Sybil’s review of The Rules of Seduction (The Rothwell Series, Book 1) by Madeline Hunter
Historical romance released by Dell 31 Oct 06

Since Gwen recently reviewed Secrets of Surrender (Roselyn Longworth and Klyle Bradwell’s tale), I figured I would review the book that started the Rothwell series. And a note as I happened to to read the review after having reread all the books: The Sins of Lord Easterbrook (Book 4), Secrets of Surrender (Book 3), Lessons of Desire (Book 2), and The Rules of Seduction (Book 1) (yes in that order *g*) and for anyone wondering if they can be read out of order and as standalones. Read on for more info but be warned I find it only fair since Madeline tried so hard to not have one book spoil the others (for those who do want to read them all) I am going to try not to be my normal spoilerwhorishself (I said try – I should get points for that).

The Rules of Seduction sets up the journey of The Rothwell series. A tale of a noble family, the Rothwells, and the Longworths trying like mad to hold on to their ‘gentry’ status. I rarely say this about a book but I honestly think if you pick up TRoS and read the first two chapters that will tell you if this book is one for you to try. The banter between Alexia and Hayden sets the tone for their interaction for most of the book as well as we are introduced to most of the Longworth’s. I admit I spent most of the time wanting to slap Timothy upside the head.

Alexia Welbourne is a graduate of life’s course on No Good, Awful, Very Bad Things, she knows when she see Lord Hayden Rothwell at her cousin’s home the worst kind of BAD things are about to happen. It is clear, it is in the air bad things are a coming and in something of a twist the reader learns right away that Timothy Longworth has been up to no good and is a bastard. Rothwell makes a huge mistake in giving him leave to tell his family whatever to save face and leaves Rothwell tied to his word to let them think he ruined them by removing the Rothwell family money from Longworth’s bank.

There are different plots and new discoveries you will no doubt find to feast upon. This is truly an amazing tale — one almost anyone could sit down and reread because there is so much to find. The thing is nothing overwhelms because at the heart of every book in the Rothwell series is the romance. And as with every Madeline Hunter novel, the characters are what set it apart. From the bond Christian, Hayden, and Elliot display to the friendship Alexia has with her cousin Roselyn and the outlandish Phaedra Blair. It is the human emotions and love these characters feel for each other and the things they have to overcome that make for such an emotional read and wonderful story I would highly recommend.

And it might just be me but Lord Hayden Rothwell did so remind me of David de Abyndon in some ways. If you have read both By Arrangement (and if you haven’t – why not?) and The Rules of Seduction I would love to know if you saw it as well *g*. My only real complaint is the same I had with By Arrangement in the way that both Hayden and David kept something from the heroine they felt they had to for WAY too long. At least in my opinion but it was a small thing and one I was able to overlook.

Grade: A

Read more about this series by following its tag.

Summary:

Dangerous. Sensual. Handsome as sin. Meet Hayden Rothwell, the shamelessly erotic hero of The Rules of Seduction and author Madeline Hunter’s most irresistible alpha male yet: a man of extraordinary passion and power, a man who can bring out the seductress in any woman….

He enters her home without warning or invitation-a stranger of shadowy motives and commanding sensuality. Within hours, Alexia Welbourne is penniless, without any hope of marriage. Until Hayden Rothwell takes her to bed. When one impulsive act of passion forces Alexia to marry the very man who has ruined her, Hayden’s seduction of Alexia is nearly complete. What Alexia doesn’t know is that her irresistible new husband is driven by a secret purpose-and a debt of honor he will risk everything to repay. Alexia is the wild card. Reluctant to give up their nightly pleasures, Hayden must find a way to keep Alexia by his side…only to be utterly, thoroughly seduced by a woman who is now playing by her own rules.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series: