I typically don't like Regency romance novels, but Renee Bernard's "Seduction Wears Sapphires" was surprisingly decent. Yes, the wager was ridiculous, and the conflict between Caroline and Ashe was completely unrealistic, but Bernard did a good job expressing the passion between the two characters. The ending lacked that "umph" (for lack of a better word) but it was sweet.So while this was not my favorite book, it enjoyable. Over the past year I have discovered a love for historical romance and stumbled upon another little gem, Seduction Wears Sapphires, by Renee Bernard. Although this is the second book in the Jaded Gentlemen series, it can completely stand alone. This was my first read of Ms. Bernard's and given the genre and overall style, it will not be my last. What a refreshing new take on two people who from first sight are determined to detest each other, but end up falling head over heels for one another.Ashe Blackwell is a true rake-a Clark Gable clone in the flesh. He knows how to work a woman into a flustered mess both in conversation and in the bedroom. Ever since his return from India, Ashe is living a life of self-indulgence as a gambler and a master of seduction. Ashe's ailing grandfather summons him home to try and rein in his womanizing ways. Grandfather basically threatens to disinherit Ashe and give the family inheritance to his cousin unless Ashe is able to present himself in society as a moral, reformed gentleman for winter season. No gambling, no whores, no scandal. While Ashe believes this to be an easy task to maneuver, he doesn't count on the clincher. Enter American-born Caroline Townsend, Grandfather's selected companion to chaperone Ashe for the season. While the London socialites will be lead to believe Ashe is Caroline's guardian, secretly she is watching his every move and reporting back to Grandfather. Sparks fly at introductions, Caroline referring to him as rude and boorish, and Ashe referring to her as a drab, tight-lipped American. Both are determined to deal with the commission at hand and then go back to their normal lives without the burden of each other. As Ashe and Caroline embark on the social functions of the season, they are thrust into some surprising, vulnerable and eye opening moments that cause both to view the other in a different light.Ashe portrays himself as the cold, condescending rogue but underneath he is a tender, compassionate and sensual man afraid of trusting love. Caroline, while extremely clever, independent and direct, deep down, is a gentle, vulnerable, and insecure woman who wants to belong. With and to someone in the most uninhibited way. Ms. Bernard paints a vivid picture of humorous moments (sleepwalking, a shopping spree and the pet name, "terrier," Ashe uses for Caroline) as well as erotic moments (a steamy "lesson" Ashe demonstrates during a carriage ride, and Ashe lustfully taking her against a piano). I was immediately engrossed with the fiery, witty dialogue and the curiosity of how this couple, who loathed each other upon their meeting, would come full circle to a beautifully shared love in the end. I look forward to the final two books in the series, Ecstasy Wears Emeralds and Passion Wears Pearls.Favorite Quote:"Too late. It is far to late for me to dictate practicality to my heart now. He can speak of passion changing nothing, but for me, it has changed everything. I don't remember feeling anything before I met Ashe. And now I cannot stop feeling. There is no part of him I don't desire."
What do You think about Seduction Wears Sapphires (2010)?
2nd in the series. Fast paced. Bernard writes a very modern historical romance.
—maverick777
