Lily Somerset is spending the season with the Sutherland family, and hoping to catch a dependable and unexciting husband. However, a case of mistaken identity will lead to gossip that could ruin her reputation. Now she finds herself dependent on Robin Sutherland to be her escort, and he is anything but dependable. He is, however, charming and handsome and Lily finds herself drawn to the roguish gentleman. When the dependable man she wanted at the beginning of the season starts to court her Lily must decide between a man she thinks she can depend on or the man who ignites her passion.

A SEASON OF RUIN is the second book in Anna Bradley's Sutherland Scandal series. The story is delightfully sensual with two charming protagonists. Lily is sweet and lively with a mind of her own, and a deep love for her family. She handles the difficult situations she finds herself in with grace and cunning, and readers will find her a wonderful heroine. Robin, though a bit forceful at times, is a roguish hero with a kind heart and fierce loyalty. The Sutherland sisters, Charlotte and Eleanor, are pleasant side characters who add both wit and seriousness to A SEASON OF RUIN, and Lily's grandmother is a humorous addition to the plot. Readers of the first book will be happy to have a few moments back with Alec and Delia.

The antagonist, Atherton, is a devious gentleman and gets his justice in the end. The setting is well written and Bradley describes the ballrooms and parties are so well readers will no doubt be able to picture themselves attending right along with Lily. The plot will move readers along quickly from conflict to conflict, and the ultimate decision Lily must make will have readers turning pages to discover her choice. The climax is a bit predictable, but exciting, and the end will leave readers wanting more of the Sutherlands.

A SEASON OF RUIN is a steamy romance with enjoyable characters and a story readers won't be able to set aside.