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Una tentación no deseada
Tras la reciente muerte de su esposa, Jack Connolly estaba muerto por dentro. No fue en busca de otra mujer hasta que conoció a la recatada y bella Grace Spencer, quien provocó que sus sentidos recobraran la vida. Sin embargo, Jack no podía dejarse llevar por sus sentimientos, ya que Grace pertenecía a otro hombre.
Atrapada en una falsa relación para proteger a su familia, Grace sabía que si traspasaba el límite con Jack pondría en riesgo todo lo que apreciaba. Tras el deseo que había visto en la mirada de Jack, se escondía la promesa de algo más, pero ¿merecía la pena rendirse solo para probar una parte de lo prohibido?
158 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 16, 2016
38 people are currently reading
396 people want to read
About the author
Anne Mather
798 books357 followersAnne Mather is the pseudonym used by Mildred Grieveson, a popular British author of over 160 romance novels. She also signed novels as Caroline Fleming and Cardine Fleming.
Mildred Grieveson began to write down stories in her childhood years. The first novel that she actually finished, Caroline (1965), was also her first book to be published. Her novel, Leopard in the Snow (1974), was developed into a 1978 film.
Mildred Grieveson began to write down stories in her childhood years. The first novel that she actually finished, Caroline (1965), was also her first book to be published. Her novel, Leopard in the Snow (1974), was developed into a 1978 film.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 26, 2018
A likable hero and heroine, an interesting cast of secondary characters, a setting on the beautiful Northumberland Coast, and the ghost of the hero's late wife made for an entertaining read and something a bit different for a Harlequin Presents.
October 18, 2016
I have been reading Anne Mather’s books for years and her latest, A Forbidden Temptation was a total disappointment for me.
I thought I was reading a story from the 70’s!!!! Okay, I loved reading books in that era then but if the plot is set in modern today, then I expect the characters to be in sync with the times……the heroine’s parents were like the perfect family from the 50’s!!!
Then the secret that the heroine has…………really!!! This happens to be 2016….and not 1970!!!! Her martyrdom and never standing up for herself made me so not like her!!!
Let’s move on to the hero….who’s a widower, living in the small remote village somewhere..wherever….and who talks to his dead wife’s ghost!!! Yes, a dash of paranormal here!!! The dialogue between him and the ghost just got on my nerves!!!!
Now, on to the romance aspect of this beyond boring story…………talk about a lack of chemistry between the hero/heroine!!! Of course, one could say the reason for that could be that these two are alone together for maybe….5 times….the other times, they are surrounded by the ghost, her parents, her horrible and obnoxious so called fiancée….and some of the locals from the village!!!
And maybe for the lack of dialogue ………….the pages dragged on and on and on…..with nothing exciting ever happening.
I forced myself to turn the pages….hoping something unexpected would happen……..but no!!!! It never did!!
I thought I was reading a story from the 70’s!!!! Okay, I loved reading books in that era then but if the plot is set in modern today, then I expect the characters to be in sync with the times……the heroine’s parents were like the perfect family from the 50’s!!!
Then the secret that the heroine has…………really!!! This happens to be 2016….and not 1970!!!! Her martyrdom and never standing up for herself made me so not like her!!!
Let’s move on to the hero….who’s a widower, living in the small remote village somewhere..wherever….and who talks to his dead wife’s ghost!!! Yes, a dash of paranormal here!!! The dialogue between him and the ghost just got on my nerves!!!!
Now, on to the romance aspect of this beyond boring story…………talk about a lack of chemistry between the hero/heroine!!! Of course, one could say the reason for that could be that these two are alone together for maybe….5 times….the other times, they are surrounded by the ghost, her parents, her horrible and obnoxious so called fiancée….and some of the locals from the village!!!
And maybe for the lack of dialogue ………….the pages dragged on and on and on…..with nothing exciting ever happening.
I forced myself to turn the pages….hoping something unexpected would happen……..but no!!!! It never did!!
February 18, 2016
It pains me to say this about a Harlequin Presents (HP), but I didn't like this story, Quite simply, it was ridiculous. There wasn't just one reason why it didn't appeal to me, there were actually many. Bottom line, it was odd, it was dry, and it lacked integrity.
As strange as it may sound, I found myself bored beyond belief and quickly troubled by what was being revealed about the characters in this story. It felt like a chore to keep pushing through the pages of this romance to see how things would turn out. In fact, I had to encourage myself to keep going so many times. In the end, I had to issue a DNF, although it could have been a DOA.
(Forgive my harshness, but it frustrates me to feel like I have wasted precious reading time. Ugh!)
Rating: 1.25/5
Recommend: No
Audience: A
Status: M
Chemistry/Intensity: -
Conflict/Drama: +
Family Dysfunction: +
Female Protagonist: -
Male Protagonist: -
Antagonist: +
HEA: ?
Source: NetGalley
ARC made available in exchange for a truthful critique
As strange as it may sound, I found myself bored beyond belief and quickly troubled by what was being revealed about the characters in this story. It felt like a chore to keep pushing through the pages of this romance to see how things would turn out. In fact, I had to encourage myself to keep going so many times. In the end, I had to issue a DNF, although it could have been a DOA.
(Forgive my harshness, but it frustrates me to feel like I have wasted precious reading time. Ugh!)
Rating: 1.25/5
Recommend: No
Audience: A
Status: M
Chemistry/Intensity: -
Conflict/Drama: +
Family Dysfunction: +
Female Protagonist: -
Male Protagonist: -
Antagonist: +
HEA: ?
Source: NetGalley
ARC made available in exchange for a truthful critique
February 13, 2016
2.75 I wanted to love this book stars.
I'm all for "forbidden" romances because the tension is great! Boring happy stories don't please me so the overview intrigued me. The read itself felt a bit immature and was way too fast for me. Everything felt jumbled and thrown together which caused me to kind of blink in confusion more times that I care to remember. I did like the aspect of being drawn together when you shouldn't be and even liked the paranormal element. I just couldn't get behind the story as a whole which is why it rates so low for me. Such a shame because I feel the story could have really been great if done another way.
I'm all for "forbidden" romances because the tension is great! Boring happy stories don't please me so the overview intrigued me. The read itself felt a bit immature and was way too fast for me. Everything felt jumbled and thrown together which caused me to kind of blink in confusion more times that I care to remember. I did like the aspect of being drawn together when you shouldn't be and even liked the paranormal element. I just couldn't get behind the story as a whole which is why it rates so low for me. Such a shame because I feel the story could have really been great if done another way.
February 5, 2016
I grew up reading Anne Mather's books & have always enjoyed her books. However, I don't like this story. It is a strange story....the hero talking to his dead wife numerously throughout the story. It felt like reading a paranormal story instead of Anne Mather.
I also didn't feel the connection between the hero & heroin. And before you know it, they were confessing their undying love for each other.
I also didn't feel the connection between the hero & heroin. And before you know it, they were confessing their undying love for each other.
June 11, 2017
Not a big fan of this one. It felt like the writing was all over the place, and the story was thrown together just to come up with something. I did like the characters, but they didn't stand out for me.
March 7, 2016
This was definitely a one of a kind novel. Mather takes forbidden romance in a completely different direction with this one. The premise was intriguing, if a bit odd at times. Mather’s descriptions allowed me to picture the entire novel in an easy manner.
This was a very character centric novel that centred on characters that weren’t quite what one would expect. Grace’s secrets & the fact that she wouldn’t stand up for herself made it hard to really feel more than pity for her. Now, Jack’s predicament had me questioning a great many things but he was such a fun character that I had to love him.
Mather did bring the story together in a unique and complete way. This well written tale was a nice quick read that was a decent way to spend an afternoon.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
This was a very character centric novel that centred on characters that weren’t quite what one would expect. Grace’s secrets & the fact that she wouldn’t stand up for herself made it hard to really feel more than pity for her. Now, Jack’s predicament had me questioning a great many things but he was such a fun character that I had to love him.
Mather did bring the story together in a unique and complete way. This well written tale was a nice quick read that was a decent way to spend an afternoon.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2016
What nonsense. A guy talking on to the ghost of his wife and sleeping with another woman who he believes is the girlfriend of his acquaintance. Then he learns that his wife had been sleeping around with the same guy. The ghost then also talks to both her husband and her lover ewww......
August 16, 2019
קריאה קולחת וביחס לספרים אחרים של ההוצאה אפילו קיים ניסיון לעבות את העלילה בנסיבות טראגיות שיתנו עומק. אני כותבת ניסיון כי בחלקו הוא צלח ובחלקו לא.
מלכתחילה תקציר הספר מטעה ואינו משקף את העלילה לאשורה.
ליסה, אישתו של ג'ק, נהרגה בתאונת דרכים קטלנית. כדי להתגבר על האובדן, עוזב ג'ק את אירלנד ועובר אל עיירת החוף הנידחת באנגליה. ג'ק הוא אדריכל מוערך וגם ירש כסף מסבתו כך שהוא יכול להרשות לעצמו להתבודד ולעסוק בשיפוץ בית שמצא לו בכפר.
מפגש עם חבר מימי הקולג' מפגיש אותו עם גרייס, עורכת דין שפרשה מהמקצוע כדי להיות עם אימא שלה המחלימה מסרטן. המשיכה בינהם מידית אבל סידרה של אי הבנות מרחיקות בינהם.
כפי שציינתי הקריאה קולחת. הסיפור נמסר בו זמנית מהצד של ג'ק ושל גרייס וזה שינוי מרענן ונקודה לזכות הסופרת. אחת הסיבות שהורדתי ניקוד לספר היא העובדה שישנם חורים לא ברורים בעלילה. אבל החורים בעלילה לא הפריעו לי כמו הדמות של האב והיחס שלו לגרייס כאילו היא ילדה קטנה וחסרת שיקול דעת וגם היחס שלו לג'ק. בכלל הכל נורא שמרני, יתכן שזה בגלל שמדובר בעיירה/כפר באנגליה אבל יתכן שזה חלק מהעלילה.
מלכתחילה תקציר הספר מטעה ואינו משקף את העלילה לאשורה.
ליסה, אישתו של ג'ק, נהרגה בתאונת דרכים קטלנית. כדי להתגבר על האובדן, עוזב ג'ק את אירלנד ועובר אל עיירת החוף הנידחת באנגליה. ג'ק הוא אדריכל מוערך וגם ירש כסף מסבתו כך שהוא יכול להרשות לעצמו להתבודד ולעסוק בשיפוץ בית שמצא לו בכפר.
מפגש עם חבר מימי הקולג' מפגיש אותו עם גרייס, עורכת דין שפרשה מהמקצוע כדי להיות עם אימא שלה המחלימה מסרטן. המשיכה בינהם מידית אבל סידרה של אי הבנות מרחיקות בינהם.
כפי שציינתי הקריאה קולחת. הסיפור נמסר בו זמנית מהצד של ג'ק ושל גרייס וזה שינוי מרענן ונקודה לזכות הסופרת. אחת הסיבות שהורדתי ניקוד לספר היא העובדה שישנם חורים לא ברורים בעלילה. אבל החורים בעלילה לא הפריעו לי כמו הדמות של האב והיחס שלו לגרייס כאילו היא ילדה קטנה וחסרת שיקול דעת וגם היחס שלו לג'ק. בכלל הכל נורא שמרני, יתכן שזה בגלל שמדובר בעיירה/כפר באנגליה אבל יתכן שזה חלק מהעלילה.
January 21, 2016
I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
I was not aware prior to receiving the book that it was based over seas, but that just added to my original interest. Good parts? Easy, quick read. But unfortunately that is about all I really enjoyed. The writing isn't smooth, and while the author is English, there were grammatical errors that weren't just from a different culture. The dead wife appearing for conversations to not only him but the other male added nothing to the story and could have been left out. I think the flow of the book would have gone much better without that element completely.
I was not aware prior to receiving the book that it was based over seas, but that just added to my original interest. Good parts? Easy, quick read. But unfortunately that is about all I really enjoyed. The writing isn't smooth, and while the author is English, there were grammatical errors that weren't just from a different culture. The dead wife appearing for conversations to not only him but the other male added nothing to the story and could have been left out. I think the flow of the book would have gone much better without that element completely.
August 24, 2025
Il paranormal negli harmony . Mezzo punto solo per questo
June 22, 2016
Hace tiempo que Anne Mather no publicaba nada nuevo y me gusta mucho como escribe,pero este libro tan esperado no me gustó para nada. Es cierto que fue novedoso encontrar en un Harlequin,un "fantasma" y la idea me gustó en un principio,pero no aportó nada importante a la historia.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2018
Reviewed by Amy W
Book provided by NetGalley
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
As a young teen, I cut my reading teeth on Harlequin Presents romances. Now, three decades later, I found myself with a copy of Anne Mather’s latest release, A Forbidden Temptation.
Within the first few pages, it became apparent that the qualities that drew me to this author years ago were still evident. As an English writer (as opposed to American English), Mather typically draws upon a familiar setting in the UK. I enjoy this because it allows me to travel, this time to the wild Northumberland coast.
As with other books in the Harlequin Presents line, this title focuses on the sweeter aspects of romance, with many of the spicy details left up to the reader’s imagination. That works well for this story because it helps keep the tension level high.
In one corner is widower Jack Connolly, who is the epitome of the grumpy loner who is stuck dealing with his wife’s ghost. In the other corner is Grace Spencer, who is caught in a web of lies. As the chemistry ignites between the two, there are plenty of reasons why they shouldn’t give in to temptation.
Add in a complete schmuck named Sean and some unexpected plot twists for an entertaining afternoon read. For me, it was like spending a few hours with a friend. Anne Mather is a classic romance author who continues to provide high quality entertaining stories with a twist of romance.
Book provided by NetGalley
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
As a young teen, I cut my reading teeth on Harlequin Presents romances. Now, three decades later, I found myself with a copy of Anne Mather’s latest release, A Forbidden Temptation.
Within the first few pages, it became apparent that the qualities that drew me to this author years ago were still evident. As an English writer (as opposed to American English), Mather typically draws upon a familiar setting in the UK. I enjoy this because it allows me to travel, this time to the wild Northumberland coast.
As with other books in the Harlequin Presents line, this title focuses on the sweeter aspects of romance, with many of the spicy details left up to the reader’s imagination. That works well for this story because it helps keep the tension level high.
In one corner is widower Jack Connolly, who is the epitome of the grumpy loner who is stuck dealing with his wife’s ghost. In the other corner is Grace Spencer, who is caught in a web of lies. As the chemistry ignites between the two, there are plenty of reasons why they shouldn’t give in to temptation.
Add in a complete schmuck named Sean and some unexpected plot twists for an entertaining afternoon read. For me, it was like spending a few hours with a friend. Anne Mather is a classic romance author who continues to provide high quality entertaining stories with a twist of romance.
February 11, 2016
I used to read a lot of Mills & Boon books and have read quite a few books from Anne Mather, but this one was a disappointment.
Jack Connolly moved from Ireland to Northumberland after his wife Lisa died two years ago. One of the most annoying aspects of the storyline is that Lisa his dead wife appears to him all the time and they have conversations. One day while he is talking to Lisa, an old friend Sean turns up and he has his girlfriend with him. As soon as Jack sees Grace Spencer, she stirs his senses back to life!
Now we know from the synopsis that Grace is in a fake relationship with Sean but Jack doesn't know their relationship is fake but it doesn't stop him kissing Grace. Then later in the story, he has sex with Grace while still believing she is dating his friend and unprotected sex at that (not that the fact he didn't use protection is ever mentioned).
The story is boring. I didn't like Jack or Grace and they had no chemistry. The writing is poor and the author fails to provide much dialogue between Jack or Grace plus they have a scene then it's a week or so later. I think by the end of the book, they had only actually been in each others company about 4 times.
