Cover Image: Only Seduction Will Do

Only Seduction Will Do

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I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book 4 in the House of Pleasure series. I was trying to get through the books off my Netgalley list. I should have read the others. It was a little bit hard to follow at times with all the characters. I would definitely recommend reading the others first. The story was pretty good but hard to follow all the nuances in characters at times.

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This is the fourth book in the series. It can be read as a stand alone. What a roller coaster of events but leads us to a happy ever after. Duels, scandal, and drama. I'm sure reading the other books will improve the experience. I read this book in one day. The characters would not give me a break!

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This is an interesting and amusing story. Jack is chivalrous, courteous, caring, honorable, kind hearted and insecure. Alathea is bold, determined, vulnerable, lost and unsure. When Alethea finds herself in a delicate condition after a very unfortunate indiscretion, she decides to propose to the man she had fallen in love with months before, thinking him kind and honest. When he accepts, she's prepared to live happily ever after. But he's not so ready to just jump into the marriage bed, he's not comfortable bedding a stranger. And he has a secret. So while she does everything she can to get him to be intimate with her, he hides behind his courteous manner. There are a couple of times where they decide to consummate the marriage, only to have a comedy of errors occur. Jack brought me to tears with his actions while at his sisters home, what he did was so sweet and loving. I loved this story and look forward to reading the rest of the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

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This took me a while to finish. I struggled through the reading but the book didn't win. I read from this author before and vowed I would not read her again but the premise intrigued me so I read. I was surprised. Pleasantly? I'm not sure, but the book didn't follow what one expects so that was surprising. I can see some growth in that the characters have a little more depth but the story did drag a bit. Getting better though.

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A refreshingly sweet read. I enjoyed the characters, the plot, all the anticipation of when will they finally do the deed and the satisfying ending.

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As promised when i requested this ARC, I am giving a fair and honest review. When I request an ARC, I try to make sure that it is one that I will enjoy since I hate to give less than shining reviews. With that in mind, I am sorry to say that I did not enjoy this story. What I look for in a read is characters with passion, a tale that pulls me in and keeps me engaged. This one was not to my liking. I thought it was a bit too restrained and the characters non-dimensional.

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Alethea Forsythe allows herself to be seduced by a married peer. Poor Alethea has been hopelessly and irrevocably compromised when a married man offered her comfort, but instead in a weak moment the married man took advantage of her and she ends up pregnant and no husband. She’s forced to tell her cousin her shame, but if she’s lucky the honorable Jack Fitzwilliam, the Earl of Manning will come to her rescue and save her. Jack is summoned while he’s at the House of Pleasure on a matter of importance rescuing another lady. Jack and Alethea do marry, for Alethea she’s loved Jack for a while and she really wants this marriage to work. Jack wants to wait before they consummate the marriage if he can resist his new seductive wife. This is a captivating story of the perfect gentleman who does the honorable thing to save the lady’s reputation at all cost, after all what’s not to love about he’s “the knight in shining armor”. Alethea and Jack have a few obstacles to overcome before they find their HEA! This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.

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It was a good read. It was just a bit dry in places. I had a hard time getting through it but glad I did. Overall decent read.

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This was a lovely story but I was not enthralled. It didn't make me want to stay up late to read. The premise was nice, just not for. Gorgeous cover.

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4.5 stars - A wonderful regency romance with a refreshing twist. There's been a scandal and an expedient marriage is the only answer. She's beautiful, a skilled horsewoman and rich. He's handsome, honorable and a recently minted Earl. They're both fine catches on the surface, so who's in need of rescue and why? I’m not telling, but you should definitely give this one a read so you can find out for yourself!

I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

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I received a copy of this book through NetGalley and the publishers for an honest review.
'Only Seduction Will Do' by Jenna Jaxon tells the story of Alethea Forsythe and Jack Fitzwilliam, the Earl of Manning. Alethea has been given herself to a married man and has found herself in a ruinable condition and that must be taken care of immediately . Marriage is the only way she can gain some of her reputation back. Jack Fitzwilliam is asked if he will marry her and save the day. I loved this story it was a delightful read. Jack is a great and all round good guy and he makes a great hero. Alethea is a touch naive but I liked her a lot. This was supposed to part of a series but I feel that it can be read as a stand alone. I recommend this book. I look forward to more great books from this author.

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This book is a clever conundrum.

On one hand, the author has a strong writing style, and she is able to create complex characters and backgrounds.

On the other (from what I've read of her thus far), her story-lines are a lot alike. To begin, this story made reference to characters and events that happened in the prior novel, which if unlike me you haven't read may seem a bit confusing at first. However, if you have read the prior novel you will notice not only is much of the "opening drama" the same story already played out, although admittedly from a different point of view, this story is much the same as well. Characters have a problem. Characters get married to "solve" said problem, a lot of drama ensues that could have been avoided if they characters were open and honest with each other from the start, etc. There is also one major plot at play here, that while I cannot divulge it without giving away a major spoiler, it is nearly identical to a plot line that took place in book number three. To me, that seemed to be the author taking the "easy" way out which is a shame as otherwise this is a decent story.

