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Scandal Sheet Survivors #1
More than Tempted
She has loved him secretly for years.
Miss Helen Langley felt the first pangs of love seven years ago when her brother’s best friend examined her sprained ankle. She has suffered in silence ever since. A lady might engage in mild flirtation, but Nicholas St. Clair is considered part of her family and acts like a brother. When a fortune-teller insists Helen will find her future husband sitting in a cowpat, she fears she is destined to marry a farmer, not the impeccably dressed Mr St. Clair.
Honour demands he treat her like a sister.
Nicholas has sworn never to marry. His parents’ disastrous relationship was enough to keep any man from the marriage mart. Besides, the only woman to capture his heart treats him like a brother, leaving him no choice but to maintain an indifferent facade.
Fate has other plans.
But when Nicholas and Helen are embroiled in a case of blackmail and murder, they must work together to find the villain.
Will Helen’s secret love for Nicholas ever be more than an obsession?
Will Nicholas defy his friend and tell Helen how he feels?
Miss Helen Langley felt the first pangs of love seven years ago when her brother’s best friend examined her sprained ankle. She has suffered in silence ever since. A lady might engage in mild flirtation, but Nicholas St. Clair is considered part of her family and acts like a brother. When a fortune-teller insists Helen will find her future husband sitting in a cowpat, she fears she is destined to marry a farmer, not the impeccably dressed Mr St. Clair.
Honour demands he treat her like a sister.
Nicholas has sworn never to marry. His parents’ disastrous relationship was enough to keep any man from the marriage mart. Besides, the only woman to capture his heart treats him like a brother, leaving him no choice but to maintain an indifferent facade.
Fate has other plans.
But when Nicholas and Helen are embroiled in a case of blackmail and murder, they must work together to find the villain.
Will Helen’s secret love for Nicholas ever be more than an obsession?
Will Nicholas defy his friend and tell Helen how he feels?
268 pages, ebook
Published September 16, 2022
407 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
About the author
Adele Clee
56 books532 followersAdele Clee writes historical romance mysteries set in the early nineteenth century. Her stories blend romance with intrigue, gothic atmosphere, and a touch of scandal, often unfolding in Regency and early Victorian London. Readers praise her scarred heroines, brooding heroes, and the way love and mystery intertwine across each series.
Amazon - http://author.to/AdeleClee
Download the complete Adele Clee reading list here: https://www.adeleclee.com/booklist.html
Amazon - http://author.to/AdeleClee
Download the complete Adele Clee reading list here: https://www.adeleclee.com/booklist.html
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
April 5, 2024
⭐⭐⭐
3 stars.
➕ What I liked :
Friends to lovers.
Rather interesting plot.
OK mystery.
OK romantic build up and chemistry.
Interesting side characters.
Somewhat interesting main characters.
➖ What I disliked:
The mystery part of the plot took over a little bit too much of the romance part.
The romance/romantic build up and chemistry was a little too rushed.
In some parts the romance and chemistry lacked depth.
Plot-holes and inconsistencies.
(Some important moments and info felt like they were missing and also some contradicting info about things etc.)
A little too much tell and not enough show in the book.
The hero needed a little more development/depth to his character.
Too many side characters and their backstories… which gives the plot a little bit of a soap-opera feel.
Jumbled.
Lackluster sex scenes.
The heroine was a little bit too naive and ignorant about her own body and sex even for that time period.
Sensitive and serious issues were more or less glossed over.
(Mental illness/mental health disorders, emotional abuse.)
The heroine's overprotective and rather self-absorbed brother.
September 13, 2022
Miss Helen Langley has been in love with her brother’s best friend for at least the last seven years but has remained silent on the matter in deference to her brother’s feelings. She may flirt with him a bit, but there’s only so much she can do with a man who sees her as a sibling.
Nicholas St. Clair made a pact with his best friend that they would never marry. After seeing how his father suffered his unrequited love for his own wife, Nicholas isn’t keen to enter into the same state. Remaining unmarried is also simple when the only woman he’s interested in sees him as a brother, forcing him to keep his true feelings hidden.
But Nicholas and Helen soon find themselves thrown together in a new way when they’re embroiled in blackmail and murder and must work together to find the true culprit, leaving them to decide just how willing they are to continue hiding their true selves.
This book is the epitome of pining and sexual tension. The connection between Helen and Nicholas was clear and I loved it when they finally gave in to that tangible need they had for one another. I especially enjoyed the fact that there was a mystery here that the couple worked together to solve and that strengthened their relationship and was the catalyst for them coming together. I always love it when the MCs must work together to face some sort of hardship or solve some sort of problem and we get to see that bring them together, bonus points if that situation also leads to forced proximity and carriage shenanigans as it happily does in this book. Perhaps my favorite aspect was that angst was kept to a minimum despite the fraught situation the hero found himself in, thus providing the heroine an opportunity to shine with her use of cool logic and her refusal to be silenced as she fought for her relationship. Nicholas and Helen had waited so long to be together that once they finally confessed their feelings to each other, there was no way they were going to let anything come between them again, no matter what, and I felt this as a reader and very much believed in them too. It was impossible not to root for them. This was another hit for me from one of my favorite authors. Adele has set up a lovely new series for us and I can’t wait to see where it goes.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Nicholas St. Clair made a pact with his best friend that they would never marry. After seeing how his father suffered his unrequited love for his own wife, Nicholas isn’t keen to enter into the same state. Remaining unmarried is also simple when the only woman he’s interested in sees him as a brother, forcing him to keep his true feelings hidden.
