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The Seduction of Sebastian Trantor
A novella, previously published in the print anthology It Happened One Season.
Sebastian Trantor is in need of a wife. But although he's scouted the ballrooms, drawing rooms, and salons of London, he's yet to find a single worthwhile candidate in the young ladies paraded before him. They simper; they giggle; they are completely unsuitable.
Then, he discovers Tabitha Makepeace—breaking into a desk! He quickly realizes that this clever and resourceful young lady is the bride for him—but how is he to convince her of that?
136 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2012
71 people are currently reading
536 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Laurens
211 books5,580 followersStephanie Laurens was born in Sri Lanka, which was at the time the British colony of Ceylon. When she was 5, her family moved to Melbourne, Australia, where she was raised. After continuing through school and earning a Ph.D. in Biochemistry in Australia, Stephanie and her husband moved to Great Britain, taking one of the last true overland journeys from Katmandu to London.
Once in London, Stephanie and her husband both began work as research scientists in Kent. They lived in an area surrounded by history. Their own cottage was built in the 16th century, while next door were the protected ruins of an early Roman villa, and nearby was a 14th century castle.
After four years in England, Stephanie and her husband returned to Australia, where she continued to work in cancer research, eventually heading her own research laboratory. One evening Stephanie realized that she did not have any more of her favorite romance novels to read. After years of thinking about writing her own novel, during nights and weekends for the next several months, she began crafting her own story. That manuscript, Tangled Reins, was the first of her books to be published. After achieving a level of success with her novels, Stephanie "retired" from scientific research and became a full-time novelist. Her novels are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period.
Stephanie and her husband live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. If she isn't writing, she's reading, and if she's not reading, she's tending her garden.
Once in London, Stephanie and her husband both began work as research scientists in Kent. They lived in an area surrounded by history. Their own cottage was built in the 16th century, while next door were the protected ruins of an early Roman villa, and nearby was a 14th century castle.
After four years in England, Stephanie and her husband returned to Australia, where she continued to work in cancer research, eventually heading her own research laboratory. One evening Stephanie realized that she did not have any more of her favorite romance novels to read. After years of thinking about writing her own novel, during nights and weekends for the next several months, she began crafting her own story. That manuscript, Tangled Reins, was the first of her books to be published. After achieving a level of success with her novels, Stephanie "retired" from scientific research and became a full-time novelist. Her novels are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period.
Stephanie and her husband live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. If she isn't writing, she's reading, and if she's not reading, she's tending her garden.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 7, 2019
This is definitely a short novella and the reader should not expect too much depth or development of the character or plot due to that reason. However, the author does endeavor to include humor in these intriguing pieces of entertainment.
This is a novella for ** MATURE AUDIENCES **
THE SEDUCTION OF SEBASTIAN TRANTON
by Stephanie Laurens
DESCRIPTION :
Sebastian Trantor is in need of a wife. But although he's scouted the ballrooms, drawing rooms, and salons of London, he's yet to find a single worthwhile candidate in the young ladies paraded before him. They simper; they giggle; they are completely unsuitable.
Then, he discovers Tabitha Makepeace—breaking into a desk! He quickly realizes that this clever and resourceful young lady is the bride for him—but how is he to convince her of that?
How boring it must have been for an independent and sometimes risk-taking individual to live in the strict confines of the ton during this period. However, with a little imagination and astutely crafty person could always find a way around the rules. So, what will Sebastian do?
Sebastian precariously uses an intricate plan of trickery to convince her that they are made for each other. Will she succumb to the same conclusions that he has already reached in his own mind?
. . . Excerpt: "He'd finally come home and found safe harbor, the place he was supposed to be.
Although this novella is shorter than I usually prefer, it seemed to cover all the basic generalities. I felt that the rating of the book for me was around 3.50, but bumped it to 4.0 for personal reasons.
There is a H.E.A. that makes the reader smile and sigh with the acknowledgment that another tale has ended just as it should have.
NOTE: This is NOT a clean series. Those who actually prefer steamy to clean and sweet might not view it as flawed. Due to this aspect, I recommend it with reservations. If you prefer clean and sweet reads, avoid this book.
It is not fair to an author when readers provide bad reviews about steamy scenes if they know they are included in advance. I have been guilty of this offense myself. It takes a lot of time and effort for an author to research and write each book. And there are readers who prefer the material included in this one to a clean and wholesome read. However, I actually prefer the latter. So, if you prefer a clean and wholesome read, this is not it. If you enjoy romance in one of its various facets, jump into this book looking forward to an interesting narrative.
..
This is a novella for ** MATURE AUDIENCES **
THE SEDUCTION OF SEBASTIAN TRANTON
by Stephanie Laurens
DESCRIPTION :
Sebastian Trantor is in need of a wife. But although he's scouted the ballrooms, drawing rooms, and salons of London, he's yet to find a single worthwhile candidate in the young ladies paraded before him. They simper; they giggle; they are completely unsuitable.
Then, he discovers Tabitha Makepeace—breaking into a desk! He quickly realizes that this clever and resourceful young lady is the bride for him—but how is he to convince her of that?
How boring it must have been for an independent and sometimes risk-taking individual to live in the strict confines of the ton during this period. However, with a little imagination and astutely crafty person could always find a way around the rules. So, what will Sebastian do?
Sebastian precariously uses an intricate plan of trickery to convince her that they are made for each other. Will she succumb to the same conclusions that he has already reached in his own mind?
. . . Excerpt: "He'd finally come home and found safe harbor, the place he was supposed to be.
Although this novella is shorter than I usually prefer, it seemed to cover all the basic generalities. I felt that the rating of the book for me was around 3.50, but bumped it to 4.0 for personal reasons.
There is a H.E.A. that makes the reader smile and sigh with the acknowledgment that another tale has ended just as it should have.
NOTE: This is NOT a clean series. Those who actually prefer steamy to clean and sweet might not view it as flawed. Due to this aspect, I recommend it with reservations. If you prefer clean and sweet reads, avoid this book.
It is not fair to an author when readers provide bad reviews about steamy scenes if they know they are included in advance. I have been guilty of this offense myself. It takes a lot of time and effort for an author to research and write each book. And there are readers who prefer the material included in this one to a clean and wholesome read. However, I actually prefer the latter. So, if you prefer a clean and wholesome read, this is not it. If you enjoy romance in one of its various facets, jump into this book looking forward to an interesting narrative.
..
March 16, 2013
This adorable novella is apparently part of a compelation. I haven't read any of the other stories. It does not matter one whit if you haven't either. This stands alone perfectly. It is a fast, sweet read that had me cheering for the adorable hero chasing after the unconventional heroine. And in a very supportive way, I might add. He is very clever and knows he must ease his way into the heart of his love as she has convinced herself that nobody could ever want her as she truly is. She is so wrong and I love the way they are together....Imperfect Perfection! A-
September 12, 2018
I found this to be no different than any of her other regency stories. Nothing super-exciting, just a quick novella that keeps you entertained while you're reading, and then you quickly forget the details of.
Would not buy this as a stand alone paperback, but if it was offered in a collection of her regency novellas then I'd snap it up.
3.25 stars
Would not buy this as a stand alone paperback, but if it was offered in a collection of her regency novellas then I'd snap it up.
3.25 stars
November 23, 2024
4.25 stars
Greatly enjoyed this. The characters were distinct and fun, the plot swift and adventurous. I liked the fact that the spice in here was mostly abstract and not explicit. The author has also done her research on the Regency period, using period-typical language and mentioning names of significant people of the time. A quick, fun read.
Greatly enjoyed this. The characters were distinct and fun, the plot swift and adventurous. I liked the fact that the spice in here was mostly abstract and not explicit. The author has also done her research on the Regency period, using period-typical language and mentioning names of significant people of the time. A quick, fun read.
February 7, 2020
For novella form, things moved quickly and with purpose. But that didn't mean that it wasn't slow with a build up between the couple. That is what made this enjoyable.
Well written, a shortie in pages but romantic at the end....which made it sweet. A good read.
Well written, a shortie in pages but romantic at the end....which made it sweet. A good read.
June 24, 2020
Me gustó mucho está historia,la pluma de la autora es maravillosa y ligera ,y los personajes que crea te llegan al corazón. Lo único es que me pareció muy corto,creo que tenía para desarrollar más la historia.
May 6, 2024
Short and Sweet
Laurens never disappoints. Although short, Laurens pulls you in with a complete knowing of all the characters in her stories. She makes you want to know more about the others connected to the main couple. This may be why I've read every thing she's written.
Laurens never disappoints. Although short, Laurens pulls you in with a complete knowing of all the characters in her stories. She makes you want to know more about the others connected to the main couple. This may be why I've read every thing she's written.
January 4, 2018
A cute and delightful snack of a book.
January 7, 2018
in It happened one season
November 15, 2024
Lovely
I really enjoy Me Laurens writing.Nice little mystery too.Thoroughly enjoyed it. Great hero- very familiar type of strong intelligent chap!
