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The Seduction of Emily
Seduction is a wicked game, and no one plays it better than the devilish Will Samson in Rachel Brimble's captivating new novel...
Since girlhood, Emily Darson has accepted that she will marry Nicholas, the son of her father's trusted business partner. The marriage contract safeguards her family legacy, Emily's fortune, and everything she values--except her independence. Only when a sinfully handsome scoundrel enters her life does Emily realize quite how much a loveless match will cost her.
Will Samson has advanced from expert pickpocket to confidence trickster of the highest caliber. Now he has come to Bath to exact vengeance on the man who destroyed his mother--the man Emily will soon marry. But from his first glimpse of the enemy's bewitching, spirited fiancée, Will's plan changes.
Amid the ballrooms and salons of elegant society, heated glances explode into scandalous kisses. Revenge is sweet, but surrender will be irresistible...
Since girlhood, Emily Darson has accepted that she will marry Nicholas, the son of her father's trusted business partner. The marriage contract safeguards her family legacy, Emily's fortune, and everything she values--except her independence. Only when a sinfully handsome scoundrel enters her life does Emily realize quite how much a loveless match will cost her.
Will Samson has advanced from expert pickpocket to confidence trickster of the highest caliber. Now he has come to Bath to exact vengeance on the man who destroyed his mother--the man Emily will soon marry. But from his first glimpse of the enemy's bewitching, spirited fiancée, Will's plan changes.
Amid the ballrooms and salons of elegant society, heated glances explode into scandalous kisses. Revenge is sweet, but surrender will be irresistible...
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
25 people are currently reading
769 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Brimble
51 books997 followersRachel Brimble is the author of multiple Amazon bestselling books, including her latest series, The Home Front Nurses set in Bath during WWII. Book 4 of the series releases Feb 2026.
When she's not writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family. And in the evening, a period or crime drama on the TV while she completes her latest 1500 piece jigsaw puzzle!
Rachel is a member of the Female Entrepeneur Association and has an Etsy shop, The Writer Printable Co, providing resources she has created to help new authors achieve their writing dreams.
When she's not writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family. And in the evening, a period or crime drama on the TV while she completes her latest 1500 piece jigsaw puzzle!
Rachel is a member of the Female Entrepeneur Association and has an Etsy shop, The Writer Printable Co, providing resources she has created to help new authors achieve their writing dreams.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
May 16, 2013
This is the first historical romance by Rachel Brimble that I've read. Earlier this year I read her novel for Harlequin Superromance, Finding Justice and loved it. I have to say that though The Seduction of Emily made me very nervous at times, while reading it, I enjoyed it just as much.
Now why was I nervous.
Nicholas Milne was such a nasty character that I really thought something terrible might befall Emily. He was an abusive, nasty, evil, no good, jerk of a man. You have to hate him. You also have to wonder what made him that way, since Emily repeatedly said that as children they were friends. I wish there had been some back story to his character that let the readers see how he turned into such a bad seed.
The Seduction Of Emily is very different from most regency romances.
How so?
Emily, Nicholas and Will are all common. Not a single one of them are a member of the ton. In fact, because of the tobacco business that is the forefront of the marriage contract between Emily and Nicholas, we know that they are member of "The Trade!" Will is even more common that that!
I liked that Emily did her best to stand up for herself, but I also wish she opened her eyes a bit more to Nicholas' bad behavior. Her father who is dying of lung disease knew better than she did, about Nicholas and his character, or lack thereof.
There was a lot of romantic tension between Emily and Will from the very start. I liked that it was kept at bay throughout most of the novel, yet you know that something is there between them.
This is the one of 3 historical romances that I've read recently dealing with domestic abuse. I thought everything was handled well in the story and I was really glad, Nicholas ended up where he belonged for the time being.
The subject matter is very touchy, when you are using it in a romance, and I felt Rachel handled things really well. She showed Nicholas for the predator he was, without making the story too graphic.
I definitely will be reading more of Rachel's historical romances.
Now why was I nervous.
Nicholas Milne was such a nasty character that I really thought something terrible might befall Emily. He was an abusive, nasty, evil, no good, jerk of a man. You have to hate him. You also have to wonder what made him that way, since Emily repeatedly said that as children they were friends. I wish there had been some back story to his character that let the readers see how he turned into such a bad seed.
The Seduction Of Emily is very different from most regency romances.
How so?
Emily, Nicholas and Will are all common. Not a single one of them are a member of the ton. In fact, because of the tobacco business that is the forefront of the marriage contract between Emily and Nicholas, we know that they are member of "The Trade!" Will is even more common that that!
I liked that Emily did her best to stand up for herself, but I also wish she opened her eyes a bit more to Nicholas' bad behavior. Her father who is dying of lung disease knew better than she did, about Nicholas and his character, or lack thereof.
There was a lot of romantic tension between Emily and Will from the very start. I liked that it was kept at bay throughout most of the novel, yet you know that something is there between them.
This is the one of 3 historical romances that I've read recently dealing with domestic abuse. I thought everything was handled well in the story and I was really glad, Nicholas ended up where he belonged for the time being.
The subject matter is very touchy, when you are using it in a romance, and I felt Rachel handled things really well. She showed Nicholas for the predator he was, without making the story too graphic.
I definitely will be reading more of Rachel's historical romances.
April 26, 2013
When I had the opportunity to review The Seduction of Emily, I jumped at the chance. If you have never read one of Ms. Brimble’s historicals, you need to. She brings a richness to the genre that few authors can. Why?