Of course we find something out about his dead wife and his friend Sean which conveniently sets them up as 'baddies'! Jack then finds out about Grace's fake relationship and they declare their never ending love for one another! I just didn't buy it. A very disappointing storyline and poorly executed.
ARC provided by Netgalley
Jack Connolly moved from Ireland to Northumberland after his wife Lisa died two years ago. One of the most annoying aspects of the storyline is that Lisa his dead wife appears to him all the time and they have conversations. One day while he is talking to Lisa, an old friend Sean turns up and he has his girlfriend with him. As soon as Jack sees Grace Spencer, she stirs his senses back to life!
Now we know from the synopsis that Grace is in a fake relationship with Sean but Jack doesn't know their relationship is fake but it doesn't stop him kissing Grace. Then later in the story, he has sex with Grace while still believing she is dating his friend and unprotected sex at that (not that the fact he didn't use protection is ever mentioned).
The story is boring. I didn't like Jack or Grace and they had no chemistry. The writing is poor and the author fails to provide much dialogue between Jack or Grace plus they have a scene then it's a week or so later. I think by the end of the book, they had only actually been in each others company about 4 times.
Of course we find something out about his dead wife and his friend Sean which conveniently sets them up as 'baddies'! Jack then finds out about Grace's fake relationship and they declare their never ending love for one another! I just didn't buy it. A very disappointing storyline and poorly executed.
ARC provided by Netgalley
March 4, 2016
Disclaimer: An arc was given to me on netgalley in exchange for an honest review
My rating: DNF 20%
Why I didn't keep going...
What? WHAT. WHAT ON EARTH WAS THIS BOOK? It was literally like picking up a random supernatural fantasy book in a bookstore and reading a chapter in the middle and have the story unroll after that. First of all--and I hate to say this--but it was NOT a Harlequin Presents novel. Maybe it was a Harlequin supernatural romance and it was categorized wrong when publication /printing happened but it was soooooooooooooooooooooo not Harlequin Presents. A typical Harlequin Presents novel has drama, a brooding billionaire, a hot sassy female, and the indescribable passion between them.
This whole book was just weird. Jack can speak and see his dead wife, Lisa. I understand that this might be intriguing to some readers but it was unexpected for a reader of Harlequin Presents because it was simply random. Everything about this book was random from where I left off. It felt like I was falling into Alice's hole, into a different world, far, far, away. And did Anne really expect me to love the relationship between Jack and Grace after Jack can see his dead wife? No. Just no to everything.
This book did no favours to Harlequin in proving that romance novels can be smart.
Skip it. Or pick up a copy and chuck it out the window to save someone from this eyesore.
My rating: DNF 20%
Why I didn't keep going...
What? WHAT. WHAT ON EARTH WAS THIS BOOK? It was literally like picking up a random supernatural fantasy book in a bookstore and reading a chapter in the middle and have the story unroll after that. First of all--and I hate to say this--but it was NOT a Harlequin Presents novel. Maybe it was a Harlequin supernatural romance and it was categorized wrong when publication /printing happened but it was soooooooooooooooooooooo not Harlequin Presents. A typical Harlequin Presents novel has drama, a brooding billionaire, a hot sassy female, and the indescribable passion between them.
This whole book was just weird. Jack can speak and see his dead wife, Lisa. I understand that this might be intriguing to some readers but it was unexpected for a reader of Harlequin Presents because it was simply random. Everything about this book was random from where I left off. It felt like I was falling into Alice's hole, into a different world, far, far, away. And did Anne really expect me to love the relationship between Jack and Grace after Jack can see his dead wife? No. Just no to everything.
This book did no favours to Harlequin in proving that romance novels can be smart.
Skip it. Or pick up a copy and chuck it out the window to save someone from this eyesore.
March 16, 2016
Jack seems to be a man of high moral code and Grace has lost trust in any man. Most of the conflict takes place internally for the characters. This book does move along quickly but I feel that made it an easy read. The paranormal spin was different. Anne Mather writes some twisted romances with some despicable characters (at least those that I have read). I think that makes her books stand out among other Harlequin Presents. If done right, you're not supposed to like the "bad guy". I liked Jack but I found myself wishing Grace would just grow up and speak up. For me, this book was not predictable or typical, but to each his own. I received this book from Harlequin in a Goodreads giveaway.
April 1, 2016
"A Forbidden Temptation" by Anne Mather is one of those classic romances but with a slight twist. Jack Connolly lost his wife in a tragic car accident. The only problem is that she is continuing to visit him. Grace Spencer comes into Jack's life via his college suitemate Sean who is good at swindling money. Money, Jack has and Sean wants. Grace only seems to want Jack. If you keep reading you'll find out what the 'twist' to the story is.
February 20, 2016
Not sure why this has such bad reviews because I really liked this book.
Slightly annoying how Grace just wouldn't stick up for herself regarding her ex and would constantly hide behind him and not say anything to her parents which was strange.
Slightly annoying how Grace just wouldn't stick up for herself regarding her ex and would constantly hide behind him and not say anything to her parents which was strange.
October 8, 2020
Did not like it at all. Hero sees his dead wifes ghost, that has to be one of the most ridiculous things I have read in a Harlequin Presents. As for the connection between them I did not feel it at all, they would go weeks and months without seeing each other (they didn't have strong enough attraction to seek one another out, just met at the time opportune times the plot allowed). P.
July 24, 2017
3.5 stars
May 18, 2019
this book was really boring. A DNF for me.
July 16, 2022
Good writing, and a lot of old-fashioned decency, which I like.
May 4, 2023
I just finished the audiobook. I really enjoyed it.
May 27, 2016
Jack Connolly is living in England these days. His wife died in a car accident and it’s been two years of…talking to her ghost. He’s rebuilding a house in England and using the time and money he inherited from his late grandmother to fix his house up. He’s doing the work himself and he’s sailing around in his boat. His sister in law Deb keeps calling to check up on him and wondering when he’s coming back to his homeland of Ireland.
The thing is, he’s not returning.
When he meets Grace Spencer, attraction stirs within him. It’s been a long time since his interest has been caught but every time he sees Grace, the attraction grows and her having a boyfriend already hasn’t done away with the burning desire he has for her.
Grace does not have a boyfriend. The guy that she used to date is still known as her boyfriend because her father invested a lot of money in that guy’s website and it didn’t pan out so that boyfriend lost her father’s money and she’s keeping him around to ensure that he pays her father back. She doesn’t even like the guy so she’s suffering in silence because her mother has cancer and her parents have enough to worry about. They shouldn’t have to worry about the shit she brought to the family.
When she meets Jack, she thinks he’s a friend of her “boyfriend” so she’s not keen on meeting him or having anything to do with him. It doesn’t matter that he’s hot as shit. She can’t touch so she’s not…thing is, she wants him and that doesn’t go away.
I want to say that there was some part of this book that I liked but I can’t. I thought Jack was an okay hero, Grace got on my nerves in the beginning and I never warmed up to her even after finishing the book. I almost DNF’d this book three different times but pushed through to see if it got any better. The book was slow from beginning to end and it was such a short book. It just wasn’t my cup of tea.
Grade: 1 out of 5
The thing is, he’s not returning.
When he meets Grace Spencer, attraction stirs within him. It’s been a long time since his interest has been caught but every time he sees Grace, the attraction grows and her having a boyfriend already hasn’t done away with the burning desire he has for her.
Grace does not have a boyfriend. The guy that she used to date is still known as her boyfriend because her father invested a lot of money in that guy’s website and it didn’t pan out so that boyfriend lost her father’s money and she’s keeping him around to ensure that he pays her father back. She doesn’t even like the guy so she’s suffering in silence because her mother has cancer and her parents have enough to worry about. They shouldn’t have to worry about the shit she brought to the family.
When she meets Jack, she thinks he’s a friend of her “boyfriend” so she’s not keen on meeting him or having anything to do with him. It doesn’t matter that he’s hot as shit. She can’t touch so she’s not…thing is, she wants him and that doesn’t go away.
I want to say that there was some part of this book that I liked but I can’t. I thought Jack was an okay hero, Grace got on my nerves in the beginning and I never warmed up to her even after finishing the book. I almost DNF’d this book three different times but pushed through to see if it got any better. The book was slow from beginning to end and it was such a short book. It just wasn’t my cup of tea.
Grade: 1 out of 5
April 19, 2017
Most of the drama was created by the heroine. It was really hard to like her. How stupid could she be, and she was supposed to be smart. This is the main reason why I did not enjoy this Harlequin as much as the others. Their chemistry was not strong. They need some more romantic development. The ghost was a little odd. I live in the States, so all the places were confusing. The only thing I like about this book is the hero, Jack. The hero is a big part of any romance book, so this book was not too bad.
3 out of 5 stars
Received a free copy from Goodreads First Reads program in exchange for an honest review.
3 out of 5 stars
Received a free copy from Goodreads First Reads program in exchange for an honest review.
March 2, 2016
All in all, a most disappointing read. Anne Mather was the author I cut my M&B/Harley teeth on, back in the 70's. She was an auto-read for me for many years. Her books reflected the attitudes of the decades she wrote in, but have not kept pace with the millennium, and have steadily declined in their ability to hold my interest.
This book felt dated, as though it was written about 20 years ago, and someone dusted it off and sent it for publication because Anne Mather wrote it. It absolutely did not feel like today.
I found neither character particularly engaging or likable.
That said, the entire premise of the book lacked credibility - why would this woman, supposedly with a degree in law, fake a relationship with a man she threw off because he cheated on her. What parents wouldn't understand that? Why is she such a wuss, with everyone? the ex-boyfriend, her parents, the H, her boss. Does the author really expect us to believe that she believes that the ex will pony up the money he's conned out of her parents?
Then the matter of the H having conversations with his dead wife - I could buy into that, perhaps he's hallucinating; but no way could both men be experiencing the same thing!
Read this book if you're feeling nostalgic for Anne Mather, or maybe not, because if you were a fan, you'd be upset at how far her writing has fallen.
This book felt dated, as though it was written about 20 years ago, and someone dusted it off and sent it for publication because Anne Mather wrote it. It absolutely did not feel like today.
I found neither character particularly engaging or likable.
That said, the entire premise of the book lacked credibility - why would this woman, supposedly with a degree in law, fake a relationship with a man she threw off because he cheated on her. What parents wouldn't understand that? Why is she such a wuss, with everyone? the ex-boyfriend, her parents, the H, her boss. Does the author really expect us to believe that she believes that the ex will pony up the money he's conned out of her parents?
Then the matter of the H having conversations with his dead wife - I could buy into that, perhaps he's hallucinating; but no way could both men be experiencing the same thing!
Read this book if you're feeling nostalgic for Anne Mather, or maybe not, because if you were a fan, you'd be upset at how far her writing has fallen.
April 17, 2016
Title: A Forbidden Temptation
Series: n/a
Author: Anne Mather
Genre: Romance
Blurb: An unwanted desire…
With the death of his wife still raw, Jack Connolly's mood is dark and dangerous. He's not looking for a woman, until he meets buttoned-up but beautiful Grace Spencer, who stirs his senses back to life. Yet Jack cannot act on his feelings, as Grace belongs to another!
An impossible affair…
Trapped in a fake relationship to safeguard her family, Grace knows crossing the line with Jack would risk everything she holds dear. Beneath the hunger she sees in Jack's eyes is the promise of something more…but is it enough for her to surrender to a taste of the forbidden?
Thoughts: Anne Mather is one of the classic authors for Harlequin – I can remember reading her books when I first began reading romances many years ago. I loved Forbidden Temptation – it managed to capture that old school, early Harlequin-like vibe will still being a bit more current at the same time. Anne Mather is an accomplished writer, and that comes across no matter what book you read by her. This is a really sweet romance that really made me remember why I enjoy reading so much. Another book from Ms. Mather to add to my collection..:)
Rate: B+
Review by: Sarah
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
Series: n/a
Author: Anne Mather
Genre: Romance
Blurb: An unwanted desire…
With the death of his wife still raw, Jack Connolly's mood is dark and dangerous. He's not looking for a woman, until he meets buttoned-up but beautiful Grace Spencer, who stirs his senses back to life. Yet Jack cannot act on his feelings, as Grace belongs to another!
An impossible affair…
Trapped in a fake relationship to safeguard her family, Grace knows crossing the line with Jack would risk everything she holds dear. Beneath the hunger she sees in Jack's eyes is the promise of something more…but is it enough for her to surrender to a taste of the forbidden?
Thoughts: Anne Mather is one of the classic authors for Harlequin – I can remember reading her books when I first began reading romances many years ago. I loved Forbidden Temptation – it managed to capture that old school, early Harlequin-like vibe will still being a bit more current at the same time. Anne Mather is an accomplished writer, and that comes across no matter what book you read by her. This is a really sweet romance that really made me remember why I enjoy reading so much. Another book from Ms. Mather to add to my collection..:)
Rate: B+
Review by: Sarah
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
April 1, 2016
I've read books by Anne Mather in the past. She is name that is synonymous with the Presents line. This book had potential, but somewhere it just didn't quite work for me.
This is what I liked about the book.
1. The ghost of Jack's wife. I love a touch of paranormal in romances, especially ghosts.
2. Jack was an unusual hero. There was attraction there, but the romance was pretty much non-existent.
This is what I had problems with.
1. Grace and Jack, there was no real romance between them. Just weird encounters
2. The whole Sean thing. The guy was a total wankpuffin. I totally hated him and couldn't grasp why Grace was such a wimp when it came to him.
3. Grace was supposed to be a smart woman, but she let's everyone walk all over her. I can understand some of it, because she doesn't want to upset her mother who is getting over cancer treatments, but still, most of her behavior is uncomfortable and odd.
4. The sex was too gratuitous. I wanted a relationship to develop between the two of them, but it just didn't happen.
So yeah, this wasn't what I was expecting. It definitely didn't live up to past book by Anne.
This is what I liked about the book.
1. The ghost of Jack's wife. I love a touch of paranormal in romances, especially ghosts.
2. Jack was an unusual hero. There was attraction there, but the romance was pretty much non-existent.
This is what I had problems with.
1. Grace and Jack, there was no real romance between them. Just weird encounters
2. The whole Sean thing. The guy was a total wankpuffin. I totally hated him and couldn't grasp why Grace was such a wimp when it came to him.
3. Grace was supposed to be a smart woman, but she let's everyone walk all over her. I can understand some of it, because she doesn't want to upset her mother who is getting over cancer treatments, but still, most of her behavior is uncomfortable and odd.
4. The sex was too gratuitous. I wanted a relationship to develop between the two of them, but it just didn't happen.
So yeah, this wasn't what I was expecting. It definitely didn't live up to past book by Anne.
May 15, 2016
In compliance with FTC guidelines, I have won this book through the Goodreads Giveaways.
I honestly would have given this a much lower rating except the editing is flawless as expected from a major publisher. And I'm not sure if the ridiculous writing is Anne Mather or Harlequin so I'm giving her the benefit of the doubt. Though I did have to force myself to finish the book as it was incredibly boring.
Grace is a brainless, clueless, simpering idiot you want to smack upside the head every time she thinks let alone talks. And Jack prefers drama and misunderstands to actually holding a conversation with the woman he is instantly in lust with. Oh, and Lisa is one of the worst plot devices I have ever seen.
My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again
I honestly would have given this a much lower rating except the editing is flawless as expected from a major publisher. And I'm not sure if the ridiculous writing is Anne Mather or Harlequin so I'm giving her the benefit of the doubt. Though I did have to force myself to finish the book as it was incredibly boring.
Grace is a brainless, clueless, simpering idiot you want to smack upside the head every time she thinks let alone talks. And Jack prefers drama and misunderstands to actually holding a conversation with the woman he is instantly in lust with. Oh, and Lisa is one of the worst plot devices I have ever seen.
My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again
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