I really enjoy Me Laurens writing.Nice little mystery too.Thoroughly enjoyed it. Great hero- very familiar type of strong intelligent chap!
September 28, 2025
What a pleasant surprise discovering a SL book I hadn’t read, and even more exciting was seeing a familiar face at his beginnings. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
October 19, 2025
This was good but the heroine, like in all Stephaine Laurens' books, is a virgin but she initiated the sex.
August 22, 2019
I liked. I especially liked seeing the first appearance (I think) of Barnaby's Stokes. And liked the mix of classes.
September 15, 2013
Sebastian Trantor is in need of a wife. But although he's scouted the ballrooms, drawing rooms, and salons of London, he's yet to find a single worthwhile candidate in the young ladies paraded before him. They simper; they giggle; they are completely unsuitable.
Then, he discovers Tabitha Makepeace—breaking into a desk! He quickly realizes that this clever and resourceful young lady is the bride for him—but how is he to convince her of that?
Sebastian is the brooding hero we love in historical romance, with jus enough of a soft, seductive edge to make us fall in love. Tabitha is smart and not very interested, which puts Sebastian in his place. As expected, their attraction is undeniable and they simmer when they finally connect.
I've been a fan of Laurens from way back, and have yet to be disappointed. This short and sexy novella was as rich and satisfying as her full-length novels. A must read, in my book!
Then, he discovers Tabitha Makepeace—breaking into a desk! He quickly realizes that this clever and resourceful young lady is the bride for him—but how is he to convince her of that?
Sebastian is the brooding hero we love in historical romance, with jus enough of a soft, seductive edge to make us fall in love. Tabitha is smart and not very interested, which puts Sebastian in his place. As expected, their attraction is undeniable and they simmer when they finally connect.
I've been a fan of Laurens from way back, and have yet to be disappointed. This short and sexy novella was as rich and satisfying as her full-length novels. A must read, in my book!
February 12, 2015
I'm generally wary of historical romance novels but every once in awhile, I find one that is just fantastic and this one absolutely fits the bill! I think this is the first book by Stephanie Laurens that I've read but I'll definitely be seeking out others. I absolutely adored the main characters - Sebastian and Tabitha - and the plot was engaging and entertaining. It's a short story (only 130 pages) so it's a pretty quick read and really worth the time!
August 27, 2018
Sebastian Trantor is in need of a wife. But although he's scouted the ballrooms, drawing rooms, and salons of London, he's yet to find a single worthwhile candidate in the young ladies paraded before him. They simper; they giggle; they are completely unsuitable.
Then, he discovers Tabitha Makepeace—breaking into a desk! He quickly realizes that this clever and resourceful young lady is the bride for him—but how is he to convince her of that?
January 14, 2017
Fun, short novella
This was a fun, quick read. As with most novellas, the plot developed and was resolved quickly. However, I thought the author did a good job developing the main characters. I really liked the story and couldn't wait to see how it ended. Overall I'd recommend this book.
This was a fun, quick read. As with most novellas, the plot developed and was resolved quickly. However, I thought the author did a good job developing the main characters. I really liked the story and couldn't wait to see how it ended. Overall I'd recommend this book.
February 10, 2012
Loved the play between the characters! They were just so charming... I was worried that, it being only a hundred pages, I would feel dissatisfied. Quite the opposite, this was one of the most satisfying romances I've read in a long time.
February 13, 2012
A super quick sweet romance that will make you happy to be alive. I love regency romance and this author is a master at this. Fun characters and a quick read. If you enjoy romance you will enjoy this one....99 cents at Amazon currently.
December 2, 2014
This was a fun fast paced story with lots of steamy encounters and twists and turns. The main characters were well done and the type you would like to actually know! Kept a great pace and made you want to finish in one sitting.
February 18, 2012
Liked the story for a novella it was cute engaging and did not disappoint
April 3, 2012
3 1/2 stars.
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September 20, 2014#N/A
August 8, 2012
2.5 stars
August 23, 2014
Stephanie Laurens never disappoints. Highly entertaining.
Read
December 16, 2012Reprint
April 11, 2013
enjoyable.
April 13, 2013
Simply lovely novella that will make you smile if you love historical romances like I do. One on Stephanie Laurens' best works, in my opinion. A -.
September 12, 2013
I just couldn't get into this story. It lacked emotion for me.
July 28, 2014
3+
Also part of book: It Happened Once Season
Also part of book: It Happened Once Season
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews