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Author Reviews
To Taste Temptation
Elizabeth Hoyt
Grand Central, May 2008, 384 pp
ISBN-10: 0446406910
ISBN-13: 978-0446406918
Series: The Legend of the Four Soldiers
Book #1 – Georgian Period
$6.99 (US) $8.50 (CDN)
Reviewed by Laurel
May 2008
Samuel Hart is haunted by the trauma of a war where all but a handful of his comrades were killed. He believes someone betrayed them and led them into an ambush. An American he has recently come to England continuing his personal investigation. His unconventional manner sets “The Ton” into a flurry of scandalous gossip and young woman hearts are set aflutter. One woman whose attention he has caught is his next-door neighbour… the prim and proper Lady Emeline Gordon.
Lady Emeline Gordon is set to marry one of Samuel Hart’s comrades Lord Vale. Widowed with a young son she is used to taking care of them and looks as her upcoming marriage has a solid financial union. She is reserved, cool and detached and looks at her soon to be husband as a friend only. When she meets Samuel, he asks her to be a mentor and chaperone for his sister Rebecca during their three-month stay. Intrigued with this man and unconventional approach and dress, Emeline agrees to meet Rebecca and soon accepts the position. While she spends time with Rebecca, a spark is ignited between her and Samuel making her realize that she’s never experienced the sensual and passionate nature of two people being in love. Casting doubts on her heart and soon to be future.
You know what I like about Elizabeth Hoyt’s novels…everything! Her novels are engaging, flowing smoothly from start to end. Her characters are human with real flaws and emotions. Emeline was a heroine that was independent and a natural survivor. Making her newfound passion a difficult road as she was caught between undying love and her sense of duty and loyalty that would provide her lifelong security. Samuel awakened a hidden desire in her and he himself was a selfless and kind gentleman despite being deeply scarred and tormented from a war and planned massacre that saw many of the soldiers and friends around him die.
TO TASTE TEMPTATION is the start of "The Legends of the Four Soldiers" series from Elizabeth Hoyt and it’s a great start to what promises to be an exciting series. The novel had just the right amount of unanswered questions that have me anxiously awaiting the next novel in the series. Elizabeth never ceases to provide a well-rounded, enjoyable and sensually titillating novel. Her sex scenes between these characters are primal and over whelming sexy…making Samuel a well sought after hero in my book. I also really enjoyed the tale that started each chapter Iron Heart. It was interesting and poignant to the story. I look forward to reading the next instalment in this series.