Reviewer: Connie Payne
Title: Too Great A Temptation
Author: Alexandra Benedict
Publisher: Avon
ISBN: 0-0608-4794-8
Release Date: November 2006
Genre/Sub-genre: Historical Romance
Year/Setting: 1819/1821 London/New York/Ocean Crossing
Overall Rating: 4.8
Sexual Content Rating: Sexual
Language (Profanity) Content Rating: Minimal
Violent Content Rating: Minimal - fights, ship attacking ship, etc.
Alexandra's Website:
alexandrabenedict.ca
From the beginning it seems Damian Westmore, "Duke of Rogues", never had a chance at a normal life. At birth, his father predetermined and shaped the depraved path he was to follow. All of which comes at a huge price--the lives of his brother and sister-in-law.
Revenge. He wants it so bad he can taste it, so for the next two years, Damian searches the seas for the pirates who killed Adam and Tess. Fate, however, finally intervenes. And through a set of dire circumstances Damian finds himself on board the Bonny Meg as the navigator. But this is a minor setback. Once they reach London he can outfit a new ship and set sail to continue his search for the pirate, Black Hawk.
He never expected to find the captain’s sister aboard. A golden-haired, beauty who wants to become part of the crew. She’s a distraction he doesn’t want, but finds that he needs.
Mirabelle Hawkins has always thirsted for adventure. Even more so now that she’s been left alone on shore while her brothers all take to the seas on the Bonny Meg. As her brother, James, refused to let her become a tar on his ship, her only recourse was to stowaway (James wasn’t too happy). And she only has until they reach home to change his mind. But, Damien seeps into her life with his pain-filled eyes and scarred soul. She finds she can’t stay away from him, but knows she must if she wishes to earn a permanent place with the crew aboard ship. And that is her heart’s desire after all.
From the seas to England’s shore, Damian and Belle are drawn to each other like no other before. Fate, however, may have the last laugh on both of them. It seems they’re in a race against time as misunderstandings and revelations surface, leaving anger and hurt and confusion in their wake. It seems almost impossible for these two to find peace...together.
I found Too Great A Temptation to be an extremely well written book. The attention that was given to Damian and Belle’s inner turmoil and back-story was done beautifully. It made me feel as if it were important to Ms. Benedict for us to be included, to know and see facets of their past and how it had a hand in who they are now. She created a story around three-dimensional characters.
The intimate scenes are more explicit than what I like, but they seem to fit with both Damian and Belle's driving forces and their impulsive and hot natures . Almost like a catharsis, beginning the healing process.
Ms. Benedict tells a rich and poignant story of the healing power of love and acceptance. Damian and Belle both have a depth and intensity about them that will grab and tug at your heart. You may find the book hard to put down as it most definitely will consume your attention.
Now, how about Henry’s story, and you-know-who’s story, Ms. Benedict?
Connie
Question or comment regarding the review or the book? Click here and let Connie know.
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