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The Seducers #4
The Sinner
Wearing nothing but a man's nightshirt, Fleur Monley woke to find herself in the bed of England's most charming and reckless libertine. But it was a stray gunshot, not passion, that put her at the mercy of a man as infamously handsome as he was famously talented in the arts of love. Believing herself immune to any seduction, Fleur thought herself perfectly safe to make him an offer no ordinary woman would dare make: half her fortune for the freedom she would gain by being his wife --- in name only.
Desperately in need of funds, Dante Duclairc could do worse than the "white marriage" proposed by this idealistic beauty too naive to know the danger she was in. But the rashest thing he ever did was tell himself he'd be able to resist the invitation to sin that this sensuous innocent would arouse at every turn --- or that he'd be able to protect her from both the ruthless enemies that sought her ruin ... and his own dangerous desire.
Desperately in need of funds, Dante Duclairc could do worse than the "white marriage" proposed by this idealistic beauty too naive to know the danger she was in. But the rashest thing he ever did was tell himself he'd be able to resist the invitation to sin that this sensuous innocent would arouse at every turn --- or that he'd be able to protect her from both the ruthless enemies that sought her ruin ... and his own dangerous desire.
372 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
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About the author
Madeline Hunter
102 books2,108 followersMadeline Hunter is a nationally bestselling author of historical romances who lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two sons. Her books have won two RITA awards and seven nominations, and have had three starred reviews in Publishers Weekly. In a parallel existence to the one she enjoys as a novelist, Madeline has a Ph.D. in art history and teaches at an East Coast university.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
December 19, 2014
*4.5 stars
I really liked this one, much better than The Seducer which was also very nice. But the pace this time was faster, the hero oh, so wonderful and the fact that a very large part was written from his POV, made it so much better.
The hero is a known rake who finds himself in the gaols because of his outstanding debts; debts that that the heroine promises to pay if he marries her. Her uncle is trying to prove her as mad and incompetent, in order to gain control of her large fortune, so she needs a husband in name only to protect her from such a fate. Daniel agrees to that scheme, especially since she promises him that he can go on with his life as before. But he soon realizes that it's not his freedom that he needs, but his wife to become one in truth rather than in name only.
The story was not as dark as The Seducer and there were scenes, especially in the beginning that were quite humorous. Daniel is a charmer and knows how to seduce women; surely he can't fail with his own wife. But Fleur has secrets that make their relationship difficult, both in and out of bed. Fleur's secrets became tiring at some point but I loved Daniel; his persistence, his belief in Fleur, his steadiness, his naughtiness, his charm. I loved the fact that we see his POV for a large part of the book and see him pinning after Fleur.
The mystery part was nice, kept me guessing and wanting to see what would happen next; only since I liked the romance so much I wish it took even less space in this book.
All in all a great book and probably my favorite of Hunter's along with By Arrangement. Though not exactly angsty it was intense enough for my liking and convinced me to read more books of hers.
I really liked this one, much better than The Seducer which was also very nice. But the pace this time was faster, the hero oh, so wonderful and the fact that a very large part was written from his POV, made it so much better.
The hero is a known rake who finds himself in the gaols because of his outstanding debts; debts that that the heroine promises to pay if he marries her. Her uncle is trying to prove her as mad and incompetent, in order to gain control of her large fortune, so she needs a husband in name only to protect her from such a fate. Daniel agrees to that scheme, especially since she promises him that he can go on with his life as before. But he soon realizes that it's not his freedom that he needs, but his wife to become one in truth rather than in name only.
The story was not as dark as The Seducer and there were scenes, especially in the beginning that were quite humorous. Daniel is a charmer and knows how to seduce women; surely he can't fail with his own wife. But Fleur has secrets that make their relationship difficult, both in and out of bed. Fleur's secrets became tiring at some point but I loved Daniel; his persistence, his belief in Fleur, his steadiness, his naughtiness, his charm. I loved the fact that we see his POV for a large part of the book and see him pinning after Fleur.
The mystery part was nice, kept me guessing and wanting to see what would happen next; only since I liked the romance so much I wish it took even less space in this book.
All in all a great book and probably my favorite of Hunter's along with By Arrangement. Though not exactly angsty it was intense enough for my liking and convinced me to read more books of hers.
December 10, 2016
This began brilliantly, with a urgent scene of menace and discovery that had me reeled in immediately. Both MCs were set up strongly, and I read on breathlessly to discover whether Dante could possibly escape his baying creditors, and Fleur her wicked step-father. That led convincingly into their engagement-of-convenience. Great stuff.
And then... Well, I've been puzzling about that. Why did the book lose me after that, when there are still interesting plot points to come? I think it's because neither H nor h were really very sympathetic. Perhaps if I'd read the earlier books in the series, I'd be rooting more for Dante: he's certainly very charming (whch is as much of a compliment as my grandmother's saying of a girl she disliked, "well, she does have nice hands"). He got himself into debt by gambling, and after his marriage is still clearly tempted by that life, even he pulls back a little. Is it enough of a virtue for a hero that he "isn't quite as shallow as he was before"? Don't think so. He's patient with Fleur, which is, to be fair, a considerable point in his favour. Still not quite enough for me to get behind him.
Fleur is possibly one of the most irritating heroines I have come across. She has both A Secret, and A Secret Fear. And, boy, do we know about them! Well, no -- we don't actually. We hear about them: she's forever holding Dante off using one or the other. I came across a wonderful Victorian word once - "to irp" - which means (of a woman) to look scathingly at a man over one shoulder while lifting one's chin proudly. Fleur irps. A lot. But she doesn't tell Dante why and she doesn't tell us why. And by halfway through the book, if I had heard one more time that she had A (secret) Secret, I would have screamed. Screamed, I tell you. I won't make fun of her Secret Fear (which is a not unreasonable one) although I think, in fact, Madeline Hunter allows it to come across as if she is making a mountain out of a molehill. Overall, she's a self-righteous unlikeable prig. But she does have nice hands.
The plot(s) - there are a number, which felt as if they might have been seeded in earlier books. Which is a way of saying, I suppose, that they didn't quite work on their own.
I've read a few Madeline Hunters, both hits and misses. The characterisation in this, and the flabby plot lines make it a miss, but that's to underplay Hunter's undoubted ability to set a scene and - in spite of my reservations - to keep the pace going so that I read to the end.
And then... Well, I've been puzzling about that. Why did the book lose me after that, when there are still interesting plot points to come? I think it's because neither H nor h were really very sympathetic. Perhaps if I'd read the earlier books in the series, I'd be rooting more for Dante: he's certainly very charming (whch is as much of a compliment as my grandmother's saying of a girl she disliked, "well, she does have nice hands"). He got himself into debt by gambling, and after his marriage is still clearly tempted by that life, even he pulls back a little. Is it enough of a virtue for a hero that he "isn't quite as shallow as he was before"? Don't think so. He's patient with Fleur, which is, to be fair, a considerable point in his favour. Still not quite enough for me to get behind him.
Fleur is possibly one of the most irritating heroines I have come across. She has both A Secret, and A Secret Fear. And, boy, do we know about them! Well, no -- we don't actually. We hear about them: she's forever holding Dante off using one or the other. I came across a wonderful Victorian word once - "to irp" - which means (of a woman) to look scathingly at a man over one shoulder while lifting one's chin proudly. Fleur irps. A lot. But she doesn't tell Dante why and she doesn't tell us why. And by halfway through the book, if I had heard one more time that she had A (secret) Secret, I would have screamed. Screamed, I tell you. I won't make fun of her Secret Fear (which is a not unreasonable one) although I think, in fact, Madeline Hunter allows it to come across as if she is making a mountain out of a molehill. Overall, she's a self-righteous unlikeable prig. But she does have nice hands.
The plot(s) - there are a number, which felt as if they might have been seeded in earlier books. Which is a way of saying, I suppose, that they didn't quite work on their own.
I've read a few Madeline Hunters, both hits and misses. The characterisation in this, and the flabby plot lines make it a miss, but that's to underplay Hunter's undoubted ability to set a scene and - in spite of my reservations - to keep the pace going so that I read to the end.
gave-it-a-shot
April 28, 2019I tried, but reading about two idiots setting each up for pain and suffering by failing to communicate doesn't really work for me. The tension isn't about seeing them fall in love, but rather waiting for them to hurt each other and that's not entertaining—that's exhausting.
February 6, 2025
It has been quite a while since I picked up this series. I am so glad I found a used paperback of this book. I love the relationship between Dante and Fleur. This is your classic marriage of convenience to a rake, but with a difference. The plot dealing with why Fleur wants to get married is really well done. If you get a chance to read this, it's well worth your time.
April 25, 2017
Anche The Sinner molto bello.
Sposando una santa, aveva fatto un patto con il diavolo. Un assaggio del paradiso lo aveva fatto finire dritto all'inferno. E il peggio era che moriva dalla voglia di rivederla l'indomani.
Sposando una santa, aveva fatto un patto con il diavolo. Un assaggio del paradiso lo aveva fatto finire dritto all'inferno. E il peggio era che moriva dalla voglia di rivederla l'indomani.
November 26, 2014
I adored The Sinner. I stumbled upon it quite by accident (it is the fourth book in the Seducers series after all, and I hadn't read the first three installments) but I'm so glad I did. It is honestly one of my favorite romance novels that I've ever read.
From the first line, Madeline Hunter had me hooked: "Utter ruin provokes soul searching in even the least reflective of men" (page 1). What a way to start chapter one! I loved the old-fashioned simplicity of this statement; it brought to mind a famous opening line about all single men of good fortune being in want of a wife ;) Anyhoo, here are some more examples of these great chapter openers Hunter has sprinkled throughout the novel: "The women of English society could bicker and argue with the best of them, but on one point they had always been in total agreement" (10). And: "Loving a good woman provokes change in even the least angelic of men" (355). You get the idea. There's a nice, old-fashioned, Jane Austen vibe to the writing style. I love it when historical romances have that old-fashioned quality to the writing and have authentic dialogue between the characters that rings true to the time period. This book has those things in spades.
The premise is this. Fleur Monley is a eccentric spinster at twenty-nine, having voluntarily put herself on the shelf. Her life is consumed by various charity projects. She is known for her virtue and her purity. So it is a shock to her and the people who hear of it, when she wakes up in the bed of notorious rake, Dante Duclairc. Nothing passed between them, except that Dante accidentally shot her when she was scampering across the countryside in men's clothing, when he mistook her for a rabble rousing peasant from a recent uprising. Now Dante must nurse her back to health, and they are shut up alone together in a cottage on his family's estate. An easy friendship forms between them, and Fleur confides that she was in disguise to escape her evil step-father and his nefarious plans for her. She could use a powerful man's protection. Dante is up to his eyeballs in debt and could use a rich wife like Fleur. So it comes to pass that they make a marriage of convenience, with the stipulation that it will never be consummated because Fleur has an aversion to sexual relations. Unfortunately, Dante is the most seductive man in England and can seduce any woman. Until now.
This book has it all. A highly erotic, steamy romance that is also a sweet and tender love story between two equals. I love that Fleur has a true purpose in life-her Grand Project that is the true pinnacle of all her charitable schemes. She is a lovable character whose motivations seem very realistic and understandable. And Dante. He is one of the sexiest romance novel heroes I've ever encountered. The smirking, devilishly handsome face that graces the beautiful cover of the copy I read says it all. He is wonderfully seductive and charming, but also has a genuine affection for Fleur and respects her boundaries and problems. He has just the right dash of danger to his character-he is a master fencer and perfect shot; he would also do anything to protect his bride.
I highly enjoyed the slow way Hunter revealed the novel's multi-faceted secrets. She doesn't show all her cards at once with this one. There are some great red herrings and heartrending back-stories for our hero and heroine that explain their motivations and own private guilt. The book is sometimes humorous, other times deliciously dark and brooding, and always tantalizingly romantic. The climax is by turns funny and frightening, but you'll really have to read it to see what I mean. And the ending. The ending! It's so completely perfect. The last line, will leave me sighing for days. Again, you really have to read this wonderful romance to understand the swoon-worthiness of that parting line and the tender significance it holds for Dante and Fleur! Some romance novels don't spend enough time on the resolution, HEA, and promise of everlasting love after we close the pages, but this one certainly does. And it is infinitely satisfying.
I could rant about The Sinner for days; I loved it that much. I will say that you can read it as a stand-alone novel as I did, without having read the first three books. There is enough summary of past events to know what's going on and to understand the recurring characters, but there is also enough not spoiled to go back and read the predecessors, and still uncover more back-story and the other love stories of characters who are supporting players here. And the supporting characters really are great, from those heroes and heroines from previous books, to the unexpectedly helpful footman Luke, to the odious Farthingstone and Siddel who are truly villains to hate. I can't wait to read more Madeline Hunter novels! The Sinner is definitely a keeper, and I imagine her other books are too!
From the first line, Madeline Hunter had me hooked: "Utter ruin provokes soul searching in even the least reflective of men" (page 1). What a way to start chapter one! I loved the old-fashioned simplicity of this statement; it brought to mind a famous opening line about all single men of good fortune being in want of a wife ;) Anyhoo, here are some more examples of these great chapter openers Hunter has sprinkled throughout the novel: "The women of English society could bicker and argue with the best of them, but on one point they had always been in total agreement" (10). And: "Loving a good woman provokes change in even the least angelic of men" (355). You get the idea. There's a nice, old-fashioned, Jane Austen vibe to the writing style. I love it when historical romances have that old-fashioned quality to the writing and have authentic dialogue between the characters that rings true to the time period. This book has those things in spades.
The premise is this. Fleur Monley is a eccentric spinster at twenty-nine, having voluntarily put herself on the shelf. Her life is consumed by various charity projects. She is known for her virtue and her purity. So it is a shock to her and the people who hear of it, when she wakes up in the bed of notorious rake, Dante Duclairc. Nothing passed between them, except that Dante accidentally shot her when she was scampering across the countryside in men's clothing, when he mistook her for a rabble rousing peasant from a recent uprising. Now Dante must nurse her back to health, and they are shut up alone together in a cottage on his family's estate. An easy friendship forms between them, and Fleur confides that she was in disguise to escape her evil step-father and his nefarious plans for her. She could use a powerful man's protection. Dante is up to his eyeballs in debt and could use a rich wife like Fleur. So it comes to pass that they make a marriage of convenience, with the stipulation that it will never be consummated because Fleur has an aversion to sexual relations. Unfortunately, Dante is the most seductive man in England and can seduce any woman. Until now.
This book has it all. A highly erotic, steamy romance that is also a sweet and tender love story between two equals. I love that Fleur has a true purpose in life-her Grand Project that is the true pinnacle of all her charitable schemes. She is a lovable character whose motivations seem very realistic and understandable. And Dante. He is one of the sexiest romance novel heroes I've ever encountered. The smirking, devilishly handsome face that graces the beautiful cover of the copy I read says it all. He is wonderfully seductive and charming, but also has a genuine affection for Fleur and respects her boundaries and problems. He has just the right dash of danger to his character-he is a master fencer and perfect shot; he would also do anything to protect his bride.
I highly enjoyed the slow way Hunter revealed the novel's multi-faceted secrets. She doesn't show all her cards at once with this one. There are some great red herrings and heartrending back-stories for our hero and heroine that explain their motivations and own private guilt. The book is sometimes humorous, other times deliciously dark and brooding, and always tantalizingly romantic. The climax is by turns funny and frightening, but you'll really have to read it to see what I mean. And the ending. The ending! It's so completely perfect. The last line, will leave me sighing for days. Again, you really have to read this wonderful romance to understand the swoon-worthiness of that parting line and the tender significance it holds for Dante and Fleur! Some romance novels don't spend enough time on the resolution, HEA, and promise of everlasting love after we close the pages, but this one certainly does. And it is infinitely satisfying.
