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Fallen Women #2
Don't Tempt Me
"Spunky English girl overcomes impossible odds and outsmarts heathen villains."
That’s the headline when Zoe Lexham returns to England. After twelve years in the exotic east, she’s shockingly adept in the sensual arts. She knows everything a young lady shouldn't and nothing she ought to know. She’s a walking scandal, with no hope of a future...unless someone can civilize her.
Lucien de Grey, the Duke of Marchmont, is no knight in shining armor. He's sarcastic, cynical, easily bored, and dangerous to women. He charms, seduces, and leaves them—with parting gifts of expensive jewelry to dry their tears. But good looks and charm, combined with money and rank, make him welcome everywhere. The most popular bachelor in the Beau Monde can easily save Zoe’s risque reputation...if the wayward beauty doesn't lead him into temptation, and a passion that could ruin them both.
That’s the headline when Zoe Lexham returns to England. After twelve years in the exotic east, she’s shockingly adept in the sensual arts. She knows everything a young lady shouldn't and nothing she ought to know. She’s a walking scandal, with no hope of a future...unless someone can civilize her.
Lucien de Grey, the Duke of Marchmont, is no knight in shining armor. He's sarcastic, cynical, easily bored, and dangerous to women. He charms, seduces, and leaves them—with parting gifts of expensive jewelry to dry their tears. But good looks and charm, combined with money and rank, make him welcome everywhere. The most popular bachelor in the Beau Monde can easily save Zoe’s risque reputation...if the wayward beauty doesn't lead him into temptation, and a passion that could ruin them both.
353 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 30, 2009
124 people are currently reading
2117 people want to read
About the author
Loretta Chase
50 books3,681 followersLoretta Lynda Chekani was born in 1949, of Albanian ancestry. For her, the trouble started when she learned to write in first grade. Before then, she had been making up her own stories but now she knew how to write them down to share. In her teenage years, she continue to write letters, keep a journal, write poetry and even attempt the Great American Novel (still unfinished). She attended New England public schools, before she went off to college and earned an English degree from Clark University.
After graduation, she worked a variety of jobs at Clark including a part-time teaching post. She was also moonlighting as a video scriptwriter. It was there that she met a video producer who inspired her to write novels and marry him. Under her married name, Loretta Chase, has been publishing historical romance novels since 1987. Her books have won many awards, including the Romance Writers of America RITA.
After graduation, she worked a variety of jobs at Clark including a part-time teaching post. She was also moonlighting as a video scriptwriter. It was there that she met a video producer who inspired her to write novels and marry him. Under her married name, Loretta Chase, has been publishing historical romance novels since 1987. Her books have won many awards, including the Romance Writers of America RITA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 421 reviews
April 23, 2010
So, although I am a Romance novel fan, I don’t exactly keep abreast (heh) of what everyone’s writing–except maybe Eloisa James, because I’m apparently contractually obligated to buy her latest book, a 3 Musketeer’s Bar, and a diet coke and consume all three in an orgy of stereotypical American femaleness. Sometimes I even dye my hair red while I’m doing it.
I WISH I WERE KIDDING.
Anyway, I’m a fan, but I’m not a good fan, so I didn’t know anything about Don’t Tempt Me until I read this review–despite the fact that Lord of Scoundrels is one of my all-time faves! Bad Mankiller! Bad! Ahem. Oyceter wrote that it was problematic, but she also wrote that she started skimming every time someone started mentioning the harem, which means she probably missed about 3/4 of the book and therefore could not fully communicate how AWESOMELY WRONG AND TERRIBLE IT IS.
But I read every goddamn line, so I can deliver this shit unto you ON A PLATTER. Spoilers!
Okay, so here’s the sitch: brooding and damaged anti-hero, blah blah lost his whole family, terrible tragedy, deep emotional wounds, who really cares-cakes. His name’s Lucien and he’s a duke. Remember that. And then, here is the magical part! Our heroine is not of the exasperating variety! Instead, she’s THE FEMALE VERSION OF THE OUTSIDER WITHIN!
Oh, and she’s literally a virgin whore, but we’ll get to that part later.
So anyway, Zoe–our heroine’s name is Zoe–was kidnapped at the age of twelve by white slavers in Cairo who wanted her for the son of this really high-ranking guy! Because the son was IMPOTENT and they were hoping that blond, blue-eyed Zoe could FIX THAT SHIT because blonds are apparently MAGIC to the Arab people!
None of this is an exaggeration on my part. All of these are actual, expressed opinions and plot points.
So yeah, Zoe’s given as a second wife to this guy, and of course she can’t cure him of his impotence because she neglected to bring a bottle of viagra with her. TERRIBLE OVERSIGHT ON HER PART. But! He really likes her! So he showers her with jewels and she saves them and waits for her opportunity to escape–which finally comes when she’s 24 and her husband and his father die within hours of each other. Then she runs to the British part of Cairo, struggles to remember her English, and is transported back to the sweet, sweet soil of England, where she can finally be FREE!
Oh, it gets better. Did I mention that it gets better? Because IT GETS BETTER, MOTHERTRUCKERS.
So even though she has never had teh sex, which Loretta Chase apparently defines quite strictly as “having been penetrated by his ROCK-HARD MEMBER,” Zoe is well-versed in the Arts of Love! She knows how to please a man, because she was taught how to do so in the harem! So even though she’s “still a virgin” (although from what I can gather, she has to be one of those “technical virgins” the kids these days are talking about), she knows her way around a trouser-snake like WOAH!
And because she’s not an inhibited English lady–no, she’s just like one of those slutty, slutty harem girls, except without the penetration part!–she’s always trying to feel up Our Hero. Because unlike the inhibited English, she believes in Feeling Good! And speaking from the heart! And bullying her poor defenseless lady’s maid into being her emotional confidant, just like her slave back in Egypt was (!).
An aside: Even though Zoe’s quite certain that she would have been murdered if she’d stayed in the harem after the deaths of her husband and father-in-law, and even though she says she was quite fond of that particular slave, it never occurs to anyone that the poor woman probably met the ax the second Zoe bolted without her. Not even Zoe mentions the possibility–nor does she mention the slave again after having bullied her new servant into being her friend.
I’m sure she really, really cared about that woman who was her slave. Cared deeply.
Anyway, she feels up the hero one too many times and he loses control (!) and has vaginal intercourse with her and, you know, that’s that. They’ve gotta get married. So they do, and he buys her some disgusting bling (seriously, everyone’s like, “That shit is tacky! BUT WE LOVE IT!”), and she moves into his house and asks to see the household accounts and the house steward is like, “Don’t trouble your pretty little head about it!” and she’s all, “Fuck you, give me the ledgers.” So he does, and then promptly runs away because he’s been skimming off the top for YEARS and hasn’t exactly been clever about it.
Well, it turns out that like every other upper servant was in on it, and most of them didn’t have the chance to flee, so Lucien (remember Lucien? Yeah, me neither. He’s not very interesting) has to decide what to do with them. Because if he turns them over to the authorities they’re all going to be executed, which even he’s gotta admit is a little harsh. So! Instead, he lights upon a Perfect Solution: if they agree to perform ten years of unpaid service–the same amount of time they’ve worked for him–at a charity of his choosing, he won’t say anything to the authorities! He’ll even dismiss them with a letter of reference! THAT’S HOW GENEROUS HE IS!
Awww. No one points out that this is essentially slavery, but whatevs! It’s better than being EXECUTED, amirite! What a guy!
Lucien is SUCH a great guy, in fact, that he feels terrible about what horrible thieves his slaves employees are! If he’d only taken responsibility and acted like a real duke, none of this would have happened! It’s his fault, because it’s not like the lower orders have free will or anything! If he’d just been a good master, they would have been happy in their jobs and wouldn’t have taken all that money!
…yeah.
And don’t even get me started on Lucien’s “mad aunt” and her “wacky” outbursts and how kind Lucien is for financially supporting her, even though she’s totes crazy!
So basically, the book can be summed up thusly: Loretta Chase is scared of women with sexual experience and the agency to GET that experience, so she created a character who is a “virgin” with “skillz,” but who got said skillz “through no fault of her own.” Oh, and Chase accomplishes this through appalling stereotyping and probably terrible historical misrepresentation. Also, she fully supports the idea that a nobleman had a right to be a dictator, as long as he was a benevolent dictator. PS: the only real sex is sex where a guy puts his boner in your vagina. Remember that!
I…LOVED IT! But that’s because my sense of humor is deeply, deeply fucked.
Recommended for: Um…um…no.
SPECIAL BONUS MATERIAL: I always love to see what excuse the author is gonna come up with for why our Heroine or Hero bathes every day. This time? It’s a “Muslim” custom Zoe picked up and “refuses” to do away with.
I WISH I WERE KIDDING.
Anyway, I’m a fan, but I’m not a good fan, so I didn’t know anything about Don’t Tempt Me until I read this review–despite the fact that Lord of Scoundrels is one of my all-time faves! Bad Mankiller! Bad! Ahem. Oyceter wrote that it was problematic, but she also wrote that she started skimming every time someone started mentioning the harem, which means she probably missed about 3/4 of the book and therefore could not fully communicate how AWESOMELY WRONG AND TERRIBLE IT IS.
But I read every goddamn line, so I can deliver this shit unto you ON A PLATTER. Spoilers!
Okay, so here’s the sitch: brooding and damaged anti-hero, blah blah lost his whole family, terrible tragedy, deep emotional wounds, who really cares-cakes. His name’s Lucien and he’s a duke. Remember that. And then, here is the magical part! Our heroine is not of the exasperating variety! Instead, she’s THE FEMALE VERSION OF THE OUTSIDER WITHIN!
Oh, and she’s literally a virgin whore, but we’ll get to that part later.
So anyway, Zoe–our heroine’s name is Zoe–was kidnapped at the age of twelve by white slavers in Cairo who wanted her for the son of this really high-ranking guy! Because the son was IMPOTENT and they were hoping that blond, blue-eyed Zoe could FIX THAT SHIT because blonds are apparently MAGIC to the Arab people!
None of this is an exaggeration on my part. All of these are actual, expressed opinions and plot points.
So yeah, Zoe’s given as a second wife to this guy, and of course she can’t cure him of his impotence because she neglected to bring a bottle of viagra with her. TERRIBLE OVERSIGHT ON HER PART. But! He really likes her! So he showers her with jewels and she saves them and waits for her opportunity to escape–which finally comes when she’s 24 and her husband and his father die within hours of each other. Then she runs to the British part of Cairo, struggles to remember her English, and is transported back to the sweet, sweet soil of England, where she can finally be FREE!
Oh, it gets better. Did I mention that it gets better? Because IT GETS BETTER, MOTHERTRUCKERS.
So even though she has never had teh sex, which Loretta Chase apparently defines quite strictly as “having been penetrated by his ROCK-HARD MEMBER,” Zoe is well-versed in the Arts of Love! She knows how to please a man, because she was taught how to do so in the harem! So even though she’s “still a virgin” (although from what I can gather, she has to be one of those “technical virgins” the kids these days are talking about), she knows her way around a trouser-snake like WOAH!
And because she’s not an inhibited English lady–no, she’s just like one of those slutty, slutty harem girls, except without the penetration part!–she’s always trying to feel up Our Hero. Because unlike the inhibited English, she believes in Feeling Good! And speaking from the heart! And bullying her poor defenseless lady’s maid into being her emotional confidant, just like her slave back in Egypt was (!).
An aside: Even though Zoe’s quite certain that she would have been murdered if she’d stayed in the harem after the deaths of her husband and father-in-law, and even though she says she was quite fond of that particular slave, it never occurs to anyone that the poor woman probably met the ax the second Zoe bolted without her. Not even Zoe mentions the possibility–nor does she mention the slave again after having bullied her new servant into being her friend.
I’m sure she really, really cared about that woman who was her slave. Cared deeply.
Anyway, she feels up the hero one too many times and he loses control (!) and has vaginal intercourse with her and, you know, that’s that. They’ve gotta get married. So they do, and he buys her some disgusting bling (seriously, everyone’s like, “That shit is tacky! BUT WE LOVE IT!”), and she moves into his house and asks to see the household accounts and the house steward is like, “Don’t trouble your pretty little head about it!” and she’s all, “Fuck you, give me the ledgers.” So he does, and then promptly runs away because he’s been skimming off the top for YEARS and hasn’t exactly been clever about it.
Well, it turns out that like every other upper servant was in on it, and most of them didn’t have the chance to flee, so Lucien (remember Lucien? Yeah, me neither. He’s not very interesting) has to decide what to do with them. Because if he turns them over to the authorities they’re all going to be executed, which even he’s gotta admit is a little harsh. So! Instead, he lights upon a Perfect Solution: if they agree to perform ten years of unpaid service–the same amount of time they’ve worked for him–at a charity of his choosing, he won’t say anything to the authorities! He’ll even dismiss them with a letter of reference! THAT’S HOW GENEROUS HE IS!
Awww. No one points out that this is essentially slavery, but whatevs! It’s better than being EXECUTED, amirite! What a guy!
Lucien is SUCH a great guy, in fact, that he feels terrible about what horrible thieves his slaves employees are! If he’d only taken responsibility and acted like a real duke, none of this would have happened! It’s his fault, because it’s not like the lower orders have free will or anything! If he’d just been a good master, they would have been happy in their jobs and wouldn’t have taken all that money!
…yeah.
And don’t even get me started on Lucien’s “mad aunt” and her “wacky” outbursts and how kind Lucien is for financially supporting her, even though she’s totes crazy!
So basically, the book can be summed up thusly: Loretta Chase is scared of women with sexual experience and the agency to GET that experience, so she created a character who is a “virgin” with “skillz,” but who got said skillz “through no fault of her own.” Oh, and Chase accomplishes this through appalling stereotyping and probably terrible historical misrepresentation. Also, she fully supports the idea that a nobleman had a right to be a dictator, as long as he was a benevolent dictator. PS: the only real sex is sex where a guy puts his boner in your vagina. Remember that!
I…LOVED IT! But that’s because my sense of humor is deeply, deeply fucked.
Recommended for: Um…um…no.
SPECIAL BONUS MATERIAL: I always love to see what excuse the author is gonna come up with for why our Heroine or Hero bathes every day. This time? It’s a “Muslim” custom Zoe picked up and “refuses” to do away with.
January 20, 2026
I had fun reading this, mainly due to the heroine saying & doing things that she shouldn’t say/do because she doesn’t know any better, since she’s been missing for 12 years, living in Egypt.
I wish there was an epilogue. 😢
I wish there was an epilogue. 😢
October 27, 2022
I really liked the development of Zoe and Lucien's relationship. They were so good for each other, and there were no annoying miscommunications etc etc. I enjoyed the mystery with the servants. Lucien showed compassion and restraint, which I liked. His respect and love for Lord Lexham, who had been a surrogate father to him, was also admirable. I felt Ms Chase handled the grief Lucien must have experienced in his life in a realistic way. And the childhood-friends-reunited-as-adults trope worked well.
I also liked the sympathy with which Ms Chase mentions the Prince Regent and the royal family. Instead of depicting them as self-indulgent figures of fun (which is so easy to do), she shows respect and a little human understanding in regards to the numerous challenges and tragedies they faced.
I didn't mind the harem girl storyline. On the surface, it's pretty far-fetched, with Zoe newly returned to her family in London at age 24 after finally escaping a harem in Egypt. She had been kidnapped as a twelve-year-old while on holiday with her parents, and spent the time since in the harem as a 'wife' to a man who is impotent, and so she somehow remained a virgin. Finally she seizes a chance to escape, and is returned to England, but she has grown-up in a very non-English culture, and is not the same as the other young English ladies.
At first I thought, yeah, right, how could Zoe still be a virgin? I mean, really. But actually, the writer did a pretty good job of setting up the storyline and making it believable. She explained the back-story and the circumstances quite convincingly enough for this reader, at least, to suspend her disbelief.
Overall, an enjoyable read.
I also liked the sympathy with which Ms Chase mentions the Prince Regent and the royal family. Instead of depicting them as self-indulgent figures of fun (which is so easy to do), she shows respect and a little human understanding in regards to the numerous challenges and tragedies they faced.
I didn't mind the harem girl storyline. On the surface, it's pretty far-fetched, with Zoe newly returned to her family in London at age 24 after finally escaping a harem in Egypt. She had been kidnapped as a twelve-year-old while on holiday with her parents, and spent the time since in the harem as a 'wife' to a man who is impotent, and so she somehow remained a virgin. Finally she seizes a chance to escape, and is returned to England, but she has grown-up in a very non-English culture, and is not the same as the other young English ladies.
At first I thought, yeah, right, how could Zoe still be a virgin? I mean, really. But actually, the writer did a pretty good job of setting up the storyline and making it believable. She explained the back-story and the circumstances quite convincingly enough for this reader, at least, to suspend her disbelief.
Overall, an enjoyable read.
December 15, 2020
Estuvo bien, pero no para tirar cohetes. Me desilusionó que de una premisa tan buena, la autora no sacara mayor provecho. Salvo por las partes en que Zoe alude a algunos aspectos de su vida mientras estuvo secuestrada en un harén, no se siente un personaje creíble y marcado por su pasado y la terrible experiencia vivida. Por el contrario, creo que la autora se quedó muy a medias tintas para no pisar terrenos escabrosos y el relato se queda en lo superficial.
De todas maneras la historia de Zoe y Lucien es muy dulce y no se puede negar que Loretta Chase escribe bien, aunque esta novela no alcanza el nivel de otros libros que he leído de ella.
De todas maneras la historia de Zoe y Lucien es muy dulce y no se puede negar que Loretta Chase escribe bien, aunque esta novela no alcanza el nivel de otros libros que he leído de ella.
December 13, 2025
Noooo I wanted more~~~~
Please someone tell me there's a secret edition with 100+ extra pages of epilogue 😭😭😭
࿔*:･ The plot
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
Please someone tell me there's a secret edition with 100+ extra pages of epilogue 😭😭😭
࿔*:･ The plot
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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September 1, 2019
DNF 44%
July 3, 2009
Another one that came very close to being five stars, if it wasn't for the unnecessary suspense plot added at the very end. This isn't Lord of Scoundrels or Mr. Impossible but it is a good example of why Loretta Chase is one of the top historical romance writers.
Zoe Lexham has always been the rebel of the eight Lexham children - willful, stubborn, and fiercely independent, given to daring feats and running away. No matter her past behavior, Society, her family, and most of all Lucien de Grey is shocked when Zoe disappears at age 12 on a family trip in Egypt. Over the next decade, the Lexham family is plagued by imposters and false hopes.
Lucien, Duke of Marchmont and ward to Lord Lexham, grew up with the Lexham daughters and had a special place in his heart for Zoe. When she goes missing it's the last straw for him; he's lost his parents, his older brother, and now Zoe. He closes himself off from everyone, and becomes renowned for caring very little about anything, with two exceptions: his loyalty to Lord Lexham, and his honor.
When Lucien hears that yet another girl is being presented as the missing Zoe, he sets out to defend the whole family, but is stunned to find it is actually her. Zoe has spent the last ten years as a member of a harem, given as a wife to the unwell son of a powerful man. Nearly everything she learned about English society and polite behavior is gone, and her sisters are certain that she will ruin them in the ton. And when Zoe hears that only a highly placed marriage will save them all, she immediately proposes to Lucien, much to her sisters' dismay. Lucien declines, but offers to escort Zoe through society and help her resume the life she should have had.
I love how uninhibited Zoe is: she was trained to do everything to please a man, but she's never had a chance to, and likewise she's never had a man please her either. Her struggles to remember propriety are hilarious, saying things she shouldn't, touching herself in public. She's dually very naive and very worldly at the same time, and one of the most charming heroines I've ever read about. Lucien has every reason to be a tormented hero, but instead of punishing himself, he's simply closed himself off to all emotion. But Zoe changes all that, and soon he turns into one of most besotted husbands in England.
The only drawback to this story is the suspense plot that arises near the end: it wasn't really necessary and it really drew away from the wonderful emotional tension that was building. It was a quick way to draw the emotions out of Lucien, but I would have preferred to see the change come from internal conflict rather than external. B+
Zoe Lexham has always been the rebel of the eight Lexham children - willful, stubborn, and fiercely independent, given to daring feats and running away. No matter her past behavior, Society, her family, and most of all Lucien de Grey is shocked when Zoe disappears at age 12 on a family trip in Egypt. Over the next decade, the Lexham family is plagued by imposters and false hopes.
Lucien, Duke of Marchmont and ward to Lord Lexham, grew up with the Lexham daughters and had a special place in his heart for Zoe. When she goes missing it's the last straw for him; he's lost his parents, his older brother, and now Zoe. He closes himself off from everyone, and becomes renowned for caring very little about anything, with two exceptions: his loyalty to Lord Lexham, and his honor.
When Lucien hears that yet another girl is being presented as the missing Zoe, he sets out to defend the whole family, but is stunned to find it is actually her. Zoe has spent the last ten years as a member of a harem, given as a wife to the unwell son of a powerful man. Nearly everything she learned about English society and polite behavior is gone, and her sisters are certain that she will ruin them in the ton. And when Zoe hears that only a highly placed marriage will save them all, she immediately proposes to Lucien, much to her sisters' dismay. Lucien declines, but offers to escort Zoe through society and help her resume the life she should have had.
I love how uninhibited Zoe is: she was trained to do everything to please a man, but she's never had a chance to, and likewise she's never had a man please her either. Her struggles to remember propriety are hilarious, saying things she shouldn't, touching herself in public. She's dually very naive and very worldly at the same time, and one of the most charming heroines I've ever read about. Lucien has every reason to be a tormented hero, but instead of punishing himself, he's simply closed himself off to all emotion. But Zoe changes all that, and soon he turns into one of most besotted husbands in England.
The only drawback to this story is the suspense plot that arises near the end: it wasn't really necessary and it really drew away from the wonderful emotional tension that was building. It was a quick way to draw the emotions out of Lucien, but I would have preferred to see the change come from internal conflict rather than external. B+
July 7, 2024
Review from 2016
A+ for narration; B for content - 4.5 stars rounded up.
Wonderful as it is to have another new-to-audio story from the terrific team of Loretta Chase and Kate Reading, I’m a little bit sad, too, as Don’t Tempt Me and Your Scandalous Ways complete the set of recordings of Ms Chase’s backlist titles. In case someone with clout is reading this, I’m sure fans won’t object to recordings of the novellas – The Mad Earl's Bride would be at the top of MY list! But in the meantime, we have a number of terrific recordings to listen to while we wait for something new : )
Don’t Tempt Me tells the story of a young woman, Zoe Octavia Lexham, who, at the age of twelve was abducted while on a trip to Egypt with her parents. Over the past dozen years, there have been many women turning up on Lord Lexham’s doorstep claiming to be his missing daughter, but all have been frauds. Until now. The real Zoe has at last managed to escape from her captivity and has made her way home with the assistance of the British Consulate – and her family is now faced with the prospect of re-integrating her into society and acclimating her to the position that is her due as the daughter of a peer of the realm.
But help is on hand in the shape of Lucien de Grey, Duke of Marchmont and long-standing friend of the family. Marchmont and his brother Gerard more or less grew up with the Lexham siblings, and Lucien is strongly attached to Lord Lexham, who has been like a father to him since the death of his own father, and who later provided the comfort and support Lucien needed when Gerard died. Already deeply affected by their deaths, the disappearance of Zoe – who might have annoyed the hell out of him but with whom he nonetheless shared a bond – was the last straw, and Lucien closed himself off to the finer feelings, living his life since in a kind of haze of boredom and gentle inebriation. He’s also very handsome, extremely charming and obscenely rich – so in spite of his cynicism and sarcastic tongue, is the most sought after bachelor in the ton. If anyone can smooth Zoe’s way back into society, it’s Marchmont.
But the Lucien Zoe meets isn’t the one she remembers. The laughter and the easy smiles are gone, replaced by a man who is nothing like the boy she knew. Even so, she can’t deny that he’s gorgeous and that when she looks at him she experiences all the feelings and longings she has learned of but never felt. Lucien is similarly struck, but has no wish to become entangled with Zoe – or any young lady, for that matter – and intends to fulfil his promise to Lexham by making his daughter socially acceptable and helping her to find a suitable husband. After that, she can get on with her life and he with his.
Until around the last quarter of the book, this is pretty much the story. It’s about Zoe and Lucien rediscovering each other and – sort of – picking up where they left off as adolescents, as well as his gradual “awakening” from the fog of detachment he’s lived in for more than a decade. But as is ever the case with this author, what really makes the story and raises it above the ordinary is the characterisation, the dialogue, the chemistry between the leads and the humour. Lucien is selfish, sarcastic and arrogant, all qualities which should make him completely unlikeable; but in the hands of Loretta Chase he’s also sexy, endearing, funny and in dire need of a hug or three. Most of the humour in the book comes from the fact that Zoe’s life as the second wife of the young Yusri Pasha has seen her grow up in a harem and her education has not been one that befits a young English lady. She is naturally forthright and talks of sexual matters without the slightest embarrassment or inhibition, which, of course, leads to some outrage on the part of her mother and sisters. I was giggling to myself at the scene in which she attempts to tell them that her husband was impotent and struggles to find the English word for his ‘instrument of delight’; or when she tells everyone that she knows ‘all the arts of pleasing a man’ and almost sends her sisters into fits of the vapours.
The mystery element which is introduced into the later stages of the story feels a little as though it has been tacked on, but it does serve a purpose within the story and provides the impetus for Lucien to finally face up to the harm done by his laziness and to start taking charge of his life and making decisions for himself. It’s a little melodramatic, but it does work within the overall context, and I rather liked hearing the previously walled-off Lucien behaving like the most besotted man in London.
This audiobook is narrated by Kate Reading. The End.
What else is there to say? Eh, okay... Ms. Reading’s pacing and character differentiation are excellent, and her delivery of the deadpan wit and humour that are so integral a part of the author’s work is absolute perfection. All the secondary characters are fully realised; I’ve noticed that she has an especially nice line in stringent, disapproving matrons! Lucien’s bored, aristocratic drawl is spot on for the character, and Zoe’s husky, very slightly accented speech conveys her “otherness” superbly well. But it’s not just the humour where this narrator excels – she is just as good at capturing the deeper emotional nuances, too; in fact, in the scene near the end when Lucien’s fear for Zoe’s life finally sees him breaking down, the catch in her voice, the strength of the emotion she is putting into just a few words is so brilliantly conveyed that I may have had a little sniffle on the quiet.
Don’t Tempt Me may not be my favourite of Loretta Chase’s books, but it’s still a strongly observed, sexy and witty character-driven romance. Her choice of Kate Reading to narrate these audiobooks was an inspired one, as the latter’s multi-faceted, highly accomplished performances have added so much to the author’s words that it’s difficult to imagine, now, going back to the printed versions (although I’m sure I will!)
Bravissima! ladies. Thank you for the many hours of entertainment you’ve provided us all over the past few years – and here’s hoping for more in the future.
A+ for narration; B for content - 4.5 stars rounded up.
Wonderful as it is to have another new-to-audio story from the terrific team of Loretta Chase and Kate Reading, I’m a little bit sad, too, as Don’t Tempt Me and Your Scandalous Ways complete the set of recordings of Ms Chase’s backlist titles. In case someone with clout is reading this, I’m sure fans won’t object to recordings of the novellas – The Mad Earl's Bride would be at the top of MY list! But in the meantime, we have a number of terrific recordings to listen to while we wait for something new : )
Don’t Tempt Me tells the story of a young woman, Zoe Octavia Lexham, who, at the age of twelve was abducted while on a trip to Egypt with her parents. Over the past dozen years, there have been many women turning up on Lord Lexham’s doorstep claiming to be his missing daughter, but all have been frauds. Until now. The real Zoe has at last managed to escape from her captivity and has made her way home with the assistance of the British Consulate – and her family is now faced with the prospect of re-integrating her into society and acclimating her to the position that is her due as the daughter of a peer of the realm.
But help is on hand in the shape of Lucien de Grey, Duke of Marchmont and long-standing friend of the family. Marchmont and his brother Gerard more or less grew up with the Lexham siblings, and Lucien is strongly attached to Lord Lexham, who has been like a father to him since the death of his own father, and who later provided the comfort and support Lucien needed when Gerard died. Already deeply affected by their deaths, the disappearance of Zoe – who might have annoyed the hell out of him but with whom he nonetheless shared a bond – was the last straw, and Lucien closed himself off to the finer feelings, living his life since in a kind of haze of boredom and gentle inebriation. He’s also very handsome, extremely charming and obscenely rich – so in spite of his cynicism and sarcastic tongue, is the most sought after bachelor in the ton. If anyone can smooth Zoe’s way back into society, it’s Marchmont.
But the Lucien Zoe meets isn’t the one she remembers. The laughter and the easy smiles are gone, replaced by a man who is nothing like the boy she knew. Even so, she can’t deny that he’s gorgeous and that when she looks at him she experiences all the feelings and longings she has learned of but never felt. Lucien is similarly struck, but has no wish to become entangled with Zoe – or any young lady, for that matter – and intends to fulfil his promise to Lexham by making his daughter socially acceptable and helping her to find a suitable husband. After that, she can get on with her life and he with his.
Until around the last quarter of the book, this is pretty much the story. It’s about Zoe and Lucien rediscovering each other and – sort of – picking up where they left off as adolescents, as well as his gradual “awakening” from the fog of detachment he’s lived in for more than a decade. But as is ever the case with this author, what really makes the story and raises it above the ordinary is the characterisation, the dialogue, the chemistry between the leads and the humour. Lucien is selfish, sarcastic and arrogant, all qualities which should make him completely unlikeable; but in the hands of Loretta Chase he’s also sexy, endearing, funny and in dire need of a hug or three. Most of the humour in the book comes from the fact that Zoe’s life as the second wife of the young Yusri Pasha has seen her grow up in a harem and her education has not been one that befits a young English lady. She is naturally forthright and talks of sexual matters without the slightest embarrassment or inhibition, which, of course, leads to some outrage on the part of her mother and sisters. I was giggling to myself at the scene in which she attempts to tell them that her husband was impotent and struggles to find the English word for his ‘instrument of delight’; or when she tells everyone that she knows ‘all the arts of pleasing a man’ and almost sends her sisters into fits of the vapours.
The mystery element which is introduced into the later stages of the story feels a little as though it has been tacked on, but it does serve a purpose within the story and provides the impetus for Lucien to finally face up to the harm done by his laziness and to start taking charge of his life and making decisions for himself. It’s a little melodramatic, but it does work within the overall context, and I rather liked hearing the previously walled-off Lucien behaving like the most besotted man in London.
This audiobook is narrated by Kate Reading. The End.
What else is there to say? Eh, okay... Ms. Reading’s pacing and character differentiation are excellent, and her delivery of the deadpan wit and humour that are so integral a part of the author’s work is absolute perfection. All the secondary characters are fully realised; I’ve noticed that she has an especially nice line in stringent, disapproving matrons! Lucien’s bored, aristocratic drawl is spot on for the character, and Zoe’s husky, very slightly accented speech conveys her “otherness” superbly well. But it’s not just the humour where this narrator excels – she is just as good at capturing the deeper emotional nuances, too; in fact, in the scene near the end when Lucien’s fear for Zoe’s life finally sees him breaking down, the catch in her voice, the strength of the emotion she is putting into just a few words is so brilliantly conveyed that I may have had a little sniffle on the quiet.
Don’t Tempt Me may not be my favourite of Loretta Chase’s books, but it’s still a strongly observed, sexy and witty character-driven romance. Her choice of Kate Reading to narrate these audiobooks was an inspired one, as the latter’s multi-faceted, highly accomplished performances have added so much to the author’s words that it’s difficult to imagine, now, going back to the printed versions (although I’m sure I will!)
Bravissima! ladies. Thank you for the many hours of entertainment you’ve provided us all over the past few years – and here’s hoping for more in the future.
September 4, 2017
4 Estrellas, y me ha dejado más satisfecha de lo que pensaba. Iba muy escéptica cuando lo empecé, porque la sinopsis me parecía muy inverosímil, y admito que también la historia del pasado de Zoe. Pero no sé cómo lo ha hecho Loretta Chase, que quienes me han ganado han sido sus personajes y han hecho que el libro valiera la pena.
Lucien y Zoe se conocen de toda la vida, él era el chico huérfano del mejor amigo de su padre y vivieron siempre como hermanos. Zoe, con su vitalidad y dulzura era una calamidad andante que no se dejaba avasallar por nada ni nadie, siempre se cumplía su voluntad y era desobediente como la que más. Cuando contaba doce años, Zoe partió de viaje por el Mediterráneo con sus padres, en El Cairo escapó y se le perdió la pista, sus padres nunca dejaron de buscarla, pero llegó el momento en que tuvieron que volver a Inglaterra sin ella. Su desaparición destrozó a sus padres y hermanos, pero aparentemente quien más lo lamentó fue Lucien, porque muy en el fondo perdió su corazón.
En la actualidad, Lucien de Grey, duque de Marchmont, es uno de los nobles más conocido e influyente del reino, pero también es un canalla encantador al que no le preocupa nada ni nadie, y relega cualquier deber en otras personas, sólo vive por el placer con un cinismo impresionante. Así ha sido desde que perdió a las personas que más le importaban, sus padres, su hermano, y después Zoe.
Doce años tras la desaparición de Zoe, ésta vuelve a Inglaterra cual Anastasia, y entre su círculo familiar y de amigos, la reconocen efectivamente como la hija menor y perdida de los barones de Lexham. Pero Zoe se halla en serias dificultades para recuperar la vida que había perdido. Los doce años que estuvo desaparecida, fue raptada y llevada al harén de un reputado príncipe árabe en Egipto. Allí le tocó sobrevivir entre muchas dificultades, y fue educada para complacer a los hombres.
Según como se mire no es un argumento muy original, pues hay muchas novelas con protagonistas raptadas y llevadas a un harén. Puede parecer una idea muy romántica, pero las circunstancias y la ambientación para ello no me han parecido muy verosímiles y ha hecho que la novela perdiera un punto. Que fuera raptada vale, pero no me creo que en los doce años que pasó en el harén no perdiera la virginidad, pese a que la casaron con un príncipe impotente, no es nada de nada creíble, como tampoco lo es el modo en que consiguió escapar y volver a Inglaterra, aunque lo intentó miles de veces. Sólo esto es lo que no me ha gustado del libro.
Por suerte considero que la novela ha ido de menos a más. Desde la mitad de la novela el libro me ha encantado. Y repito, ha sido por los protagonistas, ambos me han parecido magníficos y sus escenas han sido memorables, así como su romance. Me ha gustado mucho, muchísimo cómo Loretta Chase ha plasmado las ganas de libertad e independencia de Zoe, y la ha convertido en una superviviente, que quiere vivir y quiere amar.
Finalmente la autora ha añadido cierta dosis de misterio, que le ha dado mucha vidilla y ha quedado muy bien para convencer al lector sobre el romance de sus protagonistas. Sí, Zoe me ha gustado mucho, es del estilo de protagonistas femeninas que crea ésta autora, pero Lucien no desmerece, es del tipo de hombre que me encanta leer, de los que cambian cuando se enamoran y crecen mucho como personas.
En definitiva, un libro precioso, que se ha convertido en uno de mis favoritos de Loretta. La lástima es que no me creyera la vida en el harén de Zoe, pero la ambientación en Londres me ha ganado.
Lucien y Zoe se conocen de toda la vida, él era el chico huérfano del mejor amigo de su padre y vivieron siempre como hermanos. Zoe, con su vitalidad y dulzura era una calamidad andante que no se dejaba avasallar por nada ni nadie, siempre se cumplía su voluntad y era desobediente como la que más. Cuando contaba doce años, Zoe partió de viaje por el Mediterráneo con sus padres, en El Cairo escapó y se le perdió la pista, sus padres nunca dejaron de buscarla, pero llegó el momento en que tuvieron que volver a Inglaterra sin ella. Su desaparición destrozó a sus padres y hermanos, pero aparentemente quien más lo lamentó fue Lucien, porque muy en el fondo perdió su corazón.
En la actualidad, Lucien de Grey, duque de Marchmont, es uno de los nobles más conocido e influyente del reino, pero también es un canalla encantador al que no le preocupa nada ni nadie, y relega cualquier deber en otras personas, sólo vive por el placer con un cinismo impresionante. Así ha sido desde que perdió a las personas que más le importaban, sus padres, su hermano, y después Zoe.
Doce años tras la desaparición de Zoe, ésta vuelve a Inglaterra cual Anastasia, y entre su círculo familiar y de amigos, la reconocen efectivamente como la hija menor y perdida de los barones de Lexham. Pero Zoe se halla en serias dificultades para recuperar la vida que había perdido. Los doce años que estuvo desaparecida, fue raptada y llevada al harén de un reputado príncipe árabe en Egipto. Allí le tocó sobrevivir entre muchas dificultades, y fue educada para complacer a los hombres.
Según como se mire no es un argumento muy original, pues hay muchas novelas con protagonistas raptadas y llevadas a un harén. Puede parecer una idea muy romántica, pero las circunstancias y la ambientación para ello no me han parecido muy verosímiles y ha hecho que la novela perdiera un punto. Que fuera raptada vale, pero no me creo que en los doce años que pasó en el harén no perdiera la virginidad, pese a que la casaron con un príncipe impotente, no es nada de nada creíble, como tampoco lo es el modo en que consiguió escapar y volver a Inglaterra, aunque lo intentó miles de veces. Sólo esto es lo que no me ha gustado del libro.
Por suerte considero que la novela ha ido de menos a más. Desde la mitad de la novela el libro me ha encantado. Y repito, ha sido por los protagonistas, ambos me han parecido magníficos y sus escenas han sido memorables, así como su romance. Me ha gustado mucho, muchísimo cómo Loretta Chase ha plasmado las ganas de libertad e independencia de Zoe, y la ha convertido en una superviviente, que quiere vivir y quiere amar.
Finalmente la autora ha añadido cierta dosis de misterio, que le ha dado mucha vidilla y ha quedado muy bien para convencer al lector sobre el romance de sus protagonistas. Sí, Zoe me ha gustado mucho, es del estilo de protagonistas femeninas que crea ésta autora, pero Lucien no desmerece, es del tipo de hombre que me encanta leer, de los que cambian cuando se enamoran y crecen mucho como personas.
En definitiva, un libro precioso, que se ha convertido en uno de mis favoritos de Loretta. La lástima es que no me creyera la vida en el harén de Zoe, pero la ambientación en Londres me ha ganado.
October 31, 2022
After being sold to a pasha the h is returned to her family in England. The H believes she's another impostor so he's shocked when he goes to help her family, and recognises her. She's a survivor, and she needs to be if she is to re-enter society. I really liked the H, seems to be so strong but he's suffered terrible losses and he needs her. Great mix of angst and fun, with the h saving the H.
November 19, 2009
This was my first Loretta Chase book, and I really became a fan of hers! In "Don't Tempt Me", Zoe Lexham has found her way home to London after 12 years of exile in the East. She was kidnapped and sold into slavery on a family trip there when she was only 12 years old. Lucien de Grey, Duke of Marchmont, is determined to prove that the woman claiming to be Zoe is lying, but one look proves she is the spirited childhood friend that he'd given up on ever seeing again. Lucien decides that its his duty to Zoe's father, who was like a father to him too, to present Zoe to society. Only the Duke can protect her from the scandal of being known as "The Harem Girl."
I really enjoyed this book, but I've seen some poor reviews. I think people may have expected another "Lord of Scoundrels" and dismiss this one as not up to par. But I thought this book was a keeper in it's own right.
I loved Lucien's character, he is somewhat of a wastrel, going through life in a daze, never taking responsibility for anything after being devastated by losing his family. But once Zoe comes back into his life, he really grows as a person and learns to take responsibility for his life and those that depend on him.
I thought it was really great how the book focused a lot on Lucien and Zoe's lives after they were married, instead of only on the buildup to the wedding. I believe Zoe threw a thing or two at Lucien, and their quarrels were believable and real. This book also touches a little on jealousy for both leads, which always adds a little extra spice. Also, after Lucien realized he was in love with Zoe, there was no hiding it, he became quite a doting husband and wasn't afraid to let everyone know!
Probably the only reason why this book received 4 stars from me instead of 5 is that Zoe's sex appeal was a little exaggerated. This of course is explained by the harem plot, but the harem scandal was another thing about the book that I didn't really care for.
The supporting characters were quite funny, Lucien's valet was always in tears over this or that. And Lucien's observations about Zoe's busybody sisters were hilarious.
Overall I loved the book and the characters' realistic relationship and tender feelings for one another.
Reviewed for: http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com/
I really enjoyed this book, but I've seen some poor reviews. I think people may have expected another "Lord of Scoundrels" and dismiss this one as not up to par. But I thought this book was a keeper in it's own right.
I loved Lucien's character, he is somewhat of a wastrel, going through life in a daze, never taking responsibility for anything after being devastated by losing his family. But once Zoe comes back into his life, he really grows as a person and learns to take responsibility for his life and those that depend on him.
I thought it was really great how the book focused a lot on Lucien and Zoe's lives after they were married, instead of only on the buildup to the wedding. I believe Zoe threw a thing or two at Lucien, and their quarrels were believable and real. This book also touches a little on jealousy for both leads, which always adds a little extra spice. Also, after Lucien realized he was in love with Zoe, there was no hiding it, he became quite a doting husband and wasn't afraid to let everyone know!
Probably the only reason why this book received 4 stars from me instead of 5 is that Zoe's sex appeal was a little exaggerated. This of course is explained by the harem plot, but the harem scandal was another thing about the book that I didn't really care for.
The supporting characters were quite funny, Lucien's valet was always in tears over this or that. And Lucien's observations about Zoe's busybody sisters were hilarious.
Overall I loved the book and the characters' realistic relationship and tender feelings for one another.
Reviewed for: http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com/
July 6, 2009
Not enough of a plot to hold my attention, so I gave this one up more than half-way through. Too much emphasis on London's society rules, social norms, proper dress appearance, getting accepted in society by snobs and gossip. Ugh.
Hoped the story would move out of this, but it did not. With a few extremely minor exceptions, nothing happened other than Lucien (Duke of Marchmount also called Marchmount throughout most of the book) trying to help Zoe become excepted by society after she was returned to her family from being held captive in a harem for 12 years--by man with erectile dysfunction.
Couldn't stand Zoe's family--her sisters and mother--they were so dramatic and willing to force Zoe into exile in order to save them from being shunned by society. When Lucien volunteered to help Zoe ease into society--his goal was to get her invited to a ball where The Queen would openly accept her; thus, forcing others to do likewise. He had to build up the right amount of approval (in stages) before the invite and that's all I could take. The lengthy descriptions of how Lucien's servant picked out his cloths, what people were wearing, where the "proper" social places and times to get seen were...very boring.
Liked both main characters, but after scanning to the end it looked to be more of the same. Not for me.
Hoped the story would move out of this, but it did not. With a few extremely minor exceptions, nothing happened other than Lucien (Duke of Marchmount also called Marchmount throughout most of the book) trying to help Zoe become excepted by society after she was returned to her family from being held captive in a harem for 12 years--by man with erectile dysfunction.
Couldn't stand Zoe's family--her sisters and mother--they were so dramatic and willing to force Zoe into exile in order to save them from being shunned by society. When Lucien volunteered to help Zoe ease into society--his goal was to get her invited to a ball where The Queen would openly accept her; thus, forcing others to do likewise. He had to build up the right amount of approval (in stages) before the invite and that's all I could take. The lengthy descriptions of how Lucien's servant picked out his cloths, what people were wearing, where the "proper" social places and times to get seen were...very boring.
Liked both main characters, but after scanning to the end it looked to be more of the same. Not for me.
December 11, 2011
Reading this book made me angry. Mostly because of the heroine. All the other characters were bland/stupid/inconsequential/did not signify, even the hero, so the only person worth talking about is the heroine.
I would be hard-pressed to find a stupider, selfisher, more idiotic, more obnoxious, more slap/smack-worthy female in any book I've read all year. Or ever. In fact, the only other character I can think of who comes close to her is the heroine in A Little Bit Wild.
Beyond stupid. Beyond horrible. If anyone ever ought to be beaten to death, it's her.
The whole entire reason for this stupid novel is that Zoe Octavia was headstrong and willful, even from childhood - she used to run away. I do not know why in the hell Ms. Chase ever thought that was endearing. What she had needed then were probably a few severe spankings on her bum. If she had gotten them, she wouldn't have grown up to be so stupid and useless and I wouldn't have had to go through the pain of reading such an annoying book.
I will admit to skipping chapters and skimming parts copiously, but still, I gave too much time to this to say DNF.
Not Loretta Chase's best. By far.
I would be hard-pressed to find a stupider, selfisher, more idiotic, more obnoxious, more slap/smack-worthy female in any book I've read all year. Or ever. In fact, the only other character I can think of who comes close to her is the heroine in A Little Bit Wild.
Beyond stupid. Beyond horrible. If anyone ever ought to be beaten to death, it's her.
The whole entire reason for this stupid novel is that Zoe Octavia was headstrong and willful, even from childhood - she used to run away. I do not know why in the hell Ms. Chase ever thought that was endearing. What she had needed then were probably a few severe spankings on her bum. If she had gotten them, she wouldn't have grown up to be so stupid and useless and I wouldn't have had to go through the pain of reading such an annoying book.
I will admit to skipping chapters and skimming parts copiously, but still, I gave too much time to this to say DNF.
Not Loretta Chase's best. By far.
November 15, 2024
Relectura. Me encanta la novela romántica histórica pero últimamente lo que sale es una bazofia.
Leer esta novela me encantó y me sacó de la negación lectora.
No cambio nada de mi review
Una novela muy entretenida, con toques sensuales y mucha tensión sexual.
Zoe estuvo prisionera en un harén turco durante 12 años. Por eso sabe muchas cosas que ninguna señorita inglesa debería conocer allá por 1818. Ha escapado y vuelto a su tierra natal pero es un escándalo.
Su familia, luego de la inmensa alegría inicial, debe hacer algo para que Zoe recupere su reputación en la estirada sociedad inglesa.
Ahí entra Lucien, duque de Marchmont, pupilo del padre de Zoe y amigo de su infancia. Moverá cielo y tierra para que ella sea bien recibida en los mejores lugares de la nobleza.
Y bueno, entre ellos saltan chispas. Sobre todo porque Zoe no tiene problemas de hablar de la dureza de los "miembros viriles" frente a las damas de la sociedad.
Hacia el final hay una trama de suspenso ya que la vida de Zoe correrá peligro. Y por este asunto es que le bajé una estrella a la historia. No es que esté mal sino que me pareció, como decirlo, un conflicto demasiado doméstico.
En definitiva, y hace mucho que no digo esto, me dejó con una sonrisa en la cara.
Leer esta novela me encantó y me sacó de la negación lectora.
No cambio nada de mi review
Una novela muy entretenida, con toques sensuales y mucha tensión sexual.
Zoe estuvo prisionera en un harén turco durante 12 años. Por eso sabe muchas cosas que ninguna señorita inglesa debería conocer allá por 1818. Ha escapado y vuelto a su tierra natal pero es un escándalo.
Su familia, luego de la inmensa alegría inicial, debe hacer algo para que Zoe recupere su reputación en la estirada sociedad inglesa.
Ahí entra Lucien, duque de Marchmont, pupilo del padre de Zoe y amigo de su infancia. Moverá cielo y tierra para que ella sea bien recibida en los mejores lugares de la nobleza.
Y bueno, entre ellos saltan chispas. Sobre todo porque Zoe no tiene problemas de hablar de la dureza de los "miembros viriles" frente a las damas de la sociedad.
Hacia el final hay una trama de suspenso ya que la vida de Zoe correrá peligro. Y por este asunto es que le bajé una estrella a la historia. No es que esté mal sino que me pareció, como decirlo, un conflicto demasiado doméstico.
En definitiva, y hace mucho que no digo esto, me dejó con una sonrisa en la cara.
February 23, 2023
2nd read 17-18 April 2016
Buddy read with Ange
1st read 19th February 2015
Buddy read with Ange
1st read 19th February 2015
February 9, 2025
3.75⭐️
🌹What Works🌹
Chase has an amazing ability to breathe life into fictional characters. Rather than diving into a book it’s like reading the fascinating exploits of bigger-than-life celebrities in People Magazine or Vanity Fair.
🥀What Does Not🏎️
It’s the third act in her books where we part ways. My quote from a previous Chase review: I’m not a fan of capers, chases, spies, thefts, kidnapping, or murder in HRs…
Guess I’ll learn to live with perpetual disappointment. 🤷🏻♀️
🌹What Works🌹
Chase has an amazing ability to breathe life into fictional characters. Rather than diving into a book it’s like reading the fascinating exploits of bigger-than-life celebrities in People Magazine or Vanity Fair.
🥀What Does Not🏎️
It’s the third act in her books where we part ways. My quote from a previous Chase review: I’m not a fan of capers, chases, spies, thefts, kidnapping, or murder in HRs…
Guess I’ll learn to live with perpetual disappointment. 🤷🏻♀️
November 25, 2009
This isn't the best Loretta Chase book, but it's certainly not near the worst. It's actually very enjoyable. The end peters out a bit strangely, but overall this book was much better than I thought it would be based on other reviews I've seen.
Lucien and Zoe are a really great couple. Chase does her patented and peerless manipulation of the reader to make a hero who is a paradigm of lazy, arrogant, selfishness actually lovable. The specifics fill out the model and you just have to feel for the guy in so many ways. He's amusing, sexy, and needs a hug. Only he's in denial about the hug part.
Zoe is precocious, but has some very amusing moments as well. Raised from the age of twelve in a harem after being kidnapped while traveling with her parents, she's relearning the little she knew of British society before her abduction, and heaping on top of that all the new knowledge that a woman of 24 will be needing. She has problems with her inhibitions and loose tongue and some of the most hilarious terms for male and female genitalia I've read, as well. And, yes, she's still a virgin. The explanation for this is decently believable, so don't think it'll take you out of the story when you get to that part.
As I said, there's an odd petering out at the end. I can't explain it. There are things happening that should seem like an adventurous climax, but it just wasn't pulling me in. It wasn't awful by any means. I enjoyed the book as a whole very, very much. It's just something I can't quite put my finger on. I also wish there had been an epilogue. I often wish that. Maybe I'm spoiled, but they are a couple that one simply must see as parents.
Lucien and Zoe are a really great couple. Chase does her patented and peerless manipulation of the reader to make a hero who is a paradigm of lazy, arrogant, selfishness actually lovable. The specifics fill out the model and you just have to feel for the guy in so many ways. He's amusing, sexy, and needs a hug. Only he's in denial about the hug part.
Zoe is precocious, but has some very amusing moments as well. Raised from the age of twelve in a harem after being kidnapped while traveling with her parents, she's relearning the little she knew of British society before her abduction, and heaping on top of that all the new knowledge that a woman of 24 will be needing. She has problems with her inhibitions and loose tongue and some of the most hilarious terms for male and female genitalia I've read, as well. And, yes, she's still a virgin. The explanation for this is decently believable, so don't think it'll take you out of the story when you get to that part.
As I said, there's an odd petering out at the end. I can't explain it. There are things happening that should seem like an adventurous climax, but it just wasn't pulling me in. It wasn't awful by any means. I enjoyed the book as a whole very, very much. It's just something I can't quite put my finger on. I also wish there had been an epilogue. I often wish that. Maybe I'm spoiled, but they are a couple that one simply must see as parents.
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May 8, 2016
Loretta Chase can be called a save bet for me, and I'm more than glad (and somehow relieved) that I really enjoyed this one.
I loved the hero, because Chase can create the most enticing heroes who are strong and manly and dominant and all that stuff, but at the same time have a vulnerability and a ... just something that makes them stand out from other stereotypical heroes.
The heroine, a somewhat only half fallen, rather on the bridge of being fallen woman is funny, quirky, innocent, self-confident and above all unique. And no, these traits combined don't create a messy, annoying something, because we're talking about Loretta Chase.
Also trademark Loretta Chase: A beautifully romantic relationship, with a believable and strong physical attraction woven into tender and heartfelt moments and dialogues, rather than the other way round.
The story itself manages to be not very eventful and then very eventful and action filled at the same time, and it's a rare treat to apply this to a HR that doesn't label itself with mystery or crime elements.
I loved the hero, because Chase can create the most enticing heroes who are strong and manly and dominant and all that stuff, but at the same time have a vulnerability and a ... just something that makes them stand out from other stereotypical heroes.
The heroine, a somewhat only half fallen, rather on the bridge of being fallen woman is funny, quirky, innocent, self-confident and above all unique. And no, these traits combined don't create a messy, annoying something, because we're talking about Loretta Chase.
Also trademark Loretta Chase: A beautifully romantic relationship, with a believable and strong physical attraction woven into tender and heartfelt moments and dialogues, rather than the other way round.
The story itself manages to be not very eventful and then very eventful and action filled at the same time, and it's a rare treat to apply this to a HR that doesn't label itself with mystery or crime elements.
January 25, 2026
This kept me engaged throughout the story.
Loved the hero. His "I don't care demeanor" definitely was replaced quickly the the heroine. Which was a joy to watch.
I liked the heroine. Her ability to read the hero. Her story was a little far fetched, but I enjoyed the book anyway.
I so enjoy family dynamics thrown in to a love story and this one was no exception. The sisters were hilarious.
Nice ending. Wish there was an epilogue.
Loved the hero. His "I don't care demeanor" definitely was replaced quickly the the heroine. Which was a joy to watch.
I liked the heroine. Her ability to read the hero. Her story was a little far fetched, but I enjoyed the book anyway.
I so enjoy family dynamics thrown in to a love story and this one was no exception. The sisters were hilarious.
Nice ending. Wish there was an epilogue.
January 31, 2026
Harem girl and the duke. Very cute and fiery.
January 7, 2010
I LOVED this book! I thought it was so funny and there are too many hilarious moments to mention!
Zoe Octavia Lexham has been held captive as a harem slave for 12 years in Egypt. She finally escaped and returned to her family in England only to find that she doesn't quite fit in. She knows too many things a young English lady should not know and doesn't know what is or is not proper topics of conversation.
For instance- "Zoe had found out that one was not allowed to mention a great many subjects: certain body parts, pleasuring oneself, pleasuring another, desire, impotence, concubines, eunuchs..."
Her four meddling older sisters try to teach her how to act as a proper lady but they know it cannot be done without the help of a gentleman of high rank. Because of her connection to the harem she will be considered "spoiled goods" in the eyes of society, even though she was able to remain a virgin. Her sisters think the only way for society to accept her will be for Zoe to marry a Duke. Enter Lucien de Grey, the Duke of Marchmont.
Lucien is a close friend of the Lexham's. He goes to their house immediately upon hearing that Zoe has returned, after all many people had believed she was dead after being gone so long. Lucien and Zoe had always had a special relationship when they were younger, he was about ten years older than her, but he always had a way of handling the little hellion when no one else was able to.
When Zoe found out that Lucien was a Duke, she knew what she had to do to be able to get back into the society she belonged in, the society that had been stolen from her for 12 years. She asked him to marry her, and in front of her entire family! Then she proceeded to tell the Duke why she would make a good wife- "I shall be an excellent wife to you, I know all the arts of pleasing a man, I can sing and dance and compose poetry. I learn quickly and will learn how to behave correctly in...in good society...if you will help me, or find me teachers."
With the greatest regret, he turned down her most tempting offer. He told her he could accomplish what she needed to get back into society without her having to marry anyone. So begins the story!
I love Lucien in this story. He says some of the funniest lines all throughout the book. The banter between the h/h were hilarious and had me in stitches in much of the book.
One of my favorite parts is when Zoe is practicing walking and curtsying in a hooped skirt so that she can take her bow before the Queen. She is with her sisters and Lucien walks into the room just in time to see her fallen down on the ground face down with her hoops flipped over her head. It is very hard to stand up with a corset and hoops and so she goes to all fours and walks her hands back to her feet with her bottom in the air until she is standing upright, which is when she sees Lucien! It had me cracking up!!
The only parts I did not like about the book were the situation going on with Harrison, it was just weird and didn't seem to fit the rest of the story. And the end seemed a bit abrupt to me.
But overall, I loved it! I recommend everyone read it!!!
Zoe Octavia Lexham has been held captive as a harem slave for 12 years in Egypt. She finally escaped and returned to her family in England only to find that she doesn't quite fit in. She knows too many things a young English lady should not know and doesn't know what is or is not proper topics of conversation.
For instance- "Zoe had found out that one was not allowed to mention a great many subjects: certain body parts, pleasuring oneself, pleasuring another, desire, impotence, concubines, eunuchs..."
Her four meddling older sisters try to teach her how to act as a proper lady but they know it cannot be done without the help of a gentleman of high rank. Because of her connection to the harem she will be considered "spoiled goods" in the eyes of society, even though she was able to remain a virgin. Her sisters think the only way for society to accept her will be for Zoe to marry a Duke. Enter Lucien de Grey, the Duke of Marchmont.
Lucien is a close friend of the Lexham's. He goes to their house immediately upon hearing that Zoe has returned, after all many people had believed she was dead after being gone so long. Lucien and Zoe had always had a special relationship when they were younger, he was about ten years older than her, but he always had a way of handling the little hellion when no one else was able to.
When Zoe found out that Lucien was a Duke, she knew what she had to do to be able to get back into the society she belonged in, the society that had been stolen from her for 12 years. She asked him to marry her, and in front of her entire family! Then she proceeded to tell the Duke why she would make a good wife- "I shall be an excellent wife to you, I know all the arts of pleasing a man, I can sing and dance and compose poetry. I learn quickly and will learn how to behave correctly in...in good society...if you will help me, or find me teachers."
With the greatest regret, he turned down her most tempting offer. He told her he could accomplish what she needed to get back into society without her having to marry anyone. So begins the story!
I love Lucien in this story. He says some of the funniest lines all throughout the book. The banter between the h/h were hilarious and had me in stitches in much of the book.
One of my favorite parts is when Zoe is practicing walking and curtsying in a hooped skirt so that she can take her bow before the Queen. She is with her sisters and Lucien walks into the room just in time to see her fallen down on the ground face down with her hoops flipped over her head. It is very hard to stand up with a corset and hoops and so she goes to all fours and walks her hands back to her feet with her bottom in the air until she is standing upright, which is when she sees Lucien! It had me cracking up!!
The only parts I did not like about the book were the situation going on with Harrison, it was just weird and didn't seem to fit the rest of the story. And the end seemed a bit abrupt to me.
But overall, I loved it! I recommend everyone read it!!!
January 27, 2021
I thought I'd discovered my all-time favourite heroine in Loretta Chase's Olivia (Wingate-Carsington) but 'escaped-from-a-harem-and-back-to-reclaim-her-place-in-society' Zoe Lexham is giving fabulously feisty Olivia a run for her money.
I just LOVED the premise of this story, with Zoe's childhood friend (Lucien, the Duke of Marchmont) first refusing to believe that Zoe isn't an imposter, and then realising that not only is she the real deal, but that he's duty-bound to help her (even though, every time she opens her mouth, something wildly inappropriate flies out).
Naturally, she's surrounded by scandal (kidnapped and sent to a harem!). Can Lucien's 'escorting' efforts enable her to gain social acceptance (and a husband)?
We can't help but cheer as Zoe goes from strength to strength, refusing to be cowed by others' judgements or held back by the horrors she's lived through. Brave and witty and determined to live her 'best life', she's the sort of heroine I swoon for.
Zoe turns out to be magnificently trained in 'managing' people and sniffing out deception (most notably, among the Duke's staff, who are in need of a shake up) and is a charming, uninhibited breath of fresh air for tormented Lucien, whose grief at losing all the people he held dear has left him disconnected from anything meaningful.
I was devouring the pages to see how things would turn out - especially as there's an exciting suspense plot driving the later stages of the story.
This hit all the gold stars for me.
Highly recommended.
I just LOVED the premise of this story, with Zoe's childhood friend (Lucien, the Duke of Marchmont) first refusing to believe that Zoe isn't an imposter, and then realising that not only is she the real deal, but that he's duty-bound to help her (even though, every time she opens her mouth, something wildly inappropriate flies out).
Naturally, she's surrounded by scandal (kidnapped and sent to a harem!). Can Lucien's 'escorting' efforts enable her to gain social acceptance (and a husband)?
We can't help but cheer as Zoe goes from strength to strength, refusing to be cowed by others' judgements or held back by the horrors she's lived through. Brave and witty and determined to live her 'best life', she's the sort of heroine I swoon for.
Zoe turns out to be magnificently trained in 'managing' people and sniffing out deception (most notably, among the Duke's staff, who are in need of a shake up) and is a charming, uninhibited breath of fresh air for tormented Lucien, whose grief at losing all the people he held dear has left him disconnected from anything meaningful.
I was devouring the pages to see how things would turn out - especially as there's an exciting suspense plot driving the later stages of the story.
This hit all the gold stars for me.
Highly recommended.
January 25, 2018
Too light for me and yet lacking true archetypical LC humour.
May 19, 2019
LA MÁS DESEADA
Reconozco que me imaginaba otra cosa al leer la sinopsis. Pero aún así me ha encantado. Lucien, nuestro maromo cínico que se volvió insensible tras perder a todos hasta que llega nuestra prota, Zoe, que le despierta el corazoncito (y los bajos). Zoe me ha gustado mucho (Loretta Chase hace personajes femeninos estupendos) es una heroína valiente, tenaz, ingeniosa, con un vocabulario y un comportamiento indecentes para el siglo XIX pero que suscita situaciones hilarantes. Prácticamente me lo he leído del tirón, altamente recomendable.
Reconozco que me imaginaba otra cosa al leer la sinopsis. Pero aún así me ha encantado. Lucien, nuestro maromo cínico que se volvió insensible tras perder a todos hasta que llega nuestra prota, Zoe, que le despierta el corazoncito (y los bajos). Zoe me ha gustado mucho (Loretta Chase hace personajes femeninos estupendos) es una heroína valiente, tenaz, ingeniosa, con un vocabulario y un comportamiento indecentes para el siglo XIX pero que suscita situaciones hilarantes. Prácticamente me lo he leído del tirón, altamente recomendable.
August 11, 2020
I had a lot of fun with this book! Lucien was a sweetheart beneath his Dukish facade and also generous to a fault. I couldn’t dislike him even if I’d tried! Zoe could be a bit boisterous at times, but I liked how she wore her heart on her sleeve. Even when she discussed inappropriate topics in the drawing room, I was hard pressed to keep a straight face at her antics. She and Lucien were perfect together, complimenting each other in obvious- and not so obvious-ways, and I adored how they were around each other. The plot did take an unexpected turn towards the end, but I enjoyed the rest of the story too much to pick the twist to death.
June 30, 2009
Lucien de Grey, the Duke of Marchmont has an interesting history with Lord Lexham’s daughter, Zoe Octavia. When a ten-year-old Lucien lost his parents, his father’s best friend, who happened to be Lexham, took him and his brother Gerard into his home. Lucian and Gerard were quite welcomed into the Lexham brood. But the child who makes the most impression on Lucian, is five-year-old Zoe Octavia. Zoe was there always annoying Lucien and getting into trouble. She had a bad habit of running away and not doing what she is told. And because of that unfortunate trait, Zoe Octavia goes missing for years. When she was twelve, her parents take her on a tour of the eastern Mediterranean. It is public knowledge that Zoe bolted from her parents and was kidnapped, lost forever, never to be found again. Lexham spent years trying to find his youngest daughter, but failed. Lucian grew up, trying to forget the young girl that found her way into his heart. Twelve years later, Zoe Octavia is found and Lucien’s life will change in so many ways.
The Lexham family, especially that of her sisters, don’t know what to make of this young woman who was held captive and part of the harem in the palace of Yusri Pasha. Zoe was able to escape and now her parents have welcomed her back with open arms. But in the eyes of society, Zoe is ruined. They need to hire a tutor to teach her the ways of British society. And that is where Lucien comes in. Lucien has no choice but to accept because he owes Lexham so much. He will help Zoe find a husband and teach her the acceptable ways of a proper British lady.
Zoe Octavia knows how to navigate her way around people, especially Lucien. She wouldn’t mind marrying him. She tells him of her skills at lovemaking and is very knowledgeable about the ways between a man and a woman. Everyone around her seems shocked by her blatant words. Lucien is at his wits end because Zoe constantly does what she wants to do without any concern for her safety and well being. She refuses to listen to him and tries to handle him. He will not be handled by some blonde goddess whose kisses are sweet and is willing to enjoy more pleasures in parks and secluded carriages with him.
Zoe wants Lucien and she definitely knows he wants her. She will try her best to tempt the man who always held her heart, waiting for her to return to him.
Loretta Chase is a master storyteller and she has done it again with Don’t Tempt Me. Her words and characters are amazing to read. This is one historical romance you will not want to miss especially with Zoe Octavia, who has one of the best names for a heroine I have read in years. It is great to watch Lucien, who is so set in his ways, become so topsy turvy because of Zoe. Lucien walks through life bored that is until Zoe comes along and makes him feel again.
The way Zoe and Lucien interact is oh, so good. It was so fun to watch Lucien become jealous because Zoe’s father thinks she should meet more single men. Lucian can’t stand it and decides to claim her in one hot and scorching love scene in a carriage.
Zoe Octavia is a character you will not soon forget and Don’t Tempt Me is one of my favorite historicals I have read this year. Don’t miss out on this wonderful book. It is a very tempting read.
The Lexham family, especially that of her sisters, don’t know what to make of this young woman who was held captive and part of the harem in the palace of Yusri Pasha. Zoe was able to escape and now her parents have welcomed her back with open arms. But in the eyes of society, Zoe is ruined. They need to hire a tutor to teach her the ways of British society. And that is where Lucien comes in. Lucien has no choice but to accept because he owes Lexham so much. He will help Zoe find a husband and teach her the acceptable ways of a proper British lady.
Zoe Octavia knows how to navigate her way around people, especially Lucien. She wouldn’t mind marrying him. She tells him of her skills at lovemaking and is very knowledgeable about the ways between a man and a woman. Everyone around her seems shocked by her blatant words. Lucien is at his wits end because Zoe constantly does what she wants to do without any concern for her safety and well being. She refuses to listen to him and tries to handle him. He will not be handled by some blonde goddess whose kisses are sweet and is willing to enjoy more pleasures in parks and secluded carriages with him.
Zoe wants Lucien and she definitely knows he wants her. She will try her best to tempt the man who always held her heart, waiting for her to return to him.
Loretta Chase is a master storyteller and she has done it again with Don’t Tempt Me. Her words and characters are amazing to read. This is one historical romance you will not want to miss especially with Zoe Octavia, who has one of the best names for a heroine I have read in years. It is great to watch Lucien, who is so set in his ways, become so topsy turvy because of Zoe. Lucien walks through life bored that is until Zoe comes along and makes him feel again.
The way Zoe and Lucien interact is oh, so good. It was so fun to watch Lucien become jealous because Zoe’s father thinks she should meet more single men. Lucian can’t stand it and decides to claim her in one hot and scorching love scene in a carriage.
Zoe Octavia is a character you will not soon forget and Don’t Tempt Me is one of my favorite historicals I have read this year. Don’t miss out on this wonderful book. It is a very tempting read.
April 13, 2016
This was a serviceable story, but only just, and way below what I've come to expect from Chase (in terms of my enjoyment). Most of the elements were just flat. I couldn't take the plot seriously, Lucien was a self-absorbed jerk, and the romance felt rather tacked on, really.
Zoe was about the only element that kept me engaged, but even there I had to ignore her deeply improbable background. A harem girl? And a virgin after twelve years in captivity as a slave? Really? I liked her gumption and could understand her wild side after being imprisoned for so long. Still, that's a mighty thin reed to hang a story on.
Lucien went from off-putting to almost tolerable in the course of the novel, but only if you ignore that he had a decade and more under the tutelage and guidance of a truly kind and honorable man that he openly admired and still couldn't be arsed to look after his responsibilities or treat even his friends with any degree of care or kindness. His self-importance was intolerable and the flashes of vulnerability that showed through only managed to highlight how shallow he really was all the rest of the time.
Add the stupid servant drama in the latter part of the book and I can honestly say I have no idea why I was never tempted to put it down. Zoe wasn't that much of a delight. So yeah, three stars that may have been less only I was caught up enough that I didn't question it until after I'd finished the book.
A note about Steamy: the middle of my steam range with three explicit scenes with some extra fooling around sexy-times because Zoe was remarkably uninhibited. They're short scenes and not very important so they didn't make enough of an impression to drive the steam up. And the harem-dance scene just felt silly...
Zoe was about the only element that kept me engaged, but even there I had to ignore her deeply improbable background. A harem girl? And a virgin after twelve years in captivity as a slave? Really? I liked her gumption and could understand her wild side after being imprisoned for so long. Still, that's a mighty thin reed to hang a story on.
Lucien went from off-putting to almost tolerable in the course of the novel, but only if you ignore that he had a decade and more under the tutelage and guidance of a truly kind and honorable man that he openly admired and still couldn't be arsed to look after his responsibilities or treat even his friends with any degree of care or kindness. His self-importance was intolerable and the flashes of vulnerability that showed through only managed to highlight how shallow he really was all the rest of the time.
Add the stupid servant drama in the latter part of the book and I can honestly say I have no idea why I was never tempted to put it down. Zoe wasn't that much of a delight. So yeah, three stars that may have been less only I was caught up enough that I didn't question it until after I'd finished the book.
A note about Steamy: the middle of my steam range with three explicit scenes with some extra fooling around sexy-times because Zoe was remarkably uninhibited. They're short scenes and not very important so they didn't make enough of an impression to drive the steam up. And the harem-dance scene just felt silly...
January 16, 2019
This was one odd book. From premise to characters to tempo. It defied normal.
First off - “Harem Girls??” That was just weird. And her behavior as a result...
This kind of felt like a book that painted an appalling misrepresentation of the Middle East - as some bizarre sex capital. That definitely made me uncomfortable.
Which pretty much sums this one up. Uncomfortable.
First off - “Harem Girls??” That was just weird. And her behavior as a result...
This kind of felt like a book that painted an appalling misrepresentation of the Middle East - as some bizarre sex capital. That definitely made me uncomfortable.
Which pretty much sums this one up. Uncomfortable.
October 10, 2022
format: audiobook
rating: 1,5
bedtime audiobook. worked fine, but left a somewhat sour taste in the mouth. the whole "white lady kidnaped into a harem by the savages schtick feels a bit iffy" and the historical example Loretta Chase says was the real life inspiration for it, apparently never happened and was just a myth.
rating: 1,5
bedtime audiobook. worked fine, but left a somewhat sour taste in the mouth. the whole "white lady kidnaped into a harem by the savages schtick feels a bit iffy" and the historical example Loretta Chase says was the real life inspiration for it, apparently never happened and was just a myth.
May 3, 2021
A young woman missing ten years returns to Society. Zoe has survived a harem now she has to survive the ton. Witty and deliciously naughty read.
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