This is the 2nd book by author S.E. that I have read in the past year. I also read "London's Perfect Scoundrel" (pretty good). My next book, "Sin & Sensibility" was enjoyable as well. While I agree with many other reviewers this book was not deep, complicated or earth shattering to read...it was still charming and enjoyable in all it's simple ways.

The main characters, Eleanor and Valentine each had their plus and minus points. Eleanor was kind, open minded, adventurous and attractive. On the other hand...she was also a bit sheltered, spoiled with money and attention and didn't seem to have made up her mind who she was and what she wanted in life. These negatives were easy to over-look as over-all she was an appealing character. Valentine in turn was handsome, worldly, charming, naughty and bold. On the other hand...he was also a bit coarse, self-fish, good for little besides playing and sexing it up and was in the middle of his life with little direction as to who he was and what he wanted in life. Fortunately, his negatives became easy to over-come as well. Why? Because both Eleanor and Valentine were simply going through the motions of life until they finally "saw" each other for who they really were as people. In that spark of real interest and attraction, they slowly began to change each other into better people and in turn, themselves. They complimented one another well and that allowed their good points to shine and their drawbacks to be minimized.

Eleanors wish to become a woman of the world and full of spirit via "adventures" was a good idea but, a bit weak in this book. She bought sexy gowns from a famous designer, went on independence strike against her brother's domination, she had dinner alone with a man, drove his carriage, went to a gaming club and drank too much and then went swimming naked in the park. I guess for the times, these outings would be viewed with shock and awe should someone find out what and why she was doing things but, I guess these outings were a bit tame for me. I've seen other writers put their heroines on journeys of adventure and discovery that were much more interesting and believable than this. So...nice idea, just dull development.

The intimacy scenes between Eleanor and Valentine were fine. Warm and passionate and very open but...seeing how many woman Val had wooed and slept with over the years, I didn't find anything in their coming together that put fireworks in the sky or bedroom. Their attraction and appeal to one another was real enough, I just wished for more "sizzle" between the two. I bought the friendship, attraction and warm feelings but, the intimacy could have been further developed.

Although I enjoyed Val turning himself around from a serious rake to a one woman man by the end...I thought his page after page of self disclosure and self professed love and adoration of Eleanor was a bit much. For a guy who never liked, loved or disclosed himself before...I think his spilling of the guts went a little over-board. I like a hero that can soften and gentle to a woman's love but, I don't want him becoming a pansy. Val was bordering on going too far in a few passages but, the story ended before too late. I did like that he saw his ugly side and wanted to put that to rest for good and only be a better man with Eleanors love to help him along. One thing I thought was odd...Val thought about loving Eleanor and once he acknowledged it, he acted on it and later told her he loved her. I don't remember Eleanor telling Val of her feelings? She thought it herself of course. She told him said she liked, admired and wanted to marry him but, I don't remember any declarations from her to him about "loving him"? Either I forgot it or it was missed. Interesting.

All the brothers Griffin (Sebastian, Charlemagne (Shay) and Zachary). They were highly protective of their sister and it showed. But...it was nice to see siblings caring about one another and they were certainly a loud, boisterous and interesting group of guys. As many other readers noted, perhaps we will see their stories in the future. They all needed to find a mate and find love still so...maybe there is a future story out there for each one.

Even though I nit picked on a few things that weren't great in this book, I would still recommend this author for casual regency romance reading. She has a light but, historical touch and her books always please. Characters, plots and story lines are appealing for the general reader. I would give this one 3 1/2 stars if I could. Not quite good enough for a 4 or 5 but, still good. Do enjoy!

This is the first novel about the Griffin family. This novel shares the story of Lady Eleanor the youngest Griffin and the Valentine Corbett close friend of th Griffin and local Rake! Lady Eleanor decides she needs freedom and adventure before she is married and Valentine Corbett promises the family that he will protect her... This was a funny, romantic novel with some great twist. The second Griffin novel An Invitation to Sin is just as wonderful. I look forward the rest of the series.

3.5 stars. This was also my first book by this author and it will not be my last. I don't quite understand the complaint about Eleanor being spoiled or immature...those make the most intriguing characters--just think *Scarlett*. I don't like cookie-cutter, perfect heroines who never have a bad thought and are constantly out for the betterment of the world. I can't relate those women. However, I do want to point out that Eleanor's indiscisiveness was a little turn off. This constant desire for an adventure was one thing, but to repeatively have her not know what she wanted grew tiresome. "Have you secured me an adventure?" "No, you haven't told me what you wanted." "Have you secured me an adeventure?" "I'm working on it." Huh? For the most part, I liked Valentine. I even like the Griffin brethen. Cobb-Harding was interesting character,too--until the end. It really made no sense to go to Sebastain and confess and then try to kidnap a kidnapped woman. The whole time, I'm thinking--haven't you ever heard of annullment? The marriage would never happened. I guess my point is that it was overkill. But this was still an enjoyable book. I look forward to reading more works by this author.