A couple of things:
1) She is British and Bath is her backyard
2) She doesn’t muddy the waters with all the detailed trappings of the genre. She tells a story that is relatable to modern times and with characters that we can like and understand.
3) Without all of the pages and pages of what everyone is wearing, the gossip mongering, and the etiquette of the time, you get a great character driven story that you can lose yourself in for a couple of hours.
4) While I do appreciate historical romance with all the back history, detailed information and setting descriptions…sometimes, I just want the story. Lose the filler and give me what I want. A great story. Ms. Brimble does that in spades.
The Seduction of Emily is a beautifully written novel about a contracted marriage between childhood friends arranged by their fathers. Too bad, Emily doesn’t want to be married to Nicholas. She feels stifled and knowing that he doesn’t respect her as his soon to be wife is even more appalling.
Emily is from the new generation of British women in Victorian England that realizes that arranged/contracted marriages are not normal and only wants to marry for love. Too bad, the contract states that to have her half of her father’s business she must marry Nicholas. When she meets Will at the auction, she has no idea how her world and life will change.
Will Sampson is a study in contrasts. What started off as a tale of vengeance for his mother, turns his head and heart toward not only seducing Emily but winning her heart in the end. Will isn’t perfect. Actually his back history is somewhat heartbreaking but it makes him what he is today and why he seeks out Nicholas.
The heart of the book isn’t about Emily, Will or the marriage contract but what Nicholas as done as man and what he continues to do to women. Its appalling and unfortunately in the times, it was common place. Sure it was whispered in some circles but most everyone turned their cheek to it. Not Will and Emily. They vowed to bring justice not only for Will’s mother but to the other women that he has been with. Its heartbreaking to know that one of the secondary characters, Katherine has put up with it for as long as she did.
I loved how Will was able to convince 5 different women to stand up to Nicholas. In that time period, I can’t even imagine what it was like to walk into a police station and tell your tale. Who would believe you? Again, Ms. Brimble handled the material with grace and humility. She doesn’t gloss over but gives you the sense of what it was like.
The romance between Will and Emily was never forced. In fact, it was light, fun and even through the difficult times, realistic. Again, I could relate to both Emily and Will easily and loved watching their romance grow. Their love for one another was evident before they ever kissed. Will wanted Emily to have a voice in things; he loved her wit, intelligence and above all…who she already was. He didn’t want her subservient and submissive. He wanted that fire, passion that she had.
I know that Ms. Brimble is nervous about my review and she shouldn’t be. She wrote an intelligent Victorian novel about two characters that I instantly connected with and cheered for in the end. The social commentary that she brought to the book was well thought out, not glossed over and even relevant to today’s society.
I’m rooting for Katherine to get her own book and maybe even Laura. Hint, hint…
A couple of things:
1) She is British and Bath is her backyard
2) She doesn’t muddy the waters with all the detailed trappings of the genre. She tells a story that is relatable to modern times and with characters that we can like and understand.
3) Without all of the pages and pages of what everyone is wearing, the gossip mongering, and the etiquette of the time, you get a great character driven story that you can lose yourself in for a couple of hours.
4) While I do appreciate historical romance with all the back history, detailed information and setting descriptions…sometimes, I just want the story. Lose the filler and give me what I want. A great story. Ms. Brimble does that in spades.
The Seduction of Emily is a beautifully written novel about a contracted marriage between childhood friends arranged by their fathers. Too bad, Emily doesn’t want to be married to Nicholas. She feels stifled and knowing that he doesn’t respect her as his soon to be wife is even more appalling.
Emily is from the new generation of British women in Victorian England that realizes that arranged/contracted marriages are not normal and only wants to marry for love. Too bad, the contract states that to have her half of her father’s business she must marry Nicholas. When she meets Will at the auction, she has no idea how her world and life will change.
Will Sampson is a study in contrasts. What started off as a tale of vengeance for his mother, turns his head and heart toward not only seducing Emily but winning her heart in the end. Will isn’t perfect. Actually his back history is somewhat heartbreaking but it makes him what he is today and why he seeks out Nicholas.
The heart of the book isn’t about Emily, Will or the marriage contract but what Nicholas as done as man and what he continues to do to women. Its appalling and unfortunately in the times, it was common place. Sure it was whispered in some circles but most everyone turned their cheek to it. Not Will and Emily. They vowed to bring justice not only for Will’s mother but to the other women that he has been with. Its heartbreaking to know that one of the secondary characters, Katherine has put up with it for as long as she did.
I loved how Will was able to convince 5 different women to stand up to Nicholas. In that time period, I can’t even imagine what it was like to walk into a police station and tell your tale. Who would believe you? Again, Ms. Brimble handled the material with grace and humility. She doesn’t gloss over but gives you the sense of what it was like.
The romance between Will and Emily was never forced. In fact, it was light, fun and even through the difficult times, realistic. Again, I could relate to both Emily and Will easily and loved watching their romance grow. Their love for one another was evident before they ever kissed. Will wanted Emily to have a voice in things; he loved her wit, intelligence and above all…who she already was. He didn’t want her subservient and submissive. He wanted that fire, passion that she had.
I know that Ms. Brimble is nervous about my review and she shouldn’t be. She wrote an intelligent Victorian novel about two characters that I instantly connected with and cheered for in the end. The social commentary that she brought to the book was well thought out, not glossed over and even relevant to today’s society.
I’m rooting for Katherine to get her own book and maybe even Laura. Hint, hint…
February 26, 2013
This review also appears on my blog at http://www.thegoldenruleof666.blogspo...
A lovely romance! The Seduction of Emily is a sweet romance that will charm readers.
