request of the Pink Carnation to help expose the Black Tulip. Never a dull moment as we go back and forth from Eloise and Colin in the present day to Vaughn and Mary...more

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Jul 16, 2011 bijal rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobook

So, when I read the blurb for this book, I figured I'd end up liking it okay, but not as much as the two prior because it was about Vaughn and I couldn't really see him carrying a book or holding my interest. He's pretty much a mustache twirling foil in the first two books, and who can take that seriously, you know?

BUT! Turns out, I did not know I liked Vaughn as much I ended up liking Vaughn! He had a personality and he even cracked a joke or two. And, of course, he had SECRET PAIN. When it co...more

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Mar 24, 2008 MJ rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, really-liked

Now that Colin Selwick is back and Eloise Kelly has a date with him she decided to pursue an unlikely lead into the identity of the Black Tulip. So she heads off to the Vaughn museum. But there is a dark cloud to her silver lining then again that might just be due to the fact that she is in London and it never stops raining there.

At the Vaughn museum Eloise discovers that Lord Sebastian Vaughn is once again working for the Pink Carnation (we meet him briefly in Masque of the Black Tulip and aga...more

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Jul 23, 2011 Highland-dreamer rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was disappointed with this book. I loved #2 and #3 in the series, so I looked forward to reading about Lord Vaughn and Mary, but their love story never quite convinced me. Lord Vaughn's character was so intriguing in the other books! I thought his own story rather uninteresting, and fell flat at times. And for Lord Vaughn, so valued for his role as the "notorious rake", his book proved to be the most chaste- at least up to this point. I also didn't like how Letty was portrayed in this installm...more

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Mar 12, 2011 Pattiwan rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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Dec 31, 2008 Alana rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2008_12_december

The fourth in the series and I admit, I actually went to the bookstore on the 29th (the paperback publication date) specifically to pick this up. I was in a bit of a reading slump and knew that no matter how silly this book might be, it would be silly enough to get me out of that slump. And I was right.
This certainly isn't my favorite of Willig's books, but it does just what you expect it to do... a couple is paired, despite their best efforts, and love is triumphant by the end of the story. Alo...more

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Mar 25, 2013 Kiirsten rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Another in the "Pink Carnation" series.

This time, there is a neat turn in the 'modern' part of the novel with the Eloise character. The end is a bit predictable and there is really less of the 'spy' intrigue going on and a little more of a 'stalker' vibe running through the novel. The Pink Carnation hardly makes an appearance in this one.

A bit of a "sophmore droll" but still entertaining.

In "The Seduction of the Crimson Rose" we are reintroduced to Lord Sebastian Vaugh, the devil of a spy from "...more

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Feb 13, 2013 Leya rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: library-book

I was not too pleased to see who the hero and heroine of this book were to be, let just say that in the previous books that both these characters have been, they have left me a little cold. I stuck with the book because of series itself, and I like to follow Eloise and her discoveries.

Lord Vaughn, has a darkness about him. He exudes confidence and is not afraid to use his power to manipulate and use people as he sees fit. If anything, to me he would have a been the ideal double agent for the ser...more

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Apr 03, 2012 Mjohnson rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I bought this book because it was on sale. REALLY on sale. And because it was hardcover. And, well, it looked pretty. So...why not?

I'm actually torn between giving 3 or 4 stars. (Yes, this is when I'd like half stars.) Two otherwise unlikeable characters come together with such wit and intelligent dialogue that I found myself empathizing and ultimately cheering for them. These two actually GET each other's humor, and they're able ot bounce back-handed comments, sparring asides and private jokes...more

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May 21, 2009 Kelly rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: grown-upbooks, historical-romance

I reviewed this book at my blog. Twice, since it's one I've re-read quite a number of times now. Here's the combined craziness:

In The Seduction of the Crimson Rose, Lauren Willig has pulled off an extraordinary feat: She has taken a woman who was established to be a spoiled, somewhat conniving social-climber as her Regency heroine, and paired her with a man who, in two prior books, has shown himself to be a somewhat predatory and amoral rake at best, and a dangerous double-agent at worst - he's...more I reviewed this book at my blog. Twice, since it's one I've re-read quite a number of times now. Here's the combined craziness:

In The Seduction of the Crimson Rose, Lauren Willig has pulled off an extraordinary feat: She has taken a woman who was established to be a spoiled, somewhat conniving social-climber as her Regency heroine, and paired her with a man who, in two prior books, has shown himself to be a somewhat predatory and amoral rake at best, and a dangerous double-agent at worst - he's too slippery to pin down, really - and she makes me love them both. With a big, hearty love. And that, my friends, is some Very Good Writing.

In this, the fourth novel in the Pink Carnation series, we follow the story of Mary Alsworthy (sister to Letty, the heroine of The Deception of the Emerald Ring). Master spy, the Pink Carnation, has asked Lord Vaughn (rogue, bounder, scoundrel and somewhat pretentious cad) to enlist Mary's assistance in catching the Black Tulip - a French spy first introduced properly in The Masque of the Black Tulip. Vaughn never speaks in simple sentences when double entendres will do, and is a bit of a roué. Mary is, as stated, a social-climbing conniver who finds herself in the awkward position of being a hanger-on in the home of her younger sister, who accidentally eloped with Mary's intended beau; naturally, Letty and Geoff are blissfully happy in their romance, and Mary is, well, in a state of constant mortification.

Mary and Vaughn have a lot in common, as well as a lot of issues to overcome. The plot moves along at a terrific pace, and is extremely interested. Once again, points to me for immediately sorting out the identity of the Black Tulip. I mean, I know I said that in book 2 as well, but I should qualify that I correctly identified the person acting in the capacity of the Black Tulip in that book, and I spotted the correct person in this one as well. I didn't, however, sort out the backstory for the Black Tulip, and was delighted to find it all out.

I was also terribly delighted with Eloise Kelly's story in this one, Eloise being the modern-day researcher who is relating/reading/uncovering the Regency romance portion of the book (which occupies the vast majority of the pages). Eloise finally has her date with the dishy Colin Selwick in this book, as well as interacting with a nefarious archivist. I couldn't be more pleased, I think, than I was with this book.

I realize that my fondness for this particular title in the series beginning with The Secret History of the Pink Carnation is based in part on my admiration for her taking an unlikeable woman and making her the heroine of the historical part, in part on her selection of the morally ambiguous and always urbane Lord Vaughn, in part on the modern-day romance between Eloise and Colin (which involves an actual date and first kiss in this particular book), and in part on the amount of poetry and Shakespeare that is quoted throughout the book, sometimes as chapter headers, and frequently in Vaughn's dialogue.

"Break of Day" by John Donne, is quoted twice in the book. The last couplet ("He which hath business, and makes love, doth do/Such wrong, as when a married man doth woo") is quoted as an epigram to chapter 28, and the first two lines ("Tis true, 'tis day; what though it be?/O wilt thou therefore rise from me?") are spoken by Vaughn in chapter 26. So now I'm not only re-reading the book (as mentioned in Thursday's post), but also re-reading yesterday's poem selection. Plus, I'm about to embark on re-reading Much Ado About Nothing by Shakespeare, which is quoted several times as epigraphs to various chapters (along with quotes from Hamlet, King Lear, Measure for Measure, As You Like It, The Winter's Tale, and Richard III, and the text includes additional quotes and references from those plays as well as Romeo and Juliet as well). Additional references are made to Paradise Lost by John Milton, several other John Donne poems, Christopher Marlowe, Ben Jonson, Robert Burns, and more.

I have realized that I am a complete sucker for Shakespeare and other quotes. And now, I'm off. No, not "pursued by a bear."* I'm going to conclude my re-reading of the book, and then fish out my Complete Works of Shakespeare to start Much Ado About Nothing.

