A reclusive widow known for her scientific scholarship, Lady Ciara Sheffield is shadowed by rumors that she poisoned her husband . . .
A rakehell rogue notorious for his devil-may-care antics, Lucas Bingham, the Earl of Hadley is not accused of murdering anything—save for the rules of Polite Society.
The only thing they have in common is seeing their names featured in the lurid gossip columns of London’s newspapers.
Until an ancient manuscript draws them together.
Ciara needs a titled fiancé to quell the slanderous speculations which may send her to the gallows.
Lucas needs brilliant scholar to help his elderly uncle decipher the secrets of the mysterious manuscript.
So when her friends urge her to accept the earl’s proposal of a temporary alliance, Ciara decides that she had no choice but to make a deal with the Devil.
And so begins a seductive dance of sinful pleasures and hidden desires as the two of them waltz through the mansions of Mayfair.
Lies, intrigue, treachery, sex.
They find themselves facing slanderous whispers, unscrupulous relatives—not to speak of their own simmering passions,
which quickly ignite into dangerous flames. It’s a potent mix and the result may be explosive—and perhaps deadly—if they don’t watch their step.
To Sin with a Scoundrel by Cara Elliott (Circle of Sin trilogy #1)
Historical Romance
March 1, 2010
Paperback, 368 Pages
Forever
Reviewed by Tori
Cara Elliot-the alter ego of Andrea Pickens-takes us on a romantic suspenseful journey through Regency England in a brand new series. In the first of her Circle Of Sin trilogy, To Sin With A Scoundrel, we are introduced to Lady Clare Sheffield and Lord Lucas Hadley. Lord Hadley-called Mad Bad Had-Ley is a rakehell of the first degree. Pursued by all women, he is interested in nothing more then falling into the nearest bed with them.
Hadley’s uncle, Sir Henry Phelps, is a brilliant scholar who has come into possession of a document and needs Lady Clara’s help in deciphering it. But Lady Clara Sheffield is busy dealing with her own problems. She is a widow and single mother who is rumored to have “helped” her husband along to the grave with her alchemy skills. Her husband’s relatives would love nothing better than to see her hang and take control of her child’s inheritance.
So Clara’s friends, The Scientific ladies of the Circle of Sin, devise a plan to help save Clara’s life. Lord Hadley and Lady Clara will pretend to be engaged. Hadley will offer his name and social ties for protection and Lady Clara will decipher the document for Lord Hadley’s uncle.
And here is where the fun begins.
I adored Clara and Lucas from the beginning. The heat generated between these two set the pages on fire. Elliott’s writing is reminiscent of earlier works by Julie Garwood. The heroine is feisty and opinionated while the hero “attempts” to be in control. Clara relies on science and logic to keep her life orderly. Lucas relies on his looks and, urrr, expertise in the bedroom to keep life at bay. As they work together to resolve Clara’s problem they engage in a delightful battle of the wills that had me laughing & groaning at the same time. Each has something to teach the other if only they will let down their guards and learn.
I loved watching Lucas “grow up” as he comes to care for Clara and her little boy and tries to keep them safe. The only problem I had with the story were the hoops Lucas has to jump through in order for society to take him seriously.
Even though his friends and even Clara see that that the face he shows the world is but a mere fraction of who he really is, I found the constant criticism of his past behavior to be a bit tedious. In one breath they would excuse his behavior and rally around him in a show of support, then in the next breathe they bring up past indiscretions and disparage his character. Once he meets Clara you don’t see or hear of him doing anything irresponsible so I was a bit disheartened by judgmental attitudes of those involved.
Although you are told right off the cuff who the villain is, the journey towards the HEA is very romantic, somewhat steamy, and delightfully funny.
All in all I enjoyed this story and look forward to the next in the series that comes out in June-To Surrender To A Rogue.
Rating: 4/5
Recent Reviews:
Royal Reviews – 5/5
Goodreads
Thanks Tori!
Hachette has offered to giveaway FIVE copies of Sin With a Scoudrel. To enter, just leave a comment! Open to US and Canada only through Sunday March, 7th. I will announce the winners on Monday. Good luck:)
Thanks for this review! I can't wait to read this book!
Great review… romantic, steamy and funny ?? PLease count me in !!
Sounds great!
I've been following Cara's blog tour would love to read her book. Please count me in for the contest. Thanks!
Sounds like a great book I would love to read it.
sstrode@scrtc.com
Great Review! Count me in :o)
Great Review! Count me in :o)
I love a smart heroine who goes against the grain. This sounds like a great story that I'd love to read.
joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com
Great interview! The book sounds very interesting, I look forward to reading it.
email: takyram@gmail.como
Don't put my name in the hat for the giveaway–I'm not qualified, boohoo. Anyhoo, I love rakehells and scholarly ladies match-up. It's like the library girl and the rock star hooking up, haha. The fact that Clara's a Regency single mother intrigues me.
I'll be checking this out. And the fact that it's steamy helps. ;) I'm excited for Hadley!
Great givaway! I would love to read this book.
myra0502@yahoo.com
The more I heard about this book, the more I want to get my hands on it!
Don't enter me. I just wanted to say that I'm reading it right now and loving it.
Ok, great review, now I am interested in reading this one. Thanks for the chance to win it
contestmom AT hotmail DOT com
I'm hearing good things about this book. Nice review Tori.
Hey everyone…so glad to see so many sign up for the giveaway!!!
I am looking forward to reading this book and the ones that follow.
Yes nice review :)
Sounds like a good read towards that HEA
From all the reviews I'm seeing about this book, it sounds like a good read. Please count me in.
forwhlz at gmail dot com
Enjoyed the review. Sounds like a book I would enjoy reading. Please enter me. Thank you!
cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com
I have this checked out from the library and am reading it pretty soon. I'm so glad you liked it-I admit it got off to a slow start for me.
This book looks like a fun read. Please enter me too.
Sounds good! Enter me, please.
cait.peterson@hotmail.com
Please count me in.
cindyc725 at gmail dot com
Please enter me!
xxsquigglesxx(At)gmail(dot)com
I'd like to be included! tWarner419@aol.com
Please enter me. Sounds like a great book!
cherylbaryl@hotmail.com
This book sounds great! Please enter me into your contest, thanks!
mariannguyen16(AT)gmail(DOT)com
sounds great! count me in please
throuthehaze at gmail dot com
I have to say the book sounds good, you especially caught my notice by mentioning that it reminded you of early Julie Garwood. Thanks for the giveaway
I love that Cara and her friends are scientific scholars. This one sounds like a real winner.
I'd love for this book to end up on my keeper shelf!
alternate email from blogger
magenta 2 red [at] gmail [dot] com
Awesome, count me in.
littleredride.nhood@yahoo.com
Also, not sucking up {lol} here is an award.
http://j-rabbits-corner.blogspot.com/2010/03/another-awardin-which-i-get-to-lie-buah.html#links
No need to enter me. Just wanted to say that that is a great review hon! Hope you have a great weekend!
I really, really want to read this one. It sounds so good. Throw my name in please.
mlawson17 at hotmail dot com
Thank you Tori.
Oh, and please don't include me in the giveaway as I'm on the wrong side of the planet :)
Thanks for the awesome giveaway! the book sounds like a wonderful read!
lilazncutie1215 @ yahoo.com
Great review! I'm looking forward to reading this one!!
I definitely want to read this, sounds like it has a nice little mystery element to it too.
patronus89013 at yahoo dot com
Looks like a great book for a day at the beach!!! Count me in please!!!
mitzihinkey at sbcglobal dot net
To Sin With A Scoundrel sounds like a fantastic read. I'm really anxious to pick this one up, that is if I don't win it first. :o)
This looks like a fun read. I'd love to win.
Great review!
I'd love to win a copy.