Witty dialogue and likable characters make for an entertaining read that's hard to put down.

"Did you just ask me for sex, sir?"

With those titillating words, thus begins the seduction of the century. Until now, unassuming Miranda Chase has lived her life from the outside. She has lots of dreams, but her excitement is found only in Gothic novels and the gossip sheets. Her only close interactions with men are through written correspondence with two radically different men. The first is Mr. Pitts, who challenges her to live in reality and follow her dreams. The other is the famous author of the ton's current obsession, Seven Secrets of Seduction, Eleutherios, who is the romantic hero of Miranda's dreams. A mysterious figure too perfect to be true.

One day while working at her uncle's bookstore, Miranda meets the man who will turn her life upside down. He's the devilishly handsome Lord Maximilian Downing who has a wicked way with words and challenges her like no other man. Before she knows it, Lord Downing has hired her to organize his personal library all the while seducing her to the wild side through words and deeds. Will the game he plays with her become real? Or will their differences in social status bring an end to the most exciting time Miranda's ever experienced?

There were many likable things in this story. First and foremost is the character of Miranda. She's a wonderful heroine who is smart, comfortable with who she is, and honest with her feelings. She's energetic and says what she thinks. Watching her experience things she's only dreamed about before makes you want to stand up and cheer. Luckily for Miranda, there's her friend Georgette doing the cheerleading.

Georgette is another great character who's outspoken and full of energy, yet loyal to those she cares about. I found myself smiling whenever she came on the scene and hope she gets her own book in the future. The dialogue flew fast and furious between the main characters and crackled with sexual tension. As the relationship between Max and Miranda progresses, the words take on a bolder meaning that leads to a physical joining that is well worth the wait.

What was a bit disappointing in this book was the character of Maximilian Downing. For three-fourths of the book we know very little about Max. The book is mostly told from Miranda's perspective so we only know him through her perceptions of him. We don't really know what goes on in his head and it makes his motivations rather murky. It's not until the remaining three chapters that we finally get a glimpse into his head and understand his true feelings and motivations for being with Miranda. At this point he becomes a very likable character. I just wish we'd gotten to know the real Max sooner, it could have made this an even stronger read with a hero to swoon over.

Overall, this is an entertaining read with likable characters and witty dialogue. The pace moves along nicely and the story kept my attention. If there's ever a sequel, I would definitely pick it up without reservations. ~ Jody F.