TEMPTED BY THE NIGHT

Author: Elizabeth Boyle ISBN: 9780061373220 9/2008 HISTORICAL Publisher: AVON
Time Period: Regency, 1810 London

A secret admirer... They say he’s a shameless rake who cares for nothing but pleasure, a rogue who spends his nights in London’s lustiest locales, gambling and carousing until dawn. But Lady Hermione Marlowe refuses to believe that the handsome gentleman she’s loved from afar for so long could be so wicked. If only she had a way to prove to the ton that Lord Rockhurst is as proper as the rest. If only she knew what he really did under cover of night... A clandestine encounter... Lord Rockhurst knows what they say about him, and he doesn’t care. Let them think his nights are filled with craven debauchery. Only he knows his true purpose, his dangerous goal. But when a mysterious woman falls into arms—and thereby saves his life—Rockhurst will struggle to save his secret. Who is this creature with such luscious curves and tempting touch? Rockhurst doesn’t know if he can trust her... all he knows is that he cannot resist her.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

This is one of those be-careful-what-you-wish-for stories. They can be pretty predictable, but TEMPTED BY THE NIGHT is anything but predictable. Smart, witty, a delightful change of pace from the sometimes silly antics of the ton, TEMPTED BY THE NIGHT is a delight!

There's no way to pull apart this story and say exactly what makes it so good. I could say the characters are larger than life, because they are. From the first page I'm taken with Hermione and her quirky relations and friends. Her younger sister, Lady Viola, kept me in stitches. The handsome rake who turns Hermione's tummy upside down is to die for. Yes, the characters are something else. But I could also say the plot, with its unusual magical twist, is what keeps this so fresh. Truly, I didn't suspect much of what happened, and was surprised by nearly everything. There's a scene in the ladies' retiring room that is unforgettable—an unfortunate dress color choice, an assignation with a chamber pot and a twist of fate make it come alive. So yes, the plot is unusual and most memorable. Or I could point to the dialogue, some of it so funny I giggled and other passages so warm and sensual I felt myself melt, and say that is this story's strong point.

The truth of it? Everything about TEMPTED BY THE NIGHT by Elizabeth Boyle is first-rate. This is just a case of masterful storytelling. I loved every minute of this book. My only regret? That it ended. I could have read on and on!

Kay James