To Taste Temptation

Elizabeth Hoyt

The first thing Lady Emeline Gordon learns about the American Samuel Hartley is that he was in the same battle of the French-American War where her brother died. It's rumored that he was a coward and ran away. The brash, tall American approaches her at the party and is introduced. He would like Lady Emeline, a widow, to chaperone his sister and introduce Rebecca into English society. She is annoyed at his manners but is coerced into meeting with them the following day. She discovers the Americans have rented the house next door.

Lady Emeline meets Rebecca and agrees to become her chaperone. What she doesn't expect, but gets, is the brother to accompany them everywhere, including the dress shops, milliners, and similar businesses for ladies to attire themselves properly. Sam is in London on business, but appears to have plenty of time to escort the ladies around London.

Sam Hartley is in London to due business, yes, and to bring his sister into their society. His main reason, though, is hidden from Rebecca or anyone else. He believes the English army was betrayed at Spinner's Falls. Very few men survived and they are here in London. Now he plans to seek them out and find out who was the villain. He had approached Lady Emeline because he respected her brother and wondered about her. Neither of them suspect how they will be drawn together.

Elizabeth Hoyt has put together a suspenseful romantic tale that keeps the reader intrigued. The romance (predictable for this type of novel) is gratifying and grabs the most romantic heart. The search for a betrayer entwines itself throughout the romance giving the novel an edge of suspense that doesn't let go.

Hoyt made the book more realistic with the historic details. She describes some of the more outlandish dresses being worn by London society in the early 1760's. When Sam has nightmares from the battles or is overcome by crowds, his memories are vivid for the reader. The added touch of the folk tale at the beginning of each chapter is great.

The main drawback of the book are the extremely vivid sexual scenes. Readers could be offended. Otherwise, it's a book to please.

Notice: Explicit sexual content

Publicist provided for review

To Taste Temptation
To Seduce a Sinner
To Beguile a Beast
To Desire a Devil