*Points to you if you recognize that as the (perhaps most-famous ever) stage direction from The Winter's Tale by William Shakespeare.(less)

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Mar 02, 2008 Camille rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Lovers of romance, espionage and chick lit

Hurray for Colin and Eloise!

I can see how Mary's story jumped out of the wood work as ms Willig tried to move on with the next book. who would have thought that we would be cheering for Mary Alsworthy and Lord Vauhn! Or that two such self centered people could fall for each other so compleatly. My favorite since the original Pink Carnation!

As for Colin and Eloise I can already see strawberry blond children tiptoing amongst the archives at Selwick hall. Don't screw it up Eloise!

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Feb 10, 2011 Taiaja rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

This book is my favorite of the series having read all of them. Mary and Vaughn are my favorite couple. I think it's because they both don't claim to be heros. They acknowledge that they are self-motivated and everyone believes that of them (including readers).

But as the story unravels, they are not as conceited as everyone thinks, even to themselves. Willig really put them through the ringer in this book (like no other couple before or after). To date, they are the only characters who have been...more

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Dec 28, 2012 Ubalstecha rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Seduction of the Crimson Rose follows two characters from Willig's previous instalments of her Pink Carnation series, namely the jilted Mary Alsworthy and the dark and pouty, Lord Vaughn. Mary desperately wants another season to catch a husband, now that her sister Letty has stolen her best prospect. Lord Vaughn has to repay the Pink Carnation for a favour. In exchange for the money to finance said season, Mary agrees to be bait for the Black Tulip. But as the two work together, they begin t...more

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Oct 02, 2011 Nicole rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: fans of the Parasol Protectorate or Sorcery & Cecilia

Shelves: frothy-romance, history

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Oct 10, 2010 Elizabeth (Miss Eliza) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: authors_i_have_met, 2010_challenge_historical_fiction, lauren_willig, signed_editions

Things aren't going very well for Mary Alsworthy. Her midnight elopement ended with a married younger sister and herself still on the shelf. Not that she really loved Geoff or anything, but the title and the houses were just the thing. Now she's stuck rusticating with the new couple who are sickeningly in love and oversolicitous of her. She might just be able to stomach it if they weren't so apologetic about the whole situation. But when she hears that they are going to pay for her next London s...more Things aren't going very well for Mary Alsworthy. Her midnight elopement ended with a married younger sister and herself still on the shelf. Not that she really loved Geoff or anything, but the title and the houses were just the thing. Now she's stuck rusticating with the new couple who are sickeningly in love and oversolicitous of her. She might just be able to stomach it if they weren't so apologetic about the whole situation. But when she hears that they are going to pay for her next London season she can't take their kindness anymore. Lord Vaughn, at the urging of the Pink Carnation, has made Mary an offer. With her coloring and her bearing she appears to be just the type of girl a certain Black Tulip might hire as one of his assassins. After his recent foray in Ireland he is short a few petals. Mary agrees to play the game in exchange for one last chance at a suitable match. With Vaughn as her escort and entree to some of the more radical groups, she tries to establish herself as just the type of girl a famous French spy might seek out. From Vauxhall to Vaughn House, she tries to work her way in the world, all while trading barbs with the king of cynicism and insult, Lord Sebastian Vaughn himself. Mary does meet one eligible prospect, a Mr. St. George. But an earnest lord who spends much time rusticating looks less and less appealing next to the unattainable Vaughn. Mary would rather trade insults with Vaughn than words of endearment with St. George. Could it be that the ice maiden, who has always viewed her marriage as a commodity, where the best bank account wins, be falling for a man who turns out to be unattainable after the reappearance of his long dead wife? But matters of the heart might not signify if one of the hearts is no longer beating, because the Black Tulip doesn't hesitate to spill blood. Someone will die and a happy ending might not be in the cards. And while Eloise looks into Vaughn's past, could her present collide with Serena Selwick's heart breaker?

This is the book that made me fall irrevocably in love with this series. Mary and Vaughn are the perfect sparring partners. They duel with words in a way that is sheer entertainment and hasn't been seen since Elizabeth and Darcy. No saccharine and sweetness, we have barbed and witty repartee that just keeps the pages flying long through the night. They are what this series needed more than ever, a balance. Not all heroes are virtuous and good, not all are in it for the good of the country. Some heroes are just in it for themselves. If this book had one flaw, it's that once they start to fall for each other, their bark is worse than their bite. Their claws retract a little and it's never more enjoyable than when they are at each other full force. There are also no misunderstandings between the two. They have their obstacles, that's for sure, but they always know where the other one stands. They are a perfectly matched pair. I just hope that married life doesn't sweeten them one bit. But aside from the titular hero and heroine, we finally get a satisfactory conclusion to the identity of the Black Tulip, who is far more deranged, deluded and demented that we thought. With motivations that work for and against France, he was a nice surprise and not a simplistic ending to a plot device that has been going strong for three books. A satisfactory ending all around, even if just the tiniest bit of sweetness sneaks in at the end, but who can fault a happy ending?
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Dec 28, 2012 Josilyn rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

My friend told me that this was the best of the series, and I have to say that I agree! While the previous books have painted Mary as a seemingly empty-headed beauty being swarmed by suitors, this entry into the series shows her in a different light. She is a woman who has already had 3 Seasons and still has yet to find a husband. She is a cynic who has no illusions of true love or romance, but views marriage as a way of being taken care of financially, which is sadly true for most women in her...more

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May 10, 2012 Susan (susayq) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012books, contemporary-romance, ebooks, mystery, historical-romance, christmas-season

For some reason I didn't like this one as much as I've liked the previous books in this series. Now, that's not to say that it isn't good, cause as you can see, I gave it 4 stars. I just don't feel the same excitement now that it's over. Without giving away to much of the plot, there were some things that were resolved in this book, that can't have gone the way it appears, since there are more books in the series. (view spoiler)...more

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Dec 28, 2011 Melissa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This one was full of surprises for me. I can completely understand why Mary wouldn't want to spend the rest of her life chasing after some man to marry and relying on the kindness of her former beau and his wife, her sister. Lettie would never have put Percy and Frobesher (sp?) up to making sure she was seen with Geoffrey so he had truly compromised her, but Mary totally would have. I could really feel her frustration with the way her life was going to turn out. I'm sorry the Black Tulip bruised...more

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Feb 27, 2008 Carol rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, audiobooks

Not quite as good as the other books in the series, but still a very enjoyable read. I think it is because Mary Alsworthy is now our main female character and in the previous book she was a bit of a brat. Good romance in the modern day between Eloise and Collin. Their scenes made me smile. Kate Reading is a great narrator for the audiobook. She manages to do male and female voices and different accents wonderfully.

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Jun 06, 2011 laninaki rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, historical-fiction-georgian

I've never had any interest in reading this installment of the Pink Carnation series because I didn't like Mary or Vaughn. However, as I've been rereading the series I found myself intrigued and figured I'd give The Seduction of the Crimson Rose a shot.

It wasn't as bad as I expected...and I kind of like that Vaughn and Mary mutually admire each other for their selfishness (not going to lie: I kinda wish Sof would appreciate my own selfishness), but I really hated the way that Letty is portrayed...more

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Feb 23, 2011 Holly rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I really had fun listening to this latest book about the Pink Carnation and spies after the French Revolution when Napoleon was in power. The story focuses on Mary, a feisty, determined young woman who is determined to secure her future in the world, and not be dependent on family, by finding a suitable husband. Along the way she is approached by Lord Vaughn to help the Pink Carnation and England by attracting the notice of the Black Tulip (the elusive French spy) and unmasking his/her identity....more

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Jun 12, 2012 Chev E rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Mary Alsworthy fits the description of a petal of the Black Tulip, and after one (or two) of them wilted in Emerald Ring, the French spy is looking for a pale-skinned dark-haired beauty to replace them. Tired of living at her younger sister and new brother-in-law (who was supposed to be her husband)'s mercy, Mary jumps at the opportunity to gain some independence. Lord Vaughn offers her money in exchange for her help rooting out the dangerous, elusive, and slightly mad Tulip. Meanwhile, Mary and...more

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Dec 30, 2010 Manda Collins rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Manda by: Fans of anti-heroes, spy stories,

Shelves: regency-historical, scholar-heroines, contemporary

I have the utmost admiration of Willig's skill as an author. And for her sheer bravery for letting her characters remain true to their natures--flaws and all. It would have been easy to explain away their rather unpleasant characteristics with stories of a troubled childhood or various heartbreaks. But she didn't take the easy way, instead walking a tightrope between unlikable and admirable. I'm not sure anyone else would have been able to tell Vaughn and Mary's story and make me like them. They...more

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May 10, 2013 Sonya Lano rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was going to give this book 3 stars, but then there was this one sentence toward the end that had me laughing out loud so long that I had to knock it up to a four-star because it reminded me of simply how much I love Lauren Willig's writing! I wish I could write like this because it's like reading art. Every sentence (alright, not every single one, but a LOT of them, like more than the average mortal writer's sentences) is a masterpiece. I love her humor and her sarcastic, zany observations, a...more I was going to give this book 3 stars, but then there was this one sentence toward the end that had me laughing out loud so long that I had to knock it up to a four-star because it reminded me of simply how much I love Lauren Willig's writing! I wish I could write like this because it's like reading art. Every sentence (alright, not every single one, but a LOT of them, like more than the average mortal writer's sentences) is a masterpiece. I love her humor and her sarcastic, zany observations, and her vocabulary - ah, her vocabulary and her wickedly dexterous use of it leaves me drooling, not to mention the creative way she puts sentences together and manages to create an atmosphere without me even realizing how!
Anyway, the writing is the best part about this book, and that's why it gets four stars, but this wasn't my favorite of her books that I've read so far (For the record, I HATED The Secret History of the Pink Carnation but I loved The Masque of the Black Tulip and The Deception of the Emerald Ring, so personally I would recommend skipping the first book if you're thinking of reading the series). Regarding The Seduction of the Crimson Rose, another reviewer mentioned that she didn't believe the romance between Vaugn and Mary, and I'm sorry to say that I'm of the same mind. I think the reason is that they simply don't have enough time to fall in love. They've known each other (or at least known *of* each other) for years but never felt a spark, and then they have two encounters together (it might be three) and that's enough for them to suddenly fall in love. It felt like it might have happened naturally, but they simply weren't given enough time together for it to be credible. But if you can see past that, then their relationship is a beautiful one! And the writing, aaaah, the writing!
Another thing that left me kind of cool is Eloise and Colin. Eloise has such witty commentary and turns of phrase when she's narrating, but once she opens her mouth, she sounds like a twit, and it makes me cringe and wonder why Colin isn't running fast and far in the opposite direction. If her verbal commentary were on par with her running commentary as narrator, I would believe he would enjoy her company, but as it is... it's hard for me to swallow.
However, I return once more to the writing, which for me made reading this book (despite its shortcomings) a delectable experience! I'd recommend it just for that!(less)

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Nov 29, 2012 Mary-Beth rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, historicalfiction, romance, mystery

I've developed a theory about these books. My theory is that the author is a little ashamed of the flouncy romantical romance of the actual historical fiction and so she feels she needs to plop in the thoroughly unromantic 'realistic' student doing research on the various 'flowery' spies. I could do without it. I've mentioned it before but that student is excessively awkward and unromantic to the extent that I find her less believable than the historical fiction!

But I read these books for a roma...more

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Apr 11, 2013 Lisazj1 rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

3.5 stars. I enjoyed this latest installment of Lauren Willig's Pink Carnation series, though to be honest, initially I didn't think I would.

This book's MCs, Mary Alsworthy and Lord Sebastian Vaughn weren't the most likable of characters. Lord Vaughn is the very definition of the word 'jaded' and Mary is consumed with bitterness that her little sister has gotten married before her and snagged herself a title (to Mary's own former suitor, to make it even worse) and is out for nothing more than a...more

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May 17, 2011 Summer rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, romance, regency-empire, spies-espionage

I definitely liked this one more than the previous book, even though both were enjoyable. My only complaint is I wanted a little more of the heroine and lord vaughn together. I wanted a little more of his signature sparring of words. But otherwise this series has continued to be good and I hope the rest of the series continues to be so.

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Jan 16, 2009 Lindsey rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audio-books, adult-fiction, ladies-light, historical-fiction, romance, mystery

This book follows Mary Alsworthy, previously introduced as the beautiful sister of Letty, who was left jilted when her intended accidently married Letty instead of her.

Still on the prowl for a man with money, Mary makes a deal with Lord Vaughn. If she will infiltrate the Black Tulip's spy organization, he will make sure she has enough money to fund another "season" in London so that she can find a husband. Mary finds herself in over her head with deadly spies and also falling in love with Lord V...more

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Romance Lovers fo...: Series Read: Pink Carnation, #4: The Seduction of the Crimson Rose ("Buddy Read" DQs) Start Date: May 7, 2012	86	33	May 16, 2012 06:51am

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About Lauren Willig

Lauren Willig is the New York Times bestselling author of eleven works of historical fiction. Her books have been translated into over a dozen languages, awarded the RITA, Booksellers Best and Golden Leaf awards, and chosen for the American Library Association's annual list of the best genre fiction. After graduating from Yale University, she embarked on a PhD in English History at Harvard before...more

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Books by Lauren Willig

The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, #1)

The Masque of the Black Tulip (Pink Carnation, #2)

The Deception of the Emerald Ring (Pink Carnation, #3)

The Temptation of the Night Jasmine (Pink Carnation, #5)

The Betrayal of the Blood Lily (Pink Carnation, #6)

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“For a long moment, he held her gaze without speaking, simply letting the impact of words sink in, before adding rapidly, as though he wished to get it over with as quickly as possible, "I won't deny that you're beautiful. No mirror could tell you otherwise. But there are beautiful women for the buying in any brothel in London. Oh yes, and the ballrooms, too, if one has the proper price. It wasn't your appearance that caught me. It was the way you put me down in the gallery at Sibley Court." Vaughn's lips curved in a reminiscent smile. "And the way you tried to bargain with me after."

"Successfully bargained," Mary corrected.

"That," replied Lord Vaughn, "is exactly what I mean. Has anyone ever told you that you haggle divinely? That the simple beauty of your self-interest is enough to bring a man to his knees?"

Mary couldn't in honesty say that anyone had.

Vaughn's eyes were as hard and bright as silver coins. "Those are the reasons I want you. I want you for your cunning mind and your hard heart, for your indomitable spirit and your scheming soul, for they're more honest by far than any of the so-called virtues."

"The truest poetry is the most feigning?" Mary quoted back his own words to him.

"And the most feigning is the most true.” — 11 people liked it

“It was lovely to see cynicism in one so young. It positively restored his faith in human nature.” — 11 people liked it

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title link	preview: The Seduction of the Crimson Rose
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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8091555-the-seduction-of-the-crimson-rose?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1272221727l/8091555.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8091555-the-seduction-of-the-crimson-rose?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]The Seduction of the Crimson Rose by Lauren Willig[/url]

The Seduction of the Crimson Rose (Pink Carnation #4)

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