Seven Secrets of Seduction

This book opens with the heroine reading a Gothic novel and willing the novel's heroine to save herself from the dangerous, silky-voiced seducer chasing her. Predictably, the Gothic novel's heroine does exactly the opposite.

Not-so-predictably, I found myself in the exact same situation within 100 pages of this book: willing the heroine not to be an idiot, not to sell herself cheaply---to take her obviously brilliant and capable mind, shake the dust of her humble and thankless existence off her feet, and light out for better friends, better lovers, and a better life.

Alas. No such luck. Said mind was apparently reduced to pudding by the dubious blandishments of a dangerous, silky-voiced seducer. And I was left lamenting the regrettable show more misuse of an intriguing premise...and thanking the book gods that I had the wisdom to skip to the end and save myself the bootless agony of reading the intervening 200 pages. show less

Anne Mallory has taken a fairly common romance trope and added a level of depth and realism that is anything but common. I was very impressed by the characters, their interactions, and the flow of the story over all. Even the unlikely circumstances of Miranda and Maxim's origins are handled with grace and realism.

5/11/11 - Had to re-read, was reminded of the scene where Miranda overhears Max in the garden. It took me awhile to trace that scene back to this book, but once I did I read the whole thing. Miranda is the fascinating half of this book, I love that she isn't kept in the dark for most of the "secrets", and I love Max's reaction when he finds out she was aware of his schemes. The chase is more satisfying than the climax (as far show more as relationships go), as it seemed odd that after all Miranda figured out and took, that one last revelation would be the straw that breaks the camels back (although the detail "Uncover her hands" was chilling, and I could see how that would spark some sort of confrontation). Over all, I'm glad they got their happily ever after, but the road there was the fun part.

Reread #2 (4/26/12): it's always the library scene that I remember first, then the rest follows. The ending is a bit of an anti-climax after all of the scintillating build up, but still live the passion between these two. show less

August 2023 update: fuck it, upping my rating to 5 stars after rereading my notes and thinking about this book daily for 4 months.

May 2023 review: 4.5 stars

Oh my god I swooned! I stand by my claim that Mallory's back-and-forths often go on for too long, for me; but the sensuality of this book made me blush to my ears. So many tender words! Tender touches! She really does know how to alight the senses with anticipation.

First, a disclaimer.

I read this shortly after an oddly similar book...one that I was 'all in' on-a titled rogue/rake with a lot of rumors and mystery...and an sexually interested but innocent woman. Also, I read the first part without a ton of concentration.

I could see so much promise in the bones of this book. But I just couldn't buy into it. Maxim came off, not as charming or arousing or mysterious, but smarmy. It didn't help that there was a hidden identity or 3 at work, I'm hoping that's not a spoiler because it was so clear--but nothing was convincing. It just felt off for about 60%. I was struggling with the attraction, the motives, and the dialogue was so laced and heavy it just weighed that whole part down. Around 60% there was show more more depth and relationship-building, but I felt like it came a little late in the game especially considering the characters were so invested. Still, it was at times lovely and sexy, funny and escapist. I will be reading more of Mallory. I just couldn't help feeling that first half was really oddly clinical. show less

This sweet and witty love story is a delightful read. The characters, Miranda and Maximilian, made a believable couple with chemistry that sparked right off the page. Their exchanges were so full of flirtatious banter and romantic tension that I couldn't stop smiling. Bringing things together is the quality of Mallory's writing - intelligent and colorful, with hints of 19th century flavor without taking on a cloying, pseudo-Victorian flair that some historical writers assume. An added plus are the literary references and themes that pepper the entire story.

I will say, though, that the ending was too neat, tidy, and brief. One page we're at the apex of angst, and then the next page things are quickly coming to a resolution. As a reader, show more I find that sort of quick turn around to be a disappointment after spending the entire length of the book becoming emotionally involved in the story. Still, it was a good read, and I'll be interested in some of Anne Mallory's other works. show less

#1:Every good seduction first begins with a baited hook.
#2:Once the hook is in place the lure must be set
#3:Pull forth or use the unexpected.Create havoc and relish in the chaos.Put her off guard even if she is on guard at the same time.
#4:Never lose control...and never let another pull your strings without your consent.Own your own thoughts.Know your confidense and she will fall at your feet.
#5:Some are more pipe for sedution cthan the others.But the sweetest fruit is the woman who doesnt realise she is plump on the vine.The one who brusts upon your tongue as soon as you set lips on her.
#6:Find the secret.What (she)he keeps hidden from others.Thats the key to his(her) embrace.(annotated by Miranda Chase).
#7:Turn the key.Open the lock show more and take the treasure within.And once the key is found...never let it go.

I suppose I will just have to make sure that I marry someone I look forward to curling around every morning. Whom I can't be without before breakfast. Or in the noon. Whom I need to race home to see after each appointment. Determined to lock her in my rooms, not because I need to hide anything but because I'd just as soon have her all to myself. To look upon her beloved face and hear her lips whisper in my ear.

7 secrets of seduction is a book.A book inside the book.Eleutherios wrote a book with the title 7 secrets of seduction(you can see them above).The book cause a debate between Max and Miranda.The book was filled with books(one more reason to like it).Max hires Miranda to organise his liblary.He has many secrets but some of them are very easy to find out.

Lies from the closest to you are often the most numerous and paralyzing.

The book 3 weeks after I read it is still on my mind.So that must mean something.

Better to leave dreams behind and go forward with purpose.

Sometimes one appears to have more freedom than one actually possesses. It is easy to see what one wishes to see.

No one is fine on his own. People just say they are.

P.S A sneak peek from Eleutherios's next book:The 8 elements of enchantment:
Element #1:It isnt just essential to entice your prey but you must make absolutely certain that you are the only thing on her mind morning,moon or night.
#2: when you find the perfect spicemam to enchant you,you must make sure to guard yourself in return.For enchantment,like seduction,can quickly turn upon the enchanter.If something should go wrong with the initial plan,step back and reformulate.Never undertake a new tack precipitously.This is a sign that cards has turned against you and you are at your opponents favor. show less

Seven Secrets... had a great beginning and a very good ending. However, the 'inbetween' first put me to sleep and then made me angry.
The heroine knows she is being played, but she is going to just roll-over and become his mistress? How about some backbone or respect for oneself? Still mostly an enjoyable read but it had much potential.