girlinacardigan's review against another edition
3.0
https://jenninsf.wordpress.com/2008/12/03/the-seduction-of-the-crimson-rose-by-lauren-willig/
magdon's review against another edition
4.0
Lovely lovely! A light frothy well-written romp, plus I figured out a great deal of the big plot secret plus there was a nice shout-out to my college advisor's "excellent monograph." I also enjoyed how she took her "bad guys" from the previous book and made them the romantic leads.
soulkissed2003's review against another edition
5.0
In modern day England, graduate student Eloise faithfully plods along through her research. By now, she has learned the identities of several British spies from the Napoleonic era. Eloise has her own continuing romance with Colin, a descendant of some of the aforementioned spies. While delving into his family records, she reveals the romances and intrigues that marked his ancestors lives as well. By this, the fourth book in the series, I feel like I've gotten to know the characters well and enjoyed seeing that two of the lesser liked, more forceful personalities got some time in the spotlight.
Political turmoil, romantic tension, and secret identities . . . it makes for a powerful combination and an excellent story. Light yet compelling reading that will keep you hooked.
Political turmoil, romantic tension, and secret identities . . . it makes for a powerful combination and an excellent story. Light yet compelling reading that will keep you hooked.
ubalstecha's review
4.0
The Seduction of the Crimson Rose follows two characters from Willig's previous instalments of her Pink Carnation series, namely the jilted Mary Alsworthy and the dark and pouty, Lord Vaughn. Mary desperately wants another season to catch a husband, now that her sister Letty has stolen her best prospect. Lord Vaughn has to repay the Pink Carnation for a favour. In exchange for the money to finance said season, Mary agrees to be bait for the Black Tulip. But as the two work together, they begin to develop feelings that may complicate the situation for everyone.
I liked this book far more than I should have. Willig has done something interesting in this book. She has taken two characters that are seen as manipulative and self-centred in previous books and makes them sympathetic heroes. The complications thrown at the romance are typical regency romance, dead wives returning, family disapproval and other suitors, but by making these two characters compelling enough to carry the story, Willig proves that she is more than a regency romance writer.
Good addition to the series.
I liked this book far more than I should have. Willig has done something interesting in this book. She has taken two characters that are seen as manipulative and self-centred in previous books and makes them sympathetic heroes. The complications thrown at the romance are typical regency romance, dead wives returning, family disapproval and other suitors, but by making these two characters compelling enough to carry the story, Willig proves that she is more than a regency romance writer.
Good addition to the series.
ashleybee's review
4.0
So far, I found this the most interesting and unique book in the series. Willig manages to take two characters who are not the most pleasant and make a true love story. Both are flawed with issues and it makes them very real. I go up and down with the books in this series, they are not created equal, but this was one that shouldn't be missed.
lrcartee's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
The fourth in the Pink Carnation series. This book is much the same as the others with just the characters changed around. Nonetheless, I found it enjoyable and a good story that kept me reading. With each book in this series I tell myself this is probably the last one but then I enjoy it and find myself looking forward to the next one. They are my fluff reads that I read between more of the heavier reads. I find them very enjoyable.
radioactve_piano's review against another edition
5.0
I am absolutely shocked at how much I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I started off feeling a little peeved at having to read about two not-good-people characters -- they had reminded me of the mean popular kids every time I encountered them, and the prospect of an entire book about them was a bit unappealing.
But, turns out.... Willig did the impossible by actually making me want their happiness. They reminded me a bit of myself and an ex with the way they verbally sparred (I hope my ex found someone who could keep the sparring going; I ran out of energy since we weren't *quite* equals on that front). And the twist was also wonderful. A bit more drama than the previous books, but the central characters were certainly more dramatic from the start anyway.
As an aside, this is also the first book that I started to like Eloise. It wasn't until the end, when she finally eased up on the super-ditz personality. I've known plenty of people who are book smart about a few subjects and completely hopeless at social or "being an adult" intelligence... but she was beginning to turn into a caricature. Happy to say the book ended with a version of her that I am rooting for now.
But, turns out.... Willig did the impossible by actually making me want their happiness. They reminded me a bit of myself and an ex with the way they verbally sparred (I hope my ex found someone who could keep the sparring going; I ran out of energy since we weren't *quite* equals on that front). And the twist was also wonderful. A bit more drama than the previous books, but the central characters were certainly more dramatic from the start anyway.
As an aside, this is also the first book that I started to like Eloise. It wasn't until the end, when she finally eased up on the super-ditz personality. I've known plenty of people who are book smart about a few subjects and completely hopeless at social or "being an adult" intelligence... but she was beginning to turn into a caricature. Happy to say the book ended with a version of her that I am rooting for now.
bookstuff's review against another edition
4.0
Best of the series so far. Been fascinated by Lord Vaughn since he first appeared in book 2, and Mary is a great match for him.
wellactjoally's review
5.0
Two jerks fall in love through mistaken identity and become rather loveable.
morethanmylupus's review
3.0
Has anyone else noticed Willig's obsession with the raised eyebrow?
I was extremely pleased to find that the characters in this book were very different from the heroes of the first 3 books. Mary and Lord Vaughn do all that they do for reasons all their own. They seem to care about little else than their own goals. In a manner similar to the loss of Letty's independent character near the end of the 3rd book, these two morph more or less into similar characters to the first 3 books. Sure, their actions are still not intended for the good of their country, but they're no longer plotting and planning in the same manner. I really wish Willig would follow through with her character personalities. On the other hand, there wasn't a trashy-novel-esque love scene in this Pink Carnation book which was a nice change.
I was extremely pleased to find that the characters in this book were very different from the heroes of the first 3 books. Mary and Lord Vaughn do all that they do for reasons all their own. They seem to care about little else than their own goals. In a manner similar to the loss of Letty's independent character near the end of the 3rd book, these two morph more or less into similar characters to the first 3 books. Sure, their actions are still not intended for the good of their country, but they're no longer plotting and planning in the same manner. I really wish Willig would follow through with her character personalities. On the other hand, there wasn't a trashy-novel-esque love scene in this Pink Carnation book which was a nice change.