The Seductive Temptress

Fate of the Worthingtons #2

by Laura A. Barnes

A fate already set in motion may hold unexpected surprises.

A lady betrayed by her betrothed. A gentleman set out for destruction. Would his scandalous proposition entice her to surrender to the passion swirling around them?

Noel Worthington’s happily ever after was only weeks away. She had finally secured herself a match with a divine earl who doted on her at every opportunity. However, Noel questioned if she should give her heart to him after he betrayed her with his deception. When her groom stays absent, she does what any lady in her position would do and confronts him, stating her demands. Noel flees when he responds with his own sinful suggestions. Soon Noel finds herself kidnapped in proximity with her scoundrel of a fiancé and she was powerless to deny the desire surrounding them. Would Noel ever trust her true love enough to give him her heart?

Gregory Ravencroft allowed his shame to keep him from securing his bride-to-be’s safety. When he arrived in London, it was to seek help to destroy his enemy. Instead, he fell for a proper lady who portrayed every character he desired in a wife. However, he couldn’t be more mistaken. When Noel declared what she expected of him, he realized his meek fiancée was a passionate lady who had kept her desires at bay. After he seduced her with his scandalous propositions, he discovered how he wasn’t the only one who had kept secrets. Can Gregory convince Noel that the love he holds for her is true?

A couple who navigates their engagement with polite indifference learn their fate entwined them for eternity with their undying love for one another. Can they defy the odds and allow trust to enter their hearts? Or would their deception keep them apart?

The Seductive Temptress is the second book in Laura A. Barnes’s Fate of the Worthingtons Series. If you love a romance filled with passionate intrigue, then you’ll love Noel and Gregory’s love story.

Read The Seductive Temptress to continue your journey with the Fate of the Worthingtons.

Genres: Historical

225 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 23, 2022

About the author

International bestselling author Laura A. Barnes fell in love with writing in the second grade. After her first creative writing assignment, she dreamt of becoming an author. Many years went by with Laura filling her head full of story ideas and some funny fish songs she wrote while fishing with her family. In 2017, she made her dreams a reality. With her debut novel Rescued By the Captain, she has set out on the path of a published author.​

When not writing, Laura can be found devouring her favorite romance books. Laura is married to her own Prince Charming (who for some reason or another thinks the heroes in her books are about him) who she enjoys traveling with and binging shows on streaming services. You can usually find her spending time with her children and grandchildren. Besides her love of reading and writing, Laura loves to travel. With her passport stamped in England, Scotland, and Ireland; she hopes to add more countries to her list soon.​

While Laura isn’t very good on the social media front, she loves to hear from her readers. You can find her on the following platforms:​

Website: http://www.lauraabarnes.com

Amazon: https://amazon.com/author/lauraabarnes ​

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...​

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLauraA...​

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/labarnesaut...​

TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@labarnesauthor​

Twitter: https://twitter.com/labarnesauthor

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/laura...

Reviews

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading Laura A. Barnes books since 2019 and this is my 15th book by her and I can seriously say I have really enjoyed every one of her books. I always enjoy her characters and love her writing. She always has interesting and great story lines.

As with Book 1, I was given this book as an ARC read for an honest review.

I really liked Book 1 a a lot but I TOTALLY LOVED this book. Noel and Gregory were such a great couple. Also the sex was off the chain which I love. I loved the continuation of the villain and that story. I just love the Worthington's. Just a all around fantastic read.

My reviews are different from a lot I see. I don't give reviews that repeat everything in an author’s synopsis. I hate that. I actually don’t even read those anymore so I am totally surprised on all aspects of the story. No hints or spoilers. I am also reluctant to say too much in my reviews as to give any hint of what happens. I just like people to know if a book is a good read, okay read, bad read or awesome read.

A good book to me is one that you don’t want to put down. One that makes you feel like your watching a movie while reading it and actually standing in the room with them watching/reading the story take place. One that you read in one sitting and only stop for bathroom breaks. One when you finally look up from reading, it takes you a minute to realize where you are. That’s a great story and exactly what this story did for me.

This is an awesome read but I would definitely recommend book 1 first just to make a more engaging experience. You will definitely not be disappointed. SO DAMN GOOD. Definitely worth more than 5 stars.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2*STARS*
Noel Worthington and Gregory Ravencroft are engaged.... or not? Drinking isn't solving Ravenscroft's problem. His family's history doesn't give him the best example of being a good husband. Lady Langdale is a lady who likes to be in control and she controls the lady who gave birth to him, but has never been his mother. She has her own underground operation and likes to exert her power with her thieves and thugs. She wants Ravencroft to betray the Worthington family. He walks a fine line to protect Noel from the evil that he has surrounding him. Noel isn't ready to give up on their happiness and will use seduction as her weapon. Keep up with who is who and their connections to each other. Full of passionate steamy encounters.
Heat level 4
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout /2*STARS*

[Susan Liberty · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Seductive Temptress (Tale of the Worthingtons) by Laura A. Barnes takes up where The Tempting Minx left off. I was not disappointed. Nicole Worthington and Gregory Ravencroft’s love story was equally as captivating!


The author brought back all the characters we love and hate. Lady Ravencroft and Lady L are up to their same antics: they kidnapped Nicole Worthington. Gregory Ravencroft needs to save her from their evil clutches.


We were treated to more of Gregory Ravencroft’s history, adding more clarity to his personality. Nicole turned out to be a strong, intelligent woman. Though, she’s a tad bit snarky. I loved her. But the real twist was Nicole’s mother, Lady Worthington. Surprise! She knew Gregory Ravencroft’s parents. What Lady Worthington reveals is shocking.


The character development, settings, and plot were exceptionally well crafted. I was with Nicole and Gregory in the cabin. Though they were being held captive, it read as a quaint love nest. The romantic scenes are tastefully written. Four out of five on the spice meter.


Nicole and Gregory’s love story ends in a HEA, but the story continues. Unfortunately, lady Ravencroft and Lady L haven’t been captured yet. I adore this series and look forward to the next book! Five stars.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the series Fate of the Worthingtons and I loved it. I would recommend reading the first book before reading this book, because you will enjoy this book so much more. You will first meet Noel and Ravencroft (Gregory) in book one of this series, where they were a proper engaged couple. Do not expect them to be the same couple they were in book one. They are now not proper, they are sexual, hot and the chemistry between them is amazing, and I loved this new side to this couple so much. I enjoyed their story and now cannot wait for more from this series. I did not want to put this book down and had to finish it in one day.
I received an ARC from Booksprout and am leaving my honest opinion.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't Meet My Expectations . . .

This was definitely an action-packed story line that had me thoroughly confused by the heartbreak and betrayal themes. It was way beyond what I had expected.

Noel Worthington seemed to burst forth into a seductress to make sure she got everything she wanted the way she wanted it. Then the kidnapping got me further confused. Gregory Ravencroft finally realized his meek fiancée was full of passion and was no longer suppressing her own desires. So he made his own propositions, I suppose to “up the ante”. At the end of their scandalous behavior, can Gregory now convince Noel that he actually loves her?

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! This is such a good series! Lady L is determined to have her revenge on the Worthington family, and she is determined to have Ravencroft and Dracott help her. A kidnapping gone wrong puts Noel in danger and forces Ravencroft’s hand. This story steamy, hot and exciting. Noel and Ravencroft are forced to confront their fears and their feelings as they stumble towards truth and love. Once again, the threat of danger hums through this story, keeping the reader on guard and off balance. This is a ‘one sitting’ book, as it moves quickly, is unpredictable and full of passion.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful addition to this series with some characters continuing that I was so glad to see!

The adventure starts right away and runs through a journey filled with intrigue, a fierce passion that cannot be denied, and a lady who know what she wants!

As usual, Laura creates her wonderful characters and tells a story not soon forgotten. You don't have to read the first in this series, but I urge you to do so! Don't miss a moment!

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Seductive Temptress is the second book in the Fate of the Worthingtons series. This steamy historical romance has kidnapping, danger, drama, and passion. I really enjoyed this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

After two years of “proper” courting, the chaos created by Lady L and her gang of thieves has caused a rift between Ravencourt and Nicole Worthington. Before they are able to resolve their issues, they are kidnapped. It seems Lady L is at it again. They are being held as bait. Exactly what does Lady L want? The one positive in Gregory and Nicole’s captivity is that they get the chance to talk and clear the air. They also get to know each other quite intimately. Gregory and Nicole’s story is filled with danger, suspense, secrets revealed, kidnapping, escape, a chaotic romance, and a happy ending. Unfortunately, Lady L and her cohorts are still on the loose. The second story in the Fate of the Worthingtons series is a well-written page turner with great characters, some you love and some you hate. I am enjoying this series and can’t wait to see what happens next.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout, and am voluntarily reviewing it.

[CATHERINE BURHANS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is certainly a page turner. It’s not only a fiery romance but every page is filled with intrigue and revenge at its finest! This book continues on with the revenge of a woman scorned seeking retaliation on the entire Earl’s family. Although each book is a stand alone, it definitely would be helpful to have read the one prior, as each character is recurring in the next story. Just keeping each one’s Christian name and Title name straight can get confusing. This one features Ravencroft (Gregory) and Noel’s tumultuous relationship as they’re caught up in the scheme of revenge. They see a whole different side to each other’s personality (and so does the reader) when confined together for several days. A most intriguing series that is still yet to be resolved. Looking forward to Eden and Falcone’s story!

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noel and Gregory courted for two years. A very respectful courtship. Until he decides that he should end it. Noel does not let him get away with it and confronts him. A few days later they are kidnapped and with forced proximity their passion explodes. But they struggle with their trust of each other. Will they be willing to share all their secrets and finally get married? Will they be able to escape? When they do will they finally profess their love for each other?

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Fate of the Worthingtons series, another great story in this series. Gregory Ravencroft and Noel Worthington’s story is well written with a very good storyline that held my interest throughout. This is a series that should be read in order. There is suspense, drama, danger, kidnapping, a villain and romance. I can not wait until the next book is out. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I throughly enjoyed reading Noel and Gregory's story, both have secrets and desires that are unbeknownst to the other until Noel confides in her husband to be what she expects from their union. Only for Gregory to discover that he is not the only one to hide a part of themselves away. Can they find happiness together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was temptingly hard to put down. The Worthington characters and their friends have a wonderful story to tell. The writing of Laura A Barnes is fresh and exciting. It is recommended that you will find it tempting to put down too!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Autumn Sevier · Rating 3 out of 5]

a decent quick read. it was an ok follow-up to the previous book of the series and while the flames were there the writting i think wasn't as good overall, if i had just jumped into this without having read the previous i think i would have been disappointed since aspects of personality are missing from the main characters.

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a book. It was full of action, heartbreak, and betrayal. A strong women who goes through hell to get her happy ever after. This is an intriguing and amazing read!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was simply stunning. It was a marvelous story of love and adventure. I loved every moment. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.