Sweet Enemy: A Veiled Seduction Novel [Mass Market Paperback]

Heather Snow (Author)

Book Description

Release date: February 7, 2012 | Series: Veiled Seduction Novel (Book 1)

Geoffrey Wentworth, a war hero and rising political star, never wanted to be the Earl, but when his brother dies, he knows his duty--take up the responsibility for his family's estates.  His mother's definition of duty differs from his, however, and can be summed up in one word--heirs.  When Geoffrey rushes home to answer her urgent summons, he finds himself host to a house full of women, all vying to become the next Countess of Stratford.  But his love is Parliament, where he wields his influence and reputation to better the lives of ex-soldiers, until a tempting houseguest and a secret from his past threaten his freedom...and his heart.
 
Liliana Claremont, a brilliant chemist, doesn't want to be any man's wife, much less a countess.  If she had tuppence for every time she'd been told her place was filling the nursery, not experimenting in the laboratory, she could buy the Tower Bridge.  However, when she receives a coveted invitation to the Earl's house party, she trades in her beakers for ball gowns and gladly takes on the guise of husband hunter--for the chance to uncover what the Earl had to do with the murder of her father.

Liliana believes the best way to get the answers she needs is to keep her enemy close, though romance is not part of her formula.  But it only takes one kiss to start a reaction she can't control...

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Historical intrigue and heart-pounding passion make Sweet Enemy a great read.  Romance fans will love it." ~#1NYT Bestselling Author JULIE GARWOOD

"In the first in the Veiled Seduction series, newcomer Snow makes a mark on the genre...The plot, with its tinge of mystery, matchmaking and a bit of mayhem, will warm readers' hearts." ~ RTBookReviews 4 stars

"This is a debut novel that should be talked about, re-read and remembered for some time...welcome to my keeper shelf, Heather Snow."
~ Romantic Crush Junkies, 5 Quills

"Not often do I pick up something that sucks me in so thoroughly that I have no concept of anything else but the world in the book I am reading.  Thank you Heather Snow for transporting me somewhere else for a much needed escape!"
~ Book Reading Gals, A+

"Strong, independent heroine with a compassionate, politically active hero. The heroine's unique knowledge of chemistry provides for interesting twists...solid plot, well-developed characters and deftly drawn setting to make an excellent first novel. Readers will be delighted to add Ms. Snow to their list of must-read authors."
~ BookPage

 Praise for the novels of Heather Snow:

“Heather Snow combines sizzling tension, witty dialogue, and achingly raw emotions for a passionate love story you’ll remember long after the last page.”—Kathryn Smith, USA Today Bestselling Author

“Historical intrigue and heart-pounding passion make Sweet Enemy a great read. Romance fans will love it.”—#1 New York Times Bestselling Author Julie Garwood

About the Author

     Heather Snow is a historical romance author with a degree in Chemistry who discovered she liked creating chemistry on the page rather than in the lab.  She is forever trying to wrangle her left and right brain to work together (some days with more success than others!), but if her two sides had to duke it out, left would win every time--which can be a creative challenge.  Luckily, she loves challenges...she just goes about solving them analytically. 
     She lives in the Midwest with her husband, two rambunctious boys and one very put upon cat, and truly hopes you find her stories have just the right chemistry...

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Signet; Original edition (February 7, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451236106
• ISBN-13: 978-0451236104
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 1.1 x 6.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #636,049 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Heather Snow is a historical romance author with a degree in Chemistry who discovered she much preferred creating chemistry on the page, rather than in the lab. She is forever trying to wrangle her left and right brain to work together (some days with more success than others!), but if her two sides had to duke it out, left would win every time--which can be a creative challenge. Luckily, she loves challenges...she just goes about solving them analytically.

She lives in the Midwest with her husband, two rambunctious boys and one very put upon cat.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars ...debut novel that should be talked about, re-read and remembered for some time! February 8, 2012

By bookworm2bookworm

Format:Mass Market Paperback

As soon as I read this book blurb on Ms. Snow's website, I knew I was in for one very entertaining ride:

"Geoffrey Wentworth, a war hero and rising political star, never wanted to be the Earl, but when his brother dies, he knows his duty--take up the responsibility for his family's estates. His mother's definition of duty differs from his, however, and can be summed up in one word--heirs. When Geoffrey rushes home to answer her urgent summons, he finds himself host to a house full of women, all vying to become the next Countess of Stratford. But his love is Parliament, where he wields his influence and reputation to better the lives of ex-soldiers, until a tempting houseguest and a secret from his past threaten his freedom...and his heart.

Liliana Claremont, a brilliant chemist, doesn't want to be any man's wife, much less a Countess. If she had tuppence for every time she'd been told her place was filling the nursery, not experimenting in the laboratory, she could buy the Tower Bridge. However, when she receives a coveted invitation to the Earl's house party, she trades in her beakers for ball gowns and gladly takes on the guise of husband hunter--for the chance to uncover what the Earl had to do with the murder of her father.

Liliana believes the best way to get the answers she needs is to keep her enemy close, though romance is not part of her formula. But it only takes one kiss to start a reaction she can't control..."

It tells you exactly who the main characters are and aims to pull you into the story without giving much away, yet hinting at the plots mystery as to who really killed our heroine's father. I was very impressed with it, and it was a very good sign that the story within would be if not great, at least good. Well, let me tell you, this was not `just good'. This is a debut novel that should be talked about, re-read and remembered for some time. This book blurb should be included as one of the best out there.

Miss Liliana Claremont is one smart girl and chemistry is in her genes. It is her fervent wish and a dream to one day be allowed to enter the hallowed halls of the Royal Society as its member. At twenty four years of age, she is considered a spinster, and she has no intention of ever marrying. She likes her life of solitude and study and her life's work and goal is to continue her father's legacy as a chemist. Her beloved father was a man she revered and deeply loved until one day someone betrayed him by ending his life. She is determined to solve and finally put to rest the mystery as to who was behind her father's death, and with only one clue to guide her, she sets on a path that will bring her much heartache and love she never could have imagined possible. All at the same time.

Geoffrey Wentworth, Earl of Stratford is a war hero who really never wanted to be an Earl, but after his father and brother die, he has no choice. With that title Geoffrey knows his duties are many and taking a wife and siring an heir is not on his priority list. His life's work lies in Politics of the day and his passion is helping fellow soldiers that need work and housing so garnering support to pass the Poor Employment Act is foremost on his mind.

Well, try and tell that to his mother, who without his knowledge plans and invites the cream de la cream of debutante society to his home for a fortnight of entertainments. To assure his cooperation, she manipulates him by also including some of the men and their daughters that he will need in order to pass the legislature. One thing our hero most abhors is sneaky, manipulative and deceiving women, and he vows never to fall in love with such a woman. He knows that if he ever marries, the woman he chooses must be compatible with him his political aspirations, and be a good hostess as well as his partner.

From their first meeting, these two totally opposite people, and one of them with a secret that could blow in their faces, sparkle and shine. The `chemistry' (pun intended) is so palpable, and sparks fly and fires ignite. I've thoroughly enjoyed their `courtship' and the witty and humorous dialogue brought me to tears laughing.

If you're in a mood for an entertaining, sensual and witty historical with a mystery element that will keep you guessing as to whom the `bad guy' is, look no further than this fresh, exciting and very delightful novel.

`Sweet Enemy' gets my five quills, and I urge you to find it as soon as it hits bookstores on February 7, 2012. Welcome to my keeper shelf, Heather Snow.

Melanie

*This review posted on Romantic Crush Junkies Reviews eZine*

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars What does one do when the objective they set in life is changed? February 7, 2012

By Mary J. Gramlich VINE™ VOICE

Format:Mass Market Paperback

Liliana Claremont has a clear and concise way of handling problems and living her life. After her father's death she choose to live frugally allowing her to pursue his interests in chemistry without a husband. Geoffrey Wentworth, the Earl of Stratford is of the same mindset and the last thing he wants is to be married.

