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The Love and Temptation Series
M.C. BEATON BRINGS YOU SEVEN TITLES IN ONE – A REGENCY ROMANCE SERIES THAT IS SURE TO CHARM YOU AND BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE.
The temptation to break society’s rules overwhelms even the most prim and proper heroine of the Love and Temptation collection. Beset by awkward situations, mixed identities and ambitious families, these women refuse to bend to society’s whim and still manage to capture true love in the process.
The Love and Temptation Series includes: The Original Miss Honeyford, At the Sign of the Golden Pineapple, The Education of Miss Patterson, Quadrille, Sweet Masquerade, Miss Davenport's Christmas and The Perfect Gentleman.
The temptation to break society’s rules overwhelms even the most prim and proper heroine of the Love and Temptation collection. Beset by awkward situations, mixed identities and ambitious families, these women refuse to bend to society’s whim and still manage to capture true love in the process.
The Love and Temptation Series includes: The Original Miss Honeyford, At the Sign of the Golden Pineapple, The Education of Miss Patterson, Quadrille, Sweet Masquerade, Miss Davenport's Christmas and The Perfect Gentleman.
- GenresHistorical Romance
Kindle Edition
Published May 6, 2020
252 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
M.C. Beaton
340 books6,014 followersLike her on Facebook!
Learn more on her website!
Marion Chesney Gibbons
aka: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Marion Chesney, Charlotte Ward, Sarah Chester.
Marion Chesney was born on 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, and started her first job as a bookseller in charge of the fiction department in John Smith & Sons Ltd. While bookselling, by chance, she got an offer from the Scottish Daily Mail to review variety shows and quickly rose to be their theatre critic. She left Smith’s to join Scottish Field magazine as a secretary in the advertising department, without any shorthand or typing, but quickly got the job of fashion editor instead. She then moved to the Scottish Daily Express where she reported mostly on crime. This was followed by a move to Fleet Street to the Daily Express where she became chief woman reporter. After marrying Harry Scott Gibbons and having a son, Charles, Marion went to the United States where Harry had been offered the job of editor of the Oyster Bay Guardian. When that didn’t work out, they went to Virginia and Marion worked as a waitress in a greasy spoon on the Jefferson Davies in Alexandria while Harry washed the dishes. Both then got jobs on Rupert Murdoch’s new tabloid, The Star, and moved to New York.
Anxious to spend more time at home with her small son, Marion, urged by her husband, started to write historical romances in 1977. After she had written over 100 of them under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, and under the pseudonyms: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, and Sarah Chester, she getting fed up with 1714 to 1910, she began to write detectives stories in 1985 under the pseudonym of M. C. Beaton. On a trip from the States to Sutherland on holiday, a course at a fishing school inspired the first Constable Hamish Macbeth story. They returned to Britain and bought a croft house and croft in Sutherland where Harry reared a flock of black sheep. But Charles was at school, in London so when he finished and both tired of the long commute to the north of Scotland, they moved to the Cotswolds where Agatha Raisin was created.
Learn more on her website!
Marion Chesney Gibbons
aka: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Marion Chesney, Charlotte Ward, Sarah Chester.
Marion Chesney was born on 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, and started her first job as a bookseller in charge of the fiction department in John Smith & Sons Ltd. While bookselling, by chance, she got an offer from the Scottish Daily Mail to review variety shows and quickly rose to be their theatre critic. She left Smith’s to join Scottish Field magazine as a secretary in the advertising department, without any shorthand or typing, but quickly got the job of fashion editor instead. She then moved to the Scottish Daily Express where she reported mostly on crime. This was followed by a move to Fleet Street to the Daily Express where she became chief woman reporter. After marrying Harry Scott Gibbons and having a son, Charles, Marion went to the United States where Harry had been offered the job of editor of the Oyster Bay Guardian. When that didn’t work out, they went to Virginia and Marion worked as a waitress in a greasy spoon on the Jefferson Davies in Alexandria while Harry washed the dishes. Both then got jobs on Rupert Murdoch’s new tabloid, The Star, and moved to New York.
Anxious to spend more time at home with her small son, Marion, urged by her husband, started to write historical romances in 1977. After she had written over 100 of them under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, and under the pseudonyms: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, and Sarah Chester, she getting fed up with 1714 to 1910, she began to write detectives stories in 1985 under the pseudonym of M. C. Beaton. On a trip from the States to Sutherland on holiday, a course at a fishing school inspired the first Constable Hamish Macbeth story. They returned to Britain and bought a croft house and croft in Sutherland where Harry reared a flock of black sheep. But Charles was at school, in London so when he finished and both tired of the long commute to the north of Scotland, they moved to the Cotswolds where Agatha Raisin was created.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 1, 2020
Hard to keep track of all the switching from what is happening. One paragraph is dealing with the H/h and the next paragraph totally different person and area. Also, even when they are thinking of something the author uses " and it took awhile to realize these were just thoughts people were having and not saying things out loud.
1. THE ORIGINAL MISS HONEYFORD - 3 Stars
The h was rough and tumble gal. She drank and could shoot as well as any man and the local men thought she was one of them. She goes to a party where all the men are fawning over a new miss in town. Our h realizes that she and her father are not dressed appropriately and she lacks what men want. That is the premise of the story.
You will feel sorry for the h when reality hits her and her father. She is sent off to her aunt's to be presented. This is where I had aa major problem with the story. She seems to accomplish within a couple weeks how to act in society. This is something young women start learning from the cradle and she accomplishes the dances etc with ease.
I did enjoy the H and his interactions with the h and you could see his feelings change.
This is a clean story with one villain who gets what he deserves. We have a few kisses, no cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, little on romance and clean.
2. AT THE SIGN OF THE GOLDEN PINEAPPLE - 4.5 STARS
I enjoyed this so much better than the first book in the bundle THE ORIGINAL MISS HONEYFORD. I can't imagine living in this time period, having your parents or husband die and left with nothing. It was a major taboo to go into trade and try to support yourself.
Our h is left some money and opens up a little sweet shop. She talks 3 friends who are reluctant at first, but come around. The one friend is worried about not having money to pay for her own funeral and is scared about being buried in the poor cemetery. Even though it was funny but sad to worry about such. But, if you are alone with no-one else it was a worry if you were dirt poor.
The Ton of course, frown upon trade people let alone women. The only thing we don't get to see what the future held if all 3 titled men married the women of trade.
This is a clean story, with some sad elements, suspense, twists and misunderstandings. No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, aaand little on romance.
3. THE EDUCATION OF MISS PATTERSON - 3 STARS
Didn't care for the h until near the end. I understand when we are introduced to her she was 16 and had little guidance. Even reminding myself of this, I didn't care for her. I started to like her when she came back from Boston.
The H I liked in the beginning and now it was opposite of the h because he was upstanding in the beginning then changed when the h came back into his life. He was her guardian and he attempts to rape her. Can't go back to liking a guy after that. Yes, he stops before anything happened - but still NO!
You would be reading a paragraph and the next would be in a different house and a different person thinking - hard to follow.
There are several villains that made the story interesting. No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, no romance, no sexual acts but kissing.
4. QUADRILLE - 0 STARS
AWFUL!
I don't even think I can write a review. So much cheating, or the appearance of cheating. I read to the 60% mark if not more and could not complete it. You could never get a handle on anyone. Written very swallow -
5. SWEET MASQUERADE - 4 STARS
12 year plus age difference between the h and H, I had another hard time because this is another story of a guardian who is placed in charge of a ward of 18. There are many villains in this story and most get what's coming to them. It was no surprise who Freddy real was.
Some sad moments, suspense and surprises.
No cheating, HEA, no romance, some kisses and mild touching.
6. MISS DAVENPORT'S CHRISTMAS -5 STARS
This was a heartfelt Christmas story and had all the feelings of Christmas cheer.
Our h's are sister's, ignored by their parents and physically abused by a mean maid. The abuse is off page and told after the fact. The girls parents are very strict Puritans and the girls haven't experienced Christmas, love etc.
Through fortunate events they end up with a loving couple around the holidays. Of course, not all is sugar plums etc. We have two nasty ladies, vying for the same two men.
Romance builds slowly, HEA, no cheating, clean story with only kisses.
7. THE PERFECT GENTLEMAN - 3 STARS
Parts of the story I enjoyed and parts not so much. People did not act like Dukes/Duchess most of the people were shallow and hard to like including the H. I did like the h and appreciated her spunk.
No cheating, HEA, little on romance and Clean story - only kisses. (ljb)
1. THE ORIGINAL MISS HONEYFORD - 3 Stars
The h was rough and tumble gal. She drank and could shoot as well as any man and the local men thought she was one of them. She goes to a party where all the men are fawning over a new miss in town. Our h realizes that she and her father are not dressed appropriately and she lacks what men want. That is the premise of the story.
You will feel sorry for the h when reality hits her and her father. She is sent off to her aunt's to be presented. This is where I had aa major problem with the story. She seems to accomplish within a couple weeks how to act in society. This is something young women start learning from the cradle and she accomplishes the dances etc with ease.
I did enjoy the H and his interactions with the h and you could see his feelings change.
This is a clean story with one villain who gets what he deserves. We have a few kisses, no cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, little on romance and clean.
2. AT THE SIGN OF THE GOLDEN PINEAPPLE - 4.5 STARS
I enjoyed this so much better than the first book in the bundle THE ORIGINAL MISS HONEYFORD. I can't imagine living in this time period, having your parents or husband die and left with nothing. It was a major taboo to go into trade and try to support yourself.
Our h is left some money and opens up a little sweet shop. She talks 3 friends who are reluctant at first, but come around. The one friend is worried about not having money to pay for her own funeral and is scared about being buried in the poor cemetery. Even though it was funny but sad to worry about such. But, if you are alone with no-one else it was a worry if you were dirt poor.
The Ton of course, frown upon trade people let alone women. The only thing we don't get to see what the future held if all 3 titled men married the women of trade.
This is a clean story, with some sad elements, suspense, twists and misunderstandings. No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, aaand little on romance.
3. THE EDUCATION OF MISS PATTERSON - 3 STARS
Didn't care for the h until near the end. I understand when we are introduced to her she was 16 and had little guidance. Even reminding myself of this, I didn't care for her. I started to like her when she came back from Boston.
The H I liked in the beginning and now it was opposite of the h because he was upstanding in the beginning then changed when the h came back into his life. He was her guardian and he attempts to rape her. Can't go back to liking a guy after that. Yes, he stops before anything happened - but still NO!
You would be reading a paragraph and the next would be in a different house and a different person thinking - hard to follow.
There are several villains that made the story interesting. No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, no romance, no sexual acts but kissing.
4. QUADRILLE - 0 STARS
AWFUL!
I don't even think I can write a review. So much cheating, or the appearance of cheating. I read to the 60% mark if not more and could not complete it. You could never get a handle on anyone. Written very swallow -
5. SWEET MASQUERADE - 4 STARS
12 year plus age difference between the h and H, I had another hard time because this is another story of a guardian who is placed in charge of a ward of 18. There are many villains in this story and most get what's coming to them. It was no surprise who Freddy real was.
Some sad moments, suspense and surprises.
No cheating, HEA, no romance, some kisses and mild touching.
6. MISS DAVENPORT'S CHRISTMAS -5 STARS
This was a heartfelt Christmas story and had all the feelings of Christmas cheer.
Our h's are sister's, ignored by their parents and physically abused by a mean maid. The abuse is off page and told after the fact. The girls parents are very strict Puritans and the girls haven't experienced Christmas, love etc.
Through fortunate events they end up with a loving couple around the holidays. Of course, not all is sugar plums etc. We have two nasty ladies, vying for the same two men.
