What do you think?
Rate this book
Legend of the Four Soldiers #1
To Taste Temptation
The ton loves nothing more than a good scandal, and they're giddy with the appearance of wealthy Samuel Hartley. Not only is he self-made, American, and in the habit of wearing moccasins, but he is also notorious for fleeing a battle in which several English gentlemen lost their lives. What the ton doesn't know, though, is that Samuel is in London because of this massacre. He believes his regiment was given up to the enemy and won't rest until he finds the traitor.
Lady Emeline Gordon is captivated with Samuel. Not only does he defy convention with his unusual dress, his sensual smile, and his forthright manner, but he survived the battle that killed her beloved brother. Samuel suspects that the person responsible for her brother's death is Jasper Renshaw, Viscount Vale, a family friend since childhood—and Emeline's fiancé. Despite Emeline's belief in Vale's innocence and her refusal to break off her betrothal, she and Samuel begin a passionate affair. But can their relationship survive the fallout from Samuel's investigation?
Lady Emeline Gordon is captivated with Samuel. Not only does he defy convention with his unusual dress, his sensual smile, and his forthright manner, but he survived the battle that killed her beloved brother. Samuel suspects that the person responsible for her brother's death is Jasper Renshaw, Viscount Vale, a family friend since childhood—and Emeline's fiancé. Despite Emeline's belief in Vale's innocence and her refusal to break off her betrothal, she and Samuel begin a passionate affair. But can their relationship survive the fallout from Samuel's investigation?
362 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 2008
282 people are currently reading
6318 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Hoyt
48 books7,182 followersElizabeth Hoyt is a New York Times bestselling author of historical romance. She also writes deliciously fun contemporary romance under the name Julia Harper. Elizabeth lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with three untrained dogs and one long-suffering husband.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 695 reviews
May 15, 2019
Elizabeth Hoyt is a hit-or-miss author for me. I have rated her books 5-stars, and one of them I gave 2-stars. This one, though, ugh.... is there a negative star yet? Yet, I will read the next one in the series because I think the problems in this book were unique to the characters. There was nothing wrong with the writing itself. Plus, I liked the couple who is set-up for the next book.
So, the problems:
Cheating!! Cheating everywhere!
The heroine is engaged throughout the book and yet is screwing the new guy. Oh, and the new guy is an old army buddy of her fiance and they are becoming closer friends throughout the book. As he sleeps with the guy's fiance. So, both of them were cheating on him. Then, at one point they have an engagement party and the other-man attacks the fiance and beats the shit out of him.
Um..... you do know that YOU are the bad guy here, right???
The next problem?
Her body betrayed her.
Please, God, save us from this trope! Both the heroine, and the hero, ruminate endlessly about how the "animal magnetism" takes over and they aren't in control of their actions. Give me a break! In other words, you aren't to blame for cheating because your bodies wouldn't stop even when your minds said to? Is this supposed to legitimize the act? Wait, would this work in a courtroom?Because, you know, my mind says not to stab idiots, but my body has grabbed a knife and is heading towards idiots. What can I do?
Then there was the
Dubious consent
When a woman says "no", the answer is "no". Why is this so hard to understand? Are we really still struggling for female authors to stop making non-consent romantic?
Why the fuck do I even need to say this?
At one point, the guy (cheater-hero) tells the girl (cheater-heroine) that he is going to come into her bedroom that night at a house party and if she locks the door or tries to deny him he will yell and make sure everyone knows that she cheated. Her fiance is also there. He threatened to expose her and shame her if she didn't let him fuck her.
Um.... that's rape, dude.
But, don't worry, she wants it.
She was asking for it.
You should have seen her dress!
Slut!
Yeah, so obviously this one didn't work for me. But, I haven't lost faith in the author. She's usually pretty good. And, I don't mind a little bodice-ripping, just as long as she's okay with it. Plus, you know, would it kill the guy to just undo the damn thing properly? Those things don't sew themselves back together.
oh, okay. I'll make an exception for you, kitty.
So, the problems:
Cheating!! Cheating everywhere!
The heroine is engaged throughout the book and yet is screwing the new guy. Oh, and the new guy is an old army buddy of her fiance and they are becoming closer friends throughout the book. As he sleeps with the guy's fiance. So, both of them were cheating on him. Then, at one point they have an engagement party and the other-man attacks the fiance and beats the shit out of him.
Um..... you do know that YOU are the bad guy here, right???
The next problem?
Her body betrayed her.
Please, God, save us from this trope! Both the heroine, and the hero, ruminate endlessly about how the "animal magnetism" takes over and they aren't in control of their actions. Give me a break! In other words, you aren't to blame for cheating because your bodies wouldn't stop even when your minds said to? Is this supposed to legitimize the act? Wait, would this work in a courtroom?Because, you know, my mind says not to stab idiots, but my body has grabbed a knife and is heading towards idiots. What can I do?
Then there was the
Dubious consent
When a woman says "no", the answer is "no". Why is this so hard to understand? Are we really still struggling for female authors to stop making non-consent romantic?
Why the fuck do I even need to say this?
At one point, the guy (cheater-hero) tells the girl (cheater-heroine) that he is going to come into her bedroom that night at a house party and if she locks the door or tries to deny him he will yell and make sure everyone knows that she cheated. Her fiance is also there. He threatened to expose her and shame her if she didn't let him fuck her.
Um.... that's rape, dude.
But, don't worry, she wants it.
She was asking for it.
You should have seen her dress!
Slut!
Yeah, so obviously this one didn't work for me. But, I haven't lost faith in the author. She's usually pretty good. And, I don't mind a little bodice-ripping, just as long as she's okay with it. Plus, you know, would it kill the guy to just undo the damn thing properly? Those things don't sew themselves back together.
oh, okay. I'll make an exception for you, kitty.
July 16, 2013
“There are no heroes on the battlefield, my lady; there are only survivors.”
Let me say that I am a bit of a fangirl about anything Elizabeth Hoyt writes. I may be a bit biased. I think she is a master at sexual tension, so if you like a smooth, slow build up to a very enjoyable, lustfully delicious climax, GO HERE. That being said, Hoyt also writes such a fabulous STORY.
This is a Historical Romance with some meat on it's bones. It makes you think, it transports you with just a few words from sixteenth century England to early American colonies, during the French and Indian war. War is always brutal, but especially when it was so hand to hand and personal as it was back then. I am fast becoming enamored of any Historical romance set in Colonial America. I love my country, and even though it may have been founded by my ancestors and wrongfully settled, it's still my country and it's still my history. I loved Pamela Clare's UntamedSurrenderDefiant for that very reason. Both sides are shown, and yes, I realize that it's romanticized. But it still leaves an impact and piques my interest. While the war is the background for this particular book, it's not the focal point.
The entirety of this story aside from a few flashbacks is set in England. It deals with Samuel's quest to root out the person who gave information about his regiment to the French, which led to their massacre. While hunting down a fellow soldier, he comes across Lady Evangeline, sister to a fallen comrade. She is also engaged to be married and besides, Samuel Hartley isn't a titled Lord but a common rich man from the Colonies.
Of course, their passion and chemistry is off the charts, dominating most of their encounters but left much to their imaginations because they both realize the futility of their attraction. Emaline is a lady of the ton. She's a snob, to be blunt, but once again Hoyt's characterization also makes her relatable. She's a product of her upbringing, but she's not a bigot. She realizes her attraction and though she tries to stay away, her position as a chaperone to Samuel's sister makes it impossible to stay away from him. Especially when he decides to stay close to her in order to explore their feelings.
Sensual, sexy, and captivating, this is more evidence of what makes me love Elizabeth Hoyt!
Let me say that I am a bit of a fangirl about anything Elizabeth Hoyt writes. I may be a bit biased. I think she is a master at sexual tension, so if you like a smooth, slow build up to a very enjoyable, lustfully delicious climax, GO HERE. That being said, Hoyt also writes such a fabulous STORY.
This is a Historical Romance with some meat on it's bones. It makes you think, it transports you with just a few words from sixteenth century England to early American colonies, during the French and Indian war. War is always brutal, but especially when it was so hand to hand and personal as it was back then. I am fast becoming enamored of any Historical romance set in Colonial America. I love my country, and even though it may have been founded by my ancestors and wrongfully settled, it's still my country and it's still my history. I loved Pamela Clare's UntamedSurrenderDefiant for that very reason. Both sides are shown, and yes, I realize that it's romanticized. But it still leaves an impact and piques my interest. While the war is the background for this particular book, it's not the focal point.
The entirety of this story aside from a few flashbacks is set in England. It deals with Samuel's quest to root out the person who gave information about his regiment to the French, which led to their massacre. While hunting down a fellow soldier, he comes across Lady Evangeline, sister to a fallen comrade. She is also engaged to be married and besides, Samuel Hartley isn't a titled Lord but a common rich man from the Colonies.
Of course, their passion and chemistry is off the charts, dominating most of their encounters but left much to their imaginations because they both realize the futility of their attraction. Emaline is a lady of the ton. She's a snob, to be blunt, but once again Hoyt's characterization also makes her relatable. She's a product of her upbringing, but she's not a bigot. She realizes her attraction and though she tries to stay away, her position as a chaperone to Samuel's sister makes it impossible to stay away from him. Especially when he decides to stay close to her in order to explore their feelings.
Sensual, sexy, and captivating, this is more evidence of what makes me love Elizabeth Hoyt!
February 1, 2022
3'5 Estrellitas. Me ha gustado mucho, pero no me ha encantado. Guardaba muy buen recuerdo de Elizabeth Hoyt y lo mantengo. Hará más de diez años que leí la trilogía de los Príncipes, que me encantó, y veo que ésta le sigue.
"Tentación irresistible" es el primer libro de cuatro, de la serie La Leyenda de los Cuatro Soldados, en referencia a un cuento sobre cuatro soldados que iniciarán cada capítulo del libro.
Los protagonistas de la serie son cuatro soldados que lucharon contra los franceses en América a medidados del siglo XVIII. El regimiento en el que iban los protagonistas fue traicionado y emboscado por los indios hurones, del que sobrevivieron muy pocos.
Samuel Hartley fue uno de los supervivientes de Spinner Falls, y su cometido durante el libro será descubrir quién los traicionó. Samuel es americano de nacimiento y una vez dejó el ejército heredó la empresa de mercancías de su tío, en Boston. Ahora es un hombre rico y respetado en América, pero sus pesquisas le llevarán a Londres junto con su hermana menor, que desea que entre en sociedad.
En una fiesta en Londres, Samuel conoce a su vecina, Lady Emeline Gordon, una hermosa y joven viuda, que se dedica a patrocinar señoritas para presentarlas en sociedad. Así que Samuel la convence para que tome a su hermana bajo su ala. Pero Samuel tiene intenciones ocultas, durante años ha sospechado que el traidor es el vizconde Vale y para eso necesita introducirse en sus mismos círculos elevados.
Desde el principio, Samuel escandaliza a la sociedad londinense con sus raras vestimentas y sus costumbres, y Emeline no es una excepción. Emeline se siente atraida por él, lo cual es una tontería, pues pertenecen a mundos distintos y sus posiciones sociales son completamente distintas, además, está casi prometida con el vizconde Vale.
Otro de los motivos por los que Emeline acepta patrocinar a la señorita Hartley, es que Samuel conoció a su hermano Reynaud, conde St. Aubyn, muerto en la masacre de Spinner Falls.
Aunque sus pesquisas le llevan hasta el vizconde Vale, en seguida, Samuel se dará cuenta de que deben buscar más sospechosos entre los que sobrevivieron, pero ¿qué camaradería puede haber entre él y el vizconde Vale, prometido de la mujer que él ama?
Es verdad que las escenas románticas echan sus chispitas y están bien avenidas, pero el romance no ha terminado de gustarme. He visto más deseo y atracción que amor entre ellos, y la obcecación de Emeline en no amarle por si pierde su posición social y su vida en Londres me han matado. Pero una serie de acontecimientos al final del libro hará que todo acabe bien entre ellos, aunque para mi gusto, precipitado.
Aún así, el libro está bastante bien y me ha entretenido, los capítulos enganchaban y el librito de los cuatro soldados me ha tenido intrigada hasta el final. No tardaré en leerme el seguiente libro, veo que Jasper, vizconde Vale y Melissande, la amiga de Emeline, pueden protagonizar un buen libro.
"Tentación irresistible" es el primer libro de cuatro, de la serie La Leyenda de los Cuatro Soldados, en referencia a un cuento sobre cuatro soldados que iniciarán cada capítulo del libro.
Los protagonistas de la serie son cuatro soldados que lucharon contra los franceses en América a medidados del siglo XVIII. El regimiento en el que iban los protagonistas fue traicionado y emboscado por los indios hurones, del que sobrevivieron muy pocos.
Samuel Hartley fue uno de los supervivientes de Spinner Falls, y su cometido durante el libro será descubrir quién los traicionó. Samuel es americano de nacimiento y una vez dejó el ejército heredó la empresa de mercancías de su tío, en Boston. Ahora es un hombre rico y respetado en América, pero sus pesquisas le llevarán a Londres junto con su hermana menor, que desea que entre en sociedad.
En una fiesta en Londres, Samuel conoce a su vecina, Lady Emeline Gordon, una hermosa y joven viuda, que se dedica a patrocinar señoritas para presentarlas en sociedad. Así que Samuel la convence para que tome a su hermana bajo su ala. Pero Samuel tiene intenciones ocultas, durante años ha sospechado que el traidor es el vizconde Vale y para eso necesita introducirse en sus mismos círculos elevados.
Desde el principio, Samuel escandaliza a la sociedad londinense con sus raras vestimentas y sus costumbres, y Emeline no es una excepción. Emeline se siente atraida por él, lo cual es una tontería, pues pertenecen a mundos distintos y sus posiciones sociales son completamente distintas, además, está casi prometida con el vizconde Vale.
Otro de los motivos por los que Emeline acepta patrocinar a la señorita Hartley, es que Samuel conoció a su hermano Reynaud, conde St. Aubyn, muerto en la masacre de Spinner Falls.
Aunque sus pesquisas le llevan hasta el vizconde Vale, en seguida, Samuel se dará cuenta de que deben buscar más sospechosos entre los que sobrevivieron, pero ¿qué camaradería puede haber entre él y el vizconde Vale, prometido de la mujer que él ama?
Es verdad que las escenas románticas echan sus chispitas y están bien avenidas, pero el romance no ha terminado de gustarme. He visto más deseo y atracción que amor entre ellos, y la obcecación de Emeline en no amarle por si pierde su posición social y su vida en Londres me han matado. Pero una serie de acontecimientos al final del libro hará que todo acabe bien entre ellos, aunque para mi gusto, precipitado.
Aún así, el libro está bastante bien y me ha entretenido, los capítulos enganchaban y el librito de los cuatro soldados me ha tenido intrigada hasta el final. No tardaré en leerme el seguiente libro, veo que Jasper, vizconde Vale y Melissande, la amiga de Emeline, pueden protagonizar un buen libro.
August 11, 2020
This was a quick read. I enjoyed the book, as I usually do with hers but can't see revisiting it
November 9, 2017
Bilmeniz gereken ilk şey şu; konu historical ise Hoyt ilk okuyacağız yazarlardan olmalı. Aşk, tutku, gizem, gerilim, heyecan, macera ve en güzeli, kitap içinde masallar veriyor. Bunların bir araya gelmesi öyle ahenkli oluyor ki kitap ne zaman başladı ne zaman bitti çözmekte zorlanıyorsunuz.
Bizzat denenmiş, gözlemlenmiştir.
Kitabın başında bizi Demir Yürek karşılıyor. Savaştan gelen dört askerin hayatlarına devam etmesini konu alan, bölüm başlarında okuma fırsatı bulacağınız, kitap kadar büyüleyici hikâye... Hoyt bir güzellik yapmalı ve bu hikâyeleri de bize ayrı olarak sunmalı bence.
Bu, bizi bölüm başlarında karşılayan hikâyeler kurguyla aşağı yukarı aynı çizgide gidiyor. Birebir benzerlikten bahsetmiyorum, karakter yapıları ve tepkileri olarak düşünün bunu. Demir Yürek'te Samuel'in masaldaki yansımasıydı. Demir Yürek zora düştüğünde, hata yaptığında yakın zamanda benzeri sonuçları doğuracak hareketler Samuel'de de vuku buluyordu. İnanın masalın genişletilmiş hâli kitap olarak çıksa koşa koşa alırım, o kadar keyifliydi o kısımda ama şimdi dönelim Samuel ve Emeline kısmına.
Boston'da ticaretle uğraşan Samuel, iş bahanesiyle kız kardeşi ile birlikte Londra'ya geliyor. Genç kızlara şaperonluk yapıp onları sosyeteye tanıştırmakla ilgilenen Emeline'den de bu konuda yardım istiyor. Kız kardeşini burada oldukları süre boyunca sosyeteye hazırlaması, ona eşlik etmesi için yan evdeki bu güzel dulu ikna ediyor.
Az da olsa historical okuyanlar bilir ki o dönemde insanların çalışmasının karşılığını alıp zengin olması aristokrat sınıfı tarafından bir hayli yadırganan bir durumdur. Onlara göre lüks sadece kendilerine zimmetlidir. Alın teri ile kazanılmış servetler değersizdir.
Bu önyargıların yanına bir de iki kardeşin okyanus ötesinden geldiğini ekleyin.
Hartley kardeşlerin işi iki katı zordu anlayacağınız.
Makosenlerinden vazgeçmeyen Samuel altı yıl önce Kolonilerde ki İngiliz ordusunda onbaşıydı. Orada olan katliamı unutamayan bu adam kafasındaki soruların cevaplarını bulmak için aslında bu seyahati planlamıştı.
Bu araştırmayı yaparken hiç beklemediği bir şekilde Emeline ile yakınlaşmaya başlıyor. Karşı koyamadığı bu kadına olan hislerini bir yana bırakamazken işler hiç de istediği gibi gitmiyor.
Öncelikle Emeline, tatlım, sen salaksın! Bu adam bu kadar bekletilir miydi? Kıymetini bilmedin ama dua et de o senden vazgeçmedi.
Bu bahsettiğim araştırma kısmı çok heyecanlıdı. Tam bulduk dediğimizde birini elimizden kaçırdık ettik ama sonunda düze çıkabildik neyse ki.
En başta da dediğim gibi, her şeyi yerli yerinde bir historical. Tek problem Emeline ve geç farkına vardığı gerçekler. O ev partisinden döndüğünde yaptıklarını hâlâ sindiremedim üstelik.
Bizzat denenmiş, gözlemlenmiştir.
Kitabın başında bizi Demir Yürek karşılıyor. Savaştan gelen dört askerin hayatlarına devam etmesini konu alan, bölüm başlarında okuma fırsatı bulacağınız, kitap kadar büyüleyici hikâye... Hoyt bir güzellik yapmalı ve bu hikâyeleri de bize ayrı olarak sunmalı bence.
Bu, bizi bölüm başlarında karşılayan hikâyeler kurguyla aşağı yukarı aynı çizgide gidiyor. Birebir benzerlikten bahsetmiyorum, karakter yapıları ve tepkileri olarak düşünün bunu. Demir Yürek'te Samuel'in masaldaki yansımasıydı. Demir Yürek zora düştüğünde, hata yaptığında yakın zamanda benzeri sonuçları doğuracak hareketler Samuel'de de vuku buluyordu. İnanın masalın genişletilmiş hâli kitap olarak çıksa koşa koşa alırım, o kadar keyifliydi o kısımda ama şimdi dönelim Samuel ve Emeline kısmına.
Boston'da ticaretle uğraşan Samuel, iş bahanesiyle kız kardeşi ile birlikte Londra'ya geliyor. Genç kızlara şaperonluk yapıp onları sosyeteye tanıştırmakla ilgilenen Emeline'den de bu konuda yardım istiyor. Kız kardeşini burada oldukları süre boyunca sosyeteye hazırlaması, ona eşlik etmesi için yan evdeki bu güzel dulu ikna ediyor.
Az da olsa historical okuyanlar bilir ki o dönemde insanların çalışmasının karşılığını alıp zengin olması aristokrat sınıfı tarafından bir hayli yadırganan bir durumdur. Onlara göre lüks sadece kendilerine zimmetlidir. Alın teri ile kazanılmış servetler değersizdir.
Bu önyargıların yanına bir de iki kardeşin okyanus ötesinden geldiğini ekleyin.
Hartley kardeşlerin işi iki katı zordu anlayacağınız.
Makosenlerinden vazgeçmeyen Samuel altı yıl önce Kolonilerde ki İngiliz ordusunda onbaşıydı. Orada olan katliamı unutamayan bu adam kafasındaki soruların cevaplarını bulmak için aslında bu seyahati planlamıştı.
Bu araştırmayı yaparken hiç beklemediği bir şekilde Emeline ile yakınlaşmaya başlıyor. Karşı koyamadığı bu kadına olan hislerini bir yana bırakamazken işler hiç de istediği gibi gitmiyor.
Öncelikle Emeline, tatlım, sen salaksın! Bu adam bu kadar bekletilir miydi? Kıymetini bilmedin ama dua et de o senden vazgeçmedi.
Bu bahsettiğim araştırma kısmı çok heyecanlıdı. Tam bulduk dediğimizde birini elimizden kaçırdık ettik ama sonunda düze çıkabildik neyse ki.
En başta da dediğim gibi, her şeyi yerli yerinde bir historical. Tek problem Emeline ve geç farkına vardığı gerçekler. O ev partisinden döndüğünde yaptıklarını hâlâ sindiremedim üstelik.
August 10, 2018
I've already read (and really enjoyed) the third book in this series (I don't remember why I started there), but I'm glad of it. Because if this had been the first book I'd read, I probably wouldn't have continued reading this series. There's nothing major wrong with the writing, just a bunch of personal deal-breakers all in one book.
I also have doubts about the second book in this series. While I would like to see Jasper matched with someone who's actually nice, he treated the woman he will end up with like she was invisible in this book. The heroine actually accused him of not even seeing her best friend here, and I'm not sure I want to see him suddenly realize that this totally average girl (who I'm guessing has been in love with him all along) is what he really wants. It's just not something I'm terribly fond of. Maybe this series just really isn't for me and To Beguile a Beast was a lucky exception. Or my tastes changed drastically over the last year...
I also have doubts about the second book in this series. While I would like to see Jasper matched with someone who's actually nice, he treated the woman he will end up with like she was invisible in this book. The heroine actually accused him of not even seeing her best friend here, and I'm not sure I want to see him suddenly realize that this totally average girl (who I'm guessing has been in love with him all along) is what he really wants. It's just not something I'm terribly fond of. Maybe this series just really isn't for me and To Beguile a Beast was a lucky exception. Or my tastes changed drastically over the last year...
April 30, 2008
I think we all enjoy reminiscing on fairy tales from our youth. The downtrodden heroine saved by what turns out to be a handsome prince. At least, those are the fairy tales of my youth before the era of political correctness. I even remember when either Cinderella or Snow White was re-released by Disney in the 80’s and women’s groups were encouraging mothers with daughters to boycott the film because it taught girls to “wait for a man to rescue them”. Uh… hello? IT’S A FAIRY TALE! Anyway, that’s part of what was enjoyable about Elizabeth Hoyt’s books is her inclusion of a fairy tale within the story and somewhat mirroring plot lines. She continues this tradition with her new series, The Legend of the Four Soldiers and this first novel, “To Taste Temptation.”
Our first fairy tale soldier is Iron Heart, mirrored by our book hero Samuel Hartley. He’s a wealthy, successful, rakish, and “uncivilized” businessman from the Colonies who isn’t ashamed of his humble beginnings. His backwoods background enabled him to act as a scout for the British in the French and Indian War, and it was there he served with our heroine’s brother. He’s come to England ostensibly on business, but in reality to identify the villain who betrayed their Regiment which resulted in a massacre that very few survived.
Samuel finagles an introduction to our heroine, Lady Emeline Gordon, whose brother was one of the officers killed in the massacre. She also serves as a chaperone for young ladies navigating the ton. Samuel has brought his sister, Rebecca with him and soon maneuvers Emeline into acting as her chaperone. He’s also soon maneuvering Emeline into a shockingly passionate affaire.
Emeline is the picture of titled British sophistication. She’s also been deeply affected by the death of her much-loved husband, brother, and father in short succession. This has left her with an ageing Aunt, a young son, and all the cares and burdens associated with acting as head of the family. She’s lost the ability to trust, is frightened to love, and is perfectly willing to settle for a secure marriage without passion…until Samuel. He’s wrong for her in every way, and she’s everything he is not. So why, oh why, is he the only one who sees her as she truly is? Who understands her? Who can pull these confusing, exasperating, exciting emotions from her so easily? Is she willing to give up her life in the ton?
Each chapter of the book begins with a snippet from the story of Iron Heart and the progress of the mystery and the relationship between our lead characters seems to in some way echo our fairy tale. It’s a story within a story within a story. There’s a truly American budding romance between two secondary characters and I think I caught a glimpse of one, if not two, of our future soldiers. I’ll be waiting for their stories too.
Our first fairy tale soldier is Iron Heart, mirrored by our book hero Samuel Hartley. He’s a wealthy, successful, rakish, and “uncivilized” businessman from the Colonies who isn’t ashamed of his humble beginnings. His backwoods background enabled him to act as a scout for the British in the French and Indian War, and it was there he served with our heroine’s brother. He’s come to England ostensibly on business, but in reality to identify the villain who betrayed their Regiment which resulted in a massacre that very few survived.
Samuel finagles an introduction to our heroine, Lady Emeline Gordon, whose brother was one of the officers killed in the massacre. She also serves as a chaperone for young ladies navigating the ton. Samuel has brought his sister, Rebecca with him and soon maneuvers Emeline into acting as her chaperone. He’s also soon maneuvering Emeline into a shockingly passionate affaire.
Emeline is the picture of titled British sophistication. She’s also been deeply affected by the death of her much-loved husband, brother, and father in short succession. This has left her with an ageing Aunt, a young son, and all the cares and burdens associated with acting as head of the family. She’s lost the ability to trust, is frightened to love, and is perfectly willing to settle for a secure marriage without passion…until Samuel. He’s wrong for her in every way, and she’s everything he is not. So why, oh why, is he the only one who sees her as she truly is? Who understands her? Who can pull these confusing, exasperating, exciting emotions from her so easily? Is she willing to give up her life in the ton?
Each chapter of the book begins with a snippet from the story of Iron Heart and the progress of the mystery and the relationship between our lead characters seems to in some way echo our fairy tale. It’s a story within a story within a story. There’s a truly American budding romance between two secondary characters and I think I caught a glimpse of one, if not two, of our future soldiers. I’ll be waiting for their stories too.
March 19, 2016
Prva knjiga serijala "Legenda o četiri vojnika" i moja prva knjiga od Elizabet Hojt. Nisam sigurna da li je reč o nepoverljivoj, aristokratskoj heroini ili vojnoj temi, ali zaista mi je trebalo dosta vremena da se povežem sa pričom. Ali u drugoj polovini knjige sve se lepo uklopilo za jedno veoma zadovoljavajuće čitanje. Nema sumnje da Elizabet Hojt odlično ide od ruke pisanje senzualnih, ali ipak romantičnih ljubavnih scena.
dnf
August 1, 202126% in....
I just couldn't go on.
If she was any stiffer or colder, she'd be a corpse.
He was so disconnected (but smirking) I thought he was there by accident -- got lost on his way to a different story.
Enough
I just couldn't go on.
If she was any stiffer or colder, she'd be a corpse.
He was so disconnected (but smirking) I thought he was there by accident -- got lost on his way to a different story.
Enough
July 18, 2015
Oh, my. I can't believe I'm saying this, but To Taste Temptation was just extremely disappointing. It was almost excruciating in its slowness, and half the time I was just wondering if something even remotely interesting would happen soon. There were so many unnecessary scenes that, if cut from the story, would have made it slightly better. But noooooo, we had to hear about Emeline doing this, or Sam doing that, or Emeline's son saying whatnot.
I also had a few issues about the characters. Up to a certain portion of the story--at around the 30-40% marker, I think--I found out that Emeline was actually engaged. What? She never gave any indication that she was engaged. You would think that a betrothed woman would be more disciplined in her thoughts or actions, especially towards other men. But Emeline just acted as though she was free for the taking. Yes, it wasn't a love match, but still, what she did and how she thought about Sam were practically cheating (at least by my definition of cheating). Others may feel differently about this but I, for one, felt really betrayed.
What's worse, the man she was betrothed to was the one her best friend loved. Yes, I might as well go on and reveal it. I'm talking about Jasper and Melisande, the primary characters in the next book in the series. This just felt wrong in so many levels. Call me a prude, but my personal code of honor dictates that "one must not covet thy best friend's lover under any circumstances." Under any circumstances. I absolutely hate, hate, hate it when a woman falls for her best friend's man. I don't give a damn if it was under weird circumstances or whatever, I just hate it.
Oh, it didn't help that Emeline was such a stuck up aristocratic bitch who busied herself by looking down on Sam from under her nose. He's a colonial. He's an American. He came from the New World. He battled wild Indians. OKAY, OKAY, WE GET IT, WOMAN. YOU DON'T NEED TO MENTION THAT EVERY DAMN CHAPTER.
Ugh. I am so done with this shit. I'm just hoping that Melisande and Jasper's book would soothe my angered soul.
I also had a few issues about the characters. Up to a certain portion of the story--at around the 30-40% marker, I think--I found out that Emeline was actually engaged. What? She never gave any indication that she was engaged. You would think that a betrothed woman would be more disciplined in her thoughts or actions, especially towards other men. But Emeline just acted as though she was free for the taking. Yes, it wasn't a love match, but still, what she did and how she thought about Sam were practically cheating (at least by my definition of cheating). Others may feel differently about this but I, for one, felt really betrayed.
What's worse, the man she was betrothed to was the one her best friend loved. Yes, I might as well go on and reveal it. I'm talking about Jasper and Melisande, the primary characters in the next book in the series. This just felt wrong in so many levels. Call me a prude, but my personal code of honor dictates that "one must not covet thy best friend's lover under any circumstances." Under any circumstances. I absolutely hate, hate, hate it when a woman falls for her best friend's man. I don't give a damn if it was under weird circumstances or whatever, I just hate it.
Oh, it didn't help that Emeline was such a stuck up aristocratic bitch who busied herself by looking down on Sam from under her nose. He's a colonial. He's an American. He came from the New World. He battled wild Indians. OKAY, OKAY, WE GET IT, WOMAN. YOU DON'T NEED TO MENTION THAT EVERY DAMN CHAPTER.
Ugh. I am so done with this shit. I'm just hoping that Melisande and Jasper's book would soothe my angered soul.
September 22, 2013
To Taste Temptation (Legend of the Four Soldiers Series #1) Lady Emeline Gordon is astonished as a tall, devilishly handsome man strolls into a posh London parlor wearing a strange attire, and approaches her with the request for her to be his younger sister's sponsor in Society.
Of course, his sister's entrance in the aristocratic circles is merely pretense. Samuel Hartley is hell-bent on discovering the lowlife who had betrayed the English troupes six years ago, leading them to slaughter at the hands of bloodthirsty American natives.
Little do Emeline and Sam suspect that their bargain would soon turn into something more...Meh.
While the book started off strong with the quest for the traitor it quickly dissolved into a series of almost nonsensical events, mixed with male-sweat-smelling, rough (and at the beginning) non-consensual sex, midnight jogs in moccasins, and an extremely shallow heroine.
While the authors depiction of Emeline was probably an illustration of the aristocratic shallowness of that time, the attempt fell short and merely succeeded in making the heroine appear petty.
In the second part of the novel I just couldn't stand her anymore with her looking down her nose at everyone who wasn't her social equal and her snide remarks. She was horrible!
Sam, on the other hand, was your average HR hero with some added "bonuses" that made him stand out from the lot. I could've done with a little less sniffing, though.
The supporting cast was mediocre at best, the villain too easily spotted from the very beginning. The plot, though no overly slow, didn't offer much - Ms. Hoyt should've stuck with the initial story-line and build the romance around it to complement the whole and not let the romance take over. I might have closed an eye on that, if the romance was something to talk about, but like the rest of the book, that too was quite "uneventful" and mediocre.
Of course, his sister's entrance in the aristocratic circles is merely pretense. Samuel Hartley is hell-bent on discovering the lowlife who had betrayed the English troupes six years ago, leading them to slaughter at the hands of bloodthirsty American natives.
Little do Emeline and Sam suspect that their bargain would soon turn into something more...Meh.
While the book started off strong with the quest for the traitor it quickly dissolved into a series of almost nonsensical events, mixed with male-sweat-smelling, rough (and at the beginning) non-consensual sex, midnight jogs in moccasins, and an extremely shallow heroine.
While the authors depiction of Emeline was probably an illustration of the aristocratic shallowness of that time, the attempt fell short and merely succeeded in making the heroine appear petty.
In the second part of the novel I just couldn't stand her anymore with her looking down her nose at everyone who wasn't her social equal and her snide remarks. She was horrible!
Sam, on the other hand, was your average HR hero with some added "bonuses" that made him stand out from the lot. I could've done with a little less sniffing, though.
The supporting cast was mediocre at best, the villain too easily spotted from the very beginning. The plot, though no overly slow, didn't offer much - Ms. Hoyt should've stuck with the initial story-line and build the romance around it to complement the whole and not let the romance take over. I might have closed an eye on that, if the romance was something to talk about, but like the rest of the book, that too was quite "uneventful" and mediocre.
October 22, 2009
The beginning was a little slow but nice. However, from the moment they consummated their relationship, the heroine turned from prudish to shrewish. As the story moved on, I liked her less and less and in the end I couldn't understand why the hero fell in love with her. I think she needed to grovel a lot, if this was to be a 4 star book. Regretably, she didn't.
October 11, 2024
Relectura
Reseña completa: https://masromance.blogspot.com/2024/...
Quizás no sería 4'75, pero se acerca
Hay autoras con las que compaginas, y esta es una. Una investigación sirve de excusa para relacionar a Samuel con la viuda Emilie
Pasión contenida en una caza entre el predador y la presa... ella que huy y él que persigue bien jugado por la autora
Todos tienen sus miedos y los afrontan como pueden, me ha gustado mucho. Sobre todo, Sam, cuya paciencia, naturalidad y constancia hacen de él un personaje estupendo que romperá las barreras de contención de una mujer que busca la durabilidad
Me ha gustado la relación de estos tres personajes, cada uno bien definido.
Novela a la que se le notan sus años, pero que ha envejecido muy bien
Lectura muy recomendada y, sobre todo, si os gustan las novelas históricas de alto voltaje
Reseña completa: https://masromance.blogspot.com/2024/...
Quizás no sería 4'75, pero se acerca
Hay autoras con las que compaginas, y esta es una. Una investigación sirve de excusa para relacionar a Samuel con la viuda Emilie
Pasión contenida en una caza entre el predador y la presa... ella que huy y él que persigue bien jugado por la autora
Todos tienen sus miedos y los afrontan como pueden, me ha gustado mucho. Sobre todo, Sam, cuya paciencia, naturalidad y constancia hacen de él un personaje estupendo que romperá las barreras de contención de una mujer que busca la durabilidad
Me ha gustado la relación de estos tres personajes, cada uno bien definido.
Novela a la que se le notan sus años, pero que ha envejecido muy bien
Lectura muy recomendada y, sobre todo, si os gustan las novelas históricas de alto voltaje
June 22, 2015
The first in the Legend of the Four Soldiers series and my first book by Elizabeth Hoyt. I'm not sure why I avoided her. I saw her on many favorite lists and recommendations but I'd been "burnt" before, trying books that didn't appeal to me. But this one was a winner and keeper for me. This one has an "across the tracks" theme/plot to it. Beautiful young lady of the ton meets the rugged backwoodsman from the colonies. I loved the characters and the flow and will be continuously looking for more by this author.
October 2, 2013
Why is it that when someone is rich it's always "as rich as Croesus"? Shameful how Midas is ignored I tell you. Excuse me just 10 pages later Samuel is richer than King Midas.
Only on the third or so page and Emeline shows such promise by these two lines "She suppressed a shiver. Intelligent men were so hard to manage." hahaha!
Emeline struck me as very cold at first, but just average English lady mannerisms? I think Emeline is too accurate of a portrayal of an English woman for me. She is so reserved! There are little wants and desire that eek out in Samuel's presence I just need more of them to surface to connect with Emeline.
Oh God love when Rebecca (Samuel's sister) asks the footman if her dress is cut too low and blurts out "the maid doesn't mind her boobies hanging out.." So funny. Definitely feel like there is something up with that footman hmmm.
After Samuel confronts Jasper (the man he thinks is responsible for the attack on their regiment) at a ball and then goes back to Emeline's home they have an argument in the sitting room. Here is where I finally felt the heat between this couple. Or maybe it was simply completion of all the stand-offish meetings with wanting communicated just between the eyes. Whatever it was these two characters finally popped for me.
Liked how Emeline complains that Samuel not conforming to English customs is all to annoy her. Also quite enjoyed Emeline's friend Melisande, had the most wonderful dry sense of humor. (Melisande is the star of the next book)
Heartbreaking storyline of soldiers and how they deal with the aftermath of war. The author did a commendable job of showing how each one handles it differently but still all the same with too much seen eyes that are haunted.
Wowza Emeline and Samuel's first sex scene was hot! I think the author tried to set it up with them being cold and arguing with each other, which I got, but I didn't feel it was quite the incredible "moment" it could have been or I have read before. You know how sometimes when you read a sex scene between the characters and you're like "Finally!"? Samuel and Emeline arguing, being a little rough with each other, definitely added some spice to it and the um, cough/blush, descriptive words brought heat to the scene. Samuel and Emeline's sex scene was so passionate I just wish their relationship would have felt the same to me, so close but just lacking, maybe in interaction they don’t seem to be the star of the show but rather Samuel's search for who betrayed him and his regiment during the French and Indian War. Which by the way not to be to picky, but wouldn't the English have called it the Seven Year's War? American's called it the French and Indian War so Samuel saying it makes sense but all the English people saying does not. (My history background rearing its ugly head)
The author used some words and descriptions that I'd call on the risqué side or maybe I'm just not used to this kind of talk in regency stories? This book is definitely not for people who shy away from or can't handle some naughty talk. (icky these two sentences sound kind of prudish)
Samuel and Emeline really love to hate each other. She could slap him, he could roughly grip her arm, and then bam they are going at it like mad little bunnies. Great sexual friction/chemistry between these two. Would have been an A book if with that same sexual friction/chemistry there was great cognitive interaction.
The author started each chapter with a snippet from a legend called "Iron Heart". I was surprised how much I liked this technique and how much it added to the story and the development of Samuel's character. I almost wanted to read ahead to finish this story within the story.
The ending was a tad anti-climatic. They caught the traitor, they didn't catch the traitor? All I know is that Ms. Hoyt better continue the storyline of Rebecca and O'Hare or I will be pissed! (I still think something funny is up with that footman. He seemed to have more of an accent when he talked with Rebecca. When he was with Samuel and Vale searching for Rebecca and Emeline he spoke in proper English. Maybe it was an author mistake and I am just driving myself crazy with theories) ****(Spoiler)**** (Turns out I was wrong SHOCKING! I have actually read this whole series, preparing for the Olympics so I can watch the men's hockey and not get behind on reading/updating my blog which I've been doing lately. Anyway, O'Hare is alas just a footman and we the poor readers hear nothing about them until the last book in the series and it is only for like 5 sentences. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!)
I would probably describe this story as first a drama and then romance. There are a lot of intangibles in this story which I highly enjoyed. I liked it because it was original but Emeline was a little too cold for me (hush to the people who say this is a more historically accurate portrayal of an English woman during the time period) and Samuel never struck a cord with me. I quite honestly liked Rebecca and O'Hare better and could have read more about them. If you're looking for some scorching booty scenes though this book has that just start reading about 100 pages from the end ;)
Only on the third or so page and Emeline shows such promise by these two lines "She suppressed a shiver. Intelligent men were so hard to manage." hahaha!
Emeline struck me as very cold at first, but just average English lady mannerisms? I think Emeline is too accurate of a portrayal of an English woman for me. She is so reserved! There are little wants and desire that eek out in Samuel's presence I just need more of them to surface to connect with Emeline.
Oh God love when Rebecca (Samuel's sister) asks the footman if her dress is cut too low and blurts out "the maid doesn't mind her boobies hanging out.." So funny. Definitely feel like there is something up with that footman hmmm.
After Samuel confronts Jasper (the man he thinks is responsible for the attack on their regiment) at a ball and then goes back to Emeline's home they have an argument in the sitting room. Here is where I finally felt the heat between this couple. Or maybe it was simply completion of all the stand-offish meetings with wanting communicated just between the eyes. Whatever it was these two characters finally popped for me.
Liked how Emeline complains that Samuel not conforming to English customs is all to annoy her. Also quite enjoyed Emeline's friend Melisande, had the most wonderful dry sense of humor. (Melisande is the star of the next book)
Heartbreaking storyline of soldiers and how they deal with the aftermath of war. The author did a commendable job of showing how each one handles it differently but still all the same with too much seen eyes that are haunted.
Wowza Emeline and Samuel's first sex scene was hot! I think the author tried to set it up with them being cold and arguing with each other, which I got, but I didn't feel it was quite the incredible "moment" it could have been or I have read before. You know how sometimes when you read a sex scene between the characters and you're like "Finally!"? Samuel and Emeline arguing, being a little rough with each other, definitely added some spice to it and the um, cough/blush, descriptive words brought heat to the scene. Samuel and Emeline's sex scene was so passionate I just wish their relationship would have felt the same to me, so close but just lacking, maybe in interaction they don’t seem to be the star of the show but rather Samuel's search for who betrayed him and his regiment during the French and Indian War. Which by the way not to be to picky, but wouldn't the English have called it the Seven Year's War? American's called it the French and Indian War so Samuel saying it makes sense but all the English people saying does not. (My history background rearing its ugly head)
The author used some words and descriptions that I'd call on the risqué side or maybe I'm just not used to this kind of talk in regency stories? This book is definitely not for people who shy away from or can't handle some naughty talk. (icky these two sentences sound kind of prudish)
Samuel and Emeline really love to hate each other. She could slap him, he could roughly grip her arm, and then bam they are going at it like mad little bunnies. Great sexual friction/chemistry between these two. Would have been an A book if with that same sexual friction/chemistry there was great cognitive interaction.
The author started each chapter with a snippet from a legend called "Iron Heart". I was surprised how much I liked this technique and how much it added to the story and the development of Samuel's character. I almost wanted to read ahead to finish this story within the story.
The ending was a tad anti-climatic. They caught the traitor, they didn't catch the traitor? All I know is that Ms. Hoyt better continue the storyline of Rebecca and O'Hare or I will be pissed! (I still think something funny is up with that footman. He seemed to have more of an accent when he talked with Rebecca. When he was with Samuel and Vale searching for Rebecca and Emeline he spoke in proper English. Maybe it was an author mistake and I am just driving myself crazy with theories) ****(Spoiler)**** (Turns out I was wrong SHOCKING! I have actually read this whole series, preparing for the Olympics so I can watch the men's hockey and not get behind on reading/updating my blog which I've been doing lately. Anyway, O'Hare is alas just a footman and we the poor readers hear nothing about them until the last book in the series and it is only for like 5 sentences. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!)
I would probably describe this story as first a drama and then romance. There are a lot of intangibles in this story which I highly enjoyed. I liked it because it was original but Emeline was a little too cold for me (hush to the people who say this is a more historically accurate portrayal of an English woman during the time period) and Samuel never struck a cord with me. I quite honestly liked Rebecca and O'Hare better and could have read more about them. If you're looking for some scorching booty scenes though this book has that just start reading about 100 pages from the end ;)
October 26, 2017
Admittedly did not get very far, but the heroine didn't appeal to me and with so many books out there to read, why waste time on one where I was pretty sure I wouldn't like one of the main characters? Ended up picking up Book 2 in the series instead (
To Seduce A Sinner
), which was unbelievably good and ranks as my favorite historical romance of all-time, so all worked out well for me in the end :-).
Am actually very pleased that I'm starting to be able to do this DNF thing, which used to literally be impossible for me - just could not bring myself to do it: once I started, I had to finish.
(May 2011)
Am actually very pleased that I'm starting to be able to do this DNF thing, which used to literally be impossible for me - just could not bring myself to do it: once I started, I had to finish.
(May 2011)
March 16, 2020
I can't wait this one. I'm so disappointed??? Maybe I'll try again next time because the cover is gorgeous but this one was soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo bland and boring. DNF at 50%
September 28, 2008
I'm one of those people who loves a good romance novel and HATES a bad one. I don't ask for much, I'd like some hot sex, I want to root for the couple to be happy, and I want any side plots to make at least some vague sense. So, my expectations were not very high for this book. But I still hated it and had to skim the ending rather than finish it properly.
I'm so sick of romance novels where the hero basically rapes the heroine. She says no and get out, and hits him but of course his big strong arms grab her fist and pull her into an embrace. No really, her body totally wanted the sex, ignore what she says. It's this odd regency double standard. I prefer regency romance to modern, there aren't enough road blocks these days. But regency writers often have a problem with reconciling how people actually acted back then without distancing the reader from the characters overmuch. The heroines are always very preocupied with class and rank, but they all seem to speak their minds and be very modern women. But then this basically rape thing happens and well honestly back then maybe men wouldn't care if no meant no. Why both? Ugh and the men never care about society. The hero always pulls some dumb move that actually would probably ostracize the woman forever, making her unmarriagable, keeping her in seclusion for a really long time, ruining her fortune and probably her life. But it's ROMANTIC, omg so no one cares!
Okay, now this book specific. The hero, Sam, is from America, his naive sister needs a chaperone. He lives next door to an attractive widow, Emeline, whose brother died in the very same battle that Sam was labeled a coward from. I don't mind cliches in this genre usually, since most of the cliches are good ones. This just didn't work from the beginning. Things progress as usual, Sam has ulterior motives, he and Emeline have an unwanted attraction, Sam tries to hunt down some convoluted conspiracy. Sam admits that he took the house next to Emmeline's on purpose to find information about her brother. Then he never actually asks for information from her and that thread is left alone. Sam basically ruins his sister's chance in society by being a dumbass. Sam finds out that Emeline is secretly engaged to someone he suspected in the conspiracy, she vouches for her fiance, Sam takes her word for it, he is never suspected again. Sam has sex with Emeline even though she doesn't want it (oh but her body said yes yes yes). Emeline announces her engagement formally, and Sam, so shocked over something he already knew, bashes the guy's face in in the middle of the party, with a lot of vivid writing description of his nose breaking, gushing blood, and the feel of bone crushing under Sam's fist. The next time Emeline sees Sam, they make out. WTF?
In the end, everything ties up exactly how you would expect, particularly in regards to the random characters thrown into the story because this book is part of "The Legend of the Four Soldiers", a conceit I really hate, if a character is in the book, use them, but what a waste to randomly give the heroine a best friend with two lines, an Aunt who does nothing, Sam's sister being such a flat character.
There's so much more but now I'm just rambling and ranting. I told you, I HATE bad romance novels. It makes people ashamed to read the good ones.
I'm so sick of romance novels where the hero basically rapes the heroine. She says no and get out, and hits him but of course his big strong arms grab her fist and pull her into an embrace. No really, her body totally wanted the sex, ignore what she says. It's this odd regency double standard. I prefer regency romance to modern, there aren't enough road blocks these days. But regency writers often have a problem with reconciling how people actually acted back then without distancing the reader from the characters overmuch. The heroines are always very preocupied with class and rank, but they all seem to speak their minds and be very modern women. But then this basically rape thing happens and well honestly back then maybe men wouldn't care if no meant no. Why both? Ugh and the men never care about society. The hero always pulls some dumb move that actually would probably ostracize the woman forever, making her unmarriagable, keeping her in seclusion for a really long time, ruining her fortune and probably her life. But it's ROMANTIC, omg so no one cares!
Okay, now this book specific. The hero, Sam, is from America, his naive sister needs a chaperone. He lives next door to an attractive widow, Emeline, whose brother died in the very same battle that Sam was labeled a coward from. I don't mind cliches in this genre usually, since most of the cliches are good ones. This just didn't work from the beginning. Things progress as usual, Sam has ulterior motives, he and Emeline have an unwanted attraction, Sam tries to hunt down some convoluted conspiracy. Sam admits that he took the house next to Emmeline's on purpose to find information about her brother. Then he never actually asks for information from her and that thread is left alone. Sam basically ruins his sister's chance in society by being a dumbass. Sam finds out that Emeline is secretly engaged to someone he suspected in the conspiracy, she vouches for her fiance, Sam takes her word for it, he is never suspected again. Sam has sex with Emeline even though she doesn't want it (oh but her body said yes yes yes). Emeline announces her engagement formally, and Sam, so shocked over something he already knew, bashes the guy's face in in the middle of the party, with a lot of vivid writing description of his nose breaking, gushing blood, and the feel of bone crushing under Sam's fist. The next time Emeline sees Sam, they make out. WTF?
In the end, everything ties up exactly how you would expect, particularly in regards to the random characters thrown into the story because this book is part of "The Legend of the Four Soldiers", a conceit I really hate, if a character is in the book, use them, but what a waste to randomly give the heroine a best friend with two lines, an Aunt who does nothing, Sam's sister being such a flat character.
There's so much more but now I'm just rambling and ranting. I told you, I HATE bad romance novels. It makes people ashamed to read the good ones.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2020
I did drop this a star in rereading but I do still enjoy it. Will try to add more later.
April 2, 2020
Entre 2.5 y 3, demasiada investigación, para luego perder interés el tema, de hecho no me ha quedado claro.
Lo bueno viene después de 60% de libro y tampoco es un locura, muy normalito....
Lo bueno viene después de 60% de libro y tampoco es un locura, muy normalito....
![Profile Image for ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1572968006i%2F3840999._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
August 30, 2014
My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book. This one's got 2 parts.
It took me quite a while to connect with this one but now, after more than halfway through the book, I think I'm beginning to like it. The hero, Samuel aka Sam is a nice guy, an American ex-soldier who is tortured by PTSD after a tragic massacre 6 yrs ago. The heroine is Lady Emeline, sister of the one of the soldiers, who was a comrade alongside Sam and died in the same massacre in America. Sam is in London to find out what happened that day. Now, the book has a lot of history of a 1758 massacre, a bloody battle with the Indians. I was never good at memorizing history so, such complex stuff *makes funny face here* is beyond my reach! lolz I tried to glean something out of Wiki since I had no idea about such incident. I won't comment on the real event, just what's in the book.
As I was saying, Sam is in London to investigate what happened that day. He brought his sister Rebecca with him but she has no idea why her brother's here. A lots happening here, the relationship between the brother and the sister. Sam, after their parents died, left Becca with his uncle and his family. Didn't see her more than twice a year. Becca always thinks she maybe a burden to her brother, with whom she doesn't have a close relationship etc etc, which begin to change later in the story.
Then Sam meets Lady Emeline, who's St. Aubyn's sister and a widow. I'll be straight here when I say that at first, I didn't like Emeline at all. She was snappish, snobbish, an aristocrat to the bone. I didn't like that she's aloof with her 8 yr old son. It seemed she's always cranky! Always snapping at Sam and reminding him how low his status is in the London society standard. But, as the story progressed I saw a woman, who actually loved her 1st husband, a young love, who left her alone by dying according to her; she is afraid to feel the same for another man for the fear of losing him, too. Her whole attitude is mostly what she's been born and bred for, an aristocrat to boot and whatever that was drummed in her head from the childhood, along with her hidden vulnerabilities. Although I didn't like her attitude at first, I begin to understand where she stands. And, the glimpse of the hidden woman who wants to be wild, likes to do things just for fun, who wants to dote on her child but can't, is revealed throughout the chapters.
Sam is nice overall but he knows what he wants. And he wants Emeline, even knowing her social standing. Although their views and opinions clash more often than not (ie: Sam's love for moccasins which pisses Emeline off in the beginning), they can't just deny the attraction. Emeline is scared, Sam is determined. So, when Sam hires Emeline to teach Becca of social rapport and stuffs (Emeline chaperons other debutantes in London as well) to make her introduction easier, Emeline at first denies but then gave in to Sam's perseverance. And they came closer. Emeline isn't only attracted but actually likes Sam a lot, no matter how she shows it and her son Daniel, who's named after his late father, is also very fond of Sam. Sam returns the feeling, too.
Here, there are a lot of twists. One is, Sam thought, another soldier, Jasper aka Viscount Vale, was involved in the betrayal. But, it is soon revealed that he wasn't. Then the two set out to investigate together. One soldier, Thornton gave them some clues. Though they don't trust the men, they still sought out the few men who survived that bloody day and, found all of them dead; killed or by suicide. Along the course, it is also revealed that Vale is Emeline's fiance, although their understanding isn't official. Emeline knows Vale since childhood. She doesn't love him but wants this marriage of convenience for the reasons I've already mentioned. Sam is angry, he didn't expect that but he can't stop himself from wanting her.
At present, they're attending a house party. They came here to talk to one of the men but found he committed suicide. Both men are sad, frustrated and depressed. Sam likes to run for miles ... I don't know how to explain it ... maybe from his demons of the war. There were scenes, him running through London streets at night to get away from his PTSD (an incident in the war is related to this running). So, after this set down, he ran and made his feet bloody while Vale drank himself to stupor. Emeline takes care of Sam and they kiss. But Sam pushes her away because he thought she's doing it out of pity. From then on, they couldn't deny it anymore and becomes lovers later.
I don't know if I should be angry for I don't like it, even if it's the h/h, to cheat/betray thus. But, this situation of theirs is really complicated. Sam keeps asking Emeline why won't she marry for love and passion and was kinda set that he'd make her understand how it can be between them. The love scenes were kinda like that, Sam dominating her mostly. The last one (that I've read), Emeline actually felt very vulnerable and exposed by the intensity of it. It's actually quite understandable. She always was in charge with her husband (possibly), never lost herself like this. She never took another lover, not even Vale (who is a known rake BTW). I have to see where all these lead to.
Now about the secondary characters. I love reading Melisande, Emeline's best friend, who's a spinster. Love her cynical view of things and sly wit. She's very smart, sometimes more so than Emeline IMO. It's like, the fact that men don't find her attractive enough (too brown!) doesn't bother her at all. She's mocking them always in her own way. There is something about her reminds me of myself. She's the heroine of the next book which I'm really interested to read. I like Daniel, Emeline's son, a sweet boy. Also, Tante Cristelle, Emeline's older, spinster aunt who helps Becca alongside Emeline. Last but not the least, Becca herself. I really like her and her obsession with the gorgeous Irish footman O'Hare. Yah, at some point I wanted these two to be the h/h of the story lolz. But I'm very interested to know how things far between them because I found their interactions very sweet and honest. :)
*******************
Ehh, where do I start? This book went downhill since the moment Emeline decided Sam wasn't good enough for her, no matter what he does! Really????? I mean yah, I get it you're an aristocrat silly twit but I thought you'd change but nooooo! He had to fight, almost get killed twice if I might mention- onetime by Vale, the other time by the villain, to get your 'approval'! I mean c'mon woman!!
I was so damned pissed off that even after everything, she decided to go through with the marriage to Vale, whom she thinks as a brother, hello?! Poor Sam, I did feel for him. The guy was already in love with her. He fought and raged and tried to make her see reasons, then almost gave up. But, couldn't entirely. I say you should've Sam, she's such a vain, shallow pain in the a$$!! Would it make me look bad if I say when the villain kidnapped them (Emeline and Rebecca), it seemed they might've gotten killed, I actually was hoping that Emeline gets killed. There, it's out! Now I feel great. Call me whatever you like but I want my heroine to be smart, the one who isn't afraid to conquer the conventions, fall in love quite dizzily with her hero and have their HEA. Not someone who is so chicken, it wasn't 'til the last chapter that she decided she wanna have a life with him, while on the other times she made excuses such as: the social status, him being a colonial (even for a colonial Sam is very rich, a self-made man FYI), a life in America (would she or not), her so-called independence, whining they always leave me alone, even to if them colonials have adequate bathing system or not! OMG!! Stupid b*tch! It's not as if she was a debutante or something ... I was agape for the last 6/7 chapters of the book, was rolling my eyes and berating Sam and asking WTF? She cried during the last love scene thinking this would be that 'one last time' (by then her and Vale's engagement was already announced and Vale and Sam fought) and show him how much she 'loves' him. Yah right! Sadly, I didn't fall for her show of 'devotion' for him.
I still like Melisande, she is definitely smarter and more enjoyable than Emeline. I hope she stays that way in her book. Vale, who's supposed to be her hero, didn't impress me at all, specially all his show of fiance-ish attitude (after showing none for forever it seems) by beating and foul mouthing Sam was just too much. I wanted to kick his arse, moron!
I wish there were more scenes between Becca and Gil, the footman. I'd rather read those than that twit's stupid excuses! Not much for them except that she wanted Sam to give Gil a job in America. It's not mentioned what happened to them.
After reading The Serpent Prince or just The Princes Trilogy in general, I found this book to be simply a mediocre venture by EH. Lord, I really really hope the others in the series aren't like this one, the heroines specially. 3.5 stars, and I'd always think Sam deserved better.
PS: I really loved the fairy tale "Iron Heart", I wish there was a book somewhere so that I can read the whole story. Have to check out. It seems, more fairy tales ahead in Ms. Hoyt's books, she loves this quite a lot. This story was another reason why I gave this book 0.5 more whereas before, I wasn't sure if I'd give it a 3 or not.
It took me quite a while to connect with this one but now, after more than halfway through the book, I think I'm beginning to like it. The hero, Samuel aka Sam is a nice guy, an American ex-soldier who is tortured by PTSD after a tragic massacre 6 yrs ago. The heroine is Lady Emeline, sister of the one of the soldiers, who was a comrade alongside Sam and died in the same massacre in America. Sam is in London to find out what happened that day. Now, the book has a lot of history of a 1758 massacre, a bloody battle with the Indians. I was never good at memorizing history so, such complex stuff *makes funny face here* is beyond my reach! lolz I tried to glean something out of Wiki since I had no idea about such incident. I won't comment on the real event, just what's in the book.
As I was saying, Sam is in London to investigate what happened that day. He brought his sister Rebecca with him but she has no idea why her brother's here. A lots happening here, the relationship between the brother and the sister. Sam, after their parents died, left Becca with his uncle and his family. Didn't see her more than twice a year. Becca always thinks she maybe a burden to her brother, with whom she doesn't have a close relationship etc etc, which begin to change later in the story.
Then Sam meets Lady Emeline, who's St. Aubyn's sister and a widow. I'll be straight here when I say that at first, I didn't like Emeline at all. She was snappish, snobbish, an aristocrat to the bone. I didn't like that she's aloof with her 8 yr old son. It seemed she's always cranky! Always snapping at Sam and reminding him how low his status is in the London society standard. But, as the story progressed I saw a woman, who actually loved her 1st husband, a young love, who left her alone by dying according to her; she is afraid to feel the same for another man for the fear of losing him, too. Her whole attitude is mostly what she's been born and bred for, an aristocrat to boot and whatever that was drummed in her head from the childhood, along with her hidden vulnerabilities. Although I didn't like her attitude at first, I begin to understand where she stands. And, the glimpse of the hidden woman who wants to be wild, likes to do things just for fun, who wants to dote on her child but can't, is revealed throughout the chapters.
Sam is nice overall but he knows what he wants. And he wants Emeline, even knowing her social standing. Although their views and opinions clash more often than not (ie: Sam's love for moccasins which pisses Emeline off in the beginning), they can't just deny the attraction. Emeline is scared, Sam is determined. So, when Sam hires Emeline to teach Becca of social rapport and stuffs (Emeline chaperons other debutantes in London as well) to make her introduction easier, Emeline at first denies but then gave in to Sam's perseverance. And they came closer. Emeline isn't only attracted but actually likes Sam a lot, no matter how she shows it and her son Daniel, who's named after his late father, is also very fond of Sam. Sam returns the feeling, too.
Here, there are a lot of twists. One is, Sam thought, another soldier, Jasper aka Viscount Vale, was involved in the betrayal. But, it is soon revealed that he wasn't. Then the two set out to investigate together. One soldier, Thornton gave them some clues. Though they don't trust the men, they still sought out the few men who survived that bloody day and, found all of them dead; killed or by suicide. Along the course, it is also revealed that Vale is Emeline's fiance, although their understanding isn't official. Emeline knows Vale since childhood. She doesn't love him but wants this marriage of convenience for the reasons I've already mentioned. Sam is angry, he didn't expect that but he can't stop himself from wanting her.
At present, they're attending a house party. They came here to talk to one of the men but found he committed suicide. Both men are sad, frustrated and depressed. Sam likes to run for miles ... I don't know how to explain it ... maybe from his demons of the war. There were scenes, him running through London streets at night to get away from his PTSD (an incident in the war is related to this running). So, after this set down, he ran and made his feet bloody while Vale drank himself to stupor. Emeline takes care of Sam and they kiss. But Sam pushes her away because he thought she's doing it out of pity. From then on, they couldn't deny it anymore and becomes lovers later.
I don't know if I should be angry for I don't like it, even if it's the h/h, to cheat/betray thus. But, this situation of theirs is really complicated. Sam keeps asking Emeline why won't she marry for love and passion and was kinda set that he'd make her understand how it can be between them. The love scenes were kinda like that, Sam dominating her mostly. The last one (that I've read), Emeline actually felt very vulnerable and exposed by the intensity of it. It's actually quite understandable. She always was in charge with her husband (possibly), never lost herself like this. She never took another lover, not even Vale (who is a known rake BTW). I have to see where all these lead to.
Now about the secondary characters. I love reading Melisande, Emeline's best friend, who's a spinster. Love her cynical view of things and sly wit. She's very smart, sometimes more so than Emeline IMO. It's like, the fact that men don't find her attractive enough (too brown!) doesn't bother her at all. She's mocking them always in her own way. There is something about her reminds me of myself. She's the heroine of the next book which I'm really interested to read. I like Daniel, Emeline's son, a sweet boy. Also, Tante Cristelle, Emeline's older, spinster aunt who helps Becca alongside Emeline. Last but not the least, Becca herself. I really like her and her obsession with the gorgeous Irish footman O'Hare. Yah, at some point I wanted these two to be the h/h of the story lolz. But I'm very interested to know how things far between them because I found their interactions very sweet and honest. :)
*******************
Ehh, where do I start? This book went downhill since the moment Emeline decided Sam wasn't good enough for her, no matter what he does! Really????? I mean yah, I get it you're an aristocrat silly twit but I thought you'd change but nooooo! He had to fight, almost get killed twice if I might mention- onetime by Vale, the other time by the villain, to get your 'approval'! I mean c'mon woman!!
I was so damned pissed off that even after everything, she decided to go through with the marriage to Vale, whom she thinks as a brother, hello?! Poor Sam, I did feel for him. The guy was already in love with her. He fought and raged and tried to make her see reasons, then almost gave up. But, couldn't entirely. I say you should've Sam, she's such a vain, shallow pain in the a$$!! Would it make me look bad if I say when the villain kidnapped them (Emeline and Rebecca), it seemed they might've gotten killed, I actually was hoping that Emeline gets killed. There, it's out! Now I feel great. Call me whatever you like but I want my heroine to be smart, the one who isn't afraid to conquer the conventions, fall in love quite dizzily with her hero and have their HEA. Not someone who is so chicken, it wasn't 'til the last chapter that she decided she wanna have a life with him, while on the other times she made excuses such as: the social status, him being a colonial (even for a colonial Sam is very rich, a self-made man FYI), a life in America (would she or not), her so-called independence, whining they always leave me alone, even to if them colonials have adequate bathing system or not! OMG!! Stupid b*tch! It's not as if she was a debutante or something ... I was agape for the last 6/7 chapters of the book, was rolling my eyes and berating Sam and asking WTF? She cried during the last love scene thinking this would be that 'one last time' (by then her and Vale's engagement was already announced and Vale and Sam fought) and show him how much she 'loves' him. Yah right! Sadly, I didn't fall for her show of 'devotion' for him.
I still like Melisande, she is definitely smarter and more enjoyable than Emeline. I hope she stays that way in her book. Vale, who's supposed to be her hero, didn't impress me at all, specially all his show of fiance-ish attitude (after showing none for forever it seems) by beating and foul mouthing Sam was just too much. I wanted to kick his arse, moron!
I wish there were more scenes between Becca and Gil, the footman. I'd rather read those than that twit's stupid excuses! Not much for them except that she wanted Sam to give Gil a job in America. It's not mentioned what happened to them.
After reading The Serpent Prince or just The Princes Trilogy in general, I found this book to be simply a mediocre venture by EH. Lord, I really really hope the others in the series aren't like this one, the heroines specially. 3.5 stars, and I'd always think Sam deserved better.
PS: I really loved the fairy tale "Iron Heart", I wish there was a book somewhere so that I can read the whole story. Have to check out. It seems, more fairy tales ahead in Ms. Hoyt's books, she loves this quite a lot. This story was another reason why I gave this book 0.5 more whereas before, I wasn't sure if I'd give it a 3 or not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2018
El principio me costó un poco, pero luego ha sido un no parar. Entretenida.
October 1, 2011
A great start to what looks to be another great series by Hoyt. It seems to me that a lot of the first books in a series are truly gems in their own rights or awful because of all the building up for the rest of the series. This one was closer to the gem mark.
Unlike a lot of the other reviewers, I did not hate Emeline. She was exactly what she should have been for that time and place. Add to it her life events that she had faced, I could well understand why she could be such a cold bitch. Sam was also attracted to that part of her personality, so it worked.
As for Sam... well yummmmm.. need I say more?
I am looking forward to reading the next in this series To Seduce A Sinner the main characters, Melisande and Jasper were great secondary characters in To Taste Temptation.
One of my favorite passages:
Their time was over.
She sighed and snuggled the blanket over her mouth. He watched the small movement greedily, drinking it in, committing it to memory. Soon. Soon now he would get up and walk to the door, leaving this room and making his way through the silent house. Let himself out into the dawn. Go back to the town house that wasn’t truly his. In two days, he would board a ship and spend over a month watching the waves as he sailed back home. And once there? Why, he’d continue his life as if he’d never met a woman named Emeline.
Except, while his life might look the same from the outside, it would be entirely different on the inside. He wouldn’t forget her, his warm lady, even if he lived for six decades more. He knew that now, sitting by her cold fire. She would be with him all the days of his life. As he walked the streets of Boston, as he conducted his business or chatted with acquaintances, she would be the ghost beside him. She would sit with him as he ate, she would lie beside him as he slept. And he knew that when his time on this earth was at an end, his last thought as he entered the void would be of her.
The scent of lemon balm would haunt him forever.
Unlike a lot of the other reviewers, I did not hate Emeline. She was exactly what she should have been for that time and place. Add to it her life events that she had faced, I could well understand why she could be such a cold bitch. Sam was also attracted to that part of her personality, so it worked.
As for Sam... well yummmmm.. need I say more?
I am looking forward to reading the next in this series To Seduce A Sinner the main characters, Melisande and Jasper were great secondary characters in To Taste Temptation.
One of my favorite passages:
Their time was over.
She sighed and snuggled the blanket over her mouth. He watched the small movement greedily, drinking it in, committing it to memory. Soon. Soon now he would get up and walk to the door, leaving this room and making his way through the silent house. Let himself out into the dawn. Go back to the town house that wasn’t truly his. In two days, he would board a ship and spend over a month watching the waves as he sailed back home. And once there? Why, he’d continue his life as if he’d never met a woman named Emeline.
Except, while his life might look the same from the outside, it would be entirely different on the inside. He wouldn’t forget her, his warm lady, even if he lived for six decades more. He knew that now, sitting by her cold fire. She would be with him all the days of his life. As he walked the streets of Boston, as he conducted his business or chatted with acquaintances, she would be the ghost beside him. She would sit with him as he ate, she would lie beside him as he slept. And he knew that when his time on this earth was at an end, his last thought as he entered the void would be of her.
The scent of lemon balm would haunt him forever.
January 21, 2022
Es lo primero que leo de esta autora. Me ha gustado la historia, mucho, pero es verdad que al principio me he sentido un poco perdida, me ha costado un poquito más entrar en la historia.
Samuel es un buen personaje. Tiene un pasado marcado por la guerra, está traumatizado y decidido a encontrar al traidor que les tendió una trampa y en la que murieron muchos hombres. Padece insomnio y lo alivia corriendo, eso me ha parecido original, siempre suelen tener pesadillas.
Con Emeliene me ha costado más empatizar. Es verdad que eran las normas de la sociedad y si no las seguías estabas condenada al ostracismo, pero la he encontrado demasiado sometida a esas normas y con muchos prejuicios. También tengo que decir que a medida que va evolucionando la relación entre ellos va cediendo poco a poco, pero prácticamente hasta el final del libro no ha mostrado sus verdaderos sentimientos.
Me ha gustado el estilo de la autora y las escenas hot lo son mucho ❤️🔥, pero me ha faltado un poquito más de amor entre la pareja. He visto mucha química, mucha atracción pero el amor y la ternura solo al final.
La hermana de Samuel, Rebecca, me ha gustado mucho y no habría estado mal que o bien su historia se resolviera paralela a la principal, o que hubiese tenido su propio libro, aunque una intuye más o menos lo que sucederá con ella.
Melisande y Jasper, secundarios y los siguientes protagonistas de la serie me han parecido interesantes. Tengo ganas de seguir la serie y disfrutar de su historia 🥰.
Samuel es un buen personaje. Tiene un pasado marcado por la guerra, está traumatizado y decidido a encontrar al traidor que les tendió una trampa y en la que murieron muchos hombres. Padece insomnio y lo alivia corriendo, eso me ha parecido original, siempre suelen tener pesadillas.
Con Emeliene me ha costado más empatizar. Es verdad que eran las normas de la sociedad y si no las seguías estabas condenada al ostracismo, pero la he encontrado demasiado sometida a esas normas y con muchos prejuicios. También tengo que decir que a medida que va evolucionando la relación entre ellos va cediendo poco a poco, pero prácticamente hasta el final del libro no ha mostrado sus verdaderos sentimientos.
Me ha gustado el estilo de la autora y las escenas hot lo son mucho ❤️🔥, pero me ha faltado un poquito más de amor entre la pareja. He visto mucha química, mucha atracción pero el amor y la ternura solo al final.
La hermana de Samuel, Rebecca, me ha gustado mucho y no habría estado mal que o bien su historia se resolviera paralela a la principal, o que hubiese tenido su propio libro, aunque una intuye más o menos lo que sucederá con ella.
Melisande y Jasper, secundarios y los siguientes protagonistas de la serie me han parecido interesantes. Tengo ganas de seguir la serie y disfrutar de su historia 🥰.
September 6, 2013
This is the first instalment of Elizabeth Hoyt's earlier series, The Legend of the Four Soldiers. I'm not sure whether it was the prickly, aristocratic heroine or the military theme but it took me quite a while to get into this story. But once our hero, Samuel and our heroine Emaline ventured into the bedroom, Elizabeth Hoyt weaved her magic and succinctly in the second half of the book all the pieces fell together for a very satisfying read. There is no doubt that writing a sensual but still romantic love scene is Elizabeth Hoyt's strength. I also liked the added story of the hero's sister Rebecca and her unconventional tendresse for Gil O'Hare the Irish footman. I'm hoping we see them again by the end of the series.
September 10, 2008
Elizabeth Hoyt's To Taste Temptation has caught me in her web. Her characters aren't the usual suspects. Her heroine is a titled English widow, her hero a colonial from Boston on the trail of the man who betrayed his regiment to the Wyandots and the French.
Ms. Hoyt has mastered the art of repressed passion. Her characters are so acutely aware of each other, even when they'd only shared one kiss, she had me squirming in my seat.
The love scenes are remarkable and her characters are so achingly human.
I'm a serious fan and can't wait for To Seduce a Sinner.
For more books I've enjoyed, visit http://www.emilybryan.com/Em%20recomm...
Ms. Hoyt has mastered the art of repressed passion. Her characters are so acutely aware of each other, even when they'd only shared one kiss, she had me squirming in my seat.
The love scenes are remarkable and her characters are so achingly human.
I'm a serious fan and can't wait for To Seduce a Sinner.
For more books I've enjoyed, visit http://www.emilybryan.com/Em%20recomm...
March 12, 2016
Emmie'nin tam bir salak olduğunu düşünsem de son anda da olsa çok şükür aklı başına geldiği için sevindim. Ne diyebilirim ki Elizabeth Hoyt işte kötü olma ihtimali var mı?
March 19, 2022
Leído en Ene 2011
Qué buen libro...! :D
... Me encantó la trama y los protagonistas!!
Qué buen libro...! :D
... Me encantó la trama y los protagonistas!!
January 12, 2022
Çok güzeldi yaa aşırı iyi geldi Hoyt okumak ❤
August 6, 2020
Stopped at 78% and skimmed the rest. The book never managed to catch my interest.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 695 reviews