Okay, it’s Valentine’s Day this weekend. So, I’m taking a look at a couple of books who have characters named Valentine. The first is Valentine Corbett, Marquis of Deverill, from Sin and Sensibility by Suzanne Enoch. This book is part of the “Griffin Family” series.

Sin and Sensibility by Suzanne Enoch; An Avon Romantic Treasure Book; Copyright December 2004; ISBN 0-06-054325-6

Book Blurb: USA Today bestselling author Suzanne Enoch delights fans once again with this enchanting tale of a young lady determined to have an adventure and the white knight who charges to her rescue.

After yet another beau was chased away by her three over-protective brothers, Lady Eleanor Griffin decides she’s had enough. If she is to become a boring society wife, then she’s going to have some fun first. But when her adventure turns into more than what she bargained for, she is grateful for her knight in shining armour who rescued her from what was sure to become a scandalous situation.

Plot: Young Ladies Just Want to Have Fun… Unfortunately, Eleanor Griffin has three strapping brothers to frighten away any beau they deem unsuitable. She know she’s expected to marry eventually – probably some staid, crusty, old lord – but until that day day dawns, Nell intends to enjoy herself. However, the Duke of Melbourne isn’t about to let his sister run completely wild, and he asks his best friend, the Marquis of Deverill, to keep a close eye on the spirited lovely.

Could any chaperone be less qualified – yet, more appreciated – than Valentine Corbett? Here is a man as sinful as he is attractive; a notorious rake, gambler, and pursuer of women, whom Nell has fancied since childhood. Alas, the irresistible rogue seems uncharacteristically determined to be honorable, despite the passionate longing in his gaze. And Nell must tread carefully, for she has promised to immediately wed whomever her siblings choose should so much as a hint of scandal arise…

Poor Eleanor has three very overbearing brothers: Charlemagne (Shay), Zachary, and Sebastian (the Duke of Melbourne). Some people who have criticized this book have done so because they saw Eleanor as petulant and spoiled. I, on the other hand, saw her as an adventurous spirit that needed direction. When one considers how restrictive the Regency Period was for women, any woman who demanded her independence could be seen as self-serving. Enoch uses this perception to her advantage in telling this story of the typical rake who is reformed. The “rake” story line is a tried and true element of Regency romances, and Enoch uses it well.

There is no earth shattering moments in this novel. It is simply a well told romance. Its strength lies in the wonderful romantic scenes leading up to Valentine and Eleanor’s coming together, and the wit, humor, and sensuality that fills each of their encounters. Women love the “bad boys,” and I admit to falling in love with Valentine Corbett. He was a charming rascal. So, unlike some who on Amazon left less than a stellar review of this story, I enjoyed this one in the Griffin Family series. In fact, it is Sebastian’s story from the series that I disliked, but we will revisit that novel at a later date.

I give this story 4 out of 5 stars for great romantic scenes.

______________________________________

An Invitation to Sin (Book 2) 

Seven marriageable daughters . . . And Lord Zachary Griffin is just the man to help them.

Book Blurb: After all, what could be more tantalizing than teaching the beautiful Witfeld sisters all the special ways of driving a man into submission—and marriage? And leading exquisite Caroline Witfeld, the most spirited and least frivolous sister, to temptation would be wildly delicious.

Zachary doesn’t realize that Caroline’s longing gazes have less to do with attraction and more to do with admission—to a prestigious arts conservatory. If only she could set those high cheekbones, that aristocratic brow, and those powerful shoulders to canvas, her dreams would all come true. But Caroline is soon having dreams of a very different sort—ones that involve the charming rogue and some improper behavior hardly befitting a lady dedicated to her art . . .unless she becomes dedicated to the art of love.

___________________________________

Something Sinful (Book 3)

It was lust at first sight . . .

Book Blurb: She was a vision, an exotic goddess who floated across the ballroom, conjuring images of warm nights and silk sheets, and Lord Charlemagne Griffin felt lightning shoot straight to his . . . well, he was definitely interested. So the lady isn’t exactly the sharpest knife on the rack, as Shay soon discovers, but the generous bosom just above her low neckline more than makes up for it. Before he knows it, Shay is bragging about an impending business deal to impress her . . .

Lady Sarala Carlisle may appear naïve, but too late Shay realizes her unconventional beauty masks a razor-sharp intelligence and flawless instincts—and she’d just bested him! Well, two can play at this game, and one of Shay’s many skills is the fine art of seduction.

Sins of a Duke (Book 4)

Book Blurb: Lust is a Sin . . .
Sebastian Griffin, the Duke of Melbourne, has raised his younger siblings, seen to it that they made correct matches, and basically kept everyone in line. Seen as the most powerful man in England, Sebastian has a reputation for propriety and has maintained a scandal-free life.

Until now.

Josefina Katarina Embry is a beauty, to be sure, but she claims to be the princess of a faraway country. While she dazzles the ton with her wit and charm, Sebastian suspects she’s up to something. And he’s determined to expose her . . . if only he wasn’t so distracted by her brazen sensuality and the irresistible allure of her kiss. Sebastian knows an affair will lead them into scandal, but will the most powerful man in England risk all for a princess of dubious lineage . . . or will he allow a most sinful desire to rule his heart?

So do you have favorite characters named “Valentine”? Chime in with suggestions.