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Nemesis, Unlimited #2
Dangerous Seduction
In Zoë Archer's Dangerous Seduction, Alyce Carr has no time for the strange man in her little Cornwall village, no matter how breathtakingly handsome he is. Life in Trewyn doesn't allow for much fun—the managers of the copper mine barely provide the miners and their families with enough food. Outsiders are suspect and flirts are unimaginable, but Simon Sharpe is as keen as his name…and Alyce can't ignore him for long.
As the founder of Nemesis, Unlimited, Simon Addison-Shawe is well accustomed to disguise and deceit. Yet he's not prepared for Alyce's dogged defense of her people and the injustices the copper mine has dealt them. With Alyce's help he can change the fate of an entire town, and convincing her to join him is only part of the thrill. Together, they ignite a desire in each other much too powerful to deny. But at what cost?
As the founder of Nemesis, Unlimited, Simon Addison-Shawe is well accustomed to disguise and deceit. Yet he's not prepared for Alyce's dogged defense of her people and the injustices the copper mine has dealt them. With Alyce's help he can change the fate of an entire town, and convincing her to join him is only part of the thrill. Together, they ignite a desire in each other much too powerful to deny. But at what cost?
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 26, 2013
1 person is currently reading
512 people want to read
About the author
Zoe Archer
22 books651 followersZoë Archer is a RITA award-nominated romance author whose stories are about smart, capable heroines and the heroes who love them. She is the author of the acclaimed Blades of the Rose series, as well as the Hellraiser, and Nemesis Unlimited series, among others. She also writes Regency-set romances as Eva Leigh. Visit her on the Web at http://www.zoearcherbooks.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 24, 2016
I've given this a B+ grade at AAR, so 4.5 stars
This story reads like a kind of 19th century episode of Hustle (that’s Leverage to those of you on the other side of the pond!). Nemesis Unlimited is an underground organization operating in the late Victorian era, which fights injustice and rights wrongs using whatever means necessary. In this, the second book in the series, an anonymous letter has requested help on behalf of the employees of a Cornish mining company who are being cheated of their pay and being forced to work under terrible conditions. I found the story quite gripping and there was a grittiness to the writing that isn’t commonly found in historical romances; it was also a nice change to have a story set outside of London with a heroine who has to work for her living and a hero who, while being the younger son of a wealthy family, doesn’t take his privileged life for granted.
A veteran of Islandwana and Rourke’s Drift, Simon Addison-Shawe is not your common or garden scion of a noble house. He’s the black sheep of the family and has a none-too-cordial relationship with his father, who was outraged when Simon opted to join the army as an enlisted man rather than purchasing a commission.
Returned from the army and at a loss as to what to do with his life, Simon was determined not to spend his days in the gentlemen’s clubs frequented by the rich and idle, and when, together with a couple of friends, he was presented with the opportunity to expose a corrupt landlord, he grabbed it with both hands and Nemesis was born. Nemesis achieves its objectives by sleight of hand and confidence tricks rather than by brute force – although brute force is never completely ruled out as an option.
In Dangerous Seduction Simon – who usually doesn’t take on jobs outside of London – travels to Cornwall to investigate the goings on at Wheal Prosperity near the village of Trewyn. He goes undercover as a mechanic; he may be a gentleman, but he’s not above getting his hands dirty in a good cause, and it doesn’t take him long to discover that this is a very good cause indeed. The workers are all but held prisoner by the greedy mine-owners; instead of paying them in cash, the workforce is paid with “chit”, or tokens, which they can spend only at the company store. They’re more or less indentured servants – nobody can leave as nobody has any actual money, and any new workers that come to Trewyn are soon trapped in the same situation.
Simon already has the bare bones of a plan in mind – but he can’t execute it alone. He quickly realizes that Alyce Carr, one of the bal-maidens (these were usually female workers whose job it was to smash up the lumps of ore that came up from the mine) is a woman of courage and intelligence and one who is ideally placed to help him to put his scheme into action.
Simon also quickly notices that Alyce, while not petite and curved as per the accepted standard for feminine beauty, is nonetheless a very attractive woman, and one with whom he’d very much like to be on intimate terms. But the members of Nemesis have an unwritten rule about not mixing business with pleasure (even though the protagonists of the previous book did just that!) and so Simon has to push his lustful urgings aside in order to focus on accomplishing the mission.
This story reads like a kind of 19th century episode of Hustle (that’s Leverage to those of you on the other side of the pond!). Nemesis Unlimited is an underground organization operating in the late Victorian era, which fights injustice and rights wrongs using whatever means necessary. In this, the second book in the series, an anonymous letter has requested help on behalf of the employees of a Cornish mining company who are being cheated of their pay and being forced to work under terrible conditions. I found the story quite gripping and there was a grittiness to the writing that isn’t commonly found in historical romances; it was also a nice change to have a story set outside of London with a heroine who has to work for her living and a hero who, while being the younger son of a wealthy family, doesn’t take his privileged life for granted.
A veteran of Islandwana and Rourke’s Drift, Simon Addison-Shawe is not your common or garden scion of a noble house. He’s the black sheep of the family and has a none-too-cordial relationship with his father, who was outraged when Simon opted to join the army as an enlisted man rather than purchasing a commission.
Returned from the army and at a loss as to what to do with his life, Simon was determined not to spend his days in the gentlemen’s clubs frequented by the rich and idle, and when, together with a couple of friends, he was presented with the opportunity to expose a corrupt landlord, he grabbed it with both hands and Nemesis was born. Nemesis achieves its objectives by sleight of hand and confidence tricks rather than by brute force – although brute force is never completely ruled out as an option.
In Dangerous Seduction Simon – who usually doesn’t take on jobs outside of London – travels to Cornwall to investigate the goings on at Wheal Prosperity near the village of Trewyn. He goes undercover as a mechanic; he may be a gentleman, but he’s not above getting his hands dirty in a good cause, and it doesn’t take him long to discover that this is a very good cause indeed. The workers are all but held prisoner by the greedy mine-owners; instead of paying them in cash, the workforce is paid with “chit”, or tokens, which they can spend only at the company store. They’re more or less indentured servants – nobody can leave as nobody has any actual money, and any new workers that come to Trewyn are soon trapped in the same situation.
Simon already has the bare bones of a plan in mind – but he can’t execute it alone. He quickly realizes that Alyce Carr, one of the bal-maidens (these were usually female workers whose job it was to smash up the lumps of ore that came up from the mine) is a woman of courage and intelligence and one who is ideally placed to help him to put his scheme into action.
Simon also quickly notices that Alyce, while not petite and curved as per the accepted standard for feminine beauty, is nonetheless a very attractive woman, and one with whom he’d very much like to be on intimate terms. But the members of Nemesis have an unwritten rule about not mixing business with pleasure (even though the protagonists of the previous book did just that!) and so Simon has to push his lustful urgings aside in order to focus on accomplishing the mission.
The story progresses at a fair lick and there’s never a dull moment. Ms Archer has very cleverly constructed the novel in such a way that the reader is plunged immediately into the story – there’s no lengthy introduction or glimpse of Simon’s life prior to his arrival at the mine. It’s true that anyone who has read the previous book (Sweet Revenge) will have met him already, but for someone who hasn’t, this one can be read as a standalone, as all the information the reader needs unfolds naturally in the course of Simon’s association with Alyce.
The author does an excellent job in describing the plight of the miners and their families, and in contrasting it with the lifestyles of plenty enjoyed by the mine’s managers and owners. Simon is an aristocrat by birth, but one who keenly feels the injustices wrought by his class on those less fortunate, and who uses his position in society to help him in his work. As landed gentry, he is able to move easily among the ton and has access to information and gossip which other members of Nemesis do not.
Alyce Carr is not afraid to confront the mine’s managers in an attempt to stand up for the rights of the workers. Unfortunately, however, all her outspoken-ness gets her is a reputation as a troublemaker, but she’s determined not to give up. All she’s known is Trewyn and her work at the mine, and she seems destined to remain a spinster – none of the men there are man enough for her! - and doting aunt to her brother’s children. But even with such narrow prospects, Alyce is intelligent, eager for knowledge and determined to find a way to improve the lot of her family and fellow workers.
Both Simon and Alyce are engaging and likeable characters. Alyce is pragmatic, with a good dose of guts and determination to go alongside it, and Simon is a gorgeous alpha male who doesn’t belittle Alyce’s intelligence, talk down to her or try to wrap her up in cotton wool. He’s protective, yes, but is sensible enough to recognise when his protective instinct is unwarranted or unwise.
As an adventure story, Dangerous Seduction succeeds brilliantly, and on the whole, the romance was strong and well-developed. The deepening ‘professional’ trust between Simon and Alyce is nicely paralleled in the deepening of their feelings for one another, but there was one element to the romance which didn’t really work for me. The sexual tension between the pair simmers from the outset, and the author builds it – and their relationship – beautifully, despite the many obstacles that lay potentially in the path towards their HEA. In fact, one of the things I thought worked really well was the fact that neither was particularly bothered about the huge class divide that lay between them. But what didn’t work for me were the reasons Simon kept giving – both to himself and to Alyce – about why they couldn’t allow anything more than friendship to develop between them, which were basically that he needed to focus on the mission and that after that he’d be going back to London and his next assignment.
I can certainly see why he’d think that his way of life and his job might not be conducive to marriage. But then, having been insistent that they must keep their hands off each other for three-quarters of the book, Simon changes his mind almost out of the blue and the pair share a night of hot sex and unbridled passion :P It seems that all Alyce had to do to tip the scales was give him a hand-job before dinner, et voilà!
That niggle apart, however, Dangerous Seduction is a refreshingly unusual historical romance with a clever plot, a dangerously handsome hero, a kick-arse heroine and a really well-drawn cast of secondary characters. I’d certainly recommend it to anyone looking for something a bit different in the genre, and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
November 24, 2019
An 1886 Cornwall copper mine, a town exploited by unscrupulous profiteers and an anonymous letter asking The Nemesis for help, a secret organisation bent on righting the wrongs the lower classes are often subjected to. Sent to investigate, Simon Addison-Shawe meets resourceful Alyce Carr and together they will try to find a way out of misery for the whole community and to have the deceiving businessmen pay for their ruthlessness.
Engaging writing and dialogues as trademark Zoë Archer, strong and smart leads who always are rewardingly able to team-up, enough tension plot and romance-wise to keep you eagerly turning the pages. Here, I particularly appreciated how more space than usual was left for character build and introspection compared to book 1 in the series, Sweet Revenge, though I found again a sensual love story and a grittier Victorian setting making for an original and exciting read.
June 15, 2014
Originally published at Reading Reality
I want more Alyce. Probably Simon agrees with me, but the heroine of Dangerous Seduction, Alyce Carr, was awesome on so many levels I don’t know where to begin.
Not that the hero was bad, either, but Simon is merely terrific, where Alyce is practically a superheroine.
Someone in the remote Cornish mining village of Trewyn has written an anonymous letter to Nemesis, Unlimited outlining all of the many and varied abuses visited on the community by the owners of the Wheal Prosperity mine. Yes, the name comes across as supremely ironic, because the mineworkers are anything but prosperous.
Working for Wheal Prosperity has become the closest equivalent to chattel slavery available in the U.K. The company pays only in scrip, which is only usable at the company store. Which of course inflates its prices and sells spoiled goods. The owners borrowed the whole concept from the American West, and it was just as horrible there, too.
The scrip is not transferable into cash. No one can ever save up any money to get away, because there is no real money. And Trewyn is 10 miles from the nearest town, so there’s nowhere to go, and no one to notice.
Until Nemesis brings Simon to their door. Simon Addison-Shawe may be an aristocrat, but that’s not what this job needs. So Simon fakes his way in as a machinist. The mine needs engineers to keep the pumps working, and Simon gets the job. On his very first day, he meets Alyce Carr, a woman from as different a background as possible from the drawing rooms his family inhabits.
