Always a Temptress (The Drake's Rakes #3)

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Always a Temptress (The Drake's Rakes #3)

3.96 of 5 stars 3.96 · rating details · 389 ratings · 64 reviews

His greatest battle is just beginning . . .

Captain Harry Lidge has done his duty. After losing too many good men on the battlefield, he's ready to put his responsibilities behind him and live a life free of care. But first he has one last mission: find out what the most outrageous woman in London, the same woman who betrayed him nearly a decade earlier, is concealing, befo

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Paperback, 395 pages

Published October 1st 2011 by Forever (first published September 2011)

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May 18, 2012 Denise rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: abusive-relationship, action, angst, childhood-abandonment-abuse, favorites, scarred-heroine, second-read-worthy, strong-heroine, strong-secondary-characters, suspense, super-protective-male, tearjerker

Wow! This book is going directly to my re-read/keepers shelf! I realize that there will probably be more books in this series, at least I HOPE so. There are still a few loose ends and I am quite sure Drake and hopefully Ian will have their own stories. I just hope we will still see all the other characters, especially Bea and the assortment of characters in Kate's employ.
I am not going to go into what the story was about as there are so many good reviews here that I couldn't do them justice. I...more

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Nov 18, 2011 Yaseena rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, favorites

So looking forward to this one. After their brief interactions in Dreyer's first book in the series "Barely a Lady" I wanted immediately to read Harry and Kate's story.

September 2011, here I come!

Review

Eileen Dreyer knows how to break my heart and but it back together. Love this series to bits.

Dreyer has officially become an auto-buy author for me. Her characters are always real and emotional and their struggles worth the read. More than anything I've come to realize that Dreyer's stories ar...more

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May 12, 2012 Elizabeth rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, rita-finalists

This book only got these two stars because Lady Kate is pretty damn tough and likable. Sir Harry is a sort-of-spy and a HUGE alphole who absolutely drove me insane from the start of the book. He broods with poorly suppressed lust and hate for Lady Kate at the beginning, but as soon as a total enemy says "the whore" has a poetry line (a sort of code England needs), he and even her closest ally decide it's totally her because several people call her a slut. TOTALLY REASONABLE. On this premise, Har...more

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Oct 14, 2011 Gaby rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, chicklit, summer-reading

I've thoroughly enjoyed Eileen Dreyer's earlier novels with the Drake's Rakes (Barely a Lady and Never a Gentleman). In Always a Temptress, Dreyer tells us the story behind the beautiful, double Duchess Kate Seaton. Kate's the daughter of a duke and the widow of a duke. She's beautiful, high spirited, independent, outspoken, always on the edge of danger.

Harry'd met her when she was fifteen. She'd been his closest friend and he'd fallen for her deeply. His life had been turned upside down when he...more I've thoroughly enjoyed Eileen Dreyer's earlier novels with the Drake's Rakes (Barely a Lady and Never a Gentleman). In Always a Temptress, Dreyer tells us the story behind the beautiful, double Duchess Kate Seaton. Kate's the daughter of a duke and the widow of a duke. She's beautiful, high spirited, independent, outspoken, always on the edge of danger.

Harry'd met her when she was fifteen. She'd been his closest friend and he'd fallen for her deeply. His life had been turned upside down when he learned of her betrayal -- he escaped to the army and the ten years of fighting had taught him a great deal, made him careful. Seeing Kate now she stood out "her attire was just shy of being too bright, too bold, too revealing" and it was generally agreed that her behavior bordered on scandalous. More lovers than anyone could count and a painting of her naked body hung in one of London's private clubs. A woman who thinks only of herself and while Harry hadn't expected her to betray her country, he can believe it of her.

Harry's assigned the distasteful task of kidnapping and interrogating Kate and in the process discovers that she's not as tough as she seemed. He uncovers proof in Kate's favor and before he begins to wonder how much of what he's believed about her is true, he finds himself rescuing her. The rescue binds Kate and Harry together. Although much has happened in their ten years apart, they both discover the person that they'd left behind.

Always a Temptress is a fun escape. Double duchess Kate is a standout character -- brilliant, beautiful and brave. Sir Harry Lidge is admirable, loyal and tenacious. Dreyer gives us two likable characters who deserve to be together and enough of the intrigues, plot twists and bad luck that we savor the ups and downs of their romance. If you enjoy historical romance, I highly recommend Always a Temptress.

ISBN-10: 0446542059 - Paperback $7.99
Publisher: Forever (October 1, 2011), 432 pages.
Review copy provided by the publisher. (less)

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Oct 08, 2011 Boogenhagen rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. The H Harry was much better than the first two book's H's so good on ED for that. I also think ED writes a fantastic tortured h. She puts her ladies in impossible circumstances with some horrible abuses and they manage, triumph and overcome all obstacles with grace and style. So why doesn't she give them an H worthy of their struggles? Harry at least has not slept with Minette, the Rake's bete noir for the H's of the first two books, (as far as we know anyhow)but he isn't really anything special...more The H Harry was much better than the first two book's H's so good on ED for that. I also think ED writes a fantastic tortured h. She puts her ladies in impossible circumstances with some horrible abuses and they manage, triumph and overcome all obstacles with grace and style. So why doesn't she give them an H worthy of their struggles? Harry at least has not slept with Minette, the Rake's bete noir for the H's of the first two books, (as far as we know anyhow)but he isn't really anything special either. He is arrogant, stupid and rude and IMO not good enough for Kate the h.

Kate has had a lifetime of abuse and she has managed to overcome it all to build a good life for herself and her causes, she is forced to marry Harry or be committed to an asylum by her so called family and we gradually learn more about her life and Harry. Harry believes Kate led him on when she was 16 and tried to force another man's baby on him. He went to the army instead and Kate was married off to a monster. Harry goes through too much of the book believing she betrayed him and never quite manages to redeem himself. Basically Kate's family hates her because her mother was raped and she was the result. Her mother's husband could never stand to look at her as her mother died at her birth and so he turned a blind eye to the abuse she received. Turns out dear old dad lied to Harry about Kate but Harry takes to long to see it IMO. They do have an HEA but I wish Kate had gotten someone more worthy of her.

I think that is my problem with the entire series. The writing is good, the plots are interesting but the H's consistently fall far short of the h's in character and strength. I want my romances to have equality between the partners or a good balance of personality strengths and weaknesses and ED just can't seem to write a hero that matches her heroine. If her hero's aren't total cheating degenerates, their usually boring and bland and too stupid to see the forest for the trees.

I like the writing and the plot held my interest, I liked Kate too, I just wished she would have gotten a man worthy of her. (less)

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Oct 07, 2011 Mary Gramlich rated it 5 of 5 stars

Which is more difficult keeping your secrets or revealing them?

Major Sir Harry Lidge despite his affirmations that it is not true has loved Katie Hilliard since they were children. He has tried to deny it, run away from it, and even accused her of treason, yet he still cannot stop for the wanting of her even after being apart for ten years. Harry is a squire’s son that made something of himself through his Commission as a soldier, but having left Kate behind when she needed him the most has left...more Which is more difficult keeping your secrets or revealing them?

Major Sir Harry Lidge despite his affirmations that it is not true has loved Katie Hilliard since they were children. He has tried to deny it, run away from it, and even accused her of treason, yet he still cannot stop for the wanting of her even after being apart for ten years. Harry is a squire’s son that made something of himself through his Commission as a soldier, but having left Kate behind when she needed him the most has left bitter memories and scars Kate will not let go of and well she is tad upset about the whole accusing her of treason statement.

Harry has sworn to expose Kate’s secrets and prove she has the key to unlocking the mystery of the covert society set to create anarchy but Kate doesn’t know what anyone is looking for and can’t imagine who would want to kill her. The more Harry finds out about Kate the more he is proving her innocent not guilt and now due to his poor decisions Harry has them both in a terrifying situation. It seems the real traitor is out there knocking down the door seeking death not answers. Harry must do more than just protect her he must discover what the secret she has that everyone wants.

Everyone is convinced Kate has the answer that Drake’s Rakes is looking for but trying to figure out where it is will not be easy. If this is, something from her past, it will a difficult hurdle getting past the pain of those memories to find this illusive answer. Kate does not have anything but bitter memories from her negligent father, a loathing for her abusive late husband and a deep detest for her vindictive brother.

To keep Kate safe and her brother away Harry comes up with a resolution that does not sit well with anyone but will work. Harry has to convince Kate that he knows best, that he is not trying to rule her life, and will never stop taking care of her. They both are scared and shattered by the battles they have fought, but the war between them must end peacefully. Good Luck with that one Harry!

I love this series with its interesting characters, fresh story lines, and exceptional tie-in from one book to the next. As you finish one book you cannot wait for the next one to see what is going to happen, which is always a reader’s delight. Eileen Dreyer moves the reader seamlessly through the chapters with careful detail and exacting descriptions of both the characters and the setting, which is something I truly thank her for with every book.(less)

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Oct 04, 2011 Melanie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review is up on my blog at www.bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.comIn 2010 Eileen Dreyer introduced us to her Drake’s Rakes and to three of them, she gave a Grace for their very own.

In ‘Barely a Lady’, Jack found his Grace, Olivia Grace that is and in ‘Never a Gentleman’, Diccan couldn’t outrun his Grace, Grace Fairchild. And then Harry confronts Her Grace, the Dowager Duchess of Murther in ’Always a Temptress’ and their story, as the earlier two, had me spellbound and on the edge of my seat.

How...more This review is up on my blog at www.bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.comIn 2010 Eileen Dreyer introduced us to her Drake’s Rakes and to three of them, she gave a Grace for their very own.

In ‘Barely a Lady’, Jack found his Grace, Olivia Grace that is and in ‘Never a Gentleman’, Diccan couldn’t outrun his Grace, Grace Fairchild. And then Harry confronts Her Grace, the Dowager Duchess of Murther in ’Always a Temptress’ and their story, as the earlier two, had me spellbound and on the edge of my seat.

How can I do this novel justice AND keep the ‘spoilers’ out?! I want to shout it out loud and let you know all the why’s and what for’s…but I’ll contain my enthusiasm, and tell you why I loved Kate and Harry’s love story.

We met this flamboyant woman in the first book, and she was someone you couldn’t help but like from the start. She was a daughter, sister and a wife of a Duke; fearless, hated, envied and admired. She surrounded herself with friends from all walks of life; aristocrats, soldiers and a motley crew of misfits in her employ made up an eclectic ‘bouquet’ of friends that kept the darkness away and Kate’s life content.

Until the day that greed and secrets, kept by her and from her, shattered, battered and forced her to face all her fears she carefully and methodically hid, in the dark corners of her soul.

Major Sir Harry Lidge we met in the previous book and we knew from his interactions with Kate that the past they shared would one day come to haunt both, and once it did, both would have ‘some splainin’ to do’.

Harry’s life ten years ago was filled with dreams of travel and love for a girl of a Duke, and as a second son of a squire, that was a dream a bit too high, even for him. That however didn’t stop him and the love he felt for his ‘Katie’ came crashing down all around him, like the famous buildings he dreamed one day of building. Being brought up by loving parents, in a home that buzzed with activity and happiness, Harry’s decision to accept the Duke’s offer of a commission was the right thing to do. He knew that his dreams, if ever he survived the war, might be rebuilt and hopes for that dream kept him alive; kept him moving even when the nightmares of the battles fought tried to keep him down.

Upon finishing this novel, I truly couldn’t decide who was more the hero of this piece, Kate or Harry. Both had major hurdles to overcome, but the strength that Kate displayed was ferocious!

The story opens with Kate’s abduction for her protection and continues with her brother’s attempts to commit her to an asylum for her outrageous behavior. In the middle of it all, Drake’s Rakes are still in pursuit of the cursed verse and assassin’s attempts at killing our hero and heroine almost succeed. To some, this might be too much happening all at once, but trust me, none is, and all is important to the story that is fast paced, and every character we meet has depth, but none so like our Kate and Harry. Their road back to each other despite of all the hardships they lived through was destined to end with love and passion winning the day!

‘Always a Temptress’ had me smile, cry and sigh, but it never, EVER had me bored! Ms. Dreyer, I hear that you’ll be writing more of Drake’s Rakes, so BRING THEM ON! I refuse to think that Ian is dead!

Melanie(less)

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Oct 05, 2011 April rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-regency-romance

4.5)ALWAYS A TEMPTRESS by Eileen Dreyer is an exciting historical romance set in 1815 Dorsetshire,England. It is Book #3 in "Drake's Rake's Series",but can be read as a stand alone. See " Barely a Lady",and "Never a Gentleman". This is the story of Major Sir Harry Lidge and Lady Kate Seaton.Sir Harry and Lady Kate have a history with each other. While,Lady Kate is a widow, has a scanalous and outrageous past,but few know the truth of her facade. Sir Harry, has had a nightmarish past with his mil...more

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Oct 02, 2011 Morwa Pal rated it 5 of 5 stars

Drake's Rakes are at it again. Another twist in the attempt of the Lions' plot to takeover the British government. The clue to this villainous lot is locked in a verse no one can find. With his dying breath, one of the traitors divulges 'the whore has the verse.' In the Rakes' world, two women have that dubious title - a French mistress and Lady Kate Seaton. Kate, the widow of a duke and daughter of another, swans through English Society, surrounded by many admirers and few close friends. Always...more Drake's Rakes are at it again. Another twist in the attempt of the Lions' plot to takeover the British government. The clue to this villainous lot is locked in a verse no one can find. With his dying breath, one of the traitors divulges 'the whore has the verse.' In the Rakes' world, two women have that dubious title - a French mistress and Lady Kate Seaton. Kate, the widow of a duke and daughter of another, swans through English Society, surrounded by many admirers and few close friends. Always lighthearted and dressed in the highest fashion, she remains a mystery to most. Rumor has it that she was painted in the nude. Kate's only reaction to the talk is to laugh, calling the notion absurd. Yet her independent personality makes many believe she would flaunt Society's rules and do such a thing.
A temptress in many regards, Kate’s nonchalant attitude towards life that worries her cousin Diccan, one of the Rakes, and makes him concerned for her safety. Another member, Major Sir Harry Lidge, suspects she is actually one of the conspirators. He’s known and loved Kate since their youth, only to be cast aside for another. Paid to go into the army to fight against Napoleon, Harry's anger for her burned constantly with each battle. Recovering from war wounds and on the brink of selling his commission to rove the world, his nightmares of the battle won't leave him alone. Neither will his intense hatred of the woman he once loved. He kidnaps her to force her confession and
promises he'll use torture to get it.
Kate is dumbfounded by the accusation that she is a traitor. Harry throws her latest dalliance in her face. That blasted painting, he says, shows she's the whore. A devastated Kate has no defense without betraying the past, so horrid she's told no one. Harry will not give up. His conviction about her strong until he opens the Pandora box of the woman he stole.
Kate's world spins out of control as the real traitors try to kill her. To add to her woes, her brother, the duke, stops her supposed recklessness by locking her away. Because of her brother’s actions and the truth he discovered, Henry does the one thing neither he nor Kate wants - he marries her.
Eileen Dreyer's Always a Temptress is a tale of scandal and intrigue, captivating the reader in this non-stop journey of Kate and Harry. Despite their past relationship, they must rely on each other. Her brother claims the marriage is false and will return her to the sanitarium Harry rescued her from. How can they carry on the farce of loving husband and wife to prove him wrong when both desire their own independence?
We become ensnared in the lives of Henry and Kate at every turn where suspense looms larger than life. Kate and Harry must come to grips with their own future and, when all is finished, if they can leave the other to fulfill their dreams. The mystery of the verse is intertwined in a way to shock and amaze even those of us who thought its meaning lost in more ways than one. The surprising conclusion leads the reader to realize that Kate and Harry are but one story-line in the wondrously layered tale of Drake's Rakes. Always a Temptress is the third in the series and like the first two books, it can stand on its own. It will make the novice wonder what happened to the other two Rakes. And it definitely keeps us on the edge of our seats only to make us ask loudly: when is the next book coming?
(less)

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Oct 02, 2011 Melanie rated it 5 of 5 stars

In 2010 Eileen Dreyer introduced us to her Drake's Rakes, and to three of them she gave a Grace for their very own.

In `Barely a Lady', Jack found his Grace, Olivia Grace that is and in `Never a Gentleman', Diccan couldn't outrun his Grace, Grace Fairchild. And then Harry confronts Her Grace, the Dowager Duchess of Murther in 'Always a Temptress' and their story, as the earlier two, had me spellbound and on the edge of my seat.

How can I do this novel justice AND keep the `spoilers' out?! I want t...more In 2010 Eileen Dreyer introduced us to her Drake's Rakes, and to three of them she gave a Grace for their very own.

In `Barely a Lady', Jack found his Grace, Olivia Grace that is and in `Never a Gentleman', Diccan couldn't outrun his Grace, Grace Fairchild. And then Harry confronts Her Grace, the Dowager Duchess of Murther in 'Always a Temptress' and their story, as the earlier two, had me spellbound and on the edge of my seat.

How can I do this novel justice AND keep the `spoilers' out?! I want to shout it out loud and let you know all the why's and what for's...but I'll contain my enthusiasm, and tell you why I loved Kate and Harry's love story.

We met this flamboyant woman in the first book, and she was someone you couldn't help but like from the start. She was a daughter, sister and a wife of a Duke; fearless, hated, envied and admired. She surrounded herself with friends from all walks of life; aristocrats, soldiers and a motley crew of misfits in her employ made up an eclectic `bouquet' of friends that kept the darkness away and Kate's life content.

Until the day that greed and secrets, kept by her and from her, shattered, bettered and forced her to face all her fears she carefully and methodically hid, in the dark corners of her soul.

Major Sir Harry Lidge we met in the previous book and we knew from his interactions with Kate that the past they shared would one day come to haunt both, and once it did, both would have `some splainin' to do'.

Harry's life ten years ago was filled with dreams of travel and love for a girl of a Duke, and as a second son of a squire, that was a dream a bit too high, even for him. That however didn't stop him and the love he felt for his `Katie' came crashing down all around him, like the famous buildings he dreamed one day of building. Being brought up by loving parents, in a home that buzzed with activity and happiness, Harry's decision to accept the Duke's offer of a commission was the right thing to do. He knew that his dreams, if ever he survived the war, might be rebuilt and hopes for that dream kept him alive; kept him moving even when the nightmares of the battles fought tried to keep him down.

Upon finishing this novel, I truly couldn't decide who was more the hero of this piece, Kate or Harry. Both had major hurdles to overcome, but the strength that Kate displayed was ferocious!

The story opens with Kate's abduction for her protection and continues with her brother's attempts to commit her to an asylum for her outrageous behavior. In the middle of it all, Drake's Rakes are still in pursuit of the cursed verse and assassin's attempts at killing our hero and heroine almost succeed. To some, this might be too much happening all at once, but trust me, none is, and all is important to the story that is fast paced, and every character we meet has depth, but none so like our Kate and Harry. Their road back to each other despite of all the hardships they lived through was destined to end with love and passion winning the day!

`Always a Temptress' had me smile, cry and sigh, but it never, EVER had me bored! Ms. Dreyer, I hear that you'll be writing more of Drake's Rakes, so BRING THEM ON! I refuse to think that Ian is dead!

(less)

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Feb 17, 2012 Crystal rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, historical-fiction

Never A Gentleman was a sore disappointment for me after Barely A Lady. I found Always A Temptress to be the middleground between the other two books in terms of how much I enjoyed them and would recommend it for others.

Lady Kate Seaton has always been a character of interest for me from day one although she never overshadowed either Olivia or Grace when it was their turn. (Although I should qualify and say that's because Never A Gentleman spent so much time carrying on about Grace being worthle...more Never A Gentleman was a sore disappointment for me after Barely A Lady. I found Always A Temptress to be the middleground between the other two books in terms of how much I enjoyed them and would recommend it for others.

Lady Kate Seaton has always been a character of interest for me from day one although she never overshadowed either Olivia or Grace when it was their turn. (Although I should qualify and say that's because Never A Gentleman spent so much time carrying on about Grace being worthless and plain that there was little room for much else.) I can't say this is exactly what I would have imagined for Kate and in some regards I am a little disappointed. While I enjoyed some of the additional depth added to Kate's character--explaining and showing why she was so strong-willed as she was--but at times it felt somewhat haphazardly slapped together, making it difficult to believe all the time.

And much could be said about Harry/his involvement in her past. Dreyer built it up like they had this really long history (and to some extent they do), but their affair with one another lasted mere months. I didn't have the strong feelings for him that I've had for Jack and Diccan in the past; he was just sort of there.

As for striking the balance between plot and sex? This novel handled it better than Never A Gentleman, but not quite with the finesse of Barely A Lady. There was still a little too much sex/sexual tension from the bat (I know it's a romance novel, but no one's cock should start twitching on page four), but it did teeter out and balance itself much better once I got about a fourth into the book.

And that actually about describes my overall feelings about this novel and the series in general. I feel like this book balanced out a lot of the mistakes made in Never A Gentleman, but it hasn't tipped the scales back into the overall greatness Barely A Lady was. I hope that since it will be another year before we get the books of the next trilogy in this series, Dreyer will have enough time to recharge her battery and get back on track because I feel that while I do have mixed feelings about this book, they're far more positive than the mixed feelings I had for Never A Gentleman.(less)

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Oct 06, 2011 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, eileen-dreyer

Lady Kate Seaton has put on a happy face for years. She is the daughter of a duke, the sister of a duke and the wife of a late duke which has made her bold, admired and envied by all...all that is except her brother and his wife, who are trying to commit her into an asylum to gain control of a home Kate owns. When her brothers latest attempt happens in the presence of Major Sir Harry Lidge, Harry steps in and says they are married so Kates brother has no control of her anymore. Harry is shocked...more Lady Kate Seaton has put on a happy face for years. She is the daughter of a duke, the sister of a duke and the wife of a late duke which has made her bold, admired and envied by all...all that is except her brother and his wife, who are trying to commit her into an asylum to gain control of a home Kate owns. When her brothers latest attempt happens in the presence of Major Sir Harry Lidge, Harry steps in and says they are married so Kates brother has no control of her anymore. Harry is shocked by what he says as he and Kate have a past in which they were happily in love and Harry was lead to believe that Kate tricked him and it sent Harry into the army for ten years. Upon his return, he learns that Kate holds a vital clue needed for the Drakes Rakes and he knows he can not let her go into an asylum, hence the announcement of marriage. Even though neither one of them want to marry, especially to each other, they agree that it must happen to protect Kate and Harry temporarily puts his dreams of travel on hold to help solve the mystery of who is after Kate, if Kate has this mysterious verse and if he can ever trust Kate again.

There is so much depth and emotion in this story that it will just keep you so engrossed you won't even notice the time! Kate. Wow, her secrets and her past are just truly heartbreaking and the more we learn, the more you feel for Kate. And Harry. Wow again. His understanding and caring for Kate, whom he thinks betrayed him, is just so wonderful. It is really hard to say much without spoiling anything but you will fall in love with these two as a couple! They are just perfect for each other. They need each other to be complete and you can just feel that. Truly, they need each other and the road to that is filled with bumps but when they find each other finally, you will be sighing with happiness! And yes, I did sort of guess some of the reason as to why Kate was treated the was she was, I was still a bit surprised in the end so that is always a plus for me. Also, the culprit behind Kates attacks was not quite who I thought either. Overall, a truly heartbreaking, sigh-worthy, happy 5 stars(less)

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Feb 08, 2012 Michelle Randall rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, historical, mystery

This book was sent to me through the GoodReads First-Reads program, and it was book three in a series, and being the type of person I am, I just could not read it until I found and read the first two books in the series, so this is why it has taken me awhile since I received the book to actually get it read and reviewed, but it was so worth it!

The time setting is 1815, and Drake's Rakes are a small band of gentlemen of the ton that have set about to foil a plot by a side group calling themselves...more This book was sent to me through the GoodReads First-Reads program, and it was book three in a series, and being the type of person I am, I just could not read it until I found and read the first two books in the series, so this is why it has taken me awhile since I received the book to actually get it read and reviewed, but it was so worth it!

The time setting is 1815, and Drake's Rakes are a small band of gentlemen of the ton that have set about to foil a plot by a side group calling themselves the British Lions who want to overthrow the crown and take control. Each book in the series introduces us to another faction of the band of gentlemen in a more detailed way.

In the first book, we met Jack and Olivia Gracechurch, along with friends, but the book centers around Jack and Olivia and Jack's role in the Drake's Rakes and the notrious villan named "The Surgeon", who plans to rid the world of Jack, and even the lovely Olivia if he has too.

The second book, picks up at the end of the first, as Jack and Olivia are trying to move on with thier lives, we focus on Diccan Hillard and the General's daughter Grace Fairchild, and again that notirious Surgeon is peeking his nose into their lives and making mischief.

The third book starts at the end of book two, as everyone is leaving from the wedding of Jack and Olivia (their second time), and follows Major General Harry Lidge and the beautiful yet guarded Lady Kate. They have a history together, that of course a well-meaning father couldn't allow to continue so she is married off to a man in his 60's when she is 15, and Harry is feed some lies, and she hates him to this day for abandoning her. All is releaved in the third book, and more than that. They have to work together once again with the Drake's Rakes to keep fioling those nasty Lions and their plans to rock the Crown and kill the Duke of Wellington.

I found this book so hard to put down, so inviting and so capativating. I wanted to read more, I wanted to see where it would go and what would happen and how it would all come out. And yet, I can't help but feel that there is still more to be learned. I would love to see a book four with the leader of the Drake's Rakes, the one and only Marcus Drake being featured, but we haven't met any women to pair him with, all the women have been married off, unless we bring bakc Barbara Shroeder. Humm, that might be fun.

Even though I am a creature of plans and I have to read books in order, you would easliy be able to read any of these books in any order and still understand and enjoy the story. I loved the books and I enjoyed my time spent in 1815.(less)

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Sep 05, 2012 Kate rated it 4 of 5 stars

I read Eileen Dreyer years ago when she was writing short contemporary romance. She was good then; but she's terrific now! I've read and enjoyed all three of her Drake's Rakes series, but particularly enjoyed the second and third. She's a fearless writer in the way some actors/actresses are fearless performers, and she does an excellent job with that other essential plot of a romance, the liberation plot. You might think that Grisham is good at putting his main characters in a box and closing th...more

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Feb 12, 2012 Tracy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, netgalley, arc

A Seductive Temptation
Her reputation among members of the ton is scandalous, her admirers as legion as those tight-lipped matrons who decry her shamelessness. The always fashionable and easily bored Dowager Duchess Kate Murphy revels in her reputation. Inflames it whenever she can. And never lets a soul see the truth behind the gay smile and quick wit.

Sir Harry Lidge is furious and fed up. Still smarting from Kate's betrayal all those years ago, tormented by the horrors endured on the battlefiel...more

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Sep 18, 2011 Jaime rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fresh-fiction-reads, 2011-read

Review from www.FreshFiction.com

The scandalous Lady Kate Seaton is suspected to be working with the group trying to reorganize the monarchy. Drake’s Rakes will do anything from letting the lions succeed including kidnapping a well know lady of the ton. Major Sir Harry Lidge has always down what is needed of him. Now he must keep the woman who haunts him against her will. What they learn about each other and the past they both wished to forget will change their lives forever.

Eileen Dreyer has di...more

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Oct 31, 2011 Ellen added it

This book took a lot of twists and turns that I was not expecting. Kate was a fantastic heroine. She was incredibly vulnerable but did her best to hide it. She was brave for others when she couldn't be for herself. I had a harder time warming up wot Harry. I wished when the past was finally sorted out that he would have given Kate a bigger apology. She deserved it. Also if he had loved her when he was younger he should have at least spoken with her. I would have liked to know more about his brok...more

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Jan 13, 2013 Elis Madison rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: a-bit-of-mystery, authors-to-follow, bad-guys-galore, era-regency, hero-needs-colonoscopy-2-find-head, lame-moments, like-the-author, love-to-hate-the-hero, marriage-of-convenience, mean-people, nice-twist, please-let-me-kill-the-villain, ru-kidding-me, secret-fraternity, use-your-words, wanted-people-dead, we-don-t-need-no-stinkin-logic

Kate Seaton, the outrageous young Dowager Duchess of Murther, has her share of friends but more than her share of enemies, and numbered among the latter is her own family. Her father hit her if she came too close, and her brother Edwin wants to lock her up in a sanitarium. All he needs is one more scandal to convince a judge…

And there's a scandal looming—a nudie painting with Kate's face is currently gracing the wall of a well-known gentlemen's club. Kate's not too worried about it—push comes to...more

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Nov 02, 2011 Tiffany Day rated it 4 of 5 stars

I loved Barely a Lady; it was my fave of the genre last year (4 1/2 - 5 stars). I was SO excited for the release of Never a Gentleman, the second in the Drake's Rakes series, as the preview in BaL was brilliant... however, it failed to live up to my expectations and ended up heading in a direction I neither anticipated nor desired (2 1/2 - 3 stars). So, although I knew I would read Always a Temptress, I wasn't sure what to expect. Luckily, it turned out to be a good read! Here we get the story o...more

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Jan 19, 2012 Erin rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book was very hard for me. At first I almost didn't finish. I had to put it down and come back to it. Harry was so cruel and tormented Kate, almost past the level I could tolerate. Initially, he thought her a spy and a whore and treated as such, locking her up and threatening to do bodily harm. What he didn't know was that her flirtatious and scandalous behavior was a front she used to hid her vulnerabilities. That Kate had a cruel and tortured past herself, created by her family and past h...more This book was very hard for me. At first I almost didn't finish. I had to put it down and come back to it. Harry was so cruel and tormented Kate, almost past the level I could tolerate. Initially, he thought her a spy and a whore and treated as such, locking her up and threatening to do bodily harm. What he didn't know was that her flirtatious and scandalous behavior was a front she used to hid her vulnerabilities. That Kate had a cruel and tortured past herself, created by her family and past husband. Harry was also influenced by the horrors he had experienced in the war and also had his own demons to hide. That she could potentially be a spy fueled his rage and in his mind justified his cruelty. The interactions between Harry and Kate were almost to the point of being sadistic and that's where I had to stop.

I didn't know how Ms. Dreyer could bring this couple back and make it believable. But... she did. As Harry began to see past his own misconceptions about Kate and really truly see the scars that she was literally and figuratively hiding, he genuinely and sincerely changed. He did a complete 180, showing compassion and patience and that's what saved this book for me. That and Kate was finally able to face and vanquish her own demons and allowing herself to love and be loved.

I really like this series, but it does hover on the uncomfortable for me. The women of this series literally go to hell and back for the men, often because of their men and it almost gets to the point where I don't know if I can finish reading. I love a good gothic, tormented story, but Ms. Dreyer takes it to the next level. I think it's a testament to her brilliant writing that I will keep reading, despite my reservations and end up genuinely liking the stories. Happily ever after takes on a whole new meaning in this series. The heroes and especially the heroines definitely deserve the HEAs they find. As a reader, I find myself relieved and very happy for them, especially after feeling like I've been on a roller coaster of emotions. Loathing and then liking the heroes does take a lot out of me. But this is what I love also, a story that completely engages all my emotions and leaves me wanting more.

Now that I've been through the books once, I will go back and reread this series. I want to enjoy the complexity of the stories without rushing through like I did the first time to make sure that everyone survives!

Read on my Kindle. No formatting or editing errors found.(less)

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Jan 27, 2012 Joelle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: sensual, romantic, romance-historical, romance, regency, historical-fiction, england

Always a Temptress (The Drake's Rakes #3)
by Eileen Dreyer

4 out of 5 stars

http://angelswithattitudebookreviews-...

Captain Harry Lidge has done his duty. After losing too many good men on the battlefield, he's ready to put his responsibilities behind him and live a life free of care. But first he has one last mission: find out what the most outrageous woman in London, the same woman who betrayed him nearly a decade earlier, is concealing, before her secrets take down the crown.

Her heart is the on...more

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Oct 15, 2011 Ing rated it 5 of 5 stars

My Synopsis:
When Kate Seaton was fifteen she fell in love with Harry Lidge and him with her. Harry's father was the squire and a good friend to Kate's father the Duke. Harry had spent lots of time with the Duke and Duchess and worshiped the Duke. The Duke had taken care of his family after his father had passed away. He didn't meet Kate until later and instantly they developed a friendship that turn into something special. Harry thought he would have a chance with the Duke's daughter until all h...more My Synopsis:
When Kate Seaton was fifteen she fell in love with Harry Lidge and him with her. Harry's father was the squire and a good friend to Kate's father the Duke. Harry had spent lots of time with the Duke and Duchess and worshiped the Duke. The Duke had taken care of his family after his father had passed away. He didn't meet Kate until later and instantly they developed a friendship that turn into something special. Harry thought he would have a chance with the Duke's daughter until all his illusions of ever after were dashed when the Duke informed him of some things about Kate that shattered all his hopes. The Duke seeing the pain Harry was going through paid for his commission to join the army. Harry took the word of the Duke since he figured the Duke would never lie to him. He had only known Kate for 2 mos and the Duke longer. After ten years serving his country in life threatening situation Harry is ready to sell his commission and travel and see the world without battle. His plan is put on hold when he is asked by Diccan his friend and fellow Drake's Rake to look after Kate. When the notorious Surgeon dies he implicate that Kate has knowledge of where the "Verse" is. The "Verse" is an intricate part of the devious traitorous plans of "Lions". The "Lions" is a group who is working to overthrow the current Government.

Kate and Harry can't be around one another without verbally sparring. After Harry broke her heart and left her years ago Kate was married off and barely survived her horrific marriage. After her husband died she rebuilt her life fortifying and snubbing society with her outrageous antics. She has surrounded herself with the riff-raffs of society and built a sanctuary for herself in her home. On her way home after her good friends wedding Kate is kidnapped. Thinking that her own brother had her kidnapped she is surprised to find out that it's Harry instead. Kate realizes that Harry intends to keep her until he gets the information that he thinks Kate has about the "Lions". Kate is furious that he would even believe she is part of the group.

Things quickly spiral out of control for both of them. Harry is still attracted to her and her to him but so much hurt and misunderstanding stand in their way. Harry realizes Kate is a big contradiction. Nothing like how society or he has painted her. When her life is in danger will Harry risk his dreams and heart again to protect her.

My Thoughts:
Well Mrs. Deyer let me just say that I'm so glad that I read this book. After my love/hate emotions for Never a Gentleman I wasn't sure how I would feel about this book. I was hesitant to pick it up but even with my love/hate of Never a Gentleman I knew that you are an amazing storyteller and had to give this book a chance. Always a Temptress is the third book in the Drake's Rake's series. We met both the hero and heroine of this book in the previous two books and their story had been building. Readers know that these two have no love for one another and that there is some history. We find out in this book what caused all the hostility that each feel for the other. This book was packed full of heartache, hope, intrigue, sweetness and great supporting cast of secondary characters.

In this book Kate's life is in danger from her family and the "Lions" group. Harry's objections and loathing for Kate is put to rest in this book. When he discovers the truth he is left devastated. The emotions conveyed in Dreyers writing of all Harry is feeling breaks your heart. Kate is also left floundering since her reason to be angry at Harry is dashed with his confession. These two deserve so much happiness. The trials and heartbreak they've both gone through is immense. Harry is tired and ready to start the next part in his life. He's lived this whole time thinking that Kate wasn't the girl he fell for and it was lies. When he finds out all the pain she has suffered he goes about making amends. His patience, understanding and tenderness awaken passion in Kate. I absolutely adore Harry. When the book first starts I wasn't too sure about him. His dislike of Kate blinded him and he treated her pretty shabby at the beginning. But once he realizes his error boy did he try. Some of my favorite and very poignant scenes are his lessons in kissing Kate. Harry's kisses are erotic and sweet...talk about swoon moment, ladies! Harry is gallant, strong, a beautiful soul, resourceful and just damn sexy as hell.

As for Kate...wow talk about a strong heroine. From her sarcastic retorts to her moments of vulnerability I was drawn to her character. She is loyal to those she loves and puts them above all things. I couldn't imagine the nightmare of marriage she suffered. My heart broke for her and I shed a bit of tears when I the reader and Harry realized the full magnitude of her suffering. She hides her pain behind her outlandish antics and smart mouth.

Scenes between the two were always explosive whether in passion or hate. The best scenes were Harry's lessons in kisses. One of my favorite quotes that I think summarize very well what a long road these two have to go before they can trust and possibly love again is below....

"His body all but seized in excitement. His own heart was matching and outdistancing hers. For God's sake, it was just a kiss. He couldn't remember when last he'd spent so much time simply exploring a mouth. But this mouth was special. Breaching these defenses was a triumph."

Sigh...it says so much. The connection and awareness for each other jumps off the pages and just smacks you. I held my breathe when Kate held hers, I cried along with Harry when he cried and laughed when they found a little happiness. The secondary characters which included the previous Drake's Rake motley crew, Kate's household staff and Bea added to the storyline. They provided nice mix to the sadness and gave the book some of the laughing moments. Kate's brother the current Duke, his wife and the "Lions" added the intrigue to the book with they're sinister agendas. I really want to know more about Drake himself, Chuffy and Ian. I really hope we will get a story for Ian...the giant Scotsman.

All and all I enjoyed this book and completely fell in love with the leading couple. I cried, I laughed, and I rooted and sat on the edge rooting Harry on when he was desperate towards the end of the book. Always a Temptress was a 180 degree change from Never Love a Gentleman. I highly recommend this book for fans of stories where the leading couple go from love to hate, sinister plot, great supporting cast and a satisfying ending that will leave you sighing and smiling. Be sure to have tissue handy. (less)

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Jan 09, 2012 Jerelyn rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: regency-romance, spys-oh-my

Always a Temptress,
I have liked but not loved this series up to this point, but in this third installment I found I really enjoyed Kate and Harry’s story. First loves parted by the fact that Kate was a Duke’s daughter and Harry and impoverished Squire’s son. 10 years later Kate is the wild Dowager Duchess of Murther, and she has never forgiven Harry for forsaking that young love, and sending her into the clutches of a sadistic husband. Kate has done everything in her power to see that he has no...more

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Jan 16, 2012 Diana~ rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, author-eileen-dreyer, amazon-kindle, arc-galley, mystery, 2012-reads, regency-romance

When I first started reading Always a Temptress, I wasn't exactly sure how I felt about it. Just that I was really angry at both Kate and Harry. Especially Harry! Just because Kate apparently "betrayed" him when they were younger, he finds fault in her at everything she does. It's the usual misunderstanding where Kate believes that Harry betrayed her and he believes that she betrayed him. But the most surprising aspect of this book in the beginning was of Kate's dark secret... about her marriage...more

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Jan 25, 2012 Mombo rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: novel, 2012-january-reading, england-set-historical, read-in-2012, the-drake-s-rakes, 2011, 09-september, eileen-dreyer

Excellent ending! I loved Harry almost immediately and who wouldn't? He dreams of architecture and travel to exotic places and, goodness knows, he deserves it after what he's been through in the Napoleanic wars.

It took me a while longer to love Kate. She wasn't as tough as she seemed and what finally won me over was her devotion to Bea, of course, the brave face she put forth after facing a serious lack of love over her lifetime, and finally, her love and trust in Harry. Eileen Dreyer had to wo...more

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Feb 08, 2012 Patrice rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: historical romance lovers

Shelves: a-z-reading-challenge, 2012-books-read

This books was great. I was so thrilled when I learned I had won it in one of the giveaways on Goodreads.

I liked that there was suspense going on as well as the romance between Kate and Harry. They have both overcome so many obstacles in their lives, that may have beaten those fainter of heart. I think Kate and Harry weres destined to be together, even after a 10 year gap and resentment towards each other on both their parts. It was wonderful to watch Harry gain Kate's trust and for Kate to rea...more

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Dec 21, 2011 Elena rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, romance, adult

She ruined my favorite character. In the previous two books, Kate was my amazing. But in this book, Eileen Dreyer turns around and is all, "Oh, Kate's awesomeness and kickassery was all just a front! She is really a frail, broken woman who hides behind a mask of awesome but deep down is in desperate need of a man to come fix her."

(view spoiler)...more

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Sep 15, 2012 Carolyn F. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, library-book

Good book! It had me crying a little, some of the scenes are so sad. My only complaint is (view spoiler)

Enjoyable series.

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Mar 30, 2012 Marcee rated it 5 of 5 stars

Normally I wouldn't even entertain reading a book with this type of cover. However, I won it in a giveaway and just picked it up after months of letting it sit on the shelf. I LOVED this book. The history aspect was very well written and the characters were wonderful. I didn't find the romance unrealistic at all. I do have to say that some of the "sexual" words in this book were corny though and made me laugh. This is my first time reading a book by Eileen Dreyer.

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Sep 27, 2011 Janga rated it 5 of 5 stars

The third book in Eileen Dreyer's Drakes Rakes series, Always a Temptress is a beautifully written historical romances with layered characters, an insurrectionist plot, and a 19th-century world that rings true. This is the best of the series so far.

See full review at Just Janga.

http://justjanga.blogspot.com/2011/09...

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About Eileen Dreyer

New York Times bestselling, award-winning author Eileen Dreyer, known as Kathleen Korbel to her Silhouette readers, has published 28 romance novels, 8 medico-forensic suspenses, and 7 short stories.

2012 sees Eileen enjoying critical acclaim for her first foray into historical romance, the Drake's Rakes series, which follow the lives of a group of British aristocrats who are willing to sacrifice ev...more New York Times bestselling, award-winning author Eileen Dreyer, known as Kathleen Korbel to her Silhouette readers, has published 28 romance novels, 8 medico-forensic suspenses, and 7 short stories.

2012 sees Eileen enjoying critical acclaim for her first foray into historical romance, the Drake's Rakes series, which follow the lives of a group of British aristocrats who are willing to sacrifice everything to keep their country safe. After publication of the first trilogy in the series, she has just signed for the next trilogy, following the graduates of the aptly named Last Chance Academy, who each finds herself crossing swords with Drake's Rakes. Eileen spent time not only in England and Italy, but India to research the series (it's a filthy job, but somebody has to do it).

A retired trauma nurse, Eileen lives in her native St. Louis with her husband, children, and large and noisy Irish family, of which she is the reluctant matriarch. She has animals but refuses to subject them to the limelight.

Dreyer won her first publishing award in 1987, being named the best new Contemporary Romance Author by RT Bookclub. Since that time she has also garnered not only five other writing awards from RT, but five RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, which secures her only the fourth place in the Romance Writers of America prestigious Hall of Fame. Since extending her reach to suspense, she has also garnered a coveted Anthony Award nomination.

A frequent speaker at conferences, she maintains membership in Romance Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and, just in case things go wrong, Emergency Nurses Association and International Association of Forensic Nurses.

Eileen is an addicted traveler, having sung in some of the best Irish pubs in the world, and admits she sees research as a handy way to salve her insatiable curiosity. She counts film producers, police detectives and Olympic athletes as some of her sources and friends. She's also trained in forensic nursing and death investigation, although she doesn't see herself actively working in the field, unless this writing thing doesn't pan out.

Get in touch: eileendreyer@eileendreyer.com(less)

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Books by Eileen Dreyer

Never a Gentleman (The Drake's Rakes, #2)

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Always a Temptress (The Drake's Rakes #3)

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