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The Disgraced Lords #5
A Taste of Seduction
Lady Evangeline Stuart chose to wed a tyrant with a title, or so society believes. That was five years ago—five long years she could have spent with her first and only love: Lord Hadley Fullerton, the second son of the Duke of Claymore. Now Evangeline is a widow, and her soul cries out for Hadley. But when they see each other at last, everything has changed. The passion in his eyes has been corrupted by betrayal. Somehow Evangeline must regain Hadley’s trust—without revealing the secret that would spoil the seduction.
Hadley is determined not to be distracted by Evangeline. He and the other Libertine Scholars are in pursuit of an enemy who has been striking at them from the shadows, and Evangeline’s mere presence could be dangerous. But with one smile, one touch, one taste of Evangeline’s lips, Hadley’s resolve is overpowered by much more pleasant memories. As the two enter into a discreet affair, Hadley vows to give her his body, never his heart. That she will have to earn.
Hadley is determined not to be distracted by Evangeline. He and the other Libertine Scholars are in pursuit of an enemy who has been striking at them from the shadows, and Evangeline’s mere presence could be dangerous. But with one smile, one touch, one taste of Evangeline’s lips, Hadley’s resolve is overpowered by much more pleasant memories. As the two enter into a discreet affair, Hadley vows to give her his body, never his heart. That she will have to earn.
283 pages, ebook
First published August 16, 2016
108 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
About the author
Bronwen Evans
164 books972 followersUSA Today bestselling author, Bronwen Evans grew up loving books. She writes both historical and contemporary sexy romances for the modern woman who likes intelligent, spirited heroines, and compassionate alpha heroes. Evans is a three-time winner of the RomCon Readers’ Crown and has been nominated for an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award. She lives in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand with her dogs Brandy and Duke.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
May 25, 2016
I am officially giving up on this writer.
A good writer captures me with authentic characterization. By authentic, I mean emotionally authentic. I know there aren't so many great warriors and dukes just waiting for the right women to fall in love with. But a good writer has the ability to illustrate certain emotions and life events that involve the readers in her/his story, to draw on our common experience in love and life and through that, readers build a connection to the story and its characters.
Forgive me for being blunt: I don't know if this writer's style is mature enough to be a good writer in my eyes.
This book is about second chances. Young loves were separated, both thinking that the other had abandoned their love. It should have been a sure thing: I always loved an impossible love story. But the characters in this book are so fake. I can't describe it. I can only say that I don't buy it, whatever they said or did. I do not buy it. They sounded like they were putting on a show for us. I feel no real feelings, no real suffering and no real longing.
To show you why I felt the way I felt, let's use an example.
At 16% hero and heroine reunited. They were supposed to be both extremely hurt and should have felt quite some unease in seeing each other again. But it was all just tell and no show. They were uneasy because the writer said they were. I couldn't see it.
A letter from the heroine had played an important role in setting them apart. We all know that it was a fake. She never wrote it. Only the hero believed that she wrote it. So the extremely hurt and angry hero actually told her why he was angry at her (your letter said you wanted to marry someone richer!). The heroine asked to see this "letter" and fully expected to be shown said letter. This should have been one hell of a moment. But I felt no anger, no pains, no sense of betrayal. Just 2 people acting their roles, one the betrayed man, the other the abandoned woman.
Things went even further downhill for me in this book. Heroine asked to see this "letter". I couldn't believe how "calm" she seemed. You can call it self-assured, confident. But imagine the love of your life who you thought abandoned you standing in front of you, and he believed that you betrayed him. Your response? I would probably ask to see the letter too. But I would never believe that he had kept it. The "asking for the letter" would have been a desperate plea, knowing that if he was as angry as he said he was, there wasn't any chance in hell that he had kept it. She asked for the letter and acted as if this was what people did: sure I'd keep the breakup letter from someone who I despised and believed to have betrayed me. I'd frame it and hang it on the wall.
What followed was even more unbelievable. So when she asked to see the letter, I rolled my eyes. Then what's even more amazing: said letter still existed! The VERY angry hero who believed the worst about this woman, didn't throw this traitorous letter into the fire. He kept the breakup letter together with all the love letters! Now fancy that, yeah that's what angry people do: we keep what makes us angry so that we can remember the awful times.
And then what did the hero do?
He asked for a carriage to take her to his house to see this wonderful letter that broke his heart. I was thinking wow God bless a guy who keeps evidence of the ruthlessness of the woman who he believed without a doubt had betrayed him.
But let us move on. So this big song and dance about "I did not write that letter!" and "You did, you heartless bitch." then "Show me the letter! You must have kept it because you believed I betrayed you!" and finally "You bitch, show you?! Well, ok I will show you." Now, wouldn't you expect that this letter is a big deal?
But a shooting happened. So this letter business gave way to "the libertine scholar" piece where we were given the same story again: the villain wanted to kill the libertine scholars, blah blah blah. But the letter, oh how can we forget the letter. They started taking about the LETTER again. So I thought: ok this letter is very important. Let's read this letter. Come on, folks!
But you know what happened?
Woman said no.
She said no.
Because well, coming all the way to his house and now the letter was just maybe 5 feet away, she didn't want to see it anymore. She wanted to go home. (She wasn't all that injured.)
A pretentious book. I can't do it. The last book I read from the writer was just as "shallow". I really try to be respectful because for the life of me I cannot write a book. But there are times, when I find the shallowness of a book offends me. Talented writers help us explore the human condition, the gray area between love and hate. Much to my regret, I cannot say that this writer has succeeded in that so far.
I do not know why this book got so many 5 stars reviews. I will allow that the writing is not poor.I even thought about upgrading the rating because I felt bad. But I cannot in good faith pretend that this book is anywhere close to some true masterpieces in the genre. Out of my respect for the great talents in historical romance, I respectfully offer my honest opinion in this review.
*I received an ARC from the publisher on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A good writer captures me with authentic characterization. By authentic, I mean emotionally authentic. I know there aren't so many great warriors and dukes just waiting for the right women to fall in love with. But a good writer has the ability to illustrate certain emotions and life events that involve the readers in her/his story, to draw on our common experience in love and life and through that, readers build a connection to the story and its characters.
Forgive me for being blunt: I don't know if this writer's style is mature enough to be a good writer in my eyes.
This book is about second chances. Young loves were separated, both thinking that the other had abandoned their love. It should have been a sure thing: I always loved an impossible love story. But the characters in this book are so fake. I can't describe it. I can only say that I don't buy it, whatever they said or did. I do not buy it. They sounded like they were putting on a show for us. I feel no real feelings, no real suffering and no real longing.
To show you why I felt the way I felt, let's use an example.
At 16% hero and heroine reunited. They were supposed to be both extremely hurt and should have felt quite some unease in seeing each other again. But it was all just tell and no show. They were uneasy because the writer said they were. I couldn't see it.
A letter from the heroine had played an important role in setting them apart. We all know that it was a fake. She never wrote it. Only the hero believed that she wrote it. So the extremely hurt and angry hero actually told her why he was angry at her (your letter said you wanted to marry someone richer!). The heroine asked to see this "letter" and fully expected to be shown said letter. This should have been one hell of a moment. But I felt no anger, no pains, no sense of betrayal. Just 2 people acting their roles, one the betrayed man, the other the abandoned woman.
Things went even further downhill for me in this book. Heroine asked to see this "letter". I couldn't believe how "calm" she seemed. You can call it self-assured, confident. But imagine the love of your life who you thought abandoned you standing in front of you, and he believed that you betrayed him. Your response? I would probably ask to see the letter too. But I would never believe that he had kept it. The "asking for the letter" would have been a desperate plea, knowing that if he was as angry as he said he was, there wasn't any chance in hell that he had kept it. She asked for the letter and acted as if this was what people did: sure I'd keep the breakup letter from someone who I despised and believed to have betrayed me. I'd frame it and hang it on the wall.
What followed was even more unbelievable. So when she asked to see the letter, I rolled my eyes. Then what's even more amazing: said letter still existed! The VERY angry hero who believed the worst about this woman, didn't throw this traitorous letter into the fire. He kept the breakup letter together with all the love letters! Now fancy that, yeah that's what angry people do: we keep what makes us angry so that we can remember the awful times.
And then what did the hero do?
He asked for a carriage to take her to his house to see this wonderful letter that broke his heart. I was thinking wow God bless a guy who keeps evidence of the ruthlessness of the woman who he believed without a doubt had betrayed him.
But let us move on. So this big song and dance about "I did not write that letter!" and "You did, you heartless bitch." then "Show me the letter! You must have kept it because you believed I betrayed you!" and finally "You bitch, show you?! Well, ok I will show you." Now, wouldn't you expect that this letter is a big deal?
But a shooting happened. So this letter business gave way to "the libertine scholar" piece where we were given the same story again: the villain wanted to kill the libertine scholars, blah blah blah. But the letter, oh how can we forget the letter. They started taking about the LETTER again. So I thought: ok this letter is very important. Let's read this letter. Come on, folks!
But you know what happened?
Woman said no.
She said no.
Because well, coming all the way to his house and now the letter was just maybe 5 feet away, she didn't want to see it anymore. She wanted to go home. (She wasn't all that injured.)
A pretentious book. I can't do it. The last book I read from the writer was just as "shallow". I really try to be respectful because for the life of me I cannot write a book. But there are times, when I find the shallowness of a book offends me. Talented writers help us explore the human condition, the gray area between love and hate. Much to my regret, I cannot say that this writer has succeeded in that so far.
I do not know why this book got so many 5 stars reviews. I will allow that the writing is not poor.I even thought about upgrading the rating because I felt bad. But I cannot in good faith pretend that this book is anywhere close to some true masterpieces in the genre. Out of my respect for the great talents in historical romance, I respectfully offer my honest opinion in this review.
*I received an ARC from the publisher on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 26, 2016
I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review
'A Taste of Seduction' by Bronwen Evans is book five in the "The Disgraced Lords" series.
I have been reading in and out of this series so I thought that this was a standalone book. I really love Ms. Evans writing and think this is a great addition to her list of books!
This is the story of Lady Evangeline Stuart and Lord Hadley Fullerton and how they overcame so much to be together.
Evangeline and Hardley were in love, they became lovers and wanted to also marry.
But Evangeline mother had other ideas and set in motion for them to be torn apart.
Now years later with Evangeline a widow and mother. Evangeline is thought to have chosen title over love. But after seeing Hardley again Evangeline just wants to try to clear things with him.
Can Hardley move past the what happen back then? Evangeline has something yet to share with him?
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'A Taste of Seduction' by Bronwen Evans is book five in the "The Disgraced Lords" series.
I have been reading in and out of this series so I thought that this was a standalone book. I really love Ms. Evans writing and think this is a great addition to her list of books!
This is the story of Lady Evangeline Stuart and Lord Hadley Fullerton and how they overcame so much to be together.
Evangeline and Hardley were in love, they became lovers and wanted to also marry.
But Evangeline mother had other ideas and set in motion for them to be torn apart.
Now years later with Evangeline a widow and mother. Evangeline is thought to have chosen title over love. But after seeing Hardley again Evangeline just wants to try to clear things with him.
Can Hardley move past the what happen back then? Evangeline has something yet to share with him?
http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sally.mae.39...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/17091...
October 20, 2022
I do love a second chance romance! Hadley’s and Evangeline’s story was a heartbreaking one, being separated at a young age due to circumstances that were not their fault.
When they met again after 5 years, it was obvious that they both still loved each other. It was heartwarming and heartbreaking to see the moment they realized that they weren’t betrayed by each other at all and lost the 5 years they could have had together.
I really enjoyed seeing them rekindle their love and that they did have chemistry. Not the best, but it was there.
Would have liked to see Hadley and Evangeline do something to Evangeline’s mother for making them separate for so long though.
This book was definitely better because Hadley and Evangeline did not grate on my nerves and weren’t assholes. They were two sweethearts, their love for each other put on-hold for 5 years.
Will be reading on to find out what happened to Arend in the next book.
When they met again after 5 years, it was obvious that they both still loved each other. It was heartwarming and heartbreaking to see the moment they realized that they weren’t betrayed by each other at all and lost the 5 years they could have had together.
I really enjoyed seeing them rekindle their love and that they did have chemistry. Not the best, but it was there.
Would have liked to see Hadley and Evangeline do something to Evangeline’s mother for making them separate for so long though.
This book was definitely better because Hadley and Evangeline did not grate on my nerves and weren’t assholes. They were two sweethearts, their love for each other put on-hold for 5 years.
Will be reading on to find out what happened to Arend in the next book.
August 16, 2016
Originally Reviewed For: Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
As the 5th book in the series A Taste of Seduction could have gone either way.. a series gone too long or just the perfect build up to the end. Guess which way I think Bronwen went? Yep, she nailed it.
Discovering Bronwen Evans is truly one of my greatest joys. Bronwen has written about the best of characters, The Disgraced Lords.. A Group of friends, calling themselves The Libertine Scholars. Men who actually learned while at school. But they find themselves paying for the sins of the father and each of them has struggled to remove himself from disgrace. But in the end, he triumphs and more than that he finds true love.
Lord Hadley Fullerton has been the voice of reason in the past books. The true friend, the honorable man. We just like him. Of course none of us knew about his secret past, his family (except that his father was a sleaze - to put it nicely) or any part of his life that didn't include the Libertine Scholars. But that is about to change. It seems Hadley has loved and lost. The love of his life left him at the last moment and married for title and wealth. For five years he has suffered a silent heartbreak. Now on the eve of his proposing to another woman, she's back and it turns out not everything was as he thought.
Lady Evangeline Stuart loved Hadley Fullerton even though he was the second son, even though she should marry for money to help her family. She was ready to escape with him when she found herself waking up in another man's bed, as another man's wife. For years she suffered but his death makes her a widow and free to seek answers. And instead of apologizing as Hadley believes she should, she's confronting him. Why did he never rescue her?
There is so much grief here. Both Hadley and Evangeline suffered and when they think maybe, just maybe they stand a chance someone wants to ruin it. Someone other than their mysterious enemy. Hadley is put in an untenable situation forced to chose between family and love. Death or despair? Either way it could ruin his second chance.
And not all of Evangeline's secrets have been exposed. Will Hadley be able to face the past and realize that it must be let go in order to have a future? Will love be enough?
And if all of this was not enough? They still have an enemy set to destroy them.
A plot line like this risky. This book was filled with plots and plans, struggles and strategies it could have run over itself in it's complexity. Instead Bronwen ties it all together masterfully. We get to interact with characters from previous books, we meet some new characters and we fall in love with Hadley and Evangeline. I only wish I had this kind of talent.
This series is a rare find and A Taste of Seduction is absolutely divine!
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of A Taste of Seduction, provided by netgalley.
As the 5th book in the series A Taste of Seduction could have gone either way.. a series gone too long or just the perfect build up to the end. Guess which way I think Bronwen went? Yep, she nailed it.
Discovering Bronwen Evans is truly one of my greatest joys. Bronwen has written about the best of characters, The Disgraced Lords.. A Group of friends, calling themselves The Libertine Scholars. Men who actually learned while at school. But they find themselves paying for the sins of the father and each of them has struggled to remove himself from disgrace. But in the end, he triumphs and more than that he finds true love.
Lord Hadley Fullerton has been the voice of reason in the past books. The true friend, the honorable man. We just like him. Of course none of us knew about his secret past, his family (except that his father was a sleaze - to put it nicely) or any part of his life that didn't include the Libertine Scholars. But that is about to change. It seems Hadley has loved and lost. The love of his life left him at the last moment and married for title and wealth. For five years he has suffered a silent heartbreak. Now on the eve of his proposing to another woman, she's back and it turns out not everything was as he thought.
Lady Evangeline Stuart loved Hadley Fullerton even though he was the second son, even though she should marry for money to help her family. She was ready to escape with him when she found herself waking up in another man's bed, as another man's wife. For years she suffered but his death makes her a widow and free to seek answers. And instead of apologizing as Hadley believes she should, she's confronting him. Why did he never rescue her?
There is so much grief here. Both Hadley and Evangeline suffered and when they think maybe, just maybe they stand a chance someone wants to ruin it. Someone other than their mysterious enemy. Hadley is put in an untenable situation forced to chose between family and love. Death or despair? Either way it could ruin his second chance.
And not all of Evangeline's secrets have been exposed. Will Hadley be able to face the past and realize that it must be let go in order to have a future? Will love be enough?
And if all of this was not enough? They still have an enemy set to destroy them.
A plot line like this risky. This book was filled with plots and plans, struggles and strategies it could have run over itself in it's complexity. Instead Bronwen ties it all together masterfully. We get to interact with characters from previous books, we meet some new characters and we fall in love with Hadley and Evangeline. I only wish I had this kind of talent.
This series is a rare find and A Taste of Seduction is absolutely divine!
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of A Taste of Seduction, provided by netgalley.
March 24, 2016
I really liked Hadley I loved how he talked, "they stood embracing in front of the fire, content to be in each other’s arms. Finally he said, “We have to move— my derriere is about to combust from the heat.” Sometimes Hadley needs to be brought back to the present, "he loved watching her light blue eyes as they sparkled with passion. He should capture her like this on canvas. A canvas only he would ever see. It struck him instantly. This was the first time he’d wanted to paint anything in a long time. She smacked his chest lightly. “Hey, you’re woolgathering.” I really liked this book I loved Hadley.
June 27, 2016
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Considering this is one of my favourite genres, I am going to be slightly biased when writing this review.
This was one of the cutest books historical romance novels I've read. I really wanted to read the rest of the books if I've got the chance but unfortunately but unfortunately I found only this one on net galley :/ I really want to read Isobel's and Arend's story.
But for sure I'll be keeping an eye out for this author for sure.
Considering this is one of my favourite genres, I am going to be slightly biased when writing this review.
This was one of the cutest books historical romance novels I've read. I really wanted to read the rest of the books if I've got the chance but unfortunately but unfortunately I found only this one on net galley :/ I really want to read Isobel's and Arend's story.
But for sure I'll be keeping an eye out for this author for sure.
Want to read
March 28, 2016:D
*An advance reading copy was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review.*
August 21, 2016
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley for an honest review.
"A Taste of Seduction ", is the fifth book in Ms Evans The Disgraced Lords series , and though I have not read any of the previous books I truly enjoyed this book.
Be warned their is an ongoing suspense plot that apparently threads through all the books,,doing would recommend reading the previous books first.
Lady Evangaline Stuart has come back to London after five years and Lord Hadley Fullerton
Plans to avoid her at all cost, because five years ago she broke his heart in what he deemed the ultimate betrayal.
But what would a second chance at romance be without that first time seeing one another again, even if it had to happen because your freinds meddling wifes. However , what the women do not realize is that Evangelone left him for a man with more money and a title, regardless of how much he loved her. They had just finished planning to elope so her mother who had been trying to sell her into a marriage to the highest bidder to feed her gambling habit could not interfere but getting that letter from her saying she could not elope that she needed to marry for the money, left him a shell of a man.
Hadley spent the last five years guarding his heart determined not to fall in love,but one look at the traitorous women and his body was responding. Which only made him hate her more. Evangline insisted that she never wrote the letter, that the last she remembered was going home and then waking up in Viscount Stuart's bed while he had been trying to assert his marital rights. Evangaline had spent the last five years married to an abusive man and she had spent the first six months secretly sending Hadley letters asking for his help, so the plot thickens .
Of course the ever present danger to Hadley and his the Libertines, DePalma shows up and Evangeline winds up smack in the middle of the danger too. Hadley's protective instinct come to the surface leading to these two spending more time together; leading to a second chance and a romantic weekend. Their romantic weekend is ruined with the disappearance of their friend Arend.
The villainous plot line just keeps playing with there romance over and over again. So when Evangeline keeps a secret from Hadley , that secret becomes a weapon to use against them both and leads to a disastrous outcome.
To spite it all ,never fear you get an Hea. Though we are left in suspense as to Arends whereabouts .
I thoroughly enjoyed this second chance romance along with the suspense filled murderous plot line and can not believe I have not read this author before, but I look foward to reading more from Ms Evans.
"A Taste of Seduction ", is the fifth book in Ms Evans The Disgraced Lords series , and though I have not read any of the previous books I truly enjoyed this book.
Be warned their is an ongoing suspense plot that apparently threads through all the books,,doing would recommend reading the previous books first.
Lady Evangaline Stuart has come back to London after five years and Lord Hadley Fullerton
Plans to avoid her at all cost, because five years ago she broke his heart in what he deemed the ultimate betrayal.
But what would a second chance at romance be without that first time seeing one another again, even if it had to happen because your freinds meddling wifes. However , what the women do not realize is that Evangelone left him for a man with more money and a title, regardless of how much he loved her. They had just finished planning to elope so her mother who had been trying to sell her into a marriage to the highest bidder to feed her gambling habit could not interfere but getting that letter from her saying she could not elope that she needed to marry for the money, left him a shell of a man.
Hadley spent the last five years guarding his heart determined not to fall in love,but one look at the traitorous women and his body was responding. Which only made him hate her more. Evangline insisted that she never wrote the letter, that the last she remembered was going home and then waking up in Viscount Stuart's bed while he had been trying to assert his marital rights. Evangaline had spent the last five years married to an abusive man and she had spent the first six months secretly sending Hadley letters asking for his help, so the plot thickens .
Of course the ever present danger to Hadley and his the Libertines, DePalma shows up and Evangeline winds up smack in the middle of the danger too. Hadley's protective instinct come to the surface leading to these two spending more time together; leading to a second chance and a romantic weekend. Their romantic weekend is ruined with the disappearance of their friend Arend.
The villainous plot line just keeps playing with there romance over and over again. So when Evangeline keeps a secret from Hadley , that secret becomes a weapon to use against them both and leads to a disastrous outcome.
To spite it all ,never fear you get an Hea. Though we are left in suspense as to Arends whereabouts .
I thoroughly enjoyed this second chance romance along with the suspense filled murderous plot line and can not believe I have not read this author before, but I look foward to reading more from Ms Evans.
June 6, 2016
The fifth in the Disgraced Lord series and just as good as all the others. IMO it doesn't work well as a standalone , you would want to read the other books in the series to be able to follow. Although the previous book was used as a preface to this book ,reading them in order is much more enjoyable.
Spoilers ahead
In the epilogue of the previous book we see Hadley and Evangeline's reunion at a gathering of the Libertine scholars. It turns out that Hadley and Evangeline's chance at love was cut short by the h's mother who unbeknownst to them had sabotaged their plans to elope, making the h think the H abandoned her. Years after when the h's husband dies she returns to confront the H for leaving her to suffer.
I typically like books where there is a lot of groveling and making up for lost time but this book didn't have that even though that was the reason Evangeline came to London. She went on and on about how she still loved him it bordered on being redundant. We get it, now make him grovel. I didn't buy into her husband's mistreatment of her either, yes, she always spoke about how much she suffered but the way she carried on it didn't seem as though she really suffered. The idea was there but the emotion was lacking.
Her son Sealey, I love the hidden "love-child" troupe but this one was doing it too brown, it just seemed like the sort of cliche to expect when reading about books like this.
Hadley's brother, Augustus , i don't really understand why he had to die, i thought it unnecessary and just sprung up for effect. I think after reading the previous book and seeing Marissa suffer i find death's and accidents unnecessary, the book is good regardless of that. It felt like a good way for Hadley to inherit the dukedom since we had already been given the insight to his brother just being the figure head.
A lot of unanswered questions. What happened to Evangeline's family? Where's her brother now? What happened to Stowe? She spent a lot of times talking and thinking about them i thought we would get to see her confront them but that idea seemed to fizzle out after a while.
I liked Hadley as a hero, Evangeline not so much. I expected more from her so i'm left disappointed. I really felt emotionally disconnected from this book and that's a bit unusual when reading a book by a brilliant author like Bronwen Evans.
I can wait to read about Arend and Isobel, i hope it's better .
I received this advanced readers copy from Netgallery and Random house publishing group in exchange for an honest review.
June 22, 2016
A Taste of Seduction by Bronwen Evans is #5 in her captivating and seductive "The Disgraced Lords" series. While, this can be read as a stand alone, I would recommend reading them in order, to savor this captivating and dangerous story.
Lady Evangeline Stuart, now a widow with a small son and Lord Hadley Fullerton, a second son, now the Duke of Claymore, were deeply in love, had planned to elope, but things change and both are terribly wronged.
Five years later...Evie is a young widow and Hadley a Duke. They met again at a friend's dinner party. Angry with each other, for leaving the other to face the consequences of their love and the deception personally intented to hurt Hadley.
Well crafted characters and an intriguing storyline makes for a heart- pounding romance.
With an unknown threat and unknown enemy trying to punish the "Libertine Scholars" for the sins of their fathers, can Evie, her son, and Hadley survive the danger, to find their HEA.
Fast paced, story, which continues the saga of "The Disgraced Lords" series. I have thoughly enjoyed this series. Ms. Evans is an amazing storyteller, who draws the reader into her stories and holds them in entranced. Seduction, danger, deception, deceit, passion, mistrust and romance makes for a wickedly delicious, and dangerous romance. Once again, Ms. Evans captivated me and kept me turning pages, holding my breath, as I read, hoping Evie and Hadley could survive their odeal and find their HEA. Simply mesmerizing, emotional and powerful. A must read! I can't wait to read Arend's story, learn his fate and see how the "Libertine Scholars" finally deal with their enemy and the threat that has nearly destroyed their lives and the ones they love. A wickedly delicious romp!
Received for an honest review from Net Galley. However, all opinions and thoughts are my own.
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Hot
Reviewed by: AprilR
Lady Evangeline Stuart, now a widow with a small son and Lord Hadley Fullerton, a second son, now the Duke of Claymore, were deeply in love, had planned to elope, but things change and both are terribly wronged.
Five years later...Evie is a young widow and Hadley a Duke. They met again at a friend's dinner party. Angry with each other, for leaving the other to face the consequences of their love and the deception personally intented to hurt Hadley.
Well crafted characters and an intriguing storyline makes for a heart- pounding romance.
With an unknown threat and unknown enemy trying to punish the "Libertine Scholars" for the sins of their fathers, can Evie, her son, and Hadley survive the danger, to find their HEA.
Fast paced, story, which continues the saga of "The Disgraced Lords" series. I have thoughly enjoyed this series. Ms. Evans is an amazing storyteller, who draws the reader into her stories and holds them in entranced. Seduction, danger, deception, deceit, passion, mistrust and romance makes for a wickedly delicious, and dangerous romance. Once again, Ms. Evans captivated me and kept me turning pages, holding my breath, as I read, hoping Evie and Hadley could survive their odeal and find their HEA. Simply mesmerizing, emotional and powerful. A must read! I can't wait to read Arend's story, learn his fate and see how the "Libertine Scholars" finally deal with their enemy and the threat that has nearly destroyed their lives and the ones they love. A wickedly delicious romp!
Received for an honest review from Net Galley. However, all opinions and thoughts are my own.
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Hot
Reviewed by: AprilR
June 7, 2017
A Taste of Seduction ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Written by Bronwen Evans
Lord Hadley Fullerton a second son and Evangeline Althrope were young and infatuated with each other for years. They became lovers and planned to elope. When Hadley receives a letter from Evangeline saying she has chosen to marry a Viscount with a title and money over him.
Five years later, Evangeline returns to London to confront Hadley and each of them is angry with the other. They finally realize how their future and happiness was robbed from them and are able to rekindle their love.
All of this love affair is brought around to the order of Libertine Scholars of whom Hadley is a member. Ms Evans has managed to weave great romances into each of her Disgraced Lords novels. Aside from the romance and mystery she has unfolded in each novel she puts together a villainous out for revenge and after each of the members of the Libertine Scholars.
I for one have followed each book in this Disgraced Lord series and found myself not disappointed in revealed villainous. I must admire how Ms Evans gave us the answer to the mystery but has waved a carrot before our very eyes and we realize the revenge continues. She is a storyteller and a great author my hats off to her talent.
A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection
Lord Hadley Fullerton a second son and Evangeline Althrope were young and infatuated with each other for years. They became lovers and planned to elope. When Hadley receives a letter from Evangeline saying she has chosen to marry a Viscount with a title and money over him.
Five years later, Evangeline returns to London to confront Hadley and each of them is angry with the other. They finally realize how their future and happiness was robbed from them and are able to rekindle their love.
All of this love affair is brought around to the order of Libertine Scholars of whom Hadley is a member. Ms Evans has managed to weave great romances into each of her Disgraced Lords novels. Aside from the romance and mystery she has unfolded in each novel she puts together a villainous out for revenge and after each of the members of the Libertine Scholars.
I for one have followed each book in this Disgraced Lord series and found myself not disappointed in revealed villainous. I must admire how Ms Evans gave us the answer to the mystery but has waved a carrot before our very eyes and we realize the revenge continues. She is a storyteller and a great author my hats off to her talent.
A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection
August 16, 2016
Heart and hurt--a dangerous mixture!
Lord Hadley Fullerton, the second son of the Duke of Claymore, has never forgiven Lady Evangeline Stuart the betrayal of their love all those years ago.
Now she is widowed and he and his fellow libertine scholars have more imminent and dangerous matters to consider. The enemy who has been hounding them must be stopped.
Lady Evangeline Stuart has her own set of secrets.
Romance and intrigue are braided together in an intriguing and heart stopping fashion as these two come together again. Neither is prepared for the outcome. Can trust once lost ever be regained?
A NetGalley ARC
Lord Hadley Fullerton, the second son of the Duke of Claymore, has never forgiven Lady Evangeline Stuart the betrayal of their love all those years ago.
Now she is widowed and he and his fellow libertine scholars have more imminent and dangerous matters to consider. The enemy who has been hounding them must be stopped.
Lady Evangeline Stuart has her own set of secrets.
Romance and intrigue are braided together in an intriguing and heart stopping fashion as these two come together again. Neither is prepared for the outcome. Can trust once lost ever be regained?
A NetGalley ARC
July 25, 2016
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Summary
Evangeline and Hardley fell in love at a young age, and right when they were ready to elope and get married, Evangeline's mother sold her into marriage to a man who treated her like a slave in every way. Now its been five years, she has a young son who has never known his real father but Evangeline is determined to make sure she sees Hardley once again even though she feels hurt that he never tried finding her. Hardley, has no idea of the horrors that Evangeline suffered. He believed that she made her own choice is marrying another man even though she professed her love for him. He has spent five years with the hurt and betrayal of that day when all his dreams and his love for her were crushed. But then these two meet when their mutual friends set them up at a dinner party. In the process of hashing out the past and trying to deal with new circumstances there is a killer on the loose, a woman who wants all members the libertine scholars killed because of acts committed against her by their fathers.
Plot and Story Line
oh yes I have such love for this author, and she adds some unique elements to a era that is overdone by many and she definitely stands out from the crowd. I love her writing and her love stories she pens and this story was no different. Now I hadn't read the previous book (although I do have it collecting dust on my kindle), so I was uncertain if I would be a bit loss. And not really, I was more curious about what had happened in the previous book of course, but it didn't detract my enjoyment of this one. However, I do recommend at least reading the first couple of books, as there are certain elements to the plot that will make more sense if you do. "so read at your own risk or suffer the consequences of confusion". What I did find most wonderful about this book was the actual romance between Evangeline and Hardley. We see a prologue of what they were like when they were young and in love before everything fell apart. Then we see how they have changed over the five years. And some of the changes aren't positive. Both are wary of each other especially, and hurting in different ways.
There were some heart felt moments in this book though that I found a bit heart breaking. These two were torn apart unwillingly from each other because of greed and I just savored every moment seeing them find their way back to each other. It was interesting to see how events played out in this book, and we do get a bit of a teaser involving our next and I think last couple of the series. I do feel that as far as the "suspense" points of the series plot is slowly drawing to a close and I have a feeling book six is going to keep us on the edge of our seats for sure!!! I have no clue what Evan's has planned, but if its anything like the previous books I have had a chance to read so far I am super stoked to find out.
The Cover
Oh I could gush over this cover all day and not get enough of it. It's so pretty I could put it on my wall just to look at it. I love the purple tones and sexy dip here!!!
Overall View
A Taste Of Seduction is a well written romance that adds intrigue, mystery and suspense within every chapter. It will excite, delight and intrigue you to the end of love and passion and true test of will!!! SUPERB
Click on Cover For Buy Link
[foogallery id="22902"]
Summary
Evangeline and Hardley fell in love at a young age, and right when they were ready to elope and get married, Evangeline's mother sold her into marriage to a man who treated her like a slave in every way. Now its been five years, she has a young son who has never known his real father but Evangeline is determined to make sure she sees Hardley once again even though she feels hurt that he never tried finding her. Hardley, has no idea of the horrors that Evangeline suffered. He believed that she made her own choice is marrying another man even though she professed her love for him. He has spent five years with the hurt and betrayal of that day when all his dreams and his love for her were crushed. But then these two meet when their mutual friends set them up at a dinner party. In the process of hashing out the past and trying to deal with new circumstances there is a killer on the loose, a woman who wants all members the libertine scholars killed because of acts committed against her by their fathers.
Plot and Story Line
oh yes I have such love for this author, and she adds some unique elements to a era that is overdone by many and she definitely stands out from the crowd. I love her writing and her love stories she pens and this story was no different. Now I hadn't read the previous book (although I do have it collecting dust on my kindle), so I was uncertain if I would be a bit loss. And not really, I was more curious about what had happened in the previous book of course, but it didn't detract my enjoyment of this one. However, I do recommend at least reading the first couple of books, as there are certain elements to the plot that will make more sense if you do. "so read at your own risk or suffer the consequences of confusion". What I did find most wonderful about this book was the actual romance between Evangeline and Hardley. We see a prologue of what they were like when they were young and in love before everything fell apart. Then we see how they have changed over the five years. And some of the changes aren't positive. Both are wary of each other especially, and hurting in different ways.
"Love" was a scary word---easy to spell, easy to define, easy to say, but very difficult to believe. When you found love, you had to have faith it was reciprocated. She prayed he would love her enough...
There were some heart felt moments in this book though that I found a bit heart breaking. These two were torn apart unwillingly from each other because of greed and I just savored every moment seeing them find their way back to each other. It was interesting to see how events played out in this book, and we do get a bit of a teaser involving our next and I think last couple of the series. I do feel that as far as the "suspense" points of the series plot is slowly drawing to a close and I have a feeling book six is going to keep us on the edge of our seats for sure!!! I have no clue what Evan's has planned, but if its anything like the previous books I have had a chance to read so far I am super stoked to find out.
The Cover
Oh I could gush over this cover all day and not get enough of it. It's so pretty I could put it on my wall just to look at it. I love the purple tones and sexy dip here!!!
Overall View
A Taste Of Seduction is a well written romance that adds intrigue, mystery and suspense within every chapter. It will excite, delight and intrigue you to the end of love and passion and true test of will!!! SUPERB
Click on Cover For Buy Link
[foogallery id="22902"]
August 13, 2016
Bronwen Evans is a writer who I always look forward to reading and never disappoints me. Her ability to juggle multiple scenarios and effortlessly merge them into one amazing story demonstrates what a skilled writer she is. A Taste of Seduction, book five in her Disgraced Lords series, brings forward a connected suspense plot and takes another eligible bachelor off the marriage mart! This book took off from page one where readers were introduced to lovers Hadley and Evangeline. Their betrayal and abuse at the hand of vengeful deviants was heartbreaking but the path to their reconnecting was passionate, emotional and absolutely worth it! Characters with depth and integrity pull in readers and the line between imagination and reality blur as Bronwen Evans captivates and enables her audience to live vicariously through another great adventure!
*A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection*
*I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
*While part of a series this book can be read as a stand alone.*
*A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection*
*I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
*While part of a series this book can be read as a stand alone.*
August 10, 2016
I adore this series. Each of the books is full of romance and a healthy dose of suspense that it will keep,you on the edge of your seat. With the series nearing it end its at the point that we've learned a great deal of the evil that is out to destroy "The Disgraced Lord". In "A Taste of Seduction" Lord Hadley Fullerton gets his HEA. Lady Evangeline is back. The woman who five years ago ripped his heart to shreds. With Hadley on the verge of doing his duty and marrying his world is spinning out of his control. Evangeline needs answers and has a huge secret. Hadley wants nothing to do with a woman who chooses money and a title over love. There's a fine line between love and hate. Hadley the protector of family and friends is about to learn just how early the evil started and the depths someone will go for revenge, including his own.
I highly recommend this series and that you read them in order. They are not stand alone books.
I highly recommend this series and that you read them in order. They are not stand alone books.
July 6, 2016
This series has been amazing!!
The intrigue, angst and love concurs all theme is wonderful!!
I've sat on the edge of my seat through them all with all the mystery and
suspense and can't wait for what comes next..
every addition has stood out and each has out done the other..
The writing has been fabulous!
The intrigue, angst and love concurs all theme is wonderful!!
I've sat on the edge of my seat through them all with all the mystery and
suspense and can't wait for what comes next..
every addition has stood out and each has out done the other..
The writing has been fabulous!
September 4, 2019
I got my hands on the ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review :) and first of all I need to warn you, that even though it can technically be read as a standalone... ater all it was my very first book written by this author... :) I would recommend you to read this series in order :) because besides the romance part between our main couple, there is a bigger story arch here... one about revenge years in the making... and we do get a short explanation here and there, but it's not really enough to truly appreciate the story... and there are some spoilers about some surprising things that happened in previous books, so if you want to avoid them as well, read them in order :) that being said, let me tell you what I thought about the book :)
I'm gonna start with the main couple :) Hadley and Evangeline met around three years ago, when she was barely 16 and he was around six years older... after that, they started writing to one another, one thing led to another... and they fell in love... :) after those three years they planned to elope together, because Evangeline's mother would never approve of their relationship... but things didn't went according to their plan... Evangeline ended up married to a not so good man, and Hadley thought she betrayed him, and chose money and title instead of their love... he is after all only the second son... five years later and now a widow, she comes back to London... and that is all I can tell you about that situation, because there is quite more about it ;) but all of those details are too spoilerific to share here with you now :) what I can say is that I have mixed feelings about our main characters... on the one hand, there were moments when I really liked them... to see how strong Evangeline was even after all the things that happened to her... or to see how fiercely protective Hadley was :) but there were also moments when the things they did or said really annoyed me, and made it that much harder to connect with them... their second chance romance felt a bit rushed at times, but I enjoyed the majority of it :) it was a bit of an up-and-down story for me... :) I can't really explain it better without spoilers, so those few words will just have to be enough :)
Now about some secondary characters... again, it was a case of if-I-would-read-the-previous-books-it-would-be-so-much-better type of situation :) because that bigger plot I am teasing you about, revolves around six men, who call themselves Libertine Scholars :) I don't know why, it wasn't really explained in the book :) and yes, you are rightly assuming, there's going to be one more story, a conclusion to everything.. or at least that's what I'm thinking :) and each of those men is the hero of his own story... and since those books are very much connected to one another, those previous four couples definitely appear here... unfortunately for me, they were all introduced in one short scene, and I just decided to go with the flow and don't even try to remember all the details about them... it was a bit too much information in one place for a new reader like me :) don't get me wrong, I am very curious about their stories, and I will go back to read them, but as a person who is brand new to this series, I definitely had troubles with remembering all of them :) they did appeared throughout the whole story, but I was not able to remember all of them :) the only one that stayed with me was Arend, the last single one of them :) I am definitely looking forward to his story, but I think I will go back and catch up on all the rest before the conclusion that's going to be published in october :)
All in all it was an ok book :) there were a lot of moments I enjoyed a lot, but also quite a few that bothered me... so it was really hard for me to rate this book... ultimately I landed on 4 stars, but it's closer to 3,75 really... I liked the writing style, and will definitely check out other books written by this author, to see if maybe it was just the fact that I hadn't read previous books in this series that stood in the way of my full enjoyment of this particular story... or maybe it was just my personal preferences that made me like the main couple less than I expected... it's hard to tell after just this one book, especially if it was so closely connected to the whole series... I wish there would have been some warning, so I would have been able to catch up before going into this story :) so don't make my mistake and if it sounds like something you would enjoy, then definitely go back and start at the beginning :)
XOXO
A
I'm gonna start with the main couple :) Hadley and Evangeline met around three years ago, when she was barely 16 and he was around six years older... after that, they started writing to one another, one thing led to another... and they fell in love... :) after those three years they planned to elope together, because Evangeline's mother would never approve of their relationship... but things didn't went according to their plan... Evangeline ended up married to a not so good man, and Hadley thought she betrayed him, and chose money and title instead of their love... he is after all only the second son... five years later and now a widow, she comes back to London... and that is all I can tell you about that situation, because there is quite more about it ;) but all of those details are too spoilerific to share here with you now :) what I can say is that I have mixed feelings about our main characters... on the one hand, there were moments when I really liked them... to see how strong Evangeline was even after all the things that happened to her... or to see how fiercely protective Hadley was :) but there were also moments when the things they did or said really annoyed me, and made it that much harder to connect with them... their second chance romance felt a bit rushed at times, but I enjoyed the majority of it :) it was a bit of an up-and-down story for me... :) I can't really explain it better without spoilers, so those few words will just have to be enough :)
Now about some secondary characters... again, it was a case of if-I-would-read-the-previous-books-it-would-be-so-much-better type of situation :) because that bigger plot I am teasing you about, revolves around six men, who call themselves Libertine Scholars :) I don't know why, it wasn't really explained in the book :) and yes, you are rightly assuming, there's going to be one more story, a conclusion to everything.. or at least that's what I'm thinking :) and each of those men is the hero of his own story... and since those books are very much connected to one another, those previous four couples definitely appear here... unfortunately for me, they were all introduced in one short scene, and I just decided to go with the flow and don't even try to remember all the details about them... it was a bit too much information in one place for a new reader like me :) don't get me wrong, I am very curious about their stories, and I will go back to read them, but as a person who is brand new to this series, I definitely had troubles with remembering all of them :) they did appeared throughout the whole story, but I was not able to remember all of them :) the only one that stayed with me was Arend, the last single one of them :) I am definitely looking forward to his story, but I think I will go back and catch up on all the rest before the conclusion that's going to be published in october :)
All in all it was an ok book :) there were a lot of moments I enjoyed a lot, but also quite a few that bothered me... so it was really hard for me to rate this book... ultimately I landed on 4 stars, but it's closer to 3,75 really... I liked the writing style, and will definitely check out other books written by this author, to see if maybe it was just the fact that I hadn't read previous books in this series that stood in the way of my full enjoyment of this particular story... or maybe it was just my personal preferences that made me like the main couple less than I expected... it's hard to tell after just this one book, especially if it was so closely connected to the whole series... I wish there would have been some warning, so I would have been able to catch up before going into this story :) so don't make my mistake and if it sounds like something you would enjoy, then definitely go back and start at the beginning :)
XOXO
A
April 5, 2016
I received an ARC from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Where do I begin? So....first off, I can not in good conscience recommend this one without someone already having read the first books in this series. I read it by itself, and it was very frustrating to not understand all of the puzzle pieces of the story or know who half the characters were as they were only mentioned by name. My rating may have gone up to 4 stars had the author provided enough backstory to explain why some crazy woman was killing people and who in the world the Libertine Scholars were. (I still don't really know- apparently it's 6 dudes who...call themselves that? I think the name is kind of cheesy and unnecessary, personally.) I have read plenty of other HR series titles out of order and I had no problem doing so. It bugged me that this one didn't work that way.