Emily was a wonderful heroine. She wasn't one to let others rule her. For a while, however, I did get frustrated with her stubborn determination to martyr herself into marriage with Nicholas, even after she saw the first hints of his bad character. She kept saying that she had to preserve her father's legacy but her father was telling her that she didn't have to get married to Nicholas and that he didn't want her to do so. It was a little irritating. But, that was really the only problem in the entire book. Other than that, Emily was a brilliant character. She was tough and very clever. And, once she decided on a path, there wasn't anything that was going to stop her. I really liked her and I think other readers will, as well.
Will was amazing! I adored him. He was so charming and wonderful. I loved that he was so determined to avenge his mother. Nicholas did something very bad to her, which Will finds out he does to many women, and Will wants to stop it before Nicholas can hurt anyone else. I just thought that was so knight-in-shining-armor. He was so sweet and determined to protect not only those he cared about, but anyone else that he could. He was just...perfect.
Will and Emily were adorable together. They both definitely met their match in each other. Both are strong characters and they definitely were well matched. They were mostly a sweet couple. Only the smallest hint of spice in this book. I loved these two together. They were a lovely couple.
The plot of the book was well-paced. It moved swiftly and kept me hooked the entire time. There weren't any outstanding surprises in this book, but it definitely wasn't predictable, either. The ending was absolutely perfect-a sweet happy ending.
The Seduction of Emily is a fantastic romance! To any romance lovers, you definitely need to give this one a read.
*Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for a copy!
A lovely romance! The Seduction of Emily is a sweet romance that will charm readers.
Emily was a wonderful heroine. She wasn't one to let others rule her. For a while, however, I did get frustrated with her stubborn determination to martyr herself into marriage with Nicholas, even after she saw the first hints of his bad character. She kept saying that she had to preserve her father's legacy but her father was telling her that she didn't have to get married to Nicholas and that he didn't want her to do so. It was a little irritating. But, that was really the only problem in the entire book. Other than that, Emily was a brilliant character. She was tough and very clever. And, once she decided on a path, there wasn't anything that was going to stop her. I really liked her and I think other readers will, as well.
Will was amazing! I adored him. He was so charming and wonderful. I loved that he was so determined to avenge his mother. Nicholas did something very bad to her, which Will finds out he does to many women, and Will wants to stop it before Nicholas can hurt anyone else. I just thought that was so knight-in-shining-armor. He was so sweet and determined to protect not only those he cared about, but anyone else that he could. He was just...perfect.
Will and Emily were adorable together. They both definitely met their match in each other. Both are strong characters and they definitely were well matched. They were mostly a sweet couple. Only the smallest hint of spice in this book. I loved these two together. They were a lovely couple.
The plot of the book was well-paced. It moved swiftly and kept me hooked the entire time. There weren't any outstanding surprises in this book, but it definitely wasn't predictable, either. The ending was absolutely perfect-a sweet happy ending.
The Seduction of Emily is a fantastic romance! To any romance lovers, you definitely need to give this one a read.
*Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for a copy!
March 6, 2014
Great read
Kept me interested and affected me in so many ways. truly enjoyable and I would recommend it to anyone.
judy
Kept me interested and affected me in so many ways. truly enjoyable and I would recommend it to anyone.
judy
February 9, 2016
Cute story. Different from other historical romances. Liked how her mother was a feminist whom died trying to protect women's rights while instilling the same in her daughter. There were moments I wanted to smack her (Emily). I was over her marrying a tyrant because he would receive her father's legacy, but what she didn't comprehend, she was her father's legacy. There were some moments the language didn't mesh with that period of time. For example blah, blah, blah...good story.
October 8, 2014
4.5 - Goodreads really needs half stars!!!
It's been awhile since a historical romance grabbed my attention like this one did.
Ms. Brimble created a great character in Emily - a woman torn by her inner desire to be MORE than society allowed during that time. A great plot along with a memorable supporting cast makes this a book well worth the read.
Looking forward to reading more of her works!
It's been awhile since a historical romance grabbed my attention like this one did.
Ms. Brimble created a great character in Emily - a woman torn by her inner desire to be MORE than society allowed during that time. A great plot along with a memorable supporting cast makes this a book well worth the read.
Looking forward to reading more of her works!
February 20, 2014
A Dark, tense social statement
I have never read a book like this before. It has extreme tension, with death hovering, violence barely hidden, and of course, sexual awareness. Emily's apparent innocence, Will's anger, and the erstwhile fiance....no mothers makes things a little awkward at places, but the insertion of the maid, Annie, overcomes that by giving Emily not only a confident, but also a friend. lovely way to start a day.
I have never read a book like this before. It has extreme tension, with death hovering, violence barely hidden, and of course, sexual awareness. Emily's apparent innocence, Will's anger, and the erstwhile fiance....no mothers makes things a little awkward at places, but the insertion of the maid, Annie, overcomes that by giving Emily not only a confident, but also a friend. lovely way to start a day.
July 8, 2015
I rounded up...it's a historical romance/thriller
February 18, 2014
While hardly what many might expect from a Victorian romance this story has a lot to offer.
A unlikely hero. Strong and united women. A story of love overcoming and an evil man getting the punishment he deserves.
Well worth the time and while I got the story free I will definitely consider other titles by this author in the future!
A unlikely hero. Strong and united women. A story of love overcoming and an evil man getting the punishment he deserves.
Well worth the time and while I got the story free I will definitely consider other titles by this author in the future!
January 11, 2016
Color me shocked-a historical romance I actually enjoyed!
Heroine: Finally one i could actually read. She was stubborn and free spirited and especially appealing for defying her time to do so. At the same time she was just enough a woman of the time to keep her from being totally out of place, with her attempts to keep her fathers legacy in tact.
