Reviewed by Gannon Carr
Publisher: Avon
5 stars
In her newest book, TO SIN WITH A STRANGER, Kathryn Caskie has created a family of irresistible heroes and heroines: the Sinclairs of Scotland. These handsome brothers and their beautiful sisters are known throughout society as The Seven Deadly Sins. And they have more than earned their reputation!
After the death of their mother—she died giving birth to the twins—their father, the Duke of Sinclair, drowned his sorrows in alcohol and allowed his children to run wild. After so many years without guidance, the Sinclairs have embarrassed their father long enough. He banishes them from their ancestral home in Scotland and sends them to London where they must redeem themselves and earn the right to bear the Sinclair name.
Sterling Sinclair, the Marquess of Blackburn, is the eldest of the Sinclair siblings, and he is cursed with the sin of greed. In order to supplement the meager income that his father has provided, Sterling has taken to fighting at Gentleman Jackson’s saloon for prize money. And with his braw Highland physique and fast fists, he has developed quite a reputation as a prizefighter. But it is a beautiful, young stranger who knocks Sterling off his feet.
Isobel Carrington comes face to face with Sterling when she enters The Pugilistic Club during one of his bouts and steps between him and his opponent. She is raising funds for The Widows of Corunna charitable foundation and is incensed when she sees so many gentlemen wasting their money wagering on a fight when the widows and orphans of soldiers go hungry. She is escorted out of the club, but her passion—and beauty—make a lasting impression on Sterling. A week later at Almack’s , they meet again, and when Sterling gets a little too close for Isobel’s comfort, she slaps him across the face…twice, in front of the entire assembly. Tongues begin to wag, wondering what brought this on. And Sterling gets the bright idea—or so he thinks!—to make an anonymous, and very large wager at White’s. It is a ten thousand pound wager that Isobel will marry Sterling before the Season’s end.
After the debacle at Almack’s, Isobel vows never to have any dealings with Sterling, but she never counted on the persistence and charm of this handsome Scot. Sterling pursues Isobel with the single-mindedness of a man used to winning. And win her does. And Isobel wins Sterling’s love as well, something he never expected. But will he win the wager and recoup his wealth and his father’s respect or will it cost him everything he holds dear?
Watching Sterling and Isobel’s relationship evolve was so gratifying. For a man cursed with greed, Sterling finally finds someone who brings out his generous nature, showing him the man he was meant to be. Isobel, who never felt worthy of love, at last sees herself through Sterling’s eyes: a beautiful, courageous, sensual woman. Sterling and Isobel practically set the pages on fire. Their love scenes are incredibly sexy! After “experiencing” their first encounter, I was half in love with Sterling myself. Caskie has created a memorable hero and heroine and a lively cast of secondary characters. The Sinclairs are her most unforgettable family yet. This book will definitely have a special place among my “keepers.” I’m looking forward to the next in this series, THE MOST WICKED OF SINS, which will be released next year. So many more Sinclairs to sin with! I can’t wait!!
To Sin With A Stranger will be released November 25, 2008.
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PJ
on Nov 22nd, 2008
@ 2:04 am:
I can’t wait for Tuesday! Thanks for a terrific review, Gannon and many thanks to Kathy for what looks to be a fabulous series!
Marisa
on Nov 22nd, 2008
@ 5:27 am:
I’ve started reading this one and I am so interested in how Kathy will turn Sterling around. Her description of the siblings and their relationships is wonderful and I find myself turning the pages long into the night.
Kati
on Nov 22nd, 2008
@ 8:13 am:
I can’t believe you didn’t mention the RNTV shout out in the acknowledgments, Gannon! LOL! Great review!
Gannon
on Nov 22nd, 2008
@ 8:27 am:
Kati, I can’t believe I didn’t either. LOL!
Marisa, have you gotten to Sterling and Isobel’s first love scene? OMG!! It was sooooo hot! I really think this is going to be a fantastic series. I just hope Kathy writes FAST!!!
PJ
on Nov 22nd, 2008
@ 8:32 am:
I’d love to cruise Wal-Mart today to see if the books are out early but it’s too cold to leave the cave. (grin)
I’m so excited to see our names in the acknowledgements of the book. I’ve seen it in the arc but to flip that cover in the store and see my name? Priceless!
~PJ…checking in from the frozen (southern) tundra.
PJ
on Nov 22nd, 2008
@ 8:34 am:
Gannon, have you gotten your RT magazine yet? To Sin With a Stranger is on the cover and it’s GORGEOUS!
Gannon
on Nov 22nd, 2008
@ 8:39 am:
PJ, yes I did. It’s beautiful, and I’m so happy for Kathy that’s in on the cover. Hope you find the book after you thaw out.
We have a few inches of snow on the ground and it’s so cold that I don’t think it’s going to melt right away. We are in for quite a winter!
PJ
on Nov 22nd, 2008
@ 8:49 am:
No white stuff here but it’s 18 degrees with a wind chill of 11. Those are mountain temps, not what we’re supposed to have down here in the valley. Not in November!
Buffie
on Nov 22nd, 2008
@ 12:37 pm:
I too can’t wait for Tuesday!! And like the rest of you, I can’t wait to see my name in print. I will probably scream at the top of my lungs when I do
I hope I don’t embarrass the kidos too much!
Gannon
on Nov 22nd, 2008
@ 1:08 pm:
Buffie, isn’t it our job as parents to embarrass our children?!
romance novel blogs
on Dec 2nd, 2008
@ 5:55 am:
[...] Today we’re so happy to have one of our favorite authors visiting with us today. Help me welcome Kathryn Caskie. It feels like old home week. Kathryn was one of the first authors we interviewed and meeting her is one of the highlights of starting Romance Novel TV. You’ll see what I mean if you go to our video page and check out our “Girl Talk” Videos. Her new series Seven Deadly Sins starts off with a bang – the first book To Sin With a Stranger is getting rave reviews and I for one loved it. If you haven’t had a chance to read it yet check out Gannon’s review. [...]