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Lords of Midnight #2
Too Tempting to Resist
In the Wolf's Lair . . .
Determined to stop her wayward brother from squandering their dwindling fortune, Lady Eliza Brentford decides to follow him to his favorite den of depravity. There, among the candlelight and raucous revelry, she encounters her brother's role model in debauchery, the notorious Marquess of Haddan, Gryffin Dwight. Staring into his smoldering green eyes, Eliza can't help but find the rakehell nobleman seductively charming-and sinfully attractive.
In a Lover's Paradise . . .
When Gryffin appears on Eliza's estate as a guest of her brother, a stolen kiss among the garden's blooms leads to a night of unbridled passion. Suddenly the lovely widow feels herself opening up, like the petals of a rose. Could this master of seduction possibly feel true emotion for Eliza? Or is he leading her down the garden path to an Eden of delights no woman can resist-and a fall no woman can escape?
Determined to stop her wayward brother from squandering their dwindling fortune, Lady Eliza Brentford decides to follow him to his favorite den of depravity. There, among the candlelight and raucous revelry, she encounters her brother's role model in debauchery, the notorious Marquess of Haddan, Gryffin Dwight. Staring into his smoldering green eyes, Eliza can't help but find the rakehell nobleman seductively charming-and sinfully attractive.
In a Lover's Paradise . . .
When Gryffin appears on Eliza's estate as a guest of her brother, a stolen kiss among the garden's blooms leads to a night of unbridled passion. Suddenly the lovely widow feels herself opening up, like the petals of a rose. Could this master of seduction possibly feel true emotion for Eliza? Or is he leading her down the garden path to an Eden of delights no woman can resist-and a fall no woman can escape?
334 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 24, 2012
12 people are currently reading
520 people want to read
About the author
Cara Elliott
20 books223 followersCara Elliott started creating books at the age of five, or so her mother tells her. And Mom has the proof preserved in a family scrapbook—a neatly penciled story, the pages lavishly illustrated with full color crayon drawings of horses. Cara has since moved on from Westerns to writing about Regency England, a time and place that has captured her imagination ever since she opened the covers of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.”
A graduate of Yale University, Cara has garnered numerous accolades for her writing, including two Daphne Du Maurier Awards for Historical Mystery /Suspense and two RITAs nominations for Regency Romance.
Cara loves to travel to interesting destinations around the world—however, her favorite spot is London, where the funky antique markets, used book stores and specialty museums offer a wealth of inspiration for her stories.
A graduate of Yale University, Cara has garnered numerous accolades for her writing, including two Daphne Du Maurier Awards for Historical Mystery /Suspense and two RITAs nominations for Regency Romance.
Cara loves to travel to interesting destinations around the world—however, her favorite spot is London, where the funky antique markets, used book stores and specialty museums offer a wealth of inspiration for her stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
January 4, 2025
I’m enamoured with this book. It’s the handsome male lead falls in love with the plain girl. It sent my heart a flutter many times. 🥰 5/5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
May 6, 2012
You can find this entire review at Forever Book Lover.
For those of you new to the series, this is the second book in the Lords of Midnight series. It is a stand alone book, though there are some reoccuring characters from the first book, you won't feel lost not having read the first book.
Here is a quick summary of the "Hellhounds"... known for their fiery tempers, biting cynicism and taste for prowling the darker side of London, the trio of Connor Linsley, Gryffin Dwight and Cameron Daggett have been dubbed “The Hellhounds”. Though their august pedigrees allow them to roam at will through the highest circles of Society, they are seen as dangerous predators, whose appearances in the glittering ballrooms of Mayfair sends a frisson of fear through the ton.
Too Tempting to Resist centers around Gryffin, who as we learned a bit about last time, is a typical rake. But, what we learned in this book is Gryffin has a sensitive and private side, who would have known that this rake pens books on the language of flowers. His hidden talents are in landscaping. He is penning his newest book and he is in need of an illustrator. Our heroine, Eliza, well she is a surprise. She is a woman in a man's world. She has a hidden talent of
Our heroine, Eliza has her own private side, both personally and professionally. She has been living in a man's world and ready to escape. She is keeping her family's estate afloat despite her brother's gambling and immature ways. Where she finds her escape is in her illustrations; she has an escape plan and all she has to do is complete her this last assignment. As it is unheard of for a women in this time period, she herself uses a pen name for her work. Hmmm, can you guess how this is going to turn out....
I learned so much about the language of flowers, I love books where I can take something away from it. You will love this book, I read it from cover to cover within a day. Cara has done a wonderful job in building the characters and keeping the pace. There is no lag time in this book. This book was "too tempting to resist", and if you are like me and love historical romance and happy ever afters, you are sure to love this book. And for those dragon lovers, wait until you learn about Gryffin's tattoo!!! Steamy!!
For those of you new to the series, this is the second book in the Lords of Midnight series. It is a stand alone book, though there are some reoccuring characters from the first book, you won't feel lost not having read the first book.
Here is a quick summary of the "Hellhounds"... known for their fiery tempers, biting cynicism and taste for prowling the darker side of London, the trio of Connor Linsley, Gryffin Dwight and Cameron Daggett have been dubbed “The Hellhounds”. Though their august pedigrees allow them to roam at will through the highest circles of Society, they are seen as dangerous predators, whose appearances in the glittering ballrooms of Mayfair sends a frisson of fear through the ton.
Too Tempting to Resist centers around Gryffin, who as we learned a bit about last time, is a typical rake. But, what we learned in this book is Gryffin has a sensitive and private side, who would have known that this rake pens books on the language of flowers. His hidden talents are in landscaping. He is penning his newest book and he is in need of an illustrator. Our heroine, Eliza, well she is a surprise. She is a woman in a man's world. She has a hidden talent of
Our heroine, Eliza has her own private side, both personally and professionally. She has been living in a man's world and ready to escape. She is keeping her family's estate afloat despite her brother's gambling and immature ways. Where she finds her escape is in her illustrations; she has an escape plan and all she has to do is complete her this last assignment. As it is unheard of for a women in this time period, she herself uses a pen name for her work. Hmmm, can you guess how this is going to turn out....
I learned so much about the language of flowers, I love books where I can take something away from it. You will love this book, I read it from cover to cover within a day. Cara has done a wonderful job in building the characters and keeping the pace. There is no lag time in this book. This book was "too tempting to resist", and if you are like me and love historical romance and happy ever afters, you are sure to love this book. And for those dragon lovers, wait until you learn about Gryffin's tattoo!!! Steamy!!
October 19, 2016
O carte frumoasa, cu personaje puternice, acțiune si conversații spumoase!
Recenzia mea completa aici:
http://www.delicateseliterare.ro/tent...
Recenzia mea completa aici:
http://www.delicateseliterare.ro/tent...
August 9, 2024
Good romance but explicit
I've appreciated books by this author under a different pen name and assumed this one was a historical romance, unaware of its explicit content. I skimmed to the end of the story but won't continue with the series. I rated it three stars since the author is skilled and the story compelling, but I prefer it without the explicit scenes..
I've appreciated books by this author under a different pen name and assumed this one was a historical romance, unaware of its explicit content. I skimmed to the end of the story but won't continue with the series. I rated it three stars since the author is skilled and the story compelling, but I prefer it without the explicit scenes..
December 11, 2012
This was similar to "Too wicked to wed"; but the hero Gryff was nicer.I never did understand why Eliza had to hide her ability to illustrate; or why Gryff had to hide his writing abilities. Everytime they got together they had sex. The sexual contraption was not explained well; I still don't know how it worked with exeption of manicles. As others have pointed out, a lot of "growling" and silliness. Same formula I expect the 3rd book with Cameron to be similar. Rake, problem, sex, probelem, sex, final misunderstanding, make up and have sex.
January 17, 2025
Great!
Very entertaining with interesting characters! Clever dialogue , main characters are strong individuals with direction and conviction. It is an unusual " romance" for this time period! There is a mystery and " bad guys" the reader can really dislike and root for their downfall!
Very entertaining with interesting characters! Clever dialogue , main characters are strong individuals with direction and conviction. It is an unusual " romance" for this time period! There is a mystery and " bad guys" the reader can really dislike and root for their downfall!
September 24, 2023
But needed better editing.
November 14, 2013
I discovered Cara Elliott through her Circle of Sin series and was fascinated by her very unconventional group of women. I loved the idea of the "sinners" -- of women with such unique talents and knowledge that society has seen this as a sort of transgression.
The heroine of the second book in her Lords of Midnight series, Too Tempting to Resist reminds me of the ladies of the Circle. Lady Elisa Brentford is a very talented botanical painter who secretly accepts commissions to illustrate books. She is saving her earnings, hoping to have enough to buy a small cottage somewhere and finally break free from her brother's extravagance and foolishness. In the meantime, she is busy trying to keep said brother out of debt and out of trouble.
During one such mission, she finds herself at The Wolf's Lair and face-to-face with the Marquess of Haddan, the man her brother admires and wants to emulate. Eliza wants to hate Gryffin Dwight and everything he stands for, but she also can't help but be fascinated by this incredibly handsome, incredibly powerful man who doesn't seem to care about Society's rules.
Will passion overcome good sense? That seems to be the case with Eliza, especially when she encounters Gryffin again at her brother's house party. Gryffin may have accepted Lord Leete's invitation but he's really there to view the landscape designed by the famous Capability Brown -- research for his book.
Our hero and heroine both have secrets that they want to keep secret from one another but things take a downward (and dangerous) turn for Eliza when her brother and his friend, Lord Brighton hatch a plan which involves Eliza's talent.
Too Tempting to Resist is the second book in Cara Elliott's Lords of Midnight series. I have to admit I approached this book with a lot of reservation because I didn't like how this series started and I thought the nicknames of the 3 heroes were a bit trite (Wolfhound, Bloodhound, and Hellhound) but I still decided to get the rest of the series because, despite the nicknames, the greatest draw of each story is the hero, the interesting backstory and the potential for character development.
I liked the idea that Gryff, renowned rake and libertine was actually an aspiring writer and his main area of expertise was gardening. The truth is, the Hellhound is tired of his hell-raising life and would love to retire quietly and write. I didn't see any obstacles to this: he and his friends have gained a reputation for breaking the rules and I wondered why he didn't just drop everything to pursue his passion. Is it pride? Is it ego? I'm not sure -- but it was certainly a strong enough reason that he didn't divulge his secret hobby with his two friends.
Eliza's reason for secrecy is easier to understand: she needs to protect her one source of income from her brother. The minute her brother would discover her talent, she knows that she would forever lose the future dream that she has been saving up for.
Gryff's entry into Eliza's life is an interesting development for both of them and I was initially delighted with how flustered and undone Gryff felt when he was around Eliza and vice versa. These are two people who were used to being in control of their lives and their emotions but, around each other, they seemed to lose their heads -- what I didn't like so much was the constant apologies that happened after each indiscretion. Once would have been fine, but more than three and it got a bit repetitive -- and also slowed down the story immensely, so much so that the blackmail part of the story happens in the last third of the story.
Cara Elliott does intrigue very well and I wish she had devoted more time to developing the story between Eliza, Lord Leete (her brother) and Lord Brighton. I thought that Leete and Brighton were involved in a very sinister plot and I was compelled to read to find out how Elliott would resolve this.
This book was uneven, in terms of tone and plot: there were lots of moments of brevity and lighthearted exchanges but the sudden shift to dark/dangerous was a bit too jarring. My initial expectation was that this book would focus on the unconventional courtship between our hero and heroine, so the introduction of the intrigue was a bit of a surprise -- a good one, which I thought saved this book and made me pick up the last book in the series, which I will be reviewing next. ^_^
The heroine of the second book in her Lords of Midnight series, Too Tempting to Resist reminds me of the ladies of the Circle. Lady Elisa Brentford is a very talented botanical painter who secretly accepts commissions to illustrate books. She is saving her earnings, hoping to have enough to buy a small cottage somewhere and finally break free from her brother's extravagance and foolishness. In the meantime, she is busy trying to keep said brother out of debt and out of trouble.
During one such mission, she finds herself at The Wolf's Lair and face-to-face with the Marquess of Haddan, the man her brother admires and wants to emulate. Eliza wants to hate Gryffin Dwight and everything he stands for, but she also can't help but be fascinated by this incredibly handsome, incredibly powerful man who doesn't seem to care about Society's rules.
Will passion overcome good sense? That seems to be the case with Eliza, especially when she encounters Gryffin again at her brother's house party. Gryffin may have accepted Lord Leete's invitation but he's really there to view the landscape designed by the famous Capability Brown -- research for his book.
Our hero and heroine both have secrets that they want to keep secret from one another but things take a downward (and dangerous) turn for Eliza when her brother and his friend, Lord Brighton hatch a plan which involves Eliza's talent.
Too Tempting to Resist is the second book in Cara Elliott's Lords of Midnight series. I have to admit I approached this book with a lot of reservation because I didn't like how this series started and I thought the nicknames of the 3 heroes were a bit trite (Wolfhound, Bloodhound, and Hellhound) but I still decided to get the rest of the series because, despite the nicknames, the greatest draw of each story is the hero, the interesting backstory and the potential for character development.
I liked the idea that Gryff, renowned rake and libertine was actually an aspiring writer and his main area of expertise was gardening. The truth is, the Hellhound is tired of his hell-raising life and would love to retire quietly and write. I didn't see any obstacles to this: he and his friends have gained a reputation for breaking the rules and I wondered why he didn't just drop everything to pursue his passion. Is it pride? Is it ego? I'm not sure -- but it was certainly a strong enough reason that he didn't divulge his secret hobby with his two friends.
Eliza's reason for secrecy is easier to understand: she needs to protect her one source of income from her brother. The minute her brother would discover her talent, she knows that she would forever lose the future dream that she has been saving up for.
Gryff's entry into Eliza's life is an interesting development for both of them and I was initially delighted with how flustered and undone Gryff felt when he was around Eliza and vice versa. These are two people who were used to being in control of their lives and their emotions but, around each other, they seemed to lose their heads -- what I didn't like so much was the constant apologies that happened after each indiscretion. Once would have been fine, but more than three and it got a bit repetitive -- and also slowed down the story immensely, so much so that the blackmail part of the story happens in the last third of the story.
Cara Elliott does intrigue very well and I wish she had devoted more time to developing the story between Eliza, Lord Leete (her brother) and Lord Brighton. I thought that Leete and Brighton were involved in a very sinister plot and I was compelled to read to find out how Elliott would resolve this.
This book was uneven, in terms of tone and plot: there were lots of moments of brevity and lighthearted exchanges but the sudden shift to dark/dangerous was a bit too jarring. My initial expectation was that this book would focus on the unconventional courtship between our hero and heroine, so the introduction of the intrigue was a bit of a surprise -- a good one, which I thought saved this book and made me pick up the last book in the series, which I will be reviewing next. ^_^
September 30, 2012
Have you ever read a book that just made you cry? Made you jump up and shout YES!!!! accompanied by a fist pump? After first sinking to the depths of despair. Just worrying about your friend? If you haven't you must read this book. It is a delight to the senses and brought joy to my heart.
Cara Elliott is rather new to me and I am not quite sure why I waited so long to fall in love with her. This is the second book in her Lords of Midnight Series and I must admit I am reading it backwards. I read Too Dangerous to Desire as a Netgalley book (the review will post November 11th) and fell hard for these wickedly human characters. I must admit this book lived up to the promise. I can't wait to get my hands on book 1, Too Wicked to Wed.. all the chatter between the characters makes that story a must.
But.. on to my review..
Marquess of Haddan, Gryffin Dwight, oh what a delight. A true Renaissance man. Known to his Hellhound friends as the Deerhound, he is most definitely mad, bad and wicked to know. Having spent the past few years just the wrong side of what was proper Gryffin is disillusioned. Not liking himself very much he is determined to work on his book. Oh yes, this Resplendent Rogue has a bookish side and writes wondrous essays on Landscaping. In the midst of being published he is looking for one last estate to write about. Finding the perfect estate he accepts an invitation from what can only be called a lesser being.. you know like a slug.
Lady Eliza Brentford, sold into marriage to pay off her father's debts now her useless brother is attempting to do the same. Only Eliza has plans of her own. Painting under an assumed name she has been quietly selling her watercolors and is close to having enough to escape. One or two more commissions will do the job. When an offer from an anonymous writer is made she is thrilled. The writing is brilliant and the pay is exceptional. All would be wonderful if only her brother wasn't such a louse.
Eliza and Gryff meet at a country house party and sparks fly and fly and fly again. Ms Elliott does a wonderful job of allowing these characters to fall for each other for who they really are.. Then to fall again when each learns of the others talents. I liked the way this was written it wasn't a comedy of errors as some writers might attempt, rather a realistic way a Marquess of the time and a woman of that time might want to enlist in business, quietly and discreetly.
Eliza's brother plays a huge part in almost destroying what these two are slowly building and I liked the way Eliza handled it. She had integrity and class but wasn't above making the hard choice. Griff on the other hand handles it like many a man (ok woman too) judge first then rethink the facts. It was a harsh lesson for both of them and yet they learned.
Ms Elliott has a wonderful secondary character, flowers. She uses the language of flowers with an adroit elegance that was perfect. Even the havey cavey Cam used flowers to make his point. It was ever so well done.
I really enjoyed this book and am so very glad that I found it.
Shauni
For more reviews by Shauni check out Tea and Book and
Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
Cara Elliott is rather new to me and I am not quite sure why I waited so long to fall in love with her. This is the second book in her Lords of Midnight Series and I must admit I am reading it backwards. I read Too Dangerous to Desire as a Netgalley book (the review will post November 11th) and fell hard for these wickedly human characters. I must admit this book lived up to the promise. I can't wait to get my hands on book 1, Too Wicked to Wed.. all the chatter between the characters makes that story a must.
But.. on to my review..
Marquess of Haddan, Gryffin Dwight, oh what a delight. A true Renaissance man. Known to his Hellhound friends as the Deerhound, he is most definitely mad, bad and wicked to know. Having spent the past few years just the wrong side of what was proper Gryffin is disillusioned. Not liking himself very much he is determined to work on his book. Oh yes, this Resplendent Rogue has a bookish side and writes wondrous essays on Landscaping. In the midst of being published he is looking for one last estate to write about. Finding the perfect estate he accepts an invitation from what can only be called a lesser being.. you know like a slug.
Lady Eliza Brentford, sold into marriage to pay off her father's debts now her useless brother is attempting to do the same. Only Eliza has plans of her own. Painting under an assumed name she has been quietly selling her watercolors and is close to having enough to escape. One or two more commissions will do the job. When an offer from an anonymous writer is made she is thrilled. The writing is brilliant and the pay is exceptional. All would be wonderful if only her brother wasn't such a louse.
Eliza and Gryff meet at a country house party and sparks fly and fly and fly again. Ms Elliott does a wonderful job of allowing these characters to fall for each other for who they really are.. Then to fall again when each learns of the others talents. I liked the way this was written it wasn't a comedy of errors as some writers might attempt, rather a realistic way a Marquess of the time and a woman of that time might want to enlist in business, quietly and discreetly.
Eliza's brother plays a huge part in almost destroying what these two are slowly building and I liked the way Eliza handled it. She had integrity and class but wasn't above making the hard choice. Griff on the other hand handles it like many a man (ok woman too) judge first then rethink the facts. It was a harsh lesson for both of them and yet they learned.
Ms Elliott has a wonderful secondary character, flowers. She uses the language of flowers with an adroit elegance that was perfect. Even the havey cavey Cam used flowers to make his point. It was ever so well done.
I really enjoyed this book and am so very glad that I found it.
Shauni
For more reviews by Shauni check out Tea and Book and
Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
April 22, 2013
**original review by Jamie posted at Romancing Rakes For The Love of Romance**
Confession: The main reason I read this was because I was at Lady Jane’s Salon in NYC and heard Cara Elliot read a passage from it. This excerpt had the heroine accidently manacling herself to the hero’s bed because she was curious about the cuffs dangling from the ceiling. Of course the hero finds her. Needless to say I heard it and had to read it.
Lady Eliza Brentford is determined to try and get her brother on the right path. After following him to a brothel she meets a notorious, and handsome, Hellhound, Gryffin Dwight, Marquess of Hadden. She’s drawn to him right away and finds herself flirting with him though she dislikes him because of his reputation. She’s been burned by men like that and tries to put him from her mind. But then Gryffin shows up at a house party hosted by her brother and she can’t help herself.
Gryffin is not all that he appears. Yes, he’s had a bit of a reputation, but that’s not all there is to him and no one knows his true passion. When the opportunity to see the gardens at Leete Abbey he jumps at the offer, even if it means spending time with Lady Eliza’s brother and his friends. But the bonus is that he finds Lady Eliza there.
Gryff finds himself attracted to Eliza in a way that has never struck him before. From their meeting in a brothel, to finding her stuck in a tree and then cuffed to his bed, they have this chemistry that sets the pages on fire. Gryff does everything to romance Eliza and while she gives in a little more each time she still keeps her distance. She does not want to be attracted to Gryff but she is totally charmed by him.
Favorite Quote:
Overall:
I so totally fell in love with Gryff. He’s charming and handsome and has a tattoo, a rather large tattoo in a rather precarious place. But most importantly is I loved the story. It was fun to watch these two fall for each other and make mistakes along the way. Yes, there is a bit of mystery but it didn’t take away from the romance. I really enjoyed it. And I cannot wait for Conner’s story. Reformed rakes make the best heroes.
***review copy provided by Netgalley***
Confession: The main reason I read this was because I was at Lady Jane’s Salon in NYC and heard Cara Elliot read a passage from it. This excerpt had the heroine accidently manacling herself to the hero’s bed because she was curious about the cuffs dangling from the ceiling. Of course the hero finds her. Needless to say I heard it and had to read it.
Lady Eliza Brentford is determined to try and get her brother on the right path. After following him to a brothel she meets a notorious, and handsome, Hellhound, Gryffin Dwight, Marquess of Hadden. She’s drawn to him right away and finds herself flirting with him though she dislikes him because of his reputation. She’s been burned by men like that and tries to put him from her mind. But then Gryffin shows up at a house party hosted by her brother and she can’t help herself.
Gryffin is not all that he appears. Yes, he’s had a bit of a reputation, but that’s not all there is to him and no one knows his true passion. When the opportunity to see the gardens at Leete Abbey he jumps at the offer, even if it means spending time with Lady Eliza’s brother and his friends. But the bonus is that he finds Lady Eliza there.
Gryff finds himself attracted to Eliza in a way that has never struck him before. From their meeting in a brothel, to finding her stuck in a tree and then cuffed to his bed, they have this chemistry that sets the pages on fire. Gryff does everything to romance Eliza and while she gives in a little more each time she still keeps her distance. She does not want to be attracted to Gryff but she is totally charmed by him.
Favorite Quote:
How in the devil had she come to be sitting between his legs?
“Stop squirming, Lady Brentford.” Like his body, the marquess’s breath was warm and tingly against her flesh. “Not that it isn’t exceedingly pleasant. But certain parts of the male anatomy respond on their own to friction, and I don’t wish to embarrass you.”
“You are enjoying this, aren’t you?” she muttered.
A zephyr of a laugh tickled against her neck. “I’m just trying to be a gentleman and help a lady in distress.”
“Ha! A true gentleman would not take advantage of the situation to grope a lady’s...chest mound.”
Overall:
I so totally fell in love with Gryff. He’s charming and handsome and has a tattoo, a rather large tattoo in a rather precarious place. But most importantly is I loved the story. It was fun to watch these two fall for each other and make mistakes along the way. Yes, there is a bit of mystery but it didn’t take away from the romance. I really enjoyed it. And I cannot wait for Conner’s story. Reformed rakes make the best heroes.
***review copy provided by Netgalley***
May 4, 2012
Loved it!
Gryffin Owain Dwight, the Marquees of Haddan, also known through certain circles as one of the notorious Hellhounds. Gryff has worked hard over the years to earn his reputation of gambling and debauchery. He would rather not let those of his acquaintance know that he is publishing a book on the language of flowers. He has kept his interest in botany and landscaping private. All he needs now is to find a talented illustrator of his book so that they can begin printing his novel.
Lady Eliza Brentford is trying her best to keep her brother from gambling away the family fortune. She has survived one unfortunate marriage for the good the family, and she refuses to be sold to another future husband to refill her brother’s pockets. She has a plan to escape from her brother’s household and buy herself a little cottage in the Lake County. She just needs a little more time. As her brother refuses to stop his outrageous lifestyle, Eliza realizes she must use her painting talents to earn the monies necessary to make her dreams a reality.
A chance encounter with Gryff during a house party begins an affair which brings Eliza more joy and pleasure than she has known before. She wants to let go of convention and enjoy her Hellhound before she needs to face reality and leave before her brother starts making plans which will destroy her future.
Once again Cara Elliott creates a remarkable heroine who defies the standard convention of her time. Eliza is passionate and talented and self-assured enough to try and take control of her own future. It is quite enjoyable to watch Gryff seduce the young widow and in turn be seduced by her passions for life.
The antagonist in this story is Lord Brighton who is so creepy and sleazy that I want to take a shower after spending time with him in the story, and you just want to punch out Eliza’s brother for trying to force his sister to marry this vile man just to save his own hide.
This was another great novel from Cara Elliott and I am so enjoying her presentation of historical heroines who are above and beyond the usual boring ladies. Where Pride and Prejudice gave us Lizzy Bennet who was lively and defiant for her time, Cara Elliott takes her heroines just a little bit further. Lizzy Bennet wanted to marry someone who would take her for her small dowry. Cara Elliott’s heroines take control of their own future and defy convention of the time to try to earn their own income to take care of themselves.
I am looking forward to meeting the woman who will take down the last Hellhound, Cameron, in the last book of the trilogy.
See out interview with Cara Elliott at http://ebookobsessed.com.
March 8, 2018
This author manages to entertain me regardless of the name she writes under, Andrea Pickens or Cara Elliott . Her characters are fun, entertaining and can always manage to get themselves into all sorts of mischief. I love watching them squirm while figuring out how to extract themselves out of the troubles they mostly create themselves.
I read this series awhile ago, but apparently failed to review it, so this week I’ll be bringing you the lords of midnight.
I had so much fun reading this series about three men whose friendship and bond was formed on the battlefield fighting a war in Portugal. They’re known as Hellhounds. Connor Linsley is the Irish Wolfhound, while Gryffin Dwight’s a Deerhound, and Cameron Daggett’s a Bloodhound.
They are seen as dangerous predators in Society, mostly because of the Wolf’s Lair, a notorious gaming hell and brothel which is owned by Connor, and is a place where they spend most of their time!
These stories are for all of us that appreciate and love a bad boy and you can’t read this story and not fall in love with Gryff. You know right off the bat that he’s not all that he appears to be. He has his secrets and secret passions that have little to do with sex…well, almost. I’m not surprised that our heroine found him dangerous, charming and handsome. And with a strategically placed tattoo, this man was everything our heroine didn’t need but found herself intrigued and drawn to him. Watching these two and listening to them was too much fun!
I also liked Eliza who was on a mission to reform her brother and along the way she finds love in the most unlikely place and within an even more unlikely man.
The attraction they feel for each other is instantaneous and I while both are struggling with it, I liked the sparks and fire they both ignited within each other.
Oh, and there’s a bit of a mystery here too, so honestly, you can’t go wrong with this one. It has romance, intrigue and mystery. What’s not to love?!
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by publisher
I read this series awhile ago, but apparently failed to review it, so this week I’ll be bringing you the lords of midnight.
I had so much fun reading this series about three men whose friendship and bond was formed on the battlefield fighting a war in Portugal. They’re known as Hellhounds. Connor Linsley is the Irish Wolfhound, while Gryffin Dwight’s a Deerhound, and Cameron Daggett’s a Bloodhound.
They are seen as dangerous predators in Society, mostly because of the Wolf’s Lair, a notorious gaming hell and brothel which is owned by Connor, and is a place where they spend most of their time!
These stories are for all of us that appreciate and love a bad boy and you can’t read this story and not fall in love with Gryff. You know right off the bat that he’s not all that he appears to be. He has his secrets and secret passions that have little to do with sex…well, almost. I’m not surprised that our heroine found him dangerous, charming and handsome. And with a strategically placed tattoo, this man was everything our heroine didn’t need but found herself intrigued and drawn to him. Watching these two and listening to them was too much fun!
I also liked Eliza who was on a mission to reform her brother and along the way she finds love in the most unlikely place and within an even more unlikely man.
The attraction they feel for each other is instantaneous and I while both are struggling with it, I liked the sparks and fire they both ignited within each other.
Oh, and there’s a bit of a mystery here too, so honestly, you can’t go wrong with this one. It has romance, intrigue and mystery. What’s not to love?!
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by publisher
May 23, 2019
Tentația păcatului îi are în prim plan pe Griffin Dwight, marchizul de Haddan, și văduva Lady Eliza Brentford, două personaje absolut delicioase. De la încă o soră care aleargă după fratele ei risipitor prin bordeluri, se ajunge la o primă întâlnire a protagoniștilor în renumita Viziună, condusă acum de prietena Cerberilor, Sara, după ce Connor s-a retras cu soția sa la țară. Evenimentul nu este trecut cu vederea de nici unul dintre cei doi, atracția iscând deja primele scântei. Discuția se învârte în jurul artei și al florilor, al limbajului secret pe care îl au acestea, ceea ce trezește un interes apreciativ de ambele părți.
A doua întâlnire este mult mai amuzantă decât prima! Se petrece câteva luni mai târziu, acasă la tânără, iar amândoi se găsesc suspendați într-un copac, încercând să-l salveze pe pisoiul neastâmpărat al Elizei. Deși, în aparență, motivul șederii lui Griffin în casa familiei acesteia era să piardă vremea cu fratele ei și amicii lui idioți, adevărul era că bărbatul dorea să se inspire pentru ultimul text din cartea sa legată de arhitectura grădinilor de pe domeniul lor, și, totodată, să o revadă pe ea.
Vor descoperi repede că au multe pasiuni comune, printre care florile și arta, prima discuție de care s-au și lovit. Pe măsură ce petrec din ce în ce mai mult timp împreună, salvând feline și fiind „încătușați” unul de altul, pare că nu pot sta prea mult fără prezența și replicile spirituale ale celuilalt. Însă fericirea lor se prăbușește atunci când un pretendent la mâna Elizei, prieten de-al fratelui ei, intervine între cei doi și secretele încep să iasă unul câte unul.
A doua întâlnire este mult mai amuzantă decât prima! Se petrece câteva luni mai târziu, acasă la tânără, iar amândoi se găsesc suspendați într-un copac, încercând să-l salveze pe pisoiul neastâmpărat al Elizei. Deși, în aparență, motivul șederii lui Griffin în casa familiei acesteia era să piardă vremea cu fratele ei și amicii lui idioți, adevărul era că bărbatul dorea să se inspire pentru ultimul text din cartea sa legată de arhitectura grădinilor de pe domeniul lor, și, totodată, să o revadă pe ea.
Vor descoperi repede că au multe pasiuni comune, printre care florile și arta, prima discuție de care s-au și lovit. Pe măsură ce petrec din ce în ce mai mult timp împreună, salvând feline și fiind „încătușați” unul de altul, pare că nu pot sta prea mult fără prezența și replicile spirituale ale celuilalt. Însă fericirea lor se prăbușește atunci când un pretendent la mâna Elizei, prieten de-al fratelui ei, intervine între cei doi și secretele încep să iasă unul câte unul.
October 16, 2012
Lady Eliza is in financial trouble. Her brother has no concept of how an estate is run and what the money is needed for. His only concern is the cut of his coat and what delicacies are on the table when he and his friends descend on his estate.
When Eliza ventures to town, she decides to take matters into her own hands and tracks down her brother at one of the town’s most notorious gaming hells. Not only does she find her brother, but she meets a rogue – Gryffin, Marquess of Hadden.
From the moment these two meet, sparks fly. Gryffin is drawn to Eliza, and he can’t escape his feelings. He feels the need to protect her and finds himself meddling in her affairs – much to Eliza’s irritation I might add. When Gryffin shows up at the estate as a guest to her brother she fears he’s just like the rest of them!
I loved the connection that Gryffin and Eliza had throughout this story. We are briefly introduced to Gryffin in the first “Lords of Midnight” book – “Too Wicked To Wed”, he is a fellow Hellhound to Connor and Cameron (who I hope will have his own book soon!). I was so glad to see that Gryffin met his match in Eliza. She reforms this notorious rake with wit, and intelligence – one of my favourite ways to entrap their hearts!
This is one of those books that I don’t want to give away too much of the plot. It’s filled with romance, intrigue, the arts and a touch of mystery. It had me glued from the first sentence right up until the last page. An excellent addition to any regency readers collection!
Will I recommend this book? Most definitely! I was thrilled with the second book in this series and eagerly await the next one! Will I read more by this author? Oh yes, I love Cara’s writing style and how she weaves in so many elements to the story that keeps me hooked.
When Eliza ventures to town, she decides to take matters into her own hands and tracks down her brother at one of the town’s most notorious gaming hells. Not only does she find her brother, but she meets a rogue – Gryffin, Marquess of Hadden.
From the moment these two meet, sparks fly. Gryffin is drawn to Eliza, and he can’t escape his feelings. He feels the need to protect her and finds himself meddling in her affairs – much to Eliza’s irritation I might add. When Gryffin shows up at the estate as a guest to her brother she fears he’s just like the rest of them!
I loved the connection that Gryffin and Eliza had throughout this story. We are briefly introduced to Gryffin in the first “Lords of Midnight” book – “Too Wicked To Wed”, he is a fellow Hellhound to Connor and Cameron (who I hope will have his own book soon!). I was so glad to see that Gryffin met his match in Eliza. She reforms this notorious rake with wit, and intelligence – one of my favourite ways to entrap their hearts!
This is one of those books that I don’t want to give away too much of the plot. It’s filled with romance, intrigue, the arts and a touch of mystery. It had me glued from the first sentence right up until the last page. An excellent addition to any regency readers collection!
Will I recommend this book? Most definitely! I was thrilled with the second book in this series and eagerly await the next one! Will I read more by this author? Oh yes, I love Cara’s writing style and how she weaves in so many elements to the story that keeps me hooked.
May 3, 2012
I really enjoyed the previous book in this series Too Wicked to Wed and was really excited about reading Too Tempting To resist. And while it didn't fully live up to my expectations, I still really enjoyed it!
I really liked Eliza, I liked that she got into very awkward situations because of her curiosity and spirit and I liked her creativity. I remember kinda liking Gryffin in Too Wicked to Wed and I'm glad we got to see more of his character in this one. And you guys, he has a dragon tattoo on his abdomen! And sure, that probably will look hot on him in all his hotness now, but I can't help but imagining how it will be a very sad dragon once he reaches 70... Anyway: Gryffin is definitely swoonworthy and he RESCUES KITTIES! A guy that's good with animals is always a winner in my opinion.
I very much enjoyed the interaction between these two, I guess I just wasn't fully there with the transformation from lust to love just yet. That they shared a mutual passion was definitely a bonus point and I loved a certain scene having to do with paint and a garden. And a naked man. And that's all I'm saying on that subject.
I thought Eliza's brother was a royal douchebag and someone had to teach him to behave. I just thought that the way in which is was handled by Gryffin was slightly overstepping his boundaries. It just felt a bit wrong to me and I was kind of disappointed in Eliza that she just went along with it. If Gryffin had been aided in this by a cousin or some other relative, I would have felt more comfortable with it I think.
While it was a nice read and it had some really excellent moments, the romance was lacking something for me. I am however really looking forward to reading the last Hellhound's story, he sounds infinitely fascinating!
My rating: 3,5 stars
I really liked Eliza, I liked that she got into very awkward situations because of her curiosity and spirit and I liked her creativity. I remember kinda liking Gryffin in Too Wicked to Wed and I'm glad we got to see more of his character in this one. And you guys, he has a dragon tattoo on his abdomen! And sure, that probably will look hot on him in all his hotness now, but I can't help but imagining how it will be a very sad dragon once he reaches 70... Anyway: Gryffin is definitely swoonworthy and he RESCUES KITTIES! A guy that's good with animals is always a winner in my opinion.
I very much enjoyed the interaction between these two, I guess I just wasn't fully there with the transformation from lust to love just yet. That they shared a mutual passion was definitely a bonus point and I loved a certain scene having to do with paint and a garden. And a naked man. And that's all I'm saying on that subject.
I thought Eliza's brother was a royal douchebag and someone had to teach him to behave. I just thought that the way in which is was handled by Gryffin was slightly overstepping his boundaries. It just felt a bit wrong to me and I was kind of disappointed in Eliza that she just went along with it. If Gryffin had been aided in this by a cousin or some other relative, I would have felt more comfortable with it I think.
While it was a nice read and it had some really excellent moments, the romance was lacking something for me. I am however really looking forward to reading the last Hellhound's story, he sounds infinitely fascinating!
My rating: 3,5 stars
May 21, 2012
I've loved Gryff from the first book in this series. He's very human and definitely not a perfect male. He makes silly mistakes and stumbles through life just like the rest of us. What makes him stand out is his wonderful honesty. Normally, I would say "the road to hell is paved in good intentions" and, oftentimes, that's the case for the Marquess of Haddan. In this book, he gets a second chance to correct himself before he misses the chance of a lifetime.
Eliza is believably strong: determined with a strong dash of vulnerability which really lends a taste of realism to her character. I found myself really getting to like her. She made sensible decisions that didn't seem forced. Oftentimes, I'll find the heroine making decisions that seem to have been made in order to keep the plot running. That was definitely not the case, here. Lady Brentford makes decisions and the plot rolls with that. It's wonderful.
The plot isn't complex, by any means, and I figured out the ending as soon as I saw what the problem was. Within the first few chapters, I had a general idea of how the book would go.
That didn't make it any less enjoyable, however, and Ms Elliott plays to the knowledge that her reader will, in fact, know what's going on. I was worried that the book would be drawn out and long because I'd already guessed what would happen (and had continuously been proven right). Wrong! The book is written to involve the reader who does already know what will happen and it was actually very well done!
While this isn't one of my favorite books, it's certainly on my list of books I'd highly recommend. None of it was really "original" and yet it was perfect for the characters. Anything more and I'd have probably felt the characters were being forced by the author. No, this book was written to the characters very, very well and I really enjoyed it.
Definitely one to check out!
Eliza is believably strong: determined with a strong dash of vulnerability which really lends a taste of realism to her character. I found myself really getting to like her. She made sensible decisions that didn't seem forced. Oftentimes, I'll find the heroine making decisions that seem to have been made in order to keep the plot running. That was definitely not the case, here. Lady Brentford makes decisions and the plot rolls with that. It's wonderful.
The plot isn't complex, by any means, and I figured out the ending as soon as I saw what the problem was. Within the first few chapters, I had a general idea of how the book would go.
That didn't make it any less enjoyable, however, and Ms Elliott plays to the knowledge that her reader will, in fact, know what's going on. I was worried that the book would be drawn out and long because I'd already guessed what would happen (and had continuously been proven right). Wrong! The book is written to involve the reader who does already know what will happen and it was actually very well done!
While this isn't one of my favorite books, it's certainly on my list of books I'd highly recommend. None of it was really "original" and yet it was perfect for the characters. Anything more and I'd have probably felt the characters were being forced by the author. No, this book was written to the characters very, very well and I really enjoyed it.
Definitely one to check out!
April 8, 2012
Review written for www.books-n-kisses.com
What a delightful book. I could not put it down. The synopsis on the back of this book does not even come close to explaining everything that happens. Yes there is the love story between Hadden and Eliza but there is also the brother, the brothers despicable friends, her painting (incognito), Hadden writing (incognito) and flowers. I had no idea flowers had so many meanings and you will hear them all in this book. This is the second in the series even though is definitely stands alone. But the writing of this book makes you want to run out and read the first one and most certainly pick up the third when it comes out and I for one can not wait.
Hadden is the typical rake we have all read about in historical romance novels but the interesting thing is even before he meets Eliza he is tired of that life and ready to make a change he is just not sure what that change is until Eliza comes into his life. He has turned to writing and wants to publish his works about landscaping and has no idea the sample work he has seen is actually Eliza’s paintings. Hadden is a “man’s man” but when he meets Eliza he has this adorably sensitive playful side that makes the reader fall in love. And Eliza is so incredibly strong. So much is happening to her and she is always trying to figure it out on her own. She does not run off begging for help. She just knows that these are things she needs to deal with and she does. She is a delightful character who does not make you feel like she is a “damsel in distress” even though she most certainly is.
To play on the title - Read this book because it is “Too Tempting To Resist” and no lover of historical romances should resist it.
What a delightful book. I could not put it down. The synopsis on the back of this book does not even come close to explaining everything that happens. Yes there is the love story between Hadden and Eliza but there is also the brother, the brothers despicable friends, her painting (incognito), Hadden writing (incognito) and flowers. I had no idea flowers had so many meanings and you will hear them all in this book. This is the second in the series even though is definitely stands alone. But the writing of this book makes you want to run out and read the first one and most certainly pick up the third when it comes out and I for one can not wait.
Hadden is the typical rake we have all read about in historical romance novels but the interesting thing is even before he meets Eliza he is tired of that life and ready to make a change he is just not sure what that change is until Eliza comes into his life. He has turned to writing and wants to publish his works about landscaping and has no idea the sample work he has seen is actually Eliza’s paintings. Hadden is a “man’s man” but when he meets Eliza he has this adorably sensitive playful side that makes the reader fall in love. And Eliza is so incredibly strong. So much is happening to her and she is always trying to figure it out on her own. She does not run off begging for help. She just knows that these are things she needs to deal with and she does. She is a delightful character who does not make you feel like she is a “damsel in distress” even though she most certainly is.
To play on the title - Read this book because it is “Too Tempting To Resist” and no lover of historical romances should resist it.
May 1, 2012
Continuing to enjoy the heck out of this series (which I'm still thinking of as "The Hellhounds," since "Lords of Midnight" is just doofy as a series title). If I had any complaint about this book, it's that the relationship is so very similar to the previous title, although Gryff isn't quite as smoldery as the Wolfhound was. (That said, he cuts a fine smolder, I may say.)
Honestly, I wasn't expecting that much from this title, because Gryff was the somewhat hangdog hound who spent much of the last book denned up inside a brandy bottle, or apologizing for same. In this book, his personality (mostly sans alcohol) comes out a lot more, and I LOVED his fascination with English landscaping (which, I sense, let the author's fascination with English landscaping come out and play a bit, too). And really-- heroine as botanical artist? COULD there be a more perfect pairing, here? (The bit about her wanting to compose a new shade of green for her paintbox, and name it after his eyes... that was a really sweet touch.) As a side note, I think I'm coming to adore Ms. Elliot if only for her wordplay-- last book, it was dog puns. This time, it's the language of flowers.
One last note, about the ending. Some might complain that the intrigue aspect of the plot-- the threat to Eliza's happiness-- got wrapped up awfully quickly at the end. In this case, I don't feel like that was a bad thing. If anything, it was a neat demonstration of how canny and efficient (not to mention determined) Gryff could be when he's not soused. To me, that whole aspect of the plot was more of a sideline, anyway-- the real story was Eliza and Gryff's mutual secrets, and the slow, twining circle of their mutual attraction.
Nicely done... and now I *REALLY* can't wait for Cam's story!
Honestly, I wasn't expecting that much from this title, because Gryff was the somewhat hangdog hound who spent much of the last book denned up inside a brandy bottle, or apologizing for same. In this book, his personality (mostly sans alcohol) comes out a lot more, and I LOVED his fascination with English landscaping (which, I sense, let the author's fascination with English landscaping come out and play a bit, too). And really-- heroine as botanical artist? COULD there be a more perfect pairing, here? (The bit about her wanting to compose a new shade of green for her paintbox, and name it after his eyes... that was a really sweet touch.) As a side note, I think I'm coming to adore Ms. Elliot if only for her wordplay-- last book, it was dog puns. This time, it's the language of flowers.
One last note, about the ending. Some might complain that the intrigue aspect of the plot-- the threat to Eliza's happiness-- got wrapped up awfully quickly at the end. In this case, I don't feel like that was a bad thing. If anything, it was a neat demonstration of how canny and efficient (not to mention determined) Gryff could be when he's not soused. To me, that whole aspect of the plot was more of a sideline, anyway-- the real story was Eliza and Gryff's mutual secrets, and the slow, twining circle of their mutual attraction.
Nicely done... and now I *REALLY* can't wait for Cam's story!
May 1, 2012
I'm liking these Lords of Midnight very much. Though Gryff isn't nearly as bad as rumor has him, he's delightfully fun and a great match for Eliza.
All Eliza really wants in life is to live comfortably in a cottage on her own (most definitely away from her brother) where she can finally relax and draw scenes of nature. Her goals are hampered by her gambling, insensitive brother. She just needs one more large illustrating commission (the publisher she works for thinks she is a man, of course) and she will be set.
The Marquess of Haddan, Gryffin Dwight, mostly known for his rakish behavior, would like to publish his essays on nature, and is in search of the perfect illustrator for drawings to go along with his essays. You can probably see where this is leading. Our hero and heroine end up working with each other without realizing it. In fact, they first meet at a gambling hall because of Eliza's idiotic brother and don't realize the truth of each other until about 3/4 of the way through the book. Then, of course, there is the unsurprising misunderstanding that needs to be resolved before they can find any happiness together.
The scenes between Gryffin and Eliza were a treat, both humorous and sexy. And I really liked the setting. The book mostly took place outside of London. Which, makes sense; nature is a big part of this book.
A splendid story with wonderful characters.
ARC provided by NetGalley.
All Eliza really wants in life is to live comfortably in a cottage on her own (most definitely away from her brother) where she can finally relax and draw scenes of nature. Her goals are hampered by her gambling, insensitive brother. She just needs one more large illustrating commission (the publisher she works for thinks she is a man, of course) and she will be set.
The Marquess of Haddan, Gryffin Dwight, mostly known for his rakish behavior, would like to publish his essays on nature, and is in search of the perfect illustrator for drawings to go along with his essays. You can probably see where this is leading. Our hero and heroine end up working with each other without realizing it. In fact, they first meet at a gambling hall because of Eliza's idiotic brother and don't realize the truth of each other until about 3/4 of the way through the book. Then, of course, there is the unsurprising misunderstanding that needs to be resolved before they can find any happiness together.
The scenes between Gryffin and Eliza were a treat, both humorous and sexy. And I really liked the setting. The book mostly took place outside of London. Which, makes sense; nature is a big part of this book.
A splendid story with wonderful characters.
ARC provided by NetGalley.
June 3, 2012
Lady Eliza Brentford has a problem. It's her brother, he's inherited the family title but he doesn't have the maturity level to know how to deal with hit. Instead, he's running around with some questionable London characters, getting drunk, gambling away the family funds, and whoring his way through life. In fact, it sounds a lot like the life of Gryffin Dwight, the Marquess of Hadden. Except that Gryff hasn't lived that life for awhile. As with many heroes, that life has started to pall and only bores him. He's more interested in getting his book on flowers written. Until he meets Lady Eliza in a brothel. She's trying to chase down her brother before he lands them all in penury. Her fire and intelligence impress Gryff and when he keeps running into her, he becomes more and more impressed.
It was an okay book but some key points could have been fleshed out a little more; the print and margins were bigger and there was definitely room for some more exposition.
It was an okay book but some key points could have been fleshed out a little more; the print and margins were bigger and there was definitely room for some more exposition.
May 1, 2012
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: May 1, 2012
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Imprint: Forever
Author’s Website: www.caraelliott.com
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 2, Lords of Midnight
Series Best Read In Order: Works well as a standalone
Steam Level: Steamy
I was a big fan of the first book in this series, Too Wicked To Wed, and while I admit that I didn’t quite care for Gryff nearly as much as I adored Connor, I still found this one quite enjoyable.
While newcomers to the series miss out on experiencing firsthand the consequences to some of Gryff’s wastrel behavior, I do think that it is made sufficiently clear that Gryff is reforming himself in this book, which makes it work well as a standalone. Eliza was a perfect foil for Gryff and they balanced each other so beautifully.
I am simply dying to find out who Ms. Elliott pairs Cameron with, and I wait with bated breath for the final book in the trilogy.
Recommended for fans of widows learning to be wicked, rakes who find they’re having a wee bit of trouble reforming, and beautiful grand gestures.
A delightfully solid 4.5/5 Stars
Expected Release Date: May 1, 2012
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Imprint: Forever
Author’s Website: www.caraelliott.com
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 2, Lords of Midnight
Series Best Read In Order: Works well as a standalone
Steam Level: Steamy
I was a big fan of the first book in this series, Too Wicked To Wed, and while I admit that I didn’t quite care for Gryff nearly as much as I adored Connor, I still found this one quite enjoyable.
While newcomers to the series miss out on experiencing firsthand the consequences to some of Gryff’s wastrel behavior, I do think that it is made sufficiently clear that Gryff is reforming himself in this book, which makes it work well as a standalone. Eliza was a perfect foil for Gryff and they balanced each other so beautifully.
I am simply dying to find out who Ms. Elliott pairs Cameron with, and I wait with bated breath for the final book in the trilogy.
Recommended for fans of widows learning to be wicked, rakes who find they’re having a wee bit of trouble reforming, and beautiful grand gestures.
A delightfully solid 4.5/5 Stars
April 11, 2012
Too Tempting to Resist is a sensual read with only one issue but it irritated enough to knock off a star.
The story itself is interesting and engaging. The ending was sweet and standard of a historical romance.
Eliza was a lovely character. She may be a country widow, but underestimating her would be a bad idea. This is a woman who will brave a brothel to rein in her little brother, so anything else would be a breeze. It's wonderful how she is able to use her talents to support herself, even if she has to operate under a male alias.
Gryff is sweet and delicious and delightful. Excepting my one issue with this book, he was incredible.
And, may I say, I loved the cats in this book and their adorable characters. They were just precious.
My one issue is the big misunderstanding that caused a rift in their relationship. It was...rather shallow. I didn't think it was a legitimate cause for the problem that arose. I think Gryff should have been reasonable enough to respond better, if his earlier actions were any indication. He redeemed himself later but it was irritating enough that I knocked off a star. I can deal with these misunderstandings that tear the couple apart but this one was a little too overdramatized.
Besides that, this book was hot and entertaining.
4/5
Thank you Netgalley for a copy!
The story itself is interesting and engaging. The ending was sweet and standard of a historical romance.
Eliza was a lovely character. She may be a country widow, but underestimating her would be a bad idea. This is a woman who will brave a brothel to rein in her little brother, so anything else would be a breeze. It's wonderful how she is able to use her talents to support herself, even if she has to operate under a male alias.
Gryff is sweet and delicious and delightful. Excepting my one issue with this book, he was incredible.
