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Lilac Temptress
99,233 words. 2nd edition. Revised.
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Louisiana 1878
She was never a part of his plans…
Drake McCalister is one of New Orleans most attractive, affluent, and infamous of men known for his “love them and leave them” ways. Conflicted by his ideals of loyalty, selflessness and love, he never relinquishes his heart to a woman. But when he crosses paths with Sierra Maudet during his business travels, and is lured into the most decadent place, a brothel, Drake’s views about women in and out of the bedroom are turned completely upside down. Now, Drake is seeing life entirely different for the first time.
Although he is soon-to-be wed to the illusive Isadora Marcos, heiress to his greatest rival’s shipping empire, he refuses to let go of the one woman who threatens to wreck his carefully laid plans.
His world of privilege may lead her to ruin...
Life for Sierra Maudet came to a shattering end as a child with the sudden death of her mother. With a benefactor to please, and her younger brother to protect, Kyle—a magnet for women, Sierra takes to the stage swinging her hips, and singing sultry tunes with hopes of earning enough wealth to leave her small town and wanton lifestyle behind.
When the enticing outsider, Drake McCalister, unexpectedly enters into her life, promising to fulfil her adventurous spirit, Sierra surrenders to his sinful offer and returns with him to his New Orleans estate.
However, Isadora has no plans to hand over her prized stallion, and Sierra isn’t so sure that an affair with the handsome stranger won’t lead to her own heartache and despair. But her insatiable desire for Drake gets the better of her, and she decides that the temptation is worth the risk.
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Louisiana 1878
She was never a part of his plans…
Drake McCalister is one of New Orleans most attractive, affluent, and infamous of men known for his “love them and leave them” ways. Conflicted by his ideals of loyalty, selflessness and love, he never relinquishes his heart to a woman. But when he crosses paths with Sierra Maudet during his business travels, and is lured into the most decadent place, a brothel, Drake’s views about women in and out of the bedroom are turned completely upside down. Now, Drake is seeing life entirely different for the first time.
Although he is soon-to-be wed to the illusive Isadora Marcos, heiress to his greatest rival’s shipping empire, he refuses to let go of the one woman who threatens to wreck his carefully laid plans.
His world of privilege may lead her to ruin...
Life for Sierra Maudet came to a shattering end as a child with the sudden death of her mother. With a benefactor to please, and her younger brother to protect, Kyle—a magnet for women, Sierra takes to the stage swinging her hips, and singing sultry tunes with hopes of earning enough wealth to leave her small town and wanton lifestyle behind.
When the enticing outsider, Drake McCalister, unexpectedly enters into her life, promising to fulfil her adventurous spirit, Sierra surrenders to his sinful offer and returns with him to his New Orleans estate.
However, Isadora has no plans to hand over her prized stallion, and Sierra isn’t so sure that an affair with the handsome stranger won’t lead to her own heartache and despair. But her insatiable desire for Drake gets the better of her, and she decides that the temptation is worth the risk.
- GenresHistorical Romance
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2013
1 person is currently reading
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 11, 2013
I don't usually read this genere of books, being more of a fantasy fan. So please keep that in mind as you go though this review.
On the surface, Lilac Temptress has a similar structure to many other romance novels. You've got the rich rake guy, innocent and handsome lady, a love interest on the side to complete the classic love triangle, and a rollercoaster ride of intrigue, incidents and quarrels, before arriving at a satisfactory happy ending.
Having said that, this novel does make an effort to go beyond the stereotipical romance book. The story setting changes significatly half way, which kept the story fresh and kept me interested. By chapter 14 I was really so engrossed with the story that I just couldn't put the book down. All chapters before that were good too, but that is where the story really peaked for me. The excitement curve is actually very well done. I was pleasently surprised again, when I found that the last chapter was used to tie together all loose ends and settle the story down. It wouldn't have bothered me if some questions were left unanswered, but the book deserves credit for looking back and making everything fit.
Some characters are likable, while others are hateable instead, which makes for a good spicey mix. The story is consistent and manages to refrain from being repeatable.
I personally would have preferred the story to have a more funny parts to break up the tension, but I’m sure that other readers will probably enjoy it better the way it flows now.
I will go as far as to give this book a perfect score of 5 stars, because for what it is (a classic love story), it actually does a very good job. What really works to its benefit, is the fact that it's a fair deal longer then most comperable books. This means better descriptions of environments, supporting characters that are memorable, etc. As a reader of fantasy books, I welcome the added details.
On the surface, Lilac Temptress has a similar structure to many other romance novels. You've got the rich rake guy, innocent and handsome lady, a love interest on the side to complete the classic love triangle, and a rollercoaster ride of intrigue, incidents and quarrels, before arriving at a satisfactory happy ending.
Having said that, this novel does make an effort to go beyond the stereotipical romance book. The story setting changes significatly half way, which kept the story fresh and kept me interested. By chapter 14 I was really so engrossed with the story that I just couldn't put the book down. All chapters before that were good too, but that is where the story really peaked for me. The excitement curve is actually very well done. I was pleasently surprised again, when I found that the last chapter was used to tie together all loose ends and settle the story down. It wouldn't have bothered me if some questions were left unanswered, but the book deserves credit for looking back and making everything fit.
Some characters are likable, while others are hateable instead, which makes for a good spicey mix. The story is consistent and manages to refrain from being repeatable.
I personally would have preferred the story to have a more funny parts to break up the tension, but I’m sure that other readers will probably enjoy it better the way it flows now.
I will go as far as to give this book a perfect score of 5 stars, because for what it is (a classic love story), it actually does a very good job. What really works to its benefit, is the fact that it's a fair deal longer then most comperable books. This means better descriptions of environments, supporting characters that are memorable, etc. As a reader of fantasy books, I welcome the added details.
April 26, 2015
I received a copy of this book for an honest review. The book got my attention right from the start. This is a classic romance novel but it goes deeper. The way the author describes everything makes you feel part of the story. You can feel the emotions of all the characters. I stayed up late two nights in a row reading this book because I couldn't put it down. I think sequels could be written to continue the story of some of the other characters in the book. I look forward to reading other books by Elizabeth Davis.
October 10, 2015
2.5 stars.
I don't know, I just didn't like it all that much. The constant, and I mean constant, of the changing POV's from at least four characters with no warning confused me a bit. One paragraph it was in one persons POV then suddenly it was someone else. A lot of the time it was pointless.
I like the premise but Drake pissed me off to no end I wish I could slap him. "she's mine even though I'm marrying someone else, fuck her happiness" that is literally his thought process. I didn't enjoy it that much and kinda wish I hadn't stuck around.
I don't know, I just didn't like it all that much. The constant, and I mean constant, of the changing POV's from at least four characters with no warning confused me a bit. One paragraph it was in one persons POV then suddenly it was someone else. A lot of the time it was pointless.
I like the premise but Drake pissed me off to no end I wish I could slap him. "she's mine even though I'm marrying someone else, fuck her happiness" that is literally his thought process. I didn't enjoy it that much and kinda wish I hadn't stuck around.
October 7, 2013
I enjoyed this story.
It took me a while to get into it as it is not my usual type, but the characters were realistic and the plot interesting.
I will read Elizabeth Davis again.
It took me a while to get into it as it is not my usual type, but the characters were realistic and the plot interesting.
I will read Elizabeth Davis again.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews