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Seduction #1
Song of Seduction
Tormented by guilt. Haunted by scandal. Freed by love.
"Austria, 1804"
Eight years ago, composer Arie De Voss claimed his late mentor's final symphony as his own and became an icon. But fame has a price: fear of discovery now poisons his attempts to compose a redemptive masterpiece. Until a new muse appears, intoxicating and inspiring him...
Mathilda Heidel renounced her own musical gift to marry, seeking a quiet life to escape the shame surrounding her birth. Sudden widowhood finds her tempted by song once more. An unexpected introduction to her idol, Arie De Voss, renews Mathilda's passion for the violin—and ignites a passion for the man himself.
But when lust and lies reach a crescendo, Arie will be forced to choose: love or truth?
"Austria, 1804"
Eight years ago, composer Arie De Voss claimed his late mentor's final symphony as his own and became an icon. But fame has a price: fear of discovery now poisons his attempts to compose a redemptive masterpiece. Until a new muse appears, intoxicating and inspiring him...
Mathilda Heidel renounced her own musical gift to marry, seeking a quiet life to escape the shame surrounding her birth. Sudden widowhood finds her tempted by song once more. An unexpected introduction to her idol, Arie De Voss, renews Mathilda's passion for the violin—and ignites a passion for the man himself.
But when lust and lies reach a crescendo, Arie will be forced to choose: love or truth?
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2010
5 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
Carrie Lofty
15 books220 followersTwo time RITA-nominated and multiple RT Reviewers' Choice-winning author Carrie Lofty has over twenty-five books to her name--or four names, to be precise. Her paranormal (as
Lindsey Piper
) and historical romances from Pocket have been described as "nuanced and superbly realized" (The Chicago Tribune) and "sexy, brutal and somehow innocent" (All About Romance).
In college, Carrie lured an unsuspecting Englishman to the Midwest, where she's kept him a happy ex-pat for more than twenty years. With two teen daughters and a master’s degree specializing in the America West, Carrie is a movie buff, Civil War museum docent, online tutor, and Halloween haunted house actor.
In college, Carrie lured an unsuspecting Englishman to the Midwest, where she's kept him a happy ex-pat for more than twenty years. With two teen daughters and a master’s degree specializing in the America West, Carrie is a movie buff, Civil War museum docent, online tutor, and Halloween haunted house actor.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 31, 2018
There was much to admire about this book, though in the end my appreciation for it functioned more at the surface level as it did not touch me as emotionally as I had hoped. Still, the book has many unique attributes, including the lovely setting of Salzburg, Austria, the competitive world of classical music in the 19th century, and a romance between two musical geniuses who have to overcome their own personal insecurities before they can have a partnership together.
The basic plot centers around the widowed Matilda and her infatuation with Arie de Voss, a maestro and classical composer she has long admired from the distance as a mere spectator in the audience. Matilda has woven fantasies in her mind about him, and one cautionary note that seems pretty self-evident, to me at any rate, is to beware putting any person on a pedestal. It is ultimately unfair to Arie that he has become the object of such grandiose esteem, despite being quite worthy of high value. At the same time, Arie has lied and cheated his way to fame, despite his extraordinary musical skills. I wondered how Lofty would ultimately resolve this dilemma in Arie's life, for it is eating him alive and ruining his life, causing him to undervalue his true gifts and allowing cynicism to predominate his feelings about an adoring public that can only see the facade of him. It's little wonder that he struggles to form a healthy relationship with Matilda when he believes her appreciation for him is always clouded by the deception he has perpetrated against everyone. He truly is a tortured artist, though as the book progresses he is also all too human and vulnerable. Along with the unusual setting and intriguing world of music composition, I grew to really like Arie and worried for his chances to overcome the taint that has caused him so much grief.
Matilda too has an compelling back story as a widow of a murdered man and as an orphan who has never had a stable domestic life. She is also a virtuoso violinist. The best scene in the novel occurs when she takes her first music lesson with Arie. The two have an unacknowledged and simmering physical attraction and Arie believes, with some good reason, that Matilda is at his apartment to have an affair with the local superstar maestro rather than to learn to play an instrument. It is therefore utterly gratifying to witness Matilda quietly take out her violin when he asks her to play a few notes and leave him speechless with her abilities. Her history as a child prodigy comes to light in this session too, leaving Arie both floored over her talent and also a little jealous given his own insecurities as an artist. Thus, their early sessions create friction and excitement for them both but also set the stage for some deep relationship conflict.
I was puzzled why this book did not work better for me as it has so many things going for it. For one, Matilda should have been more likeable but she never really coalesced into a satisfactory heroine for me. Her character strangely vacillates between loving adoration and inexplicable rejection of Arie, especially in the first half of the book when they struggle with their courtship, and I had difficulty following a number of interactions. She reveres him, scolds him, is physically drawn to him, and constantly wants to fix him and make him into the hero in her mind, and sometimes all in the same scene. Reading Matilda's thoughts and actions is exhausting at times. Melodramas pile up in this book, and they become tedious after a while. Conversations that could clear the air do not take place in a timely fashion. In one unsettling scene, a questionable consensual sexual encounter takes place that left me puzzled about its role in the book other than to create more melodrama. At times the musical world overshadows the romance, including at the very end of the book. Finally, I just found my mind drifting while reading, which is never a good thing and trying to finish felt like a chore more than a pleasure. So, a "C - C+" read for me -- a book with much promise and unique features that never moved beyond the conceptual stage.
The basic plot centers around the widowed Matilda and her infatuation with Arie de Voss, a maestro and classical composer she has long admired from the distance as a mere spectator in the audience. Matilda has woven fantasies in her mind about him, and one cautionary note that seems pretty self-evident, to me at any rate, is to beware putting any person on a pedestal. It is ultimately unfair to Arie that he has become the object of such grandiose esteem, despite being quite worthy of high value. At the same time, Arie has lied and cheated his way to fame, despite his extraordinary musical skills. I wondered how Lofty would ultimately resolve this dilemma in Arie's life, for it is eating him alive and ruining his life, causing him to undervalue his true gifts and allowing cynicism to predominate his feelings about an adoring public that can only see the facade of him. It's little wonder that he struggles to form a healthy relationship with Matilda when he believes her appreciation for him is always clouded by the deception he has perpetrated against everyone. He truly is a tortured artist, though as the book progresses he is also all too human and vulnerable. Along with the unusual setting and intriguing world of music composition, I grew to really like Arie and worried for his chances to overcome the taint that has caused him so much grief.
Matilda too has an compelling back story as a widow of a murdered man and as an orphan who has never had a stable domestic life. She is also a virtuoso violinist. The best scene in the novel occurs when she takes her first music lesson with Arie. The two have an unacknowledged and simmering physical attraction and Arie believes, with some good reason, that Matilda is at his apartment to have an affair with the local superstar maestro rather than to learn to play an instrument. It is therefore utterly gratifying to witness Matilda quietly take out her violin when he asks her to play a few notes and leave him speechless with her abilities. Her history as a child prodigy comes to light in this session too, leaving Arie both floored over her talent and also a little jealous given his own insecurities as an artist. Thus, their early sessions create friction and excitement for them both but also set the stage for some deep relationship conflict.
I was puzzled why this book did not work better for me as it has so many things going for it. For one, Matilda should have been more likeable but she never really coalesced into a satisfactory heroine for me. Her character strangely vacillates between loving adoration and inexplicable rejection of Arie, especially in the first half of the book when they struggle with their courtship, and I had difficulty following a number of interactions. She reveres him, scolds him, is physically drawn to him, and constantly wants to fix him and make him into the hero in her mind, and sometimes all in the same scene. Reading Matilda's thoughts and actions is exhausting at times. Melodramas pile up in this book, and they become tedious after a while. Conversations that could clear the air do not take place in a timely fashion. In one unsettling scene, a questionable consensual sexual encounter takes place that left me puzzled about its role in the book other than to create more melodrama. At times the musical world overshadows the romance, including at the very end of the book. Finally, I just found my mind drifting while reading, which is never a good thing and trying to finish felt like a chore more than a pleasure. So, a "C - C+" read for me -- a book with much promise and unique features that never moved beyond the conceptual stage.
June 18, 2010
January 1804 in Salzburg, Austria is a cold and unrelenting. Composer and musician Arie De Voss feels the cold deep down in his bones. His guilt eats away at him because he feels he is living a lie. His most famous composition, Love and Freedom, that has given him great accolades, haunts him. De Voss stole the composition from a man he respected and is waiting for someone to find out and accuse him of being a fraud. Arie performs like monkey, remaining silent and doing whatever he is bid. This is his penance for his crime.
When Arie attends a party at Lord Venner's, he thinks nothing out of the ordinary will happen. He will humor the party guests with his music and get paid. Venner is a high ranking political figurehead, who is not into the arts, but his wife Ingrid is. Arie will perform Love and Freedom at their party and hopes some of the guests will want to take music lessons from him.
Mathilda Hidel is a widow living with the Venners. She and Ingrid are close friends, but Ingrid doesn't know the secret Mathilda hides deep down inside. This is a woman who loves to play the violin. She can hear a piece of music and play it perfectly on the instrument. But she pushed aside the one thing that gave her such joy when she had married. She feels that her passion is wrong and something that shouldn't be honored because she doesn't want to be the center of attention. She is very excited to meet Arie. His music reaches deep into her soul. When Mathilda is introduced to him, her admiration for the man is crushed. He acts cold and almost insulting. Arie thinks Mathilda is colorless, although he is more than impressed with her curves.
After Arie performs, Mathilda does something that surprises them both. She asks for violin lessons. Since Arie needs the money, he accepts. Perhaps this young widow will also warm his bed because he assumes most young women want to be seduced by him. But more surprises are in store. The moment he hears Mathilda play the violin, he is dumbstruck and enraptured. She plays like the angels in Heaven. Arie thinks Mathilda can save his soul. He wants the whole world to hear her talent and will push her to share it, although her fears continue to consume her. But with her maestro by her side, she gains the courage and embarks on an all consuming love affair where they will confront their pasts and heal one another.
Song of Seduction is breathtaking and beautiful. Each sentence and piece of dialogue is so very poetic. The desire between Arie and Mathilda is very intense. Their inner turmoil and journey to be free from their self-imposed prisons make for some heavy reading. You can practically feel the biting cold that surrounds the city, as well as the smoldering passion these two musicians have for one another and the music they make. Talk about internal conflict! Arie is the perfect example of a volatile artist who doesn't know how to interact with those who can't hear or see the music like he does. Mathilda walks into his life and holds up a mirror to his soul. She knows Arie is hurting and wants to heal him. She does this by making him confront his demons and giving him free access to her body.
The love scenes in Song of Seduction are too good for words. The first initial intimacy between Arie and Mathilda is so scandalously written, but oh so good that you want more. Carrie shows perfectly how passion against a wall where a man uses his mouth on a woman can be exciting and tantalizing. This one scene breaks open the floodgates for this couple, where not only do they want to be with one another always, but to also show the world what they are able to accomplish together.
Those who love reading about a true suffering hero and the heroine who opens her arms and welcomes him, faults and all, will truly enjoy Song of Seduction. A lush, rich, poignant romance that is meant to be savored, much like one would do when drinking a glass of wine and listening to their favorite piece of classic music in front of a raging fire.
When Arie attends a party at Lord Venner's, he thinks nothing out of the ordinary will happen. He will humor the party guests with his music and get paid. Venner is a high ranking political figurehead, who is not into the arts, but his wife Ingrid is. Arie will perform Love and Freedom at their party and hopes some of the guests will want to take music lessons from him.
Mathilda Hidel is a widow living with the Venners. She and Ingrid are close friends, but Ingrid doesn't know the secret Mathilda hides deep down inside. This is a woman who loves to play the violin. She can hear a piece of music and play it perfectly on the instrument. But she pushed aside the one thing that gave her such joy when she had married. She feels that her passion is wrong and something that shouldn't be honored because she doesn't want to be the center of attention. She is very excited to meet Arie. His music reaches deep into her soul. When Mathilda is introduced to him, her admiration for the man is crushed. He acts cold and almost insulting. Arie thinks Mathilda is colorless, although he is more than impressed with her curves.
After Arie performs, Mathilda does something that surprises them both. She asks for violin lessons. Since Arie needs the money, he accepts. Perhaps this young widow will also warm his bed because he assumes most young women want to be seduced by him. But more surprises are in store. The moment he hears Mathilda play the violin, he is dumbstruck and enraptured. She plays like the angels in Heaven. Arie thinks Mathilda can save his soul. He wants the whole world to hear her talent and will push her to share it, although her fears continue to consume her. But with her maestro by her side, she gains the courage and embarks on an all consuming love affair where they will confront their pasts and heal one another.
Song of Seduction is breathtaking and beautiful. Each sentence and piece of dialogue is so very poetic. The desire between Arie and Mathilda is very intense. Their inner turmoil and journey to be free from their self-imposed prisons make for some heavy reading. You can practically feel the biting cold that surrounds the city, as well as the smoldering passion these two musicians have for one another and the music they make. Talk about internal conflict! Arie is the perfect example of a volatile artist who doesn't know how to interact with those who can't hear or see the music like he does. Mathilda walks into his life and holds up a mirror to his soul. She knows Arie is hurting and wants to heal him. She does this by making him confront his demons and giving him free access to her body.
The love scenes in Song of Seduction are too good for words. The first initial intimacy between Arie and Mathilda is so scandalously written, but oh so good that you want more. Carrie shows perfectly how passion against a wall where a man uses his mouth on a woman can be exciting and tantalizing. This one scene breaks open the floodgates for this couple, where not only do they want to be with one another always, but to also show the world what they are able to accomplish together.
Those who love reading about a true suffering hero and the heroine who opens her arms and welcomes him, faults and all, will truly enjoy Song of Seduction. A lush, rich, poignant romance that is meant to be savored, much like one would do when drinking a glass of wine and listening to their favorite piece of classic music in front of a raging fire.
July 30, 2015
One of my favourite things about reading romance is discovering an author for the first time and being engrossed and engaged and surprised by what they’ve written. Just when I think there can be nothing new about the genre (which isn’t necessarily a criticism) a little gem like Song of Seduction comes along. I have gone back and forth on the rating and settled on the full five stars, probably rounded up from 4.5. This is an ambitious book which demands a little more from the reader than the typical romance. First of all, it’s set in Europe and a pretty unusual part. The setting was well-crafted. I don’t know anything about very early 19th century Salzburg, but I felt like I understood the city and could picture it. I liked the snippets of foreign language thrown in and I thought Arie’s broken English was well-written – that’s always something that can go wrong. The musical theme was very, very well done. The descriptions were marvellous and the author used music as a means to characterise and move the relationship forwards. You could tell these were two characters to whom music meant everything. And talking of characters. Just great. Wonderful, strong, interesting Tilda who (re)discovers herself through Arie and the reintroduction of music into her life. And troubled Arie with all his brilliance and messy hair. I thought they were both very well done. They fizzed as a couple and, eventually, they save one another. There’s no last minute stupidity or shame or obstacles for the sake of it, once they decide to be together they commit to the decision. Then, there’s the sex. It’s good, very good. Although it goes wrong on one occasion, which did bother me a little, there’s a better way to show internal conflict than through aggressive sex. That is, however, my only grumble about this book. It’s just thoroughly well-written and interesting and entertaining and you should go read it.
June 13, 2016
I wanted so much to love this book, and I went into it with high hopes. I was excited to read a historical romance set in an unusual setting -- 1804 Salzburg -- instead of the usual Britain, and I liked that the hero and heroine were musicians, not the typical aristocrats you find in HRs.
For some reason though, I couldn't get into it. I never got swept up in the lives of the characters or felt all that concerned about the outcome of their problems and their romance. I felt kind of detached and uninterested. Maybe it just wasn't the book for me, or maybe it wasn't the right time for me to read it. Obviously a lot of people love it, but there was never a moment when I felt desperate to turn the page and find out what happened next.
For some reason though, I couldn't get into it. I never got swept up in the lives of the characters or felt all that concerned about the outcome of their problems and their romance. I felt kind of detached and uninterested. Maybe it just wasn't the book for me, or maybe it wasn't the right time for me to read it. Obviously a lot of people love it, but there was never a moment when I felt desperate to turn the page and find out what happened next.
March 31, 2011
(A-)
What is there not to love about Song of Seduction by Carrie Lofty? There's love, passion, angst, a different and gorgeous setting, excellent historical details and beautiful writing to top it all off.
In Song of Seduction, Lofty weaves a story where both main characters are flawed and in need of redemption and/or forgiveness in one way or another. They need to be accepted and loved as they are, for whom they are and forgiven for past injuries to others. I've always thought that flawed characters provide a writer with a greater opportunity of digging deeper into them, not just into their past histories but even down into their very souls to make them truly three-dimensional and believable. Carrie Lofty achieves this brilliantly in Song of Seduction.
It's 1804 and winter in Salzburg, Austria. Renowned musician and composer Arie De Voss arrives in the city looking for a patron and hopefully some students so he can continue to write his latest masterpiece. That's how he ends up at Lord Venner's home as the entertainment for the evening. Arie is best known for his first symphony, Love and Freedom, a composition that we almost immediately discover, he stole from his dying music master. He is obviously tormented with guilt and self-disgust over his past actions and not willing or able to enjoy the fame that music has brought him.
Arie is socially inept, rude and sarcastic to say the least, and hates and resents having to perform his music in these types of venues. To him these public performances are a necessary evil. Drinking before the performance is the only way he sees himself enduring an evening at the Venners. The only interesting part of the evening turns out to be his introduction to Mathilda Heidel, a widow and close friend of the Venners.
Mathilda first heard De Voss play Love and Freedom when she was sixteen years old and his symphony inspired more than just her inner musician to play the violin. There's hero-worship there on her part, and through the years he's played a central role in her personal fantasies. Tilda is young and alone except for the Venners, who took her into their household after her husband died.
She gave up playing the violin, repressing the inner musician after deciding to marry and lead the life of a doctor's wife. At first when her friend Lady Venner suggests that she should take violin lessons with De Voss, Tilda is reluctant, but after hearing his performance that night she's again inspired and agrees. At first Arie thinks that Mathilda is not really a musician, and just wants an excuse for a seduction. Instead to his complete amazement she turns out to be brilliant both as a violin player and as a composer.
The story has a slow beginning and Lofty takes her time with character development, but believe me it picks up and then it's worth every reading minute. Arie and Tilda don't fall into each other's arms immediately. The music is an important part of their initial relationship, however it creates an intimacy that helps the development of deeper and meaningful feelings on both sides. I love that the characters, especially Tilda, react and behave exactly how I would expect people from that time period to react and behave. As a result, Mathilda's conflicts felt real for a woman that lived in 1804 under her particular circumstances.
The love scenes between Arie and Mathilda are intense and passionate with a capital P. There's a sense of freedom and eroticism in them that I just didn't expect to find in this book, but then... I didn't expect to find the rest either. The love scenes reflect Arie and Mathilda's feelings for each other, as well as the intensity of their musicians' souls -- Lofty conveys this beautifully. Their love and romance is also well done as both Mathilda and Arie learn to love and accept each other as they are with all their foibles and past sins.
The writing is gorgeous too. Not only can this couple’s passion, torment and guilt be deeply felt, but in addition the music can almost be heard coming off the pages as Lofty describes Ari playing the piano and Mathilda the violin. The setting and time period are also so well conveyed that I was transported to the city of Salzburg in 1804, and the historical details and personages are there in spades as well for those readers who enjoy them.
Song of Seduction is a complete historical romance. Despite the slow beginning it has it all, from love and a romance riddled with conflict between compelling characters, to character depth and historical details in a beautiful setting, to excellent writing. I couldn't ask for more.
What is there not to love about Song of Seduction by Carrie Lofty? There's love, passion, angst, a different and gorgeous setting, excellent historical details and beautiful writing to top it all off.
In Song of Seduction, Lofty weaves a story where both main characters are flawed and in need of redemption and/or forgiveness in one way or another. They need to be accepted and loved as they are, for whom they are and forgiven for past injuries to others. I've always thought that flawed characters provide a writer with a greater opportunity of digging deeper into them, not just into their past histories but even down into their very souls to make them truly three-dimensional and believable. Carrie Lofty achieves this brilliantly in Song of Seduction.
It's 1804 and winter in Salzburg, Austria. Renowned musician and composer Arie De Voss arrives in the city looking for a patron and hopefully some students so he can continue to write his latest masterpiece. That's how he ends up at Lord Venner's home as the entertainment for the evening. Arie is best known for his first symphony, Love and Freedom, a composition that we almost immediately discover, he stole from his dying music master. He is obviously tormented with guilt and self-disgust over his past actions and not willing or able to enjoy the fame that music has brought him.
Arie is socially inept, rude and sarcastic to say the least, and hates and resents having to perform his music in these types of venues. To him these public performances are a necessary evil. Drinking before the performance is the only way he sees himself enduring an evening at the Venners. The only interesting part of the evening turns out to be his introduction to Mathilda Heidel, a widow and close friend of the Venners.
Mathilda first heard De Voss play Love and Freedom when she was sixteen years old and his symphony inspired more than just her inner musician to play the violin. There's hero-worship there on her part, and through the years he's played a central role in her personal fantasies. Tilda is young and alone except for the Venners, who took her into their household after her husband died.
She gave up playing the violin, repressing the inner musician after deciding to marry and lead the life of a doctor's wife. At first when her friend Lady Venner suggests that she should take violin lessons with De Voss, Tilda is reluctant, but after hearing his performance that night she's again inspired and agrees. At first Arie thinks that Mathilda is not really a musician, and just wants an excuse for a seduction. Instead to his complete amazement she turns out to be brilliant both as a violin player and as a composer.
The story has a slow beginning and Lofty takes her time with character development, but believe me it picks up and then it's worth every reading minute. Arie and Tilda don't fall into each other's arms immediately. The music is an important part of their initial relationship, however it creates an intimacy that helps the development of deeper and meaningful feelings on both sides. I love that the characters, especially Tilda, react and behave exactly how I would expect people from that time period to react and behave. As a result, Mathilda's conflicts felt real for a woman that lived in 1804 under her particular circumstances.
The love scenes between Arie and Mathilda are intense and passionate with a capital P. There's a sense of freedom and eroticism in them that I just didn't expect to find in this book, but then... I didn't expect to find the rest either. The love scenes reflect Arie and Mathilda's feelings for each other, as well as the intensity of their musicians' souls -- Lofty conveys this beautifully. Their love and romance is also well done as both Mathilda and Arie learn to love and accept each other as they are with all their foibles and past sins.
The writing is gorgeous too. Not only can this couple’s passion, torment and guilt be deeply felt, but in addition the music can almost be heard coming off the pages as Lofty describes Ari playing the piano and Mathilda the violin. The setting and time period are also so well conveyed that I was transported to the city of Salzburg in 1804, and the historical details and personages are there in spades as well for those readers who enjoy them.
Song of Seduction is a complete historical romance. Despite the slow beginning it has it all, from love and a romance riddled with conflict between compelling characters, to character depth and historical details in a beautiful setting, to excellent writing. I couldn't ask for more.
August 9, 2010
My mother always taught me that if I can't say something nice, I shouldn't say anything at all. So, I'd like to take this moment to encourage her, if she's reading this, to head over to Facebook or somewhere else more pleasant where I will be nice and kind and promise to listen to her.
I wanted to say nice things about this book. I wanted to praise it, to talk about its pretty cover and I wanted to read a fascinating book that revolves around two musicians. What I got was a two-dimensional love story centering around one composer and .. a completely unrealistic character.
I think a large portion of the problem is that, as a music student in the past and a pianist for 25+ years, I just knew too much about the musical part of this book. I knew that it would be fairly improbable for a woman to, after one years worth of learning, possess the physical virtuoso skills that the violin requires. Now - sure, there might be a rare exception (and the author bases that exception on Mozart's talent.. however even Mozart spent years learning to play the piano due to the physical impairments of his size as he was growing). When I read a book.. I want it to be believable, even if it's fantasy or sci-fi, I want to BELIEVE that these things can happen. This.. was a deal-breaker for me.
As for the characters of Mathilda and Arie.. they fell flat. Arie was a bit of a pansy and Mathilde seemed to have a whole lot of bark but no bite when it came to doing what she felt was right. Everything seemed so wishy-washy I had a really hard time wanting to see their love flourish.
I hate to be fully negative, so I will say this - the romantic scenes are beautifully written and, if you are into romance, this will probably be a book that will you have swooning and crying out for more. Just.. don't read too much into the musical aspect of it and you will have a very good time.
I wanted to say nice things about this book. I wanted to praise it, to talk about its pretty cover and I wanted to read a fascinating book that revolves around two musicians. What I got was a two-dimensional love story centering around one composer and .. a completely unrealistic character.
I think a large portion of the problem is that, as a music student in the past and a pianist for 25+ years, I just knew too much about the musical part of this book. I knew that it would be fairly improbable for a woman to, after one years worth of learning, possess the physical virtuoso skills that the violin requires. Now - sure, there might be a rare exception (and the author bases that exception on Mozart's talent.. however even Mozart spent years learning to play the piano due to the physical impairments of his size as he was growing). When I read a book.. I want it to be believable, even if it's fantasy or sci-fi, I want to BELIEVE that these things can happen. This.. was a deal-breaker for me.
As for the characters of Mathilda and Arie.. they fell flat. Arie was a bit of a pansy and Mathilde seemed to have a whole lot of bark but no bite when it came to doing what she felt was right. Everything seemed so wishy-washy I had a really hard time wanting to see their love flourish.
I hate to be fully negative, so I will say this - the romantic scenes are beautifully written and, if you are into romance, this will probably be a book that will you have swooning and crying out for more. Just.. don't read too much into the musical aspect of it and you will have a very good time.
July 16, 2010
Arie De Voss is carrying a secret; one that can change how he is perceived. He’s been living with the guilt that he claimed the critically appraised composition “Love and Freedom” as his own, stealing it from his long-time mentor. He knows the day will come that everyone will know he is a fraud. Dreading the moment he has to go to Lord Venner’s party, he reluctantly attends in hopes of obtaining students to get money. What Arie does not expect is to meet Mathilda Hiedel.
Mathilda Hiedel is coming out of mourning for the loss of her husband. When she attends her friend’s party, she is excited to learn that her idol, Arie De Voss is there as well. The two have an immediate attraction, despite the fact that Mathilda finds Arie to a brute. Mathilda is also carrying a secret that she can play the violin really wells and can almost play anything by ear. Arie is mesmerized by Mathilda’s gift and uses her as his muse.
Song of Seduction is a well written tale of two lovers bound by their passion for music. I love the depth to Arie’s character. He was cold and distant but he held so much fire and passion inside of him. Once he explained his upbringings, I could understand why he became the man he was. Mathilda needed Ari to give her strength and courage to break free. The woman loved her maestro but also the man. I was moved by their interaction together.
I have to say that this is my first read by Carrie Lofty and she has a way with words. I felt like I was caught up in Austria with these characters. The reading was intense and the passion was deep. If you love a torture soul and two lovers healing one another, then you will love Song of Seduction.
Mathilda Hiedel is coming out of mourning for the loss of her husband. When she attends her friend’s party, she is excited to learn that her idol, Arie De Voss is there as well. The two have an immediate attraction, despite the fact that Mathilda finds Arie to a brute. Mathilda is also carrying a secret that she can play the violin really wells and can almost play anything by ear. Arie is mesmerized by Mathilda’s gift and uses her as his muse.
Song of Seduction is a well written tale of two lovers bound by their passion for music. I love the depth to Arie’s character. He was cold and distant but he held so much fire and passion inside of him. Once he explained his upbringings, I could understand why he became the man he was. Mathilda needed Ari to give her strength and courage to break free. The woman loved her maestro but also the man. I was moved by their interaction together.
I have to say that this is my first read by Carrie Lofty and she has a way with words. I felt like I was caught up in Austria with these characters. The reading was intense and the passion was deep. If you love a torture soul and two lovers healing one another, then you will love Song of Seduction.
August 19, 2010
Austria, 1804. That right there tells you this is going to be a unique story. It gets better, though. Eight years previous, Dutch composer Arie De Voss has become a music icon through his symphony Love and Freedom. However, this is a lie, Love and Freedom was written by De Voss' dying mentor and he has claimed it as his own. And now, in 1804, Arie is trying to prove to himself that he can write his own symphony, but the guilt and fear of discovery has halted his ability to do so.
Mathilda Heidal was born into scandal and made a nice marriage to a doctor to free herself of gossip. She also freed herself from her musical gift. Now a widow, Mathilda has come across her idol, Arie De Voss, and is unable to overcome a desire to return to music.
Starting lessons with Mathilda, Arie realizes that she is a gifted musician and does not require lessons, but he claims her as his muse when he is able to continue work on his symphony. Guilt claims him once again when he realizes that the man this woman idolizes is a fraud. This sets out to ruin the love that is growing between them. His choice is this: Admit his guilt and lose his love or live a lie.
Song of Seduction is without a doubt one of the best historical romances I've read. I devoured it in a day. There was no way I could space this out. I had to know what happened. The passion and intensity kept me turning the pages in wicked speed. Highly recommended to historical romance lovers. This is a good one.
Mathilda Heidal was born into scandal and made a nice marriage to a doctor to free herself of gossip. She also freed herself from her musical gift. Now a widow, Mathilda has come across her idol, Arie De Voss, and is unable to overcome a desire to return to music.
Starting lessons with Mathilda, Arie realizes that she is a gifted musician and does not require lessons, but he claims her as his muse when he is able to continue work on his symphony. Guilt claims him once again when he realizes that the man this woman idolizes is a fraud. This sets out to ruin the love that is growing between them. His choice is this: Admit his guilt and lose his love or live a lie.
Song of Seduction is without a doubt one of the best historical romances I've read. I devoured it in a day. There was no way I could space this out. I had to know what happened. The passion and intensity kept me turning the pages in wicked speed. Highly recommended to historical romance lovers. This is a good one.
May 28, 2010
For me, Song of Seduction has become a testament to reading beyond what I’m comfortable with. It just goes to show you that once you give something a chance, it may be surprising how much you like it. The romance was everything I expected and so much more. Regular historical romance readers will be enchanted with this, and I urge people to read Song of Seduction even if they’ve had bad experience with the genre in the past. I know that’s were I was coming from, and now thanks to this eye-opener I’ve got to find more books that are as charmingly good as this one.
full review can be seen at Literary Escapism
full review can be seen at Literary Escapism
June 7, 2010
I've always been fascinated by musicians - true musicians, who live and breath musical notes. My brother is the type to always have some kind of music running through his body - his hands always moving in some strange, unconscious rhythm.
The book encompasses everything I find fascinating about musicians and wraps them in a beautiful melody of angst, pain, betrayal, acceptance and love.
The book encompasses everything I find fascinating about musicians and wraps them in a beautiful melody of angst, pain, betrayal, acceptance and love.
December 5, 2017
Mi è bastato leggerne il 30% per capire che né Carrie né la storia fanno per me.
August 28, 2011
Carrie Lofty’s Song of Seduction is a novel of sheer perfection. Her talent and writing transcends the limits of art and emotions that can be conveyed through words on a page. Never has a book so eloquently stated the influence of music and the bond it creates between two people.
Arie is a musician who enjoys solitude and music. At the beginning he is a shallow, hollow form of a man, trapped in guilt and shame of past transgressions but still possessing a burning desire to compose music. Such detachment from society forces his intolerable outings to be brief until he meets Matilda Heidel. She becomes his muse...a face for his inspiration to create beautiful, timeless music. Matilda captures his heart and warms his soul.
Matilda Heidel was torn away from her music because of marriage and the everyday duties as a new wife. Now a widow, Matilda is eager to have the opportunity for her idol Arie De Voss to tutor her. She is dismayed when she discovers Arie is a not the idol she imagined him to be. Still, Matilda finds she cannot resist the appeal of Arie’s talent and the music he creates.
Matilda displays such passion to any music she plays and Arie exerts that same passion to the music he composes. She perceives him as no one else does by being exposed to his music and he sees a stunning woman who’s talent can match his own. This ultimate attraction throws them both off guard, but neither is willing to let the other go.
He took her pendant between the thumb and forefinger, grinning...”Your Morgengabe. A strange word.”
“You asked about it?”
He nodded. “A gift from your husband because you were an innocent on your wedding night.”
Her lungs shunned breath. “Yes.”
“A pity” he whispered. “I should have liked to give it to you instead.”
Music is their language, their communication and their ultimate weapon of seduction. It is the means they use to break down each others barriers. There are pages where they do not utter even a single word but volumes are spoken because of the music and what it communicates to the other person. It says what they are too afraid to say...what they can't vocalize with any amount of words. It is how a frustrated composer communicates to his muse and how a shy and timid widow communicates to her idol.
Gently, and rendered with as much skill and passion as he had ever encountered, Frau Heidel played Love and Freedom. She produced the right degree of vibrato, innately aware of how her dynamic fingers conjured magic from four strings. Tones shimmered and wept. Upon reaching the movements stark adagio, she slowed and swayed. Her intensity never wavered...
He strained the muscles in his neck, and the very limits of his musical faculties to identify any poorly executed note. But her intonation remained flawless. In her hands, the symphony sounded divine. Effortless.
Lofty's writing is as lyrical as any piece of music. She writes phrases that jump right off the page and into your soul. It becomes so powerful you can actually develop a sense of the music, allowing yourself to hear what these characters are creating. Beautifully composed and painfully descriptive, Carrie pulls such emotion with her writing you hold your breath in anticipation of the next phrase and it’s sheer beauty. The characters she creates are carefully crafted to have flaws, insecurities, desires, dreams and every amazing aspect pushes the character a little further into your heart. Lofty adds a unique twist by including famous composers and musicians as additional characters to the story. All of this makes the novel a tender, emotional and heart warming journey. If you have any appreciation for music and treasure a well-written story, Song of Seduction is the answer. This story will stay with you long after you have read it.
Overall Rating: 5/5
Heat Level: 4/5
Lisa @ Once Upon A Chapter
Arie is a musician who enjoys solitude and music. At the beginning he is a shallow, hollow form of a man, trapped in guilt and shame of past transgressions but still possessing a burning desire to compose music. Such detachment from society forces his intolerable outings to be brief until he meets Matilda Heidel. She becomes his muse...a face for his inspiration to create beautiful, timeless music. Matilda captures his heart and warms his soul.
Matilda Heidel was torn away from her music because of marriage and the everyday duties as a new wife. Now a widow, Matilda is eager to have the opportunity for her idol Arie De Voss to tutor her. She is dismayed when she discovers Arie is a not the idol she imagined him to be. Still, Matilda finds she cannot resist the appeal of Arie’s talent and the music he creates.
