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Lords of Honor #4
Tempted by a Lady's Smile
Richard Jonas has loved but one woman--a woman who belongs to his brother. Refusing to suffer any longer, he evades his family in order to barricade his heart from unrequited love. While attending a friend's summer picnic, Richard's approach to love is changed after he shares a passionate and life-altering kiss with a vibrant and mysterious woman. Believing he was incapable of loving again, Richard finds himself tempted by a young lady determined to marry his best friend.
Gemma Reed has not been treated kindly by the ton. Often disregarded for her appearance and interests unlike those of a proper lady, Gemma heads to a house party to win the heart of Lord Westfield, the man she's loved for years. But her plan is set off course by the tempting and intriguing, Richard Jonas.
A chance meeting creates a new path for Richard and Gemma to forge-- but can two people, scorned and shunned by those they've loved from afar, let down their guards to find true happiness?
***Please note--this is a 43,000 word novella!
Gemma Reed has not been treated kindly by the ton. Often disregarded for her appearance and interests unlike those of a proper lady, Gemma heads to a house party to win the heart of Lord Westfield, the man she's loved for years. But her plan is set off course by the tempting and intriguing, Richard Jonas.
A chance meeting creates a new path for Richard and Gemma to forge-- but can two people, scorned and shunned by those they've loved from afar, let down their guards to find true happiness?
***Please note--this is a 43,000 word novella!
161 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 30, 2016
442 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
About the author
Christi Caldwell
137 books2,560 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling author CHRISTI CALDWELL blames Judith McNaught's "Whitney, My Love!" for luring her into the world of historical romance. While sitting in her graduate school apartment at the University of Connecticut, Christi decided to set aside her notes and pick up her laptop to try her hand at romance. She believes the most perfect heroes and heroines have imperfections, and she rather enjoys torturing them before crafting them a well deserved happily ever after!
Christi makes her home in Charlotte, North Carolina where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances, and baking surprisingly good cakes (almost 2 years in lockdown will do that) with her courageous son and twin daughters, each who with their daily antics provides limitless source material.
Christi makes her home in Charlotte, North Carolina where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances, and baking surprisingly good cakes (almost 2 years in lockdown will do that) with her courageous son and twin daughters, each who with their daily antics provides limitless source material.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
April 2, 2016
After reading the stunning but dark tale of RESCUED BY A LADY'S LOVE, author Christi Caldwell brings a vivid and upbeat story of a bluestocking and a second son in TEMPTED BY A LADY'S SMILE.
Horse breeder and gentleman, Richard Jonas once loved and lost that love, to his own older brother, no less. Still discouraged by that loss, even though his is relieved to see his brother happy and settled, Richard doesn't believe he will ever love again. He even goes as far as to stay away from home as not to see his brother and and wife together, instead opting for his friend, Lord Westfield's party.
Gemma Reed is practically a social pariah of the ton, the plain looking miss would rather have her nose in a book than attend a house party. But her mother is determined to see her married and insists on Gemma and her brother attending the summer house party the ailing Duke of Somerset is throwing with the sole purpose of seeing his heir secure in a betrothal before his time comes to an end. Gemma's only true friend is Lady Beatrice Dennington, the sister of Gemma's one true love, Lord Westfield and Beatrice would like to help Gemma have her heart's desire, her brother.
When Richard and Gemma meet, sparks begin to fly, making Gemma rethink her long unrequited love for Westfield, and when Richard steals more than a few kisses from Gemma, both of their heads start spinning with thoughts never though possible. Could Gemma's love for Westfield be true? Will Richard ever get over his lost love? These questions and more are answered in the wonderful TEMPTED BY A LADY'S SMILE by the equally wonderful author, Christi Caldwell.
What a great story! In the beginning, when Gemma is being described, it made me wonder if looks really were important to happiness. Gemma may not be pretty, or have the talents that most ladies of the ton are accomplished in, but she is honest and knowledgeable of the real world and doesn't haven't have the agenda the other young ladies have of acquiring a husband with a title and coin. Richard realizes this fact quickly and those facts really bring home to him that maybe there is more to life than pining after what can never be, or even what was never really meant to be. I loved that Gemma and Richard understanding grew leaps and bounds once they were faced with the possibility of something called happiness. TEMPTED BY A LADY'S SMILE is a luminous addition to the LORDS OF HONOR series by Christi Caldwell. A must read.
Horse breeder and gentleman, Richard Jonas once loved and lost that love, to his own older brother, no less. Still discouraged by that loss, even though his is relieved to see his brother happy and settled, Richard doesn't believe he will ever love again. He even goes as far as to stay away from home as not to see his brother and and wife together, instead opting for his friend, Lord Westfield's party.
Gemma Reed is practically a social pariah of the ton, the plain looking miss would rather have her nose in a book than attend a house party. But her mother is determined to see her married and insists on Gemma and her brother attending the summer house party the ailing Duke of Somerset is throwing with the sole purpose of seeing his heir secure in a betrothal before his time comes to an end. Gemma's only true friend is Lady Beatrice Dennington, the sister of Gemma's one true love, Lord Westfield and Beatrice would like to help Gemma have her heart's desire, her brother.
When Richard and Gemma meet, sparks begin to fly, making Gemma rethink her long unrequited love for Westfield, and when Richard steals more than a few kisses from Gemma, both of their heads start spinning with thoughts never though possible. Could Gemma's love for Westfield be true? Will Richard ever get over his lost love? These questions and more are answered in the wonderful TEMPTED BY A LADY'S SMILE by the equally wonderful author, Christi Caldwell.
What a great story! In the beginning, when Gemma is being described, it made me wonder if looks really were important to happiness. Gemma may not be pretty, or have the talents that most ladies of the ton are accomplished in, but she is honest and knowledgeable of the real world and doesn't haven't have the agenda the other young ladies have of acquiring a husband with a title and coin. Richard realizes this fact quickly and those facts really bring home to him that maybe there is more to life than pining after what can never be, or even what was never really meant to be. I loved that Gemma and Richard understanding grew leaps and bounds once they were faced with the possibility of something called happiness. TEMPTED BY A LADY'S SMILE is a luminous addition to the LORDS OF HONOR series by Christi Caldwell. A must read.
May 12, 2019
4 stars
Somerset, England in 1821; summer country house party
Miss Gemma Reed (22), intelligent sister of a viscount w/ lots of random knowledge
Mr. Richard Jonas (33), 2nd son of a viscount and successful horse breeder
My Initial Notes When I Finished It. WTF?! Ugh. I mean yes, it was good, but it gets 4 stars because of the heart-palpitations-causing angstiness of it AND THAT IS NOT AN ENDING!!! We definitely deserved a little more than that. Ok, full review to come, but I had to get that out there. At least give us an epilogue if you're going to have it all drawn out until the end like that!!!! So wrong.
My Actual Review. I have only recently discovered Christi Caldwell, which is odd considering she's quite prolific and I've been reading romances for so long. Another oddity is that while most all of her books have stellar ratings, she hasn't been a great hit with me ... glad to say, this was one of the exceptions! And interestingly enough, one of the few things I've appreciated in all of her other books—the lack of too much of angst or not-saying-things, etc.—is what knocked off a star for me here! Well that and the fact that Gemma continued to be stuck on Westfield, despite the clear connection between her and Richard.
I love odd/unusual heroines, especially those awkward ones who know too much and are always saying the "wrong" thing at the wrong time—hence, I was very excited about Gemma! She definitely delivers on that score and Caldwell is very good in her depiction of her and keeping it consistent. It's also so lovely to see how she is able to feel so much freer to be herself with Richard, vs. most of the other people she encounters.
Their encounters are fantastic from the beginning, full of sizzle, humor, and lots of challenge (in a good way). Richard and Gemma are such a cute fit and I loved to see how their relationship developed from the initial misconceptions and judgments they'd made of each other to, of course, love! ::sigh:: Richard's heartbreak is very real and sweet, but don't let that bother you if you're one who doesn't like a main character to be hung up on someone else (I totally fit in that category). You feel for him so much, having had to watch the woman he (thought he) loved marry his brother, but when he realizes that it wasn't that real, life-altering romantic love, it also felt very realistic and not at all forced and just-for-the-book's-sake.
Gemma was a bit more of a challenge in that sense; she's a very bright, intelligent, young woman, and I don't see why she didn't clue in earlier on that what she felt for Westfield was hero worship and nothing really more. She was appreciative that he was kind to her, and overall he's a great guy, but her being so set on marrying him didn't make much sense to me. Especially when she is supposed to not think she's a great catch and can attract a guy like him ... but then is on the other hand convinced that she can make him notice and fall in love with her? Which is it?
Most annoyingly, I didn't like that this was drawn out for so long; even when each of them has realized their true feelings for the other, there's something stopping them, or some type of misunderstanding, etc. And I hate those type of plot ploys; one or two, fine, but so many? And in a novella, where we're already so short on space? Really annoying. I loved the sweetness of their feelings for one another and how they were these kind of two oddball characters that fit so well together, but we barely get to enjoy it at all, since it is cleared up literally at the very, very, very end and we're not even given an Epilogue!
Bottom Line. Regardless of the negatives I've written about, the positives far outweigh the negatives and Gemma and Richard are such fun and lovely characters—both as individuals, and together. Gemma is a real spitfire in her exchanges with him, and Richard shows a funny teasing side and then incredibly sweet side; all absolutely wonderful! Wish we had gotten more of them.
Excerpt.
Book 1 — The Rogue's Wager (4.5 stars)
Book 2 — The Scoundrel's Honor (4.5 stars)
Book 3 — The Lady's Guard (4-4.5 stars)
Book 4 — The Heiress's Deception (4 stars)
Caldwell's Wicked Wallflowers Series
Book 1 — The Hellion (4 stars)
Book 2 — The Vixen (4.5 stars)
Book 3 — The Governess (TBR)
Book 4 — The Bluestocking (4.5 stars)
Book 5 — The Spitfire (TBR)
Other Caldwell Books I've Loved (and Enjoyed Out of Order)
The Lady Who Loved Him (The Brethren, #2) — 4.5 stars
Tempted by a Lady's Smile (Lords of Honor, #4) — 4 stars
To Tempt a Scoundrel (The Heart of a Duke, #15) — 4 stars
As though feeling his gaze, Gemma turned and their gazes locked. “What is it?”Basics.
“You are a remarkable young woman,” he said quietly.
And how had he failed to realize the lady’s beauty at their first meeting? Except, he’d noted, and lying beside her, with her wide, brown eyes trained on his face, he had a staggering fear that now that he had noticed, he’d never stop.
Somerset, England in 1821; summer country house party
Miss Gemma Reed (22), intelligent sister of a viscount w/ lots of random knowledge
Mr. Richard Jonas (33), 2nd son of a viscount and successful horse breeder
My Initial Notes When I Finished It. WTF?! Ugh. I mean yes, it was good, but it gets 4 stars because of the heart-palpitations-causing angstiness of it AND THAT IS NOT AN ENDING!!! We definitely deserved a little more than that. Ok, full review to come, but I had to get that out there. At least give us an epilogue if you're going to have it all drawn out until the end like that!!!! So wrong.
My Actual Review. I have only recently discovered Christi Caldwell, which is odd considering she's quite prolific and I've been reading romances for so long. Another oddity is that while most all of her books have stellar ratings, she hasn't been a great hit with me ... glad to say, this was one of the exceptions! And interestingly enough, one of the few things I've appreciated in all of her other books—the lack of too much of angst or not-saying-things, etc.—is what knocked off a star for me here! Well that and the fact that Gemma continued to be stuck on Westfield, despite the clear connection between her and Richard.
I love odd/unusual heroines, especially those awkward ones who know too much and are always saying the "wrong" thing at the wrong time—hence, I was very excited about Gemma! She definitely delivers on that score and Caldwell is very good in her depiction of her and keeping it consistent. It's also so lovely to see how she is able to feel so much freer to be herself with Richard, vs. most of the other people she encounters.
Their encounters are fantastic from the beginning, full of sizzle, humor, and lots of challenge (in a good way). Richard and Gemma are such a cute fit and I loved to see how their relationship developed from the initial misconceptions and judgments they'd made of each other to, of course, love! ::sigh:: Richard's heartbreak is very real and sweet, but don't let that bother you if you're one who doesn't like a main character to be hung up on someone else (I totally fit in that category). You feel for him so much, having had to watch the woman he (thought he) loved marry his brother, but when he realizes that it wasn't that real, life-altering romantic love, it also felt very realistic and not at all forced and just-for-the-book's-sake.
Gemma was a bit more of a challenge in that sense; she's a very bright, intelligent, young woman, and I don't see why she didn't clue in earlier on that what she felt for Westfield was hero worship and nothing really more. She was appreciative that he was kind to her, and overall he's a great guy, but her being so set on marrying him didn't make much sense to me. Especially when she is supposed to not think she's a great catch and can attract a guy like him ... but then is on the other hand convinced that she can make him notice and fall in love with her? Which is it?
Most annoyingly, I didn't like that this was drawn out for so long; even when each of them has realized their true feelings for the other, there's something stopping them, or some type of misunderstanding, etc. And I hate those type of plot ploys; one or two, fine, but so many? And in a novella, where we're already so short on space? Really annoying. I loved the sweetness of their feelings for one another and how they were these kind of two oddball characters that fit so well together, but we barely get to enjoy it at all, since it is cleared up literally at the very, very, very end and we're not even given an Epilogue!
Bottom Line. Regardless of the negatives I've written about, the positives far outweigh the negatives and Gemma and Richard are such fun and lovely characters—both as individuals, and together. Gemma is a real spitfire in her exchanges with him, and Richard shows a funny teasing side and then incredibly sweet side; all absolutely wonderful! Wish we had gotten more of them.
Excerpt.
A fiery glimmer lit her brown eyes and they sparkled with such spirit, words momentarily left him. She narrowed her gaze. “Why are you staring at me like that?”Caldwell's Sinful Brides Series
And because he really didn’t care to examine why he’d been staring at her and just what she made of that look, Richard touched a hand to his chest. “Richard,” he corrected her.
“I beg your pardon?” Four little creases lined her brow.
“My name is Richard.” It defied propriety, and the cool dislike that had existed since their first meeting, but he wished to hear his name on her lips. He desperately wished to hear her wrap those two syllables in her lilting tone. I’m going utterly mad. There is no else accounting for it.
[...]
An urge grew to take that lock between his fingers and test whether the tresses that shimmered in the sunlight streaming through the dancing leaves overhead were as satiny soft as it appeared. She shoved it behind her ear, stealing that opportunity from him. Gemma advanced. “First, you kissed me.”
Which he’d greatly enjoyed. He retreated a step.
“Then,” she stretched out that single syllable. “Despite knowing I mistook you for another gentleman…” Which he did not like at all, for reasons that he also did not know or care to examine. Color flooded her cheeks. “You allowed me to bare my heart’s y—” This would assuredly be an inappropriate place to smile. He fixed on thoughts of their kisses and the satiny smoothness of her skin. Desirous musings that would kill all amusement. He swallowed a groan. Mayhap that was not the safest direction, after all.
Book 1 — The Rogue's Wager (4.5 stars)
Book 2 — The Scoundrel's Honor (4.5 stars)
Book 3 — The Lady's Guard (4-4.5 stars)
Book 4 — The Heiress's Deception (4 stars)
Caldwell's Wicked Wallflowers Series
Book 1 — The Hellion (4 stars)
Book 2 — The Vixen (4.5 stars)
Book 3 — The Governess (TBR)
Book 4 — The Bluestocking (4.5 stars)
Book 5 — The Spitfire (TBR)
Other Caldwell Books I've Loved (and Enjoyed Out of Order)
The Lady Who Loved Him (The Brethren, #2) — 4.5 stars
Tempted by a Lady's Smile (Lords of Honor, #4) — 4 stars
To Tempt a Scoundrel (The Heart of a Duke, #15) — 4 stars
September 23, 2017
Christi Caldwell is immensely popular and while I didn't like one of her novels, I'm always intrigued by her story blurbs so when I saw a sale, I decided to give this novella a go.