Alyce is a bal-maiden. She’s one of the women who swing a heavy hammer to break up the chunks of ore into small enough pieces to be usable. She’s physically strong, and mentally self-reliant. Also completely defiant, when Simon meets her, she’s arguing with the managers about the rancid butter in the store.
Alyce hasn’t been cowed or bowed by conditions at the mine since the new ownership took over ten years ago. She’s an unacknowledged leader of the community, but she doesn’t know it. Only Simon sees how people look to her to settle their disputes and answer their concerns.
He needs an ally who knows the community. He’s fascinated by this woman who doesn’t hide her strength of mind or body, unlike all the useless twits he meets in society.
Alyce doesn’t trust this stranger who starts out defying the corrupt constabulary, and invites himself home to dinner with her and her brother and sister-in-law. When Simon reveals what he’s really up to, she’s more distrustful, and more intrigued by the possibility of finally righting the village’s wrongs.
Alyce is all in with Simon’s plans to outfox the mine owners, to the point of risking her life, but she’s less certain of risking her heart to a man who can’t stay in the place she feels bound. And Simon loves Alyce, but he’s been taught that duty, in his case his duty with Nemesis, comes before everything he might want.
Escape Rating A: The beginning is just a tiny bit slow, because absolutely everything in Trewyn is so grim that it weighs the story down. Once Simon and Alyce start taking the fight to the managers (the butter run is marvelous) the story becomes an absolute page-turner.
Simon finds himself by becoming a mining machinist. Not because Trewyn is a great place to live (it isn’t) but because he doesn’t just immerse himself in his role, but he expands himself into it. Everyone in Trewyn is living their life as best as they can, and in spite of the hardships, there is a tremendous amount of love and friendship. Simon the machinist is able to be closer to his true self, playing a part, than he is in the drawing rooms and sporting clubs that are supposed to be his natural habitat.
Alyce finds herself, too. Not just because she has found a man strong enough in himself to love her as she is, and not need her to pretend to be less, but also because Simon makes her stretch to reach new ideas and new goals. He needs a true partner, and she’s always needed someone who wanted everything she had to give. Nemesis needs everything and more, if she’s to help defraud the owners and defend the town.
Their love story absolutely glows. Both of them have always put duty and responsibility before anything else, and they believe that what they have found together is something that they can’t keep, but can’t resist while it lasts, no matter how much it’s going to hurt.
They work hard for their HEA, and it’s awesome.
I have enjoyed the entire Nemesis, Unlimited series (Sweet Revenge and Winter's Heat, here) but I adored Dangerous Seduction so much, that I couldn’t wait to dive into the next book in the series, Wicked Temptation. I hope I can tempt you to take a look at my joint review with E_Bookpushers today over at The Book Pushers.
I want more Alyce. Probably Simon agrees with me, but the heroine of Dangerous Seduction, Alyce Carr, was awesome on so many levels I don’t know where to begin.
Not that the hero was bad, either, but Simon is merely terrific, where Alyce is practically a superheroine.
Someone in the remote Cornish mining village of Trewyn has written an anonymous letter to Nemesis, Unlimited outlining all of the many and varied abuses visited on the community by the owners of the Wheal Prosperity mine. Yes, the name comes across as supremely ironic, because the mineworkers are anything but prosperous.
Working for Wheal Prosperity has become the closest equivalent to chattel slavery available in the U.K. The company pays only in scrip, which is only usable at the company store. Which of course inflates its prices and sells spoiled goods. The owners borrowed the whole concept from the American West, and it was just as horrible there, too.
The scrip is not transferable into cash. No one can ever save up any money to get away, because there is no real money. And Trewyn is 10 miles from the nearest town, so there’s nowhere to go, and no one to notice.
Until Nemesis brings Simon to their door. Simon Addison-Shawe may be an aristocrat, but that’s not what this job needs. So Simon fakes his way in as a machinist. The mine needs engineers to keep the pumps working, and Simon gets the job. On his very first day, he meets Alyce Carr, a woman from as different a background as possible from the drawing rooms his family inhabits.
Alyce is a bal-maiden. She’s one of the women who swing a heavy hammer to break up the chunks of ore into small enough pieces to be usable. She’s physically strong, and mentally self-reliant. Also completely defiant, when Simon meets her, she’s arguing with the managers about the rancid butter in the store.
Alyce hasn’t been cowed or bowed by conditions at the mine since the new ownership took over ten years ago. She’s an unacknowledged leader of the community, but she doesn’t know it. Only Simon sees how people look to her to settle their disputes and answer their concerns.
He needs an ally who knows the community. He’s fascinated by this woman who doesn’t hide her strength of mind or body, unlike all the useless twits he meets in society.
Alyce doesn’t trust this stranger who starts out defying the corrupt constabulary, and invites himself home to dinner with her and her brother and sister-in-law. When Simon reveals what he’s really up to, she’s more distrustful, and more intrigued by the possibility of finally righting the village’s wrongs.
Alyce is all in with Simon’s plans to outfox the mine owners, to the point of risking her life, but she’s less certain of risking her heart to a man who can’t stay in the place she feels bound. And Simon loves Alyce, but he’s been taught that duty, in his case his duty with Nemesis, comes before everything he might want.
Escape Rating A: The beginning is just a tiny bit slow, because absolutely everything in Trewyn is so grim that it weighs the story down. Once Simon and Alyce start taking the fight to the managers (the butter run is marvelous) the story becomes an absolute page-turner.
Simon finds himself by becoming a mining machinist. Not because Trewyn is a great place to live (it isn’t) but because he doesn’t just immerse himself in his role, but he expands himself into it. Everyone in Trewyn is living their life as best as they can, and in spite of the hardships, there is a tremendous amount of love and friendship. Simon the machinist is able to be closer to his true self, playing a part, than he is in the drawing rooms and sporting clubs that are supposed to be his natural habitat.
Alyce finds herself, too. Not just because she has found a man strong enough in himself to love her as she is, and not need her to pretend to be less, but also because Simon makes her stretch to reach new ideas and new goals. He needs a true partner, and she’s always needed someone who wanted everything she had to give. Nemesis needs everything and more, if she’s to help defraud the owners and defend the town.
Their love story absolutely glows. Both of them have always put duty and responsibility before anything else, and they believe that what they have found together is something that they can’t keep, but can’t resist while it lasts, no matter how much it’s going to hurt.
They work hard for their HEA, and it’s awesome.
I have enjoyed the entire Nemesis, Unlimited series (Sweet Revenge and Winter's Heat, here) but I adored Dangerous Seduction so much, that I couldn’t wait to dive into the next book in the series, Wicked Temptation. I hope I can tempt you to take a look at my joint review with E_Bookpushers today over at The Book Pushers.
March 6, 2020
Good
This is a "it's not you, it's me" rating. I can see everything great about this book - particularly the social justice aspect - and yet it left me cold. I liked Alyce and Simon, and their romance, but I just never felt hugely invested.
This is a "it's not you, it's me" rating. I can see everything great about this book - particularly the social justice aspect - and yet it left me cold. I liked Alyce and Simon, and their romance, but I just never felt hugely invested.
July 22, 2016
Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Chelle:
*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review
I actually missed reading book #1 of the NEMESIS UNLIMITED series, but Dangerous Seduction stands well on its own and was an utterly engaging read.
I've been a fan of Zoe Archer's for some time. She has a knack for pulling out uniqueness in a genre that blew up in no time flat and left little room for new ideas. Her world building is always solid and captivating and her characters are strong, engaging, and relatable. From her spunky, independent, strong heroines to her handsome alpha males with their soft sides, and the big bads you love to hate, she has something for everyone. :)
Dangerous Seduction's plot was rife with historical and political intrigue and sucked me in from the very first page. Battling against the injustices being perpetrated by the upper crust against the workers of the Cornwall copper mine, Simon - one of the founding members of Nemesis, Unlimited) goes undercover to right the wrong. While he's there, he meets the strong, capable, and spirited Alyce Carr, a bal-maiden who, despite her sex and station, is not afraid to speak out against the injustice either.
Joining forces to uncover the truth, Simon and Alyce bridge the gap between their classes and learn everything they can about the other while discovering an undeniable attraction between them and fighting to overcome what seems to be some insurmountable hurdles along the way. Their interactions were dynamic and full of life and utterly enjoyable to read.
Dangerous Seduction was a delightfully unique, beautifully written, and utterly exciting tale and I can't wait to read more in the NEMESIS, UNLIMITED world. Most definitely recommended for historical fantasy, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance lovers.
*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review
I actually missed reading book #1 of the NEMESIS UNLIMITED series, but Dangerous Seduction stands well on its own and was an utterly engaging read.
I've been a fan of Zoe Archer's for some time. She has a knack for pulling out uniqueness in a genre that blew up in no time flat and left little room for new ideas. Her world building is always solid and captivating and her characters are strong, engaging, and relatable. From her spunky, independent, strong heroines to her handsome alpha males with their soft sides, and the big bads you love to hate, she has something for everyone. :)
Dangerous Seduction's plot was rife with historical and political intrigue and sucked me in from the very first page. Battling against the injustices being perpetrated by the upper crust against the workers of the Cornwall copper mine, Simon - one of the founding members of Nemesis, Unlimited) goes undercover to right the wrong. While he's there, he meets the strong, capable, and spirited Alyce Carr, a bal-maiden who, despite her sex and station, is not afraid to speak out against the injustice either.
Joining forces to uncover the truth, Simon and Alyce bridge the gap between their classes and learn everything they can about the other while discovering an undeniable attraction between them and fighting to overcome what seems to be some insurmountable hurdles along the way. Their interactions were dynamic and full of life and utterly enjoyable to read.
Dangerous Seduction was a delightfully unique, beautifully written, and utterly exciting tale and I can't wait to read more in the NEMESIS, UNLIMITED world. Most definitely recommended for historical fantasy, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance lovers.
December 4, 2013
This is the second book in the Nemesis Unlimited series and centers on Simon Addison-Shawe. He's awesome, just awesome. He's this high aristocrat who sees the bigger picture and starts a mission disguised as a mechanic (he's a gentleman and this is far, far below his station!) and interacts with members of the mining community. One such miner (and an extremely vocal one at that) is Miss Alyce Carr. This historical contemporary isn't my usual fare, but I love Zoe's writing, and who wouldn't love a highborn yet totally lovable guy like Simon? The fact that Alyce is also a member of the mining community and isn't a typical Victorian romance heroine just adds that bit of spice that makes me want to keep reading the Nemesis series.
To see what Zoe has to say about Dangerous Seduction check out the HEA Blog!
http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyev...
To see what Zoe has to say about Dangerous Seduction check out the HEA Blog!
http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyev...
May 24, 2019
Alyce Carr has no time for the strange man in her little Cornwall village, no matter how breathtakingly handsome he is. Life in Trewyn doesn't allow for much fun—the managers of the copper mine barely provide the miners and their families with enough food. Outsiders are suspect and flirts are unimaginable, but Simon Sharpe is as keen as his name…and Alyce can't ignore him for long.
As the founder of Nemesis, Unlimited, Simon Addison-Shawe is well accustomed to disguise and deceit. Yet he's not prepared for Alyce's dogged defense of her people and the injustices the copper mine has dealt them. With Alyce's help he can change the fate of an entire town, and convincing her to join him is only part of the thrill. Together, they ignite a desire in each other much too powerful to deny. But at what cost?
Great entry in this series.
I loved getting to see more of Simon, who clearly wasn't just the pampered gentleman society would have him be. I thought it was interesting watching him slip into the various roles that he played, and seeing some of the reactions when things were revealed were pretty great. It was also kind of funny watching him attempt to integrate himself with the people of Trewyn and the life of the mine, and the way the different personalities played all around.
Alyce was intriguing. I thought it was interesting how she was pretty much the only one willing to make waves, yet at the same time, she seemed to stop just shy of basically fully jumping in. Until Simon showed up, of course. I liked that she trusted him from the beginning, even after truths were revealed, she didn't exactly stop trusting him, but she definitely became more wary of him. And a lot more likely to jump into the fray. I loved watching her slip into the roles they played; even as worried as she was about everything, she still knew what was important and hid her fear/worry, sometimes even using it to further her character.
I did want to smack both of them though. Like Edgar mentioned, they were both so stubborn. I'm glad that while they both had some talks with other people, it was kind of their own hearts that made them go after each other. I liked that it was a dual changing of the mind/going after them, rather than one chasing the other (granted, that's always an interesting thing too, but these stubborn people kind of needed the mutual turning around).
I did find myself wanting a little more of the others of Nemesis; it felt like they all played a slightly bigger part in the previous book. Maybe that was just because they were being introduced? Not saying they weren't involved, but I just kind of wanted a little bit more of that family dynamic. I did love Eva and Jack's participation though. Knowing this series was compared to Leverage, I could really see the scene between Simon, Jack and the mine owners as one with Hardison (Simon) and Eliot (Jack), no trouble (Maybe the other way around; but that would have added a little more comedy to the scene).
As the founder of Nemesis, Unlimited, Simon Addison-Shawe is well accustomed to disguise and deceit. Yet he's not prepared for Alyce's dogged defense of her people and the injustices the copper mine has dealt them. With Alyce's help he can change the fate of an entire town, and convincing her to join him is only part of the thrill. Together, they ignite a desire in each other much too powerful to deny. But at what cost?
Great entry in this series.
I loved getting to see more of Simon, who clearly wasn't just the pampered gentleman society would have him be. I thought it was interesting watching him slip into the various roles that he played, and seeing some of the reactions when things were revealed were pretty great. It was also kind of funny watching him attempt to integrate himself with the people of Trewyn and the life of the mine, and the way the different personalities played all around.
Alyce was intriguing. I thought it was interesting how she was pretty much the only one willing to make waves, yet at the same time, she seemed to stop just shy of basically fully jumping in. Until Simon showed up, of course. I liked that she trusted him from the beginning, even after truths were revealed, she didn't exactly stop trusting him, but she definitely became more wary of him. And a lot more likely to jump into the fray. I loved watching her slip into the roles they played; even as worried as she was about everything, she still knew what was important and hid her fear/worry, sometimes even using it to further her character.
I did want to smack both of them though. Like Edgar mentioned, they were both so stubborn. I'm glad that while they both had some talks with other people, it was kind of their own hearts that made them go after each other. I liked that it was a dual changing of the mind/going after them, rather than one chasing the other (granted, that's always an interesting thing too, but these stubborn people kind of needed the mutual turning around).
I did find myself wanting a little more of the others of Nemesis; it felt like they all played a slightly bigger part in the previous book. Maybe that was just because they were being introduced? Not saying they weren't involved, but I just kind of wanted a little bit more of that family dynamic. I did love Eva and Jack's participation though. Knowing this series was compared to Leverage, I could really see the scene between Simon, Jack and the mine owners as one with Hardison (Simon) and Eliot (Jack), no trouble (Maybe the other way around; but that would have added a little more comedy to the scene).
July 2, 2018
I don't know why but it took me a little while to jump into this book. But once I finally did, I really enjoyed it. The characters are amazing, the romance is intense and the story is seriously entertaining.
Simon is an intriguing hero. Usually a one track mind...focused on the mission and nothing else. But of course Alyce Carr changes everything. I like the back story with Simon...the gentleman wishing to make something more of his life. Wanting to be more than his status. You fall in love with him long before you really get to know him because of the life he leads. He wants to change the status quo and in essence, change the world....but one case at a time! He's a man with unlimited talent and a humble sense morality. His life is defined by taking down the bad guy and making sure the 'little guy' has an opportunity for a better life. What's not to love with a hero like that?
Alyce was great. I was afraid that her detailed circumstances, especially the part about her living in the same town her entire life, would make her come across as sheltered. Fortunately, she developed wings instead of hiding. Once she left her town, she was ready to fly. Archer did a great job of exploring her adventurous side...showing that she was a smart, independent, courageous woman despite her quiet upbringing. And I loved how she discovered her ability to lead. She was doing it all along, but watching her grow and acknowledge this strength...not to mention staying true to her community...made her an admirable heroine. She is not a character you can easily forget. Eva mentioned in a conversation with Alyce that it would take strong, special woman to claim Simon and at the time you don't really take that statement literally but it was the truth. There were few people that could be Simon's equal, male or female, but Alyce was the one. Archer crafted this character perfectly.
This book was unique in really all aspects. Your hero is a gentleman masquerading as "Robin Hood," your heroine is a laborer working as a bal-maiden in a small town. The set up concerns taking down the elite to better the lives of the working class. It's the same as it was in the first novel of this series...these are not the dukes and earls typically featured in a historical romance. And honestly, the book is all the better for it. You have real, typical, every day people finding their 'happily ever after' in a different time period and I loved it. I loved all the secondary characters, especially Alyce's brother Henry and his wife Sarah. It was so endearing to see such a sweet couple in this novel.
The ending wrapped up a little to quickly for me, but thank goodness for epilogues. Overall, this was just a great story with two exceptionally well crafted characters that could make it on their own, but in the end, why would they want to when they're stronger together? Loved it!
Simon is an intriguing hero. Usually a one track mind...focused on the mission and nothing else. But of course Alyce Carr changes everything. I like the back story with Simon...the gentleman wishing to make something more of his life. Wanting to be more than his status. You fall in love with him long before you really get to know him because of the life he leads. He wants to change the status quo and in essence, change the world....but one case at a time! He's a man with unlimited talent and a humble sense morality. His life is defined by taking down the bad guy and making sure the 'little guy' has an opportunity for a better life. What's not to love with a hero like that?
Alyce was great. I was afraid that her detailed circumstances, especially the part about her living in the same town her entire life, would make her come across as sheltered. Fortunately, she developed wings instead of hiding. Once she left her town, she was ready to fly. Archer did a great job of exploring her adventurous side...showing that she was a smart, independent, courageous woman despite her quiet upbringing. And I loved how she discovered her ability to lead. She was doing it all along, but watching her grow and acknowledge this strength...not to mention staying true to her community...made her an admirable heroine. She is not a character you can easily forget. Eva mentioned in a conversation with Alyce that it would take strong, special woman to claim Simon and at the time you don't really take that statement literally but it was the truth. There were few people that could be Simon's equal, male or female, but Alyce was the one. Archer crafted this character perfectly.
This book was unique in really all aspects. Your hero is a gentleman masquerading as "Robin Hood," your heroine is a laborer working as a bal-maiden in a small town. The set up concerns taking down the elite to better the lives of the working class. It's the same as it was in the first novel of this series...these are not the dukes and earls typically featured in a historical romance. And honestly, the book is all the better for it. You have real, typical, every day people finding their 'happily ever after' in a different time period and I loved it. I loved all the secondary characters, especially Alyce's brother Henry and his wife Sarah. It was so endearing to see such a sweet couple in this novel.
The ending wrapped up a little to quickly for me, but thank goodness for epilogues. Overall, this was just a great story with two exceptionally well crafted characters that could make it on their own, but in the end, why would they want to when they're stronger together? Loved it!
April 10, 2020
I would give the first 50% of the book 2 stars then the last 50% of the book 4 stars... Averaging to a 3 star read.
Some things I really liked about the novel was that both Alyce and Simon were such good characters. Alyce especially was such a strong woman who cared about her home, her community, and her work. She was passionate about standing up for those who couldn't want used her voice even if it got her in trouble. She was smart and adapted to new scenarios so well. At the same time she had a sense of innocence and wonder about her when she was traveling to all the new cities. In general, she was such a good character.
A minor character I also really liked was Sarah, Alyce's sister-in-law. She didn't show up very often in the novel but I liked her conversations with Alyce. Moreover, her discussions with Alyce at the very end of the novel really solidified her place as one of my favorite characters in the novel.
I also liked that the book was unique in that as a historical romance novel, it wasn't just about the regency or upper-class noblemen and women that I feel like the majority of historical romances are. It was cool that this was taking place during the industrial revolution and that our heroine was a working-class lady.
I really enjoyed the latter half of the novel when Alyce and Simon go off on their mission together. It was so much more exciting going to different towns/cities with them and the stakes felt so much higher as they got closer to the end of their mission.
However, overall I was a little frustrated at the pacing of the book especially in the 1st half (hence the 2 stars). Despite have such a strong social justice slant to the novel which I'm normally all about, I just was so bored when they were in the mining town. I understand that the author had to paint and image of the atrocities that were taking place and there needed to be time for Simon to gain the trust of Alyce and the miners, but it was just soooo boring. If there was some way to make mining sound exciting, that would have been great. If not that, I kind of thought the mini mission that Simon takes Alyce on to the managers' house was just... kind of a dumb one.
The other pacing factor that bothered me was their relationship. It was pretty much lust at first sight/interest at first sight, but then the two characters kept coming up with excuses to not be together, even at a physical level. This makes sense for like at least part of the book, but not the majority of it. I like a good slow burn, but not when it doesn't quite match up with the insta-love but not showing it until way later. I'd rather it be a slow burn all throughout with them falling for each other over the book then doing the deed, instead of being instantly into each other but denying it for 70% of the book.
Had the pacing been better, and the first half not been so boring, I would have given this book 4 stars.
Some things I really liked about the novel was that both Alyce and Simon were such good characters. Alyce especially was such a strong woman who cared about her home, her community, and her work. She was passionate about standing up for those who couldn't want used her voice even if it got her in trouble. She was smart and adapted to new scenarios so well. At the same time she had a sense of innocence and wonder about her when she was traveling to all the new cities. In general, she was such a good character.
A minor character I also really liked was Sarah, Alyce's sister-in-law. She didn't show up very often in the novel but I liked her conversations with Alyce. Moreover, her discussions with Alyce at the very end of the novel really solidified her place as one of my favorite characters in the novel.
I also liked that the book was unique in that as a historical romance novel, it wasn't just about the regency or upper-class noblemen and women that I feel like the majority of historical romances are. It was cool that this was taking place during the industrial revolution and that our heroine was a working-class lady.
I really enjoyed the latter half of the novel when Alyce and Simon go off on their mission together. It was so much more exciting going to different towns/cities with them and the stakes felt so much higher as they got closer to the end of their mission.
However, overall I was a little frustrated at the pacing of the book especially in the 1st half (hence the 2 stars). Despite have such a strong social justice slant to the novel which I'm normally all about, I just was so bored when they were in the mining town. I understand that the author had to paint and image of the atrocities that were taking place and there needed to be time for Simon to gain the trust of Alyce and the miners, but it was just soooo boring. If there was some way to make mining sound exciting, that would have been great. If not that, I kind of thought the mini mission that Simon takes Alyce on to the managers' house was just... kind of a dumb one.
The other pacing factor that bothered me was their relationship. It was pretty much lust at first sight/interest at first sight, but then the two characters kept coming up with excuses to not be together, even at a physical level. This makes sense for like at least part of the book, but not the majority of it. I like a good slow burn, but not when it doesn't quite match up with the insta-love but not showing it until way later. I'd rather it be a slow burn all throughout with them falling for each other over the book then doing the deed, instead of being instantly into each other but denying it for 70% of the book.
Had the pacing been better, and the first half not been so boring, I would have given this book 4 stars.
April 29, 2016
The agents of Nemesis Unlimited spend their days and nights finding justice for those who have slipped through the cracks. Cutting across all social and economic classes, these crusaders have dedicated a part of their lives and their hearts to their cause; keeping only a few people close and separating themselves when the job is done. However all it takes is a special assignment and an exceptional woman for one agent to risk it all and loose himself in a mission.
