Sandy M’s review of All Night with a Rogue, (Lords of Vice, Book 1) by Alexandra Hawkins
Historical Romance published by St. Martin’s 2 Feb 10

I love finding new authors to read. Not that my old favorites don’t cut it anymore, there’s just nothing wrong with new blood being pumped into the market. And Alexandra Hawkins is making a big splash with her new Lords of Vice series about seven friends, rakes and rogues all of them, who challenge their lady loves to take them as they are. Her debut book gives us the first of these really bad boys, and imagine his surprise when he comes up against something he truly wants and for the first time in his spoiled life he can’t have it.

I love the way this book starts out. It’s unique but fun. The heroine is literally up a tree, trying to get away from an annoying dinner partner, and she trades one trap for another. But this second trap teaches Juliana a few things about sex and the feelings it can arouse in a person even if they aren’t one of the participants; teaches her something of how women can please men in ways she never imagined; teaches her spying on others in compromising positions, however innocently, may not end the way she expects.

Sin has grown up getting anything and everything he’s wanted, by fair means or sinful. Thus his nickname. As he’s being pleasantly pleasured by his current mistress, he discovers a beautiful voyeur in the tree above them. Gamely distracting the current woman in his life, he takes on the next as he becomes more intrigued with his beautiful tree fairy. Innocent though she may be, Sin is determined to have her and he always gets what he wants. It just so happens she’s the very same woman his sister wants ruined, and she asks Sin to do the honors. In need of a new pastime, he agrees and is shocked to learn Juliana is also his tree-climbing spy.

Thinking she’s easily gotten out of an embarrassing situation, Juliana is surprised when Sin returns to aid her from her perch and then begins his seduction of her on the spot, though she doesn’t know it yet. When she does realize what he’s up to, she really doesn’t have a chance against his charm and her seduction is complete in no time. Juliana knows when the season comes to an end and she and her family return to their home, Sin won’t even remember her name next year. But in the meantime she’s going to enjoy this dalliance for all it’s worth.

And then things begin to go wrong in a very big way. Her mother’s gambling to keep the family afloat takes a nosedive and Juliana is the one to pay the price. Forced to leave Sin and unable to tell him so, when he finds her in the company of another man, harsh words are said, punches are thrown, Sin drinks himself into a stupor and Juliana awaits a night of horror. It seems there’s no way for these two to come together ever again.

In the beginning, Sin’s arrogance and selfish ways worried me. Though he’s full of fun and sin, I wasn’t sure he could be turned around into the hero he’s meant to be. I should have known better. Once he learns what Juliana is going through after their public fight, he turns into a very dangerous rogue and goes after what he hopes will be his. And a little groveling never hurts. Juliana is a strong lady. She’s the one to suffer for those she loves. I admired her when she walked away from it all with her attitude intact, especially toward Sin.

The only thing I wanted more of was another love scene or two with these two. They’re a dynamic couple together and they sizzle when making love. A couple more scenes would have added a little more to their allure. I did enjoy all of Sin’s friends, the other Lords of Vice. We are introduced to each, get to know them enough to anticipate their books in the future. It will be quite interesting to see what Ms. Hawkins does with them all.

A very nice start to an intriguing series. I’m looking forward to every one.

Grade: A-

Summary:

Notorious, handsome, and decadent, the Lords of Vice prowl the glittering ballrooms of Regency London— breaking rules and hearts with equal aplomb. But even the wildest rogue must eventually meet his match…

Seduce Lady Juliana Ivers and then cast her aside: Those are his sister’s instructions. Alexius Braverton, Marquess of Sinclair—known as Sin to the ton—is happy enough to oblige, especially when he catches a glimpse of his target. Juliana is completely unlike the empty-headed chits who barely hold his attention for a week. A true gentleman would leave her to find a worthy suitor. But then, a Lord of Vice would never claim to be a gentleman.

Juliana is expected to marry well to improve her family’s finances, even if she secretly longs to make a living through her musical compositions. A dalliance can only complicate matters, though not even practical Juliana can help succumbing to the aptly named Sin. But one unforgettable night will draw her into a scandalous affair—and a seduction begun as sport will soon become deliciously, dangerously real… Read an excerpt. (click excerpts page)

Other books in this series: