Book Review: Sin and Sensibility - by Suzanne Enoch

Synopsis: Sin and Sensibility is the first novel in a series by Suzanne Enoch about the Griffin family. Set in Regency England (the war is still on), this story is about Eleanor Griffin, a young woman who wants to have a taste of adventure before she settles into the mold of being a society wife. With 3 overbearing, overprotective older brothers (one of whom is a rather despotic Duke), she has her work cut out for her. In a bid for some independence, she makes a bargain with them: She gets the freedom to do and say what she pleases, so long as she doesn't cause a scandal of any kind. Her brothers agree, but (unbeknownst to Eleanor) secretly ask their good friend (and handsome ladykiller), Valentine Corbett, to keep an eye on her and see that she doesn't get into any real trouble.

This was a great book. I REALLY didn't like the first book I read by this author (Flirting With Danger), but I'm very glad I gave her another try. I was really impressed with Enoch's ability to create complex characters and so thoroughly describe the changes that they go through as they find each other. He's an *extremely* hardened rake and she's desperate for a bit of independence. The author is careful to demonstrate that Eleanor is not merely just looking to rebel against her brothers. Her quest for adventure is more about finding something special to have just for herself - the idea of doing something because it pleases her without regard for whether it is proper or virtuous or whatever - and NOT about whether it will piss off her family. Valentine's entrenched cynicism is also very believably turned on its ear by Eleanor's open and genuine nature. He finds that he really can care for someone - and that there are people really worth caring for. I will definitely be reading this entire series!

This one got 5 stars in my LibraryThing.