Too Dangerous to Desire

Lords of Midnight #3

by Cara Elliott

Can a Flame from the Past be Rekindled?

Long ago, Sophie Lawrance chose prudence over passion, rejecting a rebellious young rogue for the sake of her family-no matter the ache it left in her heart. But after a specter from her father's past resurfaces, threatening to destroy all she holds dear, the desperate beauty knows there is only one man whose shadowy skills can save her.

Or Is It Too Dangerous to Play with Fire?

Cameron Daggett is a man of many secrets . . . and many sins. He's never forgotten the pain of losing Sophie. But now, with a chance to win her back, Cameron sets aside his anger and agrees to help Sophie save her father's honor. Together they embark on a perilous masquerade, leading them to a remote country estate near the sea. There, they must battle a cunning adversary-and their own burning desires. Will they be consumed by the flames? Or can they prove that true love conquers all?

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Regency, Historical Fiction, Regency Romance, British Literature

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 20, 2012

About the author

Cara Elliott started creating books at the age of five, or so her mother tells her. And Mom has the proof preserved in a family scrapbook—a neatly penciled story, the pages lavishly illustrated with full color crayon drawings of horses. Cara has since moved on from Westerns to writing about Regency England, a time and place that has captured her imagination ever since she opened the covers of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.”

A graduate of Yale University, Cara has garnered numerous accolades for her writing, including two Daphne Du Maurier Awards for Historical Mystery /Suspense and two RITAs nominations for Regency Romance.

Cara loves to travel to interesting destinations around the world—however, her favorite spot is London, where the funky antique markets, used book stores and specialty museums offer a wealth of inspiration for her stories.

Reviews

[Geo Just Reading My Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am așteptat cu multă nerăbdare apariția acestui volum deoarece acest al treilea Cerber învăluit in mister mi-a stârnit interesul si eram mai mult decât curioasa sa ii aflu povestea.
Acum, la finalul cărții, nu pot spune decât ca s-a terminat mult prea repede. O poveste frumoasa, iubire, suspans, mister...cam tot ce poate fi mai bun intr-o carte!
Recenzia mea completa o găsiți aici:
http://www.delicateseliterare.ro/tent...

[Nita · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the third book in the Lords of Midnight series, Elliott gives us a very prim and proper heroine and a dangerous rogue of a hero. They are getting their second chance at love, though neither know it.

Sophie Lawrance has always done what she thought best for her family. That includes not eloping with her neighbor Cam Daggett when they were both young and in love. Now years later Sophie has pretty much declared herself on the shelf and working hard to make sure her younger sister's engagement and marriage happen smoothly. She finds herself in a predicament when she is blackmailed with information about her deceased father. She will do anything to keep this from affecting her sister's engagement.

Cam chances on Sophie as she is delivering something to her blackmailer at the Wolf's Lair, a gaming den and brothel. This is the last place he ever thought to see Sophie. He's intrigued and can't stop himself from seeing her again and then helping her with her blackmailer.

Sophie acted a bit too proper for me. It was a little hard for me to relate to her in the beginning. But I liked her perseverance and her more relaxed attitude with Cam later in the story. Cam fights his attraction to Sophie through much of the story, because he thinks he is not good enough for her. He hasn't led the most moral life. But he's loyal and tough. I did enjoy his slow turn to realizing he deserved love, happiness, and Sophie. Their romance had a real enjoyable push and pull.

Definitely a nice finale to this trilogy.

ARC provided through NetGalley.

[Farrah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review also appears on my blog at http://www.thegoldenruleof666.blogspo...

Too Dangerous to Desire was a lovely book. It had sweet and sexy romance, secrets, surprises, and an adorable ending. Everything you need to have a brilliant book.

I've always been fond of the idea of two past lovers finding each other again, so I was excited about reading a book that featured it. And, I'm happy to say that this book didn't disappoint at all.

Sophie is practical. That's what she's always considered herself, and that is how she's always acted, even when it meant betraying her heart. I really liked her. She was sensible, but knew when to follow her heart. I admired that she gave up what she wanted in order to take care of her family. It takes a selfless person to do that. And, throughout the story, she proved herself to be brave in the face of all the adversity. Sophie was an admirable character, one that anyone can like.

Cameron is hot and dangerous,as the title suggests. I dare anyone to read this book and not lust after Cameron. His past is shadowed at best. He's done some, let's say morally questionable things. But he's definitely not a bad man. He's still in love with Sophie, despite the rejection, and he's determined to protect her when a blackmailer threatens her and her family. He's very sweet and caring to her. The romance between them is a perfect mix and sweet and spicy. They are truly in love and that translates into a very hot scene in the bedroom :) The two of them were the perfect couple.

The story never gets dull and throws in a few surprises that kept me engaged right through to the end. The end was sweet and made me smile. Don't you love it when love conquers all?

Too Dangerous to Desire was a lovely book, one I would recommend to any historical romance lover.

5/5

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy!

[Debra Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my very favorite kind of story . I'm a self confessed sucker for a second chance at
love story . It's a favored plot line sure to hook my interest every time . Yet , it was the captivating characters & the tangled twists of the story that kept my interest the entire way . Who could resist a devil may care hero & his lost love ? Sigh....
Dark & dangerous , Cameron Dagget , is the last of the infamous Hell Hounds to find love. Years ago , a young Sophie Lawrence gave up a future with Cam for the sake of her family . But Fate has chosen to reunite Sophie & Cam just as she faces danger & is in dire need of a champion . Both past & present collide as these two star crossed lovers desperately try to outwit the danger that is chasing them both . Their lives are entwined in more ways than they know . But have they been reunited too late to salvage the future they once threw away ?
Oh, my gosh , I really loved this story ! Sophie was so stalwart , always sacrificing for her family . Her memories so sad as she thought back to that boy from long ago . But once she was reunited with Cam , then she really came to life . I don't know who could resist that sinfully , sexy pirate ! And that ear ring ? Yummy !
Did I mention how much I enjoyed this book ? I just couldn't get enough . The fairy tale ending was just icing on the already delicious cake . And then to discover that this book is part of a series that I smehow missed . Well , now I simply must read them all . For just as Cam was the sleuth hound so am I . Always scrounging around , hoping to discover the next great new author or an awesome new book with a sexy hero & a sassy heroine to drool over . And now , let me just say that this book is soooo drool worthy .

Thanks to Netgalley & Grand Central for allowing me to review this book .

[Arshia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like plots where old lovers come back and get a second chance at a happy ending. Sophie and Cameron were too young the first time around to really make their romance work. Now they are both older and although Sophie still has plenty of familial responsibilities she knows that she won't get this chance to be with Cameron again. The characters were sweet and complex so they hooked me in. However, I wish the author had written more about Cameron's past. It seemed a little too fictional and the tales seemed outlandish at times. The secondary characters were really well written; Sophie's sister was adorable and formidable at the same time. She is finally old enough to help her sister out with family responsibilities. Her remarks made me laugh out loud at times.

[Tabetha Waite · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this series and I think Cara Elliott is a very talented writer who makes the men hot and the ladies strong willed! That being said, I was expecting a different sort of ending for Cameron, the most mysterious man of the Hellhounds, but where she took the story was well written, as there was plenty of chemistry and unrequited love in this story. All in all, I loved the book and can't wait to read more by this author!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in Ms. Elliott's Lords of Midnight Series and out of the three, my personal favorite.

If you love reading about bad boys, then you’ll love this one. Cameron is a thief that looks like a pirate (with an earring too). He is the last of the Hellhound that’s not taken the plunge or fallen into a parsons trap, but not for long.

Sophie is a vicar’s daughter by birth, and a devoted daughter and sister who would do anything to protect her family and avoid scandal. That’s why she braves the slums and enters the Wolf’s Lair to meet a man that’s endangering her family.

I always loved Cara Elliot’s prose, but once I read the intro into this story, I was hooked. Here is what Cam feels as he hears a familiar voice in the hallway of the hell …

“The voice stirred a myriad of memories… None of them good. Soft and sensuous as summer sunlight, it tickled around his head, a tantalizing whisper, wrapping his brain in a seductive swirl of honeyed heat and gold-kissed sweetness.
Another word floated through the half-open door and suddenly the sensations were like a serpent, trailing a sensuous slither over bare flesh, only to strike with diamond bright fangs.”

With a wonderful character development, fast pace and an intriguing mystery to be solved, this romance packs a well-rounded punch for all of my bookworms that love a second chances love story.

Melanie for b2b

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher

[Lisarenee · Rating 4 out of 5]

My synopsis:
Once upon a time there was a boy and a girl, who were each others best friend. They roamed the countryside in search of danger and adventure. Then one day, when she was 16 and he 17, he asked her to marry him. She said no. Not because she didn't love him, but because of duty to her family. Shortly thereafter, the boy disappeared never to be seen or heard from again. That is, until now...

Cameron Fanning, now Daggert, never expected to see his childhood sweetheart, Sophie Lawrence, in a place like the Wolf's Lair. She was a rector's daughter and the Wolf's Lair was a brothel. But neither his eyes nor his ears were deceiving him. She was there. As he watched and waited he saw her hand off a small package to a man, Lord Dudley. He heard her mention she was desperate. He should not have cared, but he found that he did. If she was in trouble, he'd get her out.

My thoughts:
This is the third book of the Lords of Midnight series, but the first one I've read. I didn't feel lost as this story seemed fairly self contained. Both Connor and Gryffin, the two main character from the previous books, have minor roles in this one, but you don't need a lot of background information about them other than they are Cam's best friends and are fiercely loyal to one another. In London, they are known as the Hellhounds, and Cam is the only one of the trio who has yet to be domesticated by a woman.

