Tempting the Marquess

Weston Family #2

by Sara Lindsey

After his wife's death, Jason Traherne, Marquess of Sheldon, shut his heart to everyone but his son. But there's something about Olivia Weston's unique blend of sweetness and sensuality which tempts him beyond all reason.

Though there's nothing suitable about the feelings he inspires in her, Livvy can't help falling for the marquess...but can she persuade him to let go of the past and risk his heart again?

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Regency

320 pages, Paperback

First published May 26, 2010

About the author

SARA LINDSEY began writing during her senior year of college. The rest, as they say, is history... or rather, historical romance. A newly minted librarian, Sara lives in sunny Los Angeles. Having read a number of romances featuring librarians, Sara figures this profession bodes well for someday getting her own happily ever after. In the meantime, she plans to turn as many unsuspecting library patrons as possible into fellow romance addicts.

Reviews

[Luana ☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its been 24 hours since I finished this book and I still don't know what to say about it. I will think a little longer to write a review...

[Ally72 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It took me longer to read it than usual, but I was busy with a lot of projects around the house this past week (it wasn't because I was forcing myself to finish it). This was a fun romance between one of the Weston siblings (Olivia) and her aunt's stepson (Jason...The "Marquess"). The Marquess is grieving the loss of his wife five years earlier and Olivia visits him (with her aunt...his stepmother) during Christmas with the intent of helping him overcome his mourning. She has found a diary belonging to his late wife and is intrigued by what she read in it. The supporting characters in the book are wonderful and I can't wait to read more about the Weston family. Sara Lindsey is a definitely an autobuy author for me now and I am anxiously looking forward to her next book.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such an improvement from the first book in the series. I really liked the characters and the storyline as a whole. Maybe I liked it better because I did not feel like Olivia was another female obsessed with making a man love her, but rejects said man once he recognizes that he really truly loves her.

Olivia Weston, is practical but still has a romantic side (a description that can be used for many twenty-first century women). She believes in love, and is excited by love but she is also aware that love does not happen for everyone. Olivia while at her aunt's home in Scotland finds the diary of the late Marquessa of Sheldon. Wherein she reads of Lord Sheldon's love for his former wife and how he went about showing his wife how much he loved her. Unfortunately since the passing of his wife, Lord Sheldon, the step-son of Olivia's aunt Kate, lived a reclusive life at Castle Arlyss just him and his young son, Edward. (Yes, I know a Castle!!! don't you just love Gothic romance novels?) Olivia, being the adventuress that she is, decided to go with her Aunt Kate and cousin Charlotte to Castle Arlyss on a mission to bring some cheer to the Marquess' life and help him live again. I know it sounds like another green girl's scheme to trap a Marquess, but Olivia honestly did not have any such intentions, eventhough she found Jason Traherne, Marquess of Sheldon, beautiful (at least physically beautiful). However, Olivia does not find Jase to be as beautiful when he opens his mouth.

If you like historical romances, you will love this one. The passion and longing that are essential elements of romance novels are in abundance in this story. Read and enjoy!!!

[Jo (My House of Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm convinced the men in this story have all the best lines and/or thoughts.


Lord, anyone would think he'd never seen breasts before.


He wanted to taste every spicy, salty, sauce inch of her luscious little body and take her in every possible way he could think of. And he could think of quite a few ways to take her, having spent too many sleepless nights contemplating just that.


Jason wasn't sure if he should run away as fast as possible or strip off his clothes and offer himself to her. If the blood rushing south at breakneck speed was any indication, his body enthusiastically voted for the second option. It also indicated that, unless he got himself under control, a body part other than his brain would soon be making the decisions.

But love and wooing isn't all fun and games and great lines. Olivia Jane Weston has invited herself along on her aunt's sojourn to Wales because she's fallen a little bit in love with the reclusive Marquess of Sheldon. Livvy believes he's in mourning for his wife, and she is under the distinct impression she can snap him out of it. Her plots and plans, while good for helping her sister Isabella snare her husband, James, are not so handy for her own benefit.

I didn't agree with Livvy's flight in the latter third of the novel. She'd been so passionate, so straight up and down in her admittance that she cared for and desired Jason, that I wanted her to stay and confront the matter rather than escape. Make a list of pros and cons, for goodness sake. (Livvy is famous for her lists, and they are quite amusing.) Alas, she didn't listen to me but not to worry -- Jason and her brother Henry were hot on her heels.

Aside from that blip in judgment, Livvy is a bold yet completely innocent heroine. She has a tendency to babble, which can sometimes get her into trouble, and her curiosity is insatiable. Her romantic ideals and daydream sequences match her character 100% though they don't diminish her because ultimately, through Jason, her expectations and ideals are proven incorrect.

I'm looking forward to getting to know Henry in A Rogue for All Seasons (March 2011).

[Janga · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little bit Gothic and a whole lot wonderful, the second of Lindsey's Weston stories is a worthy sequel to the first. I loved the setting (Wales), loved Lindsey's take on the brooding hero with a secret, loved the kids and the dogs, but I especially loved Olivia who is delightfully and fully herself. And I do long for Aunt Kate to find her own HEA.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tempting The Marquess is the second book in The Weston Series and it overlaps a bit with the first one. The last we hear of Olivia in Promise Me Tonight is when she says goodbye to her sister but the book continues telling the rest of Isabella's story. Tempting picks up at a point shortly after we last saw Olivia who is going with her Aunt to see the Marquess of Sheldon who is her (the Aunt's) stepson. Having learned a bit about the Marquess from her Aunt and come across something in the library that intrigued her Olivia very much wants to meet Jason. It turns out he has a son who seems to be around the age of 4-6 which is the same age as his female cousin the daughter of his grandfather and step-grandmother. The son (whose name escapes at the moment) takes a liking to Olivia and wants her to be his Mommy (his mother is deceased) so he and Charlotte (the female cousin) have a lovely conversation about how that could occur. They run into a snag however when they recall that Olivia has mentioned she would like to have at least two children. Charlotte figures that if his Daddy got him a puppy surely he can get her a brother or sister. Of course they're to young to now how they got here. It was really cute and reminded me of some of the Lisa Kleypas books and Karen Hawkins books I've read id est steamy romance and humorous moments. I'm looking forward to the next one which I think comes out later this year.

According to the Author's website the publisher has decided not to continue with the series. :-(

[Yunita Taman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Satu lagi lord dengan masa lalu kelam yang bikin kebut baca dua hari dua malam. Jadi Sang Marquess ini duda, istrinya meninggal dalam kecelakaan kuda meninggalkannya dengan seorang putra yang kondisi kesehatannya kurang baik. Sang Marquess menutup pintu hatinya terhadap semua kebaikan di sekitarnya sampai Olivia Weston datang mengacaukan ketenangan hidupnya. Kisah benci-benci cinta selalu menarik buat diikuti. Masalah kepercayaan jadi isu penting di sini. Penulisannya juga mengalami perbaikan, suka banget sama kehangatan keluarga di hari natal di kastil kuno ala Welsh yang masih percaya banyak takhyul.

[♡Karlyn P♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even better than 'Promise Me Tonight'. A fun and enjoyable historical romp. Looking forward to Henry's story!

[Amara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Starts out great! I docked off a star because it kinda loses steam in between. But picks it up nicely and wraps up the story wonderfully at the end. I loved the h, she was sweet, determined and very mature for being only nineteen. The H, while having his tstl moments, came around. The author has beautifully shown us the transition in his emotions towards the heroine from lust, frustration, curiosity, possessiveness to finally love!

[Isa Sulistyorini]

Review Soon! (After I get new laptop)

[Jennifer Lynn Hutchings · Rating 4 out of 5]

couldn't put it down. thanks for a great story.

[Sandy M · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is my first Sara Lindsey book, and while it is a pleasant read, it isn’t one of those that wowed me, that made me sigh when I finally closed the book. This is the second edition in the Westin Family series and I don’t think I missed a lot not reading the first book, but I do think it would have helped, however, in getting the family dynamics in my head better, because there are plenty of references to Livvy’s participation in bringing her sister and the hero together in Promise Me Tonight.

The first part of this book goes along very, very slow. Olivia, named for the Shakespeare character from Twelfth Night because her mother is a bard fanatic, has finagled her way on a trip to Wales with her Aunt Kate to visit her stepson for the Christmas holidays. Said stepson is now in Livvy’s sights after finding a diary from his late wife and knowing the man has cut himself off from society and love due to his loss. Livvy is determined to help him out of his quagmire so he can enjoy life and live again. She is also intrigued by the rumors that Jason’s home is haunted.

Jason is certainly deeply buried in emotion, but it’s not quite what Livvy thinks. He’s disillusioned, rude, and just wants to be left alone with his son. He’s not the hurt and lonely man she envisions. She’s not about to be dissuaded, however. So she stays true to her course trying to pull Jason out of his self-imposed reclusiveness. Their verbal sparring and banter is fun, though Livvy’s immaturity does show from time to time. But Jason enjoys these moments, bringing out a sense of fun he hasn’t had in his life for a while now. For me these moments are too few and far between to keep my interest in this couple high or Livvy’s young age will pop up again, pulling me out of the story.

Jason and Livvy each come to their own realizations of their feelings for the other, denial following, then impossibility quickly descends, and finally the inevitability of love has to be faced with their eyes wide open. Livvy’s decision to tell Jason how she came to be in his home comes a tad too late, he discovers her deceit as he’s discovering her, and the good that has been between them disintegrates. He’s had enough of deceitful women in his life, so no matter how he feels about Livvy, it’s just not to be for them.

I didn’t mind Jason’s attitude toward Livvy and women in general - it’s a product of his times - and he bucks up when it’s called for. It’s Livvy’s youngness that got to me most of all, she’s constantly in trouble even when she’s trying to help. The story would be going along at a nice pace and suddenly I found myself rolling my eyes at her. Though I did enjoy her eagerness and inquisitiveness when it comes to sex, and Jason is more than happy to oblige her. I’m not sure if not reading the first book in the series would change anything for me, but it might have perhaps if I’d known Livvy a little better before this book, since she’s a sticking point for me. I did, though, enjoy the scenes with Jason’s son and Livvy. She will eventually make a great wife and mother with some age behind her.

However, if you’re looking for a light and fun historical read, you’ll probably have a good time with this one.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sara Lindsey did it again! And this time, our hero--Jason Traherne, Marquess of Sheldon--is brooding and dark, just like the novels our heroine Olivia Weston loves to read.

Olivia dreams of having a grand adventure like that she finds in her Gothic romantic novels, and when she stumbles upon an old diary in the library of her aunt's home, she finds it. Reading the diary, she discovers a history between Jason and his late wife Laura.

Jason has brooded over his wife's death for years, and his son Edward is left without a mother. He's determined to keep to himself and refuses to love again. But when Olivia shows up, she brings a light and life to the castle that it hasn't seen since Laura died.

Jason fights his feelings for Olivia every step of the way, and Olivia keeps pulling him out of the dark cave he's created for himself. Her laughter and wit are exactly what he needs to live again.

I really liked how Lindsey played on our modern ideas of the romance novel and how they might have affected women in the 1800s as Gothic novels. Love isn't perfect, and Olivia needs to learn this lesson as much as Jason. Something else I liked: this particular romance was mostly set in Wales. I love the country and visited a few months ago for the first time. It was lovely, and I would like to see more romances set there.

[Donna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just never really was impressed by this book. I don't know exactly what wasn't "right" about it, I guess it was the writing style. I didn't feel like we ever got a true profile of either Jason or Olivia and Olivia's character in particular was just too inconsistent. One minute she would be portrayed as a clever seductress then just a few lines later she would come across as incredibly naive and immature. I just was never really invested in the story or the characters. I give it 2 1/2 stars and don't plan to read any more books by this author in the immediate future.

[Patrícia⁷ · Rating 4 out of 5]

RATING: 3.5 stars.

Much better than the first book of the series, in my humble opinion. I loved Olivia, she was a great character and although Jason was kind of a chiché (dark, brooding, etc), I liked him too. And I thought the plot was imaginative.

Overall a very nice read. Keep them coming Ms Lindsey! Can't wait for Henry's story! :)

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

clever

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 pbs copy

[Mandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why I read: Received for review from publisher.


Favorite Quote: Perfect. While he’d heard choirs of angels singing hallelujahs, she’d felt nothing. She might as well have picked up the letter opener from his desk and stabbed him in the gut…

Olivia Weston is ready for an adventure and when her Aunt Jane invites her to her step son’s Jason’s house, Olivia is ecstatic. While organizing the library Livvy stumbles across a diary belonging to Jason’s late wife. Livvy is immediately intrigued by its contents. She decides she must meet Jason, a man who has lived the past years in grief, raising his son and pushing everyone else away. Livvy, a romantic at heart, wants to mend Jason, and break him out of his shell.

When Livvy accompanies Aunt Jane and they arrive on his door step, tempers flare. Jason is very suspicious of Livvy and also can’t understand why his body starts to betray him. But Livvy’s presence soon becomes much more than just an annoyance.


Tempting The Marquess is a cute book but also one that never really drew me in. I found it to be a bit slow and it has a heroine, Livvy that is immature. At times she came across cute, naive, and charming. Other times she grated on my nerves and I found her young ways to be annoying. She has grand notions of saving and rescuing Jason, who she only knows through entries in his late wife’s diary. She builds Jason up in her head and sees “fixing him” as a grand adventure. She boldly goes into his house and starts interfering in his life and his son’s life. Jason is set-up to be the grief stricken, cold host and at times I think his character forgets that. Their love-hate relationship never really takes hold. Jason seesaws between lusting after Livvy, to guilt over his dead wife. The ending conflict is very predictable as well.

While Livvy didn’t sit well with me at times, other times she came across very likable.  She is a temptress and very eager to explore the physical side of her attraction to Jason. When Jason’ kiss doesn’t meet her standards, she demands he do it again. I enjoyed this side of Livvy, although she is the virgin heroine, she is not shy and it was very cute.


Tempting The Marquess definitely has its ups and downs but this one didn’t leave a big impact with me.

[Ryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually quite cute! I didn't mind Livvy, and Jason was pretty sweet. I liked his reactions/emotions as a widower. All the minor characters, like Edward, Charlotte, Charles, etc. were really likeable. I think this may be my first romance novel that includes a happy couple in a previous marriage. And the husband is hung up on his dead wife's apparent betrayal, but not hung up to the point where you just feel like slapping him into sanity. He was grieving and cynical, but not moping and freaking out every time he kissed the heroine, as seems to be the norm in these novels.

I did not like Livvy's sudden flight towards the end of the book. She seemed so straightforward, and she just wanted Jason to know the truth about his wife... and so suddenly she decides to escape her wedding without a blind bit of explanation, realizes she is being a fool, and turns back. But by then, of course, Jason had caught up with her. It was kind of silly and forced and didn't seem to fit with the rest of the book - like Lindsey just wanted to end the story, but since none of the characters were cooperating, she had to create some random event so Livvy and Jason would be alone so she could finally explain. It begs the question as to why she didn't just do that in the first place!

Also, every single lose end in the book is tied up with an intricate red bow. Right down to one on the last page. I found this a little bit ironic, especially after Jason and Livvy had this very emotional discussion about how people were not like characters in books, and they were imperfect, and flawed and-- And then they lived most happily ever ever after.

Anyway, the book was not super exciting or anything, and it got a little bit cheesy towards the end, but overall the characters and plot were down-to-earth, believable (for a regency romance), and funny. I'd probably look for another Lindsey/read another in the Weston Family series.

[Dawn Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book for the hopeless romantics
this is the secod Weston novel it follows Izzie's sis Olivia
It has the type of love - hate relationship going on in this one. Lightly humourous.'THE DIFFERENCE WITH THIS ONE IS WHERE Izzy HAD A BIT OF KNOWLEDGE AND LIVES LIFE WITH PASSION WHEN IT CAME TO LOVE AND WAR , OLIVIA, IS AS CLUELESS AS ..(I don't know if there is anyone that clueless..lol) and she looks at like in a more sensible way..logics and books.. MORE LIGHT HEARTED HUMOUROUS AND TRULY ENTERTAINING
Can't wait for the third addition
http://dawnandwinniebookreviews.blogs...

[Jackie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has gotten fairly good reviews, so, even though I found the first Weston book rather poor, I thought I'd give this one a try. But it certainly was not worth the effort. The author has difficulty constructing a plot, knowing when to give background information away, when to withhold it for reader suspense. The lack of historical specificity in the novel, and the confusion over whether she is parodying or embracing the Gothic novel, make for a confusing, and ultimately dull, read. I doubt I'll be revisiting this author again, alas.

[Gaylin Walli · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the intro of the hero and heroine interesting enough to hook me into buying the book from the sample I'd downloaded. The story seemed enjoyable enough, but the pacing was a struggle for me, as was the youth of the heroine. And the mystery seemed almost an afterthought at times. I wished it had been more prominent and threaded through more of the scenes. The book was a quick enough read, but it just didn't quite keep me entranced like the very beginning did.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was not too happy about this book. The adventuress in the main character's personality was very nice. I liked the whole Shakespeare introductory phases in every chapter. The book was very well written, but I just couldn't feel this was a great romantic book as others I've read before. All of the story was good, but the romantic part of the book was not satisfactory to me. Given that I read romantic novels to find good quality ROMANCE, I was somewhat disappointed on this book.

[Fatty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jason was an IDIOT. Through and through and at time I wish I could enter this book and hit him with a pan. But his idiocity mixed with pain was so adorable I couldn't help but fall head over heels for that silly stupid gorgeous man. Livvy was so innocent and cute. And such a romantic. Sigh. After reading this book I feel I might be thinking like Livvy for quite sometime . :) Now I have to read ALL books in the Weston series!

[Aquit · Rating 2 out of 5]

The beginning was good but halfway through the book I was bored with it. I just finished the book for the heck of it but overall it was a ok read. The betrayal and hurt Jason felt just didn't feel real to me though. But that's just me. In fact, I can barely recall anything about the story and I just put it down less then five minutes ago.

[Sher❤ The Fabulous BookLover · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was expecting this book to be like or better than Promise Me Tonight, but it wasn't. It wasn't as good as the first book in the series. The writing and plot was stale. There were parts of the book where it felt like the author just had to write some extra pages. Overall the book is ok. Read it if it's free...I wouldn't buy it.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wowza!! Livvy and Jason have sparks. They sizzle in all their scenes together. From the first introduction to the epilogue there are sparks!

In "Promise Me Tonight" Aunt Kate was a scene stealer in "Tempting the Marquess" it was Charles. Ohhh...He was a wonderful side character.

I hope Ms. Lindsey finishes the next book in this series. I am anxious to read it.

[Greselley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't even finish this one or ever have a plan on finishing it. I was too excited for this but clearly disappointed. Why, it is such a bore! I just thought everything processed to slow until when it past the middle it went fast, I didn't even understand what's happening.

[My iras · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ceritanya adiknya Izzy..si pemikiran, si pemimpi .si romantis. Ceritanya kocak Dan lucu... Olivia yang polos Dan si Jason yang Kaku..Dan suka berkata pedas. Alurnya sangat cepat .. pengen terus-terus bacanya. Satu kata best.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started off well but got a little bogged down in dialogue and drama.