Review: Only Seduction Will Do (House of Pleasure #4) by Jenna Jaxon

Print Length: 257 pages

Publisher: Lyrical Press (June 5, 2018)

From Goodreads.com: In a vulnerable moment, Alethea Forsythe allows herself to be seduced by a married peer. Now she is with child—and without recourse. Her reputation will soon be in tatters and she will be forced to wed a stranger—unless she takes matters into her own hands.

When Jack Fitzwilliam, the Earl of Manning, is summoned from the House of Pleasure on a matter of importance, he hardly expects to receive a marriage proposal. He’s long been aware of Alethea’s infatuation with him, but at twenty-three, taking on an expectant bride is not in his plans. Yet the desperation in the lady’s lovely eyes overrides his misgivings.

Alethea would not have believed it possible for a man to be too chivalrous. But though her new husband is perfectly amicable in public, he insists they maintain separate quarters. Desperate to possess his heart and prove herself a wife in every way, she boldly reaches out to Jack. And as their unexpected connection between silken sheets is tested by jealousy and misfortune, Jack must decide where honor ends…and true passion begins.

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My Rating: 3 stars out of 5

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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                              Only Seduction Will Do is available from Amazon.com