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Burke Brothers #2
The Temptation of Your Touch
A new enchanting historical romance from a “superb storyteller” (Booklist) and New York Times bestselling author featuring a handsome, brooding Earl who finds himself drawn to his prim and proper housekeeper.
Maximillian Burke has always prided himself on being the man every mother would want her daughter to marry. But after his scoundrel of a brother makes off with Max’s bride, Max discovers it’s more satisfying to be a rogue than the perfect gentleman. Forced to flee London after a duel gone wrong, he seeks refuge at Cadgwyck Manor on the lonely coast of Cornwall, a place as wild and savage as his current temper. The tumbledown manor comes complete with its own ghost, but oddly enough, it’s not the White Lady of Cadgwyck who haunts Max’s heated dreams—but his no-nonsense housekeeper.
The last thing housekeeper Anne Spencer needs is a new master, especially one as brooding and gorgeous as the Earl of Dravenwood. Even as she schemes to be rid of her new employer, she finds herself irresistibly drawn into his strong, muscular arms. When Max vows to solve the mystery of Cadgwyck’s ghost, he doesn’t realize it will put both of their hearts at risk and tempt them to surrender to a pleasure as delicious as it is dangerous.
Maximillian Burke has always prided himself on being the man every mother would want her daughter to marry. But after his scoundrel of a brother makes off with Max’s bride, Max discovers it’s more satisfying to be a rogue than the perfect gentleman. Forced to flee London after a duel gone wrong, he seeks refuge at Cadgwyck Manor on the lonely coast of Cornwall, a place as wild and savage as his current temper. The tumbledown manor comes complete with its own ghost, but oddly enough, it’s not the White Lady of Cadgwyck who haunts Max’s heated dreams—but his no-nonsense housekeeper.
The last thing housekeeper Anne Spencer needs is a new master, especially one as brooding and gorgeous as the Earl of Dravenwood. Even as she schemes to be rid of her new employer, she finds herself irresistibly drawn into his strong, muscular arms. When Max vows to solve the mystery of Cadgwyck’s ghost, he doesn’t realize it will put both of their hearts at risk and tempt them to surrender to a pleasure as delicious as it is dangerous.
420 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 29, 2013
61 people are currently reading
1148 people want to read
About the author
Teresa Medeiros
51 books2,575 followersNew York Times bestseller Teresa Medeiros wrote her first novel at the age of twenty-one and has since gone on to win the hearts of both readers and critics. All of her books have been national bestsellers, featured on the New York Times, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. She currently has over 10 million books in print.
She is a seven-time Rita finalist, two-time PRISM winner, and two-time recipient of the Waldenbooks Award for bestselling fiction.
GOODNIGHT TWEETHEART was released in January 2011 and her latest historical THE PLEASURE OF YOUR KISS is coming from Pocket Books in December 2011. Teresa lives in Kentucky with her husband and her cats, Buffy the Mouse Slayer and Willow Tum-Tum.
She is a seven-time Rita finalist, two-time PRISM winner, and two-time recipient of the Waldenbooks Award for bestselling fiction.
GOODNIGHT TWEETHEART was released in January 2011 and her latest historical THE PLEASURE OF YOUR KISS is coming from Pocket Books in December 2011. Teresa lives in Kentucky with her husband and her cats, Buffy the Mouse Slayer and Willow Tum-Tum.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
March 12, 2013
I have been on a 2 month bender of YA and contemporary adult romances. What brought me back to historicals? Two words….Teresa Medeiros.
I have been waiting for this novel for a whole year since I read the first book of this series
. My wait was not in vain. I pre-ordered this from Amazon and when it came on my Kindle….
I will fully disclose that I am biased when it comes to Teresa Medeiros as I own all of her books.
ALL. Of. Them.
So, reviewing her latest book will be like a soccer mom watching her first born play. That child can do NO wrong. I will gush. But I will try not to drool.
First off, Maximillian current Earl of Dravenwood and future Duke of Dryden… Stoic, take charge male (Yum), now heart broken and tortured (double-Yum), former-boyscout-turned-scoundrel (triple...well you get the idea)
His heart is broken by his fiancée, whomor is it who? arrgh never did get that right in English class it took Max nine years to convince they marry (nine? Yes… freakin' nine). He then runs off to a remote corner in Cornwall to molder away in an equally moldering manor his family recently required. Instead of finding peace, he finds a senile butler, an aged cook, a motley crew of incompetent servants and a housekeeper that makes him itch in places he can’t scratch.
And a ghost.
Wait…
Max has let one woman rule his heart for over half his life and now a second woman (a dead one) is trying to the same thing.
GAH! Panties drop….NOW!
The White Lady was a young girl who killed herself for putting her love and virtue in the wrong man with disastrous consequences not only to herself but others as well.
She has kept many away from Cadgwyck Manor and Annie Spencer, the housekeeper, prefers it that way. Annie is like a well made baguette. Crust on the outside and soft on the inside. Annie has her own reasons for moldering away at the mansion. Although all the previous owners disappeared at the first sign of the White Lady, Max is sticking around much to her dismay. The longer the new owner stays at the manor, the longer Annie and Max are drawn to each other despite emotional turmoil and social difference.
The constant tension between H/h makes the book waaaay more hotter than the actual sex scene (there was only one but trust me the story does NOT lack heat). Each have deep wounds that need attending that for some reason the other has the ability to mend.
Takes notes. This is how a true romance novel is written. Ms. Medeiros wrote a beautiful love story that evoked not only emotions but the imagination. You can really feel being inside an old haunted castle surrounded by memories, dust, and a spirit. How the author set the scene invoked the senses and help stage the scene for romance, humor, and the supernatural.
Not boredom (I have read plenty of books that went on and on about the fabric of the bladily-blah-blah-blah).
I loved this book and its going to be one of those that I will pick up more than once. Oh, if you have not read the first of this series pick it up. You won't get lost by reading it out of order but you will understand Max more because of it.
I have been waiting for this novel for a whole year since I read the first book of this series
. My wait was not in vain. I pre-ordered this from Amazon and when it came on my Kindle….I will fully disclose that I am biased when it comes to Teresa Medeiros as I own all of her books.
ALL. Of. Them.
So, reviewing her latest book will be like a soccer mom watching her first born play. That child can do NO wrong. I will gush. But I will try not to drool.
First off, Maximillian current Earl of Dravenwood and future Duke of Dryden… Stoic, take charge male (Yum), now heart broken and tortured (double-Yum), former-boyscout-turned-scoundrel (triple...well you get the idea)
His heart is broken by his fiancée, whom
And a ghost.
Wait…
Max has let one woman rule his heart for over half his life and now a second woman (a dead one) is trying to the same thing.
The music ceased abruptly, almost as if spectral hands had slammed the lid of the music box. He stood there for a long time but there was no repeat performance, no sound at all except for the muted roar of the wind and the distant crash of the waves against the rocks.
A mocking smile tugged at one corner of Max’s mouth.
“I’ve been haunted by the best,” he murmured. “If you want to be rid of me, sweetheart, you’ll have to do better than that.”
GAH! Panties drop….NOW!
The White Lady was a young girl who killed herself for putting her love and virtue in the wrong man with disastrous consequences not only to herself but others as well.
She has kept many away from Cadgwyck Manor and Annie Spencer, the housekeeper, prefers it that way. Annie is like a well made baguette. Crust on the outside and soft on the inside. Annie has her own reasons for moldering away at the mansion. Although all the previous owners disappeared at the first sign of the White Lady, Max is sticking around much to her dismay. The longer the new owner stays at the manor, the longer Annie and Max are drawn to each other despite emotional turmoil and social difference.
I have need of you.
That bold confession made Anne wonder what it would be like to be truly needed by such a man. To hear those same words whispered in her ear in the dark of night in a lover’s hoarse tones.
The constant tension between H/h makes the book waaaay more hotter than the actual sex scene (there was only one but trust me the story does NOT lack heat). Each have deep wounds that need attending that for some reason the other has the ability to mend.
Takes notes. This is how a true romance novel is written. Ms. Medeiros wrote a beautiful love story that evoked not only emotions but the imagination. You can really feel being inside an old haunted castle surrounded by memories, dust, and a spirit. How the author set the scene invoked the senses and help stage the scene for romance, humor, and the supernatural.
Not boredom (I have read plenty of books that went on and on about the fabric of the bladily-blah-blah-blah).
I loved this book and its going to be one of those that I will pick up more than once. Oh, if you have not read the first of this series pick it up. You won't get lost by reading it out of order but you will understand Max more because of it.
October 28, 2017
4 Estrellitas. Tenía muchas ganas de este libro, sobre todo de leer a Maximilian y su historia, pues en el libro de su hermano me quedó una sensación de comezón sobre él. Max era el heredero perfecto, criado para ser duque y no había caballero más recto, pomposo y snob que él.
En "El placer de un beso" vimos como Clarinda, la prometida de Max, acabó dejando a este en el altar para casarse con su hermano menor, Ashton. Ambos fueron amantes en su juventud y nunca se olvidaron, pero Clarinda pensó que podía ser feliz con Max, hasta que Ash apareció. El abandono de Clarinda le sentó tan mal a Max, y fue motivo de tal escándalo, que ya le dio igual lo que fuera de su vida. Han pasado unos años y Max se está ganando una fama de juerguista, hasta que se dice basta tras un duelo. Su padre adquirió una casona en la costa de Cornualles, y cree que un retiro allí podrá sentarle bien.
Cadgwick Manor es una casona con un espeluznante pasado. Hace diez años vivió una próspera familia, hasta que cayó la desgracia y el escándalo sobre ellos. Angelica, la hija del propietario, se precipitó sobre los acantilados, y ahora su fantasma vaga por la mansión. En la actualidad solo viven una serie de criados empeñados en deshacerse de todos los dueños que habitan la casa para poder encontrar el tesoro que los Cadgwick escondieron tras sus muros, y al frente del personal se encuentra nuestra protagonista, el ama de llaves Anne Spencer.
Tanto la casa como Anne, ocultan un pasado oscuro, y no está dispuesta a que su nuevo amo se quede en la casa, e interfiera en la búsqueda del tesoro, de modo que la fama de la casa encantada y con fantasma propio viene muy bien para su cometido, pero Max no es como los amos anteriores que han tenido. Max es un hombre cabal, íntegro y no cree en cuentos de hadas. Con una rectitud y un encanto propio, pronto se hace con su servicio, y con el corazón de Anne.
Debo decir que la historia romántica no es lo más interesante del libro, pero sí me ha gustado. Es un romance que se ha cocido lentamente, lo que lo ha hecho más creíble, pues estoy harta de leer insta-loves. Lo más interesante que ha tenido la novela ha sido el toque gótico y lo bien que ha llevado Teresa Medeiros todo el misterio sobre lo que pasó en la casa, y lo que ocurrió con Angelica.
Esta serie de dos libros me han gustado mucho, y seguramente lea algo más de Teresa Medeiros en breve, sus historias son frescas y tienen un encanto natural, parecen basadas en cuentos, y en este caso ha tocado el ambiente gótico, que para mi gusto, ha estado muy bien logrado.
En "El placer de un beso" vimos como Clarinda, la prometida de Max, acabó dejando a este en el altar para casarse con su hermano menor, Ashton. Ambos fueron amantes en su juventud y nunca se olvidaron, pero Clarinda pensó que podía ser feliz con Max, hasta que Ash apareció. El abandono de Clarinda le sentó tan mal a Max, y fue motivo de tal escándalo, que ya le dio igual lo que fuera de su vida. Han pasado unos años y Max se está ganando una fama de juerguista, hasta que se dice basta tras un duelo. Su padre adquirió una casona en la costa de Cornualles, y cree que un retiro allí podrá sentarle bien.
Cadgwick Manor es una casona con un espeluznante pasado. Hace diez años vivió una próspera familia, hasta que cayó la desgracia y el escándalo sobre ellos. Angelica, la hija del propietario, se precipitó sobre los acantilados, y ahora su fantasma vaga por la mansión. En la actualidad solo viven una serie de criados empeñados en deshacerse de todos los dueños que habitan la casa para poder encontrar el tesoro que los Cadgwick escondieron tras sus muros, y al frente del personal se encuentra nuestra protagonista, el ama de llaves Anne Spencer.
Tanto la casa como Anne, ocultan un pasado oscuro, y no está dispuesta a que su nuevo amo se quede en la casa, e interfiera en la búsqueda del tesoro, de modo que la fama de la casa encantada y con fantasma propio viene muy bien para su cometido, pero Max no es como los amos anteriores que han tenido. Max es un hombre cabal, íntegro y no cree en cuentos de hadas. Con una rectitud y un encanto propio, pronto se hace con su servicio, y con el corazón de Anne.
Debo decir que la historia romántica no es lo más interesante del libro, pero sí me ha gustado. Es un romance que se ha cocido lentamente, lo que lo ha hecho más creíble, pues estoy harta de leer insta-loves. Lo más interesante que ha tenido la novela ha sido el toque gótico y lo bien que ha llevado Teresa Medeiros todo el misterio sobre lo que pasó en la casa, y lo que ocurrió con Angelica.
Esta serie de dos libros me han gustado mucho, y seguramente lea algo más de Teresa Medeiros en breve, sus historias son frescas y tienen un encanto natural, parecen basadas en cuentos, y en este caso ha tocado el ambiente gótico, que para mi gusto, ha estado muy bien logrado.
April 2, 2016
Es la primera novela que leo de esta autora y con seguridad no será la última. La historia me ha gustado mucho, sobre todo el misterio que la envuelve, pero... me ha faltado pasión; que no sexo. No sé, me ha faltado más fuego en sus sentimientos. Y hay una cosa que me ha sorprendido bastante, y es que él no se enfadara con todo lo que tramaban a su espalda; que, en cierto sentido, no se sintiera traicionado o engañado.
February 5, 2016
Now my review with SPOILERS!!
I searched far and wide on GR for a review that would tell me WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON IN THIS BOOK?? I had a guess and felt pretty confident that I was right. But I needed to know. I always NEEDED to know. So before I had time to finish the book, I combed through reviews after reviews, hoping to find someone who was kind enough to "spoil the book" for me.
People hinted at "the mystery", and nobody wrote any details. I was going nuts!!
So I said to myself, I would do it, for all the Ms. "I want to know" out there.
I still love Teresa Medeiros. One of her books is my all time favorite. Even when I am not crazy about her stories, I still enjoy reading them. I just like her way to telling a story and I like how subtle she is with her words.
This book is her latest historical I think. It was published back in 2011 so it's been a while since she put out any historical, which I think is a shame because, well, I Iove reading her books.
I think the book rather weak, to my regret. Teresa Medeiros still writes beautifully. But the story, the mystery, the treasure, and lack of passion, made the book a rather bland one. I don't mind that Max and Anne did not kiss until 60% and that they had sex only once and that was well after 300 pages. I didn't feel that there is a pull between Max and Anne. I didn't buy the attraction, and therefore, could not understand their need to be with each other. The "great reveal" came late and was rather rushed. Anne explained everything in one sitting in the last 10% and the entire book was just one big mystery.
I have always thought that for a book to be great, the book needs excellent writing and a good story. In this book, we have only Teresa Medeiros's beautiful writing but not a good story. If you like Medeiros' style like I do, you might enjoy it just for the lyrical proses.
I searched far and wide on GR for a review that would tell me WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON IN THIS BOOK?? I had a guess and felt pretty confident that I was right. But I needed to know. I always NEEDED to know. So before I had time to finish the book, I combed through reviews after reviews, hoping to find someone who was kind enough to "spoil the book" for me.
People hinted at "the mystery", and nobody wrote any details. I was going nuts!!
So I said to myself, I would do it, for all the Ms. "I want to know" out there.
I still love Teresa Medeiros. One of her books is my all time favorite. Even when I am not crazy about her stories, I still enjoy reading them. I just like her way to telling a story and I like how subtle she is with her words.
This book is her latest historical I think. It was published back in 2011 so it's been a while since she put out any historical, which I think is a shame because, well, I Iove reading her books.
I think the book rather weak, to my regret. Teresa Medeiros still writes beautifully. But the story, the mystery, the treasure, and lack of passion, made the book a rather bland one. I don't mind that Max and Anne did not kiss until 60% and that they had sex only once and that was well after 300 pages. I didn't feel that there is a pull between Max and Anne. I didn't buy the attraction, and therefore, could not understand their need to be with each other. The "great reveal" came late and was rather rushed. Anne explained everything in one sitting in the last 10% and the entire book was just one big mystery.
I have always thought that for a book to be great, the book needs excellent writing and a good story. In this book, we have only Teresa Medeiros's beautiful writing but not a good story. If you like Medeiros' style like I do, you might enjoy it just for the lyrical proses.
February 2, 2025
Se me cruzó este libro cuando iba a empezar el de Novia y decidí empezar por él a pesar de ser el segundo de una serie.
La trama engancha, la autora es de mis favoritas y era cortito en comparación con otros libros, por lo que era el combo perfecto para mis lecturas de tren.
Y la verdad es que no me ha decepcionado. Los protagonistas principales han tenido carácter desde el primer momento y su historia romántica ha sido muy bonita ( me ha faltado a lo mejor un poco más de conversación entre ellos según iba avanzando su romance, sobre todo porque muchas de ellas se creaban entre el sueño y la vigilia, pero no puedo quejarme).
El misterio que rodea a la mansión que dirige el ama de llaves aka Anne, nuestra protagonista, pronto se sabe de que va y sospechas quien hace que, pero sigue siendo muy duro de leer todo lo que tuvo que pasar la pobre Angélica por culpa de un hombre sin escrúpulos.
En definitiva, un libro sencillo de leer, con unos personajes muy bien definidos y encantadores a su manera y una trama original dentro de todos lo que ya he leído que pueden parecer similares.
La trama engancha, la autora es de mis favoritas y era cortito en comparación con otros libros, por lo que era el combo perfecto para mis lecturas de tren.
Y la verdad es que no me ha decepcionado. Los protagonistas principales han tenido carácter desde el primer momento y su historia romántica ha sido muy bonita ( me ha faltado a lo mejor un poco más de conversación entre ellos según iba avanzando su romance, sobre todo porque muchas de ellas se creaban entre el sueño y la vigilia, pero no puedo quejarme).
El misterio que rodea a la mansión que dirige el ama de llaves aka Anne, nuestra protagonista, pronto se sabe de que va y sospechas quien hace que, pero sigue siendo muy duro de leer todo lo que tuvo que pasar la pobre Angélica por culpa de un hombre sin escrúpulos.
En definitiva, un libro sencillo de leer, con unos personajes muy bien definidos y encantadores a su manera y una trama original dentro de todos lo que ya he leído que pueden parecer similares.
August 6, 2016
Hace unos meses conseguí el primer libro de esta bilogía y no quise leerlo hasta tener los dos libros juntos. Afortunadamente se presentó la oportunidad de conseguir este libro y ya que lo tuve, no quise dejar pasar la oportunidad de leerlo primero. Cosa que no suelo hacer, siempre me gusta leer las series en orden, aunque los libros no tengan mucho que ver uno con el otro, pero no en esta ocasión.
A mí me encantan las novelas de Teresa Medeiros porque suelen ser muy divertidos, además de románticos, pero La tentación de una caricia es un libro diferente a lo que he leído de ella. Yo lo describiría como un libro más melancólico, íntimo, no sé, es una historia muy distinta y sin embargo, no por ello dejó de encantarme.
Max es todo un caballero y al haber sido criado para convertirse en duque, es un hombre que sabe perfectamente cómo debe de comportarse, y tiene su mundo perfectamente pensado y construido. Sí, la palabra perfección es la que mejor se aplica para él, sin embargo, después de lo que le sucede en el libro anterior, se torna irascible y odia a medio mundo. Por eso decide llegar a esa propiedad de su padre, que está alejada de todo y todos, para refugiarse en sí mismo.
Anne es la ama de llaves de Cadgwyck, es una mujer muy seria, aunque poco eficiente en su trabajo o al menos eso es lo que le hace creer a Max, no obstante, esconde un secreto que podría arruinarla si saliera a la luz pública. Y hará todo lo que sea necesario para que eso no suceda. Incluso deshacerse de Max, por más que le provoque sentimientos que no desea tener hacia él.
Creo que la pareja en sí, funcionaron bien. Ambos estaban muy dolidos, muy en conflicto consigo mismos y la autora no forzó esa relación, sino que se fue dando de a pocos. La atracción entre ellos ya existía y fue creciendo a lo largo del libro. Además, Anne se portó mal con Max al inicio y aunque podría ser "justificado", creo que Max era el jefe y en ningún momento ejerció ni un poco de presión para que las cosas cambiaran y eso que sí estaba en su poder hacerlo.
Los personajes secundarios son todo un caso. Cada uno está tan bien perfilado que te caen bien, o mal o te hacen reír o todo al mismo tiempo. Y yo me encariñé tanto con ellos que al final, cuando pasa algo con uno de ellos, les juro que era yo un mar de lágrimas. De verdad que hasta mi marido me preguntó por qué estaba llorando pero es que, fue una parte tan emotiva de la novela que me hizo pedazos el corazón.
Aunque La tentación de una caricia no es un libro para reír a carcajadas como otros de esta autora, siento que el misterio que de alguna manera es un tanto predecible para el lector, funciona bien para sus personajes. Además, las descripciones del lugar, la atmósfera tan sublime y melancólica juega un papel importante en ese transitar de los protagonistas hacia el redescubrimiento de sí mismos y la aceptación de lo que les había sucedido, que finalmente les llevó a abrazar un futuro juntos.
No cabe duda que Teresa Medeiros se robó mi corazón con esta historia, tanto como lo hizo con Goodnight Tweetheart, libro contemporáneo que es una pena que no esté en español y que ya pueden encontrar la reseña acá.
Estos han sido de los últimos libros que ha escrito la autora y sin duda su pluma ha evolucionado mucho, dándonos historias con mucho más profundidad en cuanto a sus personajes se refiere. En resumen: una novela magnífica que no se deben perder.
This review was originally posted on Book's Minion
November 28, 2014
3,5-4 no lo tengo muy claro
Me ha gustado bastante. Ese toque tétrico del castillo está conseguido.
Punto a mi favor que no me acordara de la novela anterior donde se supone que él no fue del todo buena persona.
De todas formas, hay ciertos detalles que me han parecido demasiado forzados y, como siempre que estamos ante el tandem señor-ama de llaves, los personajes no se comportan como esperamos de ellos.
En conjunto la lectura me ha gustado. Una buena combinación de misterio (pequeño pero interesante) y carácteres fuertes con personajes algo extraños.
Poca paciencia han tenido los dueños anteriores.
Reseña completa http://masromance.blogspot.com.es/201...
Me ha gustado bastante. Ese toque tétrico del castillo está conseguido.
Punto a mi favor que no me acordara de la novela anterior donde se supone que él no fue del todo buena persona.
De todas formas, hay ciertos detalles que me han parecido demasiado forzados y, como siempre que estamos ante el tandem señor-ama de llaves, los personajes no se comportan como esperamos de ellos.
En conjunto la lectura me ha gustado. Una buena combinación de misterio (pequeño pero interesante) y carácteres fuertes con personajes algo extraños.
Poca paciencia han tenido los dueños anteriores.
Reseña completa http://masromance.blogspot.com.es/201...
February 4, 2020
Estoy muy satisfecha de que este libro haya sido una de mi últimas lecturas del año porque es de esas historias que se quedan grabadas en tu corazón, tanto por la ambientación como por los protagonistas y su peculiar forma de afrontar el amor.
Reseña completa: https://atrapadaenunashojasdepapel.bl...
Reseña completa: https://atrapadaenunashojasdepapel.bl...
January 27, 2014
The Pleasure of Your Kiss
was one of my top reads of 2012 and I couldn't wait to read Max's story in
The Temptation of Your Touch
. The wait was definitely worth it because I loved every moment. It had everything I want from a romance; an intriguing plot, unforgettable characters, delicious sensuality and wonderful humour.
Teresa Medeiros's writing is so evocative, emotive and passionate...
A pale splinter of a moon materialised from behind a a wisp of cloud, and there it was, perched at the edge of the towering cliffs like some great hulking dragon.
[image error]
One of her stray curls ticked the back of his fingers as his thumb strayed into even more dangerous territory, grazing the velvety warmth of lips no longer pressed together, but parted in invitation.
I love Max and Anne. They are both strong yet vulnerable. Both live with the burden of past mistakes and I enjoyed watching them gradually emerge from the shadows and fully embrace their love.
I enjoyed their heated exchanges and the obvious attraction simmering just below the surface. Those fond of copious amounts of sex in their romances might be disappointed as there's only one love scene. But I found there was enough heat generated between them and lots of luscious kisses to satisfy me.
What I love about Teresa Medeiros's books is the humour she brings to them. I adore the motley crew of servants; Hodges, the crazy butler, Dickon, the surly footman, the assorted, giggling housemaids and not forgetting Mr Fluffytoes and Piddles. All the schemes perpetrated to get Max to hightail it back to London provide some the funniest moments in the book. This is my favourite...
"I do hope you'll forgive my shocking state of undress, Mrs Spencer," he said with scathing courtesy. "I had to use my coat to fan the smoke out of my study before it choked me to death." His eyes narrowed in an accusing gaze. "When you informed me that the study would be a pleasant place to enjoy an after-dinner brandy, you neglected to mention it would turn into a death trap the minute I lit the fire that had been laid upon the hearth."
"Oh, dear." Ann touched a hand to her throat in what she hoped was a convincing display of dismay. "Are you quite alright."
“Fortunately, I was able to smother the flames and wrestle the window open before being overcome by smoke. When the last time was that chimney was cleaned? Seventeen ninety-eight?"
There are some taut and poignant moments when Ash and Clarinda arrive with their daughter, Charlotte, but I was so pleased that the brothers are finally reconciled.
I didn't find it too difficult to figure out the mystery surrounding the White Lady of Cadgwyck but I still wanted to know all the whys and wherefores. There were even a few surprises I hadn't anticipated.
The Temptation of Your Touch is a wonderful, emotional, often funny book which I can definitely recommend.
How I imagine Max…
How I imagine Anne…
RATING: ★★★★★
SENSUALITY RATING: HOT
This review is also posted on my blog:
http://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com/...
Teresa Medeiros's writing is so evocative, emotive and passionate...
A pale splinter of a moon materialised from behind a a wisp of cloud, and there it was, perched at the edge of the towering cliffs like some great hulking dragon.
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One of her stray curls ticked the back of his fingers as his thumb strayed into even more dangerous territory, grazing the velvety warmth of lips no longer pressed together, but parted in invitation.
I love Max and Anne. They are both strong yet vulnerable. Both live with the burden of past mistakes and I enjoyed watching them gradually emerge from the shadows and fully embrace their love.
I enjoyed their heated exchanges and the obvious attraction simmering just below the surface. Those fond of copious amounts of sex in their romances might be disappointed as there's only one love scene. But I found there was enough heat generated between them and lots of luscious kisses to satisfy me.
What I love about Teresa Medeiros's books is the humour she brings to them. I adore the motley crew of servants; Hodges, the crazy butler, Dickon, the surly footman, the assorted, giggling housemaids and not forgetting Mr Fluffytoes and Piddles. All the schemes perpetrated to get Max to hightail it back to London provide some the funniest moments in the book. This is my favourite...
"I do hope you'll forgive my shocking state of undress, Mrs Spencer," he said with scathing courtesy. "I had to use my coat to fan the smoke out of my study before it choked me to death." His eyes narrowed in an accusing gaze. "When you informed me that the study would be a pleasant place to enjoy an after-dinner brandy, you neglected to mention it would turn into a death trap the minute I lit the fire that had been laid upon the hearth."
"Oh, dear." Ann touched a hand to her throat in what she hoped was a convincing display of dismay. "Are you quite alright."
“Fortunately, I was able to smother the flames and wrestle the window open before being overcome by smoke. When the last time was that chimney was cleaned? Seventeen ninety-eight?"
There are some taut and poignant moments when Ash and Clarinda arrive with their daughter, Charlotte, but I was so pleased that the brothers are finally reconciled.
I didn't find it too difficult to figure out the mystery surrounding the White Lady of Cadgwyck but I still wanted to know all the whys and wherefores. There were even a few surprises I hadn't anticipated.
The Temptation of Your Touch is a wonderful, emotional, often funny book which I can definitely recommend.
How I imagine Max…
How I imagine Anne…
RATING: ★★★★★
SENSUALITY RATING: HOT
This review is also posted on my blog:
http://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com/...
January 31, 2013
Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Blog rating: D+
Max has been left at the altar by his childhood friend who he loved, a woman he thought loved him back, but he knew deep down she loved his brother more than anything. She leaves Max for his brother Ash and now Max is the talk of the town. To get away from gossip and to just wallow, he heads for Cadgwyck Manor, a rundown home that will give him some solitude to lick his wounds. What he wasn’t expecting was to be heading to a manor that’s rumored to be haunted, a place that has been rumored to have been the cause of a man’s death, other men who have run away in terror and a rag tag staff, led by Anne, who want Max gone.
Anne and her unique group have been searching for a treasure rumored to be hidden in the manor. They don’t want Max around and do everything they can to make his stay as horrible as possible. The “ghost” also makes an appearance, but Max isn’t easily swayed. He’s more curious than anything else and uses the ghost, Anne and the manor as a way to forget about his current situation. What he doesn’t anticipate is being drawn to a painting of a young woman. He’s captivated by it and starts digging into her tragic past, one that happened in the manor and how her death impacted so many.
I had a rough time with this one. The start is so incredibly slow. I almost stopped about 100 pages in. Nothing was happening other than Anne and her tight knit group making Max’s life miserable. All that did was make me annoyed at Anne and the things they were doing. Finally around the midway point the story picked up and the one thing that I did like was the author started ending chapters on small cliffhangers. It did the trick because I was more engaged and curious about what was coming next. The pace picked up once the petty actions of Anne against Max stopped and they started being civil toward each other.
As far as the heroine Anne, she didn’t have me in her corner early on. There was something about her, her actions and attitude that was a turn off. Once more of her past came out and she started to soften towards Max, she became much more likable, just not enough for me to really enjoy her story. Because of that, I wasn’t invested in their romance. In fact, the romance felt very light – I needed more! More kisses, more nights spent together, something that made me believe this couple had some passion between them.
Ultimately, with the slow start and a romance that wasn’t engaging enough, it dragged down the story. I did like Anne’s back story and wish the book would have been more focused on that earlier on. I also liked the angst Max still dealt with regarding his relationship with his brother and now sister-in-law and their daughter. We only get a couple scenes with Max and his family and I’d have loved to have had more of that dynamic. The Temptation of Your Touch had a few good moments, Max is likeable throughout, but he wasn’t enough for me to fully enjoy this read.
Blog rating: D+
Max has been left at the altar by his childhood friend who he loved, a woman he thought loved him back, but he knew deep down she loved his brother more than anything. She leaves Max for his brother Ash and now Max is the talk of the town. To get away from gossip and to just wallow, he heads for Cadgwyck Manor, a rundown home that will give him some solitude to lick his wounds. What he wasn’t expecting was to be heading to a manor that’s rumored to be haunted, a place that has been rumored to have been the cause of a man’s death, other men who have run away in terror and a rag tag staff, led by Anne, who want Max gone.
Anne and her unique group have been searching for a treasure rumored to be hidden in the manor. They don’t want Max around and do everything they can to make his stay as horrible as possible. The “ghost” also makes an appearance, but Max isn’t easily swayed. He’s more curious than anything else and uses the ghost, Anne and the manor as a way to forget about his current situation. What he doesn’t anticipate is being drawn to a painting of a young woman. He’s captivated by it and starts digging into her tragic past, one that happened in the manor and how her death impacted so many.
I had a rough time with this one. The start is so incredibly slow. I almost stopped about 100 pages in. Nothing was happening other than Anne and her tight knit group making Max’s life miserable. All that did was make me annoyed at Anne and the things they were doing. Finally around the midway point the story picked up and the one thing that I did like was the author started ending chapters on small cliffhangers. It did the trick because I was more engaged and curious about what was coming next. The pace picked up once the petty actions of Anne against Max stopped and they started being civil toward each other.
As far as the heroine Anne, she didn’t have me in her corner early on. There was something about her, her actions and attitude that was a turn off. Once more of her past came out and she started to soften towards Max, she became much more likable, just not enough for me to really enjoy her story. Because of that, I wasn’t invested in their romance. In fact, the romance felt very light – I needed more! More kisses, more nights spent together, something that made me believe this couple had some passion between them.
Ultimately, with the slow start and a romance that wasn’t engaging enough, it dragged down the story. I did like Anne’s back story and wish the book would have been more focused on that earlier on. I also liked the angst Max still dealt with regarding his relationship with his brother and now sister-in-law and their daughter. We only get a couple scenes with Max and his family and I’d have loved to have had more of that dynamic. The Temptation of Your Touch had a few good moments, Max is likeable throughout, but he wasn’t enough for me to fully enjoy this read.
November 25, 2016
3,5 en realidad. Es una historia muy bonita y como siempre con Medeiros, muy bien escrita.
November 22, 2013
Maximmilian Burke has always known who and what he was, and for years he was in love with a woman, who abandoned him at the altar to marry his brother. Ever since the relationship between himself and his brother has been strained to say the least. London has become tedious and needing a change in his life, he decides to head out the the countryside to Cadgewyck Manor, and when he first sees the manor, he think he may be going crazy, but he feels a kinship to the crumbling building. When he arrives, he doesn't get the welcome he expects or has become used to over the years due to his position. With rumors of ghosts and mystery and death, the estate appeals to him, but more than that, the stubborn and prideful housekeeper who has him on his wits end, amuses him and he finds himself attracted to a woman he normally wouldn't be attracted to. Max hasn't dallied with a servant for many years, but temptation is in every surrounding, and he can't help but wonder what passion he could find in her arms, despite the schemes she and the other servants are playing on him, Max is determined to get to the bottom of this mystery and gain every secret the manor and this tempting housekeeper has....no matter what.
The Temptation Of Your Touch is the second in the series, and having loved every book this author has written, I had to wait quite a while for this book to become available at my local library, but once it did, I could hardly wait to pick it up. Even though the reviews and ratings for this story has been a bit lower than I expected, I wanted to try it out for myself, and even though the beginning of the story I had a hard time fully getting into, I was able to eventually get into it, and I found myself captivated by this author's amazing ability with her storytelling. After loving the first one, and seeing quite a bit of Max, I was very anxious to read his story. This book is quite different from the first one in the series. The story starts with Max hearing rumors of ghosts and mystery and intrigue surrounding the manor, and I for one am a fan of mysteries, so from the get go I was intrigued by the beginning of the plot. The chemistry between Max and Ann isn't all at once in the beginning, its more of a gradual build up. You see how much they are attracted to each other, but with Anne trying to drive off another "ruler of the manor" she is a bit preoccupied, but Anne is startled that none of their trickery is working, its only making Max's stubbornness become more entrenched than she imagined. I enjoyed seeing the creativity of Anne and the fellow servants, it was quite entertaining at times, and honestly Max is a saint for dealing with it all in stride. The plot thickens even more gradually with more evidences coming to light pertaining to the mystery that is in play throughout the whole story.
The characters in this story were very lively and easily like able. I couldn't help but loving the main and the side characters. Max has a strength of characters that is admirable, and his tenacity is to be commended. He doesn't let anyone bully him, even if that someone is a beautiful woman that captures his attention everywhere he goes. I enjoyed having him play the part of the Hero, he definitely deserved the part. Anne definitely surprised me by how much I grew to like her. At first she was a average like of a heroine character, the more I delved deeper into the story, I grew to find her a endearing characters, with a nature that was intoxicating. Seeing Max and Anne together was very satisfying especially toward the end. I loved how self aware the heroine is, and fights for what she wants, but Max is definitely her equal match, and its quite evident as you read the story. I couldn't help but find the deeply enriched emotion filling the pages enthralling, and the delightful mixture of mystery, drama, and passion. This author is stellar and I found her storytelling has still remained superb. BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN TALE THAT CAPTIVATES THE READ FROM THE FIRST PAGE!!
The Temptation Of Your Touch is the second in the series, and having loved every book this author has written, I had to wait quite a while for this book to become available at my local library, but once it did, I could hardly wait to pick it up. Even though the reviews and ratings for this story has been a bit lower than I expected, I wanted to try it out for myself, and even though the beginning of the story I had a hard time fully getting into, I was able to eventually get into it, and I found myself captivated by this author's amazing ability with her storytelling. After loving the first one, and seeing quite a bit of Max, I was very anxious to read his story. This book is quite different from the first one in the series. The story starts with Max hearing rumors of ghosts and mystery and intrigue surrounding the manor, and I for one am a fan of mysteries, so from the get go I was intrigued by the beginning of the plot. The chemistry between Max and Ann isn't all at once in the beginning, its more of a gradual build up. You see how much they are attracted to each other, but with Anne trying to drive off another "ruler of the manor" she is a bit preoccupied, but Anne is startled that none of their trickery is working, its only making Max's stubbornness become more entrenched than she imagined. I enjoyed seeing the creativity of Anne and the fellow servants, it was quite entertaining at times, and honestly Max is a saint for dealing with it all in stride. The plot thickens even more gradually with more evidences coming to light pertaining to the mystery that is in play throughout the whole story.
The characters in this story were very lively and easily like able. I couldn't help but loving the main and the side characters. Max has a strength of characters that is admirable, and his tenacity is to be commended. He doesn't let anyone bully him, even if that someone is a beautiful woman that captures his attention everywhere he goes. I enjoyed having him play the part of the Hero, he definitely deserved the part. Anne definitely surprised me by how much I grew to like her. At first she was a average like of a heroine character, the more I delved deeper into the story, I grew to find her a endearing characters, with a nature that was intoxicating. Seeing Max and Anne together was very satisfying especially toward the end. I loved how self aware the heroine is, and fights for what she wants, but Max is definitely her equal match, and its quite evident as you read the story. I couldn't help but find the deeply enriched emotion filling the pages enthralling, and the delightful mixture of mystery, drama, and passion. This author is stellar and I found her storytelling has still remained superb. BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN TALE THAT CAPTIVATES THE READ FROM THE FIRST PAGE!!
October 15, 2015
Fun book. Max has been running wild ever since his fiancee jilted him to marry his brother. He'd always been the good brother, but now he just doesn't care. When he finally goes a bit too far, he heads off to the furthest piece of property the family owns. All he wants is to be left alone to wallow in his misery. He arrives to find a manor in disrepair, rumors of a ghost that drives almost everyone away, the oddest group of staff he's ever seen, and a housekeeper he can't keep off his mind.
Anne and her coworkers have had the manor almost entirely to themselves for years, which suits them just fine. There's something at the manor that they have been searching for, and others just get in their way. Anne will do whatever she needs to in order to keep it that way. But the new owner doesn't scare easily, and it isn't long before she doesn't want him to leave.
Max wasn't very likable at the beginning. It had been a couple years since his fiancee had jilted him, but he was still feeling sorry for himself. He was drinking too much and doing stupid things, including the duel that was the final straw. I liked the fact that he knew getting away was the best thing for him, but his attitude was still bad. His arrival at Cadgwyck wasn't anything like he expected and it has soured his mood even more. But there's something about Anne that breaks through the wall of misery around his heart, and a mystery about the manor that gives him something else to think about.
It was fun to see the things that Anne and the others did to make Max's stay as miserable as possible, and how he refused to let it affect him. The confrontations between them had sparks flying that both were determined to resist; Max because she's a servant, and Anne because mistakes from her past keep her from believing she deserves any happiness. I loved Max's refusal to be driven away, and how the mystery intrigued him enough to want to solve it. I liked his determination not to be driven away, and how he started to like the craziness around him. Anne was a bit frustrated by his fascination with the "White Lady", especially when he also seemed taken with her. Their verbal battles were fun to see, but also showed that they were getting to know each other very well. I liked the protectiveness that Max developed and how he showed it. Anne also came to understand Max well, which led her to say the things she did when his brother came to visit.
Things got a bit intense when a fire was set that could have killed them all. The results of that fire had some interesting consequences, involving a search on the rainswept moor, an illness and a night time visit with the "White Lady". What happened next was pretty intense. I had suspected the truth about the mystery of the "White Lady" and was happy to see that I was right. There was one twist that I didn't expect. I really liked the epilogue and seeing the changes that had happened. The surprise that Max brought home for Anne was the perfect ending.
Anne and her coworkers have had the manor almost entirely to themselves for years, which suits them just fine. There's something at the manor that they have been searching for, and others just get in their way. Anne will do whatever she needs to in order to keep it that way. But the new owner doesn't scare easily, and it isn't long before she doesn't want him to leave.
Max wasn't very likable at the beginning. It had been a couple years since his fiancee had jilted him, but he was still feeling sorry for himself. He was drinking too much and doing stupid things, including the duel that was the final straw. I liked the fact that he knew getting away was the best thing for him, but his attitude was still bad. His arrival at Cadgwyck wasn't anything like he expected and it has soured his mood even more. But there's something about Anne that breaks through the wall of misery around his heart, and a mystery about the manor that gives him something else to think about.
It was fun to see the things that Anne and the others did to make Max's stay as miserable as possible, and how he refused to let it affect him. The confrontations between them had sparks flying that both were determined to resist; Max because she's a servant, and Anne because mistakes from her past keep her from believing she deserves any happiness. I loved Max's refusal to be driven away, and how the mystery intrigued him enough to want to solve it. I liked his determination not to be driven away, and how he started to like the craziness around him. Anne was a bit frustrated by his fascination with the "White Lady", especially when he also seemed taken with her. Their verbal battles were fun to see, but also showed that they were getting to know each other very well. I liked the protectiveness that Max developed and how he showed it. Anne also came to understand Max well, which led her to say the things she did when his brother came to visit.
Things got a bit intense when a fire was set that could have killed them all. The results of that fire had some interesting consequences, involving a search on the rainswept moor, an illness and a night time visit with the "White Lady". What happened next was pretty intense. I had suspected the truth about the mystery of the "White Lady" and was happy to see that I was right. There was one twist that I didn't expect. I really liked the epilogue and seeing the changes that had happened. The surprise that Max brought home for Anne was the perfect ending.
September 25, 2013
There are books, that once you've finished reading, would either make you feel meh, or just sigh in satisfaction. This one, to me, is the latter. Le sigh!
I've read the first installation of the Burke brothers books - towards the end, i felt really sorry for Max. This book really gave him the HEA he deserves.
Story started off in a good pace. There's mystery, suspense and a general feelgood to the whole storyline. Good, responsible and starchy Max has now become quite the opposite - he was jilted, his heart's broken and he holes himself up in a rundown haunted manor in the moors. Things get interesting when he finds himself drawn to the formidable housekeeper who isn't who she seems.
Good points:
1) it has elements of mystery, suspense and a nice sort of surprise end. Plus, the story is not as draggy as the first installment.
2) the characters are interesting enough as almost all of them are not what they seem to be so you tend to keep guessing what their connection is to one another.
3) the sexual tension between Max and Anne is just sizzling. The light banter amusing. Anne's temper tended to escape under Max' provocation.
4) dark haired hero with grey eyes. Imagine a nice, cleancut guy, usually serious and staid suddenly letting lose and looking grubby, dangerous and manly. Mui caliente!
5) a heroine who can make bread and smells like a yummy bakery. How cool is that?
6) very heartwarming epilogue. I live for sigh-enducing epilogues!
Not so great points:
1) maybe in order to keep readers guessing, the Mysterious housekeeper and sexy ghost which is which part was a bit confusing and only unravels at the end.
2) not that many sexytimes in the story compared to other TM stories where there the sexy episodes are described in full, steamy, sweaty detail. In fact, the episode in this story was what i would describe as an efficient sex. Is it supposed to mirror Max's supposedly staid character? Idk.
3) foggy moor, stormy rainy nights and high fever leads to the need for sexual healing. Seems to be the standard formula for stories set in the moorlands.
So would i recommend this book? A resounding YES! But, to get the full impact, i would advise reading the first installment, The Pleasure of Your Kiss. Then you'll really know why Max is how he is in this story. And why he deserves his HEA.
Cheers!
I've read the first installation of the Burke brothers books - towards the end, i felt really sorry for Max. This book really gave him the HEA he deserves.
Story started off in a good pace. There's mystery, suspense and a general feelgood to the whole storyline. Good, responsible and starchy Max has now become quite the opposite - he was jilted, his heart's broken and he holes himself up in a rundown haunted manor in the moors. Things get interesting when he finds himself drawn to the formidable housekeeper who isn't who she seems.
Good points:
1) it has elements of mystery, suspense and a nice sort of surprise end. Plus, the story is not as draggy as the first installment.
2) the characters are interesting enough as almost all of them are not what they seem to be so you tend to keep guessing what their connection is to one another.
3) the sexual tension between Max and Anne is just sizzling. The light banter amusing. Anne's temper tended to escape under Max' provocation.
4) dark haired hero with grey eyes. Imagine a nice, cleancut guy, usually serious and staid suddenly letting lose and looking grubby, dangerous and manly. Mui caliente!
5) a heroine who can make bread and smells like a yummy bakery. How cool is that?
6) very heartwarming epilogue. I live for sigh-enducing epilogues!
Not so great points:
1) maybe in order to keep readers guessing, the Mysterious housekeeper and sexy ghost which is which part was a bit confusing and only unravels at the end.
2) not that many sexytimes in the story compared to other TM stories where there the sexy episodes are described in full, steamy, sweaty detail. In fact, the episode in this story was what i would describe as an efficient sex. Is it supposed to mirror Max's supposedly staid character? Idk.
3) foggy moor, stormy rainy nights and high fever leads to the need for sexual healing. Seems to be the standard formula for stories set in the moorlands.
So would i recommend this book? A resounding YES! But, to get the full impact, i would advise reading the first installment, The Pleasure of Your Kiss. Then you'll really know why Max is how he is in this story. And why he deserves his HEA.
Cheers!
September 12, 2021
"Soy yo quien necesita que lo rescaten. Sálvame Anne...amor mío. Sálvame de volver a ser el hombre que era antes de venir aquí. Sálvame de todos los años de soledad que tendré que soportar si no te tengo en mis brazos. Sálvame de pasar el resto de mi vida anhelando a una mujer a la que nunca podré tener".
He disfrutado mucho al leer nuevamente a Teresa Medeiros, me gusta mucho su pluma y aunque esperaba un poco más de romance en esta historia, es muy adictiva y conforme fui avanzando me intrigaba más y me gustaba ver como se acercaban los protagonistas.
En esta historia conocemos a Max Burke, un noble que tras perder a su prometida porque ella amaba a su hermano, empieza a comportarse de una manera poco honorable y escandalosa llegando a la decisión de retirarse de Londres y al llegar a una solitaria y casi abandonada mansión descubre que esa casa y el personal que trabaja en ella esconden un misterio pero también conocerá a su ama de llaves, la Señora Spencer, una mujer que lo intriga y fascina a pesar de sus reservas.
Anne Spencer es el ama de llaves de una mansión que tiene una trágica historia y por todo ello se tiene la creencia de que el espíritu de La Dama blanca ronda ese lugar consiguiendo ahuyentar a la gente del pueblo y a cada dueño que ha llegado allí hasta que llega Lord Max, un hombre atormentado pero que también le genera sentimientos que ella preferiría ignorar por el miedo a que sus secretos y pasado regresen a ella.
Es un libro muy bonito, la atracción entre Max y Anne es muy clara pero cada uno tiene un pasado que les resulta doloroso y además la posición social harán que luchen contra lo que están sintiendo, sin embargo, es inevitable un acercamiento entre ellos.
También me gustaron mucho los personajes secundarios, todos los demás miembros del personal de la mansión hacen la historia más divertida. La verdad es que yo intuía el giro que daría la historia y cual era el secreto que escondían todos en esa casa pero aún así disfrute al leerlo. Es un romance de época con toques de misterio y momentos cómicos que disfruté mucho al leerlo.
He disfrutado mucho al leer nuevamente a Teresa Medeiros, me gusta mucho su pluma y aunque esperaba un poco más de romance en esta historia, es muy adictiva y conforme fui avanzando me intrigaba más y me gustaba ver como se acercaban los protagonistas.
En esta historia conocemos a Max Burke, un noble que tras perder a su prometida porque ella amaba a su hermano, empieza a comportarse de una manera poco honorable y escandalosa llegando a la decisión de retirarse de Londres y al llegar a una solitaria y casi abandonada mansión descubre que esa casa y el personal que trabaja en ella esconden un misterio pero también conocerá a su ama de llaves, la Señora Spencer, una mujer que lo intriga y fascina a pesar de sus reservas.
Anne Spencer es el ama de llaves de una mansión que tiene una trágica historia y por todo ello se tiene la creencia de que el espíritu de La Dama blanca ronda ese lugar consiguiendo ahuyentar a la gente del pueblo y a cada dueño que ha llegado allí hasta que llega Lord Max, un hombre atormentado pero que también le genera sentimientos que ella preferiría ignorar por el miedo a que sus secretos y pasado regresen a ella.
Es un libro muy bonito, la atracción entre Max y Anne es muy clara pero cada uno tiene un pasado que les resulta doloroso y además la posición social harán que luchen contra lo que están sintiendo, sin embargo, es inevitable un acercamiento entre ellos.
También me gustaron mucho los personajes secundarios, todos los demás miembros del personal de la mansión hacen la historia más divertida. La verdad es que yo intuía el giro que daría la historia y cual era el secreto que escondían todos en esa casa pero aún así disfrute al leerlo. Es un romance de época con toques de misterio y momentos cómicos que disfruté mucho al leerlo.
June 11, 2016
Romanul a fost publicat în limba română de editura Litera sub titlul " Ispita atingerii tale"in 2016 in colecția " Iubiri de poveste". Romanul face parte din seria pe care autoarea o construiește în jurul poveștilor de dragoste ale fraților Burke. Romanul original a apărut în anul 2013 și a fost precedat de "The Pleasure of you Kiss" 2011, tradus în limba română cu titlul " Savoarea unui sărut" 2014, care are ca personaje principale pe Ashton Burke și Clarinda.
Teresa Medeiros este o foarte bine cunoscută autoare de romane de dragoste care au fost și sunt traduse în mai multe limbi. S-a născut la 26 octombrie 1962 și a publicat primul roman pe când avea vârsta de 21 de ani bucurându-se de succes la public dar și la critica de specialitate.
Eroul principal al romanului " Ispita atingerii tale" este Maximillian Burke, conte de Dravenwood. După căsătoria fratelui său Ashley cu Clarinda de care era și el îndrăgostit, Maximillian Burke se schimbă total. Devine veșnic furios, nervos și gata să accepte și să provoace orice fel de duel pentru ceea ce consideră că este o atingere a orgoliului și mândriei sale. Renumit pentru capacitatea sa de negociere care i-a adus și funcția de președinte al Consiliului Director al Companiei Indiilor de est, Burke devine de la o zi la alta un bărbat lipsit de control. Se decide să-și dea demisia din toate funcțiile și să se autoexileze pe o proprietate pe care și-o achiziționae undeva în Cornwall, la conacul Cadwick despre care nu știa mare lucru. Pleacă spre noua sa reședință fără a apela la propria sa trăsură și ajunge la hanul din apropriere într-o seară întunecoasă și ploioasă. La han află cu surprindere că nimeni nu se încumetă să-l ducă la noua sa reședință indiferent cât de mulți bani le-ar fi oferit.În cele din urmă găsește omul dispus să riște un drum până la conacul despre care localnicii erau convinși că era bântuit de fantome periculoase. Și-a dat repede seama că în Cornwall oamenii preferă să creadă mai mul în propriile lor povești înspăimântătoare decât în banala realitate. Conacul schimbase mai multe rânduri de proprietari efemeri după ce adevăratul proprietar fusese arestat pentru uciderea unui pictor care încercase să-i corupa fata iar fiica lui se sinucisese aruncându-se în marea învolburată de pe malul stâncos. Fantoma de care se temeau toți era fantoma acestei fete moarte la doar 18 ani, numită Doamna în Alb. Și totuși clădirea nu era complet goala, rămăseseră acolo în permanență un grup de servitori extrem de ciudați în ochii localnicilor. Era menajera Anne Spencer, valetul Dickon abia intrat în adolescență, Pippa camerista, fetele în casă Beth, Bess, Betsy, Lizzi, bătrâna Nana cu o veșnică împletitură în mână, câinele Pipiloi, pisica Degțel Pufoșel precum și ciudatul majordom Hodges. Acest grup ciudat care nu avea nimic din aura unor adevărați servitori de casă mare, aveau propria lor agendă și venirea noului proprietar îi deranjează cât se poate de mult. De aceea decid să facă tot posibilul să-l alunge așa cum făcuseră și cu cei de dinaintea lui. Anne Spencer era cea care făcea planurile și ceilalți trebuiau să le ducă la îndeplinire cu talent și veridicitate. Doar că Maximillan Burke era departe de a fi un sperios și starea lui de depresie și nemulțumire îl făcea imun la jocurile cu fanome sau cu servicul mizerabil al propriilor lui servitori. Cu fiecare nouă încercare de a-l alunga, Maximillian devine tot mai curios cu privire la conac și la cei din jurul lui și mai ales în legătură cu Anne Spencer și așa începe să întrevadă dincolo de aparențe, văluri și tablouri. Destul ca să-l facă să trăiască din nou cu adevărat. Personajul principal este extrem de bine construit de autoare. Nu pentru ca e arătos, curajos, îndrăzneț ci mai ales pentru că este inteligent. Și la fel de inteligentă, curajoasă și îndrăzneață este și cea care îi va sta împotrivă. Inteligența celor doi a conferit romanului un ton plin de umor, de replici reușite și întâmplări verosimile. Romanul este o lectură mai mult decât plăcută pentru oricie gen de cititor.
Teresa Medeiros este o foarte bine cunoscută autoare de romane de dragoste care au fost și sunt traduse în mai multe limbi. S-a născut la 26 octombrie 1962 și a publicat primul roman pe când avea vârsta de 21 de ani bucurându-se de succes la public dar și la critica de specialitate.
Eroul principal al romanului " Ispita atingerii tale" este Maximillian Burke, conte de Dravenwood. După căsătoria fratelui său Ashley cu Clarinda de care era și el îndrăgostit, Maximillian Burke se schimbă total. Devine veșnic furios, nervos și gata să accepte și să provoace orice fel de duel pentru ceea ce consideră că este o atingere a orgoliului și mândriei sale. Renumit pentru capacitatea sa de negociere care i-a adus și funcția de președinte al Consiliului Director al Companiei Indiilor de est, Burke devine de la o zi la alta un bărbat lipsit de control. Se decide să-și dea demisia din toate funcțiile și să se autoexileze pe o proprietate pe care și-o achiziționae undeva în Cornwall, la conacul Cadwick despre care nu știa mare lucru. Pleacă spre noua sa reședință fără a apela la propria sa trăsură și ajunge la hanul din apropriere într-o seară întunecoasă și ploioasă. La han află cu surprindere că nimeni nu se încumetă să-l ducă la noua sa reședință indiferent cât de mulți bani le-ar fi oferit.În cele din urmă găsește omul dispus să riște un drum până la conacul despre care localnicii erau convinși că era bântuit de fantome periculoase. Și-a dat repede seama că în Cornwall oamenii preferă să creadă mai mul în propriile lor povești înspăimântătoare decât în banala realitate. Conacul schimbase mai multe rânduri de proprietari efemeri după ce adevăratul proprietar fusese arestat pentru uciderea unui pictor care încercase să-i corupa fata iar fiica lui se sinucisese aruncându-se în marea învolburată de pe malul stâncos. Fantoma de care se temeau toți era fantoma acestei fete moarte la doar 18 ani, numită Doamna în Alb. Și totuși clădirea nu era complet goala, rămăseseră acolo în permanență un grup de servitori extrem de ciudați în ochii localnicilor. Era menajera Anne Spencer, valetul Dickon abia intrat în adolescență, Pippa camerista, fetele în casă Beth, Bess, Betsy, Lizzi, bătrâna Nana cu o veșnică împletitură în mână, câinele Pipiloi, pisica Degțel Pufoșel precum și ciudatul majordom Hodges. Acest grup ciudat care nu avea nimic din aura unor adevărați servitori de casă mare, aveau propria lor agendă și venirea noului proprietar îi deranjează cât se poate de mult. De aceea decid să facă tot posibilul să-l alunge așa cum făcuseră și cu cei de dinaintea lui. Anne Spencer era cea care făcea planurile și ceilalți trebuiau să le ducă la îndeplinire cu talent și veridicitate. Doar că Maximillan Burke era departe de a fi un sperios și starea lui de depresie și nemulțumire îl făcea imun la jocurile cu fanome sau cu servicul mizerabil al propriilor lui servitori. Cu fiecare nouă încercare de a-l alunga, Maximillian devine tot mai curios cu privire la conac și la cei din jurul lui și mai ales în legătură cu Anne Spencer și așa începe să întrevadă dincolo de aparențe, văluri și tablouri. Destul ca să-l facă să trăiască din nou cu adevărat. Personajul principal este extrem de bine construit de autoare. Nu pentru ca e arătos, curajos, îndrăzneț ci mai ales pentru că este inteligent. Și la fel de inteligentă, curajoasă și îndrăzneață este și cea care îi va sta împotrivă. Inteligența celor doi a conferit romanului un ton plin de umor, de replici reușite și întâmplări verosimile. Romanul este o lectură mai mult decât plăcută pentru oricie gen de cititor.
March 27, 2013
I was not expecting much from this series. After reading 3/4 of the first book, The Pleasure of Your Kiss, I abandoned it. Seriously, I could not comprehend the book because it was different from Teresa Medeiros's usual fare. And to think that the sultan had a harem makes me cringed. I seriously do not like that book.
And if anyone knows me, I am an ardent fan of Teresa Medeiros, since I was a teenager. I have read all her books except a few. Of course, I always have high expectation for her books - because she wrote with the humorous flair that I love so much.
Even though this was rated 3 star, I breathed a sigh of relief since the author stick to her winning formula of interesting supporting characters - endearing and funny. And I would say, quite mysterious. The hero and heroine, both had a dark past, and I was relieved that Maximillan Burke found Anne Spencer to soothe his broken heart.
Between the two Burke brothers, I love Maximillan more. The author painted his character alive - an uptight hero who has always been proper for the rest of his life, and suddenly was jilted by the bride (the bride left him for the other Burke). Then he just feel that he need to live for the moment, without care about the people around him.
The connection between hero and heroine are unbelieveable and it sizzles. The sexual tension are always there, believe me when I say the undercurrent is strong enough without acting physical on it.
I love the twist at the end of the book. Ms Medeiros invented heavily in the characterisation of Anne Spencer, that I viewed her in a new way. A house keeper who love everyone around her, and tries to make the best of her situation. Which shows that the author always painted a strong heroine character.
With this book, I again fall in love with Ms Medeiros writings. After quite a few disappointments with her latest release, this one at least makes me remember why I love her books so much.
And if anyone knows me, I am an ardent fan of Teresa Medeiros, since I was a teenager. I have read all her books except a few. Of course, I always have high expectation for her books - because she wrote with the humorous flair that I love so much.
Even though this was rated 3 star, I breathed a sigh of relief since the author stick to her winning formula of interesting supporting characters - endearing and funny. And I would say, quite mysterious. The hero and heroine, both had a dark past, and I was relieved that Maximillan Burke found Anne Spencer to soothe his broken heart.
Between the two Burke brothers, I love Maximillan more. The author painted his character alive - an uptight hero who has always been proper for the rest of his life, and suddenly was jilted by the bride (the bride left him for the other Burke). Then he just feel that he need to live for the moment, without care about the people around him.
The connection between hero and heroine are unbelieveable and it sizzles. The sexual tension are always there, believe me when I say the undercurrent is strong enough without acting physical on it.
I love the twist at the end of the book. Ms Medeiros invented heavily in the characterisation of Anne Spencer, that I viewed her in a new way. A house keeper who love everyone around her, and tries to make the best of her situation. Which shows that the author always painted a strong heroine character.
With this book, I again fall in love with Ms Medeiros writings. After quite a few disappointments with her latest release, this one at least makes me remember why I love her books so much.
July 3, 2017
I just loved this book! After reading The Pleasure of Your Kiss I couldn’t wait for its sequel featuring the older Burke brother, Maximillian. This book did not disappoint. What is interesting about this one, compared to Ms. Medeiros’ other books, this has a touch of gothic in it, which makes it fun and mysterious. Unfortunately, I figured out the twist at the end about 100 pages from the ending, but I was very happy how everything turned out. If you are a fan of Ashton and Clarinda, you will be pleased to know they do make a brief cameo in this book. You also learn more about what happened to Poppy.
Max, his heart broken by his fiancé who jilted him at the alter for his younger brother, tries to stop being the “nice guy.” This leads him to a duel and then has to high-tail it out of London for awhile. Max chooses to go his family’s most remote estate, Cadwyck Manor, which comes equipped with a ghost and everything- The White Lady. Max has to not only battle his own grief at losing the woman he loves, but the eclectic staff of the manor, led by none other than Mrs. Anne Spencer, the housekeeper. Max finds Anne irresistible, even though she tries to push him away at every turn.
Anne and the staff have successfully driven away all the other owners of Cadwyck Manor, but are not so fortunate to succeed with Max. The inhabitants want to left alone and to their own devices. However, Max doesn’t believe in ghost and hocus-pocus and is determined to find out what happened to Angelica- The White Lady- who’s breathtakingly beautiful portrait resides at the very heart of the house.
Again, I can’t say how much I loved this book, of course, Ms. Medeiros is an incomparable writer who never fails to spin an entertaining tale. I love that she focuses on quality and not on quantity.
Max, his heart broken by his fiancé who jilted him at the alter for his younger brother, tries to stop being the “nice guy.” This leads him to a duel and then has to high-tail it out of London for awhile. Max chooses to go his family’s most remote estate, Cadwyck Manor, which comes equipped with a ghost and everything- The White Lady. Max has to not only battle his own grief at losing the woman he loves, but the eclectic staff of the manor, led by none other than Mrs. Anne Spencer, the housekeeper. Max finds Anne irresistible, even though she tries to push him away at every turn.
Anne and the staff have successfully driven away all the other owners of Cadwyck Manor, but are not so fortunate to succeed with Max. The inhabitants want to left alone and to their own devices. However, Max doesn’t believe in ghost and hocus-pocus and is determined to find out what happened to Angelica- The White Lady- who’s breathtakingly beautiful portrait resides at the very heart of the house.
Again, I can’t say how much I loved this book, of course, Ms. Medeiros is an incomparable writer who never fails to spin an entertaining tale. I love that she focuses on quality and not on quantity.
February 25, 2015
3.5/5
Mucho mejor que la anterior.
Vuelve Maximilien, el que salió perdiendo del libro anterior. Ahora solo, humillado, amargado y confundido, se refugia en Cornualles, donde su particular servicio doméstico se las hará ver negras.
Seré sincera, el comienzo de este libro no me gustó. Anne deliberadamente trata mal a Max para obligarlo a abandonar su residencia, lo esconde bajo una sonrisa servicial, pero el chico casi muere de hambre. No me gustan ese tipo de situaciones. Yo rogaba porque Max se despabilara un poco y pusiera orden en SU servicio y en la manera que manejaban SU casa. La forma en que dejó pasar todas esas cosas me sacó de quicio.
El misterio sobre la Dama Blanca resultó obvio para todos menos para Max, que, pobre, no caza una. Hay revelaciones que sí lograron sorprenderme. Y me alegra que en cierto punto, las cosas mejoraran. Que Anne dejara de intentar "matar" a su jefe y que Max por fin dejara ir a Clarinda.
Clarinda está muy presente en este libro, no físicamente, sino como el demonio personal de Max. Clarinda representa la juventud de este, sus sueños y anhelos, y no hay manera de que la supere tan a la ligera. Eso me gustó.
La escena de Clarinda y Max me sacó lágrimas, porque siento que necesitaban eso, un último encuentro para dejar ir de una vez por todas el pasado que les pesa a ambos.
El romance entre Anne y Max pudo haber sido muchísimo mejor. En serio, nada costaba mostrarme algo de intimidad, no sexual, sino de momentos juntos que pasen cómodamente. Pero me enganchó, al menos cuando más ganas tenía de dejarlo tirado (al libro).
Con ese final, solo quiero gritar por una historia para Theo, o Dickon o Pippa!
Mucho mejor que la anterior.
Vuelve Maximilien, el que salió perdiendo del libro anterior. Ahora solo, humillado, amargado y confundido, se refugia en Cornualles, donde su particular servicio doméstico se las hará ver negras.
Seré sincera, el comienzo de este libro no me gustó. Anne deliberadamente trata mal a Max para obligarlo a abandonar su residencia, lo esconde bajo una sonrisa servicial, pero el chico casi muere de hambre. No me gustan ese tipo de situaciones. Yo rogaba porque Max se despabilara un poco y pusiera orden en SU servicio y en la manera que manejaban SU casa. La forma en que dejó pasar todas esas cosas me sacó de quicio.
El misterio sobre la Dama Blanca resultó obvio para todos menos para Max, que, pobre, no caza una. Hay revelaciones que sí lograron sorprenderme. Y me alegra que en cierto punto, las cosas mejoraran. Que Anne dejara de intentar "matar" a su jefe y que Max por fin dejara ir a Clarinda.
Clarinda está muy presente en este libro, no físicamente, sino como el demonio personal de Max. Clarinda representa la juventud de este, sus sueños y anhelos, y no hay manera de que la supere tan a la ligera. Eso me gustó.
La escena de Clarinda y Max me sacó lágrimas, porque siento que necesitaban eso, un último encuentro para dejar ir de una vez por todas el pasado que les pesa a ambos.
El romance entre Anne y Max pudo haber sido muchísimo mejor. En serio, nada costaba mostrarme algo de intimidad, no sexual, sino de momentos juntos que pasen cómodamente. Pero me enganchó, al menos cuando más ganas tenía de dejarlo tirado (al libro).
Con ese final, solo quiero gritar por una historia para Theo, o Dickon o Pippa!
December 30, 2020
Había leído muy buenas críticas de este libro y venía con ganas. Pero me he quedado bastante fría buscando dónde estaba el qué. Está bien, no tiene grandes problemas, no es un libro pesado... pero no tiene nada especial. Es un romance como tantos otros, con personajes olvidables y típicos, y una evolución bastante nimia. ¿Las expectativas se comieron la gracia? Puede. También es verdad que yo al haber leído tanto de romance histórico inglés, a no ser que la autora se congracie conmigo con un estilo que me atrape, muchas veces acabo sintiendo que es más de lo mismo... o simplemente que si mi patata no se vuelve loca, aquí nos quedamos en el 3 básico olvidable y ya.
November 10, 2014
Esta es una novela que tenía muchas ganas de leer, porque la sinopsis me atraía y la portada también, pero que al final ha sido un poco diferente a lo que esperaba. El ambiente que se respira es lúgubre, oscuro, el escenario es una casa sucia, vieja, descuidada y la gente que cuida de esa casa y que será el servicio de Max, el nuevo dueño de la casa, es hostil.
Sin embargo, ese mismo servicio forma una pintoresca familia de personajes muy peculiares y que merece la pena conocer. Anne es la ama da llaves y ella es quien mejor conocerá a Max, y sus planes cambian a medida que la conoce. La relación amorosa entre ellos no me ha parecido muy especial, sino uno más, creo que se podría mejorar mucho si todo se profundizase y se extendiese más.
Por esta vez, os dejaré el enlace a mi reseña, donde me explayo más: http://excentriks.blogspot.com.es/201... y lo único que quiero decir es que es un libro que a pesar de pertenecer a una saga se puede leer de forma individual, como hice yo y no hay ningún problema.
Sin embargo, ese mismo servicio forma una pintoresca familia de personajes muy peculiares y que merece la pena conocer. Anne es la ama da llaves y ella es quien mejor conocerá a Max, y sus planes cambian a medida que la conoce. La relación amorosa entre ellos no me ha parecido muy especial, sino uno más, creo que se podría mejorar mucho si todo se profundizase y se extendiese más.
Por esta vez, os dejaré el enlace a mi reseña, donde me explayo más: http://excentriks.blogspot.com.es/201... y lo único que quiero decir es que es un libro que a pesar de pertenecer a una saga se puede leer de forma individual, como hice yo y no hay ningún problema.
March 6, 2016
Teresa Medeiros escreveu uma história leve, divertida, com diálogos mais que perfeitos. Adoro um livro quando eles fazem minhas endorfinas levarem pra longe meu stress e posso dizer que ele me fez rir, me deixando num estado de leveza...
Os ingredientes foram um fantasma feminino, uma ama de chaves nada convencional e um duque que perdeu a mulher que amava para o irmão mais novo(ótima a história dele/El placer de un beso). Misturou personagens secundários fascinantes e conseguiu me manter grudada em suas páginas até terminá-lo. Só não dou 5 estrelas pelo caída do ritmo no final. E com isso TM fecha a série dos irmãos Burke.
Os ingredientes foram um fantasma feminino, uma ama de chaves nada convencional e um duque que perdeu a mulher que amava para o irmão mais novo(ótima a história dele/El placer de un beso). Misturou personagens secundários fascinantes e conseguiu me manter grudada em suas páginas até terminá-lo. Só não dou 5 estrelas pelo caída do ritmo no final. E com isso TM fecha a série dos irmãos Burke.
April 10, 2012
I love it when historicals address an identifiable modern relationship problem. With this one, it sounds like the hero is a Nice Guy (TM) who has one of those Thwarted Nice Guy (TM) tantrums where he decides that all girls want assholes so decides to be an asshole for a while. If he complains about being put into the friendzone and consults the Comté de Roissy for advice on negging girls at Almack's I will never stop laughing.
February 17, 2013
I'll be honest, I figured out the twist in the beginning of the book, but the the story was too delightful to put down. I adored Anne and Max and the motley crew of servants at Cadgwyck Manor and the ghost. It made me laugh and tear up and fall in love.
April 17, 2019
İlk kitap olan The Pleasure of Your Kiss'e göre biraz daha iyi, yine de yetersiz bir kitaptı.
Karakterler arası diyaloglar ve ilişkiler bildiğim Teresa'ya daha yakındı. Diğerine göre daha oturaklı bir hikaye olması da artı bir yönüydü.
Max ile Anne kişilikleri bakımından daha ilginç ve daha sevilesi karakterlerdi. Yalnız karakterleri iyi oluşturulmasına rağmen hikayedeki işlenişleri çok yetersizdi.
Maalesef bu kitapta da çiftin birbiriyle iletişimi sınırlıydı. Daha çok efendi-hizmetçi ilişkisi üzerinde durulmuştu. Ayrıca Max'ın sürekli Angelica -bazen de Clarinda- diye sayıklaması da Anne'ye olan sevgisine inanmamam için en büyük sebepti.
Cadgwyck Manor çalışanları genel olarak iyiydi fakat kitapta haddinden fazla yer kaplamışlardı.
Hikayenin bir yerden sonra nasıl biteceğini anlamak da -ne kadar hikaye bunu saklama çabası içinde olsa da- zor değildi.
Üzülerek söylüyorum ki Burke Brothers serisi Teresa'nın en kötü işlerinden biri olmuş.
Karakterler arası diyaloglar ve ilişkiler bildiğim Teresa'ya daha yakındı. Diğerine göre daha oturaklı bir hikaye olması da artı bir yönüydü.
Max ile Anne kişilikleri bakımından daha ilginç ve daha sevilesi karakterlerdi. Yalnız karakterleri iyi oluşturulmasına rağmen hikayedeki işlenişleri çok yetersizdi.
Maalesef bu kitapta da çiftin birbiriyle iletişimi sınırlıydı. Daha çok efendi-hizmetçi ilişkisi üzerinde durulmuştu. Ayrıca Max'ın sürekli Angelica -bazen de Clarinda- diye sayıklaması da Anne'ye olan sevgisine inanmamam için en büyük sebepti.
Cadgwyck Manor çalışanları genel olarak iyiydi fakat kitapta haddinden fazla yer kaplamışlardı.
Hikayenin bir yerden sonra nasıl biteceğini anlamak da -ne kadar hikaye bunu saklama çabası içinde olsa da- zor değildi.
Üzülerek söylüyorum ki Burke Brothers serisi Teresa'nın en kötü işlerinden biri olmuş.
June 29, 2019
Ik heb de Nederlands talige uitgave gelezen : In de geest van de liefde - Candlelight Historische roman 1086
Ik heb bij dit verhaal geen idee waarom en wanneer de 2 hoofdpersonen verliefd op elkaar werden en dat is definitief een minpunt bij een romantisch bedoeld verhaal , maar het is onderhoudend geschreven dus ik geef het toch 4 sterren .
Ik heb bij dit verhaal geen idee waarom en wanneer de 2 hoofdpersonen verliefd op elkaar werden en dat is definitief een minpunt bij een romantisch bedoeld verhaal , maar het is onderhoudend geschreven dus ik geef het toch 4 sterren .
April 10, 2017
Actiunea nu a fost cine stie ce, dar povestea m-a binedispus teribil! Ca de obicei, Medeiros a reusit sa ma faca sa rad in hohote!
October 23, 2017
En serio creo que debo de leer MÁS libros de esta autora. Porque simplemente este me ha maravillado. Es un 5 de 5 totalmente ganado.
April 5, 2020
This is an enjoyable, light and quick read. If nothing else was interfering with my reading, I could of had this done in a day.
November 12, 2017
2.75 stars rounded upto 3.
Grade: C
A case of good writing but really bad storyline. And the last 20 percent of the book was just borderline awful.
Grade: C
A case of good writing but really bad storyline. And the last 20 percent of the book was just borderline awful.
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