The call for help came in the form of an anonymous letter, but the plea was one spoken by many men and women in towns across England. People are being robbed of their basic human rights and someone needs to help them. It was this well heard plea that brought Nemesis Unlimited together one dark night many years before and it was a call that Simon Addison-Shawe would always answer. Finding himself in one of the farthest corners of the country, Simon has infiltrated the Wheal Prosperity Copper Mine to determine how to break the workers out of their virtual slavery to the company and to help them prosper from their labors. Disguised as a mechanic, a trade far below his normal station as a gentleman of the ton, Simon is quickly introduced to the treachery of the managers and security forces who are keeping the quality of life for the miners at a bare minimum while they are living very high. Seeking to know the mindset of the miners and find those who would fight for their rights, Simon gets to know one of the most vocal members of the community, Miss Alyce Carr.
Born in the small mining town of Trewyn and working at the mine since she was a girl, Alyce has seen the highs and lows that come from a community being tied to closely to one profession. With a sudden boom in copper and new ownership of the mine, Alyce had hopes that their small part of Cornwall would see prosperity. Unfortunately her eyes were opened to opportunists who preyed upon the miners and their dependence on the mine. Though her efforts to improve the conditions for her fellow workers have fallen on deaf ears, Alyce has never backed away from fighting for what she believed right. As she gets closer to the handsome newcomer Simon Sharpe, Alyce gets the sense that there is a lot more to this mechanic than he presents. Her suspicions prove true when he reveals himself as an agent sent to break up the strangle hold the company has on people like Alyce and her family. At first fearful of involving herself in a mission that could threaten the livelihood of those closest to her, once Simon proves himself dedicated to her cause she immediately teams up with him to turn the tide in favor of the workers.
Dangerous Seduction has a lot of elements that I really enjoy in a storyline: secret identities, a common goal for the main characters to achieve (besides falling in love), as well as a good comeuppance for the villains. Just as in the first book Sweet Revenge, the story is written almost like a television show script where the reader/viewer gets dropped into events already unfolding around Simon for his latest mission. We don’t waste time meeting Simon in London before he takes up the case or trying to re-explain who and what Nemesis is to a newer reader. Because Alyce will learn everything as she works with Simon, the explanations are allowed to be freely expressed rather than large information dumps before we get to the plot. I really like that we hit the ground running with the story so we are able to appreciate what is bringing Simon and Alyce closer together as well as the gravity of their situation. We can believe that their mutual respect within the mission allows them to see the other for the person they truly are and that develops into feelings of a more close and romantic nature.
One of the things I’ve enjoyed most about this series as a whole has been the focus on everyday heroes and heroines rather than focusing on the privileged few of London’s peerage. Simon may come from money as well as a family that can be traced back generations; however his sensibilities run more towards the common man. He isn’t defined by his wealth and has stood apart from his father’s belief that their name defines them within the haute ton. Simon truly thinks about what his money can do on a greater scale and he uses his name and connections to benefit Nemesis in their actions against injustice. Within Alyce we see a woman knows the value of hard work, but she also understands that a worker must be respected for what they do. Her dedication to the people of Trewyn goes beyond just wanting her friends and family to have a better life; she can see that any small success now will benefit those who will come after her. I liked having two main characters in a historical who are more focused on the greater good than on how their own lives are managed.
That sense of the common man and the challenges of his life even extended to the main setting of the story: the copper mines and the company town of Trewyn. I happen to live in a state where copper mining flourishes and even here in 2013 I’ve seen parts of my state where a mine opened, boomed and then busted; leaving towns and people struggling to survive. The mines become everything to the people since they offer the jobs to those close by, yet they are still a business that must balance their profitability against their operating costs. Author Zoe Archer took the time to build up the set piece of the mine almost as if it were a character itself and we the reader begin to empathize with the whole idea of the mine being neglected and how it affects all the people within its sphere, not just Alyce. Even if the theme of “Business Bad, Workers Good” did get a bit heavy-handed, I still applauded as the men and women of Trewyn began to take back control of their workplace and had pride in what their hard work was creating. All it took was the knowledge that someone from the outside still cared about them.
I loved how Simon and Alyce’s passions for the mission became intertwined with their growing feelings for one another. In the beginning Alyce doesn’t trust Simon when he flirts with her or when he makes obvious attempts to get close to her. She can almost sense that it’s a pretense for getting something else from her. It is only when he reveals his true reasons for being in Trewyn and makes a bold move that favors the community that she lets herself feel for this other person. Even with all of the disguises or false identities that come into play to carry out the confidence game, Alyce always sees the man underneath and she falls for that truly caring man who fights for what he believes in too. Even with their very striking differences in class I could believe that somehow they would always find a way to be together. It just became a question of when the characters would see that for themselves.
The call for help came in the form of an anonymous letter, but the plea was one spoken by many men and women in towns across England. People are being robbed of their basic human rights and someone needs to help them. It was this well heard plea that brought Nemesis Unlimited together one dark night many years before and it was a call that Simon Addison-Shawe would always answer. Finding himself in one of the farthest corners of the country, Simon has infiltrated the Wheal Prosperity Copper Mine to determine how to break the workers out of their virtual slavery to the company and to help them prosper from their labors. Disguised as a mechanic, a trade far below his normal station as a gentleman of the ton, Simon is quickly introduced to the treachery of the managers and security forces who are keeping the quality of life for the miners at a bare minimum while they are living very high. Seeking to know the mindset of the miners and find those who would fight for their rights, Simon gets to know one of the most vocal members of the community, Miss Alyce Carr.
Born in the small mining town of Trewyn and working at the mine since she was a girl, Alyce has seen the highs and lows that come from a community being tied to closely to one profession. With a sudden boom in copper and new ownership of the mine, Alyce had hopes that their small part of Cornwall would see prosperity. Unfortunately her eyes were opened to opportunists who preyed upon the miners and their dependence on the mine. Though her efforts to improve the conditions for her fellow workers have fallen on deaf ears, Alyce has never backed away from fighting for what she believed right. As she gets closer to the handsome newcomer Simon Sharpe, Alyce gets the sense that there is a lot more to this mechanic than he presents. Her suspicions prove true when he reveals himself as an agent sent to break up the strangle hold the company has on people like Alyce and her family. At first fearful of involving herself in a mission that could threaten the livelihood of those closest to her, once Simon proves himself dedicated to her cause she immediately teams up with him to turn the tide in favor of the workers.
Dangerous Seduction has a lot of elements that I really enjoy in a storyline: secret identities, a common goal for the main characters to achieve (besides falling in love), as well as a good comeuppance for the villains. Just as in the first book Sweet Revenge, the story is written almost like a television show script where the reader/viewer gets dropped into events already unfolding around Simon for his latest mission. We don’t waste time meeting Simon in London before he takes up the case or trying to re-explain who and what Nemesis is to a newer reader. Because Alyce will learn everything as she works with Simon, the explanations are allowed to be freely expressed rather than large information dumps before we get to the plot. I really like that we hit the ground running with the story so we are able to appreciate what is bringing Simon and Alyce closer together as well as the gravity of their situation. We can believe that their mutual respect within the mission allows them to see the other for the person they truly are and that develops into feelings of a more close and romantic nature.
One of the things I’ve enjoyed most about this series as a whole has been the focus on everyday heroes and heroines rather than focusing on the privileged few of London’s peerage. Simon may come from money as well as a family that can be traced back generations; however his sensibilities run more towards the common man. He isn’t defined by his wealth and has stood apart from his father’s belief that their name defines them within the haute ton. Simon truly thinks about what his money can do on a greater scale and he uses his name and connections to benefit Nemesis in their actions against injustice. Within Alyce we see a woman knows the value of hard work, but she also understands that a worker must be respected for what they do. Her dedication to the people of Trewyn goes beyond just wanting her friends and family to have a better life; she can see that any small success now will benefit those who will come after her. I liked having two main characters in a historical who are more focused on the greater good than on how their own lives are managed.
That sense of the common man and the challenges of his life even extended to the main setting of the story: the copper mines and the company town of Trewyn. I happen to live in a state where copper mining flourishes and even here in 2013 I’ve seen parts of my state where a mine opened, boomed and then busted; leaving towns and people struggling to survive. The mines become everything to the people since they offer the jobs to those close by, yet they are still a business that must balance their profitability against their operating costs. Author Zoe Archer took the time to build up the set piece of the mine almost as if it were a character itself and we the reader begin to empathize with the whole idea of the mine being neglected and how it affects all the people within its sphere, not just Alyce. Even if the theme of “Business Bad, Workers Good” did get a bit heavy-handed, I still applauded as the men and women of Trewyn began to take back control of their workplace and had pride in what their hard work was creating. All it took was the knowledge that someone from the outside still cared about them.
I loved how Simon and Alyce’s passions for the mission became intertwined with their growing feelings for one another. In the beginning Alyce doesn’t trust Simon when he flirts with her or when he makes obvious attempts to get close to her. She can almost sense that it’s a pretense for getting something else from her. It is only when he reveals his true reasons for being in Trewyn and makes a bold move that favors the community that she lets herself feel for this other person. Even with all of the disguises or false identities that come into play to carry out the confidence game, Alyce always sees the man underneath and she falls for that truly caring man who fights for what he believes in too. Even with their very striking differences in class I could believe that somehow they would always find a way to be together. It just became a question of when the characters would see that for themselves.
February 14, 2017
Review originally posted on The Bookpushers here: http://thebookpushers.com/2013/11/27/...
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: ARC from the publisher via Netgalley
CAN A COMMON CAUSE
Alyce Carr has no time for the strange man in her little Cornwall village, no matter how breathtakingly handsome he is. Life in Trewyn doesn’t allow for much fun—the managers of the copper mine barely provide the miners and their families with enough food. Outsiders are suspect and flirts are unimaginable, but Simon Sharpe is as keen as his name…and Alyce can’t ignore him for long.
LEAD TO A SHARED PASSION?
As the founder of Nemesis, Unlimited, Simon Addison-Shawe is well accustomed to disguise and deceit. Yet he’s not prepared for Alyce’s dogged defense of her people and the injustices the copper mine has dealt them. With Alyce’s help he can change the fate of an entire town, and convincing her to join him is only part of the thrill. Together, they ignite a desire in each other much too powerful to deny. But at what cost?
This blurb came from the author’s website.
If you do a search on The Bookpushers for Zoe Archer’s name you will find that she turns up on a fairly regular basis for a really good reason. She writes entertaining stories set in worlds with a twist. Not only does her settings usually contain a twist of some sort but the individuals who populate her worlds are also rather unusual. Unusual in the sense they don’t exactly fit amongst others of their peers but they provide me with hours of enjoyment. I was aware that Archer had started a new series, and I had the first one, Sweet Revenge on Mount TBR so when I saw we were hosting her (see today’s early post) I was incentivized to move it up to the top of the pile. I did this for a couple of different reasons; first I was expecting it to be good; and second, I wanted to review Dangerous Seduction at the same time as her guest post. I knew from reading other series written by Archer that the stories tend to build on each other, therefore I would catch the subtle nuances in later installments if I started with the first one. After reading and enjoying it I couldn’t wait to get started on Dangerous Seduction.
Set in an impoverished Cornish mining town, Archer explored some of the ugly sides to industrialization. Nemesis, Unlimited received an anonymous letter detailing some of the abuses and pleading for help. In response Simon, born and raised a nobleman, went undercover as a mechanic. During his very first day on the job he saw several examples of abuse. One of which was the use of company script for pay instead of cash. Company script could not be exchanged for cash because it was not backed by a hard currency thus keeping the miners and their families dependent on the company. In addition to the negatives, Simon also noticed Alyce, a villager who managed to maintain her drive for a better life.
Alyce entered the scene arguing with the mine managers as she tried to convince them they needed to dispose of the rotting butter in the company store and replace it with fresh so the miners and their families could eat a wholesome meal. The managers refused but she didn’t let that stop her from continuing to make efforts to benefit the villagers’ lives. She was attracted to Simon but she wasn’t going to jeopardize her livelihood, not with some newcomer who on his very first day caught the attention of the local law enforcement.
I really enjoyed watching Simon gain Alyce’s trust. While she was busy viewing Simon with suspicion he was also looking for an ally, someone who the villagers trusted so he could act for justice. She was so suspicious that she followed him one night because he really wasn’t acting like a typical mine employee. Her conduct that night convinced Simon he might have found the key with which to rally the miners. Alyce discovered that there was a lot more to Simon then she thought and that there might be a chance to make life better. I thought it was great that she didn’t immediately trust/believe him when Simon mentioned why he had come to their village despite his actions. Throughout the story Simon demonstrated that he enjoyed Alyce’s will and independence. He never made it seem as if the was unable to do something because she was a woman. Alyce repaid his trust by doing her part and more during their scheme. She also liked him because of who he was as a person, not because of his birth position.
I knew I was enjoying the story but I did not realize exactly how invested I was in the action portion until I took a deep breath at the end of a particular scene and noticed Archer had steadily built up the tension. Even with that small release, the tension continued to build as the stakes rose higher and higher. I thought it was a sneaky touch when the mine situation reached its climax but I still didn’t know how Simon and Alyce were going to resolve their relationship. By spreading the resolution to the mine conditions and the romance across time, Archer reminded me that while one provided the opportunity for the other they were not completely interdependent.
With Dangerous Seduction Archer has once again created a series whose installments I will continue to enjoy. Her characters are unique and memorable. The world-building in Dangerous Seduction is detailed and varied. She also combines romance with action in just the right amounts so I am invested in the story as a whole, not one particular aspect.
I give Dangerous Seduction an A-
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: ARC from the publisher via Netgalley
CAN A COMMON CAUSE
Alyce Carr has no time for the strange man in her little Cornwall village, no matter how breathtakingly handsome he is. Life in Trewyn doesn’t allow for much fun—the managers of the copper mine barely provide the miners and their families with enough food. Outsiders are suspect and flirts are unimaginable, but Simon Sharpe is as keen as his name…and Alyce can’t ignore him for long.
LEAD TO A SHARED PASSION?
As the founder of Nemesis, Unlimited, Simon Addison-Shawe is well accustomed to disguise and deceit. Yet he’s not prepared for Alyce’s dogged defense of her people and the injustices the copper mine has dealt them. With Alyce’s help he can change the fate of an entire town, and convincing her to join him is only part of the thrill. Together, they ignite a desire in each other much too powerful to deny. But at what cost?
This blurb came from the author’s website.
If you do a search on The Bookpushers for Zoe Archer’s name you will find that she turns up on a fairly regular basis for a really good reason. She writes entertaining stories set in worlds with a twist. Not only does her settings usually contain a twist of some sort but the individuals who populate her worlds are also rather unusual. Unusual in the sense they don’t exactly fit amongst others of their peers but they provide me with hours of enjoyment. I was aware that Archer had started a new series, and I had the first one, Sweet Revenge on Mount TBR so when I saw we were hosting her (see today’s early post) I was incentivized to move it up to the top of the pile. I did this for a couple of different reasons; first I was expecting it to be good; and second, I wanted to review Dangerous Seduction at the same time as her guest post. I knew from reading other series written by Archer that the stories tend to build on each other, therefore I would catch the subtle nuances in later installments if I started with the first one. After reading and enjoying it I couldn’t wait to get started on Dangerous Seduction.
Set in an impoverished Cornish mining town, Archer explored some of the ugly sides to industrialization. Nemesis, Unlimited received an anonymous letter detailing some of the abuses and pleading for help. In response Simon, born and raised a nobleman, went undercover as a mechanic. During his very first day on the job he saw several examples of abuse. One of which was the use of company script for pay instead of cash. Company script could not be exchanged for cash because it was not backed by a hard currency thus keeping the miners and their families dependent on the company. In addition to the negatives, Simon also noticed Alyce, a villager who managed to maintain her drive for a better life.
Alyce entered the scene arguing with the mine managers as she tried to convince them they needed to dispose of the rotting butter in the company store and replace it with fresh so the miners and their families could eat a wholesome meal. The managers refused but she didn’t let that stop her from continuing to make efforts to benefit the villagers’ lives. She was attracted to Simon but she wasn’t going to jeopardize her livelihood, not with some newcomer who on his very first day caught the attention of the local law enforcement.
I really enjoyed watching Simon gain Alyce’s trust. While she was busy viewing Simon with suspicion he was also looking for an ally, someone who the villagers trusted so he could act for justice. She was so suspicious that she followed him one night because he really wasn’t acting like a typical mine employee. Her conduct that night convinced Simon he might have found the key with which to rally the miners. Alyce discovered that there was a lot more to Simon then she thought and that there might be a chance to make life better. I thought it was great that she didn’t immediately trust/believe him when Simon mentioned why he had come to their village despite his actions. Throughout the story Simon demonstrated that he enjoyed Alyce’s will and independence. He never made it seem as if the was unable to do something because she was a woman. Alyce repaid his trust by doing her part and more during their scheme. She also liked him because of who he was as a person, not because of his birth position.
I knew I was enjoying the story but I did not realize exactly how invested I was in the action portion until I took a deep breath at the end of a particular scene and noticed Archer had steadily built up the tension. Even with that small release, the tension continued to build as the stakes rose higher and higher. I thought it was a sneaky touch when the mine situation reached its climax but I still didn’t know how Simon and Alyce were going to resolve their relationship. By spreading the resolution to the mine conditions and the romance across time, Archer reminded me that while one provided the opportunity for the other they were not completely interdependent.
With Dangerous Seduction Archer has once again created a series whose installments I will continue to enjoy. Her characters are unique and memorable. The world-building in Dangerous Seduction is detailed and varied. She also combines romance with action in just the right amounts so I am invested in the story as a whole, not one particular aspect.
I give Dangerous Seduction an A-
March 19, 2023
Simon finds his true love, and she is a wonderful, strong woman. The action is good, justice is served, and Nemesis does’t mind playing a strong con on this one.
Borrowed from Internet Archive. (N/A in purchaseable ebook format.
Borrowed from Internet Archive. (N/A in purchaseable ebook format.
January 11, 2018
I really enjoyed the second installment in the Nemesis series. Now on to the last entry!
April 23, 2018
really good
November 28, 2013
http://www.blue-moon.fr/spip.php?arti...
Zoe Archer a beaucoup de talent et vient de prouver que la romance peut rimer avec excellence de l’ écriture et histoire réaliste et romantique à la fois. Il y a tout dans ce roman : passion, amour , héros forts et charismatiques mais également une histoire forte superbement mise en évidence par un contexte fort et largement inédit.
Ce roman est le second ’une série qui raconte les aventures d’un groupe d’agents membres d’une association qui luette contre le crime dans l’Angleterre victorienne. Plus exactement, Nemesis pourfend l’injustice et vient en aide aux démunis, aux faibles qui ne peuvent se défendre seuls. De façon très étonnante, ce n’est pas une vengeance ou ’l’arrestation d’un personnage dangereux et malfaisant mais le rétablissement de la justice sociale dans une mine de Cornouialles. Toute la première partie est consacrée à cette mine. Pour ceux qui connaissent Germinal de Zola, le roman est étonnamment similaire avec l’arrivée d’un agent de Nemesis, Simon Addison-Shawn dans un petit village qui vit des activités minières. Il a été conduit là par une lettre anonyne qui dénonce le traitement des mineurs par les propriétaires. Il fera vite la connaissance d’une jeune femme à la forte personnalité qui boue de rage devant les injustices quotidiennes.
Cette romance a vraiment un aspect social et c’est excessivement rare. Evidemment, nombreux ont été les couples avec un écart social important mais là il y autre chose. Non seulement, Simon est issu d’un milieu aisé de la société contrairement à Alyce, simple ouvrière mais ils sont tous deux poussés par leurs idées et prêts à se battre pour ça. Simon n’a jamais accepté de n’être que le film de son père et de se couler dans le moule. Alyce refuse farouchement de se plier face aux patrons. Elle a peu de moyens pour lutter, lui a choisi Nemesis pour cela et leur chemin vont se croiser de la façon la plus explosive et utile qui soit.
Rarement deux personnages ont été aussi complémentaires et à égalité. Pourtant tout pousse Alyce a être humble et dominée mais c’est une sorte de passionaria, pleine de feu et de révolte. Elle est très fière et ne s’abaisse jamais. Quant à Simon, c’est un homme conscient de ses privilèges et respectueux des autres. Ils se mettent mutuellement en valeur, ce qui est sans doute ce qui rend leur relation si belle et profonde. Même la passion n’est pas oubliée. Les scènes sont rares mais très fortes.
Enfin, l’intrigue est parfaite passant de la dénonciation du fonctionnement de la mine où les contremaîtres profitent de tout et les ouvriers sont maintenus dans une situation de dépendance et de pauvreté à une superbe arnaque pour déposséder les propriétaires ; c’est intelligent, entre action, aventure et intrigue.
Ce roman est un modèle de la romance historique intelligente qui allie avec autant de talent tous les aspects, la romance, l’intrigue, un contexte impeccable. Il n’y a pas une minute de mièvrerie, et les héros sont matures et passionnants. A travers, Alyce, le sort des femmes, les rapports entre classes dans l’Angleterre victorienne sont parfaitement mis en valeur. Cette série est excellente car il y a une nette différence entre la première histoire et celle-ci et pourtant on retrouve la patte de l’excellente auteure qu’est Zoe Archer. Il faut vraiment découvrir cette auteure car elle a une voix à part dans la romance historique maintenant mais quelle voix !
Zoe Archer a beaucoup de talent et vient de prouver que la romance peut rimer avec excellence de l’ écriture et histoire réaliste et romantique à la fois. Il y a tout dans ce roman : passion, amour , héros forts et charismatiques mais également une histoire forte superbement mise en évidence par un contexte fort et largement inédit.
Ce roman est le second ’une série qui raconte les aventures d’un groupe d’agents membres d’une association qui luette contre le crime dans l’Angleterre victorienne. Plus exactement, Nemesis pourfend l’injustice et vient en aide aux démunis, aux faibles qui ne peuvent se défendre seuls. De façon très étonnante, ce n’est pas une vengeance ou ’l’arrestation d’un personnage dangereux et malfaisant mais le rétablissement de la justice sociale dans une mine de Cornouialles. Toute la première partie est consacrée à cette mine. Pour ceux qui connaissent Germinal de Zola, le roman est étonnamment similaire avec l’arrivée d’un agent de Nemesis, Simon Addison-Shawn dans un petit village qui vit des activités minières. Il a été conduit là par une lettre anonyne qui dénonce le traitement des mineurs par les propriétaires. Il fera vite la connaissance d’une jeune femme à la forte personnalité qui boue de rage devant les injustices quotidiennes.
Cette romance a vraiment un aspect social et c’est excessivement rare. Evidemment, nombreux ont été les couples avec un écart social important mais là il y autre chose. Non seulement, Simon est issu d’un milieu aisé de la société contrairement à Alyce, simple ouvrière mais ils sont tous deux poussés par leurs idées et prêts à se battre pour ça. Simon n’a jamais accepté de n’être que le film de son père et de se couler dans le moule. Alyce refuse farouchement de se plier face aux patrons. Elle a peu de moyens pour lutter, lui a choisi Nemesis pour cela et leur chemin vont se croiser de la façon la plus explosive et utile qui soit.
Rarement deux personnages ont été aussi complémentaires et à égalité. Pourtant tout pousse Alyce a être humble et dominée mais c’est une sorte de passionaria, pleine de feu et de révolte. Elle est très fière et ne s’abaisse jamais. Quant à Simon, c’est un homme conscient de ses privilèges et respectueux des autres. Ils se mettent mutuellement en valeur, ce qui est sans doute ce qui rend leur relation si belle et profonde. Même la passion n’est pas oubliée. Les scènes sont rares mais très fortes.
Enfin, l’intrigue est parfaite passant de la dénonciation du fonctionnement de la mine où les contremaîtres profitent de tout et les ouvriers sont maintenus dans une situation de dépendance et de pauvreté à une superbe arnaque pour déposséder les propriétaires ; c’est intelligent, entre action, aventure et intrigue.
Ce roman est un modèle de la romance historique intelligente qui allie avec autant de talent tous les aspects, la romance, l’intrigue, un contexte impeccable. Il n’y a pas une minute de mièvrerie, et les héros sont matures et passionnants. A travers, Alyce, le sort des femmes, les rapports entre classes dans l’Angleterre victorienne sont parfaitement mis en valeur. Cette série est excellente car il y a une nette différence entre la première histoire et celle-ci et pourtant on retrouve la patte de l’excellente auteure qu’est Zoe Archer. Il faut vraiment découvrir cette auteure car elle a une voix à part dans la romance historique maintenant mais quelle voix !
April 24, 2014
4.5/5
Dangerous Seduction is the second in the Nemesis, Unlimited series featuring Simon Addison-Shawe. He perhaps has the toffiest of names I've read in a while, but I love it. It has such a nice ring to it.
For those unfamiliar with the series, it's easy to jump into. There's enough of back story to know the setting and characters for new readers. But for readers of the series, it's written in such a way that it's not too repetitive - it's done in a pretty clever way.
Simon Addison-Shawe has received a letter stating that in a coal mine in Cornwall, the conditions are terrible, the managers are like gangsters and employees can't do anything without the fear of retribution. For a mining village, completely dependent on the mine for it's wages (actually the employees don't receive monetary wages, but credit to buy things at the general store) the people can't do anything in regard to their horrible treatment and conditions.
But Simon, survivor and combatant of Rorke's Drift, knows injustice when he sees it. And he goes undercover at the coal mine to see justice is served. Knowing his background - that he isn't a peer, but has the money and prestige of a title - he's used to a certain life, yet he forgoes a lot of it to serve as a member of Nemesis, Unlimited.
He realizes he needs Alyce Carr's help not only because she's the key in securing the trust and help of the other miners, but because he realizes she has the loyalty, intelligence, and sharpness he needs in a field agent. They are both deeply attracted to one another (I loved the scene when she stormed out of the bedroom wearing only her corset and petticoats to confront Simon), yet realizes the mission must come first. Marco and Harriet who I presume will have subsequent books play a minor role in this book, but confirm the suspicions that Simon is fighting a battle between his mind and heart.
I've only read Archer's Nemesis Series, but all of her female characters are so strong and not in a stubborn annoying way, but forward thinking, independent (within the confines of the historical period), strong willed and smart. And while they are green sexually, there's still knowledgeable about it. While there's an obvious class distinction, Alyce holds her own. She's tough, strong both mentally and physically (which Simon is adoringly fond of), she's sharp and holds her own among the boys. I think to sum her up - when she was young girl she was willing to runaway and I presume get work elsewhere because the whole family was going to have a hard time getting work. I mean c'mon.
And Simon, the black sheep of the family, not the heir or the spare, he's more comfortable with the servants and cooks them among the ton. He's seen injustice and finds it necessary to right wrongs when he has had so much.
The two of them are a perfect match and it's a joy to see the slow emotional attachment, the tension between the two and how they eventually consummate their attraction, to see it turn into love, and to see them fight it for the better good. It's so satisfying to see them finally confirm their love.
I really really like this series. The stories aren't generally set in a London ballroom, but it's more about the grittier side of England and what I'm sure are inspired injustices of the time.
Dangerous Seduction is the second in the Nemesis, Unlimited series featuring Simon Addison-Shawe. He perhaps has the toffiest of names I've read in a while, but I love it. It has such a nice ring to it.
For those unfamiliar with the series, it's easy to jump into. There's enough of back story to know the setting and characters for new readers. But for readers of the series, it's written in such a way that it's not too repetitive - it's done in a pretty clever way.
Simon Addison-Shawe has received a letter stating that in a coal mine in Cornwall, the conditions are terrible, the managers are like gangsters and employees can't do anything without the fear of retribution. For a mining village, completely dependent on the mine for it's wages (actually the employees don't receive monetary wages, but credit to buy things at the general store) the people can't do anything in regard to their horrible treatment and conditions.
But Simon, survivor and combatant of Rorke's Drift, knows injustice when he sees it. And he goes undercover at the coal mine to see justice is served. Knowing his background - that he isn't a peer, but has the money and prestige of a title - he's used to a certain life, yet he forgoes a lot of it to serve as a member of Nemesis, Unlimited.
He realizes he needs Alyce Carr's help not only because she's the key in securing the trust and help of the other miners, but because he realizes she has the loyalty, intelligence, and sharpness he needs in a field agent. They are both deeply attracted to one another (I loved the scene when she stormed out of the bedroom wearing only her corset and petticoats to confront Simon), yet realizes the mission must come first. Marco and Harriet who I presume will have subsequent books play a minor role in this book, but confirm the suspicions that Simon is fighting a battle between his mind and heart.
I've only read Archer's Nemesis Series, but all of her female characters are so strong and not in a stubborn annoying way, but forward thinking, independent (within the confines of the historical period), strong willed and smart. And while they are green sexually, there's still knowledgeable about it. While there's an obvious class distinction, Alyce holds her own. She's tough, strong both mentally and physically (which Simon is adoringly fond of), she's sharp and holds her own among the boys. I think to sum her up - when she was young girl she was willing to runaway and I presume get work elsewhere because the whole family was going to have a hard time getting work. I mean c'mon.
And Simon, the black sheep of the family, not the heir or the spare, he's more comfortable with the servants and cooks them among the ton. He's seen injustice and finds it necessary to right wrongs when he has had so much.
The two of them are a perfect match and it's a joy to see the slow emotional attachment, the tension between the two and how they eventually consummate their attraction, to see it turn into love, and to see them fight it for the better good. It's so satisfying to see them finally confirm their love.
I really really like this series. The stories aren't generally set in a London ballroom, but it's more about the grittier side of England and what I'm sure are inspired injustices of the time.
February 4, 2016
3.5 Stars
I read the first book in the Nemesis Unlimited series last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. I love the premise of a group of people across the classes working together to obtain justice for those who go unnoticed by the law. Aristocrat Simon Addison-Shawe intrigued me from the moment he stepped onto the pages of Sweet Revenge and I am happy to say that his story is enjoyable and romantic.
Dangerous Seduction starts with Simon (one of the founders of Nemesis) going on a mission to understand and resolve the corruption at a Cornish mining town. An anonymous letter lets Nemesis know about the issues the mine workers face which run the gamut from spoiled food to specialized currency that is no good outside of the town's limits. Simon decides to go undercover as a mechanic to discover the depths of the problems, but is thrown off a bit when he meets the fiery and hard-working Alyce.
Both Simon and Alyce were the type of characters that I love to read about in historical romance. Simon's upper class background gives him a social advantage, but his time in the army has insured that he never takes his place in society for granted. His main goal in life is to help those that cannot help themselves which I found very admirable. Alyce is a mine worker whose fiery nature could have easily become the cliched "fiesty miss". Thankfully, the author developed her personality enough to make sure readers understood the reasons behind her unorthodox nature. I wanted to be her friend from the moment we met her and was impressed with the depths she was willing to go to help her beloved town.
As a couple, Simon and Alyce are passionate and so compatible. There is immediate chemistry from the moment that they meet which is only enhanced as they get to know one another and spend time ferreting out the corruption. My personal favorite scenes involved their trip to Plymouth where they were forced to go undercover as aristocratic newlyweds who have to interact with the mine's owners. I really liked the fact that the author didn't have Simon hide his true purpose in the village for very long and that he wanted to recruit the workers to solve the problems themselves. It was also nice to see a historical couple from varying classes that didn't constantly moan about their social differences though they did admit there could be issues in the future.
I loved the way that Zoe Archer formatted this story. It is full of action and suspense from the beginning and doesn't really let go until the final few chapters. The romance is the main focus, but there is a nice balance with the attempts to free the mine from the greedy owners and cruel masters. I will admit that I wanted more moments between Alyce and Simon especially at the beginning though their relationship did develop naturally and at a decent pace.
Dangerous Seduction was another entertaining and charming installment in the Nemesis Unlimited series. I'm thoroughly enjoying these books and look forward to see super spy Marco get his own happy ending in Wicked Temptation which is due out in June.
For more reviews, check out my blog: http://feministfairytalereviews.blogs...
I read the first book in the Nemesis Unlimited series last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. I love the premise of a group of people across the classes working together to obtain justice for those who go unnoticed by the law. Aristocrat Simon Addison-Shawe intrigued me from the moment he stepped onto the pages of Sweet Revenge and I am happy to say that his story is enjoyable and romantic.
Dangerous Seduction starts with Simon (one of the founders of Nemesis) going on a mission to understand and resolve the corruption at a Cornish mining town. An anonymous letter lets Nemesis know about the issues the mine workers face which run the gamut from spoiled food to specialized currency that is no good outside of the town's limits. Simon decides to go undercover as a mechanic to discover the depths of the problems, but is thrown off a bit when he meets the fiery and hard-working Alyce.
Both Simon and Alyce were the type of characters that I love to read about in historical romance. Simon's upper class background gives him a social advantage, but his time in the army has insured that he never takes his place in society for granted. His main goal in life is to help those that cannot help themselves which I found very admirable. Alyce is a mine worker whose fiery nature could have easily become the cliched "fiesty miss". Thankfully, the author developed her personality enough to make sure readers understood the reasons behind her unorthodox nature. I wanted to be her friend from the moment we met her and was impressed with the depths she was willing to go to help her beloved town.
As a couple, Simon and Alyce are passionate and so compatible. There is immediate chemistry from the moment that they meet which is only enhanced as they get to know one another and spend time ferreting out the corruption. My personal favorite scenes involved their trip to Plymouth where they were forced to go undercover as aristocratic newlyweds who have to interact with the mine's owners. I really liked the fact that the author didn't have Simon hide his true purpose in the village for very long and that he wanted to recruit the workers to solve the problems themselves. It was also nice to see a historical couple from varying classes that didn't constantly moan about their social differences though they did admit there could be issues in the future.
I loved the way that Zoe Archer formatted this story. It is full of action and suspense from the beginning and doesn't really let go until the final few chapters. The romance is the main focus, but there is a nice balance with the attempts to free the mine from the greedy owners and cruel masters. I will admit that I wanted more moments between Alyce and Simon especially at the beginning though their relationship did develop naturally and at a decent pace.
Dangerous Seduction was another entertaining and charming installment in the Nemesis Unlimited series. I'm thoroughly enjoying these books and look forward to see super spy Marco get his own happy ending in Wicked Temptation which is due out in June.
For more reviews, check out my blog: http://feministfairytalereviews.blogs...
November 25, 2013
Originally reviewed for The Book Vixen
In a Nutshell: I count on this author to write an engaging story with good characters and an equality-based romance and that’s what I got here.
Why I Read this Book: I’m a fan of Zoe Archer’s primarily for the feminist philosophy that permeates her equality-based romances.
What I Liked: Simon and Alyce are different than your average historical romance leads. Alyce is working class who has never been outside her small village but she’s got a fierce independence and intelligence to do anything. This author never has heroines do stupid things to further the plot and I appreciate this with Alyce, as well as how Simon and the rest of the Nemesis agents respect her too. Simon may be the second son of an aristocrat but he’s more comfortable with servants and workers like Alyce. They both have an honesty and integrity to their characters and they bring this to the romance which I particularly enjoyed. Alyce may be a virgin but she’s aware of her body and sexuality and is no passive participant in her and Simon’s sexual encounters. This author doesn’t write particularly erotic romances with just a few sex scenes the entire book but they’re realistic and meaningful for the characters.
What I Also Liked: I liked the plot of Nemesis working for justice for the copper mine workers. Simon and Alyce join forces to formulate and carry out a plan to trick the owners into selling it to the miners. I liked this well plotted and paced plot and think other readers will to.
I also like the secondary characters of Alyce’s brother and sister-in-law who just want to earn a decent living and raise a family. Simon’s fellow agents are great too, from Marco the founder of Nemesis to Jack and Eva, leads from book one. This author writes secret organizations really well (see her The Blades of the Rose series if you don’t believe me) and I love Nemesis Unlimited here. I get the setting of Victorian England that I want but with my modern equality-based philosophy among the agents of men and women who respect each other and work together for a common good.
What I Didn’t Like: While Dangerous Seduction was an enjoyable read, it lacked the ever coveted ‘wow’ factor.
IMO: Like all of Archer’s books, Dangerous Seduction is a solid read. Any reader can pick this book up and enjoy it because even if it’s not the most erotic of romances, it’s a good one.
*review copy via NetGalley*
In a Nutshell: I count on this author to write an engaging story with good characters and an equality-based romance and that’s what I got here.
Why I Read this Book: I’m a fan of Zoe Archer’s primarily for the feminist philosophy that permeates her equality-based romances.
What I Liked: Simon and Alyce are different than your average historical romance leads. Alyce is working class who has never been outside her small village but she’s got a fierce independence and intelligence to do anything. This author never has heroines do stupid things to further the plot and I appreciate this with Alyce, as well as how Simon and the rest of the Nemesis agents respect her too. Simon may be the second son of an aristocrat but he’s more comfortable with servants and workers like Alyce. They both have an honesty and integrity to their characters and they bring this to the romance which I particularly enjoyed. Alyce may be a virgin but she’s aware of her body and sexuality and is no passive participant in her and Simon’s sexual encounters. This author doesn’t write particularly erotic romances with just a few sex scenes the entire book but they’re realistic and meaningful for the characters.
What I Also Liked: I liked the plot of Nemesis working for justice for the copper mine workers. Simon and Alyce join forces to formulate and carry out a plan to trick the owners into selling it to the miners. I liked this well plotted and paced plot and think other readers will to.
I also like the secondary characters of Alyce’s brother and sister-in-law who just want to earn a decent living and raise a family. Simon’s fellow agents are great too, from Marco the founder of Nemesis to Jack and Eva, leads from book one. This author writes secret organizations really well (see her The Blades of the Rose series if you don’t believe me) and I love Nemesis Unlimited here. I get the setting of Victorian England that I want but with my modern equality-based philosophy among the agents of men and women who respect each other and work together for a common good.
What I Didn’t Like: While Dangerous Seduction was an enjoyable read, it lacked the ever coveted ‘wow’ factor.
IMO: Like all of Archer’s books, Dangerous Seduction is a solid read. Any reader can pick this book up and enjoy it because even if it’s not the most erotic of romances, it’s a good one.
*review copy via NetGalley*
June 11, 2014
Blue Ribbon Rating: 3 out of 5
Original Review Link
As an agent for Nemesis, Unlimited, Simon Addison-Shawe has perfected the art of going undercover. But his latest mission – to help the miners of a small Cornish village – threatens to throw him off his stride. Or more accurately, outspoken bal-maiden Alyce Carr does. He knows he needs to recruit Alyce to help him bring down the corrupt mine owners who are slowly starving their workers to death, but Simon’s usual charm isn’t going to work on the sharp, suspicious Alyce. And if he does manage to convince her to help him, will their mutual attraction throw a wrench into their plans to save the families of Trewyn?
I can always count on author Zoë Archer to deliver a unique historical romance, and DANGEROUS SEDUCTION is no exception. Rather than an heiress or governess of some sort, the heroine of this second NEMESIS, UNLIMITED novel is a sharp-minded bal-maiden with a thirst for justice. Alyce doesn’t need to be swept off her feet, but that doesn’t mean she’s not left breathless by Simon. Simon’s an aristocrat with no desire to lead a pampered life when he could be of use to the world. It’s easy to admire Simon and Alyce for their intelligence and determination to save the people of Trewyn from the increasingly underhanded, abusive dealings of the mine owners and their bullying lackeys. Alyce and Simon fit one another like a lock and key, and watching them fall in love as they work to make the lives of others better was wonderful.
DANGEROUS SEDUCTION is every bit as much a love letter to equality as it is a romance, and I liked that about this book. Yet, while every single element of the story worked for me, as a whole it was missing that coveted spark to keep me engaged. Normally I practically devour Ms. Archer’s books, but I never quite connected to DANGEROUS SEDUCTION. Still, there’s no denying that this is a well-written, original story with clever characters and a strong moral center.
Note: My review was written for Romance Junkies and is cross-posted here courtesy of Romance Junkies(less)
Original Review Link
As an agent for Nemesis, Unlimited, Simon Addison-Shawe has perfected the art of going undercover. But his latest mission – to help the miners of a small Cornish village – threatens to throw him off his stride. Or more accurately, outspoken bal-maiden Alyce Carr does. He knows he needs to recruit Alyce to help him bring down the corrupt mine owners who are slowly starving their workers to death, but Simon’s usual charm isn’t going to work on the sharp, suspicious Alyce. And if he does manage to convince her to help him, will their mutual attraction throw a wrench into their plans to save the families of Trewyn?
I can always count on author Zoë Archer to deliver a unique historical romance, and DANGEROUS SEDUCTION is no exception. Rather than an heiress or governess of some sort, the heroine of this second NEMESIS, UNLIMITED novel is a sharp-minded bal-maiden with a thirst for justice. Alyce doesn’t need to be swept off her feet, but that doesn’t mean she’s not left breathless by Simon. Simon’s an aristocrat with no desire to lead a pampered life when he could be of use to the world. It’s easy to admire Simon and Alyce for their intelligence and determination to save the people of Trewyn from the increasingly underhanded, abusive dealings of the mine owners and their bullying lackeys. Alyce and Simon fit one another like a lock and key, and watching them fall in love as they work to make the lives of others better was wonderful.
DANGEROUS SEDUCTION is every bit as much a love letter to equality as it is a romance, and I liked that about this book. Yet, while every single element of the story worked for me, as a whole it was missing that coveted spark to keep me engaged. Normally I practically devour Ms. Archer’s books, but I never quite connected to DANGEROUS SEDUCTION. Still, there’s no denying that this is a well-written, original story with clever characters and a strong moral center.
Note: My review was written for Romance Junkies and is cross-posted here courtesy of Romance Junkies(less)
October 19, 2013
Working as a bal-maiden, Alyce Carr has muscles very few women possess or want. The work is hard, which Alyce has no problem with. It is the way the mine workers are treated that really infuriates her.
Anonymous letters begging for help are business as usual for Nemesis, Unlimited founder and agent Simon Addison-Shawe. Following up on every request is impossible, but a mining company this dangerous needs to be dealt with.
Wheal Prosperity Mining Company is slowly but methodically enslaving a Cornish village. It is up to Simon to put a stop to it. Being a stranger in a small town makes Simon stick out like a sore thumb, which is where Alyce comes in. Alyce is passionate about getting fare wages, working and living conditions for her friends and family. So much so that even helping an outsider like Simon is worth the risk. Change will be hard and potentially dangerous, especially for a town as beaten down as Trewyn. But Alyce knows something has to give or it will only get worse.
Not too many heroines are as tough and hard working as Alyce Carr, and that is only on the surface. Underneath, she is as fierce as any warrior Simon has ever faced in the army, and just as passionate about her beliefs. Also Simon is a man well worth consideration with his keen intelligence, strength and honor. Theirs is a relationship built on more than a few kisses and amorous looks, and their story reflects the depth of that connection.
Lototy
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
- See more at: http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/Book...
Anonymous letters begging for help are business as usual for Nemesis, Unlimited founder and agent Simon Addison-Shawe. Following up on every request is impossible, but a mining company this dangerous needs to be dealt with.
Wheal Prosperity Mining Company is slowly but methodically enslaving a Cornish village. It is up to Simon to put a stop to it. Being a stranger in a small town makes Simon stick out like a sore thumb, which is where Alyce comes in. Alyce is passionate about getting fare wages, working and living conditions for her friends and family. So much so that even helping an outsider like Simon is worth the risk. Change will be hard and potentially dangerous, especially for a town as beaten down as Trewyn. But Alyce knows something has to give or it will only get worse.
Not too many heroines are as tough and hard working as Alyce Carr, and that is only on the surface. Underneath, she is as fierce as any warrior Simon has ever faced in the army, and just as passionate about her beliefs. Also Simon is a man well worth consideration with his keen intelligence, strength and honor. Theirs is a relationship built on more than a few kisses and amorous looks, and their story reflects the depth of that connection.
Lototy
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
- See more at: http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/Book...
November 13, 2013
The agents of Nemesis Unlimited spend their days and nights finding justice for those who have slipped through the cracks. Cutting across all social and economic classes, these crusaders have dedicated a part of their lives and their hearts to their cause; keeping only a few people close and separating themselves when the job is done. However all it takes is a special assignment and an exceptional woman for one agent to risk it all and loose himself in a mission.
The call for help came in the form of an anonymous letter, but the plea was one spoken by many men and women in towns across England. People are being robbed of their basic human rights and someone needs to help them. It was this well heard plea that brought Nemesis Unlimited together one dark night many years before and it was a call that Simon Addison-Shawe would always answer. Finding himself in one of the farthest corners of the country, Simon has infiltrated the Wheal Prosperity Copper Mine to determine how to break the workers out of their virtual slavery to the company and to help them prosper from their labors. Disguised as a mechanic, a trade far below his normal station as a gentleman of the ton, Simon is quickly introduced to the treachery of the managers and security forces who are keeping the quality of life for the miners at a bare minimum while they are living very high. Seeking to know the mindset of the miners and find those who would fight for their rights, Simon gets to know one of the most vocal members of the community, Miss Alyce Carr.
For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2013/1...
The call for help came in the form of an anonymous letter, but the plea was one spoken by many men and women in towns across England. People are being robbed of their basic human rights and someone needs to help them. It was this well heard plea that brought Nemesis Unlimited together one dark night many years before and it was a call that Simon Addison-Shawe would always answer. Finding himself in one of the farthest corners of the country, Simon has infiltrated the Wheal Prosperity Copper Mine to determine how to break the workers out of their virtual slavery to the company and to help them prosper from their labors. Disguised as a mechanic, a trade far below his normal station as a gentleman of the ton, Simon is quickly introduced to the treachery of the managers and security forces who are keeping the quality of life for the miners at a bare minimum while they are living very high. Seeking to know the mindset of the miners and find those who would fight for their rights, Simon gets to know one of the most vocal members of the community, Miss Alyce Carr.
For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2013/1...
March 27, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, more so due to the political and corporate intrigue than the romance though. Due to the chasteness of the period, there wasn’t too much excitement for a long bit of the book in the romance area. However, there was more than enough excitement in dealing with the injustices of the mining company, and the covert techniques that Simon and Alyce contrive together in the town and later, with the assistance of his colleagues.
Simon is a strong character that has an undeniable attractiveness for the mere fact that he cares for those he knows have been done wrong. There is a level of danger about his persona because he actively pursues being a vigilante in the face of potentially losing his entire fortune and social standing. Alyce is a strong female protagonist that actively bucks the social norm of being the meek and mild, “do whatever you say” female. I love that about her. She knows what the owners and supervisors are doing is wrong, and she’s constantly trying to make life better for the workers and townspeople. It is obvious she is destined for grander things once this situation is worked out. This duo is a force to be reckoned with and I would love to continue this series to see where it takes them and the other members of Nemesis, Unlimited.
Rating: 4
HEAT Rating: Mild
Reviewed By: Daysie W.
Review Courtesy of: My Book Addictions and More
Simon is a strong character that has an undeniable attractiveness for the mere fact that he cares for those he knows have been done wrong. There is a level of danger about his persona because he actively pursues being a vigilante in the face of potentially losing his entire fortune and social standing. Alyce is a strong female protagonist that actively bucks the social norm of being the meek and mild, “do whatever you say” female. I love that about her. She knows what the owners and supervisors are doing is wrong, and she’s constantly trying to make life better for the workers and townspeople. It is obvious she is destined for grander things once this situation is worked out. This duo is a force to be reckoned with and I would love to continue this series to see where it takes them and the other members of Nemesis, Unlimited.
Rating: 4
HEAT Rating: Mild
Reviewed By: Daysie W.
Review Courtesy of: My Book Addictions and More
September 10, 2013
Since I read Zoë Archer’s book, “Sweet Revenge” and loved it, Night Owl Reviews asked if I’d review her next book, “Dangerous Seduction”. I’m so glad I accepted their offer. I enjoyed this book as much as the first one in the Nemesis, Unlimited Series.
This story takes place in Cornwall in 1886. Simon came to the Wheal Prosperity Copper Mine in Trewyn, Cornwall to work undercover to help the miners against the owners and managers unfair practices. Nemesis, Unlimited received an anonymous letter begging for help. He works with some of the miners whom he can trust. He finds most of that help in Alyce, one of the bal-maidens, women who take the rocks and boulders and crush them to get the copper pieces. Simon and Alyce become more than friends during their undercover escapades.
I enjoyed this historical novel because it was interesting to see what the miners had to do to work these copper mines in the 1800’s. It was also enlightening to find out about their lives…the backbreaking labor, the poverty, hunger and disease that they lived with day after day.
Night Owl Reviews provided a free kindle advance reading copy in return for my honest review of this book.
You can find this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-7Q.
This story takes place in Cornwall in 1886. Simon came to the Wheal Prosperity Copper Mine in Trewyn, Cornwall to work undercover to help the miners against the owners and managers unfair practices. Nemesis, Unlimited received an anonymous letter begging for help. He works with some of the miners whom he can trust. He finds most of that help in Alyce, one of the bal-maidens, women who take the rocks and boulders and crush them to get the copper pieces. Simon and Alyce become more than friends during their undercover escapades.
I enjoyed this historical novel because it was interesting to see what the miners had to do to work these copper mines in the 1800’s. It was also enlightening to find out about their lives…the backbreaking labor, the poverty, hunger and disease that they lived with day after day.
Night Owl Reviews provided a free kindle advance reading copy in return for my honest review of this book.
You can find this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-7Q.
August 24, 2014
I wavered between 4 & 5 stars but bumped it up for a couple of reasons. Reason #1 is Alyce the heroine. Working as a bal-maiden for the copper mine she's physically strong but she's also got a strong personality, moral center and a quick mind. Simon was an excellent hero but Alyce is truly the special one in the book. Also, oddly enough, we have been embroiled in our own labor uprising here in Massachusetts this summer. Granted it's a grocery store and not a mine but the Market Basket saga is still ongoing even though it's created havoc at the grocery stores I'm eager to see if the workers are successful. Anyway, all of that put me in the perfect mood to see the greedy mine owners get theirs (I'm always in the mood for that but it particularly resonated right now).
Although Zoe Archer never shies away from the conditions in the mine and the plight of the workers she's careful not to get too grim. We see moments of happiness and family as well. And once the scams start, the fun for the reader begins. Simon & Alyce are a great team and I loved the conclusion to their seemingly impossible situation. I'm looking forward to Marco's story but I do wish that the Nemesis series was continuing after that.
Although Zoe Archer never shies away from the conditions in the mine and the plight of the workers she's careful not to get too grim. We see moments of happiness and family as well. And once the scams start, the fun for the reader begins. Simon & Alyce are a great team and I loved the conclusion to their seemingly impossible situation. I'm looking forward to Marco's story but I do wish that the Nemesis series was continuing after that.
February 12, 2014
This is an interesting historical series. Instead of the high society pomp and circumstance, it explores the darker sides of injustice and struggles of the working class crossed with intrigue and romance. Good stuff.
I loved Alyce and the fact that she was an ordinary, hardworking kind of gal. But of course, in true Zoe Archer fashion, she's also smart as a whip & tough as nails. There was something about her personality that rang true for me. Maybe because she was always so kind and fought for the rights of others. She seemed real and like someone I would want to be friends with.
I vaguely remembered Simon from book #1 but he's a great match for Alyce. Good looking but not arrogant. Strong but not overbearing.
The romance was on a slow simmer which allowed for a believable romance instead of the typical lust filled whirlwind. This was one of rare accessions that I wasn't sure if a couple would get their HEA. Not because they weren't perfect for each other but because they led very separate lives once this case was resolved. Archer wrote it very well, valuing each character individually as well as part of a couple.
I loved Alyce and the fact that she was an ordinary, hardworking kind of gal. But of course, in true Zoe Archer fashion, she's also smart as a whip & tough as nails. There was something about her personality that rang true for me. Maybe because she was always so kind and fought for the rights of others. She seemed real and like someone I would want to be friends with.
I vaguely remembered Simon from book #1 but he's a great match for Alyce. Good looking but not arrogant. Strong but not overbearing.
The romance was on a slow simmer which allowed for a believable romance instead of the typical lust filled whirlwind. This was one of rare accessions that I wasn't sure if a couple would get their HEA. Not because they weren't perfect for each other but because they led very separate lives once this case was resolved. Archer wrote it very well, valuing each character individually as well as part of a couple.
April 13, 2015
Au mois de décembre je vous parlais du premier tome de la série des Justiciers de Zoë Archer. Un premier tome, Un désir de vengeance, vraiment à part dans le genre romance historique, collection A&P de chez J’ai Lu pour Elle. Et surtout, une très bonne surprise. Le deuxième tome, Séduction à risque, confirme le côté « à part »/ « nouveau genre » (du moins en France et dans mes souvenirs) de cette série.
Fin du 19ème siècle, alors que les mentalités changent sans vraiment changer et que le monde évolue à toute allure, la Némésis est appelé à l’aide en Cornouailles, dans le petit village minier de Trewyn où les mineurs vivent dans des conditions épouvantables et sont proches de la rupture. La Némésis, cette « agence », ce groupe de personnes dévouées, qui décident de venir en aide de manière anonyme et gratuite aux opprimés, à ceux dans le besoin, dans le but de faire justice, décide d’envoyer sur place l’un de ses meilleurs agents-justiciers : Simon Addison-Shawe qui s’y fait embaucher comme mécanicien. [...]
L'intégralité de ma chronique ici: http://lune-et-plume.fr/seduction-a-r...
Fin du 19ème siècle, alors que les mentalités changent sans vraiment changer et que le monde évolue à toute allure, la Némésis est appelé à l’aide en Cornouailles, dans le petit village minier de Trewyn où les mineurs vivent dans des conditions épouvantables et sont proches de la rupture. La Némésis, cette « agence », ce groupe de personnes dévouées, qui décident de venir en aide de manière anonyme et gratuite aux opprimés, à ceux dans le besoin, dans le but de faire justice, décide d’envoyer sur place l’un de ses meilleurs agents-justiciers : Simon Addison-Shawe qui s’y fait embaucher comme mécanicien. [...]
L'intégralité de ma chronique ici: http://lune-et-plume.fr/seduction-a-r...
December 15, 2014
I haven’t read too many titles from Zoe Archer and even though I jumped in to the Nemesis, Unlimited series with book two I had no problems understanding the overarching storyline or the secondary characters. Alyce Carr has tried for years to enact a change in her village. She and her fellow villagers are being dangerously taken advantage of in the local copper mine. Simon Addison-Shawe is a member of Nemesis, Unlimited, an organization that works to right the wrongs and help those being taken advantage of. Simon goes undercover and even though he has the fate of his village in his hands he’s intrigued by Alyce. When he reveals his true purpose these two embark on a dangerous adventure to take on the mine’s owners and to improve the living conditions of the townspeople. There may be many things separating them but the chance at something more brings them together. A really enjoyable historical romance especially if you’re looking to get out of the London ballrooms. Very interesting to read a historical outside of Dukes and the ton. Fun read!
April 13, 2015
J’ai bien aimé ce roman et le style de l’auteur.
Voilà un A&P qui mérite d’être lu ! Il est rare de trouver un livre de cette édition ou l’auteur ne s’arrête pas à la fin de l’histoire. Ici le lecteur a le droit à ce qui se passe après même s’il s’agit d’un condensé. On sait ce qu’il se passe après l’histoire !
Ce livre possède un bon rythme et une certaine richesse de l’intrigue. L’intrigue possède un peu d’originalité.
J’ai beaucoup aimé les deux héros et les personnages secondaires. Tous sont plausibles ainsi que la situation et la vie de ces personnages. Je les ai trouvés attachants.
J’ai adhéré au type d’héroïne qui nous ai offert dans ce tome ; elle n’est pas nunuche… Pour une fois c’est une femme forte, ayant de la volonté… Elle m’a fait penser aux suffragettes.
Par contre, l’auteur a un peu caricaturé je trouve le héros. Il n’en est pas moins attachant, on sent que la cause qu’il sert lui tient à cœur.
C’est un bon livre mais il ne m’a donné envie de lire le tome précédent ni le suivant par peur de trouver le tout redondant.
Voilà un A&P qui mérite d’être lu ! Il est rare de trouver un livre de cette édition ou l’auteur ne s’arrête pas à la fin de l’histoire. Ici le lecteur a le droit à ce qui se passe après même s’il s’agit d’un condensé. On sait ce qu’il se passe après l’histoire !
Ce livre possède un bon rythme et une certaine richesse de l’intrigue. L’intrigue possède un peu d’originalité.
J’ai beaucoup aimé les deux héros et les personnages secondaires. Tous sont plausibles ainsi que la situation et la vie de ces personnages. Je les ai trouvés attachants.
J’ai adhéré au type d’héroïne qui nous ai offert dans ce tome ; elle n’est pas nunuche… Pour une fois c’est une femme forte, ayant de la volonté… Elle m’a fait penser aux suffragettes.
Par contre, l’auteur a un peu caricaturé je trouve le héros. Il n’en est pas moins attachant, on sent que la cause qu’il sert lui tient à cœur.
C’est un bon livre mais il ne m’a donné envie de lire le tome précédent ni le suivant par peur de trouver le tout redondant.
November 26, 2013
Note: This review is an advanced review copy (ARC) from Net Galley, so page references may differ. This was a very fast-paced, exciting, and edgy story about the dark side of Victorian England society. Zoe Archer writes with directness, honesty, and feeling about the destitute and downtrodden; her themes are reminiscent of Charles Dickens’ harsh world.
My thoughts: The hero, Simon. Despite growing up in a privileged, aristocratic class, he felt for the needs of others, the abuse of the poor and working class, and was determined to right the wrongs of society. From childhood, he was aware of the lives of servants; he was a man of honor and great kindness. For my full review, on my blog: http://bit.ly/IqpB06
My thoughts: The hero, Simon. Despite growing up in a privileged, aristocratic class, he felt for the needs of others, the abuse of the poor and working class, and was determined to right the wrongs of society. From childhood, he was aware of the lives of servants; he was a man of honor and great kindness. For my full review, on my blog: http://bit.ly/IqpB06
July 29, 2016
As reviewed on Read Our Lips:
Simon Addison-Shawe is on a new mission for Nemesis, undercover as a machinist in a mine, investigating an anonymous letter hinting at owners cheating the workers on both money and food.
Living in this mining town is Alyce, a bal-maiden with a strong sense of ethics, now somehow she finds herself aiding Simon in his quest for justice. Together they´ll find a way to make the owners pay.
Historical romance with action, suspense, smutty fluff and a great love story. Awesome addition to the Nemesis, Unlimited world.
Simon Addison-Shawe is on a new mission for Nemesis, undercover as a machinist in a mine, investigating an anonymous letter hinting at owners cheating the workers on both money and food.
Living in this mining town is Alyce, a bal-maiden with a strong sense of ethics, now somehow she finds herself aiding Simon in his quest for justice. Together they´ll find a way to make the owners pay.
Historical romance with action, suspense, smutty fluff and a great love story. Awesome addition to the Nemesis, Unlimited world.
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