Limecello’s review of Spaniard’s Seduction (Saxon Brides, Book 2) by Tessa Radley
Contemporary romance released by Silhouette Desire on 11 Nov 08

This is the second book in the Saxon Brides series. I was very excited to read this book because I loved the first so much. I got my hands on Spaniard’s Seduction and believe I read it all in one sitting. There’s a slight twist at the beginning of the book, which confused me as to who the Saxon character was. However, it is all sorted out and turned out to be quite an enjoyable read.

Caitlyn Ross is an interesting and atypical romance heroine. She’s plain, or rather considers herself to be so. Caitlyn has put herself in the role of “one of the guys” and is generally happy to be there. I did take slight exception to how much weight she put on a traumatic incident in her past, but do understand how it could be scarring. Caitlyn can be contrary and quite shy, but it was fun seeing her come out of her shell and grow into her own.  Some of Caitlyn’s appeal is her utter appearance of normalcy. Her good but regular looks, normal family and upbringing, education and the like. ultimately, Caitlyn is quite loyal and is quite likable, although not exceedingly notable.

Happily, Caitlyn is balanced with Rafaelo Carreras, Marques de Las Carreras. Rafaelo’s fun in that he’s so well, outrageous, really. At first glance, and from all accounts, Rafaelo is your stereotypical overbearing, entitled, spoiled European royalty. At least Rafaelo is in no way the Down Under equivalent of Eurotrash. Ms. Radley does an admirable job of keeping all the focus on Saxon’s Folly. Rafaelo seems shallow and overbearing, with no concern for anyone or anything but himself. However, it quickly becomes clear that Rafaelo is deeply intuitive, compassionate and frankly, likable. Although Rafaelo is very self assured and knows his place in the world, he doesn’t harp on the fact, and is quite personable. Rafaelo is one of the most fun characters I’ve read in a while.

I liked how the book worked with the changes wrought in both Caitlyn and Rafaelo. The two couldn’t possibly be more different, but they fit each other so well, and really do belong together. I have to admit something that really won me over was how quickly Rafaelo became enchanted with and by Caitlyn. It showed depth of character that he saw beneath the surface, and didn’t immediately go for the most flashy woman available. There’s a very sweet side story as well, where Rafaelo gentles a wild stallion. It’s quite touching.

I liked how Ms. Radley wrote a great romance for Rafaelo and Caitlyn, but also utilized the secondary characters of the other Saxons. Each person has a key part, but at no point do the happenings detract from the burgeoning romance between Rafaelo and Caitlyn. They support the plot and keep things interesting, but don’t steal the spotlight. Spaniard’s Seduction stands alone, but also fits in comfortably with Mistaken Mistress. It was also nice that the story had enough, but wasn’t too heavy. No kidnappers or assassins, nothing too crazy, just a well written romance. I will say that nothing about it really pops out at you, but that doesn’t necessarily detract from the book.

One thing I might have liked Ms. Radley to develop or go into would be the potential romantic relationship between Caitlyn and Heath Saxon, but simply alluding to Caitlyn’s crush was enough to draw Rafaelo and Caitlyn closer together. The male posturing is amusing, and I liked how protective Rafaelo is over Caitlyn. I also liked how minor incidents or events would draw in the secondary characters, making sure each person and thing had their part, that was all connected – the events flowed and didn’t feel contrived.

I’m enjoy Ms. Radley’s Saxon Brides Trilogy very much. I am curious, however, about the next book Pregnancy Proposal. I knew from the first book that it would be Heath Saxon and Amy’s story — but that leaves the sole Saxon daughter without a story. (Unless Ms. Radley has yet another spin off planned…) I admit that Spaniard’s Seduction exceeded my expectation based on the book blurb and the characters. I felt that everything occurred naturally and fell together nicely, and that Ms. Radley kept things lively, and believable.

Silhouette Desire may be my favorite category line, so I’m always for more people reading from it. If you like this line, and short series, I can happily recommend this book. It’s sweet, well written, has a nice story. The characters are all likable and interesting, and I have a feeling they’ll be showing up more.

Grade: B

Summary:

The white-hot desire for venganza— revenge—had driven Rafaelo Carreras, Marques de Las Carreras, for years. Now, at last, the ruthless Spanish aristocrat had come to New Zealand, to take what was rightfully his from the wealthy, powerful, hated Saxon family. Seducing Caitlyn Ross, the Saxons’ beautiful young winemaker, was child’s play for a man like him—and the perfect way to get what he wanted. But as he came to know this woman, to taste her beguiling blend of inocencia and pasión, he wondered if he was the one being seduced.…

Read an excerpt here (scroll down).

Other books in the series: