Review: Seven Nights in a Rogue's Bed by Anna Campbell

SEVEN NIGHTS IN A ROGUE'S BED

Sons of Sin Series #1

by Anna Campbell

Publisher: Forever (Sept 2012)
Genre: Historical Romance, Adult
Format: eBook (385 pages)
Source: Free book from publisher (Edelweiss) for honest review
Find It: Goodreads | Amazon Print | Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3 stars)

Summary
Will a week of seduction...

Desperate to save her sister's life, Sidonie Forsythe has agreed to submit herself to a terrible fate: Beyond the foreboding walls of Castle Craven, a notorious, hideously scarred scoundrel will take her virtue over the course of seven sinful nights. Yet instead of a monster, she encounters a man like no other. And during this week, she comes to care for Jonas Merrick in ways that defy all logic—even as a dark secret she carries threatens them both.

...Spark a lifetime of passionate surrender?

Ruthless loner Jonas knows exactly who he is. Should he forget, even for a moment, the curse he bears, a mere glance in the mirror serves as an agonizing reminder. So when the lovely Sidonie turns up on his doorstep, her seduction is an even more delicious prospect than he originally planned. But the hardened outcast is soon moved by her innocent beauty, sharp wit, and surprising courage. Now as dangerous enemies gather at the gate to destroy them, can their new, fragile love survive?

At A Glance
Such a great book...until the end. Ugh!

The Good
I really loved the concept of this book. And I was surprised to see that it ended up being a little Beauty and the Beast like. But with more steam!

Sidonie was both brave and a little naïve. She risks her virtue for her family, and I actually respected that. Sometimes you have to sacrifice for the ones you love, even if they aren't always grateful. But I was happy to see that Jonas was not a cherry stealing beast. He acted mean and hard, but he had this amazing soft side. He couldn't really hurt a women even if he tried. Life has not treated him well, so he is bitter. But Sidonie's gentleness brings him back to life. Together they are amazing. Their chemistry is off the charts and their compassion for one another is so sweet. They both felt like complex characters with their own stories and their own personalities.

The plot was very satisfying. Not only did we get a good romance, but we also got a good portion of suspense, especially near the end. The writing flowed, as did the dialogue. I will be looking out for more of Campbell's work.

The Bad
It was all going so well. I was so into this book. And then, near the end, Jonas became the biggest douchbag/p*ssy of all time. I don't want to give too much away but Sidonie keeps a secret from Jonas for the good of her family. When this secret is revealed, Jonas doesn't want to hear any reasoning, any logic, or anything Sidonie has to say. Because, of course, she should have been loyal to the man she met a week ago, not to her family she has known her whole life. Give me an effing break. And then Jonas goes on to sulk and torture Sidonie with his baby fit because wah, wah, wah, somewone hurt his wittle feelwings! I was so disgusted with Jonas' actions and hypocrisy that I just wanted him to die. DIE! Sorry, it's dramatic, but that's how upset I was by him.

The Snuggly
I loved the building romance. It may have been only a week, but these two really got to know each other and fell hard along the way. It was sweet and sexy at the same time.

The sex scenes were hot and well written. For an adult audience.

Final Thoughts
If not for Jonas and his hissy fit near the end, this would have been a four star book. It was a very satisfying historical romance, which has been my genre of choice for the past couple of weeks. I would recommend this book to others, just be prepared for the cry baby ending.

Quotes
“Open your mouth, tesoro.” He angled her face higher. “Open your mouth for me.”
At his raw demand, her eyes flared wide. For a drunken moment, he drowned in glorious brown, rich, autumnal, sensual.”  


“He looked younger, kinder, a brighter image of the man she knew. A man life hadn’t mistreated or betrayed. Whatever the pain of this union, she loved that she gave him this momentary peace. This encounter lurched from the physical onto a different plane. A plane revealing a new emotional landscape. She felt lightheaded, lost.”  


“He swallowed again and tightened his grip so even if she wanted to leave, she couldn’t. It astonished him how difficult it was to find the one word he needed after these exquisite days. The one word he had no right to say.
He forced the forbidden syllable from his tight throat.
“Stay.”