And, may I say, I loved the cats in this book and their adorable characters. They were just precious.
My one issue is the big misunderstanding that caused a rift in their relationship. It was...rather shallow. I didn't think it was a legitimate cause for the problem that arose. I think Gryff should have been reasonable enough to respond better, if his earlier actions were any indication. He redeemed himself later but it was irritating enough that I knocked off a star. I can deal with these misunderstandings that tear the couple apart but this one was a little too overdramatized.
Besides that, this book was hot and entertaining.
4/5
Thank you Netgalley for a copy!
April 26, 2012
I really enjoyed discovering Cara Elliott. From just reading the back page blurb I wasn’t too sure about this title and wasn’t sure if I would enjoy it but I was pulled in so quickly to the story. Lady Eliza is a widow who was previously sacrificed in married for her family and is not willing to come close to marriage again. She’s ready to spend her days at a quiet cottage in the country illustrating books but her brother is driving himself to ruin and she can’t financially support herself just yet. Determined to cut him off at the source, Eliza visits his favorite gambling hall to request that he is cut off before it’s too late. She meets with not just the madam but also Gryffin Dwight, the ner-do-well leading her brother down the slippery slope. Gryffin is intrigued by Eliza but she wants nothing to do with his wastrel self. But Gryffin is also keeping a secret that draws them together but can Eliza maintain her freedom while finding love?
Really enjoyable and I loved the interaction between Gryffin and Eliza. I’m really excited I found Ms. Elliott and I look forward to reading more from her!
Really enjoyable and I loved the interaction between Gryffin and Eliza. I’m really excited I found Ms. Elliott and I look forward to reading more from her!
July 22, 2012
4 stars
I liked previous book more than I liked this one. I found it funny as now both heroines in this series so far found their halves at brothel's with same reason: to find their brothers. It's a relief after I read the excerpt of the third book in this series - it's different. I'm glad.
The story a bit dragged and repetitive at some point but came to halt really fast at the end. Anyway, it was still good. Talked about flowers a lot. Language of flowers to be precise and I liked flowers. I wonder what does white rose represent? Gryff and Eliza have chemistry between them. The two together did bring carefree, freedom, happiness and true self. I liked reading at part where they are being together alone. Fun and humor all over. Great feelings o experience indeed.
Can't wit to read about Cameron. The rakest amongst the Hellhounds. I wonder why he always keep himself. Very curious.
Recommended.
I liked previous book more than I liked this one. I found it funny as now both heroines in this series so far found their halves at brothel's with same reason: to find their brothers. It's a relief after I read the excerpt of the third book in this series - it's different. I'm glad.
The story a bit dragged and repetitive at some point but came to halt really fast at the end. Anyway, it was still good. Talked about flowers a lot. Language of flowers to be precise and I liked flowers. I wonder what does white rose represent? Gryff and Eliza have chemistry between them. The two together did bring carefree, freedom, happiness and true self. I liked reading at part where they are being together alone. Fun and humor all over. Great feelings o experience indeed.
Can't wit to read about Cameron. The rakest amongst the Hellhounds. I wonder why he always keep himself. Very curious.
Recommended.
May 27, 2013
My first Cara Elliott book and her style is quite unique in a good way. I wasn't so sure at first because I felt the hero & heroine fell into bed a little too quickly but, as I got more into the story, it became more plausible. Both characters were ready to make huge changes in their respective lives and their attraction was part of that change. The characters and dialogue were charming and fresh, from Sara at the gaming hell to Eliza's feisty old governess/best friend, the evil that was Brighton & Pearce (and, to some extent, Eliza's hapless brother) threatening their happiness menacing, and their connection through their mutual love of nature, art, and the written word enchanting. This is the second in a series but I plan to pick up books 1 & 3 next. Read more here: http://bit.ly/13c3srl
July 14, 2013
Quite the enjoyable read. My first book from Cara Elliott so I didn't know what to expect, although I've seen many a good word about her work.
Glad to say I wasn't at all disappointed. The pace of the book was quick, the characters were enjoyable from all sides of the spectrum and nothing seemed highly improbable in the situations. Despite that this is book 2 of the Lords of Midnights series (thought for sure the series should have been something about the Hellhounds!?!) it doesn't really affect the storyline much that I noticed from not having read book 1 since Connor doesn't make an actual appearance but it does seem to lead nicely into Cameron's book, Too Dangerous to Desire.
Would definitely recommend this read.
Glad to say I wasn't at all disappointed. The pace of the book was quick, the characters were enjoyable from all sides of the spectrum and nothing seemed highly improbable in the situations. Despite that this is book 2 of the Lords of Midnights series (thought for sure the series should have been something about the Hellhounds!?!) it doesn't really affect the storyline much that I noticed from not having read book 1 since Connor doesn't make an actual appearance but it does seem to lead nicely into Cameron's book, Too Dangerous to Desire.
Would definitely recommend this read.
January 13, 2013
It was okay, but I can't say I felt all that connected to the characters.
Over the course of the book, the hero and heroine almost discovered each other's secret identities so many times that after a while, it just became somewhat frustrating when they missed it again.
The heroine's persistence in thinking herself sinful and wanton got kind of annoying, too. The hero told her she was fine multiple times, and even her former governess told her desire was completely natural, yet she seemed to ignore everything they said, and so felt exceedingly guilty every time she and the hero had an intimate encounter.
The dialogue felt sort of awkward in places, often seeming too modern.
So while this book was okay, I can't say I particularly liked it.
Over the course of the book, the hero and heroine almost discovered each other's secret identities so many times that after a while, it just became somewhat frustrating when they missed it again.
The heroine's persistence in thinking herself sinful and wanton got kind of annoying, too. The hero told her she was fine multiple times, and even her former governess told her desire was completely natural, yet she seemed to ignore everything they said, and so felt exceedingly guilty every time she and the hero had an intimate encounter.
The dialogue felt sort of awkward in places, often seeming too modern.
So while this book was okay, I can't say I particularly liked it.
April 16, 2012
Funny story: I saw Cara Elliot read a few weeks ago without having any familiarity with her books. I liked her reading so much that I decided to buy this one. The book is definitely entertaining. There are some great scenes in which the banter between Eliza and Gryff is witty and very well done. It's got one of my favorite historical romance pairings: the bluestocking (sort of, in this case) and the rake, although Gryff's reputation doesn't seem to match up with the man so much. Overall, I enjoyed the book despite some minor flaws (the characters both talk to themselves a lot; there's not enough tension created by the external conflict for the stakes to ever feel very high).
May 8, 2012
Cara Elliott has done it again in the Wolfhounds series. I loved Gryff in this book and liked that Cara included some of the other characters from the previous books like Cameron and Sara. This one though just shows that even a man as macho and strong like Gryff can show a sensitive side. Eliza now is a woman that has more secrets about her than the legendary Mr. Haddan aka Gryff. These two together show that they each have their own unique talents but crave love. Definitely a book worth reading and can't wait for Cam's story to be revealed.
Melinda
Melinda
May 10, 2021
This book is just alright but probably has one of the best sex scenes between an h/H that I have read recently. Chapters 3 & 4 involving a sex contraption. The rest of the book sort of drags and there’s soooo much dialogue: even the interactions between the villains are concluded through dialogue. The main characters even talk to themselves. It wasn’t bad dialogue it just didn’t make for very good tension. Her books are just ok. I feel like I have skimmed though both when things got too boring. But yeah that early sex scene, well done.
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