A SEDUCTION IN SCARLET - Sara Bennett
Aphrodite’s Club, Book 1
Avon Books
ISBN: 978-0-06-133634-8
January 2008
Historical Romance

London, Little Tunley, St.Tristan, and Norfolk, England - 1850

Lady Portia Ellerslie is mostly content with her lot in life. But lately she wishes for just one night to be more than a living memorial to her heroic, dead husband. Portia knows she’ll never marry again, and she can’t have an affair, either, as Queen Victoria prefers that she remain a widow and a shining example of womanhood. So Portia does the only thing she can think of, she asks the famous (and discreet) courtesan, Aphrodite, for her help. Who could have guessed that Fate would step in and give Portia the man of her girlish dreams and her womanly desires -- Marcus Worthorne -- for the night?

Marcus Worthorne is newly free from the Hussars and has been enjoying the delights of London; however, lately it’s all just a bit unsatisfying. When he goes to Aphrodite’s in search of something, or someone, to ease his restless soul, he’s undeniably impressed by a mysterious lady in red. Could this beauty be the one to tame his wild ways?

A SEDUCTION IN SCARLET brings together two very different types of people. Portia is a lady to the soles of her feet; born a vicar’s daughter, she’s undeniably prim and proper. But even ladies need to let their hair down occasionally. Marcus is, like many younger sons in the Ton, somewhat at loose ends. As a gentleman, he’s not supposed to have a career, and as a younger son, he doesn’t have the obligations that come with a title. While he’s certainly not a blackguard, he is somewhat selfish and reckless. However when Portia and Marcus meet, they bring out the best in each other. Marcus encourages Portia to live, enjoy life and grasp happiness where she can. In turn, Portia brings out desires Marcus didn’t realize he had, a need for purpose, a settled life, and responsibility. Both determined people, it could take quite a while for this pair to understand that they’re playing no game of passion, but instead, conducting an affair of the heart.

Readers of Sara Bennett’s novel, MISTRESS OF SCANDAL (March 2007), will be delighted to reconnect with Sebastian (Marcus’s brother) and Francesca, the delightful couple who found love in that tale, and now want Marcus to find the same happiness they share. Portia is close friends with Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, though Victoria’s insistence on Portia remaining alone is a heavy burden for her. Portia’s faithful maid, Hettie, will do whatever it takes to protect her, even if it’s from herself. Portia’s stepdaughter, Lara, has never developed a fondness for her, despite repeated friendly overtures from Portia. Lara’s husband, Arnold, is a bit of a cold fish, and one can’t help but gain the impression that he’s a man who bears quite a bit of ill will towards any who deny him something he wants. Marcus’s Aunt Minnie is a rather unorthodox Victorian lady, but as wise as they come. And last, but certainly not least, is Aphrodite. She offers Portia not only the chance to be a woman again, but some sage advice as well. She warns her that “once” is sometimes the start of something rather than the finish of it. Wise words, and ones that most people will recognize as being true.

If you love historical romances, particularly those filled with rakish but honorable men, ladies with pure hearts and passion running through their veins, as well as the spice of intrigue, A SEDUCTION IN SCARLET will surely be one of your favorites. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the stories in Aphrodite’s Club, and I’m sure you will as well.

Lori Ann