"Wicked Temptation" is the third book in The Siren Coven series and the first book in The Excalibur Duet. *** ** ** ***
I spent my life in service to my king, loyal to my queen, and loved by them both. Until she ruined me.
Guinevere made her choice and it wasn't me. So I sought out a way to fight the pain of losing her...of losing them both. Eternally languishing in purgatory was not what I had in mind. But now, hundreds of years later, I've been returned to life for a reason. The end times are here, and I'm the one chosen to help stop the apocalypse.
I only wish the woman I'm bound to wasn't the very one I'd tried to forget.
My Gwen had a secret she never shared in our past life together. She's a witch, cursed to live forever, and she's never forgiven me for what happened between us.
I am Lancelot du Lac. I was her champion once, I will be again, and this time, I won’t so willingly share.
Note: This is book 1 of a duet. There is a cliffhanger and menage elements in this book.
*** ** ** *** The Siren Covenseries: Book 1: Eternal Desire Book 2: Cursed Heart Book 3: Wicked Temptation Book 4: Immortal Flame Broken Sword: Books 3-4 the complete Excalibur Duet with "On A Cold Winter's Night" The Siren Coven: Books 1-4, with "On A Cold Winter's Night" Note: "Wicked Temptation" and "Immortal Flame" also comprise The Excalibur Duet
USA Today bestselling author Kim Loraine was raised a Navy brat but spent most of her life growing up in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. A proper Washingtonian, she's addicted to coffee, doesn't let a little rain ruin her day, and thinks the sun is a gift from God. When not chasing her three little minions around, Kim spends her time writing, reading, and binge watching Doctor Who.
Fab intro to Fantasy - I love romance novels but stayed in the contemporary genre until this book due to the engaging author and my love of the announced narrators caused me to pre-order. I am so glad that I did as this book has everything I love in contemporary romance in a setting that while Fantasy-based was fun and intriguing. Ms. Loraine had created complex characters in her "Royal Virgin" series, which I devoured those audio-books, and was happy to find the same dedication to characters in this book.
The story is a retelling of the characters from the ages old Camelot: Guinevere, Arthur & Lancelot but with such a great twist it felt new and refreshing while still playing upon the traditions of the legend. The book is technically number 3 in Loraine's "The Siren Coven" series but I didn't feel lost to the overall story arc as the main characters from the initial books were woven in very well to Guinevere and Lancelot's story. The flaming heat I love in contemporary romance is found between the "lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers" chronicle and when the additional character of Brooks enters the scene the flames get even hotter!!
With so many characters one would think the narration would be difficult to follow, but that is not the case with fantastic performances by Kylie Stewart & Shane East. Ms. Stewart's Guinevere cam through clearly as passionate and determined to resolve not only her present circumstance of missing powers but to find balance with her heart's desire for her lost love Lancelot. Whilst mainly speaking for Guinevere, Stewart's other personalities had a life of their own that were distinguishable and fun to hear.
Mr. East ...... need I say more? Seriously though, there was a video and an audio clip of his narration before pre-ordering began that sparked my interest in this book. The stubborn nature of Lancelot, his desire for Guinevere even after centuries apart, and the growling nature of passion all add up to a burning narration that you cannot stop playing.
But wait, there's more!!! We are left with a cliffhanger and waiting for book 2, "Immortal Flame" to release in a few weeks. I know I'll be listening again to Ms. Loraine's words from these two super stars of the audible world!!!!
Ok so I was SUPER excited for Gwen’s story…the hinting around at who she was had my curiosity peaked awhile back. She is Guinevere, that’s right…Arthur and Lancelot’s Guinevere. One of my all time favorite stories has been given a witching apocalyptic twist and I LOVED every last minute of it!!!
The end of the world is near and one of the most epic couples in history are the ones who are going to save it, they just don’t know how. Gwen and Lance must learn to be around each other again, figure out their truths and what has brought them back together in this modern tale.
But he’s going to leave. In the end, he’ll break my heart.
My heart bled for Lance, he’s confused, he’s lost, he has so much to catch up on. All he knows in his heart is his love for his queen, HIS Guinevere. No matter what he has done to forget her she is ingrained on his heart. The love is so strong, she feels it too even though she fights it.
…we’re Lancelot and Guinevere, two should mates not separated by circumstance.
It’s not just them though….there is a third party to this story and you will have to wait and see just who it is. I am drooling for more and can’t wait for Eternal Flame to land on my kindle!!!
My first book by this author. Interesting take on the whole Camelot story. It was a bit slow to start. But then it picked up. It was ok. I wouldn't say it was bad, because honestly it wasn't. I think it just wasn't my cup of tea. But I would absolutely read more from this author. I think she writes well and can tell a good story.
Wicked Temptation is another 5-star read in The Siren Coven series. Kim Loraine does such a phenomenal job writing paranormal books that she constantly has me swooning with EVERY SINGLE BOOK!! Kim creates such a magical world to escape to and Wicked Temptation offers you all the feels with love, angst, sass and suspense.
I absolutely love Gwen’s story and having two equally sexy males on her heels, just adds another layer of awesomeness. Gwen, Lance, Brooks OH MY! Gwen’s sisters popping up throughout Wicked Temptation also has me smiling ear to ear. Kim’s characters are fantastically written and she sucks you into every aspect of this story.
Kim Loraine if we were in a coven, you would so be the High Priestess. I cannot wait for Immortal Flame to be released.
Hold on to your moonstones and magic, folks! lol Loraine puts her special spin on an age old tale. Seductive, spellbinding, and completely addictive. Read this immediately!
I absolutely loved Gwen, Lance, and Brook’s story. Loraine never fails to give me amazing PNR with her special brand of magic (literally) added to it. This story was the perfect book to get lost in for a few hours. Really though, I’m still there. I need more of this delicious threesome! I need the second book in the duet yesterday! 5 Stars.
I usually struggle with paranormal romance. it is just not something that I enjoy... UNTIL this book... I could not put it down. I loved the take on the King Arthur legend and I absolutely found Gwen and Lance to be a couple with passion and fire and than the twist with Brooks oh my....it makes me hold my breath until the next book. In the meantime I am going to catch up on the first two books in the siren series while I wait for the conclusion of the duet. Well done Kim Loraine you found me a new genre to delve into.
It took a few chapters for me to get into the book but once I did I really enjoyed it. The story was a great read and I loved the characters in this book. I can't wait for book two. I need to know what happens next.
Story was interesting but..... ⚠️ might contain spoilers ⚠️
Story was interesting but, the books description never hinted at where this was truly headed......
Warning ⚠️ there might be spoilers ahead ⚠️
Hint: things are definitely looking like / pointing towards a MMF in the next book.... Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa,while I’ve ever been a big reader of the “Arthurian Legends” and such etc. until recently in certain types of “romance “ books I’ve never heard of “King Arthur” having a forbidden love for Lancelot and having a craving for his lance...... Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwww....... Lance and Gwen getting together was all that was mentioned in the desc....... Lance and Gwen having been tricked into believing one betrayed the other and kinda pulling their own version of Romeo and Juliet, when neither shows up like they think their supposed too... Ok, that’s what I signed up for when I downloaded the book vi KU ..... What I didn’t sign up for or expect was Gwen to be keeping the secret from Lance about how when Arthur would come to her bed to have sex w/her back in the day to try and sire and heir he was calling out Lancelot’s name as well.... I know m/m is popular w/a lot of women ( why I don’t really get or understand it I know it is ) but that doesn’t mean it’s everyone’s thing.... nit by a lot by shot... Poor naive Lance never had a clue and feels he failed his former king because he love Gwen more than anyone or anything , especially his king,not knowing the “king “ had always wanted them both.... Where’s the m/m coming from you ask? If Arthur is in the past ,you say why is that a worry now ? Well by story’s end we see everyone has returned and sadly memories and unwanted feelings have been restored .... Book ends with a cliffhanger and headed in a direction NOT mentioned in the desc..... Ok,as a “duet” I guess the cliffy was to be expected but the possibility of a mmf with Arthur/Lance/Gwen ? That soo was not.... Long drawn out book,kinda convoluted at times and running in circles covering a lot of the same info til towards the end when things are finally revealed and story s confirmed to going places non lovers on m/m might not want to go.... As a reader I don’t have to like everything I come across,it’s a writers prerogative to write what moves them and what they want all I ask is to be warned when your taking us someplace your desc. doesn’t leave us expecting... Good luck, Ms.Loraine, your work isn’t for me but I wish you all the best...
I have been itching to get to Gwen’s story since I made the link to who she was in Izzy’s book. I can understand why this was saved till last and why it’s over two books. Her story is one of past lives come to modern times. I love how Kim Loraine manages to infuse the characters with detailed and painful backstories that play such an integral part of their present day trials. Guinevere and Lancelot are reunited. But nothing is as it seems. This book has a wonderful second chance, enemies to lovers feel and embarking on their journey of understanding and falling back in love was just brilliant. Add in adjusting Lance to the modern world, and it brought many a smile to my face. I loved the build up of this story, how they didn’t just dive back in but let the feelings and tension build. And then, when you think everything is going to work out, twists happen, leaving you unsure what is going to happen next.
Kylie Stewart and Shane East perform this story in duet, and it was brilliant. I loved how Shane voiced Lance. Really giving us a feel of an out of time person adjusting to a new world. Someone who loves deeply but holds a ton of hurt. Then, add in Brooks, and we get a full workout of Shane skills. I really enjoyed Kylie Stewart in this book, the way she chose to perform Gwen, a woman struggling with her feelings and memories was wonderful. They kept me enthralled for the entire book.
I’m looking forward to diving into book 2, Immortal Flame later today.
Wicked Temptation The Excalibur Duet By: Kim Loraine Narrated by: Kylie Stewart, Shane East
Kim Loraine continues to surprise me with every book she releases. Each with its own special something keeps me coming back to her writing. This one in particular had me gripped through the entire story. A continuation of the Siren series, it gives us Gwen, the third Siren. As I was listening to the twist on King Arthur’s story, I was sure i was going to figure out who Gwen would end up with. This paranormal gem has me still guessing. Lancelot, Arthur and Gwen have a love triangle that just don’t give an inch. And I have my suspicions on the outcome, but this won’t be verified til the next book in this duet comes out. Bringing in the Sirens to cohesively meld the series gives us the familiarity I love and adds another layer of depth to this incredible series.
Shane East and Kylie Stewart bring it all to life with their fantastic narration. They add the emotional push pull of the characters, add so many inflections giving power to the story. I enjoyed it and can’t wait for the conclusion.
After Helena and Izzy’s unique stories I was completely dying to find out how Kim Loraine would twist the story of Guinevere, Lancelot and King Author. I love the uniqueness of each of the Siren Coven books, but this one really threw me for a loop. I am usually not a fan of love triangles, I am a sap and want a happily ever after for everyone involved and that rarely happens for love triangles… but it seems like they might have found a way around that this time. Unfortunately, Gwen’s story got broken up into 2 books so I need to hurry and read the next one to find out how everything ends and I am really hoping I don’t have to choose between Lance or Brooks/Author!
I did not realize this was book 3 in the Siren Coven so read the first two before this. I was able to follow along without the first 2 but I have a feeling the beginning would have been smoother. This book was amazing by the way! I have always been in love with Arthur and his knights of the round table. This continuation of the story of our Cursed lovers is gripping, fast paced and hard to put down. Wonderful book. Eagerly awaiting how they save Lance in the second book of the duet.
Lancelot and Guinevere are in modern times trying to stop the apocalypse. Not my normal reading genre but did enjoy this book. It was fun to read about Lancelot experiencing modern things. The book ends in a cliffhanger but the next book is out so you can dig right in.
Kim Loraine is a master wordsmith who uses her knowledge about both character development and world building to successfully grab the reader and take them on a sexy and steam wild ride! I couldn't put this book down! It was deliciously wicked and tingles all of my senses! I can't wait to read every more by this duo!!
We all know the story of Guinevere and Lancelot... or do we? A fascinating retelling that turns the story on its ear. If you never were happy with the portrayal of Guinevere or had questions about that night between the three of them, this might be the story for you. Now, excuse me but I am dying to read the second book and find out what happens.
Gwen and Lance definitely have a troubled past, but they must overcome this to save the world from evil. I loved listening to this book and the twists that I didn’t see coming. It definitely leaves you with a bit of a cliffhanger that will have you running to the store to get the next book.
Omg I freaking love this series! It’s Gwen’s story and it’s so amazing. I’m so loving the triangle between Gwen, Lance and Brooks. Kim does it again and does not disappoint in writing this amazing story. I hate that i need to wait for the 2nd book. This is a 10 star read for me!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
That was a spin on Camalot I didn't see coming! Lancelot bound by love and duty. Guinevere loves both and torn between them in current times. Can't wait to find out what happens next!
Very interesting paranormal romance version of the retelling of the Legend of Camelot. There were parts I really enjoyed and others not so much. However, for the ONE lovers out there then this is a great book.
Le troisième tome d'une série que j'avais commencé il y a un moment et que j'avais hâte de lire (énorme fan des légendes arthuriennes ici <3) ... et j'avoue j'ai été déçu >< Ca reste bien écrit et l'histoire avec la malédiction est intéressante MAIS la romance et les personnages ne m'ont pas convaincues ... J'ai trouvé que Gwen faisait trop demoiselle en détresse et pas sorcière badass (ce que j'avais apprécié dans les précédents livres), Lance était trop geignard (bouh Gwen m'a abandonné, bouh je suis inutile, bouh qu'est-ce qu'elle est sexy mais je ne dois pas ...) mais surtout la romance était très artificielle et ce qui s'annonçait comme un triangle amoureux (ce que je n'aime pas) a l'air de finalement être un MMF (ce que j'aurais bien aimé savoir avant !!) Je vais lire le prochain livre parce que je suis curieuse de voir ce que ça va donner et de tester un MMF (et si quelqu'un peut me motiver pour ça, c'est Kim Loraine)
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The third book in a series that I started a while ago and one that I couldn't wait to read (huge fan of Arthurian legends here <3) ... and I must admit I was disappointed >< It remains well written and the story with the curse is interesting BUT the romance and the characters didn't convince me ... I found that Gwen was too damsel in distress and not badass witch (which I had appreciated in the previous books), Lance was too whiny (booo Gwen abandoned me, boooo I am useless, boooo how sexy she is but I must not ...) but above all the romance was very artificial and what looked like a love triangle (which I don't like) finally seems to be an MMF (and I would have liked to know that before !!) I'm going to read the next book because I'm curious to see what how it will end and to test an MMF (and if someone can motivate me for that, it's Kim Loraine)
Wowza. The infamous love triangle of Guinevere, Lancelot and King Arthur in a totally different light, in a world where we might not have Merlin the sorcerer, but Gwen the witch.
Having not read the blurb as I never do with books by Kim Loraine, she totally blindsided me with the ménage elements in it. This all plus the magnificent and unique way that Ms. Loraine does paranormal romances – the unprecedented worlds of magic and mystique she creates, spiked with the stuff of legends, mythology – and I’m not even going into the hotness she delivers … Let’s just say I was in utter bookworm bliss.
Nothing is ever like it seems, nothing can ever be predicted, there are unexpected surprises left and right, leaving me in awe – it’s simply addictive. She has become one of my top favorite paranormal romance writers – and if she ever chose to stop creating those, I’d be absolutely devastated. I’m a junkie and need my regular fix, lol. Anyway, back to Gwen.
I’ve loved Gwen in the previous books, and with WICKED TEMPTATION it’s finally her time to shine. And not only does she get not one but two books – she gets two equally sexy and irresistible males as well. Gwen, Lance … and Brooks.
While I’m still cautious in regards to Brooks, I fell – hard – for Lance, who somehow still seems to have a lot of the mindset of his first life. It makes him all the swoonier, right along with his stubbornness and his refreshing genuineness.
As always, Gwen’s sisters also play a big part in the story, including additional secrets to their stories being revealed, which I absolutely loved.
There’s still so much more to come, and I’m anxious and terrified and excited all at once what all that might be and how Ms. Loraine will let their story end. Oh, the possibilities…
The angel Gabriel has just brought Lancelot back to his beloved Guinevere but she is no longer the same woman he fell in love with and it is no longer the same time period.
Gwen has changed over the years but she is bitter towards Lancelot for costing her so much and subjecting her to a continual life that she can't escape from.
When Gwen and "Lance" meet Brooks could he be the answer they are looking for or does he have his own interests?
This book was not at all what I was expecting which was both good and bad. I honestly grabbed it having read the author many times before and when I read Siren Coven I thought it would be something to do with witches and mermaids. I was right on the witches part.
I loved the take on lovers you know about from the past but how their love went and changed certain things and how they find their way back to each other.
Yet what I wanted was not necessarily what the author was going for and a few times I found myself frustrated as I knew she was taking me on more of a journey!
I really liked Gwen but she was so mad about the past and I am really thinking we are missing out on some huge details that will be revealed in the next book.
I really liked Lance but then the end left me wondering what the heck was going to happen as I wasn't expecting his twist and I am kind of freaking out about how and if he will be okay.
So I was expecting something to be up with Brooks but I wasn't expecting what may have been revealed!
The end of the book totally left me hanging and I am super curious to see if everything works out the way I want it to in the next book!!
I have absolutely loved this series. These books are following the retelling of some of the most remembered legends we all have read or heard of. Such devastating and tragic tales of love 💘. This particular story follows the tale of Camelot.
This author has taken this legend to a new level with witches, shifters, fallen angels, demons and God and Lucifer. Lucifer is on a quest to end the world as we know it or bring on the apocalypse and the three witch sisters have to stop this from happening by reliving their past tales of love and heartbreak. But things aren't exactly the same.
Gwen is reunited with Lancelot and King Arthur this time. She's faced with the same decisions she had a millinia ago but things are changed as different beings now. Everybody has secrets and lies will not help their efforts to save the world, but they also have a story to be retold as a witch, a nephilim and half human, half demon.
There is so much angst in the pages of this story. The pull between Lance and Gwen is stronger than ever before, but Gwen has seen the future and she fights against what she feels is the least road to heartbreak.
Just as we get to a few answers we're left holding our thoughts for the continuation of their story. Every single page and decision left me aching to know more and get answers. But things are not as they seem and I can't wait to find out where This story takes us because it has some very hot potential! This series is sooooo good! Besides the fact that we are all suckers for these legends, who doesn't love a good angst romance after all.