As a fan of the historical romance genre, I eagerly awaited the next installment in the Pink Carnation series, The Seduction of the Crimson Rose. In this sequel, we are treated to the unconventional romance story of Miss Mary Alsworthy and Sebastian, Lord Vaughn. Mary, who is getting a bit long in the tooth to be getting married, is quite put out by her sister's accidental stealing of her fiance, Geoffrey Pinchingdale-Snipe. Mary can't help but be a bit upset (wouldn't you be?) about this and fears that her last Season will be do or die: either marry well (preferably a titled gentleman) or spinsterhood. Her parents are not financially well off, and Mary just can't stand the idea of her sister and her new brother-in-law (who was supposed to be her husband) footing the bill for her last Season.
Enter Sebastian, Lord Vaughn. As a favor to the real Pink Carnation, he approaches Mary with an offer to lure the elusive Black Tulip out of hiding. Mary's hair color and complexion are a perfect combination since the Black Tulip loves dark haired beauties, which he calls petals. Mary agrees, but on her own terms. She wants just one more Season as a last ditch effort to marry and asks for the cost of a Season in return for her foray into espionage.
Mary and Vaughn spar with words, both giving as good as they get. Sandwiched in between Mary and Vaughn's exploits, we are treated to the continuing saga of Eloise and Colin. In my opinion, this is beautifully done. As you are reading, you become so entranced in Mary and Vaughn's story that you can't wait to see what happens next, and then there's a chapter about Eloise and Colin. Colin, who is a modern day ancestor of the Pink Carnation and Purple Gentian of previous novels. After reading the chapter on Eloise and Colin, you are left wanting more and reluctantly go back to Mary and Vaughn's story. It is almost torture to wait a few more chapters for the next installment of Eloise and Colin, but sweet torture since you are enjoying Mary and Vaughn's witty repartee.
Poor Mary falls in love with Vaughn, a man she cannot have. Like poor Mr. Rochester in Jane Eyre, Lord Vaughn seems to have a wife that gets in the way at the most inopportune moment. Will Mary and Lord Vaughn ever find happiness in light of this revolting development? You'll have to read The Seduction of the Crimson Rose to find out. You won't be disappointed; you'll only hunger for more.
I enjoy this series a great deal and with the end of each book, I anxiously await the next. For a sneak peak into the as yet untitled Book V, please check out the author's site by clicking here.
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