Alicia’s review of Let Sleeping Rogues Lie (School for Heiresses, Book 4) by Sabrina Jeffries
Historical romance released by Pocket on 19 Feb 08

I actually decided to read this book after the Valenduckie posts. I loved Sabrina Jeffries posts here at TGTBTU so it was natural to want to read her book when I got the chance. Right off, the writing style was smooth and easy to read. The kind you can just relax into and enjoy.

Since Sandy has already reviewed this book, I’ll quickly give you the basics:

Madeline is a bluestocking, intellectual type who has lost her mother and her father has had a tragic incident which has rendered him too depressed to do anything. She is supporting them both by teaching at the local school for ladies but she also hopes to meet a chemist who will support her father’s innocence. She has never had any success with attracting men because she is so smart and has a tendency to respond intellectually in conversation where most girls would titter and flirt so she is resigned to being a spinster and doesn’t dwell on that sad fact because her father’s troubles are so much more important. *sucks in a deep breath*

Anthony is a rake who hasn’t tried to suppress his inclinations since he was an eight year old boy but now he needs to get custody of his niece so he needs to convince a court that he has changed his ways and is now a respectable and responsible adult man. He approaches the school hoping that by enrolling his niece in a good school he will help his chances of getting custody of her but the school has no openings at that time and he enters into a devils bargain with Madeline to get her to champion his cause to the headmistress so that she will make an exception and enroll the girl. So, that’s basically what the story is about. *sucking air and panting*

Madeline is a very good bluestocking. Ms. Jeffries did this, not with boring text showing Madeline’s knowledge in any area, but with a conversational style. Madeline is oblivious to the normal social talk that would be expected of her and instead asks analytical questions at the oddest times. Not to the point that it becomes ridiculous but just enough that her character rings true. She isn’t some tremendous genius, just intellectual in nature.

I loved Anthony’s predicament of having to discuss with innocent young ladies subjects that are totally inappropriate. He is so cute when he’s squirming! But the best part is his name for his manhood *snicker*. I’ll make you read it, but it’s great!

Take this book lightly. Don’t read it when you want deep relationship building because it would be weak in that area. They fall in love pretty quickly and, maybe, a bit too easily. For me it wasn’t a problem. The strong dialogue and wit along with the punch-in-the-gut moments of sexual tension make this book a joy to read. The kind of story you can trust to whisk away the real world for a while. It’s fun.

Grade: B

From the back cover:

     When Madeline Prescott took a teaching position at Mrs. Harris’s School for Young Ladies, it was to help restore her father’s reputation. Instead, she’s in danger of ruining her own. The devilishly handsome Anthony Dalton, Viscount Norcourt, has agreed to provide “rake lessons” to Mrs. Harris’s pupils so they can learn how to avoid unscrupulous gentlemen, and Madeline is to oversee his classes. She has always believed that attraction is a scientific matter, easily classified and controlled — until she’s swept into the passionate desire that fiercely burns between her and Anthony. Nothing could be more illogical than risking everything for a dalliance with a rake — even one who’s trying to behave himself. Yet nothing could be more tempting….

     Read an excerpt.