I could rant about The Sinner for days; I loved it that much. I will say that you can read it as a stand-alone novel as I did, without having read the first three books. There is enough summary of past events to know what's going on and to understand the recurring characters, but there is also enough not spoiled to go back and read the predecessors, and still uncover more back-story and the other love stories of characters who are supporting players here. And the supporting characters really are great, from those heroes and heroines from previous books, to the unexpectedly helpful footman Luke, to the odious Farthingstone and Siddel who are truly villains to hate. I can't wait to read more Madeline Hunter novels! The Sinner is definitely a keeper, and I imagine her other books are too!
February 26, 2025
3.5 stars. It’s not as good as her other books. It started out well though but the story kind of dragged for me after a while.
January 19, 2016
This is the 4th book in the Seducer series and it just seems to get better and better. When Dante Duclaric fires his gun at a rabble- rowser (thank you Seton), he thinks he is protecting what little property he has left on his way out of the country. But when he finds out that the backside he fired upon is none other than his brother's ex-fiance, Fluer, he realizes he has bigger problems.
Once Fleur comes to, she realizes that she too has bigger issues and her issues were already pretty big. But she dreams up this crazy idea and presents is to Dante, he can't resist. As he is about to be put in the goal for debts not paid.
Once Dante and Fleur enter into their bargain though, neither one of them like what the results are and set about changing the terms of the agreement...one kiss at a time. I liked Dante and Fleur together and really did feel Dante's redemption in this one.
Once Fleur comes to, she realizes that she too has bigger issues and her issues were already pretty big. But she dreams up this crazy idea and presents is to Dante, he can't resist. As he is about to be put in the goal for debts not paid.
Once Dante and Fleur enter into their bargain though, neither one of them like what the results are and set about changing the terms of the agreement...one kiss at a time. I liked Dante and Fleur together and really did feel Dante's redemption in this one.
October 20, 2019
2.5 for being alright.
I enjoy Madeline Hunter's writing, I just found both Fleur and Dante exhausting. But mostly Fleur.
I liked the beginning well enough, but I pooped out with the secrets, her frigidity, and their inability to communicate.
(I read this many years ago & tried now to come back for a re-read, but gave up.)
I enjoy Madeline Hunter's writing, I just found both Fleur and Dante exhausting. But mostly Fleur.
I liked the beginning well enough, but I pooped out with the secrets, her frigidity, and their inability to communicate.
(I read this many years ago & tried now to come back for a re-read, but gave up.)
August 10, 2021
I enjoyed this book a lot. This is definitely a series to read in order (and close together) in order to get the most out of all the characters who reappear, and to understand references to previous story lines. I enjoyed watching Dante and Fleur's relationship grow, and the dramatic storyline was an interesting one. I'm excited to read the next in this series!
January 29, 2019
I wish I could go back to the days of By Design or The Charmer.
October 14, 2024
One of my favorite books EVER.
August 8, 2016
This is the type of romance that I love--where emotions lead the characters to do the right thing, the feelings and characters of the couple mesh with each other to create not only passion, but also love. The author's verbiage in describing a couple's attraction is essential and Madeline Hunter is at her best in this book. This is among several of her books which are my favorites and I have read many of them.
This is another story of a "marriage of convenience", but the circumstances are completely different than any I've read before. A known rake and a man with both handsome face and body, Dante Duclairic, younger brother of Viscount Laclere, is offered a "white marriage" by Laclere's former fiancee, Fleur Monley, in exchange for her paying off all his debts and he providing protection for her. For readers who don't know, a "white marriage" means without sex. Dante is of course flabbergasted. Fleur did allow that he could continue to enjoy himself physically with other ladies--just to carry on as usual. She also adamantly banished him from the usual purview of husbands--the management of the finances and properties. Fleur had plans for a charitable venture for her lands and did not want to give that up. She felt her purpose was to take care of the poor--especially poor children, as she felt she would never marry, never have children herself. Why she felt this way is one of the mysteries in the book.
It makes for interesting reading how Hunter transforms Dante--who had regular relations just to slack his lust--into a husband who yearns for the intimate emotional connection with his wife--and no other woman. "Loving a good woman provokes change in even the least angelic of men." At one point Fleur decides to confide a big dream of hers to Dante--building something monumental--something daring and with risk of either financial success or ruin. She confides also that this should further benefit the poor children--which taking care of she feels is her purpose in life. She tells Dante that she'd like to sometime hear his life's purpose. Having been a wastrel, he really never had a purpose in life before marrying her. So he says to himself, "You, my love. The purpose that I found is you." This touches my heart--it is hard to conceive of such love and devotion.
Dante further proves himself by seeking to grant Fleur's wish for the big project she envisioned, after he almost gets himself killed in protecting her. That mystery is connected to the mystery of why she wants/needs a "white marriage". MH spins a good story of blackmail, deceit and murder.
Combine that with a touching romance, this book is a winner. I would like to turn around and read it over again--but...my "holds" at my library are waiting.
This is another story of a "marriage of convenience", but the circumstances are completely different than any I've read before. A known rake and a man with both handsome face and body, Dante Duclairic, younger brother of Viscount Laclere, is offered a "white marriage" by Laclere's former fiancee, Fleur Monley, in exchange for her paying off all his debts and he providing protection for her. For readers who don't know, a "white marriage" means without sex. Dante is of course flabbergasted. Fleur did allow that he could continue to enjoy himself physically with other ladies--just to carry on as usual. She also adamantly banished him from the usual purview of husbands--the management of the finances and properties. Fleur had plans for a charitable venture for her lands and did not want to give that up. She felt her purpose was to take care of the poor--especially poor children, as she felt she would never marry, never have children herself. Why she felt this way is one of the mysteries in the book.
It makes for interesting reading how Hunter transforms Dante--who had regular relations just to slack his lust--into a husband who yearns for the intimate emotional connection with his wife--and no other woman. "Loving a good woman provokes change in even the least angelic of men." At one point Fleur decides to confide a big dream of hers to Dante--building something monumental--something daring and with risk of either financial success or ruin. She confides also that this should further benefit the poor children--which taking care of she feels is her purpose in life. She tells Dante that she'd like to sometime hear his life's purpose. Having been a wastrel, he really never had a purpose in life before marrying her. So he says to himself, "You, my love. The purpose that I found is you." This touches my heart--it is hard to conceive of such love and devotion.
Dante further proves himself by seeking to grant Fleur's wish for the big project she envisioned, after he almost gets himself killed in protecting her. That mystery is connected to the mystery of why she wants/needs a "white marriage". MH spins a good story of blackmail, deceit and murder.
Combine that with a touching romance, this book is a winner. I would like to turn around and read it over again--but...my "holds" at my library are waiting.
June 26, 2020
Well now. I didn't expect to like this book, because rakish characters hold zero appeal for me. And yet I really enjoyed this one.
Dante is the younger brother of a viscount. He's blown through his allowance, has no income of his own, and is on his way to a sponging house (debtors' prison?)
Fleur is an heiress who desperately needs to get married to avoid her stepfather's attempts to get a hold of her fortune (he can only do this by having her rendered as incompetent and put under his guardianship). Since Fleur has become a recluse who donates her time and money to charitable work, she seems a bit of an eccentric, making the case easier.
So Fleur strikes a bargain with Dante. She wipes out his debt, in return for his marrying her. Slight problem: she wants a white marriage, aka unconsummated marriage. She frees him to seek his pleasures elsewhere, which he as a committed rake, ought to be happy to do.
The plot focuses not only on how they resolve this complicated marriage, but also addresses her stepfather's attempts to get a hold of her fortune, and the underlying reasons why he wants to control her actions.
I enjoyed Dante more than I expected. In an earlier book, "the Saint" he struck me as both promiscuous and hypocritical, an unpleasant combination. Here he retains some of the masterfulness that Hunter likes to give her heroes, while still being protective and thoughtful.
Fleur's intelligence and naivete made me feel oddly protective of her, if you can imagine feeling that way about a fictional character. Yes, she does some silly things in the book like trusting a financial adviser who didn't have her best interests at heart. But her goals and means to reach them, her willingness to recognize and overcome her fears, were compelling.
They both grow over the course of the book and are beautifully matched.
Four stars.
Dante is the younger brother of a viscount. He's blown through his allowance, has no income of his own, and is on his way to a sponging house (debtors' prison?)
Fleur is an heiress who desperately needs to get married to avoid her stepfather's attempts to get a hold of her fortune (he can only do this by having her rendered as incompetent and put under his guardianship). Since Fleur has become a recluse who donates her time and money to charitable work, she seems a bit of an eccentric, making the case easier.
So Fleur strikes a bargain with Dante. She wipes out his debt, in return for his marrying her. Slight problem: she wants a white marriage, aka unconsummated marriage. She frees him to seek his pleasures elsewhere, which he as a committed rake, ought to be happy to do.
The plot focuses not only on how they resolve this complicated marriage, but also addresses her stepfather's attempts to get a hold of her fortune, and the underlying reasons why he wants to control her actions.
I enjoyed Dante more than I expected. In an earlier book, "the Saint" he struck me as both promiscuous and hypocritical, an unpleasant combination. Here he retains some of the masterfulness that Hunter likes to give her heroes, while still being protective and thoughtful.
Fleur's intelligence and naivete made me feel oddly protective of her, if you can imagine feeling that way about a fictional character. Yes, she does some silly things in the book like trusting a financial adviser who didn't have her best interests at heart. But her goals and means to reach them, her willingness to recognize and overcome her fears, were compelling.
They both grow over the course of the book and are beautifully matched.
Four stars.
November 27, 2014
This is my second read through this series. I first sought out this title after reading Lady of Sin which I read out of sequence. There is a scene in that book which pulled me strongly to read about Fleur and Dante. This is a story of a young woman who has a fear which causes an anxiety attack when she encounters intimacy with a man. There are a few steps involved in the story which eventually explains the genesis of her fear. Because of this she enters into a white marriage with Dante. He is a hedonistic male who reminded me of the stories surrounding Dennis Wilson of the Beach Boys: enjoying sex as often as possible with little to no emotions involved. Fleur and Dante's marriage comes about because she has an inheritance she wants to protect and he is in debtor's prison. Since she has the money he needs and she wants a marriage in name only which would allow Dante to continue his hedonistic lifestyle, they forge an agreement. The supporting cast of this book have been met in the previous books of the Seducer series and many loose ends are connected in this book. It can be difficult to turn a rake of this caliber into a loving, monogamous husband but this is accomplished without force-fitting. There is danger and a mystery woven throughout which enhances the story. Enjoy!
July 29, 2013
Once I pick up a MH book It's very hard to put it down, and this one was definitely no exception. After the first page I realized I'd already read it a while back but of course I read it again anyway.
Wonderful love story between two very unlikely characters. This is the best reformed rake book I've ever read. Dante comes off as a very honest rake who can't seem to help the reformation and quickly decides he doesn't want to. Fleur is such a sweet angelic character, she's absolutely perfect for him. Great story.
