Leonidas Vaughn is the second son of a Duke which gives Leo more freedom than the heir of the dukedom but it also means he must earn his money the old fashioned way, by working hard for it. Leo's grandfather has left him an estate that needs money to survive since there is not enough acreage to support itself. Leo wants to turn the estate into a breeding place for hunting dogs and prime horses. While going through the paperwork of the house Leo finds some letters hinting to the location of a prince's treasure. The only problem is the location is that of a notorious courtesan and the only way Leo can think of to get anywhere near the treasure is to seduce the owner of the house to get what he wants, the treasure. Leo has never taken a mistress and he doesn't plan on starting now but upon meeting the beautiful Viola Whedon, Leo believes he can have her and the treasure without gaining a mistress.

Viola Whedon has given up the life of a courtesan for a life as a novelist by writing her memoirs of the life she fell into after the death of her husband. Viola is not prepared for Leo Vaughn and his claim that he can seduce her and make her beg for his attention, all she can do is take up the challenge and keep him at harms length, all the while avoiding her past protectors and the popularity her memoirs are creating. Leo's charm and easy going charisma is difficult to ignore and falling into his arms is not such a hardship especially as he comes to her rescue as her home is broken into and her stables are lit on fire. Viola's promise to herself to not rely on a man any longer is shaken especially when Leo takes Viola to his home to recuperate from her latest tragedy. Viola has no idea how she is going to let him go as she knows she must.

RIPE FOR PLEASURE is the first book in the League of Second Sons series and the title says it all. The characters are strong, independent, and full of passion while the story sweeps you away with intrigue and betrayal. A stellar read!