However, when I look at this entire story as a whole, I am certain it may still appeal to readers of the first novels (especially if they are fans of this author), but I believe this may also appeal to those who like a more "modern" twist on historical romances.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

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Alethea made one mistake, and it was a huge one. She’d allowed a man, a married man, to sweep her off her feet and into major trouble. While, at the time, it seems that her reputation and life as she knew it is beyond her control, that one encounter will lead to the love of her life… if she can convince her new husband that the marriage they’ve entered into can be as real and as loving as they’d ever dreamed possible.

Only Seduction Will Do is a well written, engaging romance where Alethea and Jack will face some rather large obstacles on the road to true love Jack had no desire or intention of marrying. He agrees to take Althea as his wife, but in name and in public only. There will be nothing else between them if he has his way. He might have ended up with an unwanted wife, but she would not disturb his life beyond what is necessary. Althea has always had a bit of a crush on Jack, she knew full well that her husband wanted to keep her at a distance – and on some levels she understood that. But circumstances change, life happens and Althea will win the heart of her husband one way or another. And if seduction is that pathway, then she’s quite willing.

I enjoyed my time in this world. Although I’ll always suggest starting a series from the beginning, if you cannot then Only Seduction Will Do could be read on its own, there is mention of previous couples but nothing that would be confusing or take away from this romance. There is a possible trigger situation here, one that I believe would be a spoiler if I mention it in more details. If you love a good Regency Romance then you’ll want to pick up this title and perhaps the entire series. A love story between two people who didn’t expect to fall in love, a few twists and definitely a happy ever after.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

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Only Seduction Will Do is the fourth book in the House of Pleasure series by Jenna Jaxon. I haven’t read any of the previous books so can confirm that this book can be read as a standalone one.

Alethea Forsythe is single and pregnant. In a weak moment, when at her most vulnerable a so-called ‘gentleman’ took advantage of her. Her loss of virginity was a painful one physically, but also mentally when she discovered soon after that the man was married. Worse still, she also discovered she was pregnant. She desperately needs to marry and she has just the man in mind that she wants to approach. That man is Jack Fitzwilliam, the Earl of Manning. He is a most honourable person, and Alethea has been in love with him for the longest time. They are friends, but he has no idea how she truly feels about him.

Jack is 23 and hasn’t yet given much thought to marriage, he is also a virgin! When Alethea tells him of her predicament and explains how desperately she needs to be married he agrees with a degree of trepidation. She reminds him so much of his sister that he can never hope to be physically attracted to her. Even knowing that, and knowing that she could be carrying a son that would be brought up as his heir whilst not being his blood, he still agrees to marry her. That is how sweet and honourable the man is!

When they are married, thankfully Jack does start seeing Alethea as a beautiful woman he wants to bed. When his passions get the better of him and he grabs her for a passionate kiss and fondle in his carriage, he is too rough and ends up hurting her which shames him. He vows not to touch her again until he has the chance to find out how to treat a woman in bed and definitely not to hurt her. Of course, he won’t tell Alethea that he is a virgin and about his doubts, so she is sure he doesn’t want her because she has been with another man.

She aches for him and decides to do all in her power to seduce him into her bed. But it seems the harder she tries the more he pulls away! Will they be able to come to an accord, and if they do, what happens when the baby is born if it is a boy? Will that put the cat upon the pigeons and break their marriage? There is so much uncertainty and insecurity between our couple that it’s hard to see how they will manage to have their happy ever after! One that they definitely deserve.

It took me a chapter or two to fully find myself engrossed in the story, but from then on I just didn’t want to put the book down. There were some light-hearted moments, moments when I was angry, some very steamy, sultry, beautiful moments, and even a scenario that had me sobbing into a tissue. I really did run the whole gamut of emotions with this book, and don’t worry, YES our couple do have their happy ever after!

Having enjoyed this book so much I am definitely going to read the previous books and any future ones from this author.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

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This is a Regency with a really intriguing storyline. Though it’s (I think) third in the series, I was fine reading it as a standalone. There wasn’t really anything I felt confused about even though couples from previous books did make appearances, most notably Jack’s sister Katarina and her husband.

Alethea has been hopelessly and irrevocably compromised. A tryst in a vulnerable moment has left her pregnant with the child of a married man. Forced to confess to her cousin, she has to face some very unpalatable realities. Yet, she’s still lucky; she does know one honorable man, Jack, the Earl of Manning.

This may be a bit of a spoiler, but as someone who has suffered miscarriages, I know of what I speak. The miscarriage written about in this book, while handled sensitively, was still pretty confronting to read about and I actually had to stop and come back a couple of days later before I could finish it. I don’t consider I have any real ‘triggers’ but that hit a bit too close to home. Read with caution if you are sensitive to that sort of thing.

Jack as a virgin hero actually provided some moments of hilarity, though I did wonder at his being THAT ignorant of what lovemaking involved. It was still a lovely role-reversal.

Despite the slightly traumatic bit for me personally in the middle of the book, I still really enjoyed this well-written novel and would highly recommend it to lovers of the genre, with the caveat that anyone sensitive to discussions of miscarriage and other pregnancy issues might want to steer clear. Five stars.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.

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I really enjoyed reading this story, Jenna Jaxon is a new to me author and I’ll definatly be looking for more of her books.

This is the fourth book in the House of Pleasure series.
Alethea Forsythe is in a bit of a pickle, her season is at an end and her marriage prospects are next to nothing. This wouldn’t have been an issue if she wasn’t in a predicament. Overhearing the man she’d set her cap on mentioning she was a thorn in his side she wouldn’t have escaped and raped by a very unscruples man.
Knowing that her only saving grace would be from the man that broke her heart she takes the plunge and asks for him to marry her. But Jack the Earl of Manning has his own secrets and he’s certain that if Althea finds out she will view him as a lesser man.
So many secrets and trust issues have this couple at odds with each other, trusting each other is the key to their happiness but are they ready and willing to take that step?

I enjoyed the story, it was fast paced and well written. I recieved a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest unbiased opinion.

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What to do when you need to get married and fast? Ask Jack Fitzwilliam, the Earl of Manning to marry you! Alethea Forsythe was desperate. Having an unsuccessful season, she was rejected and then compromised by a peer. With no choices left she asks Jack, who she was really in love with, to help her by making her his wife. Sounds simple? It is anything but easy. But eventually the two marry only as a marriage of convenience. You see, Jack feels Alethea reminds him of his sister and how can he feel romantic about her? Both of these characters are so lovable. Jack with his youth and inexperience and how he tries so hard to resist Alethea. Jenna Jaxon has a gift for bringing the characters to life and making you feel a part of their emotions. A must read to see what happens with a few secrets being exposed and several funny moments that had me smiling... Although this is part of a wonderful series, it can be read as a standalone. But why would you want to do that? Prepare to be entertained..

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Only Seduction Will Do by Jenna Jaxon
The House of Pleasure #4

Alethea Forsythe needs a husband – she has been compromised and is increasing. The man she has had her eye on for quite some time is her preference although he is not her baby’s father. Jack Fitzwilliam is an honorable man and finds himself with two women in need of husbands. Which one is in greater need? Alethea

This book was well written but left me frustrated…much as Alethea found herself for a great deal of the story. Jack has his own reasons for delaying consummating the marriage. I found both Alethea and Jack immature. I think that my main problem was that I found much of the story rather unbelievable and improbable. Other than that it was an entertaining read. This makes me sad since I have read and enjoyed other books by this author so much more.

Thank you to Kensington Publishing – Lyrical Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.

2-3 Stars

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Only Seduction Will Do by Jenna Jaxon is book Four in the House of Pleasure series. This is the story of Alethea Forsythe and Jack Fitzwilliam, the Earl of Manning. I have read the previous book in this series, but feel this can easily be a standalone book.
Unfortunately Alethea fell prey to a marriage man and became pregnant. Thinking her best option was to find someone to marry her to help herself and the child leads her to Jack. Jack doesn't want to be married nor have the married lifestyle but he ends up helping Alethea. But can this two hurt soles be able to heal each other?
Overall enjoyed their story~

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Crushed and heartbroken, Alethea Forsythe was followed into the stable where a smooth talking peer came to offer comfort – before the slime-ball  seduced and forced himself on her. Unfortunately, the results of that act would be appearing in nine months.  With her reputation soon be in tatters Alethea will be forced to wed a stranger—unless she takes matters into her own hands.

When Jack Fitzwilliam, the Earl of Manning, received a summons from the House of Pleasure on a matter of importance, he was more than shocked by the unusual request he was asked to consider. Jack has long been aware of Alethea’s infatuation with him, marriage at twenty-three to an expectant bride was certainly not in his plans. However, despite her appearance which reminded him of his sister, the desperation in Alethea’s eyes overrides his misgivings.

It was Alethea’s heart’s desire to be married to Jack and she couldn’t be more anxious to have him take her to the wedded bed! EXCEPT he was too chivalrous and explained that they should begin to learn about each other before consumption. Lord Almighty ! Alethea couldn’t believe it that Jack could be so amicable in public but maintained his own quarters. Alethea began a campaign to do all she could to seduce her husband - the love of her life!

Throughout the story the author takes you on a journey of frustrations and some hilarious scenario’s where both parties were trying their hardest to achieve the inevitable! Great scenarios, wonderful pacing and fun dialogs! Both had secrets and both needed to divulge and get on with it! Pretty good story and loved the characterizations.

Marilyn Rondeau

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