Wonderful love story between two very unlikely characters. This is the best reformed rake book I've ever read. Dante comes off as a very honest rake who can't seem to help the reformation and quickly decides he doesn't want to. Fleur is such a sweet angelic character, she's absolutely perfect for him. Great story.
June 21, 2009
The beginning and ending of Dante and Fleurs story was great, a good 75 plus pages in the middle could have been sacrificed to make their romance even better. The subplot of Fleur's inability to be intimate grew weary long before Ms Hunter picked up the pace. As always, she wraps the ending up quite nicely.I love when she infuses the characters of the series in the story as they rally together for eachother.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2010
My first book by Madeline Hunter. I thought the heroine was WAY too cold...didn't think there would ever be any "action." I really don't like books that are too complicated and have villeins scheming throughout. This book didn't impress me enough to want to seek out any more books by this author.....but I do have another by her that I will probably eventually read.
August 30, 2025
The fourth book in the Seducers series by Madeline Hunter. I was intrigued by the synopsis and while it started with potential it fell flat quick. I just didn't care for it. I know this author is a favorite of many but her style of writing just isn't for me apparently.
May 19, 2011
Read this because I was curious about MH, but I know her older stuff is best. So I went off of Seton's favorites and what was available at my local UBS. I was not disappointed, but I'm not sure I want to read about the other men featured in the series. We'll see.
September 14, 2011
Other than my annoyance at a purposeful misdirection on Hunter's part, (I found the real reason for the heroine's reluctance to have sex really stupid), the story was intriguing and on par with Hunter's other works. I liked it and it was definitely a quick read!
February 12, 2013
Another good one from Madeline Hunter. It took a while for me to accept Fleur as she was, especially her initial sneakiness around Dante and her emotional issues. The last part of the book, where Fleur has finally opened up to Dante in every way, is very good. Dante, of course, is a wonderful hero.
December 10, 2008
I loved The Seducer, and have high hopes for this novel.
March 20, 2016
A mildly entertaining read, unfortunately Dante and Fleur have little to no "on page" chemistry so the romance fizzles fairly quickly.
March 31, 2018
"Si era fatto condizionare dal denaro. Sarebbe stato un idiota a non afferrare al volo quell’opportunità. Dante se lo ripeté spesso durante i giorni che seguirono ogni volta che si chiedeva perché avesse accettato l’offerta di Fleur. Aveva acconsentito perché quel matrimonio l’avrebbe salvato dalle difficoltà, ma doveva confessare a sé stesso che il fascino di quella donna l’aveva toccato in altri modi. Fleur si fidava di lui. Un concetto nuovo e avvincente. Perciò, sebbene fosse stato il denaro a fargli dire di sì, la fiducia che lei riponeva in lui poteva averlo sollecitato un po’. Era un accordo insolito, ma in molti sensi ideale. La convivenza quotidiana non sarebbe stata spiacevole. Lui avrebbe continuato a godere di ogni libertà, ma ora con il denaro sonante che gli avrebbe permesso di pagarsi gli svaghi. Finalmente non avrebbe più dovuto dipendere dalla propria famiglia. Ebbene sì, in termini finanziari, aveva fatto la mossa giusta. L’unica nuvola in quel luminoso orizzonte, una piccola nuvola certo, era che se Fleur era indifferente agli uomini, lui di certo non era indifferente a Fleur. In quel cortile, mentre le galline gli avevano beccato gli stivali e lui aveva soppesato l’offerta della donna, quella parte del loro accordo gli era parsa alquanto triste."
Quando Fleur si risveglia nel letto di Dante dopo essere stata colpita da un proiettile, era in fuga dal patrigno che per mesi l’ha sequestrata e intende farla interdire per impedirle di dilapidare il suo patrimonio. La giovane donna infatti, che è sempre riuscita ad eludere ogni uomo che ha tentato di sposarla, compreso il fratello di Dante che per qualche tempo è stato un suo corteggiatore, da tempo sta sovvenzionando enti benefici, minatori che hanno perso il lavoro e la costruzione di scuole. Ma ciò che la fa apparire incapace agli occhi del patrigno sono le vendite di terreni produttivi e il fatto che nessuno sappia cosa ne sta facendo del denaro ottenuto, Fleur sa bene di aver bisogno di aiuto ed è per questo che, una volta che Dante si trova in prigione per debiti, gli prospetta un patto che il giovane non può rifiutare. Una rendita generosa che gli permetterebbe di fare la vita che ha sempre desiderato, purché alla giovane donna sia lasciato disporre del restante patrimonio come meglio crede. E inoltre il loro sarà solo un matrimonio di facciata, Dante potrà avere tutte le amanti che vuole. Eppure una volta che la giovane donna è diventata sua moglie, per Dante restare lontano dal suo letto sarà impossibile ma Fleur ha più di un segreto e il suo patrigno è ben lungi dall’essersi arreso.
Nonostante la scrittura dell’autrice sia davvero bella, questa serie in toto non riesce ad avvincermi. I personaggi sono ben caratterizzati ma manca quella scintilla che me li fa amare, io adoro i libertini eppure Dante non mi entusiasma mentre ho trovato Fleur decisamente antipatica. Man mano che andiamo avanti nella storia la scopriamo un personaggio pieno di segreti. Per un shock subito nel passato e di cui non ha che vaghi ricordi, è incapace di intimità e solo la costanza di Dante le permetterà di scoprire in seguito la verità. Ma in realtà è l’intrigo finanziario che c’è dietro alla parte suspense della trama che mi ha lasciata del tutto indifferente, eppure i presupposti per un bel libro c’erano. Un brutale assassinio avvenuto nel passato, un segreto accuratamente celato, un ricattatore, persino il tentativo di uccidere Fleur che, lungi dal stare dilapidando un patrimonio, sta tentando di realizzare un progetto che la renderebbe ricchissima; eppure niente è riuscito a ravvivare una trama che ho trovato piatta e priva di slanci. Devo dire la verità, sono arrivata alla fine arrancando con fatica. Salvo la caratterizzazione dei personaggi e la scrittura piacevole di quest’autrice davvero brava, questo libro almeno per me raggiunge poco più della sufficienza.
Quando Fleur si risveglia nel letto di Dante dopo essere stata colpita da un proiettile, era in fuga dal patrigno che per mesi l’ha sequestrata e intende farla interdire per impedirle di dilapidare il suo patrimonio. La giovane donna infatti, che è sempre riuscita ad eludere ogni uomo che ha tentato di sposarla, compreso il fratello di Dante che per qualche tempo è stato un suo corteggiatore, da tempo sta sovvenzionando enti benefici, minatori che hanno perso il lavoro e la costruzione di scuole. Ma ciò che la fa apparire incapace agli occhi del patrigno sono le vendite di terreni produttivi e il fatto che nessuno sappia cosa ne sta facendo del denaro ottenuto, Fleur sa bene di aver bisogno di aiuto ed è per questo che, una volta che Dante si trova in prigione per debiti, gli prospetta un patto che il giovane non può rifiutare. Una rendita generosa che gli permetterebbe di fare la vita che ha sempre desiderato, purché alla giovane donna sia lasciato disporre del restante patrimonio come meglio crede. E inoltre il loro sarà solo un matrimonio di facciata, Dante potrà avere tutte le amanti che vuole. Eppure una volta che la giovane donna è diventata sua moglie, per Dante restare lontano dal suo letto sarà impossibile ma Fleur ha più di un segreto e il suo patrigno è ben lungi dall’essersi arreso.
Nonostante la scrittura dell’autrice sia davvero bella, questa serie in toto non riesce ad avvincermi. I personaggi sono ben caratterizzati ma manca quella scintilla che me li fa amare, io adoro i libertini eppure Dante non mi entusiasma mentre ho trovato Fleur decisamente antipatica. Man mano che andiamo avanti nella storia la scopriamo un personaggio pieno di segreti. Per un shock subito nel passato e di cui non ha che vaghi ricordi, è incapace di intimità e solo la costanza di Dante le permetterà di scoprire in seguito la verità. Ma in realtà è l’intrigo finanziario che c’è dietro alla parte suspense della trama che mi ha lasciata del tutto indifferente, eppure i presupposti per un bel libro c’erano. Un brutale assassinio avvenuto nel passato, un segreto accuratamente celato, un ricattatore, persino il tentativo di uccidere Fleur che, lungi dal stare dilapidando un patrimonio, sta tentando di realizzare un progetto che la renderebbe ricchissima; eppure niente è riuscito a ravvivare una trama che ho trovato piatta e priva di slanci. Devo dire la verità, sono arrivata alla fine arrancando con fatica. Salvo la caratterizzazione dei personaggi e la scrittura piacevole di quest’autrice davvero brava, questo libro almeno per me raggiunge poco più della sufficienza.
April 8, 2022
En este libro conocemos la historia del cuarto "seductor", Dante, el hermano de Vergil, el "Santo" (o no tanto) del segundo libro.
Dante es un tercer hijo de un vizconde, jugador, libertino, metido en líos que han tenido consecuencias bastantes desastrosas. Y el libro comienza justamente con un Dante perseguido por deudas de juego. Tiene un encuentro muy particular con Fleur, la ex prometida de Vergil.
Fleur es una heredera a la que los hombres le causan rechazo. Tenía un trato con Vergil cuando era su prometida; en realidad era un compromiso ficticio para que ambos no sufrieran la persecución de pretendientes. Tanto era que, en ese libro, pensé que tenía otra orientación sexual. Pero no, ha tenido un trauma que la convence de que no sirve como mujer y que nunca se casará. Pero resulta que tiene un plan secreto para su vida futura que involucra un gasto importante de su fortuna y venta de parte de sus tierras. Esto lleva a su padrastro a intentar detenerla incluso denunciando que está perdiendo la cordura.
Entonces Fleur le propone a Dante un matrimonio de conveniencia: ella paga sus deudas y él la protege de su padrastro. Eso sí, el matrimonio debe ser “blanco”, sin intimidad. Cada uno seguirá con su vida sin reproches.
Pero no será fácil. Los secretos, los enemigos, las intrigas, la atracción, los celos harán que nada sea como planearon.
¿Quién es Fleur?¿Un alma caritativa? ¿Una radical? ¿Una visionaria? ¿O está loca?
¿Y Dante? ¿Dejará su vida de libertinaje? ¿Encontrará un propósito en su vida?
Me gustó mucho, pasan muchas cosas y no pude predecir los secretos e intrigas.
No le pongo 5 estrellas porque el desenlace me pareció muy rápido.
Si bien se puede leer en forma independiente, hay muchas referencias a los libros anteriores. Gracias a GR descubrí que los había leído pero, a pesar que dejé muy buenos comentarios, no me acordaba demasiado de las intrigas que ocurrieron.
Suele pasar.
Dante es un tercer hijo de un vizconde, jugador, libertino, metido en líos que han tenido consecuencias bastantes desastrosas. Y el libro comienza justamente con un Dante perseguido por deudas de juego. Tiene un encuentro muy particular con Fleur, la ex prometida de Vergil.
Fleur es una heredera a la que los hombres le causan rechazo. Tenía un trato con Vergil cuando era su prometida; en realidad era un compromiso ficticio para que ambos no sufrieran la persecución de pretendientes. Tanto era que, en ese libro, pensé que tenía otra orientación sexual. Pero no, ha tenido un trauma que la convence de que no sirve como mujer y que nunca se casará. Pero resulta que tiene un plan secreto para su vida futura que involucra un gasto importante de su fortuna y venta de parte de sus tierras. Esto lleva a su padrastro a intentar detenerla incluso denunciando que está perdiendo la cordura.
Entonces Fleur le propone a Dante un matrimonio de conveniencia: ella paga sus deudas y él la protege de su padrastro. Eso sí, el matrimonio debe ser “blanco”, sin intimidad. Cada uno seguirá con su vida sin reproches.
Pero no será fácil. Los secretos, los enemigos, las intrigas, la atracción, los celos harán que nada sea como planearon.
¿Quién es Fleur?¿Un alma caritativa? ¿Una radical? ¿Una visionaria? ¿O está loca?
¿Y Dante? ¿Dejará su vida de libertinaje? ¿Encontrará un propósito en su vida?
Me gustó mucho, pasan muchas cosas y no pude predecir los secretos e intrigas.
No le pongo 5 estrellas porque el desenlace me pareció muy rápido.
Si bien se puede leer en forma independiente, hay muchas referencias a los libros anteriores. Gracias a GR descubrí que los había leído pero, a pesar que dejé muy buenos comentarios, no me acordaba demasiado de las intrigas que ocurrieron.
Suele pasar.
June 29, 2017
Cmq…. Dante mi è sempre piaciuto un botto, sin da quando si è rifiutato di insistere nel corteggiamento di Bianca capendo dopo 5 minuti in sua compagnia che era una cretina della peggior specie, e mi piace ancora di più oggi che lo vedo devoto alla dolce, piccola, virginale Fleur…che poi virginale una sega ma fa niente…ci stava bene.
Una sera, mentre è nascosto nella sua magione nelle sperdute campagne inglesi, spara a quello che crede essere un contadino sovversivo, che si rivela invece essere la ex fidanzata del fratello Fleur; gran figa frigida che da tempo viveva nel continente.
Lui ha bisogno di soldi, lei di un marito che le permetta di andare avanti con un fantomatico progetto del quale al momento non si sa un cazzo ma che il patrigno vuole impedire a tutti i costi, decidono quindi di sposarsi ma a una condizione. Niente sesso perchè a lei la cosa non garba affatto.
continua su https://laleggivora.wordpress.com/201...
Una sera, mentre è nascosto nella sua magione nelle sperdute campagne inglesi, spara a quello che crede essere un contadino sovversivo, che si rivela invece essere la ex fidanzata del fratello Fleur; gran figa frigida che da tempo viveva nel continente.
Lui ha bisogno di soldi, lei di un marito che le permetta di andare avanti con un fantomatico progetto del quale al momento non si sa un cazzo ma che il patrigno vuole impedire a tutti i costi, decidono quindi di sposarsi ma a una condizione. Niente sesso perchè a lei la cosa non garba affatto.
continua su https://laleggivora.wordpress.com/201...
July 20, 2023
MOC
A little bit care taking
Moderate angst
Suspense/mystery
Villain
This was my 2nd read by MH, I have read her medieval series, By Possession. I liked the book but not loved it because of the setting.
I loved how MH executed the story with MOC trope which made me loved it so much. The heroine here were complexed and have past. I wanted to shake her at some point😶
The hero was so patience and there was a scene hero with ow but he not doing anything with ow. He just talk and send her home.
The angst was good before the heroine accepted hero.
the sex scenes are so sensual (especially garden scene) I didn't remembered was this MH style or but it felt good because it how the hero felt at that time.
Definitely I'm going to read her books more if suit my mood and have favourite tropes.
A little bit care taking
Moderate angst
Suspense/mystery
Villain
This was my 2nd read by MH, I have read her medieval series, By Possession. I liked the book but not loved it because of the setting.
I loved how MH executed the story with MOC trope which made me loved it so much. The heroine here were complexed and have past. I wanted to shake her at some point😶
The hero was so patience and there was a scene hero with ow but he not doing anything with ow. He just talk and send her home.
The angst was good before the heroine accepted hero.
the sex scenes are so sensual (especially garden scene) I didn't remembered was this MH style or but it felt good because it how the hero felt at that time.
Definitely I'm going to read her books more if suit my mood and have favourite tropes.
Read
April 2, 2022quite surprisingly, considering Dante's earlier introduction and reputation, this was as far away from his seduction history and reputation as can be imagined. completing the circle with Fleur and her white marriage proposal with Vergil from an earlier title, and somewhat shocking it would be Dante who ever so gently untangles her frozen knots. Obvious though the roots of some early trauma that shaped her deep fear of intimacy. The appearance of the usual cast of characters, esp the dueling club was of much comfort. Also the final solution of the decade earlier blackmail finally solved. Somewhat melodramatic finale for both villains. wonderful cover.
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