Limecello’s review of Seduction of an Unknown Lady by Samantha James
Historical Romance released by Avon 25 Mar 08

I really like historicals, and tend to enjoy books by Samantha James. While I wasn’t absolutely blown away by this book, I liked it. I still can’t remember or tell if this is part of a series… I know there will be more books dealing with the family, but as to already published books, I am unclear.

Fionna Hawkes is an independent on the shelf woman at age twenty six. She’s smart, witty, capable, and has the means to live how she wishes, and she does. She’s a writer of horror novels. However, as a woman, she has to keep her identity secret, especially due to the content of her stories, so she writes under the pseudonym F.J. Sparrow. (Her name is Fionna Josephine Hawkes – clever, no?) Lord Aiden McBride is newly back from the Punjab, and sorely in need of distraction. By chance, he happens upon Fionna during one of her solitary walks at midnight, which leads to a series of events that tie them together.

Some of the characterizations were a bit much. While Fionna had her head on straight, at times I felt like she needed a girlfriend to smack her. There were some times that I felt Fionna was being foolish – but she never reached TSTL proportions, and I appreciate that she was a very levelheaded heroine with a brain. Aside from that and a few scenes that seemed unnecessary, used to build tension and conflict but actually felt patronizing, I have no complaints.

I liked this book, and was extremely impressed with the fact that I was kept guessing the identity of the stalker until the end. I narrowed it down to two characters, but Ms. James had me guessing/switching until the end. As someone who figures out plots in both books and movies too quickly, this was a novel experience. Thank you for that, Ms. James! I really liked how Aiden realized he was in love, then went after Fionna full tilt. I love when the hero pursues the heroine, rather than the woman eating her heart out over a man and generally acting pathetic.

I’d say this is one of the better Samantha James novels – I liked A Perfect Groom and The Secret Passion of Simon Blackwell. And the McBride family! I can’t wait for Alec’s story. Also – who is the McBride cousin?! Did she have some previous story? (And their sister Annie?) Anyway, I would definitely recommend this book!

Grade: B

     Blurb: 

     Seduction is something Fionna Hawkes knows nothing about. So when she encounters a sexy stranger on a moonlit street, her first instinct is to defend herself against her darkly handsome suitor. But letting go of suspicion and allowing herself to fall for Lord Aidan McBride brings even greater danger. In his eyes, she glimpses a powerful passion she longs to fulfill. In his arms, she aches with the secret she longs to unburden. A secret that could cost her livelihood-and her life.

     Aidan McBride could never resist a mystery, especially one as mesmerizing as the lovely Miss Hawkes! Drawing her into the shelter of his embrace, he won’t rest until he convinces her to reveal everything. Braving the danger that stalks Fionna at every turn, Aidan is determined to defend her-and just as determined to claim her as his own.

     Read an excerpt here.