The Rules of Seduction

October 1, 2006
Early Victorian England is the setting for Hunter's newest romance. Alexia Welbourne, although virtually penniless and living with relatives, is, as her name suggests, wellborn. But hard times have made her pragmatic, so when Lord Hayden Rothwell arrives unexpectedly, she expects bad tidings, and, indeed, he claims that her cousin, Timothy, has been stealing money from investors at his bank. But Alexia believes Timothy when he says that Hayden has brought the family to ruin. Frustrated and feeling guilty, Hayden offers a job, then a relationship, then marriage to Alexia. She feels she has no choice, but she is honest enough to admit that the physical aspect of their relationship is enjoyable and finds it difficult to reconcile what she has been told about Hayden with what she sees. Hunter is masterful at drawing readers in and creating realistic characters and powerful emotions so that each of her romances both satisfies readers and leave them anxious for the next book.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2006, American Library Association.)