Cameron is a very interesting character. He doesn't have a high opinion of himself as he was raised a bastard and never allowed to forget just what that designation meant. While he did leave home over 10 years ago, he didn't leave for the reasons Sophie might have suspected. But leaving home at 17 without much more than the clothes on your back can lead a youth to do things they aren't particularly proud of and toughen their skin. He reveals, "I am a creature of Darkness." he murmured, feeling the cool fingers of night nymphs tickle his cheeks and thread through his hair. A man whose heart was now carved out of coal. Black oh-so black, and cold to the touch. "Connor and Gryff may be Lords of the Land, but I am a Wraith of Midnight." A specter whose place in the world was here, moving through the realm of the moon.

Sophie has spent her life doing the right thing even when it wasn't the easiest thing to do. She's loyal, straight laced, and desperate. She, or rather her family, is being blackmailed. With her sister's upcoming nuptials she's desperate to make sure nothing happens to prevent the marriage from taking place. A scandal could definitely do that. While the allegations against her father are false, she has no way of proving that because the blackmailer's have a piece of paper in their possession that certainly sounds incriminating, and those who could have vouched that her father's innocence are long since dead.

Sophie and Cam will need to learn to trust one another as they once did. Together they'll need to uncover the mystery of what Sophie's blackmailer ultimately wants. They'll need to figure out how to keep the family from scandal while putting an end to the blackmailer's scheme. Additionally, they'll need to reassess their feelings for each other and determine if they should rekindle their relationship or if some things are just too dangerous to desire...

Overall, this one get 4 out of 5 roses. I loved the chemistry between Cam and Sophie and the way they worked together. I enjoyed the mystery of why someone would go to all the trouble of trying to exploit a rector's daughter and potentially scandalize the family. I liked the fact these two truly had something special all those years ago and were able to resurrect it. Most significantly, this book left me with a good feeling and a smile on my face. I will definitely need to read the previous two books of the series. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one got a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads

Sophie and Cameron were young friends, always finding new adventures together as they were growing up. Cameron asked Sophie to go away with him and she couldn’t do it. They were still so young and both needed to grow up plus, Sophie has always led with her head instead of her heart. Cameron didn’t have an easy go of it after they lost touch. He was constantly running from the authorities, usually after causing trouble. He’s become a self-serving Robin Hood of sorts, robbing the rich only he keeps the wealth, as a pirate is known to do. Years later, Sophie and Cameron run into each other and the past comes racing back including feelings that never really went away for either of them.

Sophie is on the shelf and she believes spinsterhood is all that’s left for her. But she’s a happy person, wanting the best for her sisters and taking care of their father who is mentally declining. She has one sister engaged to be married and the match is a little rocky. Not in the couples love but should scandal come to Sophie and her family, the engagement would be off. Of course, scandal is knocking on Sophie’s door and she’s being blackmailed for a document about Cameron, one that proves he’s not the bastard everyone believes him to be and is in fact in line for a title. Sophie has no knowledge of this document but that doesn’t stop her blackmailer who wants more and more each time he calls on Sophie. She’s afraid of what’s going to happen to her family and doesn’t have anywhere else to turn, until Cameron dives right into the mess to help her and figure out the truth of his own past.

Sophie comes alive when Cam comes back into her life. He loves adventure and the challenge of getting into places he shouldn’t be able to. They pick back up with their adventures and it was easy to picture them as kids finding mischief and trouble. He teaches Sophie certain tricks, against his own better judgment, but one lesson in lock-picking turns into a sexy game of strip lock-picking. There’s always that threat hanging over their heads of Sophie’s blackmailer, but they have fun together and the passion between them is hot from the moment they’re reunited. They have some very sexy moments and it was those moments along with their shared history that made them an enjoyable couple to get to know.

The story of Sophie’s blackmailer and his plots and plans dragged a little bit and is the main reason for my rating. I was certainly more caught up with Sophie, Cam and Sophie’s sisters than I was the suspense portion of the story. I can’t put my finger on what about this storyline didn’t work for me, but I found myself wanting the story to focus more on Sophie and Cam’s romance and even getting to know Sophie’s sisters more than I did the bad guy portion of the book.

I read this story as a stand alone and realize that I missed out on some Cam build up having not read the two books prior to this. I think this reads fine as a stand alone, but I do wonder if I might have connected even more with Cam having gotten more of his past, especially when it comes to his relationship with his two friends, Connor and Gryff.

While I did like Cam and Sophie and their interactions on page, the overall story didn’t keep my attention completely from cover to cover. The romance was sweet and enjoyable and it’s a good read, just not one that really stands out.

Rating: C+

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A slightly more elaborate version of this review appears on Reading with Analysis.

This book really seemed to be up my alley. I did not realize that the book is the third in a series, but it mostly works as a stand-alone. It was a bit difficult to grasp the relationship between the three heroes of the series without knowing anything about their previous adventures, but the specific story in this book does not rely on events that occur in previous books.

This historical romance is a fun romp, an adventurous story that ought not be taken too seriously. But I take everything seriously, and there were a few things about this book that just irritated me and spoiled some of my enjoyment of the story.

1. Sarcasm. The word sarcasm actually refers to a specific type of humor/wit and does not comprise all humor or all instances of douchey behavior. I got a little bit irritated by the number of references to Cameron’s behavior or dialogue that was just douchey, not sarcastic. Don’t get me wrong, he does actually get a few good sarcastic lines in, but the ratio of false sarcasm to actual sarcasm is 4:1.

2. Dog metaphors. I never thought I’d use this sentence when talking about a book: “There are an astonishing number of dog metaphors–-several per page!” The male hero characters of this book and the two previous books in the series are known collectively as the Hellhounds. For some reason, the author decided to carry that doggy-affiliation over into numerous references to barking, yapping, yipping, nipping at heels, growling, putting one’s nose to the ground, etc. During the sections of the book when two or more Hellhounds are gathered together, the dog metaphors become somewhat overwhelming, sometimes occurring three or four times per page. Per. Page.

3. ”Ha, ha, ha.” On fourteen occasions in this book, characters laugh, “Ha, ha, ha,” and I heard the Count from Sesame Street laughing in my head every damn time. Is it the book's fault that I have a weird soundtrack in my head? No, but I still don't think spelling out laughter is a very good idea. What if one of the characters had a snorty laugh? How would that be spelled?

Although it may seem silly, those three issues seriously impacted my ability to enjoy the book. Once I noticed that the “sarcasm” wasn’t always sarcasm and that the dog references just kept on coming, I was pulled out of the story every time I noticed a new instance of either. And the laughing… so strange. As a result, it was difficult for me to connect to either the characters or the story, and I might have just stopped reading the thing if I hadn’t been perversely curious to see if the issues continued until the end. (They did.) When I try to reflect on the book as something besides a collection of strangely-applied dog references, I realize that I really enjoyed the relationship between Sophie and her sisters–-that was very well done-–and I loved Sophie’s character, her intrepid resolution and intelligence. Without the aforementioned issues, I might have really liked this story. Readers who are not as easily irritated as I by that kind of thing might find a lot of enjoyment in this story (and, probably, the other two books in the series as well).

[Shauni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romantic Suspense meets Regency England.. what a concept! (While I am not completely sure that this is a regency book as there are no dates actually listed, this feels like a Regency book and face it, the opening line just worked.) Cara Elliott is a delight! and another great read sent to me from Netgalley. Too Dangerous is the third book in Ms Elliott's Lords of Midnight Series and does it ever pack a punch

Cameron Daggert, all round bad boy.. thief, pirate, rake, rogue, charmer... Cam can claim them all. Of course loyal friend also applies. The last Hellhound standing, Cam is relaxing in their club when a woman from his past, an innocent woman from his past shows up asking for a meeting with the proprietress. Cam knows there is no way this particular lady belongs in there and he is intrigued. Watching her give one of society's scum a packaged only baffles him more.. enough to make contact with the woman he had adored as a young man..

Sophie Laurence, vicar 's daughter..miner gentry.. solid as a rock.. the one who allows practicality to rule her life is in some serious trouble. Someone is blackmailing her ailing father and wants information that Sophie isn't even sure what it is. They want some old document, that her father probably doesn't even have. And if he does, she has no clue what it could be and he is sadly in the late stages of some sort of dementia. All Sophie wants to do is hold off the villains until her younger sister is married.. hold of the scandal. After braving a gambling hell to make a payment to the scum who are blackmailing her, she is approached by a mysterious stranger who only wants to make sure she reaches home safely.. but something about him reminds her of someone. It takes a few meetings before Sophie realizes just who has reappeared in her life.

Sophie is determined to save her family on her own, to not drag anyone else into it and to protect her secrets. Cam has other plans. These two are just wonderful.. It's like meeting your highschool sweetheart at the reunion and realizing that yes there are issues but this person remains the love of your life. It is touching to see that Cam treasures the woman Sophie is. That he admires her and that he sees her as a bright light, his sunbeam. And Sophie, she loves Cam's rascally ways, his life of adventure and the fact that he is back in her life..

Ms Elliott also spins a pretty tricky tail, not just sweethearts reunited, nor even a damsel in distress but so much more.. as the plot thickens (oooo I have so always wanted to use that phrase) Cam and Sophie must find a way to stop the blackmailer, save her family and discover who exactly is behind it all and of course why. It gets murkier and murkier until slowly Ms Elliot unknots their lives and we see what perseverance and faith and yes family and friends can offer. I really enjoyed this book.. I suggest you give it a try!

Shauni

This review is based on the ARC of To Dangerous to Desire provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released November 20, 2012

For more reviews by Shauni check out Tea and Book and
Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy

[Jen Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cara Elliott wraps up her Lords of Midnight trilogy with this second-chance-at-love story featuring the "Hellhound" Cameron and Sophie, the sweetheart of his youth. When they were teenagers, Cameron had hoped to marry her, but she refused, forcing herself instead to honor her obligations to her ailing father and two young sisters. Circumstances forced Cam to leave to town immediately after she said no, and they have not seen each other for all these years.

It's only by chance when Cam and Sophie cross paths again. He accidentally stumbles on a meeting she is having with a blackmailer. Seeing her leaves him powerless to walk away and he insinuates himself back into her life by helping her with her blackmail problem. And in the course of doing so, their old attraction returns... and it grows into something much more.

In their time apart, Cam turned into a rake and a high-end thief. He is very cynical about love and sees himself as no-good. Sophie, on the other hand, considers herself staid and quite boring. But reuniting with Cam makes her want to break out of that shell. She regrets giving him up before, and she won't allow herself to live with the regret of missing an opportunity to be with him again.

I liked both main characters, though it got old to hear the heroine keep referring to herself as "simply Sophie" or the like, driving home her plain, dependable nature. Even worse were all the Hellhound reference for Cam... about dogs and paws and hounds. What started as a play on words was driven into the ground and it stopped being cute ages before the puns were finished. These issues aside, however, I did enjoy the book. The characters were consistent and both grew over the course of the story. The arc surrounding the blackmail and Cameron's legitimacy was solid and engaging. And the romance worked both emotionally and sexually. There's a good sexual undercurrent between Sophie and Cam from the beginning and the consummation delivered on its promise.

This is book three in the series, but it works easily as a standalone.

Rating: B


*ARC Provided by Forever via NetGalley

[Melody May (What I'm Reading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Also found on http://sillymelody.blogspot.com

I'm excited to bring to you the next and final installment of the Lords of Midnight series. I have to say that I have enjoyed the previous book and I still want to read the first book in the series. With that said, I found Too Dangerous to Desire amazing and enjoyed the story. Without further ado a quick sum up and my thoughts.

Always sensible, Sophie Laurance finds herself in a bit of a pickle and is not sure how to escape without a scandal. Somehow Sophie ends up getting blackmail by Morton and Dudley who have been known for preying on weaker victims.

Cameron Dagget sees Sophie and remembers a time when life was vastly different. Unsure if he should involve himself or run to the hills. Yet still feels a pull towards to Sophie and decides to get involve. After all she might be in need of a scoundrel to save the day.

This book kept me up most of the night. Especially when you have blackmail, murder and mayhem, those things make a story exciting to read. I love how Cam kinda brings out the spirit of adventure in Sophie, even when its a tad bit dangerous. Plus, who doesn't love a hero who lives on the out skirts of society. I honestly think they make the best heroes. As the story went on I wonder what perils awaited for Cam and Sophie. Believe me there were perils awaiting them. You never know who is your friend when danger is on the line.

Overall, Too Dangerous to Desire was a sensational read that kept me wanting more. A page turner to say the least. So, if you are looking for a troublesome hero with a heart of gold (but don't tell him), murder and blackmail, you might enjoy this book. So, I leave you today with hopes of finding an adventure.

eARC provide by NetGalley

[Mary BookHounds · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT

Sophie and Cameron grew up together in the countryside and their childhood is filled with adventure and true friendship, so when the time is right, Cameron proposes and Sophie turns him down. Not because her is a bastard nor that she doesn't love him, but the fact that as the vicar's daughter, she has a lot of family responsibilities and the timing is off. They part ways and Sophie thinks she will never see him again. That is until she meets him in London in a club where she shouldn't be. Cam is now a rake, pirate and thief and the last member of the Hell Hounds a group of reprobates that frequent the wrong places to be. When he realizes that Sophie is in the wrong place and that is indeed her, he starts to follow her to find out why she is there.

So through this story of intrigue, he finds that Sophie's father is being blackmailed and she has no clue that he could even know anything of value. So when Cam appears, she cannot believe that this is the same man she grew up with. Sparks fly and the reunion is pure gold. Cam still has feelings for her and she reciprocates. Although that takes most of the book for the pair to realize that they have more in common than they originally thought. There are lots of little plot twists that will have you quickly reading this one through. I found this to be a quick read that will have you swept off your feet. I really enjoyed the fact that even though Sophie is the daughter of a preacher, she still has a bit of wile in her blood with which she can outsmart even the most ingenious criminal. Even though this is the third book in the series, you can easily pick this one up by itself.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in a wonderful historical series with intrigue and danger.

Cameron Daggett and Sophie Lawrance knew each years ago, what almost seems like another lifetime as they have both changed so much. So when Cameron sees her at the notorious Wolf’s Lair he wonders what has brought her to this den of iniquity. He watches her pass a small package to a gentleman and after she leaves his curiosity gets the better of him and he uses his skill to retrieve the item. Cameron recognizes what is in the package, a pair of earrings that are precious to Sophie, he knows that the only reason she would give them away would be because she is in trouble.

Cameron’s life is very different from the boy he was when he knew Sophie; he left abruptly when a he was accused of stealing and his half-brother Lord Wolcott would have liked to have seen him hang. His half-brother did not like him and would have done anything to get rid of him. Therefore at the age of seventeen he learned to live by whatever means necessary which included becoming a very successful thief.

Total review at:

Ramblings From a Chaotic Mind

[R · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a nice enough book, but there were a few problems that kept occurring that bothered me.

One of them was random capitalization in dialogue. I know that in that time, letters were capitalized all over the place in written works, and especially letters, but was it really necessary to put that into their speech? It just pushed me right out of the story every time it happened.

Also, both characters talked to themselves a lot. They even remark to themselves that it's uncharacteristic, but this certainly doesn't stop them. I think Cara Elliott did this in the previous Lords of Midnight book, too, and it annoyed me then, but the fact that I'm noticing it again definitely bothers me more. (I can't actually remember her other books well enough to say whether they also talked to themselves or not.)

And finally, laughs were written out as "ha, ha, ha." This was probably the most annoying of all. Why could she just stick to, "He laughed," or something equally innocuous? People generally don't sound like "ha, ha, ha" when they laugh unless they're being sarcastic, so it was rather distracting.

[Jessi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just have to get this out of the way. The Sleuth Hound? You've got a book for the Irish Wolfhound (cool name) and Gryff, which must be like the dog? And then the Sleuth Hound? Because he stole things? Or searched things out for the government? Maybe I missed the explanation but, come on, this was a silly name.
Otherwise, this was a really fun story. Elliot has kept up the tempo of this trilogy, not falling down at the end like some other authors are apt to do.
Sophie Lawrance is in trouble. She's being blackmailed over some papers that could lead people to believe that her father was dipping into the church's coffers. The blackmailer's are wanting a particular piece of paper but they'll settle for money in the meantime.
That piece of paper also affects Cameron Daggett, Sophie's childhood love, who left her when she wouldn't elope with him.
Since then, Cameron has picked up some skills that will help Sophie get out of trouble. He feels that his soul is too dark to be in love with Sophie, but he can't stay away.

[mer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

I enjoyed reading this because of its adventure. It was full of thrill, excitement and very challenging. The main characters were exhilarating too. Mysterious Cameron with his various awesome skills and his sexy remarks and Sophie who was once all about reasonable has turned into someone: an intriguing lady. And oh the intense attraction between them was overwhelming. They're one of the couples that always made me sigh a lot.

It was nice reading a story that has a lot of puzzles that needed to solve and uncover. Every stone has never left unturned as it was heading towards ending. Mysteries were so engaging, hooked me until the end. It made stayed awake really late and I just couldn't put it down. The more reason to stay put after I learned Cameron is a former pirate - one of my guilty pleasures.

Looking forward to read more books written by Ms. Elliott as I think this one's the last in the series. I can't never say I am not going to miss the Hellhounds and their lovely ladies.

Recommended.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good conclusion to the Lords of Midnight series. I’ll admit, I was a little disappointed after the second book in the series but I felt that Too Dangerous to Desire was a great conclusion. Sophie and Cameron grew up together and even though they were in love Sophie felt an obligation to marry the man her father chose for her, not Cameron. For years they lived apart but now Sophie needs help and finds that Cameron is the best man to help her. She may be a widow but the restrictions in English society means there’s only so much she can do to help her family. Together they embark on an adventure to save her father’s reputation and a second chance at love. I adored the teasing that the other Hellhounds gave Cameron now that he was losing his heart especially after all the grief he gave them. I loved how they worked together to rediscover the feelings they had for each other and how that love had only grown over the years. I really enjoyed discovering Cara Elliott and look forward to any future titles she may have!

[My Book Addiction and More MBA · Rating 4 out of 5]

TOO DANGEROUS TO DESIRE by Cara Elliott is an exciting Regency historical romance. Book 3 in the "Lords of Midnight" trilogy,but can be read as a stand alone. See, "Too Tempting to Resist",and "Too Wicked to Wed". Follow, Cameron Daggert and Sophie Lawrence on a adventure of desire,truth,seduction, passion,danger and love. Fast paced with a sassy,"good girl" heroine and a charming "bad boy" hero. With an engaging plot,delightful,charming characters,a bit of mystery,intrigue,and of course a long buried love you can't go wrong with "Too Dangerous To Desire". Another hit for this author. What a wonderful storyteller and a wonderful way to end a trilogy. A must read for anyone who enjoys a great fast paced,action, adventure,historical romance and the Hellhounds of England. Received for an honest review from the publisher and Net Galley.
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.***


This was my very favorite kind of story . I'm a sucker for a second chance at love story . It's a favored plot line sure to hook my interest every time . Yet , it was the captivating characters & the tangled twists of the story that kept my interest the entire way .
Who could resist a devil may care hero & his lost love ? Sigh....
Cameron Dagget (hero) is the last of the infamous Hell Hounds to find love. Years ago, a young Sophie Lawrence (heroine) gave up a future with Cam for the sake of her family. But Fate has chosen to reunite Sophie & Cam just as she faces danger & is in dire need of a champion.
Both past & present collide as these two star crossed lovers desperately try to outwit the danger that is chasing them both. But have they been reunited too late to salvage the future they once threw away ?
YOU GOTTA READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT lol I cant give everything away!
Phenomenally written!

[Alexia Chantel · Rating 4 out of 5]

If only every girl growing up had a guy like Cameron around to get into mischief and scrapes with. Because what better person to grow up and fall in love with. Too Dangerous To Desire is that perfect storm, two trouble magnet children who grow up and find love (along with more serious situations). What a fun historical romance!

There are some situations that might make you say, that would never happen back then. But to have such a strong heroine who is willing to tackle lifes situations you have to roll with it. Elliott's writing style keeps the story moving so it is easy to slip into the characters lives you will hardly notice. If you have not tried this author and enjoy historical romance you should check her out!

See my full review here:
http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub...
(copy courtesy of publisher)

[Socrate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vocea îi trezi o mulțime de amintiri… niciuna frumoasă.

Suavă și senzuală ca soarele de vară, vocea îi gâdilă urechile, o șoaptă chinuitoare care îi învălui mintea într-un vârtej seducător de căldură plăcută și dulceață aurie.

Un alt cuvânt pluti prin ușa întredeschisă și, într-o clipită, senzațiile deveniră ca un șarpe care își desena alunecarea sinuoasă pe carnea dezgolită doar ca să își înfigă, mai apoi, colții scânteietori ca diamantele.

O, da, cunoștea bine vocea aceea ― și era venin pentru liniștea lui sufletească.

Și totuși, Cameron Daggett nu putu să nu se apropie mai mult de intrarea învăluită în umbră și să aplece o ureche ca să asculte.

Abia intrase cu câteva clipe înainte în clădire, și cum era unul dintre puținii care aveau voie să folosească intrarea personală a proprietarului, nimeni nu era încă la curent cu sosirea lui. Aruncă o privire prin crăpătură și abia dacă putu să identifice cele două siluete aflate în lumina difuză a sfeșnicelor de pe pereții holului. Flăcările erau intenționat mai slabe ― clienții obișnuiți ai stabilimentului preferau să vină și să plece în deplină discreție. Totuși, după cum o indicaseră și șoaptele, pâlpâirile aurii ale luminii arătau că persoanele oprite într-o discuție concentrată erau femei. Una dintre ele era faimoasa Sara Hawkins, cea care deținea Vizuina Lupului. Iar cealaltă era…

― Este extrem de nepotrivit, domnișoară Lawrance, spuse Sara într-o șoaptă slabă și încordată. De regulă, nu le permit soțiilor, surorilor sau altor femei să îi deranjeze pe domnii care sunt clienți ai acestui loc. Nu e bine pentru afaceri, dacă înțelegeți ce vreau să spun. Ei se așteaptă la discreție și intimitate.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a light hearted and well written romantic fantasy. It is the type of book I most enjoy when I am reading historical romances, as I am reading them for a pleasant escape. So many authors seem to forget the romance part of historical romance! The characters were both at heart sweet and devoted to each other. I am not found of the brooding, angry, frowning hero found in many books. This hero, even though he had been rejected in the past by the heroine, had not an ounce of bitterness in him. Similarly, the heroine saw the hero for all he was and is, and loved him all the same.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing story about second chance at love the plot is exciting and adventurous ❤🔥💯

[Reading · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series was a bit of a yawn

[Marya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needs better editing.

[Tin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is 3.5 stars for me, so I rounded it up to 4 stars.

* * *

Of the three hounds, Cameron Daggett is the most reserved and most secretive, even his friends don't really know his full story and joke about where he came from and what happened to him. Cameron is content to leave things at that: no job defines him, no fixed residence ties him down and he's always one step ahead of his past.

Until his past walks into The Wolf's Lair and back into his life.

Sophie Lawrance never forgot the love she sacrificed many years ago but has no time to dwell on it because she is busy keeping her sisters and father safe from a blackmail threat against their family. She never expected to see Cam again, and never expected to do so at The Wolf's Lair, where she was delivering something to her blackmailer.

But now that they have found each other again, they must wrestle with questions from their past, as well as questions from their present. What happened to Cameron these past five years? Where did he go and what did he do? Who is blackmailing Sophie? And why?

Love is sweeter the second time around.

There is one scene that stands out now that I am writing this review: when Cam finally reveals who he is to Sophie -- and Sophie reaches out and touches him. It's a simple scene but evocative of the yearning and love that the two feel for each other. Their younger selves weren't ready for the relationship but it is equally saddening that their older selves aren't free of any impediments either: Sophie has her sisters and her deteriorating father to think about and she keeps the burden of the blackmail a secret from them.

"Sophie ... Sunbeam." The words were barely more than a sigh, yet they hit her with all the force of a physical slap. Only one person in the world had ever called her by such a pet name. A boy on the brink of manhood, bristling with uncontrollable passions.

Dear God, it couldn't be ... Her head began to reel and her throat was suddenly dry as dust. She stared in mute shock for a long, dizzying moment before managing to make a sound.

"Cameron?"

"Ah, at last you've puzzled it out. I was beginning to think you had forgotten I ever existed."

"N-never," whispered Sophie.

He leaned back and regarded her in solemn silence.

Reaching up, she slowly untied the mask and let it fall away.
- p. 44

I have to say I enjoyed Too Dangerous to Desire more than I did the previous books. I always thought Cameron was very fascinating when he appeared in Gryff and Connor's books and often wondered how he got the information he provided his friends. Even then, I knew that there was more to Cameron than met the eye.

The intrigue in this novel was also well done. It involves an important document that directly affects the Marquess of Wolcott, Cameron's lifelong enemy -- and Sophie's family is the decisive factor. I love how Cara Elliott ties in the blackmail plot with the mystery behind Cameron's origins and that Sophie was the key, all along: not just to his heart, but to the unanswered questions of his past as well.

My one complaint is the ending, which I thought was overly complicated: Cam and Sophie get shot at, and then they get captured ... and then they end up on a sloop at sea and the villains are chasing after them. The tangle that Sophie found herself in was already sorting itself around midway through the book, when Cameron stepped in and then Cameron's own problems started to be settled near the end -- I wish the author had allowed the story to end that way, without all the roundabout action and final resolution.

[Dede · Rating 5 out of 5]

Acest ultim volum m-a făcut să râd cel mai mult dintre toate. Cerberul Cameron Daggett este o enigmă pentru toată lumea. Nimeni nu-i cunoaște trecutul, nici măcar prietenii săi care au încercat să-l mai descoasă din când în când. Asta până facem cunoștință cu Sophie Lawrence, o prietenă din copilăria și adolescența lui Cam, doi îndrăgostiți ale căror drumuri s-au îndepărtat pentru o vreme.

Dacă în celelalte două tentații, Cameron era cel care râdea de fiecare dată pe seama prietenilor lui care au avut de pătimit din ziua în care și-au întâlnit soțiile, acum este rândul acestuia să suporte glumele nesărate despre iubire. S-a întors roata și nu mai are cum să dea înapoi. Nici prima întâlnire a lui Cam cu Sophie nu schimbă locația, tot Vizuina Lupului aducându-i împreună. Doar că bărbatul este singurul care o recunoaște, pe când Sophie vede doar ce vrea acesta ca ea să vadă, un pirat extrem de atrăgător și care emană pericol din toți porii.

Deși este hotărât să se țină la distanță de dulcea lui Sophie, ideea că aceasta ar putea fi în pericol îl determină s-o ajute, chiar dacă în trecut i-a frânt inima. Încă o mai iubește, chiar dacă se tot minte singur că nu-l mai leagă nimic de ea. Astfel că amândoi fac front comun pentru a scăpa de șantajul care-i amenință familia tinerei, dar nu iau în considerare că acea iubire pură ce i-a legat în adolescență, s-a maturizat odată cu ei și acum vrea o nouă șansă.

[Jeanne Murray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although a little rough around the edges, Cara Elliott’s Too Dangerous to Desire is an enjoyable read. The hero, burdened by his past, is saved by his youthful love, the delightful and resourceful Sophie. As usual with romances, all’s well that ends well. Turns out that his parents’ marriage was, indeed, legitimate and the documents to prove it are found, villains foiled, and passionate love made. On the weak side, Elliott has a bit of trouble with interior monologue, having her characters actually speak out loud to themselves on many occasions—a little disconcerting. Luckily the “bad guys” are not usually listening. But despite the kind of pat elements, the book is a diverting read—not great, but not bad either.