Geoffrey's mother and Liliana's aunt disagree with this idea and force a house party meeting upon them. With total indifference on his part, Geoffrey agrees only as it will push his political goals since the houseguests include the political parties he needs to win his point. Liliana on the other hand uses this tryst to investigate what she believes was the murder of her father at the hands of someone living at Somerton Park, Geoffrey's estate. Though she wants to Liliana cannot in fact, even rule out Geoffrey himself, as she has not cleared his name quite yet. The problem starts once Liliana and Geoffrey turn the tables from indifference to desire. Neither of them understand what is going on since they know they do not want a relationship, but the attraction between them is explosive and something neither can deny nor hide from.

The secret rendezvous become more frequent and the trust Geoffrey shows Liliana weighs heavy on her heart. Liliana does not want to use him to gain access to the information she seeks, but must. She worries what will happen when he finds out her true mission and wonders if losing his love is too a high a price to pay for solving this mystery. Liliana has always moved toward her life's mission of using her knowledge to help others, now though she realizes she needs help. Can she turn to the man of her future, or will she always be haunted by the ghosts of her past?

This book is the equivalent of a first time at bat and hitting a grand slam, it is that good. There is not a sentence that is not captivating and a chapter that does not make you want to read more. I adored these flawed yet perfect characters and with every encounter, I knew they were going to be a glorious romantic hit. Heather Snow has a future so bright she definitely will need sunglasses to block the lights of fame.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A captivating historical romance with memorable characters and beautiful writing, a keeper! February 24, 2012

By Stella (Ex Libris)

Format:Mass Market Paperback

I still remember every small detail about that time I read Sweet Enemy. I remember I started perusing the first few pages wanting to get a first taste and then getting hooked on Heather Snow's exciting premise, fully fleshed out characterization that I just couldn't stop reading after the first few chapters and devoured the whole book with practically no break at all. And after I have gobbled up Sweet Enemy my excitement and enthusiasm for the story, the characters and Heather Snow's writing kept buzzing in my head in such incessant whirl that I was unable to form coherent thought. I just knew Heather Snow managed to weave a wonderfully intricate, fresh and captivating story which kept me under its spell long after I read its last page.

First of all I have to mention and praise the characters: Liliana and Geoffrey are both unique and extraordinary characters compared to other historical romance heroes/heroines. Liliana is a lady scientist, a chemist to be precise: she has an intelligent and inquisitive mind, always wondering about experiments and possible solutions. Reading about her passion and interest for the world explored through science was both marvelous and eye-opening. (I especially enjoyed how Heather Snow gave us real chemical tidbits and tricks peppered in the story.) She is a modern heroine in the best sense of the word: she is not afraid to use her mind and think, and to take charge of her own life.

And Geoffrey... It was refreshing and almost unprecedented to read about such a modern and enlightened hero: he really saw and appreciated Liliana for being the intelligent, independent and innovative, strong willed young woman that she was. He considered her a true partner, valuing her opinion and listening to her advice and suggestions. His acceptance and acknowledgement of her, a woman as an equal at such a time was wonderful. He didn't want to change her, he loved her just the way she was.

The chemistry between these two was wonderful: their initial attraction packed enough spark to intrigue them, but what developed between them was much more than physical attraction. I guess what made me fall in love with Sweet Enemy was that the hero and heroine got to know each other, and their love grew from the deep understanding and appreciation of the other's character. Their love was sweet and deep. And wonderful to read about!

And to conclude I'll just say that reading Sweet Enemy you would never know it was Heather Snow's debut novel and not her 20th best seller. Her writing is exquisite, her lyrical prose enchants the reader all the while keeping them captivated by the story, the mystery, the development of the relationships.

Verdict: Sweet Enemy had everything and even more you could want from a great historical romance: a memorable hero and heroine who stand out from the crowd, beautiful evocative writing peppered with bits of wit and humour, and of course an overwhelming love story! Sweet Enemy is an even more unique story as it masterfully blends mystery and historical romance giving you a uniquely flavoured mix with just the perfect amount of sweetness and excitement.

A stellar debut for Heather Snow, I'm already counting back the days until I can read her next novel!

Plot: 8/10
Characters: 10/10
Writing: 10/10
Ending: 9/10
Cover: 8/10 - quite generic and not too relevant to the story but beautiful nonetheles