Matilda displays such passion to any music she plays and Arie exerts that same passion to the music he composes. She perceives him as no one else does by being exposed to his music and he sees a stunning woman who’s talent can match his own. This ultimate attraction throws them both off guard, but neither is willing to let the other go.
He took her pendant between the thumb and forefinger, grinning...”Your Morgengabe. A strange word.”
“You asked about it?”
He nodded. “A gift from your husband because you were an innocent on your wedding night.”
Her lungs shunned breath. “Yes.”
“A pity” he whispered. “I should have liked to give it to you instead.”
Music is their language, their communication and their ultimate weapon of seduction. It is the means they use to break down each others barriers. There are pages where they do not utter even a single word but volumes are spoken because of the music and what it communicates to the other person. It says what they are too afraid to say...what they can't vocalize with any amount of words. It is how a frustrated composer communicates to his muse and how a shy and timid widow communicates to her idol.
Gently, and rendered with as much skill and passion as he had ever encountered, Frau Heidel played Love and Freedom. She produced the right degree of vibrato, innately aware of how her dynamic fingers conjured magic from four strings. Tones shimmered and wept. Upon reaching the movements stark adagio, she slowed and swayed. Her intensity never wavered...
He strained the muscles in his neck, and the very limits of his musical faculties to identify any poorly executed note. But her intonation remained flawless. In her hands, the symphony sounded divine. Effortless.
Lofty's writing is as lyrical as any piece of music. She writes phrases that jump right off the page and into your soul. It becomes so powerful you can actually develop a sense of the music, allowing yourself to hear what these characters are creating. Beautifully composed and painfully descriptive, Carrie pulls such emotion with her writing you hold your breath in anticipation of the next phrase and it’s sheer beauty. The characters she creates are carefully crafted to have flaws, insecurities, desires, dreams and every amazing aspect pushes the character a little further into your heart. Lofty adds a unique twist by including famous composers and musicians as additional characters to the story. All of this makes the novel a tender, emotional and heart warming journey. If you have any appreciation for music and treasure a well-written story, Song of Seduction is the answer. This story will stay with you long after you have read it.
Overall Rating: 5/5
Heat Level: 4/5
Lisa @ Once Upon A Chapter
January 18, 2016
5 stars
Altered from a review posted on Romancing the Social Sciences
Song of Seduction by Carrie Lofty was a beautifully crafted romance set in Salzburg, Austria in the early 1800s. Arie De Voss is a composer, renowned for his Love and Freedom symphony. Unfortunately for Arie's conscience, he didn't actually write it. Widowed Mathilda Heidel has always done her best to fade into the background. Her talent at violin set her apart from other young women, so she never pursued it, until her friend insists she attend lessons with Herr De Voss. Mathilda has idolised Arie since she first heard him conduct when she was sixteen, but he's nothing like she imagined. He's prickly and rude and forward...until suddenly he isn't.
Both Arie and Mathilda were wonderfully complex and imperfect characters. Arie was anxious and hated socialising. Sometimes, he was even mean, and yet somehow the reader is still inclined to sympathise with him. In contrast, Mathilda was running scared from her ability to play music by ear, not wanting to stand out any more than she already does, thanks to her parent's interfaith Catholic-Jewish marriage and its tragic end. She married Jürgen, a local doctor, precisely because he was staid, and I really appreciated that Lofty didn't take the usual tack with this. More often than not - perhaps to justify the 'one great love' ideal and provide tension - widow heroines have had abusive first marriages, but this is not the case with Mathilda. Jürgen was kind and gentle, and after his death Mathilda is left feeling guilty that she hid her musical ability from him. The way Arie helped her come to terms with this and many other things, including her female sexuality, counterbalanced his tendency to be a bit of a bastard at times, and left the reader, ultimately, on his side. Arie and Mathilda's love was no idealised rainbow and unicorns affair, but a more realistic and honest acceptance of the other, idiosyncrasies and all.
The three-part structure really reinforced this. There was no fade to black as soon as the characters decided they loved each other, and it was moving to be able to watch Mathilda and Arie's struggles. No matter what romance novels tell us, the decision to be together is more often the beginning of a story than the end of one, and I was glad to see this reflected in Song of Seduction .
Lofty's writing is lyrical in a way reminiscent of Eva Ibbotson's romances, and not just because both take place within the German-speaking world. Like so many people, Ibbotson's romances were amongst those that introduced me to the genre, and - until now - I have never found an author who so recreate a world long gone in such an evocative and all-consuming manner. If I occasionally rolled my eyes at Lofty's adjectival descriptions of music, it probably has more to do with me being a musical Philistine than her writing, and even I can appreciate how central music was to the characters and their relationship.
Overall, Song of Seduction was so good that I've been stuck in a serious book funk ever since finishing it.
Altered from a review posted on Romancing the Social Sciences
Song of Seduction by Carrie Lofty was a beautifully crafted romance set in Salzburg, Austria in the early 1800s. Arie De Voss is a composer, renowned for his Love and Freedom symphony. Unfortunately for Arie's conscience, he didn't actually write it. Widowed Mathilda Heidel has always done her best to fade into the background. Her talent at violin set her apart from other young women, so she never pursued it, until her friend insists she attend lessons with Herr De Voss. Mathilda has idolised Arie since she first heard him conduct when she was sixteen, but he's nothing like she imagined. He's prickly and rude and forward...until suddenly he isn't.
Both Arie and Mathilda were wonderfully complex and imperfect characters. Arie was anxious and hated socialising. Sometimes, he was even mean, and yet somehow the reader is still inclined to sympathise with him. In contrast, Mathilda was running scared from her ability to play music by ear, not wanting to stand out any more than she already does, thanks to her parent's interfaith Catholic-Jewish marriage and its tragic end. She married Jürgen, a local doctor, precisely because he was staid, and I really appreciated that Lofty didn't take the usual tack with this. More often than not - perhaps to justify the 'one great love' ideal and provide tension - widow heroines have had abusive first marriages, but this is not the case with Mathilda. Jürgen was kind and gentle, and after his death Mathilda is left feeling guilty that she hid her musical ability from him. The way Arie helped her come to terms with this and many other things, including her female sexuality, counterbalanced his tendency to be a bit of a bastard at times, and left the reader, ultimately, on his side. Arie and Mathilda's love was no idealised rainbow and unicorns affair, but a more realistic and honest acceptance of the other, idiosyncrasies and all.
The three-part structure really reinforced this. There was no fade to black as soon as the characters decided they loved each other, and it was moving to be able to watch Mathilda and Arie's struggles. No matter what romance novels tell us, the decision to be together is more often the beginning of a story than the end of one, and I was glad to see this reflected in Song of Seduction .
Lofty's writing is lyrical in a way reminiscent of Eva Ibbotson's romances, and not just because both take place within the German-speaking world. Like so many people, Ibbotson's romances were amongst those that introduced me to the genre, and - until now - I have never found an author who so recreate a world long gone in such an evocative and all-consuming manner. If I occasionally rolled my eyes at Lofty's adjectival descriptions of music, it probably has more to do with me being a musical Philistine than her writing, and even I can appreciate how central music was to the characters and their relationship.
Overall, Song of Seduction was so good that I've been stuck in a serious book funk ever since finishing it.
August 12, 2016
Respectable widow Mathilda Heidel gave up her violin when she married, much to the dismay of the friends closest to her. For years they've tried to convince her to pick up her music again, but it's not until she's introduced to her musical idol that she's inspired to play.
Arie De Voss has heard so many empty adulations over the years he's become more than a little jaded. The respect and delight in Mathilda's eyes is something new, though, and a part of him wants to be able to rise up to become the genius she perceives him to be. He can't possibly tell her, though, that his first symphony isn't his; he stole the credit from his deceased mentor. Guilt and self-loathing have been gnawing at him since the theft, but to tell the truth now would be to sacrifice his career and the respect of a certain widow, one who's inspired the music of the symphony he's now writing.
A complex hero, Arie is not your dark and handsome man of action. He's that mysterious artist who torments himself and then tries to cover it up with too much attitude, but is checked before he grows too annoying. In contrast, Mathilda is a wonderful balance of a woman believable in her time and sympathetic to modern reader sensibilities. The guilt and remorse she feels towards her late husband are recognizable, as is the hero worship toward Arie and ensuing embarrassment. At one point I remember thinking "Oh, honey, we've all done that. Talent is sexy."
Also sexy? The encounters between Arie and Mathilda. From the very beginning there's a push-pull between them that sparks, where they annoy each other but kind of enjoy the annoyance, too. Neither of them is quite what they wanted or expected the other to be, and yet... and yet they each might be able to provide exactly what the other needs.
The building of their relationship isn't particularly smooth, but it feels real and not like Lofty threw a bunch of random obstacles in their way just to draw out the book a little longer. His deception, her feelings towards her late husband, and a sense of propriety (which is the most easily dealt with of the three) stand between Arie, Mathilda, and the passion between them. Fortunately, these are not the kind of characters who spend an entire novel deceiving themselves, so it's easy to root them on rather than wishing to smack them around the head wishing they'd just smarten up already.
The elegant prose makes Song of Seduction a joy to read, the type of book where you can just savour the word choice. Even better is the obviously intense attention to historical detail, which is evident on every page without being shoehorned in or forcefed to the reader. The historical setting is never showy; it's simply where these characters live.
I think it's pretty obvious by now I found the book a joy to read, and would recommend it to anyone who might like to dip their toe into a historical romance from a different time and place than the standard fare.
Arie De Voss has heard so many empty adulations over the years he's become more than a little jaded. The respect and delight in Mathilda's eyes is something new, though, and a part of him wants to be able to rise up to become the genius she perceives him to be. He can't possibly tell her, though, that his first symphony isn't his; he stole the credit from his deceased mentor. Guilt and self-loathing have been gnawing at him since the theft, but to tell the truth now would be to sacrifice his career and the respect of a certain widow, one who's inspired the music of the symphony he's now writing.
A complex hero, Arie is not your dark and handsome man of action. He's that mysterious artist who torments himself and then tries to cover it up with too much attitude, but is checked before he grows too annoying. In contrast, Mathilda is a wonderful balance of a woman believable in her time and sympathetic to modern reader sensibilities. The guilt and remorse she feels towards her late husband are recognizable, as is the hero worship toward Arie and ensuing embarrassment. At one point I remember thinking "Oh, honey, we've all done that. Talent is sexy."
Also sexy? The encounters between Arie and Mathilda. From the very beginning there's a push-pull between them that sparks, where they annoy each other but kind of enjoy the annoyance, too. Neither of them is quite what they wanted or expected the other to be, and yet... and yet they each might be able to provide exactly what the other needs.
The building of their relationship isn't particularly smooth, but it feels real and not like Lofty threw a bunch of random obstacles in their way just to draw out the book a little longer. His deception, her feelings towards her late husband, and a sense of propriety (which is the most easily dealt with of the three) stand between Arie, Mathilda, and the passion between them. Fortunately, these are not the kind of characters who spend an entire novel deceiving themselves, so it's easy to root them on rather than wishing to smack them around the head wishing they'd just smarten up already.
The elegant prose makes Song of Seduction a joy to read, the type of book where you can just savour the word choice. Even better is the obviously intense attention to historical detail, which is evident on every page without being shoehorned in or forcefed to the reader. The historical setting is never showy; it's simply where these characters live.
I think it's pretty obvious by now I found the book a joy to read, and would recommend it to anyone who might like to dip their toe into a historical romance from a different time and place than the standard fare.
May 26, 2011
I was teetering on how to rate this one. On the one hand, for Carrie Lofty's elegant prose and lovely flow, I wanted to give it five stars. For the story, I leaned more toward a 3.5 or 3.75. I settled on four, and I do think it's a solid four.
Arie De Voss is complicated and strange, and yet he's a respected composer in Salzburg. Even those who know him don't know him well. Mathilda Heidel holds him in the highest regard. She's a young widow, quiet and unassuming. But she loves music, and she's nurtured a crush on Arie since seeing him perform six years ago when she was only 16. He's a hero in her mind, so when she meets him and discovers he's only a man--and maybe not a very good one at that--she's disappointed. Still, they find themselves drawn to one another, unable to hold back from the attraction they both feel.
Arie is hiding a secret, one that affects his daily life and causes him to withdraw from praise. Mathilda has one of her own: She's a musical genius, and when she signs up for lessons with Arie to both practice her music and spend time with Arie, he's stunned with her talent, quickly understanding she really doesn't need any help from him.
While Mathilda tries to draw Arie out, her successes are sporadic at best. He pushes her to perform publicly, to display her talent, but Mathilda refuses, unwilling to share this piece of herself with the world. But she has a deeper reasoning for her refusal, one Arie can't yet understand.
The writing of this book flows so well, but I have to say that at times, I carried a strong dislike for both characters. In the end, books are supposed to evoke strong reactions in us, and this one certainly did. By the conclusion of the story, I found myself liking both characters much better. However, Arie's constant self-pity and Mathilda's sometimes weak character, made me want to throw it down in frustration at times. And I felt Arie may have declared his devotion slightly too soon in the book. Still, this was a good read, and it was certainly not your ordinary historical romance. In fact, it felt at times more like reading historical fiction with romantic elements, which wast just fine with me. I loved the unusual Austrian setting instead of the usual Regency England. It was a nice change of pace for this romance fan.
Arie De Voss is complicated and strange, and yet he's a respected composer in Salzburg. Even those who know him don't know him well. Mathilda Heidel holds him in the highest regard. She's a young widow, quiet and unassuming. But she loves music, and she's nurtured a crush on Arie since seeing him perform six years ago when she was only 16. He's a hero in her mind, so when she meets him and discovers he's only a man--and maybe not a very good one at that--she's disappointed. Still, they find themselves drawn to one another, unable to hold back from the attraction they both feel.
Arie is hiding a secret, one that affects his daily life and causes him to withdraw from praise. Mathilda has one of her own: She's a musical genius, and when she signs up for lessons with Arie to both practice her music and spend time with Arie, he's stunned with her talent, quickly understanding she really doesn't need any help from him.
While Mathilda tries to draw Arie out, her successes are sporadic at best. He pushes her to perform publicly, to display her talent, but Mathilda refuses, unwilling to share this piece of herself with the world. But she has a deeper reasoning for her refusal, one Arie can't yet understand.
The writing of this book flows so well, but I have to say that at times, I carried a strong dislike for both characters. In the end, books are supposed to evoke strong reactions in us, and this one certainly did. By the conclusion of the story, I found myself liking both characters much better. However, Arie's constant self-pity and Mathilda's sometimes weak character, made me want to throw it down in frustration at times. And I felt Arie may have declared his devotion slightly too soon in the book. Still, this was a good read, and it was certainly not your ordinary historical romance. In fact, it felt at times more like reading historical fiction with romantic elements, which wast just fine with me. I loved the unusual Austrian setting instead of the usual Regency England. It was a nice change of pace for this romance fan.
August 27, 2010
Song of Seduction caught my eye for a couple of reasons. One, it's an unusual setting for a genre (historical romance) that's usually overflowing with Regency-era minor royalty and kilt-clad Highlanders. Two, it's about music.
Arie is a composer and musician who is harboring a secret that is tearing him apart. Tilda is a gifted violinist who gave up music to marry and live a quiet life at odds with the scandal of her parent's marriage. Now widowed, she meets her idol Arie De Voss and … finds him to be an intolerable jerk. Well, of course. Rock stars didn't invent being rock stars, you know. What Arie finds in Tilda is the muse he's been missing, and soon he's willing to do whatever she requires in order to continue their music lessons. Tilda's torn between wanting to maintain her respectable existence, and loving how alive she feels with Arie and when playing the violin.
There's a saying that goes, "writing about music is like dancing about architecture". I have loved music all my life. One of my lifelong goals as a writer is to translate that love into prose and a story that dances about architecture. I don't know if that was Carrie Lofty's goal when she set about writing Song of Seduction, but she certainly did it. This has got some of the most beautiful passages I've ever read describing music. It's also one of the most passionate romances I've read. Music and the passion of a love affair are two nebulous, mystical experiences that are so difficult to put into something as mundane as mere words. Ms. Lofty elevates "mere words" to the heights of those outsized emotions, and Song of Seduction is now one of my all-time favorites.
Arie is a composer and musician who is harboring a secret that is tearing him apart. Tilda is a gifted violinist who gave up music to marry and live a quiet life at odds with the scandal of her parent's marriage. Now widowed, she meets her idol Arie De Voss and … finds him to be an intolerable jerk. Well, of course. Rock stars didn't invent being rock stars, you know. What Arie finds in Tilda is the muse he's been missing, and soon he's willing to do whatever she requires in order to continue their music lessons. Tilda's torn between wanting to maintain her respectable existence, and loving how alive she feels with Arie and when playing the violin.
There's a saying that goes, "writing about music is like dancing about architecture". I have loved music all my life. One of my lifelong goals as a writer is to translate that love into prose and a story that dances about architecture. I don't know if that was Carrie Lofty's goal when she set about writing Song of Seduction, but she certainly did it. This has got some of the most beautiful passages I've ever read describing music. It's also one of the most passionate romances I've read. Music and the passion of a love affair are two nebulous, mystical experiences that are so difficult to put into something as mundane as mere words. Ms. Lofty elevates "mere words" to the heights of those outsized emotions, and Song of Seduction is now one of my all-time favorites.
August 1, 2010
This was a perfect romance novel with surprising depth-- even more so because it defied many of the conventions of the genre. I was intrigued by this book because while it is a historical romance, the premise seemed out of the common rut. The main story line is sweet, sad, hot and very satisfying. Neither Tilda or Arie will fade into my memory of characters, but rather will retain their integrity and shine in my recollections. I am already re-reading! But what impressed me beyond the main story line was the supporting characters. I loved Tilda and Ingrid's relationship and there is a scene between them at the end of the book where Ingrid says to Matilda, "I have known you since my first day on this earth. 'Unbelievable' was the idea of you settling into a quiet life.... All of this... this is providence." Their relationship is beautiful and I think I fell a little in love with Ingrid's character. Oliver, the enigmatic hero of the next book of this series also managed to capture my heart and I cannot wait to see where life takes him.
Having finished, I the miss the friends I discovered between the pages of Song of Seduction and I cannot wait to revisit them in Ms. Lofty's next book.
Having finished, I the miss the friends I discovered between the pages of Song of Seduction and I cannot wait to revisit them in Ms. Lofty's next book.
June 28, 2010
As someone who spent the first 25 years of her life immersed in music, as a performance major, this read like a homecoming to me. Giving life not only to Arie and Tilda, but to Beethoven and Haydn (albeit the younger), I was riveted by this story of love, betrayal, acceptance, forgiveness, and redemption.
August 25, 2012
i did try my best to finish the book. i was not really interested in the musical aspect theme in a book because i am not familiar with it. the story between arie and mathilda were quite good and indeed they do have the chemistry when they are together. i was in awe of how these two are so physically attracted to each other.
August 9, 2013
This is another one I bought a few years ago for my eReader and just got around to. HATED IT. I feel like it was written in Esperanto. I had no connection to the characters. The sex scenes were ridonkulous. Oh, and Beethoven makes an 11th hour appearance to save the day! Yay for Ludwig. Sadly, I would have rather read a book about his earwax. NEXT!
June 28, 2016
Almost a five...
Because it was such an entrancing story. It's not a five yet because the length would put me off reading it a second time. I only give fives for the stories that are excellent and I will enjoy reading again. Carrie has a gift and I'm looking forward to more by this author.
Because it was such an entrancing story. It's not a five yet because the length would put me off reading it a second time. I only give fives for the stories that are excellent and I will enjoy reading again. Carrie has a gift and I'm looking forward to more by this author.
February 14, 2016
Disappointed that I couldn't get into this book more. Was excited to read another Carrie Lofty novel, but thus one bored me. Wish I could have found the characters and story more interesting. It has received some good ratings, so probably was just me.
September 30, 2010
4.5/5 - first book I read on my ereader!
Loved the music, loved the setting. Will definitely be reading more from Carrie Lofty
Loved the music, loved the setting. Will definitely be reading more from Carrie Lofty
June 23, 2011
Set in Vienna in the 1700s. One of the best books I read in 2010. It is unique in the exotic setting and the passion of the characters. Loved it.
March 31, 2013
I enjoyed the unusual setting of Austria but got a little bored with the ups and downs of the matyrish H/h.
August 23, 2016
Very good, took me a little while to get into but I loved the romance between them, and their confidences in each other.
Read
May 23, 2020Another DNF. What stands out for me was that I found the characters annoying. So annoying that I moved on and never looked back.
May 18, 2012
Storia un pò noiosa, essendo pubblicato nella serie Seduction mi sarei aspettta molto di più.
September 8, 2016
3.5 stars.
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