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The Husband Hunters Club #4
Sin With a Scoundrel
The final installment in popular author Sara Bennett's wonderful series about the Husband Hunters Club-where the girls at Miss Debenham's Finishing School believe the only husband worth having is a husband you have hunted yourself!
Clementina Smythe is in love with Lord Horace Gilfoyle.or rather, she is certain she could learn to love him. Tina simply cannot admit to her fellow Husband Hunters Club members that the only reason she has set her cap on the old family friend is because her family is in desperate straits. Now only to convince Horace that she is a woman to be loved.
When the devilish chit approaches Richard Eversham about schooling her in the art of seduction, he is more than a little intrigued. But when he learns her intended target, he can't refuse. For behind Richard's rakish mask is a government agent after a villain who calls himself "the captain," and Richard has reason to believe that man is Gilfoyle.
As the tutoring sessions give way to so much more, Tina knows she can no longer settle for anyone other than Richard. But "the captain" is moving against them and soon Richard will have to reveal his true identity, if he is to save the woman he loves.
Clementina Smythe is in love with Lord Horace Gilfoyle.or rather, she is certain she could learn to love him. Tina simply cannot admit to her fellow Husband Hunters Club members that the only reason she has set her cap on the old family friend is because her family is in desperate straits. Now only to convince Horace that she is a woman to be loved.
When the devilish chit approaches Richard Eversham about schooling her in the art of seduction, he is more than a little intrigued. But when he learns her intended target, he can't refuse. For behind Richard's rakish mask is a government agent after a villain who calls himself "the captain," and Richard has reason to believe that man is Gilfoyle.
As the tutoring sessions give way to so much more, Tina knows she can no longer settle for anyone other than Richard. But "the captain" is moving against them and soon Richard will have to reveal his true identity, if he is to save the woman he loves.
375 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 30, 2012
7 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
About the author
Sara Bennett
149 books207 followersSara Bennett writes with passion. She has been published by Avon HarperCollins in the USA, and also publishes independently. She recently wrote a series of Regency novellas about Second Chances called Mockingbird Square. The four novellas are Unforgettable, Enraptured, Surrender and Reckless. They're available at all eBook stores.
Currently she is writing a second series of Mockingbird Square. The first three novellas, Fascination, Seduction and Temptation are available, and Obsession is under way.
Sara also writes paranormal romance as Sara Mackenzie, steamy historical romance as Evie North, and Australian Women's Fiction as Kaye Dobbie.
Currently she is writing a second series of Mockingbird Square. The first three novellas, Fascination, Seduction and Temptation are available, and Obsession is under way.
Sara also writes paranormal romance as Sara Mackenzie, steamy historical romance as Evie North, and Australian Women's Fiction as Kaye Dobbie.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 24, 2012
DNF at pg 70. Just not for me. There's nothing about the heroine I find interesting enough to continue reading about, the hero hasn't been on page much and I'm just bored.
March 12, 2020
I enjoyed this more than I was anticipating. I liked the buildup of Tina and Richard's relationship and found it more satisfying when they decided to pursue it. Overall it was a good historical romance.
October 9, 2012
My synopsis of the book:
"You're a dear girl, Tina, but really, you are such an innocent. And innocents are a dead bore."
Miss Clementina Smythe (aka Tina) was positive she knew who her perfect match was. She'd known him her whole life, and he was her brother's best friend. The only problem was she had to convince Lord Horace Gilfoyle that she was the perfect woman for him. He saw her as more of a little sister than as a woman he'd marry. Plus, he was having too much fun being a bachelor to even consider settling down. When Tina discovered that her father had lost the family fortune, and it was only a matter of time before the family had to sell off all it possessions, she decided the time for waiting for Horace to notice her was over and drastic measures were needed. She would employ the services of one of London's most notorious rakes, Richard Eversham. A man who used his expertise at seducing woman to advise other gentlemen on how to win the hand of the lady of their choosing. Her thought was if he could teach men how to win the woman of their desires, then surely he must be able help her capture the heart of the man of her dreams, couldn't he?
Richard Eversham isn't what he appears. Acting the part of a rake works to his advantage because he secretly works as a spy for a secret government group known as the Guardians. He uses his notoriously bad reputation as a guise to put those he wishes to glean information from at ease. No one would suspect the man with a notoriously bad reputation of having any honor. When Miss Smythe knocks on his door, he can hardly believe his luck. He immediately realizes he can use her to gain information about Lord Gilfoyle whom the Guardians suspect is the leader of group who set about causing dissension among the laboring classes which resulted in riots and bouts of lawbreaking. The man, called the Captain, is also believed to have killed Richard's brother who was getting too close to uncovering the Captain's identity.
"Before I agree you must be very certain of what you're asking me, Miss Smythe," he said quietly. "You wish me to teach you to be a woman of the world. You do not want to appear as an innocent. In short, you require that I teach you the art of seduction by, eh, seducing you, at least verbally if not physically? Is that correct? Is that what you want? Are you entirely certain?"
From his lips it sounded improper. Risqué.
But Tina had made up her mind this was what she must do if she ever wanted to marry her childhood sweetheart, so she said firmly, "Yes, that is what I want, Mr. Eversham."
My Thoughts:
Have you ever been tempted to do something even though it was against your better judgement? Something you feel compelled to do because you feel you've run out of other options? That the dilemma Tina's found herself in. Even as she got up the gumption to do what most would deem the unthinkable and jump in feet first, she still had her doubts as to whether what she was doing was the right thing. If society got wind of her meetings with Mr. Eversham she would be ruined. I, however, admired her determination to go after what she wanted, and Richard Eversham did as well. I loved some of the advice Richard gave her such as to pretend to no longer be interested in Horace, but in every other male in his presence. It put a smile on my face as some of the things Richard attempted to teach her when it came to the art of flirtation starting affecting him.
Richard is a very loyal and secretive person. He has vowed to put his life on hold until he finds his brother's killer. Richard's quest definitely causes friction between him and Tina once she finds out what he's been up to. Tina has known Horace her whole life, and when she discovers Richard believes he killed his brother, she is positive he's got the wrong man. When Richard's feelings for Tina start to grow into something more than he'd ever imagined, he comes to the realization if he keeps his vow he may loose Tina.
The mystery of who the Captain was kept me guessing. Toward the end I did suspect who he might be, but wasn't one hundred percent sure. The drama created when Tina's life was put in danger, after she see the face of one of the Captain's men and he realizes she's overheard his conversation with another, was a nice touch.
Overall I gave this one 4 out of 5 roses. I truly enjoyed the story. Yes, I felt like asking, "What are you thinking?", but I do so love watching a character do all the wrong things and have everything turn out right. Plus, it was fun seeing Richard fall for Tina and vice versa. I loved how Tina matured as the story progressed. When she sets out to win Horace she was rather naive and had the impression you could fall in love with practically anyone at any time. Later, when she realizes she has feelings for Richard, she sees the error in her previous thoughts. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a FAN rating--the temperature in the room seems to have suddenly gone up a couple of degrees and a fan would be nice.
"You're a dear girl, Tina, but really, you are such an innocent. And innocents are a dead bore."
Miss Clementina Smythe (aka Tina) was positive she knew who her perfect match was. She'd known him her whole life, and he was her brother's best friend. The only problem was she had to convince Lord Horace Gilfoyle that she was the perfect woman for him. He saw her as more of a little sister than as a woman he'd marry. Plus, he was having too much fun being a bachelor to even consider settling down. When Tina discovered that her father had lost the family fortune, and it was only a matter of time before the family had to sell off all it possessions, she decided the time for waiting for Horace to notice her was over and drastic measures were needed. She would employ the services of one of London's most notorious rakes, Richard Eversham. A man who used his expertise at seducing woman to advise other gentlemen on how to win the hand of the lady of their choosing. Her thought was if he could teach men how to win the woman of their desires, then surely he must be able help her capture the heart of the man of her dreams, couldn't he?
Richard Eversham isn't what he appears. Acting the part of a rake works to his advantage because he secretly works as a spy for a secret government group known as the Guardians. He uses his notoriously bad reputation as a guise to put those he wishes to glean information from at ease. No one would suspect the man with a notoriously bad reputation of having any honor. When Miss Smythe knocks on his door, he can hardly believe his luck. He immediately realizes he can use her to gain information about Lord Gilfoyle whom the Guardians suspect is the leader of group who set about causing dissension among the laboring classes which resulted in riots and bouts of lawbreaking. The man, called the Captain, is also believed to have killed Richard's brother who was getting too close to uncovering the Captain's identity.
"Before I agree you must be very certain of what you're asking me, Miss Smythe," he said quietly. "You wish me to teach you to be a woman of the world. You do not want to appear as an innocent. In short, you require that I teach you the art of seduction by, eh, seducing you, at least verbally if not physically? Is that correct? Is that what you want? Are you entirely certain?"
From his lips it sounded improper. Risqué.
But Tina had made up her mind this was what she must do if she ever wanted to marry her childhood sweetheart, so she said firmly, "Yes, that is what I want, Mr. Eversham."
My Thoughts:
Have you ever been tempted to do something even though it was against your better judgement? Something you feel compelled to do because you feel you've run out of other options? That the dilemma Tina's found herself in. Even as she got up the gumption to do what most would deem the unthinkable and jump in feet first, she still had her doubts as to whether what she was doing was the right thing. If society got wind of her meetings with Mr. Eversham she would be ruined. I, however, admired her determination to go after what she wanted, and Richard Eversham did as well. I loved some of the advice Richard gave her such as to pretend to no longer be interested in Horace, but in every other male in his presence. It put a smile on my face as some of the things Richard attempted to teach her when it came to the art of flirtation starting affecting him.
Richard is a very loyal and secretive person. He has vowed to put his life on hold until he finds his brother's killer. Richard's quest definitely causes friction between him and Tina once she finds out what he's been up to. Tina has known Horace her whole life, and when she discovers Richard believes he killed his brother, she is positive he's got the wrong man. When Richard's feelings for Tina start to grow into something more than he'd ever imagined, he comes to the realization if he keeps his vow he may loose Tina.
The mystery of who the Captain was kept me guessing. Toward the end I did suspect who he might be, but wasn't one hundred percent sure. The drama created when Tina's life was put in danger, after she see the face of one of the Captain's men and he realizes she's overheard his conversation with another, was a nice touch.
Overall I gave this one 4 out of 5 roses. I truly enjoyed the story. Yes, I felt like asking, "What are you thinking?", but I do so love watching a character do all the wrong things and have everything turn out right. Plus, it was fun seeing Richard fall for Tina and vice versa. I loved how Tina matured as the story progressed. When she sets out to win Horace she was rather naive and had the impression you could fall in love with practically anyone at any time. Later, when she realizes she has feelings for Richard, she sees the error in her previous thoughts. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a FAN rating--the temperature in the room seems to have suddenly gone up a couple of degrees and a fan would be nice.
March 1, 2020
Good plot, some interesting characters. It was an enjoyable addition to the series.
December 5, 2017
Ci ho provato a più riprese e questa serie mi piace molto, ma il romanzo non decolla. Trovo la narrazione molto lenta e la trama un po’ confusa. Peccato.
June 1, 2013
Starts off slowly. But the ending is satisfying.
Heroine needs to marry a wealthy man to save her family from financial ruin. Her intended intended is a wealthy Lord who has been friends with the family for years. But he thinks of her as a sister and flat out told her than inexperineced women are boring. So she seeks help from a professional seduction expert (our hero), a man who helps other men win the woman of their dreams. She just needs to convince him that his skills can also help a woman land the man of her dreams.
By happy coincidence, our hero is actually a spy who uses his matchmaking business as a front for his ecret activities. And the man the heroine has in her sights just happens to be the prime suspect in the murder of the hero's brother two years ago. Of course he agrees to help her, while secretly using the connection to get closer to the suspect.
The "seduction lessons" were rather boring, simple stuff she could have learned from her girlfriends. The kissing lessons were no surprise.
This is another one of those heroes whose reputation is undeserved. He's not really the hardended rake at all. It's all just a cover for his spy work.
As the true suspect came together at a house party, the story began to move forward at a more satisfying pace.
The main villain of the piece is three dimensional!! Whoo wooo! Thank you so much for that.
Heroine needs to marry a wealthy man to save her family from financial ruin. Her intended intended is a wealthy Lord who has been friends with the family for years. But he thinks of her as a sister and flat out told her than inexperineced women are boring. So she seeks help from a professional seduction expert (our hero), a man who helps other men win the woman of their dreams. She just needs to convince him that his skills can also help a woman land the man of her dreams.
By happy coincidence, our hero is actually a spy who uses his matchmaking business as a front for his ecret activities. And the man the heroine has in her sights just happens to be the prime suspect in the murder of the hero's brother two years ago. Of course he agrees to help her, while secretly using the connection to get closer to the suspect.
The "seduction lessons" were rather boring, simple stuff she could have learned from her girlfriends. The kissing lessons were no surprise.
This is another one of those heroes whose reputation is undeserved. He's not really the hardended rake at all. It's all just a cover for his spy work.
As the true suspect came together at a house party, the story began to move forward at a more satisfying pace.
The main villain of the piece is three dimensional!! Whoo wooo! Thank you so much for that.
November 9, 2012
Actually 3 and 1/2 stars.
A little slow to start, SIN WITH A SCOUNDREL by Sara Bennett quickly becomes a wonderful historical romance featuring lovely characters and a mystery that drives this final book in the Husband Hunters Club straight to the end.
This delightful historical romance started out a little slow but after a few chapters, I was captured completely by Tina and her blossoming attraction for Richard. The secondary characters helped stir the mystery that is the true star of this story. Sara Bennett creates characters that you quickly connect with and eventually fall in love with - even if they're bad guys. The romance that inevitably develops between Tina and Richard is wonderfully steamy and oh so, romantic.
I recommend SIN WITH A SCOUNDREL by Sara Bennett to anyone who loves to solve mysteries for Sara teases and conjoles your investigative instincts until you think, "I've got it, I know who it is" but still keeps you guessing right up to the happily-ever-after.
***eARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.
A little slow to start, SIN WITH A SCOUNDREL by Sara Bennett quickly becomes a wonderful historical romance featuring lovely characters and a mystery that drives this final book in the Husband Hunters Club straight to the end.
This delightful historical romance started out a little slow but after a few chapters, I was captured completely by Tina and her blossoming attraction for Richard. The secondary characters helped stir the mystery that is the true star of this story. Sara Bennett creates characters that you quickly connect with and eventually fall in love with - even if they're bad guys. The romance that inevitably develops between Tina and Richard is wonderfully steamy and oh so, romantic.
I recommend SIN WITH A SCOUNDREL by Sara Bennett to anyone who loves to solve mysteries for Sara teases and conjoles your investigative instincts until you think, "I've got it, I know who it is" but still keeps you guessing right up to the happily-ever-after.
***eARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.
February 18, 2013
Currently the last in the Husband Hunters Club, although there are more girls at Miss Debenham's Finishing School, so I expect there will be more to come in the future.
Miss Clementina Smythe is the latest graduate to share with her friends that she wants to marry Lord Horace Gilfoy. He has been a life long friend and such a marriage would save her family from the debtor's prison.
She seeks Mr Richard Eversham who is apparently an expert on seduction and she asks him to teach her everything so that she can get Lord Gilfoy to propose to her.
Art of seduction however is a bit of smoke screen for Richard, who is set out to revenge his brothers’ death. Miss Smythe unfortunately falls in with Richards plans. Thus, another adventure begins!
I didn't rate the third book two highly, the Duke let me down, but I am glad I read this one, much much better storyline. Don't be put off; it's a good, light series.
Miss Clementina Smythe is the latest graduate to share with her friends that she wants to marry Lord Horace Gilfoy. He has been a life long friend and such a marriage would save her family from the debtor's prison.
She seeks Mr Richard Eversham who is apparently an expert on seduction and she asks him to teach her everything so that she can get Lord Gilfoy to propose to her.
Art of seduction however is a bit of smoke screen for Richard, who is set out to revenge his brothers’ death. Miss Smythe unfortunately falls in with Richards plans. Thus, another adventure begins!
I didn't rate the third book two highly, the Duke let me down, but I am glad I read this one, much much better storyline. Don't be put off; it's a good, light series.
December 14, 2012
SIN WITH A SCOUNDREL by Sara Bennett is another interesting historical romance. Book 4 of "The Husband Hunters Club",but can be read as a stand alone. Be prepared to be swept away with Miss Clementina Smythe and Richard Eversham as they navigate love's undeniable passion. Filled with seduction,secrets,danger,deception,spies, betrayal,mystery,suspense,childhood friends,guilt,vengeance,and the Guardians. As lessons in sin turns into lessons in seduction, secrets are revealed and danger lurks on every corner. Fast paced and filled with engaging and intriguing characters. I have enjoyed each of the Guardians in this series,as each of them come into their own and find love and danger. Received for an honest review from the publisher and Above the Treeline. Details can be found at Avon Books, an imprint of Harper Collins Publisher,and My Book Addiction and More.
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews
February 17, 2013
Currently the last in the Husband Hunters Club, although there are more girls at Miss Debenham's Finishing School, so I expect there will be more to come in the future.
Miss Clementina Smythe is the latest graduate to share with her friends that she wants to marry Lord Horace Gilfoy. He has been a life long friend and such a marriage would save her family from the debtor's prison.
She seeks Mr Richard Eversham who is apparently an expert on seduction and she asks him to teach her everything so that she can get Lord Gilfoy to propose to her.
Art of seduction however is a bit of smoke screen for Richard, who is set out to revenge his brothers’ death. Miss Smythe unfortunately falls in with Richards plans. Thus, another adventure begins!
I didn't rate the third book two highly, the Duke let me down, but I am glad I read this one, much much better storyline. Don't be put off; it's a good, light series.
Miss Clementina Smythe is the latest graduate to share with her friends that she wants to marry Lord Horace Gilfoy. He has been a life long friend and such a marriage would save her family from the debtor's prison.
She seeks Mr Richard Eversham who is apparently an expert on seduction and she asks him to teach her everything so that she can get Lord Gilfoy to propose to her.
Art of seduction however is a bit of smoke screen for Richard, who is set out to revenge his brothers’ death. Miss Smythe unfortunately falls in with Richards plans. Thus, another adventure begins!
I didn't rate the third book two highly, the Duke let me down, but I am glad I read this one, much much better storyline. Don't be put off; it's a good, light series.
August 26, 2012
Fun, light enough this romance is a mixture of intrigue and romantic love story.
Nothing revolutionary but a well constructed romance with characters rather pleasant. I confess that I do not fall in love with Richard. However, I must admit that a man at the head of a dating agency in the 19th century has sharpen my curiosity.
For the rest, I let myself be carried away by the adventures of Tina whose methods to snag a husband are rather daring for the time.
Revenge, a suspicion of espionage and a heroine in the wrong place at the wrong time are the ingredients that spice up the end of the novel. Obviously the happy ending will delight the incorrigible admirers of romance.
Lucie
http://newbooksonmyselves.blogspot.fr...
Nothing revolutionary but a well constructed romance with characters rather pleasant. I confess that I do not fall in love with Richard. However, I must admit that a man at the head of a dating agency in the 19th century has sharpen my curiosity.
For the rest, I let myself be carried away by the adventures of Tina whose methods to snag a husband are rather daring for the time.
Revenge, a suspicion of espionage and a heroine in the wrong place at the wrong time are the ingredients that spice up the end of the novel. Obviously the happy ending will delight the incorrigible admirers of romance.
Lucie
http://newbooksonmyselves.blogspot.fr...
December 8, 2012
This book had a good premises for a great story, but it was rather boring and cliche.
At the end of the book Tina is kidnapped and when Richard finds her she gets into her head to go running into the woods with him to capture the "Captain". Since she was kidnapped from her bed I believe she is in her nightgown and barefooted, I find highly improbable she would go or Richard would allow. Specially since there were other agents about if he need the help. And then she starts given orders like "he went through there" or "after he is capture you'll give up your work and marry me". Not very believable.
It was never said what happen to Horace and exactly what kind of man he was. There were hints that he treated women badly but never exactly what.
At the end of the book Tina is kidnapped and when Richard finds her she gets into her head to go running into the woods with him to capture the "Captain". Since she was kidnapped from her bed I believe she is in her nightgown and barefooted, I find highly improbable she would go or Richard would allow. Specially since there were other agents about if he need the help. And then she starts given orders like "he went through there" or "after he is capture you'll give up your work and marry me". Not very believable.
It was never said what happen to Horace and exactly what kind of man he was. There were hints that he treated women badly but never exactly what.
November 21, 2012
I enjoyed the primary romance, but what bumped this up to four stars for me was the secondary characters-- Tina's maid and Richard's valet (romance #2), and Tina's parents (whose second-chance romance is as touching as their daughter's-- look at that, three romances for the price of one!). Even the villains and less-than-gentlemanly suitors are much more complex characters than one usually sees in those roles. At times I *really* wasn't sure how the author would manage to pull an HEA out of this book, but she managed brilliantly.
This has really been an enjoyable series-- if you haven't picked up the others, well... what are you waiting for?
This has really been an enjoyable series-- if you haven't picked up the others, well... what are you waiting for?
Read
October 31, 2012I tried to finish this book, I really did. I just didn't like the main characters: Tina came off as self-centered and mercenary and Richard appeared sleazy and manipulative. I think my main problem is that there is no background leading up to why the main characters are behaving the way they are; there is nothing showing me why I should care about them. When I found myself starting to look forward to Archie and Maria's parts is when I called it quits. I stopped at 39% on my Kindle but that was just stuborness on my part. I should have stopped at the second chapter.
January 14, 2013
A fan of Sara Bennett and her Husband Hunters Club series, I have to say that I didn't really care for this book, in fact, I didn't even read it all because it just wasn't holding my attention enough to finish. I wasn't connecting to the hero, Richard Eversham or the heroine, Lady Clementina. In fact, there seemed to be too much side story going on that the romance was falling a bit flat for my tastes.
June 24, 2013
I picked up this book by mistake. I thought I haven't read anything by the author and wanted to give her a shot. But turned out I've already read one from this series and was on the fence about it. Well, whatever I felt about that book is pretty much similar to what I'm feeling about this one. I wish the romance was, well, more romantic. The story telling wasn't bad. I just wasn't completely wow-ed by it.
Read
April 12, 2012The 4th book in the Husband Hunters Club!
September 6, 2012
Review forthcoming on www.paperbackdolls.com
December 2, 2012
Not as gripping as most of her other books, but I still enjoyed it.
December 6, 2012
In the beginning the pace was really slow but it then picked up around the middle. Lots of sexual chemistry
May 29, 2015
wat the fuck even is this shit!?
January 28, 2016
I loved it !!!
February 5, 2022
excellent
January 15, 2014
good H and h.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews