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Anne Mallory
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Seven Secrets of Seduction Mass Market Paperback – May 25 2010

by Anne Mallory (Author)
4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 137 ratings
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“Anne Mallory gives classic romance a fresh and delightful spin with her clever plots and winning imagination.”
—Teresa Medeiros, New York Times bestselling author

 

Explore seduction, deception, and searing passion in USA Today bestselling author Anne Mallory’s Seven Secrets of Seduction. A RITA Award finalist (for Three Nights of Sin and For the Earl's Pleasure ), Anne once again delivers a passionate, heart-wrenching Regency Era romance, intricately well-plotted and filled with memorable characters, including a particularly fearless heroine. Fans of Julia Quinn and Elizabeth Boyle will delight over Anne Mallory’s scandalous Secrets.

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Previous page
  1. Book 1 of 3
    Secrets
  2. Print length
    384 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Avon
  5. Publication date
    May 25 2010
  6. Dimensions
    10.64 x 2.44 x 17.15 cm
  7. ISBN-10
    0061579157
  8. ISBN-13
    978-0061579158
  9. See all details
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Product description

From the Back Cover

Scandalous and provocative, The Seven Secrets of Seduction is an intoxicating insight into the mind of men and the desires of women—and the book has all the ton talking.

Secret #1: Every good seduction begins with a baited hook . . .

Well-educated, but not part of society, Miranda Chase is just as captivated by the erotic pages as everyone else in London. Intrigued by the layers she sees beneath the book's surface, she writes an editorial about it, never realizing that her passionate words will draw an actual viscount to her uncle's bookshop.

Maximilian, Viscount Downing, has very particular ideas about passion and sees truth only in desire. He freely flaunts his sensual power and seeks nothing more than another conquest—the one that could justify his entire debauched existence. But Miranda's blend of innocence, trust, and love cause a strange thing to happen on the way to this seduction. Something that just might threaten the very fabric of his jaded heart . . .

About the Author

Anne Mallory is a lifelong romance reader who soldher first novel to Avon Books after becoming a finalistin RWA’s Golden Heart contest. In Total Surrender isher eleventh book. A native Michigander, Anne currentlylives in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Avon (May 25 2010)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 384 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0061579157
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0061579158
  • Item weight ‏ : ‎ 186 g
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10.64 x 2.44 x 17.15 cm
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 137 ratings

About the author

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Anne Mallory

Anne Mallory

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I think all writers love to read -- it's part of the job description. Romance, mystery and fantasy are my favorites -- and if all three are combined, all the better!

I write Regency era set romances that are heavy on mystery, intrigue and adventure.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2 out of 5
137 global ratings

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Top reviews from other countries

MEJ
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 24, 2015
Verified Purchase
Brilliant!
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J. P.
5.0 out of 5 stars A *must-read* with a wonderful story, two complex leading characters, and sizzling chemistry (4.5 stars)
Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2010
Verified Purchase
[1820 - London, England]
This is my first book by Anne Mallory and *oh my lord* - what a book it was!!! For some reason, Mallory's other books have never appealed to me and/or I haven't gotten around to reading them yet, but the premise of SEVEN SECRETS OF SEDUCTION sounded interesting so I took a chance and pre-ordered it from Amazon. I am unbelievably glad that I did! The book starts off with an utterly delightful first encounter between the hero and heroine that will put a silly grin on your face, leave you reeling and wondering, and have you anxiously awaiting their next battle of wits.

Miranda Chase and Maximilian, Viscount Downing are interesting, complex, imperfect, drastically in need of love (and both very lovable), so easy to root for, and basically just all-around fabulous. Miranda is a shopgirl in her uncle's bookstore who has wonderful dreams of travel and excitement, yet finds herself unable to reach for the real thing and instead relying on books as a substitute. Max is Mr. Bad Boy in society, always featured in the gossip pages along with his scandal-prone family, and is unbearably mysterious, dangerous, and attractive. The book is essentially about these two characters becoming who they were "meant to be" and revealing their "true selves" (enough corny phrases for you?). Each sees the unbelievable potential in the other, though they are unable to see it in themselves, until their complicated friendship and then unexpectedly intense love opens their eyes.

The supporting characters are engaging and multi-dimensional (Miranda's friend Georgette is hysterical!), though Mallory does a good job of focusing on Miranda and Max and not throwing in needless distractions. There is no errant madman-murderer on the loose, no random kidnapping in the last chapter, no evil blackmailer who knows some horrible family secret. I found all of this a nice change from most historicals and thought it made the romance and character development of the hero and heroine all that more fleshed-out and enjoyable. Despite there being no mystery subplot in this book, there are unexpected twists and turns and they are all very well-written and orchestrated. My only complaint is that the ending was a little too abrupt and could have used a few more pages or an epilogue.

Writing about the chemistry in this book is unbelievably complicated, because the entire thing is absolutely sizzling ... yet they don't kiss for the first time till p194 - more than halfway through the book!! Nonetheless, your fingers will literally be singed by the pages right from the get-go and you'll be fanning yourself with whatever you can find handy, lol. Writing as a reader who *hates* romances where the attraction is instantaneous or we hear on and on from the first page about how much they lust after each other like crazy, I have to say that Mallory has done an exquisite job here. The book is fraught with sexual tension, yet it is never exaggerated or gratuitous, but rather very playfully and skillfully done.

One aspect of SEVEN SECRETS OF SEDUCTION that was unusual for the genre was that the first half - if not more - of the book was mostly told from Miranda's perspective; the first time we hear Max's thoughts are on p119. Unlike in Candace Camp's novels, where I have found this is almost universally the case, it was not at all detrimental here. Quite the opposite in fact, as it brings the reader along for Miranda's ride and makes us feel just as unbalanced and unsure, yet excited, as she does. Max is increasingly revealed to us as the book progresses and the more we begin to see his true character, through both Miranda's perceptive observations and the passages written from his POV, the more wonderful, intriguing, and sigh-worthy he becomes.

Basically, I urge you to run to your nearest bookstore or put your mouse on "Add to Cart" and grab your credit card - this book is not one to miss and I absolutely cannot wait to read it again in the future!

SECRETS SERIES:
Book 1 - SEVEN SECRETS OF SEDUCTION
Book 2 -  One Night Is Never Enough
Book 3 -  In Total Surrender

RECOMMENDATIONS:
Books similar to this one or that I think you'll enjoy if you like SEVEN SECRETS include:
-  And Then He Kissed Her  (Girl-Bachelor Series, Book 1) by Laura Lee Guhrke, 5 stars
-  Wicked Becomes You  by Meredith Duran, 5 stars
-  Bound by Your Touch  by Meredith Duran, 5 stars
-  Thunder and Roses  (Fallen Angels Series, Book 1) by Mary Jo Putney, 5 stars
-  One Moonlit Night  by Samantha James, 5 stars
6 people found this helpful
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Purple Love 💜
4.0 out of 5 stars Anne Mallory Staking her claim!
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2011
Verified Purchase
The last book I tried by AM ,"Three Nights Of Sin" was underwhelming, so when I came across this book I was reluctant to invest my time and money, but I am so glad that I decided to give her another chance! Seven Secrets of Seduction was captivating! There were so many things to love about this book. I loved the hero's mysterious demeanor. He gave you a little of himself at a time and left you wanting more. This might be a problem for some readers as you are left in the dark about his motives for a long time. I personally didn't mind since the suspense was exciting. Their affair was engaging and the secret surprising when revealed. The way Anne Mallory wrote the book was a bit obscure and sometimes you have to read a sentence again to figure out what exactly the hero and heroine was talking about, and even though it did get annoying at times, I am not going to complain since a little challenge goes a long way after reading all the cookie cut out fluff that's making the rounds these days. The problem I did have with the book though is that AM could have been a little bit more forth coming with the description of the heroine. You know that she was not drop dead gorgeous, but exactly how she looked was left in the dark, (unless I missed something). If I did, I would appreciate if someone would let me know. Also, the loss of her virginity was not realistic in the least. She enjoyed it way too much without a hint of pain. Hey you never know, maybe he was that good, lol. I would have also loved an epilogue to sum up such an interesting story, but there was none. All in all, I really enjoyed this book and will be on the look out for more of AM's work. With this book, I think she's made her claim on an author to watch out for!
One person found this helpful
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Book Gannet
4.0 out of 5 stars Dreams and Dark Desires
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 5, 2010
Verified Purchase
Working in her uncle's bookshop, Miranda Chase is content with her life, reading the latest novels and scandalous releases, and gossiping daily with her best friend over tea. Until a mysterious gentleman comes into the shop, flirts and argues with her, and leaves without the books he came for. It's not until the next day, when he returns to flirt - and takes the wrong books home - that Miranda discovers that far from the mere mister he implied he was, her mysterious stranger is really Maximilian Landry, Viscount Downing. The man whose scandalous behaviour she has enjoyed reading about for so long. Now she must go to his home to deliver his books.

Deeply mysterious, the viscount makes her an offer she struggles to refuse - reorganising his fascinating library. Yet no matter how much he confuses her, he challenges her too, and she can't help wanting to get closer, to know him better - even when it turns out she knows him very well indeed. Whoever he claims to be.

Anne Mallory has always favoured unusual heroines - caricaturists, thieves, antiquarians, psychics - when she isn't making private investigators or spies out of her heroes, and Miranda is no different. A simple woman, far outside the realm of the ton, a dreamer and yet strangely practical after a strict upbringing, she's strong-willed and a little naïve. Which makes her an interesting contrast to the worldly viscount.

Max is cynical, dark and secretive, not helped by the lack of narration from his pov (the first is after 100 pages, but it's not until after 200 that we get an insight into his motives), but he's confused and protective too, making him a fascinating contradiction. A deeply complicated character, it's no wonder it takes Miranda so long to work him out. As their relationship deepens, I'll admit some of Miranda's choices surprised me, but I thought the conflict and resolution were nicely done.

More descriptive and lyrical than usual for Mallory, and slower paced, it fits Miranda's character perfectly. And the way she punishes Max is ingenuous. As usual with Mallory there are a few Americanisms cropping up here and there, but the dialogue is intricate and witty, the characters rich and the romance hot. I've been a fan of Anne Mallory for years, so if you can relax your inner critic, settle back and enjoy. If you enjoyed  Three Nights of Sin , you should like this.
3 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling Romance And Great Sexual Tension
Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2010
Verified Purchase
I think whatever I say about this book won't do it nearly as much justice as I feel it deserves. When you think about the plot, it seems like it has been done to death and that it's just a cliche. But this author takes every expected outcome or reaction and twists it in an unexpected manner. When you would normally see a dramatic moment or a villainous character, you don't end up with the expected. It was so refreshing!

Miranda was a simply awesome character. She's a "lowly shop girl" who somehow catches the interest of Viscount Downing. Their first encounters are full of playful banter and hidden innuendos. I loved how Downing skewed things in his favor so that he had an excuse to see her again. As their acquaintance deepens, Miranda cannot help but feel that Downing has cultivated their friendship for another purpose, but she quite rationally thinks it through and decides to risk it anyway. Miranda is an optimist, but she's also very pragmatic and realistic. There were a few moments in the story where I expected her to react with high drama, but she didn't. She took the time to think things through and decide what she was willing to accept and what the motivations of the offender were. I couldn't help but love her for it.

Downing was quite fascinating. When we got further into the story and discovered his hidden motivations, I just wanted to smack him upside his head, and then cuddle him. That man needed love. He was constantly plotting and maneuvering, but he was afraid to trust it when he finally achieved his goal. His dual nature was so sad. He had incredible self loathing, but he desperately wanted someone to see him and love him for who he was. I was so devastated for both him and Miranda toward the end. The anguish and yearning that was shown in that final scene in the bedroom...it killed me.

I loved how there were no villains in this story. Even though there were characters who caused issues and problems for their family, they were still sympathetic. Also, there was a situation involving a woman that I felt was handled extremely well. I was afraid she would turn into a caricature, but the author held true to her determination to make every character feel real and understandable.

At times the writing was quite poetic and lyrical. Downing was the biggest cause of that. He liked to seduce Miranda with his words, and he had quite a compelling turn of phrase. The sexual tension in this book was excellent. The characters don't have sex until far into the book, but I'm glad they didn't. I really enjoyed watching them seduce each other with their conversation and their personalities. It made their final capitulation so much more meaningful and sexy.

This book wasn't dark and angsty, but it wasn't light and irreverent. It felt like a nice balance of all those factors depending on the requirements of the scene. There were times it was humorous and cute, and times it was powerful and sexy, but it was also tortured and dark too. I like that it couldn't be easily typecast.

I cannot wait to try more by this author. I can only hope that I enjoy them as much as I liked this one.
6 people found this helpful
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