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Royal Command #4
Sweet Temptation
Evie, a career detective, deals with the seedy side of life – kidnap, murder, and infiltrating sex-trafficking rings, but can she resist an enticing billionaire superstar thirty-one years her senior? Michael’s proposal – “I’m no innocent, no stranger to sin. Take me as I am or not at all.”
Maternal instincts nil, Evie finds herself the protective, loving, stepmother of Greta, Michael’s jealous, rebellious, teenage daughter, but she reckons without her own mother being in cahoots with The Spy. He, or she, is a journalist prepared to tell lies, bribe “witnesses”, and stalk all the members of her new family to reveal their scandalous secrets.
Maternal instincts nil, Evie finds herself the protective, loving, stepmother of Greta, Michael’s jealous, rebellious, teenage daughter, but she reckons without her own mother being in cahoots with The Spy. He, or she, is a journalist prepared to tell lies, bribe “witnesses”, and stalk all the members of her new family to reveal their scandalous secrets.
442 pages, ebook
Published September 23, 2017
5 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Stuart
24 books104 followersSarah Stuart is the multi-award-winning author of the sizzling Royal Command Family Saga, Christian Richard and Maria trilogy, and DCI Gerald Croft Thrillers.
She is a Readers' Favorite reviewer, and her passions are theatre, music, history, travel. and wildlife. 100% of her royalties are donated to animal charities worldwide.
She is a Readers' Favorite reviewer, and her passions are theatre, music, history, travel. and wildlife. 100% of her royalties are donated to animal charities worldwide.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 19, 2017
I have read all the books in Sarah Stuart’s Royal Command Series, and until I read Sweet Temptation, my favorite of the series was the first book, Dangerous Liaisons.
Michael Marsh, the Diamond Superstar has millions of fans across the globe, but he’s lonely. When his wife, Lizzie, was murdered in front of him, his world shattered. He didn’t believe he could ever love again. That is until detective Evie Taylor, walked into his office. Thirty years his junior, it is a relationship destined to failure from the start. She’s been a fan and star struck by him since she was a teenager. So, when he asks her to move into Mere House with him, she’s ecstatic, but disillusioned when she is never invited to share his bed. She falls gravely ill and lies at death’s door in the hospital for months. That is when Michael realizes he cannot live without her. A hasty marriage in the hospital puts a diamond ring on her finger, but still she is riddled with doubt. How can Michael love her when she is so near death and disgustingly thin? The many skeletons in Michael Marsh’s closet come out and with the help of Evie’s evil and jealous mother, she is convinced the marriage is only a farce and meant to take the heat off Michael when The Spy reports damaging lies about incest and physical abuse in the tabloids. Add Michael’s teenage daughter, Greta, into the mix and the plot thickens. Greta allows herself to become a victim of a sex trafficking ring when she turns to a chat room to ease her own loneliness. She is jealous of Evie and the hours Michal spends at the hospital and convinces herself that her family doesn’t love her. The author did a superb job of getting inside the mind of a typical teenager. But, the danger is real and if not for Greta’s fierce determination, she would have been another statistic.
One of the reasons I loved this story so much is that Michael Marsh redeemed himself. By that I mean, that he had to, for once in his life, think of someone other than himself. The hours he spent with no food and no sleep to sit by Evie’s bedside as she battled to live and fight incessant nightmares put him in a different light. It showed a compassionate caring side of the Diamond Superstar that we had not seen in the other books.
If you love dysfunctional family drama, suspense, and conflict, you are going to love Sweet Temptation. Sarah Stuart did an amazing job with all the characters, delving deep into their psyche. As a last word, I also have to give her kudos for the detailed way she depicted Evie’s nightmares that haunted her as she lay in a coma. Only someone who had experienced these could write about them in such vivid detail.
Michael Marsh, the Diamond Superstar has millions of fans across the globe, but he’s lonely. When his wife, Lizzie, was murdered in front of him, his world shattered. He didn’t believe he could ever love again. That is until detective Evie Taylor, walked into his office. Thirty years his junior, it is a relationship destined to failure from the start. She’s been a fan and star struck by him since she was a teenager. So, when he asks her to move into Mere House with him, she’s ecstatic, but disillusioned when she is never invited to share his bed. She falls gravely ill and lies at death’s door in the hospital for months. That is when Michael realizes he cannot live without her. A hasty marriage in the hospital puts a diamond ring on her finger, but still she is riddled with doubt. How can Michael love her when she is so near death and disgustingly thin? The many skeletons in Michael Marsh’s closet come out and with the help of Evie’s evil and jealous mother, she is convinced the marriage is only a farce and meant to take the heat off Michael when The Spy reports damaging lies about incest and physical abuse in the tabloids. Add Michael’s teenage daughter, Greta, into the mix and the plot thickens. Greta allows herself to become a victim of a sex trafficking ring when she turns to a chat room to ease her own loneliness. She is jealous of Evie and the hours Michal spends at the hospital and convinces herself that her family doesn’t love her. The author did a superb job of getting inside the mind of a typical teenager. But, the danger is real and if not for Greta’s fierce determination, she would have been another statistic.
One of the reasons I loved this story so much is that Michael Marsh redeemed himself. By that I mean, that he had to, for once in his life, think of someone other than himself. The hours he spent with no food and no sleep to sit by Evie’s bedside as she battled to live and fight incessant nightmares put him in a different light. It showed a compassionate caring side of the Diamond Superstar that we had not seen in the other books.
If you love dysfunctional family drama, suspense, and conflict, you are going to love Sweet Temptation. Sarah Stuart did an amazing job with all the characters, delving deep into their psyche. As a last word, I also have to give her kudos for the detailed way she depicted Evie’s nightmares that haunted her as she lay in a coma. Only someone who had experienced these could write about them in such vivid detail.
December 9, 2017
This was my first book by Stuart and I was pleasantly surprised by the detailed and intricate story of Sweet Temptation. The characters were well written and believably flawed which helped fuel the intense plot. When an author can take subject matter I don't like and weave it seamlessly into the story with ease it's a testament to their skill. Sweet Temptation did just that.
I'm not fond of incest and perhaps reading book 4 before the other 3 gives me a bit of a disadvantage but this novel was complete from start to finish and I had no problem following the dysfunctional and at times broken Marsh family. Past choices have come forward to haunt the present and Stuart's ability to show how this affects the entire family, including the new addition Evie is phenomenal. Michael has his own set of issues and works through them as the family leader.
The addition of sex trafficking added another layer to the story which fueled the intensity of the latter half of the book. Being in the limelight and famous has its drawbacks and those issues are exposed as a raw sore that never fully heals and constantly festers in the family. The Spy's character was interesting and I was intrigued by his motivation although not discussed in this novel.
Overall this was a novel that kept me intrigued about the various family members and the truth of their connection. What do we actually know of others, especially those who are famous and scrutinized for every choice they make? An interesting look at one family and their struggles. If you're a fan of contemporary novels and thriller romances, you'll enjoy this book.
Characters: 4.5/5
Plot: 4/5
Word Building: 5/5
Story Flow: 5/5
Picky Bitches OVERALL SCORE: 5/5
November 10, 2017
From start to finish, this is a book I thoroughly enjoyed. I am not a big romance reader but I have read Sarah Stuart before so it was easy to come back to her fluid style and entertaining plotlines. I got quickly lost in the story here and with my number one criteria for a five star read being story -telling this book began with five stars from the tense opening and I can highly recommend Sweet temptations to you even if like me you may be tempted to avoid the genre. The key to the enjoyment of Sweet temptations is a combination of strong character development and the simple prose that draws you in as a reader and takes you through a whole gamut of emotions along with the characters. Top marks. Pick this one up.
April 1, 2018
I didn't realize when I bought the book that it was the fourth in a series, so it was a little difficult figuring out the characters motivations at first. I should have read them in order after I realized what was going on, but by then I was caught up in the story. The characters are well-developed and the story is well-written. Their take on things and their morals are different than mine, but that makes the story intriguing. Romance isn't a genre I read much, so I might have been able to give five starts if it had been and if I hadn't been a little confused at first. I definitely think fans of romance will enjoy this book.
January 4, 2018
Sweet Temptation is populated with intriguing characters with strong emotions and no fear of some high jinks. The book cleverly highlights the difficulties of fame and fortune and provides a sympathetic view of the complexities of living in the public eye. The intersection of the fairly normal life of the female lead with the often chaotic and dramatic daily existence of her super star love interest reveals all the various difficulties that such a union would bring to bear. Full of interesting tension and drama, the story was a fun read that nevertheless made me think.
December 26, 2017
Getting book 4 in a series can be difficult to follow, especially when the plot line involves incest among several characters. Two of the characters, it was explained later on in the book, but Michael and Lisette, I never really did figure how what circumstances got them together. I grew up reading VC Andrews books, so it didn't totally put me off the story line and I grew up in the dramatic atmosphere of dance and theatre rehearsals. I've sat there while rehearsals had to be paused because one or several of my costars had started dating, had a blowup, and the entire production came to a halt. Though, in most cases, if I was performing with siblings, parent/child, etc, the drama generally involved them telling everyone "If you hurt my relative, I'll end you" and not incest. But I digress and it's probably better explained in the previous books.
I was confused at first with all the character introductions and had a slow start to reading this book, but soon found myself grabbing my kindle when I was supposed to be working because I wanted to find out what happened next. I wish, perhaps, we had seen more of Evie's evil mother and less of her in the hospital. I thought the book was winding down with Evie's recovery as I could tell I was getting towards the end, but the final 15% or so was filled with drama caused by Mary. She's a pretty evil character and I'm a pretty awful person in general. I wish the author had let Mary out to play a little more and caused more problems, perhaps so that when Mary had her downfall, it was more epic.
I am going to have to pick up the first few books in the series just so I can see what led up to this book.
I was confused at first with all the character introductions and had a slow start to reading this book, but soon found myself grabbing my kindle when I was supposed to be working because I wanted to find out what happened next. I wish, perhaps, we had seen more of Evie's evil mother and less of her in the hospital. I thought the book was winding down with Evie's recovery as I could tell I was getting towards the end, but the final 15% or so was filled with drama caused by Mary. She's a pretty evil character and I'm a pretty awful person in general. I wish the author had let Mary out to play a little more and caused more problems, perhaps so that when Mary had her downfall, it was more epic.
I am going to have to pick up the first few books in the series just so I can see what led up to this book.
October 5, 2017
Sweet Temptation by Sarah Stuart continues the ongoing saga of the "Diamond Superstar", Michael Marsh, that readers have come to love over the years, through the first three books. Lizzie has been gone now for two years and Michael is looking again for love, companionship, and someone to stave off those awful nights when he cannot sleep alone. Evie Taylor was a private detective who worked for the firm Michael had used to find Lizzie's killer and he has fallen hopelessly in love with her. True romance never did run smoothly in this dysfunctional showbusiness family and this romance is no exception. Evie has a whole pile of skeletons in her closet as well and Michael will have to earn her trust and understanding, although Evie admits to having loved and adored the "Diamond Superstar" ever since she was a teenager.
This is an interesting move for Stuart's story, away a little bit from the fascinating dynamics of the incestuous, dysfunctional Marsh family, the family heritage that descended from Margaret Tudor, James IV of Scotland's Queen and more toward a simple, straightforward relationship - rest assured, though, the familiar tensions within the family are still there. I enjoyed this story very much and it is a testament to Stuart's development as an author, over the four books, that you can see, as a reader, a subtlety and nuance to the character's interactions and relationships that have developed over the course of this series. An excellent book and the question remains - will there be a number five to this series. I do hope so. Good job Sarah Stuart!
This is an interesting move for Stuart's story, away a little bit from the fascinating dynamics of the incestuous, dysfunctional Marsh family, the family heritage that descended from Margaret Tudor, James IV of Scotland's Queen and more toward a simple, straightforward relationship - rest assured, though, the familiar tensions within the family are still there. I enjoyed this story very much and it is a testament to Stuart's development as an author, over the four books, that you can see, as a reader, a subtlety and nuance to the character's interactions and relationships that have developed over the course of this series. An excellent book and the question remains - will there be a number five to this series. I do hope so. Good job Sarah Stuart!
November 3, 2017
Great story with a mix of inter-weaving plot-lines, involving steamy romance, sizzling-hot passion, intrigue, drama, even incest, at least the accusation of it, and sinister characters and motives. The central characters are Michael Marsh, The Diamond Superstar, the famous singer, and the much younger Evie Taylor, who works for a detective agency, who confront together the obstacles facing them in the development and fulfilment of their relationship. The obstacles are indeed many: amongst them are an illness which might destroy everything; Greta, Michael's jealous daughter; and The Spy, the ruthless, malign journalist intent on destroying Michael's career by any means, fair or foul, normally quite foul and quite evil, to the extent of involving children, incest and physical harm. The book is extremely well-written, and had me hooked from the start. The characters are believable and authentic in their portrayal, and yet the arena in which the incidents of their lives are played out is dramatic, thrilling, emotionally-charged and momentous, let alone titillating, passionate and raw. Classic ingredients for a steamy, no-holds-barred romance and melodrama full of twists and turns and unexpected developments. Great stuff.
October 21, 2017
Tense thriller romance
This is the fourth book in the Royal Command thriller/romance series filled with intrigue and suspense. I read and enjoyed the third in the series, 'Dynasty of Deceit', so I was looking forward to finding out what would befall Michael Marsh and his inexplicable family, and I wasn't disappointed. The story finds Michael two years after his wife was murdered and he has found love with Evie, a detective who worked on his wife's murder case. There are several intertwining story threads that twist and turn around Michael dealing with accusations and personal attacks while Evie becomes hospitalised and he faces losing her. As in the previous book, the characters are clearly imaged, believable, flawed, and compelling as they push forward. Storytelling, pace and plotting are top notch with dialogue that kept me turning the pages. Highly recommended.
This is the fourth book in the Royal Command thriller/romance series filled with intrigue and suspense. I read and enjoyed the third in the series, 'Dynasty of Deceit', so I was looking forward to finding out what would befall Michael Marsh and his inexplicable family, and I wasn't disappointed. The story finds Michael two years after his wife was murdered and he has found love with Evie, a detective who worked on his wife's murder case. There are several intertwining story threads that twist and turn around Michael dealing with accusations and personal attacks while Evie becomes hospitalised and he faces losing her. As in the previous book, the characters are clearly imaged, believable, flawed, and compelling as they push forward. Storytelling, pace and plotting are top notch with dialogue that kept me turning the pages. Highly recommended.
