NO CHOICE BUT SEDUCTION

Pocket Books (2008), 361 pages, $25 (hardcover)

Even if “No Choice But Seduction” wasn’t a Malory book, it would be a delightfully fun and engaging story guaranteed to leave readers smiling.
But add a substantial presence of beloved Malorys such as James, Georgina and Anthony, and you get a book certain to be savored and cherished by the hoards of Malory fans.
Once again, it’s actually a Malory in-law that shares the lead. Georgina’s brother Boyd is the third to find marital bliss thanks to their connections to the Malory family.
“No Choice But Seduction” has a few twists that will keep you guessing, but it’s the charisma and wit of the characters that will keep you charmed.
Like his brothers, Boyd owns a ship and is on the sea as much as he is on land. But he’s thinking of retiring, and settling on land – in fact, since his sister lives in London he’s thinking of migrating from his American home to there. And, he’s ready to get married and live happily ever after, like his brother Warren (he doesn’t know about Drew’s wedded bliss at the beginning) and sister.
As he stands on the deck of his boat bound for England, he sees Katey board his ship as a passenger. And he decides she would make a good wife.
Problem is, Katey isn’t interested.
After growing up in a small American village, Katey is ready to explore the world – and can do so, thanks to a sizable inheritance. Marriage doesn’t fit into her plans, and recognizing her naivete when it comes to men, she decides the best way to thwart any plans of seduction is to declare herself married.
That works. At first.
Katey soon finds herself embroiled in a bit more adventure than she bargained for, and Boyd doesn’t exactly play the role of knight in shining armor for her. In fact, he casts himself more as the villain in the piece.
Despite her vow to avoid Boyd, Katey ends up spending a lot of time with the man, trying to ignore her growing attraction. Boyd, of course, doesn’t want her ignoring it and continues to try to arouse it.
And her.
Even if you’ve never ready a Malory book, you’ll enjoy this one. While fans of the series will appreciate subtle references to past books, those who haven’t read them won’t be left in the dark.
But bet you’ll want to read more Malory books when you’re done.





Overall rating: 5 of 5 hearts. It’s a fun, witty and engaging read. It does lack the passion that many of Lindsey’s books usually have, but the story takes off on other tangents that makes up for that.


Hunk appeal: 10. Like most of Lindsey’s heroes – even the Malorys – Boyd does falter a bit toward the beginning. But his transgression isn’t as bad as most, and he doesn’t take as long to express remorse and try to make amends. He’s love-struck and acts accordingly during most of the book.

Steamy scene grade: XXXX. Definitely love-struck.

Happily-Ever-After: Good, even though it lacks the punch that Lindsey’s books usually offer. There’s no grand reconciliation, no scene where the hero makes amends for his earlier transgressions. It’s a sweet and happy ending, though.

Also this week …

THE GOLDEN VALKYRIE
by Iris Johansen (1983, paperback) – 3 of 5. This oldie from the author who has since evolved into more suspense-laden novels is an easy, sweet read for someone looking to fritter away few hours on the beach or by the pool.
It’s been re-released with a new look, but it’s the same engaging, simple and old-fashioned type love story that is wonderfully predictable.
Honey is a private investigator. Prince Lance blackmails her into becoming his bodyguard, openly using that as a ploy to seduce her
Of course eventually, Honey decides she wants to be seduced. But she fears that she’s just another notch on the bedpost for the playboy prince known as “Lusty Lance.” While she’s trying to steel her heart so it won’t break when he moves on, she doesn’t notice that Lance shows no sign of leaving.