Hero: how can you not love him. Sweet and protective with a dark streak that he tries to keep separate from the heroine. he has a dark past but valiant motives. At every turn he shows that he genuinely cares for not just the heroine but women in general which would probably be a rarity in that time.
Romance: fairly well paced and the characters were very sweet together. I enjoyed watching them fall in love and save the heroine from the grips of the evil villain.
Sex scenes: really poorly written. i mean penis and pubic hairs should not be words that are anywhere near a sex scene. they were also waaaaay too much telling and not enough showing. the one downside to an otherwise wonderful book.
Plot: actually rather interesting and fairly different. For instance, I think this is the only historical romance i've ever read where not a single character was titled. fairly well paced though the ending happened a bit fast and was a tad disappointing. Overall good though.
Writing: Pretty solid. I didn't notice any errors and it was a very quick read. Any issues I had in this area I've already talked about in others. Though i did wonder if in the age would they have really known about the link between tobacco and cancer (like im one to talk about historical inaccuracies i know)?
Bottom line: I thoroughly enjoyed this book much to my surprise. If you like inaccurate historical romances i highly recommend this one for you. :)
Heroine: Finally one i could actually read. She was stubborn and free spirited and especially appealing for defying her time to do so. At the same time she was just enough a woman of the time to keep her from being totally out of place, with her attempts to keep her fathers legacy in tact.
Hero: how can you not love him. Sweet and protective with a dark streak that he tries to keep separate from the heroine. he has a dark past but valiant motives. At every turn he shows that he genuinely cares for not just the heroine but women in general which would probably be a rarity in that time.
Romance: fairly well paced and the characters were very sweet together. I enjoyed watching them fall in love and save the heroine from the grips of the evil villain.
Sex scenes: really poorly written. i mean penis and pubic hairs should not be words that are anywhere near a sex scene. they were also waaaaay too much telling and not enough showing. the one downside to an otherwise wonderful book.
Plot: actually rather interesting and fairly different. For instance, I think this is the only historical romance i've ever read where not a single character was titled. fairly well paced though the ending happened a bit fast and was a tad disappointing. Overall good though.
Writing: Pretty solid. I didn't notice any errors and it was a very quick read. Any issues I had in this area I've already talked about in others. Though i did wonder if in the age would they have really known about the link between tobacco and cancer (like im one to talk about historical inaccuracies i know)?
Bottom line: I thoroughly enjoyed this book much to my surprise. If you like inaccurate historical romances i highly recommend this one for you. :)
February 13, 2015
Nice story. Felt rather appropriate to read around Valentine's Day. I found it a rather love story. Some of the language seemed more "now" than 1800 but I read for the pleasure and how I can "see" the story in my minds eye. Ms Brimble writes rather descriptively. I felt I knew the cast of characters. I enjoyed the story.
February 19, 2014
4 stars because i needed a really cheesy romance novel right now :)
March 3, 2014
Nothing like the strength of determined women. Good read,
April 1, 2014
This was a quick read, which let me jump into a different world.
March 4, 2014
I love Emily! She's a spitfire for sure. Her relationships with the people she loves is inspiring. Her confidence in herself and knowing what she wants from life if enviable. Will is quite possibly the most endearing hero I've read in months. I found myself laughing out loud at the banter between the two of them. Nicholas was thoroughly despicable. He was evil and gross in the perfect balance. I really enjoyed this book. A lot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2013
The Seduction of Emily, was not your run of the mill regency novel. The Hero for was not very heroic in the beginning mostly going for the heroine as a means for revenge. In the beginning of the book I was a little nervous Emily's fiancée seemed to be a very shady character. Then you meet Will and at first he doesn't seem all that great either. But as the story progresses Will 's inattentions and love for Emily grows and becomes more then him seeking revenge against her fiancee. After the story picked up The Seduction Of Emily was a great book. I really enjoyed the grow that all the main characters went threw. I really enjoyed the struggle Emily went threw letting some one help her and her father. I would definitely recommend this to any one who enjoys regency novels.
Reviewed by SammySosa
Reviewed by SammySosa
July 3, 2014
Predictable, but good!
Enjoyable book to read, but as most love stories...they will live happily ever after! This book was a little too predictable.
Enjoyable book to read, but as most love stories...they will live happily ever after! This book was a little too predictable.
October 28, 2013
Will is one of my favorite heroes ever! A man who respects women, no matter their station in life - he's got my vote! Emily is a lovely, smart heroine trying to live within the traditions of the times for women, regardless of how unfair.
The sexual tension crackles between these two, and I not only rooted for them as a couple, but turned those pages faster and faster to get to the happily-ever-after I craved.
Awesome story! I heartily recommend!
The sexual tension crackles between these two, and I not only rooted for them as a couple, but turned those pages faster and faster to get to the happily-ever-after I craved.
Awesome story! I heartily recommend!
September 16, 2015
Great story from Rachel Brimble, she writes so that you can imagine your really there back in the past living the story. Lots of action and will they wont they moments to keep you reading. Lots of detail of the past of how Gerogian Bath was and a very believable hero to save the day. Loved it cant wait to read another of Rachel's books.
