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Dangerous #1

A Dangerous Temptation

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Ruined by scandal, Julianna has hidden away in the country for the last few years hoping her indiscretion will eventually fade from the memory of society. Yes, she’s been lonely at times, but she’s content enough to follow her own rules. And when that bothersome nagging sensation that she’s missing something more flares, she’s able to shove it aside and focus on her friends, family and her true passion…painting. Until James arrives. James is arrogant, demanding and makes her believe that anything is possible, even a second chance at love. But is James the man he pretends to be?

James always gets what he wants, and he wants marriage to a woman who will honor and more importantly, obey. The problem is when he meets Julianna, while he’s bathing nude no less, he suddenly starts to question his carefully constructed plans. Bold and daring, Julianna is the very opposite of a meek, obedient wife. He certainly doesn’t need any more scandal; his family has had quite enough. And having an affair with Julianna would definitely bring scandal. The problem is he can’t seem to get her out of his head. But is she truly the sweet country girl she portrays herself to be, or a conniving fortune hunter out to trap him into marriage?

Book 1: A Dangerous Temptation
Book 2: A Dangerous Deception

For more information go to www.lrolson.com

387 pages, ebook

First published July 1, 2015

707 people are currently reading
609 people want to read

About the author

L.R. Olson

16 books38 followers

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5 stars
447 (48%)
4 stars
275 (30%)
3 stars
143 (15%)
2 stars
31 (3%)
1 star
18 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for Karen Darling.
3,373 reviews24 followers
November 8, 2015
She is dumb and he is mean. I'm going to read volume 2 just to see if she gets dumber and if he gets meaner.
Profile Image for Moony (Captain Mischief) MeowPoff.
1,685 reviews149 followers
December 27, 2020
Pass.

I did not like the characters, Jamie especially. He was mean and basically forced her to marry him. Julianna was stupid. It was basically force, meanness, stupidness and sex. I did not understand what they saw in each other, at all. In one minute they hated each other and in the next they had sex. Just no.
Profile Image for Bea.
317 reviews7 followers
July 30, 2016
Read volume 1-3 in one book that combined all three. Pretty good. It kept my interest throughout. At times, it was overly dramatic what with the psycho ex but all in all an enjoyable book. However, if I had read volume 1 then left hanging with cliffy ending, I would have been too P.O.'d to want to continue reading the series. I will read the author's other books only if the series are combined or if it is a standalone. Breaking books into pieces is a bunch of BS and it lessens the worth of the book in my opinion.
Profile Image for Truusje.
853 reviews
May 5, 2017
DNF (8% which probably equals around 24% of volume 1)

I appreciate authors trying new things. In this case it's a historical in alternating first person POV. I'm not sure that worked but to be honest I haven't read enough of the book to judge it.
I gave up on it because I strongly disliked and was disgusted by the characters and the story:

“Just because I kissed one man, doesn’t mean I kiss all men.”
My lust turned to anger. I narrowed my eyes. Was she truly going to deny that she’d led me on? That she’d practically admitted she was a whore? I would not be swayed by a few tears.


This is man is not a hero and will never be one.
Profile Image for Jeanne Johnston.
1,591 reviews15 followers
January 4, 2019
I wish this had been properly edited. Really horrible goofs like someone "dinning" (oh... *dining!*) or tiptoeing "passed" someone. I might have appreciated the story much more if I hadn't been constantly shocked out of it by constant mistakes like these.
17 reviews
January 22, 2018
This was my first story by L.R.Olson. And it was a bit of a disappointment.

The hero (James/Jamie) has a massive back story - which I would rather not repeat (spoilers). The heroine (Julianna/Jules) is a happy-go-lucky type - who just happens to fall in love with this guy.

The story is told in 3 volumes - although I am not sure what the reason was for splitting up the book in this manner, as each volume is about 10 chapters. And its not separated by time or milestones. Secondly, the book is written in the first person - from both Jamie's and Jule's perspectives. I personally don't like first-person books - but that is a very subjective thing, so I won't hold it against the author. What the story loses by this form of narrative, is that the supporting characters come across almost unfinished. And some dangling questions in the plot line.

The first vol is pretty okay. I wasn't sure why the hero continued to believe she was a whore/whore-in-the-making - until the 3rd volume. There is too much introspection, and the story moves slowly. The brothers sail in and out of the book, without really adding much to it. Given that a major part of the book is set in some dreary moors, I honestly expected that atmosphere to translate into actual actions.

For example, the boys' nanny - there was so much more potential there. Her exit was anti-climactic as was the step-mum's.

The final climax was also extremely predictable. Again - one of those unanswered logistical questions that I have of the author.

What I want to know is- does the author plan on providing those answers in the stories of the other brothers?
Profile Image for Gerda.
775 reviews
January 4, 2019
It was nice to read but nothing special. There were a lot of inconsistencies:

- the earl often calls her whore -why? In those times - and today as well - the English nobility speeks a certain language which distinguishes their members from the lower classes. So alone by her language he should have been able to classify Jules.

- I could not identify the time the story is set in. It is not Regency as women didn't wear crinolines and tight corsets in the early 1800; neither before 1800, there was the French revolution and the Napoleon wars and travelling was impossible; after 1830 crinolines were used for fashionable gowns again, but where did James brother fight as a soldier?

- her father is said to have used their hefty dowries for travelling to France to consult a heart specialist and now there is not a lot left. That does nor add up. Two hefty dowries could not be reduced to meager ones just by a trip to France and a consultation.

- her father is a viscount, one position under an earl, so just a kiss could not ruin the whole family.

I did not enjoy all his and her inner monologue always contemplating the same "he/she doesn't love me/ only uses me....."
Profile Image for Gloria Gay.
Author 16 books237 followers
November 28, 2015
A Dangerous Temptation is one of the most suspenseful Regencies I have read in a long time. The heroine, Juliana (Jules) and the hero, James (Lord Whitfield) start on a collision course from the moment they meet. Jules is of an impetuous nature and is trying to live down a scandal where in the previous season she was kissed in a terrace at a ball. Everyone found out and she was ruined and she also ruined her sister's chances until amazingly her sister, being very beautiful, manages to become engaged in spite of Jules' indiscretion.

I'm glad I acquired the volumes 1 through 3 of the series because as I said it was very suspenseful and not because of mystery but because you didn't know what was going to happen from one moment to the next, with Jules being as rash as she was.

A very good series and I'm starting the second part. Can't imagine what those two will be up to next!
152 reviews7 followers
June 14, 2018
Definitely recommend

I loved this book from the beginning and couldn’t put it down. I truly enjoyed seeing the relationship from both sides. That is one thing I always wanted in a book, was to see how the other side saw things & interpreted the situation. Suspenseful, heart wrenching, steamy, frustrating at times but overall a great read. Look forward to reading the next nook.
Profile Image for Laura J..
424 reviews9 followers
October 15, 2016
a despicable hero

The hero is quick to use his fists, distrusts everyone, humiliates his wife several times, talks constantly of owning her. The heroine was a bit better although naive. I couldn't figure out what they saw in each other.
Profile Image for Joanne.
275 reviews3 followers
April 30, 2019
3 / 3.5

This is my first L.R. Olson book. The storyline held enough of my interest for me to actually finish reading the book. It needs some editing and accuracy/authenticity but it did not disrupt my reading experience. The characters were interesting. The storyline was interesting. The basic framework for a truly good historical romance is there (the attraction, the conflict, the tragic past, the virgin heroine, the brooding handsome hero, the villain, the family ties, the sex, the pregnancy, the epilogue, the pain and the groveling) but somehow I felt it could have been more (writing style, plot and character development). Possible spoilers ahead.

The hero is a dark and brooding hero with a tragic past. The heroine is the innocent virgin “ruined” by scandal/gossip. (Disclaimer: I have no ideal hero and heroine as I believe that everyone deserves a love story). There were moments in the book where the hero and heroine could have been better persons and more consistent in my opinion. The heroine rusticated in their country home after the said scandal and met the hero there. Both of them withheld their true identities from each other. They did have the initial physical attraction. It was only after they acted upon said attraction that their personalities took a dramatic change. There was a lot of doubt, mistrust and lashing out. I felt that the author saw it fit to create between the hero and heroine inner turmoil and self-doubt and confusion and misunderstanding. Midway through the plot things settle down between them but still a lot of unanswered questions and doubts due to a lack of sensible open communication. There were loose ends and loopholes (if you are nit-picky about details and plausibility and correctness then this book might not be for you, thankfully, I am open enough to enjoy this book as it is). I do appreciate the fact that this book focused on the love story between the hero and heroine. It might not have been the most ideal love story still it was not diluted with sub plots and plugging of series books. And the romantic elements were there. The struggle towards their HEA was real I tell you. But they did get there nonetheless with a great epilogue. I must say I am interested enough to read the stories of the other brothers.



Profile Image for Charlie.
424 reviews23 followers
May 27, 2022
This is a book supposedly set during the Regency period, but the setting and other details throughout raise questions about its true time in history. However, it is one of the first I’ve seen of historical romances that alternate POVs. A last large note: it needs quite a bit of editing, and most likely accuracy for the time period, which might be part of the problem since that is unclear.

The storyline follows James, an almost broken man with a terribly tragic past that is just so much, as he travels away from his home. And leads to Julianna, who has been secluded in the country following her indiscretion several years prior. Hopefully hidden away society will forget all about her and allow her sister to still have a chance. She now lives a very different life than she did before.

It does follow the trope of a dark and brooding hero and an innocent and virginal heroine. However, they’re both keeping secrets from one another – their real identities. They both are presenting themselves as and believe the other is a nobody. And the reality that he’s not just a farmer and she’s not just a country girl begin to complicate things.

There was definitely attraction and sparks, but then also a lot of doubt and mistrust. It created this divide and turmoil between them. For a while, it didn’t look like they’d make it. I particularly didn’t like James’ constant thoughts that Julianna was a whore. A lot of the inner thought looping, was at times hard to get past.

But – there were a lot of really good quotations to pull from this book. I had 31 lines or excerpts I highlighted or notated, which is quite a bit for a rather simple read such as this. As I went back and re-read my annotations, I was struck by some of the quotes and how well they were woven into the story. Gems among costume jewelry.

There was redemption in the epilogue, which piqued my interest about the other brothers.
Profile Image for Tisa.
1,218 reviews6 followers
November 3, 2020
Julianna has been hidden away for several years in the country hoping her indiscretion will fade from the memory of society. she’s content enough to follow her own rules. LOVE, desires she puts those nagging sensation, she’s able to shove it aside and focus on her friends, family, and her true passion…painting.
Until James arrives. James is arrogant, demanding, and makes her believe that anything is possible, even a second chance at love. But is James the man he pretends to be?

James wants to get married to a noblewoman who will honor & more importantly, obey. To save his family's reputations due to his father & step brother's sins. Which of course his stepmother enjoys feeding the society ton. James doesn't trust women, from past secrets, now he just wants to love them and leave them. They only want two things, money & social standing; & will do anything to get it. They will do anything to get it! Including deceit, trickery & lies to create a compromising scenario to get men trapped. Go as far as attempted murder & have "loonie" out of the asylum pretending to be noble ladies. why would James trust any woman? Just wants to do his duties to uphold the family name & produce an heir.
The problem is he meets Julianna has accidentally in the pond & they build a relationship.
Well, Juliana finds out the truth!! Will she find love or live in an abusive marriage to save her sister & parents from this latest scandal.
Love this book, so many twists, and turns. When you think it's going to end something else happens. Then the unthinkable!!! Pain!! Will both characters find love? READ the steamy romance.
Profile Image for Joan.
2,208 reviews
Read
April 29, 2019
This really needed to be proof-read for 'brit-speak' as well as being checked for spellings.
There is mention of reinstating hangings - which should put this story sometime after 1964 when capital punishment was suspended in Britain. ;)

Julianna sees a man bathing in the creek., her gaze '...ending at his muscled bottom.' BUT then we read that when he turned round 'the water came to his lower belly and showed only his chest.' So how did she see his bottom earlier?? (and the word 'bottom' was rather coarse for a well-bred woman of that era)

My real niggle was the use of the word 'creek' which here, in England, refers to a small narrow inlet of a lake or sea. A creek wouldn't be deep enough to bathe in, surely? A river; yes. A pond; most likely. But a creek? Where is the lake into which it flows? It's a very American word which doesn't work here. Neither does Julianna's use of swear words and slang; ('blimey' originated 1885-1890)

I dnf'd at the end of Chapter 1. This is first person, past tense, alternating povs and with the Americanisms and lack of 'setting', I found it hard to engage with Julianna.

Not rating at this moment.
376 reviews
August 26, 2021
Agony & Ecstasy

I must admit I did not enjoy this book at first. I found the main male character to be harsh, cruel, selfish and misogynistic. But as the story continues, you begin to understand the reasons for this behaviour and slowly begin to be more sympathetic towards him. And as love begins to take root in his heart, he slowly becomes more humane and loving. Our heroine goes through much pain and torment before they are finally reunited in love. The characters were very well defined and realistic. The dialogue was often harsh and disturbing, but in context, was appropriate . Unfortunately, there were a great many typos, grammatical and syntax errors which I found somewhat distracting. Nevertheless, it was a most interesting read. Not recommended for those with a very sensitive heart!
Profile Image for Dani.
216 reviews3 followers
July 1, 2022
This book is a dark historical romance. I really enjoy the story greatly. The main character at the beginning was caught alone in the garden with a gentleman "gasp" scandalous!. With this she is marked as" damaged" goods. Even though nothing happened. She then meets another man she finds that she likes. At first glance. They have an intimate moment. And after she tries to talk to him into marrying her. What she didn't realize is that the gentleman was the mysterious man that her sister was engaged to. Plot twist. Even with this information, this is the only the first little bit of the book. The story was amazing. It was full of twists and turns. The story had me on the edge of my seat. Wanting to see what happens in the relationship between the main characters. The main character is definitely had a spicy explosion of a relationship. Even though both of them try to fight the attraction.
Profile Image for Emma.
2,864 reviews38 followers
December 18, 2021
WHEW!!! I did not realize I had been holding onto my breath as I read this book. I was relieved when I got to the last page and knew all would be well. Such emotion, such feelings of despair, manipulation, rage and revenge. All this after a long dangerous hard fight turned to true love. I could have given this a lower score because there were a few loose ends. But this was such an amazing story to read I had to give it its due. A suspenseful story. I plan on reading the rest of the series to see if the loose ends are tied up. An excellent book. A must read. I highly recommend it.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed
Original
Page-turner
Scary
Steamy
Tragic
Twisted
Unpredictable
Wonderful characters
Profile Image for brooke_and_books.
299 reviews
June 14, 2022
This is possibly the best historical dark romances I have ever read!

James is an extremely complicated character, I truly hated him, and then really disliked him, then I slowly fell in love with him. It was hard to understand his actions but peeling back his character one layer at a time was totally worth it.

Julianna is a strong and independent woman (which was not something good in this time) but I loved her! Her strength and her spirit was the absolute best! I love her spunk and attitude when dealing with James for the most part. She really was made for James.

I highly recommend this book if you love historical romance with some mild dark and spice that is phenomenal
90 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2018
All i can say is Wow

When Jules meets James bathing in a creek on her family's property she has no idea how her world is about to turn upside down. Undoubtedly there is attraction between them but James has a secret.
I went through the gamut of emotions with this book, so much so that I was still reading at 1:30am. The characters in this book were so well developed that at times I felt like I could slap them myself.
The storyline was excellent with intriguing twists and turns. You will not regret buying or reading this book.
1,324 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2019
Losing your Heart 💔

If I could I would give this book a
💯 star review! It is that good.
It has all the emotions, you feel
When your in danger of losing your heart. Jule,s and James, are opposites in every way.He wants a wife who will Abey in all things, with a reputation that is unquestionable ,Jule,s wants someone, who will restore her families reputation .So what happens? Well your have too read to find out, and believe me you won't be sorry you did,,, keep your box of tissues handy.
Thank you!❤️
1,448 reviews3 followers
June 26, 2019
A Dangerous Temptation

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a light and quick read, but definitely enjoyable. Different from my usual genre but was well thought out and planned. All the characters worked well together and the storyline was interesting. Kept you intrigued wondering what would happen next, but you knew it would end good. Only one problem, it wasn't with the writing but with the editing, one section was written twice or rather was printed twice. Had to go back a couple of pages to make sure I had read it correctly.
1,230 reviews3 followers
February 13, 2020
Unable to put this novel down about Juliana who is caught up unknowingly with her sister's fiancee-to-be James, who is a powerful Earl with a questionable background. Heavily deals with the emotional aspect of childhood abuse and its effects on relationships. Juliana, who is free spirited, ends up with a control obsessed Earl. Much character development involved alternately portrayed through Juliana's and James' perspectives, presented in first person. Riveting psychological romance and thriller for those who prefer novels delving within the deeper aspects of behavior-based motivators.
Profile Image for Danielle Peterson.
9 reviews1 follower
September 9, 2020
Gripping

This book caught my attention and I couldn't put it down. This was an usual occurrence for me because the author used 1st person and alternating points of view and those are two things that turn me off to a book. Her characters are rich even though the men are total asses you still want them to get over themselves and surrender to their emotions. I'm rather disappointed that I can't find books on other brothers and possibly a sister. There are subplots that continue through books and the brothers and I need closure.
Profile Image for Karen.
1,811 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2017
Written in the spirit of a Kathleen Woodiwiss novel, Julianna and James meet under unusual circumstances, fall for each other, and then have obstacles to overcome. The first volume is their courtship... the second their marriage... the third their relationship during their first child's first year of life... James' brothers and Julianna's sister all have romantic sidelines as well as their best friends.
261 reviews2 followers
May 17, 2018
I loved this book and L.R. Olson is an exceptional talent.

From first page to last, this book held my interest with its non-stop conflict, action and romance, concluding in an exceptionally wonderful love story you will not want to miss. I look forward to owning the entire series.
Profile Image for Brittany.
3,520 reviews27 followers
June 28, 2020
I am finally cleaning up my kindle by trying to get through some of the hundreds of books I have on it. This was an interesting read. You have one main character that completely changes who she is. the other is a bitter man that has to work to overcome loss. I actually was enjoying the story up until the end. It just ended so abruptly. I had to go back and make sure I didn’t miss anything.
Profile Image for Jill.
522 reviews12 followers
August 1, 2024
Impossible to put down!

James is so full of himself with his need to control everything in life. Jules is full of passion and joy. Somehow fate puts them in each other's paths. So many misunderstandings ensue. In three parts, their story develops. It was impossible to predict what would happen next! The only way was to keep reading!
600 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2017
Jamie and Jules and ever after

Outstanding opening and hard to put down from that point on. Surprised how well the story flowed and developed with two first person voices. Looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Tera Chastain  (Co-Creator of The Book Bistro) .
593 reviews8 followers
June 1, 2018
Good read

I'd not read a good regency romance in a while ...and I was pleasantly surprised by this one ... I liked it ...Forgotten how much I could enjoy these kinds of books too .. recommended!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews

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