Secondly, this ends on a total cliffhanger. Like, mid-story. The relationship between the H and h is resolved for the time being, but in no way is the whole story finished. That also really bugged me. I wonder if the other 4 books were like that?
So...the story. The H, Hadley, and the h, Evangeline...
(*Side Note* Sorry, but I could NOT stop thinking of Evie from Devil in Winter the whole time I was reading this book. Between her name and the parallels I can draw between all of the husband/wife duos getting together and plotting shiz, I felt like it was slightly unoriginal in that sense. The plot is very different, but setting up a series where one couple gets together after another and they all get together and are one big group of friends that deals with drama has been done before.)
...met and fell in love 5 years ago. They planned to elope, but due to people literally conspiring against them, it didn't happen. Evangeline is now a widow with a son, and she shows up to hash out the past with Hadley. Then a TON of drama rama happens. Like absolute bunches. If you'd like to know:
I'm okay with some drama, but this bordered on melodramatic. The amount of insane plotting that all of the events leading up to this story alone is mind boggling. I won't give too much away, but basically the Libertine Scholars (again, stupidest name ever) are paying for the sins of their nasty, wretched, rapist fathers. (Which apparently you find out in books 1-4 somewhere.) It's all just...a bit much. Add to that Hadley having family drama and Evangeline having a pretty big secret. Hadley and Evangeline just get hit with one big mess after another, and at some point I just wanted everything to work out, already. What's crazy is that a lot of what happened was very predictable. Like, I knew as soon as I read Evangeline had a son where that was going. I also seemed to predict what the deal with Augustus was as soon as I read that his/Hadley's father had picked on him. I don't like being able to guess everything.
One more negative before I say what I DID like: this read pretty darn modern to me. Attitudes toward sexuality, family, and scandal didn't ring true to period. Language/expressions used didn't seem super authentic either. (For example, "bitch" was used multiple times by men and women. I don't think that would have been the case in the early 1800's.)
So what did I like enough to give this 3 stars? Evangeline and Hadley were both very likeable. I did get enough back story of the both of them to feel their connection and believe in them together. I thought the love scenes were well-written. I also just had to keep on reading in order to figure out what in the world was going to happen to these two poor people. There was certainly a lot of action once things got going. It lent a different spin on the HR novel- almost action-y.
So...yeah. It was aight. Not awesome, not terrible, kind of familiar...so 3 stars.
Where do I begin? So....first off, I can not in good conscience recommend this one without someone already having read the first books in this series. I read it by itself, and it was very frustrating to not understand all of the puzzle pieces of the story or know who half the characters were as they were only mentioned by name. My rating may have gone up to 4 stars had the author provided enough backstory to explain why some crazy woman was killing people and who in the world the Libertine Scholars were. (I still don't really know- apparently it's 6 dudes who...call themselves that? I think the name is kind of cheesy and unnecessary, personally.) I have read plenty of other HR series titles out of order and I had no problem doing so. It bugged me that this one didn't work that way.
Secondly, this ends on a total cliffhanger. Like, mid-story. The relationship between the H and h is resolved for the time being, but in no way is the whole story finished. That also really bugged me. I wonder if the other 4 books were like that?
So...the story. The H, Hadley, and the h, Evangeline...
(*Side Note* Sorry, but I could NOT stop thinking of Evie from Devil in Winter the whole time I was reading this book. Between her name and the parallels I can draw between all of the husband/wife duos getting together and plotting shiz, I felt like it was slightly unoriginal in that sense. The plot is very different, but setting up a series where one couple gets together after another and they all get together and are one big group of friends that deals with drama has been done before.)
...met and fell in love 5 years ago. They planned to elope, but due to people literally conspiring against them, it didn't happen. Evangeline is now a widow with a son, and she shows up to hash out the past with Hadley. Then a TON of drama rama happens. Like absolute bunches. If you'd like to know:
I'm okay with some drama, but this bordered on melodramatic. The amount of insane plotting that all of the events leading up to this story alone is mind boggling. I won't give too much away, but basically the Libertine Scholars (again, stupidest name ever) are paying for the sins of their nasty, wretched, rapist fathers. (Which apparently you find out in books 1-4 somewhere.) It's all just...a bit much. Add to that Hadley having family drama and Evangeline having a pretty big secret. Hadley and Evangeline just get hit with one big mess after another, and at some point I just wanted everything to work out, already. What's crazy is that a lot of what happened was very predictable. Like, I knew as soon as I read Evangeline had a son where that was going. I also seemed to predict what the deal with Augustus was as soon as I read that his/Hadley's father had picked on him. I don't like being able to guess everything.
One more negative before I say what I DID like: this read pretty darn modern to me. Attitudes toward sexuality, family, and scandal didn't ring true to period. Language/expressions used didn't seem super authentic either. (For example, "bitch" was used multiple times by men and women. I don't think that would have been the case in the early 1800's.)
So what did I like enough to give this 3 stars? Evangeline and Hadley were both very likeable. I did get enough back story of the both of them to feel their connection and believe in them together. I thought the love scenes were well-written. I also just had to keep on reading in order to figure out what in the world was going to happen to these two poor people. There was certainly a lot of action once things got going. It lent a different spin on the HR novel- almost action-y.
So...yeah. It was aight. Not awesome, not terrible, kind of familiar...so 3 stars.
August 16, 2016
"Your leaving broke my heart, and it's been broken ever since."
FINAL DECISION: This book was a difficult one for me to rate. While I liked parts of it and was deeply engaged, at times I was frustrated by the repeated dramas and the necessity of knowing what has happened in prior books.
THE STORY: Lord Hadley Fullerton, the second son of a duke, had his heart crushed five years ago when the woman he loved, Evangeline Althorpe abandoned him to marry for a title and money. Now when Hadley is on the verge of entering his own marriage, Evangeline has returned. Now a widow, Evangeline insists that she never left Hadley willingly. Hadley doesn't know what to believe but he knows that he is in danger from the enemy who has been after him and his friends. Danger and secrets abound in this story as Hadley and his friends try to unmask their enemy and Hadley tries to determine the truth of what happened five years ago.
OPINION: This book was a mixed bag for me. I enjoy angst filled stories and this one has great possibilities. Hadley and Evangeline have such a sad story. Even when this story is resolved, there is still some sadness because not everything can be fixed. I didn't mind this.
The problem is that this book desperately needs a view in the future where readers can be assured that everything is wonderful in the end. Otherwise, there is a lingering sadness that makes the happy ending somewhat tainted. Such an epilogue, however, is impossible with the way this book and series is structured. There is an ongoing storyline about the enemy of the men. This book ends on a cliffhanger as to that story. Therefore, none of the stories in this series are truly resolved yet. My hope is that the final book of the series will resolve all the lingering issues, but that doesn't help a reader that starts and ends with this book.
I don't mind a series where there is a continuing storyline that requires the reading of prior books. In fact, I enjoyed this book enough to want to read the prior books in the series and continue on to the next book. For a reader, however, who starts here, there will be some things that are missing or don't make sense immediately.
I enjoyed the relationship between Hadley and Evangeline. Because there is no real internal conflict between the characters (they loved one another as the book begins and it never ends), there is a lot of external conflict. In order to keep them apart, problem after problem arises. There were just too many things for me. Rather than so many issues, I would prefer that the conflicts be fewer and deeper. I eventually got tired of Hadley and Evangeline not talking to one another for artificial reasons. After a misunderstanding pulls them apart, I would expect that these two would highly desire complete openness between them. Instead, they continue to act independently causing more problems.
So why did I give the book such a good rating? The book has a fascinating story with strong characters. I liked them and wanted to read more. The impulse I had to want to start again from the beginning of the series demonstrates that this book is worth reading. I would just recommend starting the series from the beginning. Once I have read this book again in context, my opinion overall might change.
WORTH MENTIONING: This book ends on a cliffhanger as to the ongoing storyline and sets up the next book.
CONNECTED BOOKS: A TASTE OF SEDUCTION is book 5 in the Disgraced Lords series. I have not read the other books in the series and while I figured most of the ongoing story out, I believe this book would be better after reading the other books in the series.
STAR RATING: I give this book 3 stars.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
FINAL DECISION: This book was a difficult one for me to rate. While I liked parts of it and was deeply engaged, at times I was frustrated by the repeated dramas and the necessity of knowing what has happened in prior books.
THE STORY: Lord Hadley Fullerton, the second son of a duke, had his heart crushed five years ago when the woman he loved, Evangeline Althorpe abandoned him to marry for a title and money. Now when Hadley is on the verge of entering his own marriage, Evangeline has returned. Now a widow, Evangeline insists that she never left Hadley willingly. Hadley doesn't know what to believe but he knows that he is in danger from the enemy who has been after him and his friends. Danger and secrets abound in this story as Hadley and his friends try to unmask their enemy and Hadley tries to determine the truth of what happened five years ago.
OPINION: This book was a mixed bag for me. I enjoy angst filled stories and this one has great possibilities. Hadley and Evangeline have such a sad story. Even when this story is resolved, there is still some sadness because not everything can be fixed. I didn't mind this.
The problem is that this book desperately needs a view in the future where readers can be assured that everything is wonderful in the end. Otherwise, there is a lingering sadness that makes the happy ending somewhat tainted. Such an epilogue, however, is impossible with the way this book and series is structured. There is an ongoing storyline about the enemy of the men. This book ends on a cliffhanger as to that story. Therefore, none of the stories in this series are truly resolved yet. My hope is that the final book of the series will resolve all the lingering issues, but that doesn't help a reader that starts and ends with this book.
I don't mind a series where there is a continuing storyline that requires the reading of prior books. In fact, I enjoyed this book enough to want to read the prior books in the series and continue on to the next book. For a reader, however, who starts here, there will be some things that are missing or don't make sense immediately.
I enjoyed the relationship between Hadley and Evangeline. Because there is no real internal conflict between the characters (they loved one another as the book begins and it never ends), there is a lot of external conflict. In order to keep them apart, problem after problem arises. There were just too many things for me. Rather than so many issues, I would prefer that the conflicts be fewer and deeper. I eventually got tired of Hadley and Evangeline not talking to one another for artificial reasons. After a misunderstanding pulls them apart, I would expect that these two would highly desire complete openness between them. Instead, they continue to act independently causing more problems.
So why did I give the book such a good rating? The book has a fascinating story with strong characters. I liked them and wanted to read more. The impulse I had to want to start again from the beginning of the series demonstrates that this book is worth reading. I would just recommend starting the series from the beginning. Once I have read this book again in context, my opinion overall might change.
WORTH MENTIONING: This book ends on a cliffhanger as to the ongoing storyline and sets up the next book.
CONNECTED BOOKS: A TASTE OF SEDUCTION is book 5 in the Disgraced Lords series. I have not read the other books in the series and while I figured most of the ongoing story out, I believe this book would be better after reading the other books in the series.
STAR RATING: I give this book 3 stars.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
July 25, 2016
1,5 stars. This wasn't for me.
This is the first book I have read by this author and it is book 5 in a series about the Disgraced Lords. And from what I can tell, this book is better read as book five in the series, and not as a stand-alone, as I did. But since I love historical romances and I also love to discover new authors, I requested and received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
In its core, this book is about how two people, who for a reason beyond their influence got separated years ago, get back together wrapped into a romantic suspense package.
Coincidence as it may be, just before I started this book, I read a book with the same premise (Stormswept, by Sabrina Jeffries) and I loved it. And this book, which is basically the same, I didn’t. Next is the answer I came up with. This is my personal opinion. It is not a fact and it could very well be you love the points I hated. So read and judge for yourself.
- First, the author didn’t give any information about the relationship between the side characters and the main characters. I guess that these characters were introduced in the previous books, and it could be a conscious decision by the author to not give little clues, but the names popping up left me confused almost from the beginning. Then there were constant references to the ‘Libertine Scholars’ which I guessed at some point to be another name for the disgraced Lords the series is named after. And why the lords were disgraced? No idea. (minus 1/2 point)
- Second, and this is going to sound fickle, the author provided too much information… meaning, too much description, too much tell and too less show. And when there was show (for example a conversation), the purpose of the conversation was explained before, and summarized after through sometimes both POV’s of the hero and heroine. It made me want to fast forward to when something new would happen. (minus 1 point)
- That brings me to point three, because a lot did happen in this book. If one subplot seemed to be resolved, another would take its place immediately. In fact, there were so many subplots I got confused. There were villains blackmailing, murdering, damsels in distress and older brothers in need of rescuing, secrets and some promises to keep. If there was any inner conflict, I missed it, either because I couldn’t stop myself from fast forwarding, or because I was numb from trying to figure out all those subplots. I like my books to have focus. (minus 1 point)
- Finally, four, the epilogue. I love epilogues. I love glimpses into the lives of the hero and heroine a few years ahead. I love to see them have children, or basically just still be happy. So if I turn a page after I know I have finished the story (the HEA has happened) and I read ‘epilogue’ at the top of the next page, a big smile brightens my face. But then sometimes, as in this book, the epilogue is misused as a teaser for the next book in this series. And I hate it. (minus 1 point).
With all of the above going on, the result was that the main characters, the ones that I would have liked to have been the major driving force of the story, seemed to fade into the background. They didn’t leave a lasting impression on me.
In the end I truly hope that you’ll disagree with me, that you'll love this book and have read or decide to read everything this author has ever written. I am greatly in awe of everyone who manages to produce a book and I know not everyone’s writing is to everyone’s taste, as it should be. For me, this is probably the last book I will read by this author and I won’t recommend it, sad to say, to my friends.
This is the first book I have read by this author and it is book 5 in a series about the Disgraced Lords. And from what I can tell, this book is better read as book five in the series, and not as a stand-alone, as I did. But since I love historical romances and I also love to discover new authors, I requested and received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
In its core, this book is about how two people, who for a reason beyond their influence got separated years ago, get back together wrapped into a romantic suspense package.
Coincidence as it may be, just before I started this book, I read a book with the same premise (Stormswept, by Sabrina Jeffries) and I loved it. And this book, which is basically the same, I didn’t. Next is the answer I came up with. This is my personal opinion. It is not a fact and it could very well be you love the points I hated. So read and judge for yourself.
- First, the author didn’t give any information about the relationship between the side characters and the main characters. I guess that these characters were introduced in the previous books, and it could be a conscious decision by the author to not give little clues, but the names popping up left me confused almost from the beginning. Then there were constant references to the ‘Libertine Scholars’ which I guessed at some point to be another name for the disgraced Lords the series is named after. And why the lords were disgraced? No idea. (minus 1/2 point)
- Second, and this is going to sound fickle, the author provided too much information… meaning, too much description, too much tell and too less show. And when there was show (for example a conversation), the purpose of the conversation was explained before, and summarized after through sometimes both POV’s of the hero and heroine. It made me want to fast forward to when something new would happen. (minus 1 point)
- That brings me to point three, because a lot did happen in this book. If one subplot seemed to be resolved, another would take its place immediately. In fact, there were so many subplots I got confused. There were villains blackmailing, murdering, damsels in distress and older brothers in need of rescuing, secrets and some promises to keep. If there was any inner conflict, I missed it, either because I couldn’t stop myself from fast forwarding, or because I was numb from trying to figure out all those subplots. I like my books to have focus. (minus 1 point)
- Finally, four, the epilogue. I love epilogues. I love glimpses into the lives of the hero and heroine a few years ahead. I love to see them have children, or basically just still be happy. So if I turn a page after I know I have finished the story (the HEA has happened) and I read ‘epilogue’ at the top of the next page, a big smile brightens my face. But then sometimes, as in this book, the epilogue is misused as a teaser for the next book in this series. And I hate it. (minus 1 point).
With all of the above going on, the result was that the main characters, the ones that I would have liked to have been the major driving force of the story, seemed to fade into the background. They didn’t leave a lasting impression on me.
In the end I truly hope that you’ll disagree with me, that you'll love this book and have read or decide to read everything this author has ever written. I am greatly in awe of everyone who manages to produce a book and I know not everyone’s writing is to everyone’s taste, as it should be. For me, this is probably the last book I will read by this author and I won’t recommend it, sad to say, to my friends.
June 6, 2016
**I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
This is my favorite book in the series so far. The blurb for this book doesn't really do the story justice and is a bit misleading.
Evangeline and Hadley have a past. Five years ago they were young and madly in love with plans to elope. Their plans, hope and dreams were dashed when Evangeline married Viscount Stuart. They each believed the worst of the other and each felt betrayed.
Fast forward five years, Evangeline is now a widow and has spent the last five years waiting for the moment when she can see Hadley again and find out why he never came for her. She never wanted to marry the viscount, her mother sold her to him to repay gambling debts. She was abused by the viscount both physically and emotionally - the only thing that kept her sane was the love she had for her son Sealy. She returns to London and wants answers from the man who broke her heart and in her view, abandoned her.
Hadley has spent the last five years believing that Evangeline lied to him, that she never loved him and when the opportunity to marry a title came along - threw him over without a second thought. When he sees her again, he is angry that he still finds her beautiful and still desires her. When she confronts him about abandoning her, he wonders what game she is playing. He still has the letter that she sent him telling him that she would rather marry the viscount than him. When he tells her about the letter, she denies sending it and demands to see it. He agrees to let her see the letter and they go to his house - as they are exiting the carriage Evangeline is shot by a bullet that was clearly meant for Hadley. Hadley rushes Evangeline inside and calls for a doctor and sends a message to his friends. He is worried about Evangeline and feels guilty that she was hurt. When Arend shows up, they talk and conclude that their mutual enemy was behind the attack and make plans to root her out.
Evangeline was not badly hurt and wants to go home, Hadley explains that he has been targeted by an enemy of his father and that now Evangeline might be in danger. He wants her to stay so he can protect her - she tells him that she must return home to her son and will take measures to stay safe. She also tells him that she might be able to help him find proof that Victoria is the villain in her husband's journals - Lord Stuart was friends with Victoria's late husband and didn't like Victoria. Evangeline still wants to see the letter that Hadley has and agrees to let him visit her the next day.
From here our two lovers discover that they were both betrayed and torn apart. They have both changed so much that they are not sure that they can ever recapture what they once had - but they want to try.
I don't usually like a lot of angst in the books I read and this story is full to the brim with angst - I actually cried reading this book - not the usual misty eyes, real tears and a stuffy nose kind of crying - but I loved it! It made the ending all that much sweeter.
This book has it all; steamy love scenes, a second chance at love, blackmailers, a psycho villainess, abductions, unwanted betrothals, betrayals, secrets revealed, life and death moments and finally a bittersweet HEA.
I would definitely recommend reading the series in order and not trying to read this book as a stand alone title. If you have been following the series - be prepared to be astounded!
This is my favorite book in the series so far. The blurb for this book doesn't really do the story justice and is a bit misleading.
Evangeline and Hadley have a past. Five years ago they were young and madly in love with plans to elope. Their plans, hope and dreams were dashed when Evangeline married Viscount Stuart. They each believed the worst of the other and each felt betrayed.
Fast forward five years, Evangeline is now a widow and has spent the last five years waiting for the moment when she can see Hadley again and find out why he never came for her. She never wanted to marry the viscount, her mother sold her to him to repay gambling debts. She was abused by the viscount both physically and emotionally - the only thing that kept her sane was the love she had for her son Sealy. She returns to London and wants answers from the man who broke her heart and in her view, abandoned her.
Hadley has spent the last five years believing that Evangeline lied to him, that she never loved him and when the opportunity to marry a title came along - threw him over without a second thought. When he sees her again, he is angry that he still finds her beautiful and still desires her. When she confronts him about abandoning her, he wonders what game she is playing. He still has the letter that she sent him telling him that she would rather marry the viscount than him. When he tells her about the letter, she denies sending it and demands to see it. He agrees to let her see the letter and they go to his house - as they are exiting the carriage Evangeline is shot by a bullet that was clearly meant for Hadley. Hadley rushes Evangeline inside and calls for a doctor and sends a message to his friends. He is worried about Evangeline and feels guilty that she was hurt. When Arend shows up, they talk and conclude that their mutual enemy was behind the attack and make plans to root her out.
Evangeline was not badly hurt and wants to go home, Hadley explains that he has been targeted by an enemy of his father and that now Evangeline might be in danger. He wants her to stay so he can protect her - she tells him that she must return home to her son and will take measures to stay safe. She also tells him that she might be able to help him find proof that Victoria is the villain in her husband's journals - Lord Stuart was friends with Victoria's late husband and didn't like Victoria. Evangeline still wants to see the letter that Hadley has and agrees to let him visit her the next day.
From here our two lovers discover that they were both betrayed and torn apart. They have both changed so much that they are not sure that they can ever recapture what they once had - but they want to try.
I don't usually like a lot of angst in the books I read and this story is full to the brim with angst - I actually cried reading this book - not the usual misty eyes, real tears and a stuffy nose kind of crying - but I loved it! It made the ending all that much sweeter.
This book has it all; steamy love scenes, a second chance at love, blackmailers, a psycho villainess, abductions, unwanted betrothals, betrayals, secrets revealed, life and death moments and finally a bittersweet HEA.
I would definitely recommend reading the series in order and not trying to read this book as a stand alone title. If you have been following the series - be prepared to be astounded!
August 6, 2016
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
3 Angsty Stars.
Bronwen Evans is a new-to-me author, making book 5 in the Disgraced Lords the first book in the series I've read. Perhaps if I'd read the series from the beginning, I would have been hooked on the characters and their lives and not seen the things that I'd find fault with.
Like many historical romances in standalone series, I don't recommend picking up a book in this series and reading it out of order. One) it takes away the connection the reader develops with the characters and the universe created by the author. 2) there was some confusion that I just had to roll with. I don't fault the author for this, as it was my bad to make assumptions based on how easily it is to fall into other standalone series in the historical romance genre. But, I'll say, one of the things I don't enjoy in a novel, I wished I'd had in this one- the dreaded rehash of events. I didn't need a huge amount of info-dump, just a clue to how these characters were connected, versus their names being dropped into the story as if I should just know. While I didn't read the previous books, those who did a while ago may not remember every detail either. The complexity, it was frustrating to read, like trying to do a puzzle while missing pieces.
Above is all on me, and did not effect my rating.
Writing style- highly descriptive about things that don't necessarily matter but do set the scene nicely. Also, more 'tell' than 'show' writing- storytelling narrative that takes the emotional impact from the reader, as we're 'hearing' about it instead of experiencing it.
A second-chance romance, the couple comes together after fabricated events tore them apart. The LETTER All issues between Evangeline and Hadley are miscommunication in nature, where if someone at some point would have been mature and communicate, the entire conflict would dissolve. If you are old enough to love, to marry, you ought to be old enough to confront someone whom you think has hurt you, ask for answers. Instead, Hadley believes the worst about Evangeline, doesn't trust her, if he truly believed the letter.
If I had been Evangeline, I wouldn't have been able to forgive that breach of trust and lack of trust in their relationship, added with the immature behavior. 'If you can't come to me and ask, to know I would or wouldn't act this way/do this, then I can't trust you in the future.'
Self-respect.
Nor can I respect the romance on the pages when its foundation is miscommunication, which is forced conflict for the reader, not organic in nature.
Both characters were one-dimensional, rather shallow. This was a case where the narration contradicted the dialogue and action/reaction of the characters. The narrator sees themselves differently than their behavior. Example: "I'm strong and fierce- an independent, intelligent woman." but then acts like a TSTL damsel in distress (victim). This goes for both the MCs, H & h.
Overall, I recommend A Taste of Seduction for fans of the series. If I hadn't dropped in at book 5, without a connection to the author, story, and its characters, I may have not been confused and frustrated, I would have fallen into the story, and not noticed the things that made me go into nitpick-mode.
3 Stars, right down the middle, as that's on me- I can't predict if I would have enjoyed this author or the series, but I'm willing to give the benefit of the doubt.
3 Angsty Stars.
Bronwen Evans is a new-to-me author, making book 5 in the Disgraced Lords the first book in the series I've read. Perhaps if I'd read the series from the beginning, I would have been hooked on the characters and their lives and not seen the things that I'd find fault with.
Like many historical romances in standalone series, I don't recommend picking up a book in this series and reading it out of order. One) it takes away the connection the reader develops with the characters and the universe created by the author. 2) there was some confusion that I just had to roll with. I don't fault the author for this, as it was my bad to make assumptions based on how easily it is to fall into other standalone series in the historical romance genre. But, I'll say, one of the things I don't enjoy in a novel, I wished I'd had in this one- the dreaded rehash of events. I didn't need a huge amount of info-dump, just a clue to how these characters were connected, versus their names being dropped into the story as if I should just know. While I didn't read the previous books, those who did a while ago may not remember every detail either. The complexity, it was frustrating to read, like trying to do a puzzle while missing pieces.
Above is all on me, and did not effect my rating.
Writing style- highly descriptive about things that don't necessarily matter but do set the scene nicely. Also, more 'tell' than 'show' writing- storytelling narrative that takes the emotional impact from the reader, as we're 'hearing' about it instead of experiencing it.
A second-chance romance, the couple comes together after fabricated events tore them apart. The LETTER All issues between Evangeline and Hadley are miscommunication in nature, where if someone at some point would have been mature and communicate, the entire conflict would dissolve. If you are old enough to love, to marry, you ought to be old enough to confront someone whom you think has hurt you, ask for answers. Instead, Hadley believes the worst about Evangeline, doesn't trust her, if he truly believed the letter.
If I had been Evangeline, I wouldn't have been able to forgive that breach of trust and lack of trust in their relationship, added with the immature behavior. 'If you can't come to me and ask, to know I would or wouldn't act this way/do this, then I can't trust you in the future.'
Self-respect.
Nor can I respect the romance on the pages when its foundation is miscommunication, which is forced conflict for the reader, not organic in nature.
Both characters were one-dimensional, rather shallow. This was a case where the narration contradicted the dialogue and action/reaction of the characters. The narrator sees themselves differently than their behavior. Example: "I'm strong and fierce- an independent, intelligent woman." but then acts like a TSTL damsel in distress (victim). This goes for both the MCs, H & h.
Overall, I recommend A Taste of Seduction for fans of the series. If I hadn't dropped in at book 5, without a connection to the author, story, and its characters, I may have not been confused and frustrated, I would have fallen into the story, and not noticed the things that made me go into nitpick-mode.
3 Stars, right down the middle, as that's on me- I can't predict if I would have enjoyed this author or the series, but I'm willing to give the benefit of the doubt.
August 15, 2016
Hadley and Evangeline had planned to elope. They were madly in love, but Evangeline’s family wanted her to marry well; they were not well off, and neither was Hadley, the second son of a duke. Five years later, and Hadley has not forgotten Evangeline’s betrayal. Back in London, and now a rich widow, Evangeline needs to know if Hadley still wants to marry her. She still loves him, but what about Hadley? Hadley has more pressing preoccupations: the Libertine Scholars, of which he is a member, are getting closer to nabbing the slippery foe that has been making their life hell. Hadley doesn’t need the distraction of the beautiful Evangeline…
Where to begin? A TASTE OF SEDUCTION is the most recent book in The Disgraced Lords, and although it is a continuing story that began in book 1, it is such a fabulous book that even if a little extra work would be needed on the part of a newcomer to this series, every effort will be richly rewarded. This series has been excellent from the start, and I think A TASTE OF SEDUCTION might be the best of the lot. Bronwen Evans’ characters are always superb, and Hadley and Evangeline are simply phenomenal, as are Augustus – Hadley’s older brother – and Arend, whom we had previously encountered. In A TASTE OF SEDUCTION, there is more action than ever, it’s one plot twist after the next, and there are shocking revelations. As for Hadley and Evangeline, their love story is one of the most beautiful and touching I have ever read: their love is so pure and true, no heart will be left untouched, and the sex scenes are exquisite and filled with tenderness. The prose is gorgeous, the dialogues impeccable, and seldom has an author been able to convey emotions with such power and sincerity.
A TASTE OF SEDUCTION is a grand love story, tremendously exciting, and the wonderful, fabulous ending promises for the next book to be at least as brilliant!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Where to begin? A TASTE OF SEDUCTION is the most recent book in The Disgraced Lords, and although it is a continuing story that began in book 1, it is such a fabulous book that even if a little extra work would be needed on the part of a newcomer to this series, every effort will be richly rewarded. This series has been excellent from the start, and I think A TASTE OF SEDUCTION might be the best of the lot. Bronwen Evans’ characters are always superb, and Hadley and Evangeline are simply phenomenal, as are Augustus – Hadley’s older brother – and Arend, whom we had previously encountered. In A TASTE OF SEDUCTION, there is more action than ever, it’s one plot twist after the next, and there are shocking revelations. As for Hadley and Evangeline, their love story is one of the most beautiful and touching I have ever read: their love is so pure and true, no heart will be left untouched, and the sex scenes are exquisite and filled with tenderness. The prose is gorgeous, the dialogues impeccable, and seldom has an author been able to convey emotions with such power and sincerity.
A TASTE OF SEDUCTION is a grand love story, tremendously exciting, and the wonderful, fabulous ending promises for the next book to be at least as brilliant!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2016
This was a delightful read full of passion, love and betrayal everything that makes this a five star read. Even though this is the fifth book in the series it can be read as a standalone. I am sure if this is the first of the series you have read you will want to go back to read the rest of this wonderful captivating series.
Lady Evangeline and Lord Hadley were deeply in love and had planned to elope and marry. Things got in the way of their happiness as things went terribly wrong leaving Evangeline to marry someone else. Years go by leaving her a widow with a small son and Harley a Duke. When they meet again at a dinner party they are very angry with each other for leaving the other to deal with the fall out. This is where the story really takes of and gets very interesting with a story I could not put down.
The author gives you a wonderful plot spinning wonderful twists that keeps you hooked until the end. She gives you wonderful characters you can relate to as your heart reaches out to them cheering them on and at times pulling on your heartstring with all they have to deal with. This is a fast paced read with delightful characters you can relate to. I love the writing style of the author as she gets right to your heart with an unknown threat that wants them to pay for the sins of their fathers. Much will happen with lots of danger around before or if they can make the wrong right of their past. Ms. Evans knows how to pull you in keeping your heart pounding as she takes you through the twists and turns keeping you invested in the story hanging on the edge waiting for the next shoe to drop with danger, deception, seduction, passion and mistrust giving the reader what they crave in a exciting dangerous romance that will leave you wanting more. I can’t wait for the next book in this wonderful delightful series.
Book Obsessed Chicks Review
************************
Lady Evangeline and Lord Hadley were deeply in love and had planned to elope and marry. Things got in the way of their happiness as things went terribly wrong leaving Evangeline to marry someone else. Years go by leaving her a widow with a small son and Harley a Duke. When they meet again at a dinner party they are very angry with each other for leaving the other to deal with the fall out. This is where the story really takes of and gets very interesting with a story I could not put down.
The author gives you a wonderful plot spinning wonderful twists that keeps you hooked until the end. She gives you wonderful characters you can relate to as your heart reaches out to them cheering them on and at times pulling on your heartstring with all they have to deal with. This is a fast paced read with delightful characters you can relate to. I love the writing style of the author as she gets right to your heart with an unknown threat that wants them to pay for the sins of their fathers. Much will happen with lots of danger around before or if they can make the wrong right of their past. Ms. Evans knows how to pull you in keeping your heart pounding as she takes you through the twists and turns keeping you invested in the story hanging on the edge waiting for the next shoe to drop with danger, deception, seduction, passion and mistrust giving the reader what they crave in a exciting dangerous romance that will leave you wanting more. I can’t wait for the next book in this wonderful delightful series.
Book Obsessed Chicks Review
************************
July 26, 2016
Originally posted on lampshadereader.com: ARC Review: A Taste of Seduction by Bronwen Evans.
A story that takes on the emotional roller coaster with soaring heights and lows. The characters are put through the ringer. I knew it was too good to be true when the story starts off as if the world is right and the happy ending is near. There wouldn’t be a story if that was the case. Nobody has it easy and in the case of Evangeline and Hadley, their world is torn asunder and left bereft. Mistaken motives and a forged letter causes a lot of heartache and sorrow.
Going on in the background is the continuation of the Libertine Scholars’ task of finding a murderer. Each of Hadley’s friends have been touched in one way or another by their enemy. I found it a little difficult to follow because I haven’t read the previous stories. However, it was a interesting plot with the feel of suspense to it.
As for our hero and heroine, besides having a star crossed lovers theme following them around, they were actually quite entertaining. I loved the dialogue and their love story was truly worth the ride to the end.
I really enjoyed how each character had their own heartbreaking story. It gave me the feels and made me sympathize with them all the more.
*I received an ARC by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
A story that takes on the emotional roller coaster with soaring heights and lows. The characters are put through the ringer. I knew it was too good to be true when the story starts off as if the world is right and the happy ending is near. There wouldn’t be a story if that was the case. Nobody has it easy and in the case of Evangeline and Hadley, their world is torn asunder and left bereft. Mistaken motives and a forged letter causes a lot of heartache and sorrow.
Going on in the background is the continuation of the Libertine Scholars’ task of finding a murderer. Each of Hadley’s friends have been touched in one way or another by their enemy. I found it a little difficult to follow because I haven’t read the previous stories. However, it was a interesting plot with the feel of suspense to it.
As for our hero and heroine, besides having a star crossed lovers theme following them around, they were actually quite entertaining. I loved the dialogue and their love story was truly worth the ride to the end.
I really enjoyed how each character had their own heartbreaking story. It gave me the feels and made me sympathize with them all the more.
*I received an ARC by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
August 21, 2016
I have been a fan of Bronwen Evans for a few years now and every single time a new book comes out from this indomitable writer, it gets better and better. I become so engulfed in Ms. Evans world that it's hard to move on after. A TASTE OF SEDUCTION is no exception. This fifth book in THE DISGRACED LORDS series answers some questions and leaves us with more. It is an exciting and nail biting continuation to the series that I have been following from day one.
Yes, this book CAN be read as a stand alone, but why would you? So much storyline comes before in the preceding books that this book is best savored when reading the rest. The reader becomes invested in the characters and the HEA's are so much sweeter when one has an understanding for the motivations of all the involved characters.
So many misunderstandings kept Evangeline and Hadley apart. To discount these misunderstandings is wrong, because they are real. No one knows how difficult Evangeline had it in her previous marriage. She kept herself together and carried on. Hadley's inevitable distraction by his lost love sparks such a wonderful story that it's hard to put down.
I LOVED A TASTE OF SEDUCTION by Bronwen Evans. Her books are well written and thoughtful, they are exciting and wonderful, and this book is a great follow up to the DISGRACED LORDS...
Yes, this book CAN be read as a stand alone, but why would you? So much storyline comes before in the preceding books that this book is best savored when reading the rest. The reader becomes invested in the characters and the HEA's are so much sweeter when one has an understanding for the motivations of all the involved characters.
So many misunderstandings kept Evangeline and Hadley apart. To discount these misunderstandings is wrong, because they are real. No one knows how difficult Evangeline had it in her previous marriage. She kept herself together and carried on. Hadley's inevitable distraction by his lost love sparks such a wonderful story that it's hard to put down.
I LOVED A TASTE OF SEDUCTION by Bronwen Evans. Her books are well written and thoughtful, they are exciting and wonderful, and this book is a great follow up to the DISGRACED LORDS...
April 1, 2016
Evangeline and Hadley made plans to marry. The next day, Hadley received a missive from Evangeline stating she would be marrying a duke instead. Hadley was left heartbroken. Five years later, Lady Evangeline returns. She's now a widow with a young son. When she shares with Hadley that it was all a betrayal schemed by her own mother and that she has never stopped loving him, Hadley's pride refuses to believe her. But Evangeline is too much of a temptation and he finds himself longing for the past they had. Could they start anew? With their enemy pursuing the Libertine Scholars, their second chance at love is threatened. I absolutely adored Hadley, such a caring man, striving to protect those he loves. Evangeline, though she had suffered unimaginably, did not play the victim but stood up to Hadley, fighting for their future. The continuing mystery of who is threatening the Libertine Scholars evolves quite a bit in this story. The twists and turns are amazing and so cleverly written. This series is addicting! Bronwen Evans has such a talent for awakening intrigue by carefully weaving together emotional romance, a strong danger element, and a mystery the reader is left dying to solve. She weaves it all together seamlessly. If you have read the previous books in this series, you will be delighted with A Taste of Seduction. A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection
August 25, 2016
*ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
This is the 5th book in the Disgraced Lord series and functions well enough as a stand-alone but be warned that though there are references to people and story threads from the other books, it will be somewhat confusing if you have not had the opportunity to read the first three. Happily, I do not have that handicap!
Five years ago, Evangeline and Hardley was on the cusp of eloping and and getting married but Evangeline's mother "intervened" by forging a letter to Hadley and "selling" Evangeline to settle debts. Now a widow with a son, she wants answers from Hadley who "left" her. And Hadley wants nothing to do with the woman who "chose" a different life. Throw in meddling friends and a "blind date"...
Both are wary of each other especially and hurting in different ways but the same reasons. The journey from the realization that they were torn to finding their way back to love and to each other was emotional. Though some issues about the horrific nature of Evangeline's suffering and Hadleys willingness to believe the worst of her strayed into eye-brow raising territory, it wasn't toooo fantastical.
And no...the running thread of the mystery woman hellbent on destroying the Disgraced Lords is still not done!
This is the 5th book in the Disgraced Lord series and functions well enough as a stand-alone but be warned that though there are references to people and story threads from the other books, it will be somewhat confusing if you have not had the opportunity to read the first three. Happily, I do not have that handicap!
Five years ago, Evangeline and Hardley was on the cusp of eloping and and getting married but Evangeline's mother "intervened" by forging a letter to Hadley and "selling" Evangeline to settle debts. Now a widow with a son, she wants answers from Hadley who "left" her. And Hadley wants nothing to do with the woman who "chose" a different life. Throw in meddling friends and a "blind date"...
Both are wary of each other especially and hurting in different ways but the same reasons. The journey from the realization that they were torn to finding their way back to love and to each other was emotional. Though some issues about the horrific nature of Evangeline's suffering and Hadleys willingness to believe the worst of her strayed into eye-brow raising territory, it wasn't toooo fantastical.
And no...the running thread of the mystery woman hellbent on destroying the Disgraced Lords is still not done!
August 17, 2016
Lord Hadley Fullerton is bitter and distrustful ever since his one true love turned her back on him and married another. Money and a more prestigious title meant more to her than he did. Now after five years, Evangeline is a widow and she's looking for him. He feels nothing but disdain. Or does he? Hadley is torn between memories and what he knows is true. He will never forgive or forget his pain. To make matters worse he and the other Libertine Scholars are in mortal danger from a villainess who wants vengeance. I liked Hadley. He's honorable and loving, but I wish that he didn't rush in his judgment of Evangeline. This woman had stoically endured abuse at the hands of her husband. She didn't give up. I admired her courage and wanted her to find happiness . She focused on her child and became stronger. I enjoyed the second chance at love plot. The emotional turmoil made me shed tears. The interwoven storylines merged romance, secrets and revenge. I was on the edge of my seat as the Scholars grew closer to their enemy. Bronwen Evans has written a highly intriguing story. The setting, the dialogue and the characters come together to deliver a roller coaster ride of suspense. Just be aware that the story ends with a cliffhanger. I'm anxiously awaiting the next book.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.
April 10, 2016
A Taste of Seduction ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Written by Bronwen Evans
Lord Hadley Fullerton a second son and Evangeline Althrope were young and infatuated with each other for years. They became lovers and planned to elope. Hadley receives a letter from Evangeline saying she has chosen to marry a Viscount with a title and money over him.
Five years later, Evangeline returns to London to confront Hadley and each of them is angry with the other. They finally realize how their future and happiness was robbed from them and are able to rekindle their love.
All of this love affair is brought around to the order of Libertine Scholars of whom Hadley is a member. Ms Evans has managed to weave great romances into each of her Disgraced Lords novels. Aside from the romance and mystery she has unfolded in each novel she puts together a villainous out for revenge and after each of the members of the Libertine Scholars.
I for one have followed each book in this Disgraced Lord series and found myself not disappointed in revealed villainous. I must admire how Ms Evans gave us the answer to the mystery but has waved a carrot before our very eyes and we realize the revenge continues. She is a storyteller and a great author my hats off to her talent.
A Book Obsessed Chick Review Team Selection
Lord Hadley Fullerton a second son and Evangeline Althrope were young and infatuated with each other for years. They became lovers and planned to elope. Hadley receives a letter from Evangeline saying she has chosen to marry a Viscount with a title and money over him.
Five years later, Evangeline returns to London to confront Hadley and each of them is angry with the other. They finally realize how their future and happiness was robbed from them and are able to rekindle their love.
All of this love affair is brought around to the order of Libertine Scholars of whom Hadley is a member. Ms Evans has managed to weave great romances into each of her Disgraced Lords novels. Aside from the romance and mystery she has unfolded in each novel she puts together a villainous out for revenge and after each of the members of the Libertine Scholars.
I for one have followed each book in this Disgraced Lord series and found myself not disappointed in revealed villainous. I must admire how Ms Evans gave us the answer to the mystery but has waved a carrot before our very eyes and we realize the revenge continues. She is a storyteller and a great author my hats off to her talent.
A Book Obsessed Chick Review Team Selection
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