After an uneven beginning with a kiss that came from out of nowhere, the story settled into an interesting perspective on how two people slowly move on from their first loves (who didn't choose them) to discover new love. It was a bittersweet story with some elements that were sad, but ultimately with a good ending. It featured two characters who usually have storylines that are relegated to secondary threads. Gemma constantly pursues the wrong man and is painfully awkward (except with the hero). Richard loved the woman who married his brother and couldn't seem to get over it; he has a chip on his shoulder for most of the book, but can't seem to help himself when it comes to fanning with flames with Gemma. It was an unexpected attraction, but after the first kiss, the heat between the two built naturally and I enjoyed it.
I'm still not convinced I love Caldwell's writing style, but I did find this story different and I read it quickly. I will be trying more from Caldwell in the future. From what I've seen, she takes known tropes and adds a fresh spin. That's enough for me to keep her on my author list :)
After an uneven beginning with a kiss that came from out of nowhere, the story settled into an interesting perspective on how two people slowly move on from their first loves (who didn't choose them) to discover new love. It was a bittersweet story with some elements that were sad, but ultimately with a good ending. It featured two characters who usually have storylines that are relegated to secondary threads. Gemma constantly pursues the wrong man and is painfully awkward (except with the hero). Richard loved the woman who married his brother and couldn't seem to get over it; he has a chip on his shoulder for most of the book, but can't seem to help himself when it comes to fanning with flames with Gemma. It was an unexpected attraction, but after the first kiss, the heat between the two built naturally and I enjoyed it.
I'm still not convinced I love Caldwell's writing style, but I did find this story different and I read it quickly. I will be trying more from Caldwell in the future. From what I've seen, she takes known tropes and adds a fresh spin. That's enough for me to keep her on my author list :)
April 3, 2016
This was a very entertaining read that kept me hook turning the pages. What I really liked about this story is that it is really down to earth. She gives you characters you can relate to that are again just like me. Gemma is different from most lady she is special she wants a man who will let her be who she is and not a trophy on some gentleman arm with little brains and no say. The ton hasn’t not been kind to this wonderful lady she is outspoken, has book learning, she isn’t pretty and most would call her somewhat ugly. This will be her third season with still not a husband in site. She has her sights set on her best friend’s brother who has been the only male to be kind to her. She doesn’t have the best of luck or the best of timing. She gets herself into a few messes and has a hard time getting out of them.
On a chance meeting with a man she has never seen they come to odds and words fly along with a few sparks. Richard sees a women out alone which is not done. He questions her they both end up with their foot in their mouth. Richard would dearly love to have their tongues replace their feet. He grabs her and lays a powerful kiss on her lips. One kiss has her rethinking what she wants in life should she stay with her plan and marry the man she loves or does she love him at all? Richard has his own demons he heart belongs to another or is he rethinking maybe he heart was never in it.
The author gives a wonderful plot which holds a powerful message. Sometimes what we think we want we really do not. Maybe the love one has is really just an affection of the respect they show us. Gemma and Richard have to work this out and deal with the fallout if they ever get caught alone together. Gemma was really born before her time in a time where a woman isn’t much more than an object to be seen and not heard. You don’t have to be the best looking but the best on the inside where it counts to really find love. I found this author to be a refreshing delight as she brings you real people with real issues. There are misunderstandings that must work out as the author puts a few twists in their way. It is a short read one I read at one setting it truly was a great read that kept me entertained. This is the first book I have read from this author but I enjoyed it so much I went a bought a few more of hers. I hope you give this author a try I am sure you will enjoy her historical reads as much as I have.
On a chance meeting with a man she has never seen they come to odds and words fly along with a few sparks. Richard sees a women out alone which is not done. He questions her they both end up with their foot in their mouth. Richard would dearly love to have their tongues replace their feet. He grabs her and lays a powerful kiss on her lips. One kiss has her rethinking what she wants in life should she stay with her plan and marry the man she loves or does she love him at all? Richard has his own demons he heart belongs to another or is he rethinking maybe he heart was never in it.
The author gives a wonderful plot which holds a powerful message. Sometimes what we think we want we really do not. Maybe the love one has is really just an affection of the respect they show us. Gemma and Richard have to work this out and deal with the fallout if they ever get caught alone together. Gemma was really born before her time in a time where a woman isn’t much more than an object to be seen and not heard. You don’t have to be the best looking but the best on the inside where it counts to really find love. I found this author to be a refreshing delight as she brings you real people with real issues. There are misunderstandings that must work out as the author puts a few twists in their way. It is a short read one I read at one setting it truly was a great read that kept me entertained. This is the first book I have read from this author but I enjoyed it so much I went a bought a few more of hers. I hope you give this author a try I am sure you will enjoy her historical reads as much as I have.
June 18, 2016
Christi Caldwell is a masterful storyteller. She write such strong, flawed and perfectly imperfect characters that draw you in from page one. Tempted is a beautiful story about finding the person who will love and accept you as you are.
Richard and Gemma are two people who have been rejected by the society they have been borne into. Society has no use for either Richard or Gemma as neither fit the constrictors society has in place.
Gemma is a daughter of a Viscount, on her fourth season. She has been ignored because she does not have the right look or the right interest she and is deemed undesirable. What the ton fails to see is a remarkable and unique women deserving of someone who will love and treasure here. Gemma is invited to a summer party of her friend Lady Beatrice.
Richard is the spare to the heir. the ladies of the ton have no use for Richard for he has no title. He long ago gave his heart to his childhood friend, who instead married his bother. Richard rather spend a few weeks at the summer party of he best friend, Lord Westfield then with his family nursing his heartbreak.