November 15, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars:
Sweet Temptation: The Agony and the Ecstasy of Passion (Royal Command Book 4) isn't about kings and queens, but rock stars and internet sex trafficking and all of today's pitfalls. Michael Marsh, the "Diamond Superstar" meets Evie Taylor, who has idolized him since her teenage days. Soon Marsh invites Evie to move into his mansion. Bot Michael, twice Evie's age, has hefty baggage: his wife was murdered before his eyes, and left him to raise a daughter. Despite her residence in Marsh's home, Marsh never touches Evie. Soon enough, Evie falls prey to a wasting disease. In hospital, Marsh fears he might lose her and they wed. Marsh's jealous daughter Greta then falls prey to a sex-traffic ring online... A modern "May to December" romantic thriller.
Sweet Temptation: The Agony and the Ecstasy of Passion (Royal Command Book 4) isn't about kings and queens, but rock stars and internet sex trafficking and all of today's pitfalls. Michael Marsh, the "Diamond Superstar" meets Evie Taylor, who has idolized him since her teenage days. Soon Marsh invites Evie to move into his mansion. Bot Michael, twice Evie's age, has hefty baggage: his wife was murdered before his eyes, and left him to raise a daughter. Despite her residence in Marsh's home, Marsh never touches Evie. Soon enough, Evie falls prey to a wasting disease. In hospital, Marsh fears he might lose her and they wed. Marsh's jealous daughter Greta then falls prey to a sex-traffic ring online... A modern "May to December" romantic thriller.
October 21, 2017
This is the fourth in the series and having read the first three, I looked forward to reading this latest installment. And again it doesn't disappoint. Full of intrigue and filled with more scandal and shocks, I couldn't stop reading. These trials and tribulations of the rich and famous isn't for the faint-hearted, but while you may not approve of all their actions, it does show their human side. Probably the best of the series so far. BRING ON THE FIFTH PLEASE.
November 1, 2017
Having read the earlier books in this series, I was happy to see the notice of book 4’s arrival. Purchasing it without hesitation, I couldn’t wait to dive into the continuing storyline that revolves around Michael Marsh. Drawing on her experience working in show business, the scenes are lush with “backstage” descriptions that liven up the storyline. It has not been that long since Marsh lost his wife when he finds romance again in Evie Taylor, but as with all good stories conflict/tension soon arises and there’s a questions of trust. And family complications. There is no lack of the human condition rearing it’s ugly and beautiful head in this well-told thriller where affection, jealously, haunting memories, enmity, turmoil, illness, tenderness, excitement burn from the pages. I looked forward to reading this and it did not disappoint.
September 30, 2017
The Royal Command series, of which Sweet Temptation is Book Four, has been a roller-coaster ride of emotion. Michael Marsh and his ‘unconventional’ family have long suffered the consequences of Michael’s disastrous relationship with his daughter, Lisette.
Life is complicated further by Evie, Michael’s new love interest after two lonely years without Lizzie, who was his ‘one love’. When Evie falls desperately ill, he is left fighting a media troll, who wishes to destroy him and his family, and an evil future mother-in-law while trying to save the life of the women he loves who is in a coma.
Ms Stuart tackles the dark secrets of Michael’s celebrity lifestyle and the sacrifices his family must make to keep past scandal under wraps with insight, forgiveness, and feeling. The experiences of a coma victim are fascinating and compelling and provide a unique thread to the story. I love the characters, the unusual storyline, and the fact that this series just gets better and better.
Life is complicated further by Evie, Michael’s new love interest after two lonely years without Lizzie, who was his ‘one love’. When Evie falls desperately ill, he is left fighting a media troll, who wishes to destroy him and his family, and an evil future mother-in-law while trying to save the life of the women he loves who is in a coma.
Ms Stuart tackles the dark secrets of Michael’s celebrity lifestyle and the sacrifices his family must make to keep past scandal under wraps with insight, forgiveness, and feeling. The experiences of a coma victim are fascinating and compelling and provide a unique thread to the story. I love the characters, the unusual storyline, and the fact that this series just gets better and better.
October 2, 2017
Fast-Paced and Exciting!
Sweet Temptation is the latest book in the life of Michael Marsh, known as The Diamond Superstar.and his complicated family. Two years after Lizzie’s death, Michael has found someone to share his life with, Evie Taylor, but as always in the life of the Superstar, nothing is going to be simple. Can he trust Evie with the true stories of his children? Can this hard-nosed detective put aside her career to follow him around the world as he tours? Meanwhile his daughter, Greta is now fifteen and anxious to spread her wings. She seeks love and fame away from her father’s eagle eye and her normal teenage insecurities lead her to doubt his love for her. Sarah Stuart’s latest thriller is very fast-paced and will leave you breathless as you seek to keep up with the action. If you loved the first three books in the series you will not want to miss this one.
Sweet Temptation is the latest book in the life of Michael Marsh, known as The Diamond Superstar.and his complicated family. Two years after Lizzie’s death, Michael has found someone to share his life with, Evie Taylor, but as always in the life of the Superstar, nothing is going to be simple. Can he trust Evie with the true stories of his children? Can this hard-nosed detective put aside her career to follow him around the world as he tours? Meanwhile his daughter, Greta is now fifteen and anxious to spread her wings. She seeks love and fame away from her father’s eagle eye and her normal teenage insecurities lead her to doubt his love for her. Sarah Stuart’s latest thriller is very fast-paced and will leave you breathless as you seek to keep up with the action. If you loved the first three books in the series you will not want to miss this one.
November 20, 2017
Michael Marsh, superstar, is the key figure throughout this excellent series, and in this tale he takes centre stage once again. Love, hate, loyalty, friendship, deceit, terror, kidnap, passion, sex, incest, and more are intertwined to create a feast of entertainment.
In this story the author demonstrates not only a talent for storytelling, but skill in manipulating the plot to draw a reader to different conclusions. I’m widely read in genre and here I’m convinced I’ve found a romance writer who brings the best and worst aspects of a character to light - through dialogue.
As you will find through each episode of the Royal Command saga, the imagery and characterisation are superbly drawn. The situations, and importantly, the suspense and intrigue are brilliantly interwoven.
How much suspense can you get into a a steamy romance? If it’s one of Sarah Stuart’s stories - a lot.
For me, this was another well-constructed portion of a well-researched and skilfully written main story. I believe the numerous characters in the world of Michael Marsh could spawn more tales.
In this story the author demonstrates not only a talent for storytelling, but skill in manipulating the plot to draw a reader to different conclusions. I’m widely read in genre and here I’m convinced I’ve found a romance writer who brings the best and worst aspects of a character to light - through dialogue.
As you will find through each episode of the Royal Command saga, the imagery and characterisation are superbly drawn. The situations, and importantly, the suspense and intrigue are brilliantly interwoven.
How much suspense can you get into a a steamy romance? If it’s one of Sarah Stuart’s stories - a lot.
For me, this was another well-constructed portion of a well-researched and skilfully written main story. I believe the numerous characters in the world of Michael Marsh could spawn more tales.
October 4, 2017
Michael Marsh, and his complicated family takes centre stage once again. Two years after Michael loses his wife, Lizzie, he finds love again with Evie Taylor, the private detective who helped search for Lizzie's killer. But Evie, is not without faults of her own.
Sarah Stuart draws the reader into this superb family saga where love, hate, loyalty, and deceit, are masterfully interwoven.
The romance coupled with suspense will have you turning pages and at the edge of your seat.
Sarah Stuart draws the reader into this superb family saga where love, hate, loyalty, and deceit, are masterfully interwoven.
The romance coupled with suspense will have you turning pages and at the edge of your seat.
November 27, 2017
Michael Marsh has been dubbed the “Diamond Superstar” by his adoring fans. This book is the 4th in the Royal Command series and continues Michael’s story along with his family members. His wife, Lizzie, was the love of his life. However, now she’s been gone (deceased) for two years, and he’s ready to love again.
Evie Taylor was the detective who helped search for Lizzie’s murderer. She’s also been an adoring fan of the famous Michael Marsh since she was a teen. The thirty year difference in their ages means nothing to her.
After trying to deny his attraction to Evie, Michael finally gives in and invites her to move into Mere House with him. Second thoughts about being with a woman so much younger than he is, makes him rethink his decision to pursue a carnal relationship with Evie. So he gives her a separate bedroom instead of taking her to his bed.
Lots of twists and turns and characters young and old with self-doubts making decisions that lead to even more complications. Albeit dysfunctional, this family drama holds the reader’s attention. Good job, Sarah Stuart!
Evie Taylor was the detective who helped search for Lizzie’s murderer. She’s also been an adoring fan of the famous Michael Marsh since she was a teen. The thirty year difference in their ages means nothing to her.
After trying to deny his attraction to Evie, Michael finally gives in and invites her to move into Mere House with him. Second thoughts about being with a woman so much younger than he is, makes him rethink his decision to pursue a carnal relationship with Evie. So he gives her a separate bedroom instead of taking her to his bed.
Lots of twists and turns and characters young and old with self-doubts making decisions that lead to even more complications. Albeit dysfunctional, this family drama holds the reader’s attention. Good job, Sarah Stuart!
December 19, 2017
I don't know if it is my age or my gender that is the problem here. I almost gave up reading this book at one stage, but decided to persevere with it to the end.
The central problem is that I am unfamiliar with the genre. Characters whose behaviour is increasingly bizarre and inconsistent simply don't do it for me. I like my reading to feature characters who bear some resemblance to the ordinary people I know. Stuart's characters, and the world they inhabit, are entirely alien to my experience of real life.
At some point I decided that this was parody, intended to be funny. Except that I could not laugh at the casual way in which juvenile sexual abuse was portrayed. This is a serious subject that deserves much more serious examination. Coincidentally I had just read Dominique Kyle's “Purgatory is a Place Too” which is a much more comprehensive and serious attempt to confront the issue.
Because of my confusion I decided to look at other reviewers' assessments of the book. That led me to the conclusion that fans of the genre – thriller/romance – love this kind of thing.
I have to say that the quality of the writing throughout is excellent. I particularly loved the dream sequences experienced by one of the leading characters whilst in an induced coma. Perhaps this is the clue to what I should have grasped about the whole novel. What I loved about those passages was the surreal aspect. The fact is that there is a great deal that is surreal about the whole novel. Parts of it are reminiscent of the old Ealing comedies – and here I am really showing my age: most of Stuart's readers will have no idea what I am on about.
In summary, if you love modern, slightly OTT, romantic comedy thrillers, take no notice of me, instead read those other reviews. This is one of the best of it's kind you're ever likely to read. And, as this is the fourth in a series, I urge you to read the other 3 first.
The central problem is that I am unfamiliar with the genre. Characters whose behaviour is increasingly bizarre and inconsistent simply don't do it for me. I like my reading to feature characters who bear some resemblance to the ordinary people I know. Stuart's characters, and the world they inhabit, are entirely alien to my experience of real life.
At some point I decided that this was parody, intended to be funny. Except that I could not laugh at the casual way in which juvenile sexual abuse was portrayed. This is a serious subject that deserves much more serious examination. Coincidentally I had just read Dominique Kyle's “Purgatory is a Place Too” which is a much more comprehensive and serious attempt to confront the issue.
Because of my confusion I decided to look at other reviewers' assessments of the book. That led me to the conclusion that fans of the genre – thriller/romance – love this kind of thing.
I have to say that the quality of the writing throughout is excellent. I particularly loved the dream sequences experienced by one of the leading characters whilst in an induced coma. Perhaps this is the clue to what I should have grasped about the whole novel. What I loved about those passages was the surreal aspect. The fact is that there is a great deal that is surreal about the whole novel. Parts of it are reminiscent of the old Ealing comedies – and here I am really showing my age: most of Stuart's readers will have no idea what I am on about.
In summary, if you love modern, slightly OTT, romantic comedy thrillers, take no notice of me, instead read those other reviews. This is one of the best of it's kind you're ever likely to read. And, as this is the fourth in a series, I urge you to read the other 3 first.
November 24, 2017
I normally know from the opening paragraphs whether I will like a book. I look for a few a few things. Usually writing Style and vocabulary first. Secondly, the ability to describe a scene. Thirdly, a good story that becomes apparent as you read onwards. Then lastly, I look for characterization. I look for that last because I like a character to be slowly painted from the ground up.
One by one Sarah Stuart's book, The Sweet Temptation ticked off all of these boxes in the opening chapters. She draws you into the story and soon you are immersed in it. It is the characters of Michael Marsh and Evie draw you in. Although they are all interesting, even his dead wife who still manages to command a presence. His relationship with his daughter, Greta, and particularly, the turn of events concerning her drive the plot forward making this an exciting family saga.
One by one Sarah Stuart's book, The Sweet Temptation ticked off all of these boxes in the opening chapters. She draws you into the story and soon you are immersed in it. It is the characters of Michael Marsh and Evie draw you in. Although they are all interesting, even his dead wife who still manages to command a presence. His relationship with his daughter, Greta, and particularly, the turn of events concerning her drive the plot forward making this an exciting family saga.
September 26, 2017
Reviewed by Romauld Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Sweet Temptation is another compelling, sizzling romance spiced with detective work from an author that has created her unique signature for the genre with her exciting characters and strong plot lines. Sarah Stuart creates worlds that feel so real and gets her readers into them. I was hooked from the very start of the story, thanks to the tight and exquisite writing. The reader is greeted with action as they start the story and the intensity doesn’t slow a bit. Abduction is introduced at the beginning in a very clever manner, and the reader immediately notices one of the key characters, Evie. I fell in love with her and was keen to see how she develops. The themes of romance, family, and intrigue are so masterfully crafted into the strong plot and readers will want to discover the part each character plays. Sweet Temptation is a well-crafted story that will delight fans of contemporary romance; it is well-plotted and the characters will stay with readers for a long time. I particularly loved the age gap between Michael and Evie. Sarah Stuart successfully establishes herself as a mistress of the romance genre.
Sweet Temptation is another compelling, sizzling romance spiced with detective work from an author that has created her unique signature for the genre with her exciting characters and strong plot lines. Sarah Stuart creates worlds that feel so real and gets her readers into them. I was hooked from the very start of the story, thanks to the tight and exquisite writing. The reader is greeted with action as they start the story and the intensity doesn’t slow a bit. Abduction is introduced at the beginning in a very clever manner, and the reader immediately notices one of the key characters, Evie. I fell in love with her and was keen to see how she develops. The themes of romance, family, and intrigue are so masterfully crafted into the strong plot and readers will want to discover the part each character plays. Sweet Temptation is a well-crafted story that will delight fans of contemporary romance; it is well-plotted and the characters will stay with readers for a long time. I particularly loved the age gap between Michael and Evie. Sarah Stuart successfully establishes herself as a mistress of the romance genre.
December 11, 2017
All in all a good suspense. With a very interesting plot though sometimes a bit too much going on. You might say that’s exactly what makes you keep going and turning the page. You just want to see what’ll happen next. I didn’t always connect with the writing but I do recommend reading the book. The story strengthens with every page, gets a lot more interesting and as I said becomes a very good suspense romance.
December 17, 2017
Though fans of the Royal Command series would likely be very familiar with the characters and their various interpersonal dynamics, diving into the series with book 4 proved a little challenging. Many characters are introduced in the first pages, and it isn't always easy to keep them straight. That said, they soon become sorted as the drama unfolds.
The protagonist is the world-famous Michael Marsh (AKA The Diamond Superstar), a widowed head of an insular family that labors under its share of dysfunction. The family features an impulsive teenage daughter (Greta) and a history of incest between the protagonist and his eldest daughter. While the latter might give some readers pause, it sets up one of the central dramas of the novel.
The other protagonist is Evie Taylor, who has long carried a torch for Michael Marsh and, as a detective, helped close the case on the murder of The Diamond Superstar’s wife two years earlier. While the novel opens with Evie demonstrating her chops as a detective, she spends much of the novel incapacitated with a serious illness.
While earlier books in the series may have laid the groundwork for the affection between the two protagonists, their love in book 4 seems more proclaimed than demonstrated (at least at the outset), and subject to somewhat more vacillation than sizzle. As the narrative progresses, and despite the various misunderstandings that threaten to undermine their nascent union, the reader is given reason to hope that the myriad obstacles facing them may be overcome.
while balancing several dramas involving Greta's capacity to get herself in trouble and Evie's illness, the harried Diamond Superstar becomes a sympathetic, heroic figure, whatever his flaws and past incestuous adventures. And in this, the author demonstrates a deft touch, acknowledging past sins while allowing for the possibility for redemption.
The various subplots are skillfully interwoven and the novel moves along at a good clip, with plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments and drama. All in all, "Sweet Temptation: The Agony and the Ecstasy of Passion" is an enjoyable, well-constructed, and well-written read.
The protagonist is the world-famous Michael Marsh (AKA The Diamond Superstar), a widowed head of an insular family that labors under its share of dysfunction. The family features an impulsive teenage daughter (Greta) and a history of incest between the protagonist and his eldest daughter. While the latter might give some readers pause, it sets up one of the central dramas of the novel.
The other protagonist is Evie Taylor, who has long carried a torch for Michael Marsh and, as a detective, helped close the case on the murder of The Diamond Superstar’s wife two years earlier. While the novel opens with Evie demonstrating her chops as a detective, she spends much of the novel incapacitated with a serious illness.
While earlier books in the series may have laid the groundwork for the affection between the two protagonists, their love in book 4 seems more proclaimed than demonstrated (at least at the outset), and subject to somewhat more vacillation than sizzle. As the narrative progresses, and despite the various misunderstandings that threaten to undermine their nascent union, the reader is given reason to hope that the myriad obstacles facing them may be overcome.
while balancing several dramas involving Greta's capacity to get herself in trouble and Evie's illness, the harried Diamond Superstar becomes a sympathetic, heroic figure, whatever his flaws and past incestuous adventures. And in this, the author demonstrates a deft touch, acknowledging past sins while allowing for the possibility for redemption.
The various subplots are skillfully interwoven and the novel moves along at a good clip, with plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments and drama. All in all, "Sweet Temptation: The Agony and the Ecstasy of Passion" is an enjoyable, well-constructed, and well-written read.
January 8, 2018
Fantasy doesn't always involve wizards. For those who like their fantasy with an overlay of modern romance, "Sweet Temptation" may fit the bill. But make no mistake, there is little of reality about this book. "The Diamond Superstar" is the hero and the heroine is a crack private eye who leaves her career with the hope that he will marry her. She leaves behind, as well, any of the kinds of skills, including the ability to read people, that her earlier life might have been thought to require. Indeed, all of the key characters in the book seem to function on the level of precocious (but not very) pre-teens. New realtors sell multiple houses in their first week of work, twenty-one year old boyfriends drive Lamborghinis. Drama abounds. My hunch is that the author understands her audience quite well and for those looking for such a fantasy, "Sweet Temptation" is spot on.
January 29, 2018
Fast paced, intriguing read
This was a bit like reading a soap opera unfold. Lots of family drama, miscommunication and pasts haunting the central characters. It was a bit difficult jumping right into this series at book 4, so it was rather confusing at first. Not knowing the characters' history nor having built a rapport with them over 3 books made it difficult.
The book's beginning is strong, I liked seeing Evie in her detective mode and wanted to see more of that. I think I'd have to go back to the earlier books in the series to see her in action.
The whole incest thing was rather off-putting although it is explained a bit. And Evie's insecurities that lasted the entire length of the book made me want to shake her. Greta was an interesting character, I found her storyline the most interesting.
It was well-written but the book does need to be read in order.
This was a bit like reading a soap opera unfold. Lots of family drama, miscommunication and pasts haunting the central characters. It was a bit difficult jumping right into this series at book 4, so it was rather confusing at first. Not knowing the characters' history nor having built a rapport with them over 3 books made it difficult.
The book's beginning is strong, I liked seeing Evie in her detective mode and wanted to see more of that. I think I'd have to go back to the earlier books in the series to see her in action.
The whole incest thing was rather off-putting although it is explained a bit. And Evie's insecurities that lasted the entire length of the book made me want to shake her. Greta was an interesting character, I found her storyline the most interesting.
It was well-written but the book does need to be read in order.
October 2, 2017
Sarah Stuart has churned out another compelling story that keeps you reading.
Her writing style is one that I admire.
Her description of Evie’s illness, the doctors, nurses, and hospital equipment, brought back vivid memories of my sister-in-law who endured a similar condition and was not lucky to survive.
It brought tears to my eyes.
I felt as if I was there with Evie.
Michael’s love for Evie kept him at her side in spite of the family problems, which plagued him.
The author’s story is well crafted, the characters well formed, and the subplots added to the intrigue.
I kept turning page after page to the detriment of my other duties.
This romance story tugs at your heart and will hook every reader.
I look forward to reading more of Sarah Stuart’s novels.
Her writing style is one that I admire.
Her description of Evie’s illness, the doctors, nurses, and hospital equipment, brought back vivid memories of my sister-in-law who endured a similar condition and was not lucky to survive.
It brought tears to my eyes.
I felt as if I was there with Evie.
Michael’s love for Evie kept him at her side in spite of the family problems, which plagued him.
The author’s story is well crafted, the characters well formed, and the subplots added to the intrigue.
I kept turning page after page to the detriment of my other duties.
This romance story tugs at your heart and will hook every reader.
I look forward to reading more of Sarah Stuart’s novels.
January 17, 2018
A Compelling Read!
I truly thought The Royal Command saga had reached a satisfying conclusion at the end of book 3, but thankfully, Ms. Stuart was astute enough to know that past events would still have a knock-on effect for Mr Marsh & his family for many more years to come. I am now looking forward to reading book 5, 6, 7, 8 ....
Sweet Temptation by Sarah Stuart could be read as a standalone book, but I would also highly recommend The Royal Command series to fans of unconventional romance stories or those that love gritty stories that leave the reader wondering whether they have a modicum of truth, or not.
I truly thought The Royal Command saga had reached a satisfying conclusion at the end of book 3, but thankfully, Ms. Stuart was astute enough to know that past events would still have a knock-on effect for Mr Marsh & his family for many more years to come. I am now looking forward to reading book 5, 6, 7, 8 ....
Sweet Temptation by Sarah Stuart could be read as a standalone book, but I would also highly recommend The Royal Command series to fans of unconventional romance stories or those that love gritty stories that leave the reader wondering whether they have a modicum of truth, or not.
August 28, 2018
Great Read
Out of book 1,2,3 and 4 I favoured book 4. I sighed with relief when Michael finally found the courage to tell Lissie to go back home to her husband. Until I read this book, I began to think of him as weak and pathetic. Lissie was also becoming a bore by her, 'Come to bed, my love'. I love Kit and Harriet, and I also came around to love - scatterbrain - Greta. Evie is another brilliant character who adds more chaos because of her mother. I can honestly say, with hand on heart, I found it very difficult to put this book down: it's not often we have a late dinner because of a book. Well Earned 5 star🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Out of book 1,2,3 and 4 I favoured book 4. I sighed with relief when Michael finally found the courage to tell Lissie to go back home to her husband. Until I read this book, I began to think of him as weak and pathetic. Lissie was also becoming a bore by her, 'Come to bed, my love'. I love Kit and Harriet, and I also came around to love - scatterbrain - Greta. Evie is another brilliant character who adds more chaos because of her mother. I can honestly say, with hand on heart, I found it very difficult to put this book down: it's not often we have a late dinner because of a book. Well Earned 5 star🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
July 17, 2019
The fourth in the Royal Command series when pigeons are coming home to roost. Again, a riveting read while I thoroughly enjoyed. This kept me on the edge of my seat wondering if Michael was going to find true love again and in thos series you cannot take anything for granted. I read all four books in this series over a long weekend and it was time well spent. A great story which had me guessing and I understand all three will be available in a box set later this year. Don’t miss it.
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