But Nicholas and Helen soon find themselves thrown together in a new way when they’re embroiled in blackmail and murder and must work together to find the true culprit, leaving them to decide just how willing they are to continue hiding their true selves.
This book is the epitome of pining and sexual tension. The connection between Helen and Nicholas was clear and I loved it when they finally gave in to that tangible need they had for one another. I especially enjoyed the fact that there was a mystery here that the couple worked together to solve and that strengthened their relationship and was the catalyst for them coming together. I always love it when the MCs must work together to face some sort of hardship or solve some sort of problem and we get to see that bring them together, bonus points if that situation also leads to forced proximity and carriage shenanigans as it happily does in this book. Perhaps my favorite aspect was that angst was kept to a minimum despite the fraught situation the hero found himself in, thus providing the heroine an opportunity to shine with her use of cool logic and her refusal to be silenced as she fought for her relationship. Nicholas and Helen had waited so long to be together that once they finally confessed their feelings to each other, there was no way they were going to let anything come between them again, no matter what, and I felt this as a reader and very much believed in them too. It was impossible not to root for them. This was another hit for me from one of my favorite authors. Adele has set up a lovely new series for us and I can’t wait to see where it goes.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
September 13, 2022
Instinctively, he reached out and gripped her elbow. He had not touched her in two years. Not since he'd dashed tears from her cheeks at her mother's graveside. Not since the inner ache had become so unbearable, he had almost taken liberties.
4.25 stars!
I must admit it was a bit strange starting a new series from Adele in which neither one of the main characters is an enquiry agent, but I was immediately drawn into this new series in which our heroines visit a mystic and receive cryptic hints as to who they will marry. Helen has been in love with her brother's best friend for years, so when the psychic hints that she is going to marry a farm laborer, she is beyond devastated. After Nicholas is wrongly suspected of murder, she resolves to help clear his name and uncover the real murder, determined to spend as much time with her longtime love as possible. Little does she know that Nicholas has been harboring similar feelings of unrequited love for Helen as well, but they must work together to clear his name before any chance of a future is ripped away.
I loved the easy relationship that developed between Helen and Nicholas once their true feelings are revealed. The angst and danger level was mild compared to some of Adele's previous novels, but overall I am so excited for the rest of this series!
Tropes: childhood friends-to-lovers, brother's best friend, unrequited love/secret pining, hero-on-the-run, murder mystery, cinnamon roll hero
*ARC provided by the author, and I voluntarily reviewed it*
September 15, 2022
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Ruination, blackmail, and attempted murder. A new series to get your teeth into. This is Adele Clee at her best.
Loved it.
Nicholas will do anything to protect his fathers memory, and the woman he himself has loved for years, but Helen sees him as another sibling, or does she?
Helen is ruined, after a scurrilous hound made out that they had an assignation.
The man she adores thinks of her and her brother as family and now someone is trying to harm them.
And this is just the first few chapters, so much action , passion and romance
Emotional and entertaining storyline with great characters.
Wonderful reading.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
Sent from my iPhone
💋💋
Ruination, blackmail, and attempted murder. A new series to get your teeth into. This is Adele Clee at her best.
Loved it.
Nicholas will do anything to protect his fathers memory, and the woman he himself has loved for years, but Helen sees him as another sibling, or does she?
Helen is ruined, after a scurrilous hound made out that they had an assignation.
The man she adores thinks of her and her brother as family and now someone is trying to harm them.
And this is just the first few chapters, so much action , passion and romance
Emotional and entertaining storyline with great characters.
Wonderful reading.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
Sent from my iPhone
September 16, 2022
When Adele Clee releases a new novel, I absolutely can’t wait to read it. And when that novel introduces a new series, it’s even more exciting. I can honestly say I’ve never read a bad book or less than excellent series from this author, and “More Than Tempted” certainly meets that high standard. It’s the first book in the ‘Scandal Sheet Survivors’ series. If you've never read a historical romance novel, this one is a great place to start.
Helen has been in love with Nicholas, her brother’s best friend, since she was just sixteen. She knows he sees her as if she was just his little sister, so she keeps her mouth shut about it and her heart to herself. Meanwhile, Nicholas and his best friend made a sworn pact to not get married. It’s his torment that in recent years he’s developed very un-brotherly feelings towards Helen. He’s certainly not going to bring it up to either of them, because he knows Helen sees him like a sibling. The situation becomes trickier when Helen’s brother increases her dowry to compensate for a bit of a scandal linked to her name, and Nicholas is being tasked with helping to find her a husband. Everything gets even more complicated when Nicholas finds himself being blackmailed, and then framed for murder. Helen is ferociously determined to help clear his name. Prompted by everything going on, they have dramatic revelations to make to one another that will change the course of their lives … if they can clear his name.
This is a romance novel so when you read it you realize there’s going to be some type of happy conclusion, but the story is so well-crafted it might make you might forget that! The main and secondary characters are vivid, and often unexpected in their depth. I thought it was nicely paced and it kept me thoroughly engaged with everything going on and all the possible outcomes. There’s a sweet authenticity to the connection between Helen and Nicholas, and when the dynamic shifts the steamy results could fog up your eyeglasses or your e-reader. This series is off an amazing start and I’m looking forward to the next scandalous story.
Helen has been in love with Nicholas, her brother’s best friend, since she was just sixteen. She knows he sees her as if she was just his little sister, so she keeps her mouth shut about it and her heart to herself. Meanwhile, Nicholas and his best friend made a sworn pact to not get married. It’s his torment that in recent years he’s developed very un-brotherly feelings towards Helen. He’s certainly not going to bring it up to either of them, because he knows Helen sees him like a sibling. The situation becomes trickier when Helen’s brother increases her dowry to compensate for a bit of a scandal linked to her name, and Nicholas is being tasked with helping to find her a husband. Everything gets even more complicated when Nicholas finds himself being blackmailed, and then framed for murder. Helen is ferociously determined to help clear his name. Prompted by everything going on, they have dramatic revelations to make to one another that will change the course of their lives … if they can clear his name.
This is a romance novel so when you read it you realize there’s going to be some type of happy conclusion, but the story is so well-crafted it might make you might forget that! The main and secondary characters are vivid, and often unexpected in their depth. I thought it was nicely paced and it kept me thoroughly engaged with everything going on and all the possible outcomes. There’s a sweet authenticity to the connection between Helen and Nicholas, and when the dynamic shifts the steamy results could fog up your eyeglasses or your e-reader. This series is off an amazing start and I’m looking forward to the next scandalous story.
November 8, 2022
I always forget how good Adele Clee is until I read a new release of hers. She is such a great writer. I’ve been reading her books since 2016. This is my 32nd book by her. I have always enjoyed reading her books.
I really loved this story. I loved the characters, Helen and Nicolas. I liked how they were with each other. I liked all the secondary characters as well. They were also well written and not forgotten like some stories tend to do. I'm really going to love this series. Another great read.
I really loved this story. I loved the characters, Helen and Nicolas. I liked how they were with each other. I liked all the secondary characters as well. They were also well written and not forgotten like some stories tend to do. I'm really going to love this series. Another great read.
September 16, 2022
1830 Miss Helen Langley with her brother Sebastian, and their friend Nicholas St. Clair are some of the guests of Lady Brompton at Grayswood Folly. Because of her mention in the Scandal Sheets, Sebastian's plan is to marry Helen off by increasing her dowry. Meanwhile they need to discover the motive for the attempt on their lives and deal with the blackmailer of Nicholas.
An entertaining and well-written mystery and romance. With its likeable and varied characters. A good start to this new series.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An entertaining and well-written mystery and romance. With its likeable and varied characters. A good start to this new series.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 16, 2023
..undressing with spooky houses behind us. Sexy...
Aww! I wanted to love this one more than I did. Helen and Nicholas were decent characters and their love story was pretty okay too. I did like the tension between them and their inner struggles with would the other accept their love and be ready for a relationship. That was nice.
Here's where I struggled: First, the mystery element was just okay. I think there were other opportunities to amp up that level of uneasiness by providing more details in those high tension moments. I needed more in the text letting me be in the moment and to feel what the characters were feeling and dealing with.
That leads me to the second struggle and probably the one that crashed this book. There were lots of pieces missing for me throughout this story. I felt like I was missing key moments because they weren't written about. I'm not sure if it's this author's style, but one minute the characters are at this location and in the next chapter they're here and this person is suddenly a part of the mix. Umm...how did you get there? Where's the entrance of this person? I needed a bit more set-up as I navigated reading this and I didn't get it. Because of that, I felt the book was very choppy and all over the place. It too me too much out of the story and what could have been a good one, I'd think, ended up being disappointing.
I'm in the minority it seems with this rating, so maybe I missed something? I'm disappointed because I like the set-up for this series, but don't think I'll be pursing any more books from this author at this time.
Reading Challenge 2023
Month: July Letters: M/N
Aww! I wanted to love this one more than I did. Helen and Nicholas were decent characters and their love story was pretty okay too. I did like the tension between them and their inner struggles with would the other accept their love and be ready for a relationship. That was nice.
Here's where I struggled: First, the mystery element was just okay. I think there were other opportunities to amp up that level of uneasiness by providing more details in those high tension moments. I needed more in the text letting me be in the moment and to feel what the characters were feeling and dealing with.
That leads me to the second struggle and probably the one that crashed this book. There were lots of pieces missing for me throughout this story. I felt like I was missing key moments because they weren't written about. I'm not sure if it's this author's style, but one minute the characters are at this location and in the next chapter they're here and this person is suddenly a part of the mix. Umm...how did you get there? Where's the entrance of this person? I needed a bit more set-up as I navigated reading this and I didn't get it. Because of that, I felt the book was very choppy and all over the place. It too me too much out of the story and what could have been a good one, I'd think, ended up being disappointing.
I'm in the minority it seems with this rating, so maybe I missed something? I'm disappointed because I like the set-up for this series, but don't think I'll be pursing any more books from this author at this time.
Reading Challenge 2023
Month: July Letters: M/N
October 3, 2022
This is a brand new series by Adele Clee and I’m so excited to dig into this new series.
This was such an amazing story lots of intrigue, suspense and plenty of chemistry between the main characters.
Nicholas St. Claire has been in love with Helen his best friends sister, unbeknownst to him she’s been in love with him as well. Feelings surface at a house party and just when things seem to be falling into place Nicholas is being accused of murder.
Plenty of secrets are revealed, twists and turns that will definitely keep the reader engaged. I can definitely say that I was intrigued by the mystery.
Adele Clee has a gift in writing amazing stories that pull the reader in the lives of the characters. Can’t wait to read the next one!
I recommend all of Adele Cleo’s books you won’t be disappointed!
I received a complimentary copy. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
This was such an amazing story lots of intrigue, suspense and plenty of chemistry between the main characters.
Nicholas St. Claire has been in love with Helen his best friends sister, unbeknownst to him she’s been in love with him as well. Feelings surface at a house party and just when things seem to be falling into place Nicholas is being accused of murder.
Plenty of secrets are revealed, twists and turns that will definitely keep the reader engaged. I can definitely say that I was intrigued by the mystery.
Adele Clee has a gift in writing amazing stories that pull the reader in the lives of the characters. Can’t wait to read the next one!
I recommend all of Adele Cleo’s books you won’t be disappointed!
I received a complimentary copy. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
January 19, 2023
1.5 Stars - DNF @ 75%
Okay, I liked this at the beginning. The "brothers best friend/both being in love with each other without knowing it" thing really worked for me. The development was cute, I liked the two characters, and there was a good amount of tension to keep me hooked.
And then it stopped... All of a sudden the story transitioned to a murder mystery situation, with the romance seemingly resolved (?) and thrown to the back burner. Needless to say, I got bored and wanted to get back to the romance angst and tension. The murder mystery investigation started to really drag on, and the twists weren't anything special. I didn't want to slog through this, so to the DNF pile it goes.
Okay, I liked this at the beginning. The "brothers best friend/both being in love with each other without knowing it" thing really worked for me. The development was cute, I liked the two characters, and there was a good amount of tension to keep me hooked.
And then it stopped... All of a sudden the story transitioned to a murder mystery situation, with the romance seemingly resolved (?) and thrown to the back burner. Needless to say, I got bored and wanted to get back to the romance angst and tension. The murder mystery investigation started to really drag on, and the twists weren't anything special. I didn't want to slog through this, so to the DNF pile it goes.
September 7, 2022
Am always excited when I get a new ARC from Adele cause I know the story is going to be great. This was passed all expectations. We have so much going on in this first book of her new series. Helen lives with her brother, Viscount Sebastian Denton. The rest of their family have passed. His best friend is Nicholas St. Clair. He has spent more time with her family then his own and she is sure he thinks of her as a sister. While her brother thinks she thinks of Nicholas as other brother he could not be further from the truth.
Helen has been in love with Nicholas for years and as she gets older its harder to even be around him for the pain it causes her heart.
Nicholas has made a pact with Sebastain years ago that neither will marry. This was before he started seeing Helen as more then the sister of his best friend. How is he to keep his distance when they all go to a house party !!
Many things happen on the way and at this party, secrets come out, feeling are acted on and a murder happens. Wow, now. Helen and Nicholas must work together to find who killed him. Suspicious and false reports put Nicholas in light of the murder.
While working together all their feelings and passion explode with both finally admitting to how they feel . Is it too late for them ? Will Nicholas be accused ?
This is a fast paced story with lots going on. Secrets, Suspense, Intrigue, with misunderstands between friends too. The ending is surprising and wonderful.
I really hope not only Sebastian gets his own story, but really need to know the full story of the Chance Brothers too.
I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion
an am freely giving it. Be sure and get your copy so your ready for the next one.
Helen has been in love with Nicholas for years and as she gets older its harder to even be around him for the pain it causes her heart.
Nicholas has made a pact with Sebastain years ago that neither will marry. This was before he started seeing Helen as more then the sister of his best friend. How is he to keep his distance when they all go to a house party !!
Many things happen on the way and at this party, secrets come out, feeling are acted on and a murder happens. Wow, now. Helen and Nicholas must work together to find who killed him. Suspicious and false reports put Nicholas in light of the murder.
While working together all their feelings and passion explode with both finally admitting to how they feel . Is it too late for them ? Will Nicholas be accused ?
This is a fast paced story with lots going on. Secrets, Suspense, Intrigue, with misunderstands between friends too. The ending is surprising and wonderful.
I really hope not only Sebastian gets his own story, but really need to know the full story of the Chance Brothers too.
I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion
an am freely giving it. Be sure and get your copy so your ready for the next one.
September 16, 2022
Soooooo love where this new series is going!
I found MORE THAN TEMPTED a thoroughly unputdownable read that I enjoyed getting lost in!
Nicholas and Helen drew me instantly with their warmth. I loved the energy they emited when together, I felt the ache of pent up longing that thrummed from them and championed the bubbling to the surface of their true feelings as budding awareness of bottled down sexual attraction and deep love finally burst forth. This coupled with the sparkling tension and sweet intimacy instilled in their chemistry really had me hooked. Especially, as the dynamic flipped from the mutual belief that forged sibling affection would only ever be between them not their desperate desire and dream for so much more.
Then add to that Clee's signature core of a well crafted entangling mystery to solve and dark secrets to unravel and I'm not just hooked but reeled in and irredeemably emotionally invested! As an array of sinister events forces a race against time to claw from the shadows the pieces of a once buried past or face the very real threat of the gallows ruining all hopes of a possible future.
With an injection of humour, colourful well deep characters and twists and turns, I just didn't see coming, has kept me glued as suspicions niggled and answers lay just out of my grasp until the very end. Such a winner - forcing one tenaciously intelligent lady to fight for the man she's always loved no matter the risk. And my goodness was he worth it!!
A great way to start a promising new series (or two - The Chances of Fortune's Den... nudge nudge wink wink!)
Really looking forward to Mina and Masters story next. The intrigue, anticipation and well thought out characters are already calling to be heard. Highly recommended!!
I found MORE THAN TEMPTED a thoroughly unputdownable read that I enjoyed getting lost in!
Nicholas and Helen drew me instantly with their warmth. I loved the energy they emited when together, I felt the ache of pent up longing that thrummed from them and championed the bubbling to the surface of their true feelings as budding awareness of bottled down sexual attraction and deep love finally burst forth. This coupled with the sparkling tension and sweet intimacy instilled in their chemistry really had me hooked. Especially, as the dynamic flipped from the mutual belief that forged sibling affection would only ever be between them not their desperate desire and dream for so much more.
Then add to that Clee's signature core of a well crafted entangling mystery to solve and dark secrets to unravel and I'm not just hooked but reeled in and irredeemably emotionally invested! As an array of sinister events forces a race against time to claw from the shadows the pieces of a once buried past or face the very real threat of the gallows ruining all hopes of a possible future.
With an injection of humour, colourful well deep characters and twists and turns, I just didn't see coming, has kept me glued as suspicions niggled and answers lay just out of my grasp until the very end. Such a winner - forcing one tenaciously intelligent lady to fight for the man she's always loved no matter the risk. And my goodness was he worth it!!
A great way to start a promising new series (or two - The Chances of Fortune's Den... nudge nudge wink wink!)
Really looking forward to Mina and Masters story next. The intrigue, anticipation and well thought out characters are already calling to be heard. Highly recommended!!
September 9, 2022
I am always thrilled when we get a new ARC from this author because I know I'm in for a wild ride, and a late-night reading. This was the first book in her new series, so there was a lot going on to lay the groundwork, twists and turns to keep me turning pages quickly. Just when I thought I had the mystery figured out, something new would change that logic.
Helen is twenty and three, sister to Sebastian, Viscount Denton, has been in love with her brother's best friend since her sixteenth summer but he thinks of her as a little sister. She has plans for the house party they are both attending.
Nicholas is very handsome; he and Sebastian have partied together over the years, and they made a blood pact not to fall in love or marry before they are fifty years old. Problem is, Nicholas has loved Helen for a couple of years, but she is his best friend's little sister, so he will never tell her of his feelings plus she thinks of him as a big brother.
When murder, blackmail, lies, mysteries build up at the house party; Nicholas and Helen work together to find clues, solve questions but the more time they spend together, the closer they become until they both admit their feelings. Their chemistry is fiery, but they have to prove Nicholas innocent of murder and solve the mystery. I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
Helen is twenty and three, sister to Sebastian, Viscount Denton, has been in love with her brother's best friend since her sixteenth summer but he thinks of her as a little sister. She has plans for the house party they are both attending.
Nicholas is very handsome; he and Sebastian have partied together over the years, and they made a blood pact not to fall in love or marry before they are fifty years old. Problem is, Nicholas has loved Helen for a couple of years, but she is his best friend's little sister, so he will never tell her of his feelings plus she thinks of him as a big brother.
When murder, blackmail, lies, mysteries build up at the house party; Nicholas and Helen work together to find clues, solve questions but the more time they spend together, the closer they become until they both admit their feelings. Their chemistry is fiery, but they have to prove Nicholas innocent of murder and solve the mystery. I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
September 17, 2022
….but still a good read.
First, let me say that I am a staunch fan of Adele Clee and her marvelous stories. I usually give them five stars because that's what they deserve. I like her books so much that I am usually disappointed that I have reached the end of the story.
That said, More Than Tempted just didn't quite reach the already high bar of her previous books. It's not that I didn't like it, it's just that I didn't love it.
So here are my thoughts:
I liked (hero) Nicholas, but didn't love him. I'm still not sure why.
I liked (heroine) Helen more than Nicholas. She was the stronger of the two.
Together they did have explosive and believable chemistry. Very hot.
Helen's brother Sebastian was even more complicated than the hero. Since he seemed open to changing his way of dealing with life. I hope he too gets his own story.
I was intrigued by Aaron Chance, the co-owner of Fortune's Den. I hope he too gets his own story.
The story was complicated with a good number of characters to sort through
and the solution to the mystery held some surprise.
Last (but not least) the ending was charming and satisfying.
All in all it's still a good read.
Content 411: In addition to religious and secular swearing, there are also several sex scenes.
Disclosure: I received a complementary of this book from the author via BookFunnel. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.
First, let me say that I am a staunch fan of Adele Clee and her marvelous stories. I usually give them five stars because that's what they deserve. I like her books so much that I am usually disappointed that I have reached the end of the story.
That said, More Than Tempted just didn't quite reach the already high bar of her previous books. It's not that I didn't like it, it's just that I didn't love it.
So here are my thoughts:
I liked (hero) Nicholas, but didn't love him. I'm still not sure why.
I liked (heroine) Helen more than Nicholas. She was the stronger of the two.
Together they did have explosive and believable chemistry. Very hot.
Helen's brother Sebastian was even more complicated than the hero. Since he seemed open to changing his way of dealing with life. I hope he too gets his own story.
I was intrigued by Aaron Chance, the co-owner of Fortune's Den. I hope he too gets his own story.
The story was complicated with a good number of characters to sort through
and the solution to the mystery held some surprise.
Last (but not least) the ending was charming and satisfying.
All in all it's still a good read.
Content 411: In addition to religious and secular swearing, there are also several sex scenes.
Disclosure: I received a complementary of this book from the author via BookFunnel. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.
January 19, 2024
A great start to the series!
The author's growth compared to the rest of the series (especially the first ones) is noticeable especially in the detective line, it is already intriguing and not so predictable, and the relationships between the characters have become more believable, and the sex scenes are hotter.
Most likely, I believed in the relationship between the heroes since they have known each other for many years and the heroine has been in love almost all her youth, and the hero is in love because the girl is beautiful. And the story with two beautiful and adequate heroes does not cause mistrust. Very good Nicholas - all so correct, honest, reliable and decent. The heroine seems to be smart, but it was possible to admire the hero from the outside for 7 whole years and not let anyone know about her feelings, because as soon as she did this, everything immediately moved from a dead point. In general, their relationship is smooth and pleasant. I can’t say that the story directly caused WOW! emotions, but it was interesting to read, although for me it didn’t reach the highest score.
The author's growth compared to the rest of the series (especially the first ones) is noticeable especially in the detective line, it is already intriguing and not so predictable, and the relationships between the characters have become more believable, and the sex scenes are hotter.
Most likely, I believed in the relationship between the heroes since they have known each other for many years and the heroine has been in love almost all her youth, and the hero is in love because the girl is beautiful. And the story with two beautiful and adequate heroes does not cause mistrust. Very good Nicholas - all so correct, honest, reliable and decent. The heroine seems to be smart, but it was possible to admire the hero from the outside for 7 whole years and not let anyone know about her feelings, because as soon as she did this, everything immediately moved from a dead point. In general, their relationship is smooth and pleasant. I can’t say that the story directly caused WOW! emotions, but it was interesting to read, although for me it didn’t reach the highest score.
September 18, 2022
Another cracker! Wonderfully convoluted story with excellent leading characters, Miss Helen Langley and her older brother, Sebastian’s best friend and sworn bachelor, Mr Nicholas St Clair. It’s quite a hotbed of intrigue and danger. As an heiress, Miss Helen had joined the ranks of the disgraced wallflowers after being found in a compromising situation with a desperate impoverished member of the ton. Although rescued by Nicolas, who she’d been looking for when attacked by Mr Parbrook, her disgrace made the gossip sheet. Sebastian raises her dowry and endeavours to find her a husband quickly. Nicholas is unwillingly conscripted by Sebastian to escort Miss Helen to a weekend party of suitors. After being run off the road, it becomes increasingly clear that someone is out to hurt them but who? And are they after Helen or has Nicholas been keeping secrets of his own. Will Helen be able to convince Nicholas that she can help when he treats her like a baby sister? I really enjoyed the wordplay. Excellent!
I received an ARC copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 2, 2022
Whew Helen is a bold courageous little sister of Nicholas best friend Sebastian.
These two try and have been successful in treating each other as family. But one fateful carriage ride to a country house party and a honest conversation the gloves come off. These two barely escape with their lives.
Their is a Gypsy that gave a prophesy to Helen and her friends. Helen is she will find her husband in a cow Pat!
She has adored Nicholas for years so that certainly can not be!!
Well Murder and mayhem follow the couple into the country and Nicholas has to prove his innocence!
Helen knows now she has a chance at a HEA if she can clear his name. She goes after her man just like an inquiry agent and starts to ask questions for his freedom!
But Nicholas has enemies and family members he doesn’t even know exist! When secrets come to light will Helen even want a part of his crazy family?
The clues are start to come together but can Nicholas stay free with the Constable on his take and Sebastian out to protect Helen his sister from his friend? Nonstop action! Hold on!!
These two try and have been successful in treating each other as family. But one fateful carriage ride to a country house party and a honest conversation the gloves come off. These two barely escape with their lives.
Their is a Gypsy that gave a prophesy to Helen and her friends. Helen is she will find her husband in a cow Pat!
She has adored Nicholas for years so that certainly can not be!!
Well Murder and mayhem follow the couple into the country and Nicholas has to prove his innocence!
Helen knows now she has a chance at a HEA if she can clear his name. She goes after her man just like an inquiry agent and starts to ask questions for his freedom!
But Nicholas has enemies and family members he doesn’t even know exist! When secrets come to light will Helen even want a part of his crazy family?
The clues are start to come together but can Nicholas stay free with the Constable on his take and Sebastian out to protect Helen his sister from his friend? Nonstop action! Hold on!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2022
An amazing way to start a new series
She is in love with her brother's best friend and has been for years but she thinks he only sees her as a friend nothing more but after spending time together, she's going to try and make him see realize he feels the same way she does.
He is in love with his best friend's sister and he has sworn to himself and his best friend that he would remain a bachelor and he definitely has no plans on acting on his love for his best friend's sister but when they start spending time together things change.
While they work together to fight for his freedom, they come realize why hide how they feel? Why not let fate take it's course? You only live once and it's better to love than to not.
I received this as a gift from the Author in exchange for an honest review and these are purely my thoughts and no one else's views.
She is in love with her brother's best friend and has been for years but she thinks he only sees her as a friend nothing more but after spending time together, she's going to try and make him see realize he feels the same way she does.
He is in love with his best friend's sister and he has sworn to himself and his best friend that he would remain a bachelor and he definitely has no plans on acting on his love for his best friend's sister but when they start spending time together things change.
While they work together to fight for his freedom, they come realize why hide how they feel? Why not let fate take it's course? You only live once and it's better to love than to not.
I received this as a gift from the Author in exchange for an honest review and these are purely my thoughts and no one else's views.
September 17, 2022
Couldn’t wait to start More Than Tempted when the advance copy arrived in my inbox. This is the first book in Adele Clee’s new Scandal Sheet Survivors series.
Helen Langley has been in love with her brother’s best friend Nicholas St Clair for years. She has no idea he returns her feelings. They’re both convinced the other considers their relationship to be more like brother/sister. I must’ve internally yelled “just tell him” (or her!) @ least a dozen times while reading.
To avoid Helen becoming further victim after an incident with a fortune hunter, she is whisked out of town. An attack on the way reveals a complicated mystery to be solved. Both she & Nicholas have to race against time to solve it, as murder accusations are leveled @ him. Helen channels all she’s learned from her enquiry agent friend to work with Nicholas to clear his name & solve the case. Add in these two finally facing & revealing their feelings to each other along the way, it’s one fun ride.
Helen Langley has been in love with her brother’s best friend Nicholas St Clair for years. She has no idea he returns her feelings. They’re both convinced the other considers their relationship to be more like brother/sister. I must’ve internally yelled “just tell him” (or her!) @ least a dozen times while reading.
To avoid Helen becoming further victim after an incident with a fortune hunter, she is whisked out of town. An attack on the way reveals a complicated mystery to be solved. Both she & Nicholas have to race against time to solve it, as murder accusations are leveled @ him. Helen channels all she’s learned from her enquiry agent friend to work with Nicholas to clear his name & solve the case. Add in these two finally facing & revealing their feelings to each other along the way, it’s one fun ride.
September 4, 2022
This story has so many twists and turns and I loved it. Adele does that with her stories. Just when you think the mystery has been figured out, wham, she throws more clues and more intrigue into the story. I love her books. They are a thinking person’s historical romance. Nicholas and Helen are characters with lots of depth. The dialog is snappy and the romance in this one is so very sweet. Misunderstandings are the bane of their existence but once it is out of the bag it is no holds barred.
The hint of the next book is oh so delicious.
Also, Adele I hope the Chance brothers get their own stories, either in this series or another one. Who are the Chance brothers, read this fantastic story and find out.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
The hint of the next book is oh so delicious.
Also, Adele I hope the Chance brothers get their own stories, either in this series or another one. Who are the Chance brothers, read this fantastic story and find out.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
September 5, 2022
This book has it all, Romance, Love, Chemistry and Mystery. Nicholas was best friends with Helen’s brother who felt Nicholas was a brother. Helen never felt Nicholas was her brother, she has had feelings for him forever. When someone tries to push their carriage off the road, and a murder is committed at a house party they are at the mystery starts to form. This will finally have Nicholas and Helen admitting their true feelings for each other. I will tell you; I did not solve the mystery until it was almost the end. The Love between Nicholas and Helen was so precious and strong it was amazing. I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the rest of this new series.
I receive an ARC of the book for my honest opinion.
I receive an ARC of the book for my honest opinion.
September 8, 2022
Our heroine Helen believes she's suffering from unrequited love. She doesn't contradict whenever anyone mentions Nicholas being like a brother to her, but suffers in silence. All the while Nicholas is suffering pangs of guilt for his feelings towards his brother-like best friend's sister, who is no longer so young. Furthermore, he's sworn not to marry, a vow between him and Helen's brother no less. So much to overcome. Some commonly seen tropes, but nicely done. But then there is a murder...
The mystery takes twists and unexpected turns with Nicholas and Helen going on a road trip. It kept me turning page after page. I had to find out whodunit.
I read a free advance copy and voluntarily post this review.
The mystery takes twists and unexpected turns with Nicholas and Helen going on a road trip. It kept me turning page after page. I had to find out whodunit.
I read a free advance copy and voluntarily post this review.
October 4, 2022
I am more than tempted to tell you the entire story but that would not be fair!
Intrigue, mystery, suspense, angst and of course two people who are fated to be together.
Sound like an excellent story? Well of course it is because the prolific storyteller, Adele Clee
has pulled us in again! She is truly one of my favorite writers and this new series
starts with a page turner!
She was his best friend's sister. But he had always had feelings for her. But he and his friend had made a pact not to marry, and it was not as if his family was happy.
She had loved him forever thinks he does not have any love for her. But a murder and much more will bring them together and put them on a course they will never forget!!
Intrigue, mystery, suspense, angst and of course two people who are fated to be together.
Sound like an excellent story? Well of course it is because the prolific storyteller, Adele Clee
has pulled us in again! She is truly one of my favorite writers and this new series
starts with a page turner!
She was his best friend's sister. But he had always had feelings for her. But he and his friend had made a pact not to marry, and it was not as if his family was happy.
She had loved him forever thinks he does not have any love for her. But a murder and much more will bring them together and put them on a course they will never forget!!
September 6, 2022
Great start to a new series.
Sometimes a woman must fight for what she really wants with single minded focus. When Helen's brother's best friend Nicholas, the man she has loved from afar for years is accused of murder she takes on the role of enquiry agent. Working with Helen to prove his innocence and with the very real threat of hanging for a crime be did not commit Nicholas relaxed his control to show Helen how he truly feels. Lots of twists and turns, murder, betrayal, lies and heartbreak alongside humour, love and romance. An enjoyable read. I received an early copy from the author and I am reviewing voluntarily.
Sometimes a woman must fight for what she really wants with single minded focus. When Helen's brother's best friend Nicholas, the man she has loved from afar for years is accused of murder she takes on the role of enquiry agent. Working with Helen to prove his innocence and with the very real threat of hanging for a crime be did not commit Nicholas relaxed his control to show Helen how he truly feels. Lots of twists and turns, murder, betrayal, lies and heartbreak alongside humour, love and romance. An enjoyable read. I received an early copy from the author and I am reviewing voluntarily.
November 3, 2022
2.5 stars
Most of the emotional context happens off-page, stemming from events alluded to that happened years prior.
The mystery is fairly good for the first half of the book before it meanders into soap-operatic territory. The romance is quite “meh”. It starts from an interesting idea about two people who each have a mistaken impression of the other to…standard explicitly sexual descriptions. Then the mystery turns into a race against time with urgency and desperation and chases, denying the simple fact that travelling anywhere outside of the immediate vicinity was difficult and time-consuming.
Most of the emotional context happens off-page, stemming from events alluded to that happened years prior.
The mystery is fairly good for the first half of the book before it meanders into soap-operatic territory. The romance is quite “meh”. It starts from an interesting idea about two people who each have a mistaken impression of the other to…standard explicitly sexual descriptions. Then the mystery turns into a race against time with urgency and desperation and chases, denying the simple fact that travelling anywhere outside of the immediate vicinity was difficult and time-consuming.
December 27, 2024
It was like this book couldn't make up it's mind what it wanted to be: a brother's best friend romance or a murder mystery. It started off strong but once the mystery came into play it's like all romantic development happened off-page or was rushed.
I didn't think there was any real depth to the main couple and found them wanting to jump each other's bones at the weirdest times quite ridiculous.
I had to double check I was reading this in the correct order - it didn't feel like the first in a series, more like second or third. Names were dropped all over the place as if the reader knows who they are and what their relationship to the character is already.
I didn't think there was any real depth to the main couple and found them wanting to jump each other's bones at the weirdest times quite ridiculous.
I had to double check I was reading this in the correct order - it didn't feel like the first in a series, more like second or third. Names were dropped all over the place as if the reader knows who they are and what their relationship to the character is already.
September 28, 2022
4 1/2 stars. Another excellent one by Clee. Her mystery plots always keep me guessing and she does a great job with the chemistry between the MC's here. My only negatives: I wasn't super keen on the brother, Sebastian (that's just me), and had issues with Nicholas choosing to run instead of working through the mystery with Helen. But everything is wrapped up very well at the end.
Overall: finely tuned steam and suspense involving the "brother's best friend" trope.
Steam level: 2-3. Spicy but a bit of slow-burn. Consensual; not super explicit.
Overall: finely tuned steam and suspense involving the "brother's best friend" trope.
Steam level: 2-3. Spicy but a bit of slow-burn. Consensual; not super explicit.
November 7, 2022
First it’s awkward FEELINGS and I thought that was going to be the entire novel, but then it’s a carriage accident and blackmail by a surprise brother and then murder. While investigating the murder, they find out about a secret affair and an even more secret second brother. Some sex, a bar fight, and about 40 more useless characters later, this hot mess of a book ends. This is book one in a series, but I felt like I was dropped into book two of a close trilogy. It reads like you’re supposed to know who all these people are already.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2022
Friends to lovers - one of my favorite tropes. Add to that a murder mystery and some blackmail and you have another Adele Clee book you just can't put down. Yes, I read the story in one setting! I just couldn't help myself.
This is the first book in Adele's Scandal Sheet Survivors series and I can hardly wait for more. More love! More Mysteries! More cryptic hints revealed. I highly recommend everybody pick up this book. You won't regret it! Adele Clee writes some of the best mystery stories!
This is the first book in Adele's Scandal Sheet Survivors series and I can hardly wait for more. More love! More Mysteries! More cryptic hints revealed. I highly recommend everybody pick up this book. You won't regret it! Adele Clee writes some of the best mystery stories!
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