wonderandread's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
booksandpops4000's review against another edition
4.0
I think this was such a fun read. I wish i was more focsued and read this in quicker fashion and that did hinder my enjoyment a tad. I overall liked the premise of this book. I loved long lost characters returing to cailm their right. I did enjoy the romance,I don't think this couple is my new favorite . I am super excited to keep readign this series soon!!
rhaeneystargaryen's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Um? What to say.
We have Mary, who saved the boys when they were children when their uncle wanted to kill them for the title.
Then we have Sebastian, the eldest son and the true duke who spent the last 12 years as a soldier. He's cold and scared of how everyone percieves him but he needs to find a bride eventually because he has to pass the title on (Mary isn't an option for a bride, she is engaged).
We've got Fitzwilliam, Mary's fiance.
Fitzwilliam is extremely controlling, telling her she can't be with the Easton men and she is extremely meek and bending when it comes to him, except she refuses to stop seeing Sebastian? She should've just dropped her betrothal and gone to him. Pathetic maybe, but in a way I don't like.
Did not feel like there was any tension between the two. Clearly Heath was very inspired by Richard III who killed his nephews but not in any way I found fun or unique. The villain felt too cartoonish and then it wrapped up way too quickly and easily?
Certainly not my most favorite Lorraine Heath.
We have Mary, who saved the boys when they were children when their uncle wanted to kill them for the title.
Then we have Sebastian, the eldest son and the true duke who spent the last 12 years as a soldier. He's cold and scared of how everyone percieves him but he needs to find a bride eventually because he has to pass the title on (Mary isn't an option for a bride, she is engaged).
We've got Fitzwilliam, Mary's fiance.
Fitzwilliam is extremely controlling, telling her she can't be with the Easton men and she is extremely meek and bending when it comes to him, except she refuses to stop seeing Sebastian? She should've just dropped her betrothal and gone to him. Pathetic maybe, but in a way I don't like.
Did not feel like there was any tension between the two. Clearly Heath was very inspired by Richard III who killed his nephews but not in any way I found fun or unique. The villain felt too cartoonish and then it wrapped up way too quickly and easily?
Certainly not my most favorite Lorraine Heath.
loverofromance's review against another edition
5.0
She Tempts The Duke is the first in the Lords of Pembrook series. It has been a while since I have read from this author, and she has always been a personal favorite of mine. She never disappoints...and I found myself falling in love once more. The characters here are unforgettable, ones that are so endearing and climb their way straight into your hearts. Sebastian is a tortured hero--very much tortured, more than I have seen in a while. He is heavily scarred on the outside and the inside. We see evidence that he has suffered much over the years, but I really loved the way he is with his brothers and Mary. We see that he really cares for Mary, even if he doesn't admit it right away. I enjoyed seeing the gentleness he displays with her, even though he has only known a life of roughness and abuse and hardship. Mary is very strong willed and fights for what is right more than what is easy. Mary is the one who saved the three brothers when she was a mere girl. We see through differect acts of courage, how she continues to protect them even at costs to herself. She accepts Sebastian for who he has become, and see's past the scars and into the man. I love a heroine that doesn't judge, but accepts and loves Sebastian for who he is now. There is a danger side to the plot, one full of intrigue and mystery, there is also some sensual moments that keep you totally immersed into the story. A True Gem of a story that will steal its way into your heart.
rosesintherain97's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
cmbwell's review against another edition
4.0
Good story and the characters held their own throughout the book. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
amandacole's review against another edition
4.0
This book is pretty much what you'd expect. There's a woman and the Duke wants her even though he shouldn't. And, being a romance novel, of course they live happily ever after.
But in between, there are some great elements. I love that Mary and Sebastian knew each other as children, and then end up falling in love in adulthood, even after 12 years apart and a lot of life-changing experiences. It's also interesting to see how the men reconnect after being separated for so long. There's still so much that's mysterious and unknown about each of their lives (probably so we'll keep reading this mini-series). I enjoyed the non-romantic subplot -- will the boys be attacked by their uncle? Will they be able to prove what he did?
I'm looking forward to reading Tristan's and Rafe's stories to finally get into their lives while they were all separated.
But in between, there are some great elements. I love that Mary and Sebastian knew each other as children, and then end up falling in love in adulthood, even after 12 years apart and a lot of life-changing experiences. It's also interesting to see how the men reconnect after being separated for so long. There's still so much that's mysterious and unknown about each of their lives (probably so we'll keep reading this mini-series). I enjoyed the non-romantic subplot -- will the boys be attacked by their uncle? Will they be able to prove what he did?
I'm looking forward to reading Tristan's and Rafe's stories to finally get into their lives while they were all separated.