This time out, I have the last of the March releases to share with you: Cara Elliott's To Sin With a Scoundrel (Grand Central, received from publisher), first in her 'Circle of Sin' series. Scientist Lady Ciara Sheffield has been fighting the rumors spread by her late husband's family that she poisoned him, and her friends agree that she needs to do something to throw the rumor-mongers off in order to keep her in-laws from her son and her from a much worse fate, like an engagement. Lucas Bingham, Earl of Hadley, has plenty of rumors swirling around about him as well, though he doesn't mind so much, as many of the tales are true and he enjoyed himself in the stirring of them. When his uncle asks him to visit Ciara to have her translate an old text, Hadley goes, not expecting to find such a beautiful woman. Ciara isn't interested in helping the notorious rake, but she is attracted to him, so they come to an agreement: he will pose as her fiance while she attempts to decipher his uncle's papers. But Hadley doesn't agree to stop trying to seduce her the entire time, though he realizes along the way that the lady really does need his protection from the vicious family of her late husband. The two of them together may generate even more headlines in the gossip pages, but they'll enjoy themselves along the way. I enjoyed this one. Hadley is a rogue for sure, but there aren't many women who don't enjoy a bad boy once in a while. He's sure to fit the bill nicely. And Ciara is his match, certainly, though her husband's family is not very original in their attempts to have her discredited, especially when they realize they'll have to do worse than slander her name to have their way. This one is a fun way to while away a rainy spring afternoon, as I did. It's earned three and a half of Cupid's five arrows.
Until next time, happy reading!
