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justinkhchen's review against another edition
3.0
3 stars
The Price of Temptation has moments of passion and thrill, but its overall impact is somewhat undone by uneven character portrayal and a sluggish plot.
The story hits its peak whenever it showcases its protagonists' unique skill; Adam Darling (what a fun last name, by the way) is a reformed con artist with secrets, and Lily is a heartbroken jewellery maker. No matter if it is a simple act of persuasion, forgery, or stealing ancient artifact, the novel comes alive during these instances, and really illustrates the charismatic duo as potential partners, both in crime and in bed.
Compare to the engaging display of deception, The Price of Temptation's plot is a one-trick pony, with its over-dependence on character concealing intent or predicament, in order to drive conflict and drama. Why would a someone, whose entire goal is to make amend, not disclose it and simply let being misunderstood (until 60% into the story)? Why would someone hold on to a family financial peril, when it has impact on all members (besides beyond one's ability to resolve)? Such narrative maneuver can definitely work, but as implemented here, it feels manipulative and renders these characters unrealistic.
The Price of Temptation also suffers from a very silly central villain, whose motivation doesn't really justify his action, and his schemes, full of loopholes, are easily overturned to his disadvantage. Yet, the protagonists are portrayed as obedient sheep, blindly following his demands, rather than trying to outsmart him (they eventually revolt in the last act, but why would any reasonable minds wait that long?).
All in all, The Price of Temptation has two compassionate leads, but they are being drown out and dumb down by a plot that has more interest in padding out page count, than telling a truly compelling, character-driven story.
***This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!***
The Price of Temptation has moments of passion and thrill, but its overall impact is somewhat undone by uneven character portrayal and a sluggish plot.
The story hits its peak whenever it showcases its protagonists' unique skill; Adam Darling (what a fun last name, by the way) is a reformed con artist with secrets, and Lily is a heartbroken jewellery maker. No matter if it is a simple act of persuasion, forgery, or stealing ancient artifact, the novel comes alive during these instances, and really illustrates the charismatic duo as potential partners, both in crime and in bed.
Compare to the engaging display of deception, The Price of Temptation's plot is a one-trick pony, with its over-dependence on character concealing intent or predicament, in order to drive conflict and drama. Why would a someone, whose entire goal is to make amend, not disclose it and simply let being misunderstood (until 60% into the story)? Why would someone hold on to a family financial peril, when it has impact on all members (besides beyond one's ability to resolve)? Such narrative maneuver can definitely work, but as implemented here, it feels manipulative and renders these characters unrealistic.
The Price of Temptation also suffers from a very silly central villain, whose motivation doesn't really justify his action, and his schemes, full of loopholes, are easily overturned to his disadvantage. Yet, the protagonists are portrayed as obedient sheep, blindly following his demands, rather than trying to outsmart him (they eventually revolt in the last act, but why would any reasonable minds wait that long?).
All in all, The Price of Temptation has two compassionate leads, but they are being drown out and dumb down by a plot that has more interest in padding out page count, than telling a truly compelling, character-driven story.
***This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!***
cala_p's review against another edition
3.0
ARC received from Entangled through Netgalley. Voluntarily reviewing and all opinions are objective and my own.
It was an okay read. I enjoyed how the setting wasn’t that of lords and ladies being matched up. It was about two regular people pulling off a con, while being conned. A second chance romance in a historical setting. Very different from normal.
Downside is, I found it a bit boring. Everything I enjoyed in historical romances was not there. Mind you, I didn’t know that until this one.
Neither character wowed me. The story was an okay read. It took me a bit to get into it. All in all, an okay book.
It was an okay read. I enjoyed how the setting wasn’t that of lords and ladies being matched up. It was about two regular people pulling off a con, while being conned. A second chance romance in a historical setting. Very different from normal.
Downside is, I found it a bit boring. Everything I enjoyed in historical romances was not there. Mind you, I didn’t know that until this one.
Neither character wowed me. The story was an okay read. It took me a bit to get into it. All in all, an okay book.
andrea_author's review against another edition
Lily married a con man who abandoned her after a week of marriage, taking her dowry with him. Little does she know that Adam was forced to flee when a blackmailer discovered his crimes. When Adam returns four years determined to make amends, can she forgive him and let him into her heart again?
This was a well-written book with an intriguing story. Unfortunately, I was not a good fit for this novel. I prefer a faster pace and a lighter tone. Other readers may enjoy it more.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received.
This was a well-written book with an intriguing story. Unfortunately, I was not a good fit for this novel. I prefer a faster pace and a lighter tone. Other readers may enjoy it more.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received.
angelsbookstaloves's review against another edition
3.0
Thank you SO much Entangled Pub for sending me a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
This is the second historical romance I have ever read. And I am LOVING IT!!
I read this within a day. I could not stop reading. Lily was so captivating. How she changed throughout. Her confidence (that I wish I had
This is the second historical romance I have ever read. And I am LOVING IT!!
I read this within a day. I could not stop reading. Lily was so captivating. How she changed throughout. Her confidence (that I wish I had
aliciasplendeur's review
4.0
Four years ago Adam Darling was forced to leave his new wife and further betray her by stealing her dowry as well. Lily Darling can't believe the man who abandoned her years ago is back in town. When she is approached by a former "friend" to carry out a task, Adam offers his help/expertise with the matter. She wants to refuse his help but as much as she hates to admit it, she needs his help.
Adam will do anything to help his wife because he still loves her.
This was my first time reading something from this author. And I definitely liked this book but did have a hard time getting through it. But I still plan on checking out her other books.
Thanks so much to Entangled and NetGalley for the ARC to review.
Adam will do anything to help his wife because he still loves her.
This was my first time reading something from this author. And I definitely liked this book but did have a hard time getting through it. But I still plan on checking out her other books.
Thanks so much to Entangled and NetGalley for the ARC to review.
dinipandareads's review
3.0
I was really looking forward to reading this book and was sure that I'd love it based on the premise, but while I liked it enough to be curious about checking out another one of the sister's books, I thought this was just okay. While I think that the story and characters had potential, I found the execution lacking with several elements that felt inconsistent and took me out of the story. 2.5 stars rounded up.
While I liked Lily and Adam, it was difficult to empathise with their situations. There's no doubt that both have been through a lot in their past, separately and together, but ultimately, I feel like there was too much telling and not enough showing for me to connect with them. I did start to see a little more of their connection as we spend time with them, but I still didn't believe it enough to feel invested or convinced; for example, when Lily decided she wanted more (sexually) from Adam when she was adamant she'd have nothing to do with him one chapter before.
That said, they both have good hearts and intentions towards each other and Lily's family. Since Adam abandoned her, Lily has had a lot to deal with and I admired her courage and her strength to do what needed to be done for her sisters and mother despite the heartache and loss. I did like the relationship between Lily and her sisters, and Sophie was an older sister I could very much relate to! Adam was a very secretive character and we do get some information about his sordid past, but it was all very surface level and not enough to convince me of the severity of his actions. There's a lot of secrecy and lies between them that I felt was unnecessary except to move the thin plot along
Our villain was interesting but I didn't understand his motives or what he really wanted out of the whole situation aside from Adam staying away from Lily. I didn't get the purpose of his demands, plus it was also quite unsatisfying because he basically dropped away in the end and faced zero consequence for what he did!
TL;DR: Although the premise was promising, I felt that the execution was lacking. The inconsistencies kept taking me out of the story as I questioned actions and motives. It was difficult to connect to and empathise with our H/H because there was a lot of telling. That said, I'm curious about Sophie (the eldest sister) and I'm hoping she does get a story because I'd (maybe) be keen to read it as I liked her character the most!
While I liked Lily and Adam, it was difficult to empathise with their situations. There's no doubt that both have been through a lot in their past, separately and together, but ultimately, I feel like there was too much telling and not enough showing for me to connect with them. I did start to see a little more of their connection as we spend time with them, but I still didn't believe it enough to feel invested or convinced; for example, when Lily decided she wanted more (sexually) from Adam when she was adamant she'd have nothing to do with him one chapter before.
That said, they both have good hearts and intentions towards each other and Lily's family. Since Adam abandoned her, Lily has had a lot to deal with and I admired her courage and her strength to do what needed to be done for her sisters and mother despite the heartache and loss. I did like the relationship between Lily and her sisters, and Sophie was an older sister I could very much relate to! Adam was a very secretive character and we do get some information about his sordid past, but it was all very surface level and not enough to convince me of the severity of his actions. There's a lot of secrecy and lies between them that I felt was unnecessary except to move the thin plot along
Our villain was interesting but I didn't understand his motives or what he really wanted out of the whole situation aside from Adam staying away from Lily. I didn't get the purpose of his demands, plus it was also quite unsatisfying because he basically dropped away in the end and faced zero consequence for what he did!
TL;DR: Although the premise was promising, I felt that the execution was lacking. The inconsistencies kept taking me out of the story as I questioned actions and motives. It was difficult to connect to and empathise with our H/H because there was a lot of telling. That said, I'm curious about Sophie (the eldest sister) and I'm hoping she does get a story because I'd (maybe) be keen to read it as I liked her character the most!
storieswithsoul's review
5.0
4.5 Stars
I loved this historical romance novel. It's an intriguing story that will keep you entertain throughout. The story starts with an interesting event and ends well too. One of the best historical fictions of the year!
Adam and Lily Darling make a lovely couple. One is a reformed con man with enough skeletons in his closet and the other is a struggling jewelry maker. They have a complicated past and Lily isn't willing to forgive her husband so easily. But what will happen when the truth is finally revealed? Whether they overcome the misunderstandings or will become a prey to one man's schemes is yet to be shown.
Read and find out for yourself.
There are a few loopholes but I think that the two main characters are strong enough to overcome them. My focus remained on Lily and Adam and found them to be two amazing fictional characters. I thoroughly enjoyed reading their story and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a thrilling romantic read.
P.S. I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley.
I loved this historical romance novel. It's an intriguing story that will keep you entertain throughout. The story starts with an interesting event and ends well too. One of the best historical fictions of the year!
Adam and Lily Darling make a lovely couple. One is a reformed con man with enough skeletons in his closet and the other is a struggling jewelry maker. They have a complicated past and Lily isn't willing to forgive her husband so easily. But what will happen when the truth is finally revealed? Whether they overcome the misunderstandings or will become a prey to one man's schemes is yet to be shown.
Read and find out for yourself.
There are a few loopholes but I think that the two main characters are strong enough to overcome them. My focus remained on Lily and Adam and found them to be two amazing fictional characters. I thoroughly enjoyed reading their story and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a thrilling romantic read.
P.S. I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley.
onebookmore's review
4.0
The Price of Temptation focuses on Lily and Adam Darling, a couple who works together to steal a valuable artifact for the man who is blackmailing Lily. When Adam returns after four years, Lily wants nothing to do with him. Abandoned by Adam years ago and left in financial ruins, Lily has hardened her heart and learned to live without him. But when someone from their past blackmails Lily, Adam insists on helping her. Nothing is as it seems, and as Lily learns more about Adam, her blackmailer, and the past, she realizes that the truth is more complicated than she ever imagined.
I enjoyed this read. The story is interesting, the characters are well-developed, and the romance between Lily and Adam is fantastic! A lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers romance, Adam and Lily have a strong connection. Adam is stuck in such a difficult predicament and knows that his presence jeopardizes Lily’s future. However, his love for her runs deep, and he will do anything to protect her. Lily has trust issues and is still so wounded by Adam’s abandonment. She struggles to believe him, and Adam still has secrets that prevent him from being completely truthful with Lily. This complicated mix of emotions leads to some swoon-worthy angst for both characters, and I loved every minute of it! The couple has amazing chemistry, and their love for each other runs deep.
Adam’s backstory is heartbreaking and offers tremendous insight into the man that he is. I was as intrigued by his mysterious past as I was by his attempts to steal the ancient Egyptian artifact with Lily. The treachery of the antagonist, a person who targeted both Adam and Lily, adds to the mystery and intrigue.
The novel deals with some heavy issues, including PTSD, blackmail, grief, and abandonment. However, there are also messages of hope, love, redemption, and family unity. I think the book will appeal to people who like historical fiction with well-developed characters, a chemistry-laden romance, and an intriguing plot. Thanks so much to Netgalley, Entangled Publishing, and the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoyed this read. The story is interesting, the characters are well-developed, and the romance between Lily and Adam is fantastic! A lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers romance, Adam and Lily have a strong connection. Adam is stuck in such a difficult predicament and knows that his presence jeopardizes Lily’s future. However, his love for her runs deep, and he will do anything to protect her. Lily has trust issues and is still so wounded by Adam’s abandonment. She struggles to believe him, and Adam still has secrets that prevent him from being completely truthful with Lily. This complicated mix of emotions leads to some swoon-worthy angst for both characters, and I loved every minute of it! The couple has amazing chemistry, and their love for each other runs deep.
Adam’s backstory is heartbreaking and offers tremendous insight into the man that he is. I was as intrigued by his mysterious past as I was by his attempts to steal the ancient Egyptian artifact with Lily. The treachery of the antagonist, a person who targeted both Adam and Lily, adds to the mystery and intrigue.
The novel deals with some heavy issues, including PTSD, blackmail, grief, and abandonment. However, there are also messages of hope, love, redemption, and family unity. I think the book will appeal to people who like historical fiction with well-developed characters, a chemistry-laden romance, and an intriguing plot. Thanks so much to Netgalley, Entangled Publishing, and the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
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