March 27, 2018
At times, this book is so much like Titanic (sans the sinking ship, unfortunately) that I'm suspecting it isn't a coincidence. The hero is poor and has a gift for drawing. The heroine feels pressured to save the family fortune. The Very Obviously Evil Fiance gives the heroine a necklace called The Heart of Kingston. FFS. Was I not supposed to notice this? I saw Titanic, like, 6 times at the movie theater because I was that 12-year-old girl. The major difference between this weird little book and the movie is that Cal is at least clever enough to fuck over some women and children and get his ass on the lifeboat. Nicholas Milne, The Very Obviously Evil Fiance, is not clever in the slightest and is foiled faster than a baked potato. In fact, Emily's refusal to see that Nicholas is a totes bad idea and public health risk is made all the more irritating by how obviously sinister he is. Could he not have been charming or boring while secretly evil? It still would have given Emily a chance to fall in love with con man Will despite her engagement. She's all like, "But I need to marry him to secure the inheritance for my DAUGHTERS." And I'm like, "The last thing this demon needs is more females to abuse, you fucking idiot."
I can't believe I'm typing this, but James Cameron did it better.
Still letting that sink in...
But aside from all that, I guess the book is okay.
I can't believe I'm typing this, but James Cameron did it better.
Still letting that sink in...
But aside from all that, I guess the book is okay.
February 21, 2014
From the moment the heroine winks at the hero I should have known this wasnt going to be enjoyable for me-and I was right. I guess I was firmly convinced of it when the hero takes one look at her and falls in lust.
The writing just didnt do anything for me but as I read on something else started bothering me even more. For example when the heroines (evil)fiancee buys her an emerald necklace and then goes on berating her for not being up to his standards I started to be reminded strongly of a certain movie.
When she heard the faint click of the necklace locking into place, Emily closed her eyes. A ball being fitted to a chain. Nicholas’s fingers lingered for an unnecessarily long time at her nape and nausea swirled inside her. "There. Now you belong to me." His breath whispered hot against her ear.
So a historical romance where the heroine is a spirited young woman trapped in an engagement to a bad bad man who buys her a necklace,but she is falling for another man who is lower class.
And the necklace is called The Heart of Kingston.Sound familiar?
"I will never be yours mentally, emotionally, or physically." Pride swelled in her chest. "Will Samson took it all."
He stared for a long moment, revulsion contorting his face until his mouth curved into a slow grin. His eyes gleamed. "Oh, Emily. I am not a fool. I know you are a slut and I know Mr. Samson has had you."
Titanic
Cal:Where are you going? To him? Is that it? To be a whore to that gutter rat?
Rose:I'd rather be his whore than your wife
But in Titanic we have the mother to act as an incentive to the marriage in this...well
Even her own father indicates its fine with him if she breaks the engagement.He loves his daughter too much to subject her to the hell a marriage with this guy would be. But no shes forges on determined to get her hands on the money no matter if she has to marry a domineering violent man. Its for her children (daughters) so they can have a better life
Ok...umm you do know your children would also be HIS childen? So you are willfully wanting to marry a violent man and exposing children to him.
Have you no regard for decorum?"
He smiled. "Decorum?"
Not so long ago you were winking at him while suggestively biting your lip! Now you care about decorum?!
This book supposedly takes place in 1890s but there is nothing about the characters behavior that makes me believe in them as actually living in that time.I also felt no connection with or between these two characters or what their appeal for each other was. I guess they just found each other hot?
Its fine to be inspired by something and take it to put a twist on a story but this was just a forgettable story. .At least it was free.
The writing just didnt do anything for me but as I read on something else started bothering me even more. For example when the heroines (evil)fiancee buys her an emerald necklace and then goes on berating her for not being up to his standards I started to be reminded strongly of a certain movie.
When she heard the faint click of the necklace locking into place, Emily closed her eyes. A ball being fitted to a chain. Nicholas’s fingers lingered for an unnecessarily long time at her nape and nausea swirled inside her. "There. Now you belong to me." His breath whispered hot against her ear.
So a historical romance where the heroine is a spirited young woman trapped in an engagement to a bad bad man who buys her a necklace,but she is falling for another man who is lower class.
And the necklace is called The Heart of Kingston.Sound familiar?
"I will never be yours mentally, emotionally, or physically." Pride swelled in her chest. "Will Samson took it all."
He stared for a long moment, revulsion contorting his face until his mouth curved into a slow grin. His eyes gleamed. "Oh, Emily. I am not a fool. I know you are a slut and I know Mr. Samson has had you."
Titanic
Cal:Where are you going? To him? Is that it? To be a whore to that gutter rat?
Rose:I'd rather be his whore than your wife
But in Titanic we have the mother to act as an incentive to the marriage in this...well
Even her own father indicates its fine with him if she breaks the engagement.He loves his daughter too much to subject her to the hell a marriage with this guy would be. But no shes forges on determined to get her hands on the money no matter if she has to marry a domineering violent man. Its for her children (daughters) so they can have a better life
Ok...umm you do know your children would also be HIS childen? So you are willfully wanting to marry a violent man and exposing children to him.
Have you no regard for decorum?"
He smiled. "Decorum?"
Not so long ago you were winking at him while suggestively biting your lip! Now you care about decorum?!
This book supposedly takes place in 1890s but there is nothing about the characters behavior that makes me believe in them as actually living in that time.I also felt no connection with or between these two characters or what their appeal for each other was. I guess they just found each other hot?
Its fine to be inspired by something and take it to put a twist on a story but this was just a forgettable story. .At least it was free.
March 8, 2020
This review is of “The Seduction of Emily” by Rachel Brimble.
The book begins at an auction house in Bath, England, 1895, where an auction for an expensive piece of jewelry is taking place. Among those at the auction are Will Samson, the hero of the book, Nicholas MIlne, and his fiancee’, Emily Darson, the titular character and the heroine of the book. Will plans to kill Nicholas for personal reasons, but those plans are in jeopardy when he meets Emily and becomes attracted to her and she to him.
Readers learn that her upcoming marriage to Nicholas is an arranged one (Backstory: Nicholas’ unnamed father, who is deceased, and Emily’s father, Oliver, who is dying, were partners in a tobacco company. They signed a contract betrothing their children in marriage. If either chooses not to marry the other, they lose their share of the company). Emily doesn’t love Nicholas, and she disagrees with his views on marriage, which are, even for 1895, archaic.
After Emily is assaulted on a walk, Will uses this to his advantage by convincing Oliver to give him a job as Emily’s bodyguard/chaperone/protector, much to the dismay of Nicholas.
Will works to expose all of Nicholas’ perfidy and evil, and while achieving this goal, Emily and Will become lovers.
In the end, Nicholas is sent to prison, and loses his share of the tobacco company. Emily is named sole heir to the company and she and Will have their Happily Ever After.
Upside: I finished the book. There was a spell where I wanted to just delete “The Seduction of Emily” from my Kindle. Will is a rarity in romance novels, a hero who respects women, regardless of their looks, or station in life.
Downside: The book moves at a glacially slow pace; turtles move faster than this book does!
There really is no “seduction”, unless you count trying to win a man’s fiancee’ from him to get revenge on the bastard for things he’s done. When Emily and Will finally make love, it’s a long scene, but not an exciting or erotic one. There is very little chemistry or heat between Emily and Will.
The only really likeable character in the book is Emily’s maid, Annie. I wasn’t fond of either Emily nor Will. Emily, despite being a “modern woman” of 1895, is STILL beholden to the patriarchy she despises by insisting on going ahead with her arranged marriage to Nicholas because Oliver wants it.
While Will may have legitimate motives for doing what he does, like Emily, I found him to be uninteresting. I also grew quickly tired of his constant baiting Nicholas, even if Nicholas is human scum. It felt too holier-than-thou. I thought multiple times “who died and appointed YOU the arbiter of the world?” All of the characters are incredibly shallow and lacking in depth.
Sex: One love scene, which takes place in the second half of the book, involving Emily and Will. The scene is long, mildly graphic, but, as mentioned earlier, not exciting nor erotic.
Violence: Nicholas abuses Emily both emotionally and physically throughout the book. Will and Nicholas have several physical confrontations. The violence is not graphic.
Bottom Line: “The Seduction of Emily” is not a bad book, it’s a boring one. Which, to me, is a far worse sin.
The book begins at an auction house in Bath, England, 1895, where an auction for an expensive piece of jewelry is taking place. Among those at the auction are Will Samson, the hero of the book, Nicholas MIlne, and his fiancee’, Emily Darson, the titular character and the heroine of the book. Will plans to kill Nicholas for personal reasons, but those plans are in jeopardy when he meets Emily and becomes attracted to her and she to him.
Readers learn that her upcoming marriage to Nicholas is an arranged one (Backstory: Nicholas’ unnamed father, who is deceased, and Emily’s father, Oliver, who is dying, were partners in a tobacco company. They signed a contract betrothing their children in marriage. If either chooses not to marry the other, they lose their share of the company). Emily doesn’t love Nicholas, and she disagrees with his views on marriage, which are, even for 1895, archaic.
After Emily is assaulted on a walk, Will uses this to his advantage by convincing Oliver to give him a job as Emily’s bodyguard/chaperone/protector, much to the dismay of Nicholas.
Will works to expose all of Nicholas’ perfidy and evil, and while achieving this goal, Emily and Will become lovers.
In the end, Nicholas is sent to prison, and loses his share of the tobacco company. Emily is named sole heir to the company and she and Will have their Happily Ever After.
Upside: I finished the book. There was a spell where I wanted to just delete “The Seduction of Emily” from my Kindle. Will is a rarity in romance novels, a hero who respects women, regardless of their looks, or station in life.
Downside: The book moves at a glacially slow pace; turtles move faster than this book does!
There really is no “seduction”, unless you count trying to win a man’s fiancee’ from him to get revenge on the bastard for things he’s done. When Emily and Will finally make love, it’s a long scene, but not an exciting or erotic one. There is very little chemistry or heat between Emily and Will.
The only really likeable character in the book is Emily’s maid, Annie. I wasn’t fond of either Emily nor Will. Emily, despite being a “modern woman” of 1895, is STILL beholden to the patriarchy she despises by insisting on going ahead with her arranged marriage to Nicholas because Oliver wants it.
While Will may have legitimate motives for doing what he does, like Emily, I found him to be uninteresting. I also grew quickly tired of his constant baiting Nicholas, even if Nicholas is human scum. It felt too holier-than-thou. I thought multiple times “who died and appointed YOU the arbiter of the world?” All of the characters are incredibly shallow and lacking in depth.
Sex: One love scene, which takes place in the second half of the book, involving Emily and Will. The scene is long, mildly graphic, but, as mentioned earlier, not exciting nor erotic.
Violence: Nicholas abuses Emily both emotionally and physically throughout the book. Will and Nicholas have several physical confrontations. The violence is not graphic.
Bottom Line: “The Seduction of Emily” is not a bad book, it’s a boring one. Which, to me, is a far worse sin.
April 18, 2013
Disclosure: I received a copy from the tour organizer as part of the book tour. Yes, this is an honest review.
There is a problem when your hero starts out with a less-than-heroic past and this is the case of Rachel Brimble's Will Samson. He is a former pickpocket and confidence trickster who is trying to reform. But how does one trust a con artist? How does one know if he is telling the truth? Rachel Brimble delves into this dilemma in her novel, The Seduction of Emily.
After discovering about his mother's brutal assault at the hands of Milne years before, Will sets put to Bath to exact his revenge on the man responsible. But his simple plan of revenge gets complicated when he meets and falls in love with Nicholas Milne's beautiful fiancée, Emily Darson.
Emily, herself, is in a bind. A contract drawn up by her father and Nicholas' forces Emily into a marriage to Nicholas -- or else forfeit her father's half in the successful tobacco business their two fathers built. Even though the wedding is months away, Emily could already feel the walls closing in on her -- trapping her into a position and a life of Nicholas' pleasure.
When Will discovers the terms of the agreement, he knows that he must not endanger Emily's inheritance and future -- but, despite his best intentions, he cannot help but be drawn in by Emily's beauty and boldness.
This story has an interesting premise and an air-tight contract that binds the heroine to another -- there is a point in the story when Will loses sight of his purpose and gets helplessly lost in his attraction to Emily that I felt the author also lost sight of her original project. There are details in the story that left me confused:
1. Why would Emily's father sign a contract that doesn't provide an escape plan for his own daughter? In the early part of the story, I thought that the contract was drawn up before Emily was born (p. 15), which would mean he didn't have clear expectations of the future -- but then I discovered that the contract was finalized when Emily was around 11 (p. 86), which means that he already knew he would be saddling Emily with a problem.
2. How is it possible for Emily and her father to trust Will so easily? Based on his attire, and his own admission of his lack of finances -- not to mention the very little time they have known each other (2 weeks) I didn't see it as a reasonable step to converse with and then invite such a man to live under one's roof -- and then trusting him with the safety of one's daughter.
The novel has some good points as well: I appreciated the dilemma that our hero and heroine if be themselves in: Will is seeking justice -- but, in order to accomplish it, he must use the old tricks of his former trade: lie and manipulate his way into the Darsons' good graces. It chips away at Will's soul and we see him feel conflicted about his own methods. Does the end justify the means? In Will's case, the answer is yes. He is willing to blacken his own soul in order the save the women involved in Nicholas's life.
Emily's dilemma is harder for her to solve: her father's agreement with his former partner has left her with no options. If she doesn't marry Nicholas, she and her father lose it all. (Again, I question the signing of the contract in the first place). If she chooses freedom, she will burden herself and her father with an uncertain future and of certain poverty. If she proceeds with the marriage to Nicholas, she knows it will also be the end of her life.
Of all the characters, I thought Emily's personality shown through the most: I envisioned her as a woman with the world crumbling above her head and she is trying her best to keep it overhead. She juggles caring and assuring her father, and then maintaining good relations with Nicholas and then managing Will.
As Will and Emily spiral into confusion and through a path neither one foresaw, I wish the author was able to maintain her control of the story and its trajectory. The story starts and ends well, but the middle part needed a lot of clarification.
There is a problem when your hero starts out with a less-than-heroic past and this is the case of Rachel Brimble's Will Samson. He is a former pickpocket and confidence trickster who is trying to reform. But how does one trust a con artist? How does one know if he is telling the truth? Rachel Brimble delves into this dilemma in her novel, The Seduction of Emily.
After discovering about his mother's brutal assault at the hands of Milne years before, Will sets put to Bath to exact his revenge on the man responsible. But his simple plan of revenge gets complicated when he meets and falls in love with Nicholas Milne's beautiful fiancée, Emily Darson.
Emily, herself, is in a bind. A contract drawn up by her father and Nicholas' forces Emily into a marriage to Nicholas -- or else forfeit her father's half in the successful tobacco business their two fathers built. Even though the wedding is months away, Emily could already feel the walls closing in on her -- trapping her into a position and a life of Nicholas' pleasure.
The ruse was that a marriage contract was drawn up to ensure the money remained in both founders’ families. Further investigation led Will to discover just how trapped Emily was. If either party refused to marry, the willing party received everything. Milne and Emily each had solid motivation to marry the other.
- p. 45
When Will discovers the terms of the agreement, he knows that he must not endanger Emily's inheritance and future -- but, despite his best intentions, he cannot help but be drawn in by Emily's beauty and boldness.
This story has an interesting premise and an air-tight contract that binds the heroine to another -- there is a point in the story when Will loses sight of his purpose and gets helplessly lost in his attraction to Emily that I felt the author also lost sight of her original project. There are details in the story that left me confused:
1. Why would Emily's father sign a contract that doesn't provide an escape plan for his own daughter? In the early part of the story, I thought that the contract was drawn up before Emily was born (p. 15), which would mean he didn't have clear expectations of the future -- but then I discovered that the contract was finalized when Emily was around 11 (p. 86), which means that he already knew he would be saddling Emily with a problem.
2. How is it possible for Emily and her father to trust Will so easily? Based on his attire, and his own admission of his lack of finances -- not to mention the very little time they have known each other (2 weeks) I didn't see it as a reasonable step to converse with and then invite such a man to live under one's roof -- and then trusting him with the safety of one's daughter.
The novel has some good points as well: I appreciated the dilemma that our hero and heroine if be themselves in: Will is seeking justice -- but, in order to accomplish it, he must use the old tricks of his former trade: lie and manipulate his way into the Darsons' good graces. It chips away at Will's soul and we see him feel conflicted about his own methods. Does the end justify the means? In Will's case, the answer is yes. He is willing to blacken his own soul in order the save the women involved in Nicholas's life.
Emily's dilemma is harder for her to solve: her father's agreement with his former partner has left her with no options. If she doesn't marry Nicholas, she and her father lose it all. (Again, I question the signing of the contract in the first place). If she chooses freedom, she will burden herself and her father with an uncertain future and of certain poverty. If she proceeds with the marriage to Nicholas, she knows it will also be the end of her life.
Of all the characters, I thought Emily's personality shown through the most: I envisioned her as a woman with the world crumbling above her head and she is trying her best to keep it overhead. She juggles caring and assuring her father, and then maintaining good relations with Nicholas and then managing Will.
As Will and Emily spiral into confusion and through a path neither one foresaw, I wish the author was able to maintain her control of the story and its trajectory. The story starts and ends well, but the middle part needed a lot of clarification.
February 10, 2017
THE SEDUCTION OF EMILY by Rachel Brimble is a feisty, exciting, and entertaining historical romance that you will not want to put down. Emily Darson is a heroine to be admired. Strong, intelligent, and loyal beyond all measure, she is willing to sacrifice her own chance at love, to bring peace of mind to her dying father, and preserve freedom of choice for whatever children she may have in the future, by marrying Nicholas. Nicholas chills her blood and yet he used to be her friend when they were children. But somewhere along the way he changed and has a dangerous aura surrounding him. When Will enters her life, he is everything she ever wanted in a partner - handsome, caring, passionate, and he looks on her as an equal. But their passion can never come to pass no matter how much she wants him. But Will is on a personal mission of his own - to destroy Nicholas for the horrific things he has done and continues to do, and nothing will stop Will from having his revenge. Victorian London in all of its glory, and darkness comes alive in THE SEDUCTION OF EMILY by Rachel Brimble and this is one Regency romance that you will not want to miss.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the author
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the author
February 27, 2015
A historical romance that features Emily Darson put in the position of marrying Nicholas, a green-eyed abusive man, to keep her inheritance.With no love between them, it is a relationship that is fraught with danger for Emily.
Enter Will Samson, a handsome man with a less than perfect past. He comes to Bath to avenge his mother's death at the hands of Nicholas. In his desire for revenge, he meets and falls in love with Emily. She feels the same, but before they can have their happily-ever-after, he must convince several prostitutes and mistress to testify to their abuse at the hands of Nicholas (and before Emily becomes his wife or next victim).
Interesting idea highlighting abuse in a romance novel.
One major continuity issue was a brief passage when Will's eye color changed from blue to green.
Enter Will Samson, a handsome man with a less than perfect past. He comes to Bath to avenge his mother's death at the hands of Nicholas. In his desire for revenge, he meets and falls in love with Emily. She feels the same, but before they can have their happily-ever-after, he must convince several prostitutes and mistress to testify to their abuse at the hands of Nicholas (and before Emily becomes his wife or next victim).
Interesting idea highlighting abuse in a romance novel.
One major continuity issue was a brief passage when Will's eye color changed from blue to green.
February 15, 2013
A little bit too long, but the story was ok and not the conventional regency romance: it took place in Bath and noone of the characters were from the ton. A nice version of "The good, the beauty and the bad, very bad fiancee" with a very strong heroine a little bit too shortsighted.
Un pochino troppo lungo, ma la trama non era male e non era il solito regency romance, sia perché era ambientato a Bath, sia perché nessuno dei protagonisti faceva parte della nobitá inglese.
Una versione interessante de "Il buono, la bella e il veramente cattivo fidanzato", con una protagonista dal carattere forte, ma poco lungimirante.
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND KENSINGTON BOOKS FOR THE PREVIEW
Un pochino troppo lungo, ma la trama non era male e non era il solito regency romance, sia perché era ambientato a Bath, sia perché nessuno dei protagonisti faceva parte della nobitá inglese.
Una versione interessante de "Il buono, la bella e il veramente cattivo fidanzato", con una protagonista dal carattere forte, ma poco lungimirante.
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND KENSINGTON BOOKS FOR THE PREVIEW
June 1, 2021
This is just not my kind of book.
May 28, 2017
This is a fun and refreshing historical romance. I like that Brimble set it in Bath, instead of London, and that she focused on middle class, instead of nobility. I found Emily and Will to both be delightful, well-developed characters. And Nicholas was a character you loved to hate--even without knowing why Will was there looking for him, from his very first interactions with Emily, I could hear his condescension and feel the revulsion that Emily had to feel in his presence. And yet her strong sense of honor and loyalty made her struggle to find a compromise, a way to make their union work. I felt she showed a strong sense of character from the very start and yet there was also growth in her character (as well as Will's) through the course of the story and their budding relationship.
February 26, 2013
The Seduction of Emily by Rachel Brimble was a pretty good romance. The characters were entertaining and engaging. The hero was a pickpocket, con man who had his on agenda to perform. That was why Will Samson decided to seduce the beautiful young lady named Emily Darson. He wanted to get revenge on her fiance' Nicholas who done his family wrong. But can Will see that his one true love is Emily before there is a scandal? Your will have to read and see if there is a happy ever after for these to people.
I received this digital ARC copy from Net Galley and eKensington Books for an honest review.
I received this digital ARC copy from Net Galley and eKensington Books for an honest review.
April 5, 2013
The Seduction of Emily by Rachel Brimble was a pretty good romance. The characters were entertaining and engaging. The hero was a pickpocket, con man who had his on agenda to perform. That was why Will Samson decided to seduce the beautiful young lady named Emily Darson. He wanted to get revenge on her fiance' Nicholas who done his family wrong. But can Will see that his one true love is Emily before there is a scandal? Your will have to read and see if there is a happy ever after for these to people.
I received this digital ARC copy from Net Galley and eKensington Books for an honest review.
I received this digital ARC copy from Net Galley and eKensington Books for an honest review.
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