Lately most of the books I’ve read revolved around titled heroines of the ton, so it was nice to read a story in which the heroine is actually a hard-working, regular individual. In fact, it is mostly the female characters who give this book its likeability and appeal.

Mrs. Anne Smythe has worked hard to become a self-sufficient woman through her healing spa/bathing emporium popular both with people of failing health and those who believe the waters have aphrodisiac properties. Only women are admitted to the spa, but when a crippled Captain Stephan Chamberlin is literally left on Anne’s doorstep, she has no choice but to allow him to stay until she can borrow a wagon to get rid of the troublesome man and, thus, protect her precious reputation. But when Stephen miraculously begins to heal and Anne’s feelings for the man grow, will she ever be able to let him go?

Once a person greatly admired both by his peers and by women, Stephen is now a shell of a man drowning himself in alcohol and opium. He has no desire to go on with life until he meets Anne, who gives him hope once again. Anne is like no woman he has ever met and the water in her spa must surely have magical properties. How else can he explain his sudden recovery in both body and spirit? But it is Anne herself to whom Stephen gives the most credit. Though Anne is attractive, it is her selflessness and strength that intrigues him and makes him want to be a better person.

Stephen knows that he and Anne are from different worlds: Anne would never fit into his lifestyle and he would never fit into hers. The best thing they can do is secretly enjoy each other’s company for a time, while making certain that no one knows he is Anne’s guest as her reputation would be ruined and her income in jeopardy. But secrets have a way of leaking out and Anne has enemies who want nothing more than to ruin both her reputation and her livelihood.

The characters in this novel are likable, especially Anne, a character from the 1800s who actually supports herself with a successful career. But the book also suffers from a problem common to many historical novels today – its characters just don’t seem to have the same depth as earlier romances. Additionally, as in many current romance novels, the main evil-doer is a bit over the top and, as a result, winds up seeming more repulsive than frightening and evil. And, of course, there are the typical, small misunderstanding and problems that arise to keep the hero and heroine apart.

Because the book takes place at a spa where females tend to run nude, there are some amusing moments that had me smiling. In fact, the book revolved almost completely around this spa, and though you might assume this would make the book rather dull, it’s actually a quick, easy read. Also on the positive side, there is a homosexual relationship that is rather well written and actually quite sweet. This is a nice counterpoint for one of the book’s drawbacks; the male characters are a bit obnoxious as a result of their self absorption and controlling tendencies.

Toward the book’s conclusion, one character comes to a rather violent end. Rather than glossing over the violence, Holt does anything but tiptoe. Part of me cringed but another part of me gave the author major points for not taking the easy way out.

More Than Seduction may suffer from the same themes and problems encountered in many recently published historicals, but in the end it’s an enjoyable read. Affable characters, amusing incidents, intriguing suspense, and enjoyable romantic interludes make up for the now-stereotypical villain, plot contrivances, and not-quite-deep-enough characterization.