Title:  Too Sinful  To Deny
Series:  Scoundrels & Secrets #2
Author:  Erica Ridley
Genre:  Historical Romance
Published:  July 19, 2016 (Original January 2011)
Publisher:  Kensington Books – Lyrical Press
My Rating:  4 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

One look at the towering ocean-side manor that is to be her new home, and exiled socialite Susan Stanton knows: This is a place haunted by secrets and riddled with menace.

For Susan, there is no escaping it. At best she can stay clear of the most dangerous element of all–dark-haired smuggler Evan Bothwick, a man whose shaded countenance cannot hide his wicked intent.

But Susan has a secret of her own–a special gift that renders her privy to the darkest mysteries lurking within the walls of the manor and in the labyrinthine cellars beneath. And the only man who can help her make sense of it all is Evan, the very scoundrel and rogue she would do anything to be able to resist.

Read on for my thoughts on Too Sinful To Deny.  No true spoilers, promise.

Too Sinful To Deny is a delightfully intriguing Gothic-like Historical Romance.  To be completely fair to all readers, this title was originally published in 2011 so it is possible that you have read an earlier edition of this story.

Susan has been banished to the countryside after an incident in London.  A pampered, slightly spoiled young lady, Susan is accustomed to using her family name to make what she wants happen – unfortunately for her, the family name means nothing here and she must make her own way at Moonseed Manor.  Or rather, try to escape from it and the secrets it holds.

Ever since an unfortunate, almost deadly accident in London, Susan has acquired an unusual gift… she does indeed see (or at least sense) dead people.  And the absolutely last place she wants to be confined to is this manor.  Evan is in search of a dead person, his brother.  While his role here at Moonseed Manor is quite different from his London routine, Evan is determined to unlock secrets… and perhaps seduce a lovely, spoiled brat as well.

Too Sinful To Deny has some Gothic elements, ghosts and things that hide in the night, touches of Romantic Suspense all in an Historical Romance setting.  So you do have a few reasons to enjoy this story, no matter your preferred genre.

I enjoyed this story very much.  It’s whimsy and touches of Gothic gave me a definite chill at times.  The secondary cast of characters is both delightful and just a bit spooky – all falling easily into the natural way of things in this world.  But it was the romance of Susan and Evan that delighted me, and kept my attention the most.  Two people who logically should be far from what the other wanted in a partner,, love doesn’t work on logic – thankfully.  And honestly, it was simply fun to go back to my reading roots which included lots and lots of Gothic romances.  Ms Ridley did this one well, convincingly and with a cast that Mary Stewart would have been proud of.  Take a chance on a story that touches on several genre, I believe you’ll find yourself charmed.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this novel. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this story.*

Available in several formats and for the Kindle