The Seduction of the Crimson Rose

THE SEDUCTION OF THE CRIMSON ROSE: Lauren Willig: Dutton: 2008: Historical Fiction: 385 pages

In current day England, Eloise Kelly continues her graduate research on early 19th-century spies in this continuation of The Secret History of the Pink Carnation series. Book four is the story of Mary Alsworthy who in book three (The Deception of the Emerald Ring) was jilted by Lord Geoffrey Pinchingdale-Snipe when he accidentally eloped with Mary’s younger sister, Letty. Mary is understandably upset, but soon has a better offer to consider. Lord Vaughn, who may possibly by the nefarious French Spy, The Black Tulip, has asked her to spy for England in hopes of uncovering the real Black Tulip. Mary isn’t sure whether she is being played by Lord Vaughn or if he really is on the side of England, but either way she finds herself attracted to the enigmatic man.

This is by far my least favorite book in the series. Nothing much happens in the story and Mary and Lord Vaughn are both unlikable characters. I’ve still enjoyed the series as a whole, but I’m hoping book five will be better.

AJ