Customer Reviews

Sweet Enemy: A Veiled Seduction Novel

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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*

For full review including excerpt and dialogue highlight, please visit Reader's Edyn:
readersedyn (dot) blogspot (dot) com

Review:
As you all may have noticed, I have been on a historical romance kick lately. I love HR! Started with HR, will always go back to HR. It is my favorite of all genres. But what I have noticed most about the recent HR reads I have been rabidly reading through is that I have very much enjoyed them all. I mean, seriously. When reading multiple books, you would expect to find something that you don't exactly swoon over. Most especially because many of the authors I have read lately are new-to-me. But I have absolutely loved them. And what is more? Many of these authors are showcasing their debut novels. Yup. You read that right. DEBUT! Well, I am here to say, the fabulous debut author Heather Snow has got what it takes!

Geoffrey is in a pickle. A returned war hero, he has witnessed the harsh realities of life after war. The soldiers frequently return to nothing and consequently end up begging on the street just to survive after putting their lives on the line for the country that has failed to acknowledge their bravery. Sure, people call them heroes, but hero status does not put food on the table of the underprivileged. Geoffrey aims to change that and with his position in Parliament, he is fast approaching the clout to push his dreams into reality. Except his mother has other plans and has every intention of seeing him settle down and get down to fulfilling his responsibility of providing an heir. Now he is trapped at his own house party he did NOT plan with a bunch of scheming potential wives and their meddling mothers. What is worse, he is completely exasperated by the fair Liliana, which quickly blossoms into a healthy dose of lust. And Geoffrey is trying desperately not to succumb to his baser instincts.

Liliana has ulterior motives - quite a few of them actually - for finagling her aunt into securing her acceptance to the Earl's house party. The primary reason, to discover the possible individual guilty of murdering her father. She knows someone within the Earl's home is responsible and she has to start with the Earl himself. But Liliana is playing a dangerous game. First, she has lied to her Aunt, acting as if she would like to try and snag the Earl for her own when all she really wants to do is continue her life's work as a scientist. Then there is the matter of Geoffrey. Liliana is in no way seeking a husband. After all, they tend to dictate to their wives, and don't generally support those who opt to participate in professions that refuse to accept women. She is not going to give up her passion for the sake of something undesirable like marriage and family. Except the Earl is fast becoming more and more desirable. And Liliana is finding it near impossible to ignore the longing he evokes within her. As their relationship grows, Liliana becomes the one in the pickle. Does she give up the search for her father's killer and attempt a future with Geoffrey, or does she confess all and pray he does not cast her aside?

I. Loved. This. Book. Ms. Snow shoots outside of the box in creating her characters and achieves magical results. Geoffrey is not what one expects of the higher class. He is determined to help those less fortunate, especially his fellow soldiers, and will use whatever influence he can to see his dream fulfilled. Liliana is no less unconventional. In her bid to become a recognized member within the scientific realm - a dominion that staunchly refuses to allow women a place within, despite her brilliance, she becomes more of an outcast than anything. She is obviously all wrong for an Earl with political ties, but that, oftentimes, makes her absolutely perfect as his match. And of course, both are opposed to being forced into conforming like the rest of their peers, so both have to overcome the protective walls resurrected before a chance at happiness is given the slightest flicker of a possibility. I love that Liliana is strong and capable, while obviously unaware of an obvious need for love an acceptance she tried hard to oppress.

Adding to the splendor of this story is intelligence and wit mixed with just the right amount of sarcasm. And the intellect demonstrated by both Liliana and Geoffrey is not overdone. The scientific facts, for example are kept to a level that allows enhancement of the story while maintaining the readers attention. The wit and sarcasm is utterly charming. One of my favorite paragraphs is Geoffrey speaking to his horse while thinking other thoughts to himself about Liliana, who is devastating his senses in every way possible by this time.
He found a spot to rest the horses away from the crab apple trees. Grin nudged him in protest. "Much too much temptation over there," Geoffrey mumbled, as much to himself as to the horse. "You, my friend, have an appalling lack of self-control." As does your master. "And I have no desire" - to find myself married to a woman completely wrong for me - "to nurse a sick horse all the way home," he said, patting Grin on the rump.

Throw in the bits of mystery and danger and you have the formula for this fresh, delightful novel. And ... did I mention that the cover of this book has a quote from Julie Garwood? Julie. Garwood. People. I mean seriously. What more of an endorsement do you need? I can say for sure that I will be keeping an eye on Ms. Snow as I am confident she is an author to watch. Sweet Enemy is also part of a series: Veiled Seduction. Happily, I have discovered that an intriguing secondary character from the book, Aveline, will get his story in book 2, Sweet Deception, due out in August of this year. The reader is offered a glimpse into Aveline, but not near enough. My curiosity strings have been well and truly plucked. You can bet I will be reading that book for sure. Historical romance lovers are sure to enjoy Ms. Snow and her charming debut.

(ARC Paperback received from author for review.)

Really enjoyed this debut, and am looking forward to more from this author. Loved the "scientific approach" to the sensual scenes. A fun read.

4.5 stars overall
How many romances do you read that seem to have the same characters and plot and personalities? Especially Regency romances? Not this one. What a great, sensual romance brimming over with emotion and mystery. A quick story recap followed by what I did and didn't like below:

Geoffrey Wentworth, Earl of Stratford, is a war veteran who wants to use his position to push through radical measures that benefit the poor. He knows he must marry someone who can be the right political hostess, but he also has a list of personality requirements. The foremost of these requirements is that his wife should not be as deceitful or manipulative as his mother. Lady Stratford is at her manipulative best when she summons Geoffrey home for an urgent issue that turns out to be a house party arranged for the purpose of picking his bride. To ensure Geoffrey stays through the house party, she has invited key political allies whom Geoffrey cannot afford to offend by leaving. She arms her favorite prospective brides' families with inside information so Geoffrey is forced to pick the bride she deems suitable or risk losing their support for his Parliament bill.

Liliana Claremont is an independent woman with a passion for chemistry. She has no intention of marrying, and her only aspiration is to be admitted to the Royal Society as the first female scientist. She accidentally learns that her father's untimely death was a murder, and devotes her scientific mind to finding the cause and culprit. Her clues point back to the Earl of Stratford, so she begs her aunt to secure an invitation to Lady Stratford's house party.

Geoffrey and Liliana clash with wit, intellect and desire when they first come together. Neither wants to get married, yet seems to be drawn to each other through circumstance or choice in the early days of the house party. Liliana continues to dig deeper into the mystery uncovering that the Earl of Stratford's father was also murdered shortly after her own. Geoffrey and Liliana fall in love as they spend time together after they realize neither wants to be married, and then realize they don't want to be apart. Before they can be together though, they deal with heartache as they uncover each other's secrets and a web of deceit that lies broader within one of their families.

1. Unique characters - It is rare to find `fresh' characters, plot, or dialogue in Regencies. Liliana is very unconventional as a Regency heroine, by being a scientist who does not want to wed so she can continue to pursue her love of chemistry. She is uncomfortable in social situations, or with social attention. But what she does do is sparkle with intelligence, is ready to wager with her intellect, and has the funniest swear words ("Newton's Apple"). Geoffrey is a wonderful hero who doesn't fall over just for beauty, understands and respects a woman's intellect, and stands up for her when she is on the verge of being socially ostracized for daring to take on and win against an Earl in a challenge. It is rare to have a heroine who can think of something other than marriage and love, and equally rare for a hero to be accepting of an unconventional heroine in Regencies, so I really appreciated and enjoyed reading these characters in the story. Each facet of the primary characters personality is well developed, imbibed into their actions and thoughts, and turns out to be important to the story overall.
2. Wonderful Chemistry - The slow buildup of attraction is very well executed, and the love scenes are wonderful. Liliana, the scientist, realizes she wants to explore sexual desire with Geoffrey by being friends with benefits, and without the threat of marriage between them. Geoffrey plans to get her `addicted' to him by slow but always more-than-the-last-time exploration of each other's bodies. This exploration got me addicted to the love scenes in this book and waiting for more. I found I did not want to skip a single word of any of the love scenes for fear of missing out how not only he led them, but she led them too in unusual positions. Yes, unusual as in - "Someday, I will make love to you in a bed."
3. Good but not overbearing suspense - It built at the right pace and did not take over the romance. The twists are unexpected, but each part of it that is revealed that involved Liliana's father stays true to the logical thinking of a scientist and doesn't feel contrived.
4. Swear Words - Just in case you missed it up above, I was laughing at Liliana's swear words throughout. Newton's Apple, indeed!

What I didn't like:
1. A bit more 'show' - My only criticism of the book is that I would have liked to see a bit more dialogue. The author gave us a wonderful view into the characters minds, but more verbal interaction would have been more showing and less telling.

Overall, it was a wonderful, emotional and intellectually satisfying read. Considering that this is Heather Snow's debut book, I think it is an outstanding effort. I look forward to Lord Aveline's story as the next in Veiled Seduction series.

It pays to know the enemy - not least because at some time you may have the opportunity to turn him into a friend.- Margaret Thatcher

Regency romance is my favorite genre but it is also the most crowded. As readers scream for diverse characters in exotic locales, debut author Heather Snow embraces the "bread and butter" - a house party. SWEET EMENY delivers a house party like no other with its obvious marriage mart, informal political alignments, and even a medieval revival! But it is the things that go bump in the night that lead to intrigue and passion between the protagonists who resist each other each step of the way.

The hero, Geoffrey Wentworth, the Earl of Stratford, reluctantly attends the house party that his mother has initiated - he sees the opportunity to solicit support for his Poor Employment Bill from the attending aristocrats. The heroine, Liliana Clarement, begs her aunt to secure an invitation, misleading her to think that she is interested in marrying. Instead, Liliana seeks to search the estate for evidence that someone in the Wentworth family lead her father to his death. Snow writes characters who are noble but flawed. I found myself emotional invested in their welfare, especially during Medieval Fair that Geoffrey's mother hosts to sow the seeds of romance. Little does the Dowager Countess realize that the seeds take root between Geoffrey and Liliana.

The seeds blossom in to a full courtship with witty dialogue. Liliana makes every effort to deflect Geoffrey's attention so she can continue her search. Yet she finds herself falling in love with an earl who cares for former soldiers, who listens to her scientific knowledge, and who ignites her own fire. Geoffrey and Liliana must contend with the thorns that come with beautify flowers - the emotional baggage that each has carried since childhood and the simple fact that neither helps the other in accomplishing their goal. Yet Snow has fortified her characters with backbones to work through the conflict, particularly trust. In the end, the perceived enemy becomes a friend (and a perceived friend becomes the enemy).

This is an exceptional book from a debut author with one minor flaw - I would like to have read more action earlier in the story regarding the mystery. Then again, I would have missed the entertaining scenes from the Medieval Fair and the tender moments during their morning rides. When the mystery is finally resolved, I found myself congratulating Snow on delivering a unique twist to a Regency cliché (I remain vague to prevent any spoilers). Recommended read for fans of historical romance; fans who have become disenchanted with historical romance; and readers who have not sampled historical romance.

The author provided a print copy for this review.

Liliana's aspiration to be the first female admitted to the Royal Society tells us she isn't a typical Regency female. She's intelligent and independent; definitely a woman ahead of her time. But then, neither is Geoffrey, the Earl of Stratford a typical aristocrat. He's enlightened, charismatic, and heroic. Watching these two fall in love was so much fun I especially loved the intrigue elements, which were very well plotted and woven through this beautifully written story. I stayed up reading waaay after I should have been in bed asleep.

I loved the author's notes in the back of the book. Looking forward to reading more Heather Snow books. This one will go on my bookshelf alongside my Laura Kinsale "keepers."

It was hard to believe that this is Ms. Snow's first book. It was wonderful. I liked the unconventional Liliana and who wouldn't fall in love with Geoffrey, the war hero fighting for his fellow solders. It had a good balance of love story and mystery and it was hard to put down. Can't wait for the next.

I admit, it took me a bit to get into the groove of this book. The beginning was a bit slow for me but once Geoffrey and Liliana started to interact with one another I was hooked. I just couldn't stop reading this book. What was frustrating is my life kept getting in the way, making me put the book down. But oh my goodness, how I loved this book. Seriously, as everyone else was watching the Superbowl, I was devouring the remainder of Sweet Enemy. It was just so good!

I loved the chemistry between both Liliana and Geoffrey. I liked that it was a slow build to a relationship. They didn't just hop into bed with each other within moments of meeting one another. In fact, they both try to stay away from the one another and in doing so they start to realize that there may be more to the other. Geoffrey and Liliana are both able to be themselves while around each other and it was refreshing to watch them slowly grow closer and then eventually to love one another.

Geoffrey was such a great leading man. He isn't a pushover and he truly cares about doing good with his title. He doesn't just want to sit back and reap the benefits of being and Earl. He actually wants to use his title to help his fellow soldiers. He knows he should eventually marry someone that could help him with is aspirations, someone that would make him look good in the eyes of his political adversaries, but once he meets Liliana he's just not willing to enter into a marriage only for political gain.

Liliana might not be everyone's ideal candidate for a potential countess and that is more than fine with her. She is happy being able to live on her own while working in her laboratory. Chemistry is her life's passion and she knows if she were to marry any husband of hers would make her give it all up. I love that Liliana is willing to stand up for herself and doesn't care about what others think of her. She speaks her mind and definitely doesn't back down from a challenge. I found she was a perfect match for Geoffrey.

The passion between both Geoffrey and Liliana just jumps off of the page. It grabs you and pulls you in. I found myself quickly turning the pages just so I could see more of their interactions. I liked that despite the fact that neither want to fall in love and get married that they both were able to find a confidant in the other. Someone they could truly be themselves with and have a real connection. I honestly LOVED these two.

Heather Snow's debut of Sweet Enemy is definitely well worth the time and money. This is a book that will definitely be going on my keeper shelf and I will be re-reading it in the future. I can't wait to see what's next from her.

**ARC copy provided by author**

Miss Liliana Claremont has two goals in her life. First she wants employment as a chemist in a lab and second she wants to prove to the new Earl of Stratford, Geoffrey Wentworth murdered her father. On the other hand war hero Geoffrey has one field objective: to avoid women suddenly interested in him as an earl worthy of marriage.

His mother wants a grandchild so she arranges a party of acceptable single females. Liliana accepts the invitation as an opportunity to find the evidence to hang Geoffrey. However, at the gala, to her chagrin she is attracted to the former officer. Her behavior so different from the gaggle has led him to learn why she came as Liliana shows no inclination to wed an earl. All previous non-relational thoughts end when they kiss.

The opening Veiled Seduction eighteenth century romance is an entertaining historical starring a wonderful independent female amateur sleuth and the target of her suspicions. Fans will appreciate their encounters as first there is distrust, than there is attraction, and finally there is love, but as the scope of her interest expands his connection to her father's death remains a bridge seemingly too far for these beloved enemies to cross together.

Harriet Klausner