When Richard and Gemma first meet they both find the other intriguing and there is a palpable attraction. For so long, Richard and Gemma have felt invisible, rejected and a unworthy of a grand love. As they continue to meet and get to know each other they begin to find the one thing they never thought possible, love and acceptance.
Richard and Gemma are two people who have been rejected by the society they have been borne into. Society has no use for either Richard or Gemma as neither fit the constrictors society has in place.
Gemma is a daughter of a Viscount, on her fourth season. She has been ignored because she does not have the right look or the right interest she and is deemed undesirable. What the ton fails to see is a remarkable and unique women deserving of someone who will love and treasure here. Gemma is invited to a summer party of her friend Lady Beatrice.
Richard is the spare to the heir. the ladies of the ton have no use for Richard for he has no title. He long ago gave his heart to his childhood friend, who instead married his bother. Richard rather spend a few weeks at the summer party of he best friend, Lord Westfield then with his family nursing his heartbreak.
When Richard and Gemma first meet they both find the other intriguing and there is a palpable attraction. For so long, Richard and Gemma have felt invisible, rejected and a unworthy of a grand love. As they continue to meet and get to know each other they begin to find the one thing they never thought possible, love and acceptance.
April 4, 2016
3.5*
How many times in life did you believe that you know how you feel about something and you are sure nothing can change that? Then you meet someone who turns your world upside down and makes you question everythings you lived your life by? That's what has happened to Miss Gemma Reed and Mr Richard Jonas when they meet at a summer house party. But can they get past their love for another to see what's right in front of them before its to late?
*A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection
How many times in life did you believe that you know how you feel about something and you are sure nothing can change that? Then you meet someone who turns your world upside down and makes you question everythings you lived your life by? That's what has happened to Miss Gemma Reed and Mr Richard Jonas when they meet at a summer house party. But can they get past their love for another to see what's right in front of them before its to late?
*A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection
March 18, 2019
Loved this book
I think this series just gets better and better. It had laugh out loud moments and heart pounding kisses. This is a sweet romance with no sex scenes in it. The characters are very well developed. I wish Ms. Caldwell would write about Beatrice soon
I think this series just gets better and better. It had laugh out loud moments and heart pounding kisses. This is a sweet romance with no sex scenes in it. The characters are very well developed. I wish Ms. Caldwell would write about Beatrice soon
August 15, 2021
It is somehow possible to love a thing that makes you deeply uncomfortable. The I'm-going-to-confess-my-love-whoops!-wrong-person! trope is so cringe for me. I had to skim the actual scene where that happened. But I.. still completely loved this story? The angst was so good. I'll admit that I kept waiting for Gemma to climb on a horse and show her "wild" side, but I was contented by the archery at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2019
Interesting characters with a very predictable plot. I could write the rest of the book from chapter 5 or so onward.
Still, not a bad read.
Still, not a bad read.
February 16, 2021
Sweet but rather boring and predictable.
April 1, 2016
I love a book where the heroine is not the most beautiful or sought after girl in the room. This one is for the rest of us. For the smart, awkward girls; those bluestocking, wallflowers who are overlooked or even taunted by others. How could anyone like that ever hope to find love – never mind love with a soon to be Duke? What chance did Gemma Reed have?
Gemma’s one ace is the fact that her best friend, beautiful Beatrice is the sister to Lord Westfield. Gemma has “loved” him for all three of her unsuccessful seasons and this house party she was finally going to tell him how she feels. With her sister’s help, she finds out that Westfield is fishing and she makes her way down to talk to him. Unfortunately, she misses him but find his best friend Richard Jonas. The two don’t get along, yet when he kisses her they both feel something.
Even as Gemma is trying to make her feeling know to Westfield, those feeling are changing. She has finally met a man who sees her for who she is and likes her. Is there a chance for her, for them?
When two people are made for each other, they see what no one else can see. They understand each other like no one else can. Gemma and Richard have both stayed at the fringes of society but that’s where they found each other.
Once again, Christi Caldwell has created a wonderful story of learning to know yourself before you can really learn to love someone else. The characters are real – with flaws and problems. This is a quick read and well worth taking the time. Although this is the 4th book in the Lords of Honor Series, it stands alone and you do not need to read the other before this one (although if you liked this one you might want to go back and pick them up also.)
Gemma’s one ace is the fact that her best friend, beautiful Beatrice is the sister to Lord Westfield. Gemma has “loved” him for all three of her unsuccessful seasons and this house party she was finally going to tell him how she feels. With her sister’s help, she finds out that Westfield is fishing and she makes her way down to talk to him. Unfortunately, she misses him but find his best friend Richard Jonas. The two don’t get along, yet when he kisses her they both feel something.
Even as Gemma is trying to make her feeling know to Westfield, those feeling are changing. She has finally met a man who sees her for who she is and likes her. Is there a chance for her, for them?
When two people are made for each other, they see what no one else can see. They understand each other like no one else can. Gemma and Richard have both stayed at the fringes of society but that’s where they found each other.
Once again, Christi Caldwell has created a wonderful story of learning to know yourself before you can really learn to love someone else. The characters are real – with flaws and problems. This is a quick read and well worth taking the time. Although this is the 4th book in the Lords of Honor Series, it stands alone and you do not need to read the other before this one (although if you liked this one you might want to go back and pick them up also.)
April 4, 2016
Tempted by A Lady's Smile ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Written by Christi Caldwell
In 1821 Miss Gemma Rand at the age of 22 would be considered a young lady on the shelf. Although a bit young for that classification she had all the makings according to the ton. She was not pretty by their standards not talented in singing, pianoforte, needle work and inducing men with her fan skills.
Gemma, however, was an exceptional person. She was educated and a free thinker. She could shoot, ride a horse quit skillfully and an expert archer. Gemma had but one friend Beatrice whose brother Robert a future Duke had alway been kind to her. Gemma developed this affection toward Robert and considered herself in love with him. With a plan contrived by both young ladies Gemma decides to reveal her feelings to Robert at a house gathering at his estate.
While on the hunt to find the future Duke alone Gemma meets Richard Jonas a very close friend of the Robert. Richard, too, has carried a torch for a lost love. Upon meeting both Richard and Gemma find their world turned upside down with the strong attraction they feel for each other. Richard saw Gemma for the woman she was and wanted that woman.
As a reader, I enjoyed this short story because I felt many people are stuck on the one and only love theory but I believe if you open your heart and your eyes love could be right in front of you. You need to grasp that brass ring and hold on for an adventure you never expected. Christi Caldwell has an insight she is able to convey in her characters which to me is head and shoulders above many romance writers. I am never disappointed in her work and her sensitivity to off the road subjects.
In 1821 Miss Gemma Rand at the age of 22 would be considered a young lady on the shelf. Although a bit young for that classification she had all the makings according to the ton. She was not pretty by their standards not talented in singing, pianoforte, needle work and inducing men with her fan skills.
Gemma, however, was an exceptional person. She was educated and a free thinker. She could shoot, ride a horse quit skillfully and an expert archer. Gemma had but one friend Beatrice whose brother Robert a future Duke had alway been kind to her. Gemma developed this affection toward Robert and considered herself in love with him. With a plan contrived by both young ladies Gemma decides to reveal her feelings to Robert at a house gathering at his estate.
While on the hunt to find the future Duke alone Gemma meets Richard Jonas a very close friend of the Robert. Richard, too, has carried a torch for a lost love. Upon meeting both Richard and Gemma find their world turned upside down with the strong attraction they feel for each other. Richard saw Gemma for the woman she was and wanted that woman.
As a reader, I enjoyed this short story because I felt many people are stuck on the one and only love theory but I believe if you open your heart and your eyes love could be right in front of you. You need to grasp that brass ring and hold on for an adventure you never expected. Christi Caldwell has an insight she is able to convey in her characters which to me is head and shoulders above many romance writers. I am never disappointed in her work and her sensitivity to off the road subjects.
April 2, 2016
Gemma Reed has always been considered an oddity among the ton. Not one to pursue the usual entertainments of a lady, Gemma prefers riding horses and discussing the scientific knowledge learned from her books. No one has ever given her a second look. Except for Lord Westfield, her best friend's brother. He has always rescued Gemma from embarrassment at balls by requesting a dance. And Gemma has loved him for it for three years. She attends Lord Westfield's house party intent on telling him just how she feels. But her plans start to change when she meets Lord Westfield's friend, Richard Jonas. Richard attends his friend's house party to avoid his own family. After all, after seeing his own brother wed the only woman Richard has ever loved, even being around simpering husband hunters is a preferable fate. When he meets a lady so unlike any he's ever known, Richard finds himself tempted by love again. This was such an enchanting story. I loved watching two people realize that what they thought they wanted was just a fantasy and what they really wanted was right in front of them. Though the ton had found Gemma unremarkable due to her honesty and directness, it was those very qualities that drew Richard to her. As always, Ms. Caldwell weaves a story with so much passion, humor, and wonderful dialogue that you lose yourself in the story. I hated to see this one end and am anxious to read more of this series. A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection
April 5, 2016
#4 in the exciting and adventurous "Lords of Honor", but can be read as a stand alone. I highly recommend reading the other books in the "Lords of Honor" series.
Another brilliantly written tale of a fiesty, but unconventional Bluestocking, Gemma Reed, and a second son, who is a Horse Breeder and a gentleman, Richard Jonas. Friend to the Lord of Westfield, who Gemma has been interested in for years. But, can Richard change her mind after a passionate kiss? Sparks fly, but will love win out to past regrets and lost loves.
Ms. Caldwell is an author fans will find writes compelling, emotional, highly engaging and masterfully written tales, where the H/H are unconventional, flawed, and engaging as well as endearing. Her characters are realistic with realistic expectations, desires and looking for their HEA. In other words, they feel real with realistic hopes and dreams. In two words... emotional and compelling. Another page turner and a must read! I have thoughly enjoyed this series and would highly recommend. Fans of Historical Romance, romance with a twist, unconventional Bluestockings, Second sons who breeds horses for a living and finding a unconditional, forever kinda of love, will enjoy this story. Pick it up for yourself, find out what all the buzz is about. A most enjoyable and satisfying read!
*Received for an honest review*
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR
Another brilliantly written tale of a fiesty, but unconventional Bluestocking, Gemma Reed, and a second son, who is a Horse Breeder and a gentleman, Richard Jonas. Friend to the Lord of Westfield, who Gemma has been interested in for years. But, can Richard change her mind after a passionate kiss? Sparks fly, but will love win out to past regrets and lost loves.
Ms. Caldwell is an author fans will find writes compelling, emotional, highly engaging and masterfully written tales, where the H/H are unconventional, flawed, and engaging as well as endearing. Her characters are realistic with realistic expectations, desires and looking for their HEA. In other words, they feel real with realistic hopes and dreams. In two words... emotional and compelling. Another page turner and a must read! I have thoughly enjoyed this series and would highly recommend. Fans of Historical Romance, romance with a twist, unconventional Bluestockings, Second sons who breeds horses for a living and finding a unconditional, forever kinda of love, will enjoy this story. Pick it up for yourself, find out what all the buzz is about. A most enjoyable and satisfying read!
*Received for an honest review*
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR
April 2, 2016
After reading this short novel I have to say Ms. Caldwell has managed to write yet another historical romance masterpiece.
Gemma is different from the other ladies of the ton, she doesn't like how society dictates to them, would rather ride a horse then sit in a carriage, and would rather read a book then be at a social gathering. In short she is what many women are like in present times. In this novel she is going to her one and only friends house for a week long party. The only thing that she is worried about, , other then having to make small talk that she is worried about,is the fact that Gemma has decided to finally tell her best friends brother that she is and has been in love with him for 3 years.
Richard has been in love with one women his entire life so when she decides to marry his brother of course he is devastated. So instead of going to a family gathering he decides to go to his best friends party. There he runs into the one women who has managed to make him question everything he has believed in since he was a young lad.
This is a great romance about two people helping each other understand that the one they think they love they actually do not, and the one they think they should hate they do not. This is a great historical romance that you will not want to miss out on.
A book obsessed chicks review team selection.
Gemma is different from the other ladies of the ton, she doesn't like how society dictates to them, would rather ride a horse then sit in a carriage, and would rather read a book then be at a social gathering. In short she is what many women are like in present times. In this novel she is going to her one and only friends house for a week long party. The only thing that she is worried about, , other then having to make small talk that she is worried about,is the fact that Gemma has decided to finally tell her best friends brother that she is and has been in love with him for 3 years.
Richard has been in love with one women his entire life so when she decides to marry his brother of course he is devastated. So instead of going to a family gathering he decides to go to his best friends party. There he runs into the one women who has managed to make him question everything he has believed in since he was a young lad.
This is a great romance about two people helping each other understand that the one they think they love they actually do not, and the one they think they should hate they do not. This is a great historical romance that you will not want to miss out on.
A book obsessed chicks review team selection.
April 4, 2016
Reading Tempted by a Lady’s Smile, book four in the Lords of Honor series, was a full on charming experience prompted by Christi Caldwell’s words. A hero and heroine on the fringe of ton desirability for different reasons make sense to each other for all the right reasons. Painfully aware of their lack of marketability on the marriage mart two people more at ease with dogs and horses find common ground in each others' hearts. Moments of acute awkwardness, desire, yearning, humor, kindness, regret and just about every other emotion you can think of all converged to give a wonderful reading experience. The gift of writing and expressing her characters feelings beyond the pages of her books makes Ms. Caldwell an author you cannot help but be attracted to. Tempted by a Lady’s Smile is just the kind of story to bring a smile to anyone lucky enough to come across it!
*While part of a series this book can be read as a stand alone.*
*A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection*
*While part of a series this book can be read as a stand alone.*
*A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection*
August 31, 2020
Aw, this is so sweet! And I loved the angst and touch of insecurity! I love me some misunderstandings, particularly ones that arise from eavesdropping. But I wish I had read this before The Rogue's Wager, it would have made Robert's book even better.
April 3, 2016
As always, Christi Caldwell, delivers a must read romance. This is a perfect addition to the Lords of Honor series. It was a very quick read and I simply could not put it down.
April 5, 2016
I loved Gemma's and Richard's story. They were both likable characters. There was chemistry between the two characters and there were some great scenes.
May 23, 2016
Another fab book by one of my favorite authors. You can't go wrong reading a Christi Caldwell book. Tempted by a Lady's Smile is no exception.
July 4, 2018
I enjoyed this Book 4 in the series & found the H & h to be very likable characters. Richard Jonas, age 33, a Friesian horse breeder & 2nd son of a Viscount has been best friends with Robert, the Marquess of Westfield. The Marquess' father is having a summer house party & he is dying and wants to find matches for his son & daughter before he passes. Richard agrees to attend the function as a favor to the Marquess but he doesn't intend to fall for any lady as he has only ever loved his childhood friend who is now married to his brother(or so he thinks). Gemma Reed, age 22 & intelligent sister of a Viscount has had 3 seasons with no success & treated terribly by the Ton but she has love the Marquess (or so she thinks) & is planning to tell him how she feels with the help of the Marquess sister (her best friend) Beatrice. That's when all the fun starts after Richard shares a passionate, life changing kiss with a mysterious lady. Will they realize what they both thought was their only true love finally see the error in their ways & find a HEA? I highly recommend this series & the book which can be
April 19, 2021
Smashing Read!
Tempted by a Lady’s Smile, book 4 of Christi Caldwell’s Lords of Honor series is and absolutely adorable read. A meet cute in the woods, that ignites tempers, a declaration of love to a mistaken identity, that ignites the spark, and a quietly spoken fact about horses that fans the flame of a love that is pure and unexpected to both Gemma Reed and Richard Jonas. In fact, Jenna has been in love with her beat friends brother Robert, the Marquess of Somerset. She’s there to confess her feelings to him in the hopes that he will return those feelings and ask her to be his wife. Richard knows what it is to love and lose, after all, he’d lost Eloise twice. First to the Earl, following her season in London, and then to his brother. He doesn’t want to love Gemma, she’s in love with someone else, his best friend in fact. But then love wants what it wants! This was such a fun, joyful novella! A smashing read!
Tempted by a Lady’s Smile, book 4 of Christi Caldwell’s Lords of Honor series is and absolutely adorable read. A meet cute in the woods, that ignites tempers, a declaration of love to a mistaken identity, that ignites the spark, and a quietly spoken fact about horses that fans the flame of a love that is pure and unexpected to both Gemma Reed and Richard Jonas. In fact, Jenna has been in love with her beat friends brother Robert, the Marquess of Somerset. She’s there to confess her feelings to him in the hopes that he will return those feelings and ask her to be his wife. Richard knows what it is to love and lose, after all, he’d lost Eloise twice. First to the Earl, following her season in London, and then to his brother. He doesn’t want to love Gemma, she’s in love with someone else, his best friend in fact. But then love wants what it wants! This was such a fun, joyful novella! A smashing read!
June 16, 2020
They Both Love Horses
Richard Jonas and Gemma Reed have been in love for years, but not with each other. When they have a chance meeting at a week-long society function, a friendship develops. They share their struggles with their loves and find a lot of interests in common.
I’m not sure why this is part of the Lords of Honor series, other than that Richard’s love is a character in a previous book. It is a novella so I assume it’s tucked in here to complete a background story. Actually it’s a 3-1/2 star.
Once more the author has created great characters and the storyline is good. I didn’t enjoy it as much as the other ones in the series, mainly because neither h/h were victims of war so it didn’t flow with the basic premise of the series.
I also listened to the audio version narrated by Tim Campbell. It’s good but not great.
Richard Jonas and Gemma Reed have been in love for years, but not with each other. When they have a chance meeting at a week-long society function, a friendship develops. They share their struggles with their loves and find a lot of interests in common.
I’m not sure why this is part of the Lords of Honor series, other than that Richard’s love is a character in a previous book. It is a novella so I assume it’s tucked in here to complete a background story. Actually it’s a 3-1/2 star.
Once more the author has created great characters and the storyline is good. I didn’t enjoy it as much as the other ones in the series, mainly because neither h/h were victims of war so it didn’t flow with the basic premise of the series.
I also listened to the audio version narrated by Tim Campbell. It’s good but not great.
November 24, 2017
It is the best book I read so far of Christi caldwell, this book has captivated me from the start, it is funny, it is intense and absolutely deliciously wonderful. I love both Lady Gemma Reed and Richard Jonas, they were real and i love the dialogue between them in copse near archery event, he was asking her about Lord Westfield and she was so engrossed in him she only answered only about "not his qualities"like "not surly"like him, "well he assuredly does not carry a flask in his pocket and drink with a staggering frequency"like him etc, They were perfect in every sense. I will definitely read it again
September 28, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, partly because I needed something light to read and not full of hours and hours of painful angst. It’s a familiar plot line if you read enough, but different enough to retain my interest. It’s a cut above the average writing, and there were some good dialogue. The narration was good, even though I’m more attached now to duo narrators, a man and woman team. Some narrators can put my teeth on edge. If I have to choose, I prefer a male reader who does a great job at the male voices since I’m female. And Tim Campbell did well enough with the female voices that I didn’t notice. All in all I enjoyed it.
February 14, 2018
In love with an idea. The idea of being in love. Many fall victim to it, but can Gemma realize it before it's too late??
Pleasantly surprised by this sweet Novella to wrap up this series. My favorite part is when Gemma's brother tells her that she should be with a gentleman that notices HER, and not a rogue who takes 3 years to see that you are there.
CONTENT
Romance - Clean
Language - Mild
Violence - None
Pleasantly surprised by this sweet Novella to wrap up this series. My favorite part is when Gemma's brother tells her that she should be with a gentleman that notices HER, and not a rogue who takes 3 years to see that you are there.
CONTENT
Romance - Clean
Language - Mild
Violence - None
September 18, 2018
Tempted by a lady’s smile
I loved this book! It has a great build up between Gemma and Richard. We see each of their perspectives and it’s a great combination. Gemma is not your typical lady of the ton. She like horse riding, archery and has a vast knowledge. Richard is a heartbroken man trying to escape his overly happy family by attending a friends gathering. While there they meet and have a lot of chemistry. He thinks she is a title seeking miss and she thinks him a rogue.
I loved this book! It has a great build up between Gemma and Richard. We see each of their perspectives and it’s a great combination. Gemma is not your typical lady of the ton. She like horse riding, archery and has a vast knowledge. Richard is a heartbroken man trying to escape his overly happy family by attending a friends gathering. While there they meet and have a lot of chemistry. He thinks she is a title seeking miss and she thinks him a rogue.
February 21, 2020
Back to ballrooms and propriety and "not like other girls"! I've read other books by this author that were quite different but I guess my hopes for Not Like Other Regencies was in vain. Only real upside is that this was a novella so at least the instalove and comedy of manners wasn't also drawn out by too much artificially inflated drama. Why am I still reading this series? Well, because I bought it as a collected volume and apparently I'm on reading-decision-autopilot.
March 19, 2018
A delightful romance
Touching and sweet, the inevitable conclusion is the only ending these two misfits could have. Being different and on the sidelines doesn't always mean that you'd end up unnoticed.
Touching and sweet, the inevitable conclusion is the only ending these two misfits could have. Being different and on the sidelines doesn't always mean that you'd end up unnoticed.
August 18, 2019
Loved this book!
Another wonderful book by Christi Caldwell. She makes the stories come to life with her characters and storylines. Gonna and Richard made the most perfect couples. Did not want this book to end at all!a must read.
Another wonderful book by Christi Caldwell. She makes the stories come to life with her characters and storylines. Gonna and Richard made the most perfect couples. Did not want this book to end at all!a must read.
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