Romance builds slowly, HEA, no cheating, clean story with only kisses.
7. THE PERFECT GENTLEMAN - 3 STARS
Parts of the story I enjoyed and parts not so much. People did not act like Dukes/Duchess most of the people were shallow and hard to like including the H. I did like the h and appreciated her spunk.
No cheating, HEA, little on romance and Clean story - only kisses. (ljb)
July 19, 2020
An excellent collect of romances that are written with wit and a sharp eye for the foolishness of people. Excellent characters make for fun reading.
May 15, 2023
Did not finish book. Stopped at 56%.
Holy hell. This anthology started out like a delightful romp. The first story was charming, though the mention of "evil looking gypsies" in chapter 8 made me question going forward. I proceeded forward and it got worse, and worse and worse. The misogyny in this series of stories is out of control. I enjoyed the first story, but in the second story the male love interest is the guardian for a young woman whom he drags "screaming, yelling, and kickig" into a room and then beats her with a leather belt. At that point I skipped to the next story. (I should have stopped, but . . yeah, dumb me, but I continued). In the next story the heroine was married off to a Lord/military man who needed money. He's an asshole, and his attitude towards woman is abysmal. He strikes her, acts like a jerk. But there's also a subplot where another young woman who admittedly is not well behaved, but that does not excuse the public beating her husband gives her with cheers form the populace. What in the F were these authors thinking? Do they just hate women? This book is TERRIBLE.
Holy hell. This anthology started out like a delightful romp. The first story was charming, though the mention of "evil looking gypsies" in chapter 8 made me question going forward. I proceeded forward and it got worse, and worse and worse. The misogyny in this series of stories is out of control. I enjoyed the first story, but in the second story the male love interest is the guardian for a young woman whom he drags "screaming, yelling, and kickig" into a room and then beats her with a leather belt. At that point I skipped to the next story. (I should have stopped, but . . yeah, dumb me, but I continued). In the next story the heroine was married off to a Lord/military man who needed money. He's an asshole, and his attitude towards woman is abysmal. He strikes her, acts like a jerk. But there's also a subplot where another young woman who admittedly is not well behaved, but that does not excuse the public beating her husband gives her with cheers form the populace. What in the F were these authors thinking? Do they just hate women? This book is TERRIBLE.
August 30, 2020
MC Beaton does it again...
The stories are vintage Beaton but I sensed that these novels are some of the author's early work. The plots of the stories are somewhat repetitive and that is why I did not give this review 5 stars. All the stories have laugh out loud moments in them. I was grateful for the pleasantries as I was not feeling up to par as I was reading the book. For the price, you can’t go wrong. I have read all the Beaton books available at the local library. Her Hamish MacBeth series is wonderful and also a BBC series worth watching. Her Agatha Raisin TV series is the only thing she has written that was so bad, I only watch one episode.
The stories are vintage Beaton but I sensed that these novels are some of the author's early work. The plots of the stories are somewhat repetitive and that is why I did not give this review 5 stars. All the stories have laugh out loud moments in them. I was grateful for the pleasantries as I was not feeling up to par as I was reading the book. For the price, you can’t go wrong. I have read all the Beaton books available at the local library. Her Hamish MacBeth series is wonderful and also a BBC series worth watching. Her Agatha Raisin TV series is the only thing she has written that was so bad, I only watch one episode.
October 30, 2020
Exceptional Examples of Historical Fiction!
Expecting to be admonished with plots that were one and the same, as many other texts are, it was surprising to learn of very interesting themes! Each offering was an example of one of those spellbinding books that one could not put down! Many times I read late/early into the night/morning and suffered through the next day! You will be very pleased with your choice of this series! Enjoy!
Expecting to be admonished with plots that were one and the same, as many other texts are, it was surprising to learn of very interesting themes! Each offering was an example of one of those spellbinding books that one could not put down! Many times I read late/early into the night/morning and suffered through the next day! You will be very pleased with your choice of this series! Enjoy!
May 11, 2021
You Have to Love Marion Chesney!
I have read all of her books including the compilation of all of these stories. They are so entertaining! You know that the 'ne're do wells' or those with nefarious motives will never win. Her books are lighthearted and the perfect antidote for a down day or a getaway from more serious reading. I highly recommend her novels. I also recommend her other books under M. C. Beaton - light cozy mysteries.
I have read all of her books including the compilation of all of these stories. They are so entertaining! You know that the 'ne're do wells' or those with nefarious motives will never win. Her books are lighthearted and the perfect antidote for a down day or a getaway from more serious reading. I highly recommend her novels. I also recommend her other books under M. C. Beaton - light cozy mysteries.
September 9, 2020
3 STARS to 5 STARS, STORIES for EVERYONE
Stories that take place in the Historical Regency Era and range from 3 STARS to 5 STARS. Mystery & Romance of you love them, one story I would give a 1 STAR, but it will be up to the next reader to see if they find one that is just that. I do recommend read at your own discretion to discover which story is equal to how many stars!
Stories that take place in the Historical Regency Era and range from 3 STARS to 5 STARS. Mystery & Romance of you love them, one story I would give a 1 STAR, but it will be up to the next reader to see if they find one that is just that. I do recommend read at your own discretion to discover which story is equal to how many stars!
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September 27, 2020Love. Love her books!
Fan of her books for a very long time. This collection was a pleasant staycation away from the stress of everyday life. Dreamy, period romances, a wonderful escape from 2020!!!
Fan of her books for a very long time. This collection was a pleasant staycation away from the stress of everyday life. Dreamy, period romances, a wonderful escape from 2020!!!
December 5, 2020
The love and temptation series
Adore reading M C Beaton’s fiction. I can’t get enough of the historical references. So interesting to read about characters living during this time. The fact that she effortlessly adds humor and charm to her stories keep me coming back for more😍
Adore reading M C Beaton’s fiction. I can’t get enough of the historical references. So interesting to read about characters living during this time. The fact that she effortlessly adds humor and charm to her stories keep me coming back for more😍
October 14, 2020
Only found 3 stories worth reading
I believe there are 8 stories, 3 were average, the others were sub par, the men bossy, the women doormats.
I believe there are 8 stories, 3 were average, the others were sub par, the men bossy, the women doormats.
November 1, 2020
Just what the doctor ordered to cheer me up. Very romantic, entertaining, and improbable, but stuffed with fascinating historical detail.
December 12, 2020
Good read
I liked every book in the series. Fun characters and very good stories. I do so like happy endings. I actually laughed out loud in some places
I liked every book in the series. Fun characters and very good stories. I do so like happy endings. I actually laughed out loud in some places
March 5, 2021
Another series of Regency romances and possibly Victorian and Edwardian romances, some silly, some not. They passed the time beautifully during Corona lockdown. Easily forgettable.
December 27, 2023
The usual mix of characters, drama, tension, misogyny, and domestic violence.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2020
A wonderful anthropology
One of my favorite authors. This is a great groups if stories showing how couples meet and eventually fall in love.
One of my favorite authors. This is a great groups if stories showing how couples meet and eventually fall in love.
February 28, 2023
The Regency at its Best
I have loved Marion Chesney for decades, and this anthology is a prime example of why she is the Queen of the Regencies in my book!
I have loved Marion Chesney for decades, and this anthology is a prime example of why she is the Queen of the Regencies in my book!
May 15, 2023
Great
I loved reading every one of the books in his box set. They were all great reads. I couldn't make up my mind which one I liked best, they were all excellent!
I loved reading every one of the books in his box set. They were all great reads. I couldn't make up my mind which one I liked best, they were all excellent!
May 29, 2023
Delightful
The author has an extensive knowledge of the Regency Era. Her variations on well known tropes are frequently unexpected and always entertaining.
The author has an extensive knowledge of the Regency Era. Her variations on well known tropes are frequently unexpected and always entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews