Then Comes Seduction

After, First Comes Marriage, I had given up reading Mary Balogh's series, the Huxtables siblings. But, after reading Ana's reviews of both the second and third books of the series, I broke down and got them both out of the library.

My expectations are not high! I cannot be disappointed!

Here's the blurb for Then Comes Seduction:

In a night of drunken revelry, Jasper Finley, Baron Montford, gambles his reputation as London’s most notorious lover on one woman. His
challenge? To seduce the exquisite, virtuous Katherine Huxtable within a fortnight. But when his best-laid plans go awry, Jasper devises a wager of his own. For Katherine, already wildly attracted to him, Jasper’s offer is irresistible: to make London’s most dangerous rake fall in love with her. Then Jasper suddenly ups the ante. Katherine knows she should refuse. But with scandal brewing and her reputation in jeopardy, she reluctantly agrees to become his wife. Now, as passion ignites, the seduction really begins. And this time the prize is nothing less than both their hearts...

I have a weakness for rakes. Truly, I do. And Jasper Finley, Baron Montford, is a Rake, with a capital R. What happens when this Rake is challenged to seduce the proper country Miss Katherine Huxtable? Well, he gets her alone, and when the seducing becomes interesting he grows a conscience. Doesn't sound very rakish, does it?

Now, fast forward three years. Jasper and Katherine meet again and it's clear that the attraction is still there, but Katherine wants nothing to do with Lord Montford. Until a not so well-meaning relative lets the ton know about the challenge. Katherine's reputation is in ruins and the only thing that can save her is marriage to Montford. But Katherine wants more than just lust in her marriage. Can Jasper give her love?

I loved the way the author showed us the different layers of Jasper's personality. I liked him as a rake and I loved him as gentleman. Not to overshadow Katherine in this story, I really liked her too, but, in my opinion it was Jasper's book. His idea that he wasn't capable of loving and being loved was absurd but understandable, and the way that Katherine showed him the way was moving.

Then Comes Seduction by Mary Balogh (4/5) Historical Romance; Published: Dell (4/2009); Series: # 2, The Huxtables; 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (67);