Tempting a Lady

by Rachel Ann Smith

A collection from TEN of your favorite Historical Romance Authors.

TEN heros tempted by love

TEN heroines who aren’t easily persuaded

All ten amazing stories will entice you to stay up all night.

This collection is ideal for fans of sexy noblemen with secrets, second chance romance, and readers who like it steamy.

Don’t miss out on this limited time only collection:

Tempt Me at Midnight by Lauren Royal
Don't Tell a Duke You Love Him by Tammy Andersen
When an Earl Turns Wicked by Dawn Brower
Wicked Designs by Lauren Smith
Trapped With the Duke by Annabelle Anders
What the Scot Hears by Amy Quinton
Revealing a Rogue by Rachel Ann Smith
Ice Duchess by Tracy Sumner
Bedeviling Lord Coxford by Tabetha Waite
One Kiss from Ruin by Nancy Yeager

Please note: All the stories in this historical romance collection have been previously published, but never before in one collection.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Anthologies, Regency, Historical, Ebooks

2130 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2022

About the author

Rachel Ann Smith writes steamy historical romances with a twist. Her debut series, Agents of the Home Office, features female protagonists that defy convention.

When Rachel isn’t writing, she loves to read and spend time with the family. She is frequently found with her Kindle by the pool during the summer, on the sidelines of the soccer field in the spring and fall or curled up on the couch during the winter months.

She currently lives in Colorado with her extremely understanding husband and their two very supportive children.

Visit Rachel's website for updates on cover reveals and new releases - www.rachelannsmith.com

Reviews

[Suze Prescot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regency romances

A mixed bag as such anthologies are.
My notes review each story.
A shame about the poor research and anachronisms. Some American authors really need to stop making assumptions about English heritage.

[Marion Löw · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 stars rounded up to 5

I really enjoyed this entertaining anthology, which brings together previously published books by various authors, some of which were new to me and others I already knew.

The collection offers well written stories and a variety of tropes, so there is something that appeals to every reader: brother’s friend, childhood infatuation, class disparity, forbidden love, marriage by scandal, enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, opposites attract, „Taming of the Shrew“, love at first sight, close proximity, second chance, class disparity, grumpy-sunshine and more.

Readers will find banter and bickering, humor, espionage, murder, kidnapping, action, danger, intrigue and love scenes of various steam levels in this anthology and meet all kinds of characters: from reformed rakes, ostracized heroes, claustrophobic dukes, grumpy spies, scholarly heroes to pampered diamonds, strong and feisty heroines, naive debutantes, jaded widows, working class heroines…

All in all, an entertaining and varied read that will keep you busy for a while!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.


The stories:

TEMPT ME AT MIDNIGHT
By Lauren Royal
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really liked the story. It is very well written and with lots of lovable characters, humor, a bit of suspense and some love scenes, it is also very entertaining to read. The plot begins as forbidden love story, but over time it turns more and more into a murder investigation. Alexandra and Tris are a likeable couple and the attraction between them was noticeable from the start.
Lady Alexandra Chase was in love with Tris Nesbitt, her brother Griffin’s best friend, when she was young. But back then he had no title and was therefore not a suitable match for the daughter of Marquess of Cainewood. She had come to terms with this and was ready to find a suitable man when a number of deaths in the family forced her to withdraw from society. Now, years later, at the end of her mourning period, she is finally able to marry. But then Tris suddenly shows up again to help her brother with his vineyards and she suddenly realises that she is still in love with him. But even now a future together seems hopeless, because Tris, now a Marquess, is embroiled in a major scandal and has been ostracised from society.
In his youth, Tris was a man without much future prospects, but his uncle, the Marquess of Hawkridge, financed his education and sent him to the West Indies to look after his plantation. On his return to England, Tris was suddenly the heir to his ailing uncle after the death of his cousins, who died shortly afterwards in mysterious circumstances, Tris was accused of murder but never convicted. Nevertheless, he was shunned by society and lived alone and in seclusion on his country estate. When his best friend Benedict asks him for help, he willingly visits him and meets Alexandra again The two are immediately attracted to each other again, but both realise that a connection between them would mean the social ruin of their family, especially as Tris himself is not convinced of his innocence as he sleepwalks…

DESIRES OF LADY ELISE
By Rachel Ann Smith
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I enjoyed this second chance love story and for much of the book it had a good pace, but the ending was too sudden for me. The plot is nice and has likable characters, good chemistry, humor and some steamy love scenes.
Ten years ago, Harold Greenfield, now the Earl of Thornston and Lady Elise were lovers, but when he asked her father, the late Duke of Fairmont, for her hand in marriage, he was rejected by him and deliberately embroiled in a scandal that made him a social outcast.
Elise was devastated at the time and didn't understand why Harold didn't fight harder for her. Since then, she has never been interested in a man again. Instead, she protects and rescues young women from rakes and fortune hunters.
When Elise's brother asks Harold to help him choose the perfect wife, Harold is forced to return to society, where he promptly meets Elise, whom he has never been able to forget despite his wild life...

BEDEVILING LORD COXFORD
By Tabetha Waite
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(⭐️)

It always takes me a long time to warm up to a story if I don't like the heroine from the very first moment, but I'm glad I stuck with it because both the plot and the heroine developed wonderfully over the course of the story.
This enemies to lovers and marriage by scandal story is entertaining with lots of banter and bickering, an endearing hero and a heroine you‘ll come understand in the course of the book.
Lady Honoria Pratt is prideful, pampered, selfish and a bully, who thrives on the misfortune of others, enjoys her life as the single child of a rich duke and has no intention to marry yet, she rather prefers to enjoy all the diversions provided in London.
Royce Ainsworth, Baron Coxford loves his life and work in the country. He is down to earth, humble, sensible, dutiful and compassionate.
When his best friend invites him to his wedding with Honoria's cousin, Royce reluctantly travels to London and soon meets Honoria, who he instantly dislikes from the start. He considers her a shallow and mean shrew who enjoys herself at the expense of others that’s why he cannot understand his attraction to her.
Honoria also loathes the „country bumpkin“ who constantly criticizes her and makes her cognizant of her cruel actions. Therefore she plans to take revenge on him. But she too feels attracted to the man who manages to see behind her facade...

DON‘T TELL A DUKE THAT YOU LOVE HIM
By Tammy Andresen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I liked this sweet instalove romance with reformed rake, house party and close proximity tropes. The protagonists and most of the supporting characters are very likable and promise a lot of fun in the next books of the series.
Maximilian Abelman, Duke of Longley, known to be cold and aloof, iis travelling with his rakish friends to a friend's country estate near Dover when the men are caught in a heavy snowstorm, forcing them to interrupt their journey in Canterbury, where they find shelter in a brothel. There they meet a fortune teller and together they make a bet. Each of them is supposed to kiss one of the Ducat sisters and Max is assigned Lily of all people, the woman he met months ago and hasn't been able to get out of his head since. Enraged, Max sets off on his return journey alone, but gets his carriage stuck in the snow. He seeks help at a nearby country estate, but Lily is the first person Max meets there.
Lily is the sweetest and most sensitive of the Ducat sisters.
Her mother, but also Lily herself, in contrast to her sisters, blame her for her older sister's broken engagement and ruined reputation months ago when her sister’s fiancée tried to assault Lily. That is why, although she is in love with Max, Lily is willing to obey her mother and give up her own happiness in love so that her sister can marry him and thus put the scandal behind her...


THE ICE DUCHESS
By Tracy Sumner
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I already knew this book, but was happy to read it again. The story is sweet and spicy, very well written and a good prequel to the Duchess Society series. I like good friends to lovers and second chance storylines and the natural lightness and sizzling chemistry between the endearing characters hooked me from the start.
Widowed Lady Georgiana Whitcomb, Countess Winterbourne, also known as the „Ice Duchess“, has no intention of ever marrying again. She has suffered far too much in her unhappy marriage and enjoys her freedom being a widow. Together with her friend Hildegard, she runs the Duchess Society, which educates its protégés about women's rights and supports them in asserting them.
At a party, she meets Dexter „Dex“ Reed Munro, Marquess of Westfield again, her childhood friend and crush who spent the last few years researching abroad as a geologist.
Years ago, Dex left home after an argument with his father, the Duke of Markham, and allowed that Georgie, the only woman he had ever loved, to be forced into an arranged marriage to someone else in order to save her family from financial ruin.
Now his father is dying and asks Dex for one last wish: that Dex has a fiancée by Epiphany.
When Dex sees Georgiana again, he realizes that he will never want any woman other than her. He offers Georgie a wager to spend more time with her: if he wins, she will help him find a suitable woman, if she wins, he has to organize an adventure for her.
But no matter how hard Dex tries to convince Georgie that she’s the only woman for him, she is too reluctant to remarry but willing to have a liaison with him instead...

WICKED DESIGNS
By Lauren Smith
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I already knew this story. It is a wonderful start to one of my favorite series, the "League of Rogues" and a great way to get to know the Rogues and their strong bond of friendship. The plot is very well written and has enemies to lovers and forced proximity tropes, many likeable characters, humor, action, danger and a few hot love scenes. It’s really amusing how the innocent but clever Emily outsmarts the Rogues at every turn.
Please note that if you don't like kidnapping and manhandling, this story may not be right for you.
Since the death of her parents a year ago, heiress Emily Parr has been living under the care of her uncle, who wants to set her up with one of his disgusting business partners. It is therefore important that she finds a husband as quickly as possible. However, her situation worsens when she is kidnapped on the way to a ball.
Godrick St. Laurent, Duke of Essex, is a notorious rake who, together with his best friends, forms the infamous League of Rogues.
When Godrick finds out that he was cheated by his business partner Mr. Parr, he seeks revenge. He and his friends kidnap the man's niece and plan to keep her as a prisoner for some time in order to ruin her reputation. However, he did not expect the young lady's charm, resistance and intelligence, nor that he would fall for Emily or that her life could be in greater danger...

ONE KISS FROM RUIN
By Nancy Yeager
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A beautiful story of two star-crossed lovers who have to overcome many obstacles before they can finally have their second chance of love.
The emotional plot is very well written and has some twists, lovable protagonists, a cast of humorous and sympathetic side characters and a few steamy love scenes.
Years ago, Daniel Hallworth, Marquess of Edensbridge and Lady Emmeline Radcliffe were in love and wanted to marry, but then his title was revoked by the Committee for Privileges of the House of Lords due to a vicious rumor from his uncle. Emmeline's father and brother Edward, Daniel’s friend were strictly against their relationship and kept them apart. Daniel left England bitterly, believing that the woman he loved wanted nothing to do with him, and set up a new life abroad.
Emmeline was devastated that Daniel had apparently left her without a word. When her sister was killed in an accident and Emmeline blamed herself for it, her world fell apart. She deliberately let herself be ruined to sabotage her father's future plans for her and then traveled to Spain for a year to avoid any scandal.
On her return journey, Emmeline meets Daniel by chance, who is given the chance to claim his title back. It's clear to both of them that their feelings are still as strong as ever, but when Daniel proposes to Emmeline again, she has to turn him down again, because he needs to lead a life free of scandals that is worthy of a peer of the realm and marry a suitable lady with an impeccable reputation from a good family in order to get his title back...

TRAPPED WITH THE DUKE
By Annabelle Anders
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I already read this book before. The entertaining story has forced proximity and class disparity tropes, likable main characters, scheming opponents, a touch of suspense and a few steamy love scenes. I already knew some of the side characters from previous books by the author.
Unlike her sister Diana, Colette Jones, the illegitimate sister of Baron Chaswick, does not want to have a season in London, but would much rather work as a teacher. In her new employment at Mrs. Primm’s school, she encounters resistance from a spiteful mother on her very first day and meets arrogant Addison Brierton, Duke of Bedwell, with whom she is unfortunately locked in the school's narrow stairwell and who suffers from claustrophobia. After Addison kisses Colette, he makes her an honorable proposal of marriage, which she refuses...

WHAT THE SCOT HEARS
By Amy Quinton
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This story from a new to me author is a fast-paced and humorous espionage mystery mixed with a spicy opposites attract and forced proximity romance, very likable characters, verbal and epistolary sparrings, pranks, a few steamy love scenes, some suspense and danger that will keep you riveted and wondering who is friend and who is foe.
The heroine, American Amelia, is unconventional, cheeky, talkative and feisty, while the hero, Alaistair is reserved and distrustful. The chemistry between the two sparked right from the start.
Lord Alaistair MacLeod is an agent of the Crown who is assigned to protect his friend and colleague Dansbury and Lady Beatryce from a clandestine society that wants to purify England of foreign blood and influences. Ever since he was betrayed by his then fiancée a few years ago, he prefers solitude and has become distrustful.
Mrs. Amelia Chase was raised in an orphanage and had to flee America because of being convicted of felony. Her secretive rescuer sends her on a mission to contact Dansbury, but every time she gets close to him, she is stopped by Alaistair to whom she feels attracted, but she doesn't give up that easily, even if she has to fight him with all the tricks in her feminine repertoire...

WHEN AN EARL TURNS WICKED
By Dawn Brower
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I enjoyed this entertaining story with house party and road-trip tropes, lovable characters and a touch of suspense. Marian is a strong, independent personality who pursues her goals and Jonas' past is really touching. Some of the supporting characters are also very likable and make you want to read their stories.
Since the death of his father when he was still a teenager, Jonas Parker, the Earl of Harrington, has been controlled by his vicious grandfather, the Duke of Southington, but Jonas managed to free himself from his grandfather's machinations with the help of a good friend of his father's, the Earl of Coventry, who became his mentor and introduced him to his secret club. Jonas has no thoughts of marrying, producing heirs or ever accepting his grandfather's inheritance. He prefers his unattached life as a rake with his friends at the club.
Lady Marian Lindsay, daughter of the Earl of Coventry, enjoys her life as spinster and bluestocking. Her greatest dream is to become a physician but the Medical Society doesn’t approve of women in medicine and rejects her. Worse, her father‘s protégé Harrington witnesses her appointment and is appalled by her actions and starts monitoring her.
When Marian hears about a female physician who could become her mentor, she is determined to get to know her. To do this, however, she has to attend her house party in the country and needs a travel companion, therefore she convinces Jonas to accompany her…

[Smadma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tempt Me at Midnight by Lauren Royal:
Alexandra has been in love with her brother’s friend , Tristan, the Marquess of Hawkridge, since she was 15 years old. She hasn’t seen him in 7years but that hasn’t changed her feelings for him, not even after hearing that he has been accused of murder. Due to the accusation, Tris and Alexandra can not be together since the scandal would taint her sisters possibilities of making a good match; however, fate has a different plan. You can’t help but root for these two and hope for resolution of Tristan’s uncle’s passing.


Desires of Lady Elise by Rachel Ann Smith:
Harold Greenfield, the Earl of Thornston, has been away from polite society for 10 years after suffering a scandal. His friend, Benedict, the Duke of Fairmont, drags him back in to attending Ton events by saying he needs his help in choosing a wife. There is a lot going on in this story…Benedict is turning into a pompous arse, Harold is still in love with Benedict’s sister, Elise, who thought Harold abandoned her and Elise is busy keeping unscrupulous men from trapping innocent ladies into marriage. There isn’t a dull moment in this story.



Don’t Tell a Duke You Love Him by Tammy Andresen
Maximillian Abelman, Duke of Longley,was with his friends when a Gypsy fortune teller predicted that he find his “Lilly”. Lily Ducat is with her mother and two of her sisters when Max ends up stranded in a snowstorm and happens across them. Lily is suffering from guilt about her oldest sister’s failed engagement and although it wasn’t her fault, her mother makes her feel as if it was. Luckily Lily’s sisters love her and want what is best for her, which has them pushing her and Max together. I loved this story of two people who obviously love each other but one feels unworthy and the other is too concerned with pleasing others.

Bedeviling Lord Coxford by Tabetha Waite
Lady Honoria Pratt seems to be a bit of a vain snot since her parents ensured that “…she had always been taught that sentimentality was considered a weakness one shouldn’t waste time trying to obtain. Wealth and position was what mattered in society.” On the other hand Royce Ainsworth, Baron Coxford, is the furthest thing from being vain or cruel. When the two meet, they take delight in annoying each other, but as Honoria realizes that she hasn’t been a good person and that maybe she needs to make some changes in her life, then the fun truly begins.


The Ice Duchess by Tracy Sumner
This is a quick standalone romance about Georgie and Dex. They were childhood friends who lost touch with each other as Dex was involved with his geological adventures, Georgie’s brother died, and Georgie was married off to an old cruel man. When they meet up years later, Georgie is afraid of relationships and Dex finally figured out that he loved her and never should have left without her. This is all about the two of them moving forward and getting over the past.

Wicked Designs by Lauren Smith
Emily Parr had recently lost her parents and was forced to live with her less than appealing uncle who was in the process of giving her to his horrible business associate in order to absolve his debts. Emily was to be on her way to an event when her carriage was taken by a group of men, led by Godric St. Laurent, the twelfth Duke of Essex. Emily tried hard to escape and her various attempts are entertaining but escaping and being captured by Blankenship would be much, much worse for her as he harboured an unhealthy obsession along with deviant tendencies. Goderic has his share of emotional issues; one can only read on a hope that he comes to his senses in time.

One Kiss From Ruin by Nancy Yeager
Daniel Hallsworth, the once and future Marquess of Edensbridge, was returning to England to take his place after leaving due to scandal and his belief that everyone had abandoned him. Lady Emmeline Radcliffe, who was once in love with Daniel, was reluctantly returning to England where she was hoping to join the ladies spinster club and helping ladies in need, Daniel still wants to marry Lady Emme, but she feels that something in her past would ruin his chances of making something of himself within the aristocracy. Both have loved each other for years and really haven’t moved on; this is basically a story of them fighting the odds and finding their way back to each other.


Trapped With The Duke by Annabelle Anders
Miss Jones, Collette, is one of the illegitimate sisters of Baron Chaswick. Her brother gave her the support to teach or to be introduced to numerous eligible men; she chose to teach. Addison, the Duke of Bedwell, was checking out the school his sister was attending when he became trapped in a stairwell with Collette. Addison becomes claustrophobic and it is Collette who calms him down. After spending some time together, Addison and Collette can’t stop thinking of each other and thankfully fate intervenes in bringing them together. I really enjoyed this story; it was entertaining watching Addison work to convince Collette to marry him.


What the Scot Hears by Amy Quinton

The back and forth between Amelia Chase and Lord Alaistair MacLeod is entertaining; however there was too much intrigue and too many secrets for my liking. There are a few grammatical errors in the version I read, but This is a good story that leaves the door open for readers to continue into another storyline featuring characters from this one.


When An Earl Turns Wicked by Dawn Brower
Jonas Parker becomes the Earl of Harrington while still a boy due to his fathers untimely death. This puts him under the control of his abusive grandfather; thankfully Charles Lindsay, the Earl of Coventry, steps in to help Jonas. Marian, the daughter of the Earl of Coventry believes that her road to happiness is not in getting married and having children but by becoming a doctor. She meets with negativity and derision in her attempts of getting an education in medicine since it is very much a man’s world. Jonas and Marian have feelings for each other but they each need to figure out their own issues before they can possibly find any happiness.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gerda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tempt Me at Midnight *
Lauren Royal

Right in the beginning there were some inconsistencies I couldn't get over:
- why is Tristan called a commoner? Ten years ago he was the son of a second son of an earl, so his father was Lord... and still third in line for the title.
- why would the ton assume he killed his uncle? Who was responsible for that rumour? The staff liked him very much and didn't think him a murderer.
- the fast working of the foundry;
- organizing a ball within six weeks;
- writing more than 120 invitations by hand

All his sleepwalking was weird as was her interrogating the staff.

Revealing a Rogue *
Rachel Ann Smith

I couldn't get into the story it was as if I were missing a prequel explaining the secret society Landon, Earl of Hadfield, was the head of. Neither the other PORFs nor the supporting common people abide by his orders.
I didn't comprehend what his tasks were.
Bronwyn,the heroine, was feisty in the beginning and became week after the wedding and didn't gain confidence again by the lessons of her peers, no character development.
There was no spark between hero and heroine and too many love scenes.


Don't Tell a Duke You Love Him *
Tammy Andersen

There are five sisters - but of which age? The oldest had her season and got engaged so she might be 19 years old, the father is in London with the twin sisters (usually that would be the mother chaperonning her daughters in society) which could be 18, then the heroine with 17, and the youngest know-it-all with 16. None of them acts their age, and if the duke really married her the wedding might be illegal because she was not full age (21 at that time).
It was disgusting to read how the mother tried to marry off her daughters: to a raper, a plump baron, or a duke.
The reader learns nothing about the time (regency or victorian), the family's social standing - titled father?- or why they spent christmastide with the baron's family instead of entertaining guests at their country mansion.
The rest of the plot - five rakes each trying to kiss one of the five sisters - was the common thread for a series of five books.

Bedeviling Lord Coxford **
by Tabetha Waite

Heroine is a spoiled brat, her sudden transformation was surprising.

When an Earl Turns Wicked *
Dawn Brower

My pet peeve are inconsistencies that can easily be avoided by doing research via Wikipedia or GoogleMaps. This is my first book by Dawn Brower and according to Goodreads she has published several so she should be familiar with speech, behaviour, and legal succession in the period of Regency.
There was no way the hero, Jonas, could claim the title of Earl of Harrington, a title from his mother's side. According to the law of primogeniture (which even in 2023 applies to the British peerage but not to the succession to the crown) only a male person even if he is an 8th cousin (upon the death of the 14th Earl of Northesk in 2010) can inherit a title and the entailed estate. The epilogue is even worse: his father-in-law offers him his title for a future second son, it just is not possible. If an heir cannot be found the title reverts to the crown and the monarch will bestow it to XY.

The next inconsistency is the travel to the house party at the duke's castle in Kent. You can reach any point in Kent within a day (use "bycicle" to determine travel time via Google). And no responsible father would allow his daughter to travel chaparonned by three rakes even if one is the brother of the daughter's best friend.

The house party was a bore, what did they do? After a fortnight doing what? the author mentions a ball, the next day the ladies meet in a drawingroom, Marian walks in the garden.....
There were no gatherings where Jonas and Marian could have gotten to know each other better and develop feelings. Both were not likable characters.

Wicked Designs *
by Lauren Smith

Abduction, manhandling, harassment...

Poorly thought-out plot and even more so ill devised characters. These League of Rogues are downright scoundrels and not gentlemen, those they are by title only.

I like a good rake in my historic novels, but usually even a rake has standards and honor. Getting revenge for money owed can be exerted by other means by an influential duke.
The "hero" talks about like kidnapping is no big deal and not something that actually destroys the life of a young woman and condemns her to a future life as a social outcast.

Some inconsistencies displeased me a lot:
- the heroine leaves the house without any chaperone to attend a ball - no debutante looking for a match would or could do that;
- when kidnapped she develops amazing self-defense skills even incapacitating her abductors, grown men no less.
-wearing a riding dress made of thin material, those were usually made of velvet;
- swimming in said dress and rescuing a big unconcious man; no way, even in a nowadays swimsuit that is a difficult task, but with a long skirt clinging to the legs it is impossible.
- a valet timming shrubs and later driving a cart to the next village to buy essentials - no way, a valet was an important upstairs servant who would never interfere with the gardener's, the houskeeper's or the cook's duties and responsibilities.
- a brother (a titled lord) leaving his sisters alone in London without chaperone - no, no, no.

In this story the author has created a Hero and sidekicks that have no redeeming qualities, I won't read another book in this series.

Trapped With the Duke****
by Annabelle Anders
Interesting storyline, the heroine is the bastard daughter of a baron, her half-brother acknowledges his three sisters and even launches her sister in the ton. Collette rather wants to teach, but unfortunately the ambitious parents won''t tolerate her as a teacher. The duke of Bedfort is tolerant having a bastard brother himself, being trapped in a staircase leads to a building romance. The story emphsizes on moral standarts and prejudices.

What the Scot Hears
by Amy Quinton

Ice Duchess **
by Tracy Sumner
Couldn't get into the story.

One Kiss from Ruin **
by Nancy Yeager

The hero is a knight in shining armour, a devoted son determined to fulfill his dying mother's last wish to restore the honor of the marquessate. I didn't understand how the uncle could have taken the title from him just by claiming he was illegitimate without any proof. I assume Daniel grew up and already was an adult when his father died, so there would have been time enough to question the heir's legality.
I cannot remember when I read the last book with a heroine that stupid, stubborn, spoilt, selfish, self-important. She grew up with siblings, claims that her sister was her parent's favorite child, she was responsible for her sister falling into the lake and drowning, she was responsible for her parent's marriage to fall apart. To atone for those sins she decides to become member of the spinster club and do charity work for the rest of her life. To achieve that goal she makes one mistake after the other as if she never was raised within the ton and has no knowledge how to behave. She should know that getting rid of her virginity made her a fallen woman and not a spinster (they turn out to demand to proove herself), she learns that the hard way by her father. I didn't get why she refused to marry Daniel twice, other married ladys (the duchess) did charity work. Why did neither her great-aunt with whom she spent one year abroad nor her mother point that out?
In regard to getting intimate with Daniel (and with the other guy) she was too reckless, fortunately he could restrain himself.
The plot with the Committee for Privileges made no sense at all, if they didn't have proof for his illigetimacy why had he have to prove himself, many heirs were rakes, in debt, or worse.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tempt Me at Midnight-Lauren Royal*** Clean novel, very long, pace was good at beginning and end but seemed to drag in the middle.

Don't Tell a Duke You Love Him-Tammy Andersen*** This is pretty entertaining. I like the Duke, she's way too gullible but her sisters are very supportive of her. The antics of their sour mother were shocking and disrespectful.

When an Earl Turns Wicked-Dawn Brower***This was a struggle for me. I do like Marian, her independence and frankness and absolutely the banter between her and Jonas. The mistreatment of Jonas by his grandfather was too much, I did feel sorry for him but I wasn't able to warm up to him as much as I would have liked to.

Wicked Designs-Lauren Smith*** Enjoyed her feistiness, his persuasiveness and his downfall. I didn't warm up to him though because he was so temperamental in a not so good way, she didn't seem to be too bothered by his split personality but it rubbed me the wrong way and there isn't enough actual romance outside of the bedroom to outweigh his attitude. The timespan seemed off.

Trapped With the Duke-Annabelle Anders*****+ Absolutely adore this couple, her frankness, his determination and their love for one another, despite and against all odds. I am convinced that together they can brave any storm. Instantly intriguing and romantic, love this Duke!

What the Scot Hears-Amy Quinton** I did somewhat enjoy most of the banter between and their investigative intelligence, the story is heavily focused on suspense and the very dark side of regency which I wasn't prepared for since I haven't read any of the others in this series.

Revealing a Rogue-Rachel Ann Smith*** Likeable characters, sweet romance, heavy on the society stuff though and since I'm unfamiliar with this series it seems too consuming for a romance story.

Ice Duchess-Tracy Sumner**** Love this scenario because it gives more mature characters an opportunity to work through their emotions and obstacles without all the society drama so I get to just enjoy the humor and love tumble.

Bedeviling Lord Coxford-Tabetha Waite **** Although she tried my patience, he's unflappable and has the boldness and backbone to challenge her. Sweetly romantic with a little steam, in the end I felt sorry for her and I am very glad they found one another.

One Kiss from Ruin-Nancy Yeager*** I enjoyed the chemistry, very convincing. Full of secrets and rumors creating a slew of reasons not to act on the love they obviously have for one another, few optimistic characters but with all the oppositions the romance or an actual romantic relationship is secondary.

Many of these stories were published years ago so when reading them it was like a time warp for when, to me, reading regency was a little different, regency is more compassionate now.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tempting a Lady
A Steamy Historical Romance Collection

Anthologies are a wonderful way to read authors I know will please me as well as read books of authors never read before. This book has nearly 2000 pages filled with romances by ten different authors. I need more time to finish all ten but wanted to share this review before doing so. I picked it up due to Tracy Sumner’s work – do love her stories – and look forward to reading the new-to-me authors as soon as I can.

Tracy Sumner’s THE ICE DUCHESS is the prequel to the Duchess Society Series and it swept into the past where I quickly fell in love with Georgiana and Dexter. These two were definitely soul mates, if such exist! They may have had a rough patch for a while but thankfully things came right for them in the end! I loved them, their story, and getting to spend time wit them…and look forward to reading their story again in the future.

Rachel Ann Smith’s contribution, DESIRES OF LADY ELISE, was a novella length romance that allowed Lady Elise, sister of the Duke of Fairmont and Harold, Ear of Thornston to see if they could get it right the second time as Elise’s brother put himself on the marriage mart. This was a quick read and a prequel to Agents of the Home Office. I am curious to find out who Lady L is and what this series might be about.

Did I enjoy the stories I read? Yes
Will I read more of the stories in the future? Definitely

Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC- This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

[Martha B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three of the nine are 5 stars

Following are my ratings for each of the books in Tempting a Lady:

1. Tempt Me at Midnight by Lauren Royal; (5 stars) I previous read and reviewed this when it was released. I read again and still loved it.
2. Desires of Lady Elise by Rachel Ann Smith; (3 stars) It was just okay.
3. Don't Tell a Duke You Love Him by Tammy Andresen; (5 stars) This is a cute book with a sweet story and likable characters.
4. The Ice Duchess by Tracy Sumner; (5 stars) I read and reviewed this book when it was released. I still love it.
5. Wicked Designs by Lauren Smith; (4 stars) I read and reviewed this book previously and I still like it upon the second reading.
6. One Kiss From Ruin by Nancy Yeager; (2 stars) Sadly, I didn't like the hero at first, then the heroine became a ninny, and it was too long.
7. Trapped with the Duke by Annabelle Anders; (4 stars) I read and reviewed this book previously. I still like it.
8. What the Scot Hears by Amy Quinton (1 stars) I couldn't get past my dislike of the hero, and the sex, vulgarities (including “f” and religious swearing were a huge turn off.
9. When an Earl Turns Wicked by Dawn Brower (4 stars) I liked this sweet story with its likable characters.

Content 411: Most of the stories in this compilation are clean, but there are a couple that contain religious and secular swearing. One (number 8) includes vulgarities including the “f” word.

Disclosure: I received this book for free from BookSirens. I am voluntarily reviewing this book, and this is my honest review.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy picking up an anthology because it gives me an opportunity to discover new authors, and I definitely found some in this set. This is a wonderful collection of steamy and deliciously entertaining stories that pulled me in from the very start and kept me engaged till the end. Put together by a wonderful group of authors, some I already knew of and have read their work, and some brand new to me, this set is sure to keep you up reading well into the night. Each one did a fantastic job with providing vivid descriptions and interesting plots. The storylines were all artfully crafted with well-defined characters and kept me hooked until I finished. I had to pace myself as I wanted to read all in one sitting! The stories are short, so if you like to binge read, you can breeze through quite a few of them at a time. This is truly a gem of a collection and I am happy to have had the opportunity to read these books. Definitely recommend!

I received a complimentary copy from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Tina Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I read a lot of historical romances, some steamy and some sweet and this collection of stories was wonderful to read. I enjoyed every single one. I’ve read several of these authors before so I was glad to see their stories in one volume and now I’ve got a couple new authors that I will start reading.

My favourite book was The Ice Duchess by Tracey Sumner. It was such a lovely story of two people who find each other again. I liked it so much I read it through in one go! I didn’t move from my chair u til I finished the whole book. There’s just something about how she writes that brings me right into the story so I can be right there with the characters. Simply fabulous!

Like I said all the stories are terrific and the book is well worth taking the time to read. In fact, make sure you are curled up all cozy, somewhere quite, with something to drink and a snack so you don’t have to move while you read these stories. Enjoy!

I received an ARC of this book in return for my honest review.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

TRACY SUMNER
THE ICE DUCHESS- Georgiana as a debutant was the toast of the season. Her father married her to a much older man with money. A wretched marriage, she embraces her independence after her husband's death and has no interest in marrying again. No longer reckless and passionate about anything, she devotes her time and money to The Duchess Society, until her heart is cracked open by the man she loved growing up, her dead brother's best friend. Dexter, Marquees of Westfield left Derbyshire and everything behind when he pursued his passion for geology. After seven years he's returned due to his father's illiness. Dex promised he would marry by Twelfth Night. When Geogiana walks back into his life, he realizes the biggest mistake was not taking her with him. It's a second chance to convince Georgiana to embrace love and be his future Duchess. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Sandy Schleich · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am so glad this book of mini stories is over. I will never read anything with this many stories in it again. I did skip several stories after a little while of reading them, because they were so boring and I could not put up with the way the women and men were acting in these stories. The women acted like such fools falling all over themselves for the men and the men were acting like such idiots, but I just wanted to reach in there and smack them both. There were only three books in here that I would actually follow up on and read the other stories in their series is because they actually were decent. The women actually acted like they had a brain cell in their head and the men weren’t so into themselves that they were acting like jerks. If it wasn’t for the fact that there were stories in here that were good, I would’ve given this a two star rating. If it wasn’t for this book being free I know I would not have bought this book on my own.

[Alexa Jaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review is for Tracy Sumner's - Ice Duchess

🍀If you like a fast paced almost sparkling story… The banter that surrounds old friends reuniting… and the mischief from more escapades with a slightly nostalgic twist that only adventures with an old friend allows… this if for you!

🍀Georgie and Dex are quite a pair… She claims she will never marry again… He doesn't want a duchess but has made his father a promise that he will name her!

🍀Will he melt the ice around her heart?

💕“You’re going to say yes, right? Make the Duchess Society the genuine article? Make a life with me? Have my children? Grow old with me?”💕

🍀What happens next… You will have to read and find out because….

🍀After reading The Brazen Bluestocking, I was so excited to receive a complimentary ARC for review but my thoughts are all my own. This series is so much fun!

🍀What are you waiting for?

💕Happy Reading! 💕

[ThebookreviewerD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tempting a Lady: Steamy Historical Romance Collection by many famous historical (mainly Regency) fiction today is packed with marvelous stories which leads the couple through many loved by tropes such as enemy to lovers.. etc. Majority are great page turners and they make you glued to the book. Emotionally investing read. Enjoyable.

I appreciate the characters, themes, plots and all the emotional baggage.

I would appreciate more if there were more agency or attempts to get agency amidst all the restrictions happened in that day. Then it could have earned the 5 stars.

I recommend this great fast read to all historical fiction lovers whom prefer romance, sacrifice and courage.

Thanks for all of the authors and Book Sirens. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Zena · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fabulous Selection!
I have just finished reading the 'Tempting a Lady' Anthology, which has 10 previously published books in it and makes up a fabulous selection of stories by some very talented authors, where the Bluestocking and her man are tempted to do all kinds of things.
Each of these stories has such a vast selection of senarios and they are filled with loving and caring characters who know exactly what they want in their lives and also what they don't and still they can be tempted....
I was glued to the pages of this Anthology and also compelled to keep on reading my Advance Reader Copy (ARC) until I finished all 10! My voluntary and unbiased review is recorded above.

[Lara Chabot · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains a myriad of different stories sure to please anyone. I was glad to be reacquainted with some of my favourite authors and pleasantly surprised by some I did not know. Anthologies are delicate because there are so many different styles. Therefore, there was a story that I could not read: the heroine was an absolute nightmare, so much so that I could not even get through the first chapter. But the others were absolute gems to me. Love, adventure, stubbornness and a bit of sizzle, you are definitely going to be pleased with one story or another. A very enjoyable read!

I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Carol P - H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tempting a Lady is a steamy historical anthology comprised of historical novellas from ten top notch authors. The settings and characters vary widely but every plot sizzles. It’s a wonderful opportunity to sample volumes of some less familiar authors’ works—but be advised you may also find yourself eager to read the rest of the series after reading an intro volume. My over all rating is actually 4.8 stars because the majority of the works are outstanding, but two I would consider 4 stars due to less complete character development. I thank the authors for an advance review copy and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Lisa Pohlman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good collection of short stories by various authors.

I am reviewing the story by Tracy Sumner, The Ice Duchess only.

Great story and great start to her Duchess Society Series, its actually the prequel to the series. This book is about Georgiana Whitcomb, Countess Winterbourne and Dexter Munro, Marquess of Westfield, soon to be the Duke of Markham.

This book is about childhood friends, lost love, family obligations and unattainable dreams. I really enjoyed these two a lot!

I received an advance review copy for free from BookSiren, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cecilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute joy to read!

A collection of historical romances, full of adventure, smoldering scenes and love.

I have enjoyed all the novels in this collection. Not one novel is the same. Very different storylines and characters. All very well written and an absolute pleasure to read.

I am subscribing to all of the authors mailing lists and can’t wait for the next novel in their series.

I would definitely recommend reading this collection of truly magnificent adventures!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Viper Spaulding · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful collection!

What a deal! This amazing anthology includes ten full-length books - did you see that page count? - from a stunning assortment of outstanding authors. Some of these I've read before, but they were well worth reading again. The rest are from new-to-me authors and I have garnered a few new favorite authors to add to my book-hoarding list.

If you're looking for new authors in the Regency/historical romance genre, this collection is a highly recommended way to sample the best of the best.

[Laila Viking · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book that has 10 stories about heroes and their ladies.

All stories have love and problems in them. The characters are well described and you get close to most of them.

Most of the stories are well written some could have had more research, chemistry and depth to them.

There are steam in the stories and some of them more real than others.

Absolutely a collection that is worth reading if you want to relax a bit.

[JenReviews4U · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is there not to like here? This collection consists of novellas of various lengths that all are very romantic and most adding in a little bit of steam too. However, there are some clean ones that are just as sweet. Such a great list of accomplished authors, you really cannot go wrong getting this compilation. Note that all of these stories are previously published works by the authors.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Joan Somers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t Pass This Book Up!

Ten great historical-romance authors in one book! Over 2,000 pages of steamy stories with a few sweet ones. You can’t go wrong. They are wonderful reads. They have all been previously published separately. I have read a few of them before, but it’s great to have so many in this anthology. Grab it because I heard it’s here for a limited time.

I received a free copy of this book and I’m leaving a voluntary review.

[Alaa AB · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been looking for a good historical romance for a while, so finding this anthologyo and reading not one, but 10 different stories with good plots is a dream for me

Most of the authors in this anthologyo are new to me, but I'm sure I'll be reading more from them

Everything was extremely good in here, strong language, great plots, a nice cover for the whole things.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Lori Sinsel Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed all of the short stories in the book. It made for some good reading and the heat level is pretty high. There are a lot of swoon-worthy Dukes, Earls and Barons to choose from, someone for everyone! If you like hot steamy regency romances, this is for you! The stories are short and each can be read in very little time saving the next for another day.

Thank you to Booksirens and the authors for the free ARC, I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

[Mercedes Salvador-McClellan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The art of seduction

I loved these stories. They somehow are very special . They belonged to the Recency period, but the main characters, both male and female, were unique in it's own right. Strong, powerful, but generous and caring at the same time. The love passionately, but throughfully, when they found their soul mates they give their all to make the other the happiest they can be. Thanks!

[Cindy Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good assortment of novels/novellas but I had already read more than half of them. I didn’t mind rereading some of my favorite authors and did find one or two new authors to try. Guess I have to pay more attention to books that include many stories. I received an advance copy of this book for free and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Dalphne Jenkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

entertaining but cliched storylines

Several of the heroines irritated me beyond measure. I thoroughly dislike the fickleness and unjustifiable hostility acted out by the heroine which hides true love for the hero.
Some of the rationale after the big “kiss” scenes don’t even follow logic. The readers deserve better.

[Jill Anna Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tempting a Lady: Steamy Historical Romance Collection Of 10 Steamy Tales Of Romance..Favorite Being ..THE ICE DUCHESS- Georgiana & Dexter’s Story..Is Written With Engaging Scenes & Witty Dialogue. Story Captivated Me From Page One… Couldn’t Pit The Book Down. Suitable for adult readers only. Read and See. Much Enjoyed and Highly Recommended. I Voluntarily Reviewed An Advanced Copy Of This Book.

[Alexandra G · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve been reading ‘Tempting a Lady: Steamy Historical Romance Collection’ for some weeks now. It contains 10 novels that have been published before, and as it goes with these kinds of collections: some stories you like, others not so much. Nonetheless it’s a nice way to (re)discover authors.

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

[Elayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice set of stories

A collection of short and longer stories set around the early 1800s. Some, like the last one, leaving you wondering about some characters and where their stories are.
There are links into series where they exist and some are certainly worth following up.
Odd errors but not enough to spoil reading.
Overall, enjoyable.