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Talson Temptations #1
Talson's Wait
Book one in the Talson Temptations series.
Domineering, dangerous and downright huge, Roarke Talson owns Jamie for the next three years. It's 2109, and the government has found a way to deal with the national debt. Indentured service. She might have been duped into debt, but she's not stupid. Jamie made sure to put a no-sex clause in her contract. There's just one problem. She can't stop thinking about her boss. Sexy and commanding, he's the face of her ultimate fantasy, and a nightmare employer. She's met every challenge he's thrown at her and refuses to drop, no matter how hard he works her.
When Jamie does the wrong thing for the right reason, she assumes Talson will throw her in jail and not think twice. In an effort to escape, she ambushes him and flees, but not before taking a kiss and a bit more from the man.
She hadn't counted on him getting free so quickly, that he might be half alien, or that he'd hunt her down with more than vengeance on his mind.
Publisher's Note: This title was previously published elsewhere and has been revised for Ellora's Cave.
Domineering, dangerous and downright huge, Roarke Talson owns Jamie for the next three years. It's 2109, and the government has found a way to deal with the national debt. Indentured service. She might have been duped into debt, but she's not stupid. Jamie made sure to put a no-sex clause in her contract. There's just one problem. She can't stop thinking about her boss. Sexy and commanding, he's the face of her ultimate fantasy, and a nightmare employer. She's met every challenge he's thrown at her and refuses to drop, no matter how hard he works her.
When Jamie does the wrong thing for the right reason, she assumes Talson will throw her in jail and not think twice. In an effort to escape, she ambushes him and flees, but not before taking a kiss and a bit more from the man.
She hadn't counted on him getting free so quickly, that he might be half alien, or that he'd hunt her down with more than vengeance on his mind.
Publisher's Note: This title was previously published elsewhere and has been revised for Ellora's Cave.
60 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2006
94 people are currently reading
771 people want to read
About the author
Marie Harte
201 books2,407 followersImportant:: Marie Harte is NOT active on GoodReads, so to contact her, please use her website at marieharte.com.
Caffeine addict, boy referee, and romance aficionado, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Marie Harte has over 100 books published with more constantly on the way. She’s a confessed bibliophile and devotee of action movies. Whether hiking in Central Oregon, biking around town, or hanging at the local tea shop, she’s constantly plotting to give everyone a happily ever after. Visit http://marieharte.com and fall in love.
Caffeine addict, boy referee, and romance aficionado, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Marie Harte has over 100 books published with more constantly on the way. She’s a confessed bibliophile and devotee of action movies. Whether hiking in Central Oregon, biking around town, or hanging at the local tea shop, she’s constantly plotting to give everyone a happily ever after. Visit http://marieharte.com and fall in love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
May 21, 2018
My only problem with this story is the abrupt ending. And I believe this is an issue with the other Marie Harte books I've read. Instead of a nice little epilogue to explain the HEA, the entire story suddenly ends mid-sex scene with a parting line that usually deserves italics. It's a good place to end the story... if there was an epilogue. It's more like the end of a chapter. Even just a handful of paragraphs to show us which direction the HEA takes. Pregnancy? Space travel? Gimme something!
Otherwise, it was fast and fresh. I liked the indentured servant idea. I guess Marie Harte is into dirty talk as much as I am because it was used here, as well as the last two books I've read from her. I'm totally not complaining.
While part of me scoffs at "silly Elora's Cave" books (the part of me that enjoys long epic fantasies that make me want to reevaluate the person I want to be when I grow up and somehow change the world and carry a magical talisman while doing it... ahem), I've come to the conclusion that they are exactly what I need lately. I don't have the time or the attention span for serious novels or intense stories right now.
This was hot and amusing. I approve.
Otherwise, it was fast and fresh. I liked the indentured servant idea. I guess Marie Harte is into dirty talk as much as I am because it was used here, as well as the last two books I've read from her. I'm totally not complaining.
While part of me scoffs at "silly Elora's Cave" books (the part of me that enjoys long epic fantasies that make me want to reevaluate the person I want to be when I grow up and somehow change the world and carry a magical talisman while doing it... ahem), I've come to the conclusion that they are exactly what I need lately. I don't have the time or the attention span for serious novels or intense stories right now.
This was hot and amusing. I approve.
August 22, 2013
The main difference between the 2 editions is all the hot smokin sex in #2. #1 is a good Scifi Rom story but #2 just takes it that bit further. Enjoyed it all over again ;)
June 29, 2012
Wow I totally melted. Smoking HOT!!!!!! This book was short but it had everything you could possibly want in a erotic romance. Roarke was the perfect male. Jamie is so loyal and such a strong woman. Together they make a great match. I loved how Marie gave us just enough info about their backgrounds. This book was well written. Gosh this book had me sighing and fanning myself. This is my first book of Marie Harte and it def wont be the last. I am def a fan. This book is a must read.
October 11, 2023
All peen, no plot.
June 28, 2012
This one was pretty entertaining. It's set in the future when the government has decided for people to work of their debts they can become indentured servants for a fixed amount of time.
Jaimie is under contract with Roarke, an shipping mogul (who may or may not be part alien). He basically bought her because he had an overwhelming attraction to her, even though her contract very clearly has a "no sex" clause (as long as the contract isn't broken). Jaimie isn't interested in being a sex slave, just honest work to pay off her horrible parents' debt and support her two younger sisters. Despite her professionalism, she can't help fantasizing about her boss (he's a hot hunk of man), but that's as far as it goes.
Then to save her sister's boyfriend and get him off planet (illegal), she hides him in a shipping container. Thinking Roarke will have her arrested, she runs. Roarke catches up with her, elated she has broken the contract and wanting to make the most of their time together. He's been waiting for just this chance...
Jaimie is under contract with Roarke, an shipping mogul (who may or may not be part alien). He basically bought her because he had an overwhelming attraction to her, even though her contract very clearly has a "no sex" clause (as long as the contract isn't broken). Jaimie isn't interested in being a sex slave, just honest work to pay off her horrible parents' debt and support her two younger sisters. Despite her professionalism, she can't help fantasizing about her boss (he's a hot hunk of man), but that's as far as it goes.
Then to save her sister's boyfriend and get him off planet (illegal), she hides him in a shipping container. Thinking Roarke will have her arrested, she runs. Roarke catches up with her, elated she has broken the contract and wanting to make the most of their time together. He's been waiting for just this chance...
June 21, 2012
I found this to be a rather enjoyable read. Jamie is a strong woman working off a family debt that she didn't incur. Her boss, Roarke Talson, throws all kinds of work at her that he doesn't really believe she's capable of doing, but she proves she can handle anything. He has an ulterior motive for the way he treats her though.
When Jamie is attacked on her way home one day, Roarke ends up helping her. His feelings for her begin to show ... a caring side that Jamie didn't know existed. Just as their feelings for each other become evident, Roarke is informed of a serious violation that Jamie committed which send her on the run and him chasing after her.
I liked the fact that this was a sci-fi story. I haven't read a lot of this type yet. And although I should be used to rushed endings, I wished it hadn't been rushed.
Still, I did enjoy it and would definitely be interested in reading more from this series.
When Jamie is attacked on her way home one day, Roarke ends up helping her. His feelings for her begin to show ... a caring side that Jamie didn't know existed. Just as their feelings for each other become evident, Roarke is informed of a serious violation that Jamie committed which send her on the run and him chasing after her.
I liked the fact that this was a sci-fi story. I haven't read a lot of this type yet. And although I should be used to rushed endings, I wished it hadn't been rushed.
Still, I did enjoy it and would definitely be interested in reading more from this series.
May 10, 2021
I finally picked up this book and my mind was blown. I kind of like how the debt is paid off in the future and yet it can be abused so easily. It's like taking Victorian age indentured servitude, throwing it into the future and mixing in sexy aliens. What's not to like? These are all elements of a story I enjoy. Now I have to read the rest of this series. I am not sure why it took me so long to get to it. Apparently, I've had it for 7 years! Don't wait. Read this short and tightly written book.
July 20, 2012
My alien (or half-alien) kink is alive and kicking! I love the vibe here. It was sexy and the fact that they'd worked in close contact with one another for a year made their sudden descent into lusty shenanigans believable. For the record, I approve of lusty shenanigans!
This book was a free Kindle download I picked up 06/19/12 for the Why Buy the Cow? reading challenge.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
This book was a free Kindle download I picked up 06/19/12 for the Why Buy the Cow? reading challenge.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
May 20, 2012
Short and spicy. Not a complicated plot or major characterization, but enough that it all held together. Enjoyable enough, but overpriced for the length.
June 19, 2012
It was free, what can I say? :P
You read it, snort a lot, forget it as soon as finished. Not too bad for a 60 pages long erotic story. I wouldn't recommend it, least of all at full price (5$).
You read it, snort a lot, forget it as soon as finished. Not too bad for a 60 pages long erotic story. I wouldn't recommend it, least of all at full price (5$).
October 6, 2012
Quick Read
3 STARS out of 5
Very Sexy
Very Smutty
Super Steamy
Super Freak Read!!
3 STARS out of 5
Very Sexy
Very Smutty
Super Steamy
Super Freak Read!!
May 25, 2018
In the first novella in the Talson’s Temptation series, the year is 2109, and the humans of Earth had made contact with the Otra aliens years earlier. The Otra are now living and working on the planet, but there’s prejudice between the two groups.
Indentured human servant Jamie Kendrick works for a prosperous, by-the-book shipping company, and though she’s a model employee, she decides to smuggle a man off the planet in one of the company’s crates. If she’s caught, that means she could die or end up as a sex slave in a camp. Though she’s worried that Roarke, her arrogant, dictator of a boss, will catch her, she’s insanely attracted to him. Unfortunately, she put a no-sex clause in her contract, which prohibits her boss from seducing her.
Part-Otra Roarke Talson runs his family’s shipping business with an iron hand, but when he discovers Jamie’s illegal activities, he’s not angry. He’s relieved. He’s craves her body and has wanted her to break her contract for the past year. Now he’s finally free to claim the woman he’s fallen in love with, but he has to hunt Jamie down first.
Jamie and Roarke are awesome. She’s smart and sassy, and though she’s had a rough life, she’s still a positive person. Roarke isn’t the gruff, harsh man he pretends to be; he’s honorable, protective, and downright sexy. They complement each other very well.
The story is fast paced with hot sex scenes and a good plot. I enjoyed the universe building and look forward to reading more stories in the series.
5 Stars
Disclaimer – I bought this book for my own enjoyment. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape, or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.
Indentured human servant Jamie Kendrick works for a prosperous, by-the-book shipping company, and though she’s a model employee, she decides to smuggle a man off the planet in one of the company’s crates. If she’s caught, that means she could die or end up as a sex slave in a camp. Though she’s worried that Roarke, her arrogant, dictator of a boss, will catch her, she’s insanely attracted to him. Unfortunately, she put a no-sex clause in her contract, which prohibits her boss from seducing her.
Part-Otra Roarke Talson runs his family’s shipping business with an iron hand, but when he discovers Jamie’s illegal activities, he’s not angry. He’s relieved. He’s craves her body and has wanted her to break her contract for the past year. Now he’s finally free to claim the woman he’s fallen in love with, but he has to hunt Jamie down first.
Jamie and Roarke are awesome. She’s smart and sassy, and though she’s had a rough life, she’s still a positive person. Roarke isn’t the gruff, harsh man he pretends to be; he’s honorable, protective, and downright sexy. They complement each other very well.
The story is fast paced with hot sex scenes and a good plot. I enjoyed the universe building and look forward to reading more stories in the series.
5 Stars
Disclaimer – I bought this book for my own enjoyment. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape, or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.
February 12, 2019
If only I could split the difference between the last (overly long, bizarre, unsexy, and unintentionally hilarious) erotic romance book I reviewed, and this one (which, as others have pointed out, ends so abruptly)!
I think this book had a lot of potential to be drawn out a bit further, whereas it would've been a mercy to have the previous book I read cut short by half its length.
This story definitely uses the "in medias race" technique to engage the reader. And it works - the chemistry doesn't feel forced or rushed, because there's a decent amount of backstory to give it believability.
Harte does a good job giving flashes of insight into the characters -- enough to help the reader connect with them, empathize, and like. A lot of erotic romance authors would do well to emulate the author in this!
Very steamy, rather naughty, and the added alien elements made sense and weren't so absurd as to be laughable. Like several reviewers here on GR, I would've liked an epilogue, even better if it had included a teaser for the next book in the Talson series. Then, it wouldn't have felt so unfinished -- I really needed something to round it off. Otherwise, a quick, sexy read with a surprisingly good construct for the action.
I think this book had a lot of potential to be drawn out a bit further, whereas it would've been a mercy to have the previous book I read cut short by half its length.
This story definitely uses the "in medias race" technique to engage the reader. And it works - the chemistry doesn't feel forced or rushed, because there's a decent amount of backstory to give it believability.
Harte does a good job giving flashes of insight into the characters -- enough to help the reader connect with them, empathize, and like. A lot of erotic romance authors would do well to emulate the author in this!
Very steamy, rather naughty, and the added alien elements made sense and weren't so absurd as to be laughable. Like several reviewers here on GR, I would've liked an epilogue, even better if it had included a teaser for the next book in the Talson series. Then, it wouldn't have felt so unfinished -- I really needed something to round it off. Otherwise, a quick, sexy read with a surprisingly good construct for the action.
September 23, 2023
Started off good but...yuk. DNF.
After the first few pages it reads like a teenage boy's damp dream, gross! If you like to read a story with nothing but gratuitous male oriented slush, well here you go! the MMC was uggh verbal before and during the act and at one point actually ran to brag to a competitor that she'd perform in front of a window, and she did. .referring to her as his little *** slave. So a badly written Bdsm attempt ??? This story is tailored more for a pubescent male rather than a female of any age.
After the first few pages it reads like a teenage boy's damp dream, gross! If you like to read a story with nothing but gratuitous male oriented slush, well here you go! the MMC was uggh verbal before and during the act and at one point actually ran to brag to a competitor that she'd perform in front of a window, and she did. .referring to her as his little *** slave. So a badly written Bdsm attempt ??? This story is tailored more for a pubescent male rather than a female of any age.
March 1, 2024
What I have found is that anything goes in her world. There is MM MFM and anything in between. It is original, it is fun, it is sexy, it is sizzling, it is strangely erotic in this paranormal world, and you will need more than a long drink to cool down.
There is plenty of action and sexfests and you want to do away with the evil who place horrors against the characters. You want to be there to do harm when they infiltrate the enemy.
If you like something oh so sexy, spicy and erotic, steaming and exciting with multiple partners then this is a book you should grab and dive right in.
There is plenty of action and sexfests and you want to do away with the evil who place horrors against the characters. You want to be there to do harm when they infiltrate the enemy.
If you like something oh so sexy, spicy and erotic, steaming and exciting with multiple partners then this is a book you should grab and dive right in.
November 30, 2018
Quick enjoyable read!
This is a quick read, an hour or so, which is perfect when you want to go to bed on time! Even though it is just novella length, it is crammed full of steam, strong characters, some action as well.
This is a quick read, an hour or so, which is perfect when you want to go to bed on time! Even though it is just novella length, it is crammed full of steam, strong characters, some action as well.
December 7, 2024
Sexy, heartfelt short read…
For a novella that sort of assumes the sci-fi world building this story felt full. Jamie proved to have real integrity and just happened to fall for her hard working boss. Roark was hiding himself from her, but lets go finally. Good read.
For a novella that sort of assumes the sci-fi world building this story felt full. Jamie proved to have real integrity and just happened to fall for her hard working boss. Roark was hiding himself from her, but lets go finally. Good read.
December 19, 2018
An amazing story
This is a sweet story, in spite of the hot sex. The characters emotions feel real, and their actions are believable.
This is a sweet story, in spite of the hot sex. The characters emotions feel real, and their actions are believable.
December 20, 2018
If you're looking for a quick naughty read this might be the one for you!
December 21, 2018
Alien
Indentured servitude at its finest. The future can be scary. Ok there was love too but that was fairly normal.
Indentured servitude at its finest. The future can be scary. Ok there was love too but that was fairly normal.
June 17, 2019
Short and sexy alien roman e
Short story but enough to enjoy. Liked both characters but would have liked a longer storyline. That said it piqued my interest for the next book.
Short story but enough to enjoy. Liked both characters but would have liked a longer storyline. That said it piqued my interest for the next book.
April 1, 2020
This is a easy read that I thought it ended way before I was ready for an ending. So I'm on to the next book.
August 28, 2021
This is a great story. I love the characters and setting. I really need a boss like Roarke! lol Even though the book is done the story is still continuing on in my daydreams.
August 12, 2011
Roarke and Jamie lives in a society if debts are owed, you go on the block for indentured services to someone who is willing to purchase it in order for you to work it off. That is what Roarke did with Jamie's debt and now she works for him. Before working for Roarke, Jamie included a clause in their contract that states no sex. With that clause in place, it is a little difficult for Jamie and Roarke. Roarke is half human and half Orta and really wants Jamie and if he initiates sex with her then she will be free to go, so he is hoping with some miracle that Jamie does something to break the contract. Jamie really wants Roarke as well and cannot stop thinking about him sexually but she does not want to break the contract as well.
This was a great read for me with a Sci Fi erotica twist to it. I have to say, the way the book started out, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue reading and then it got really good. We have a sexy half human and Otra that really wants something he cannot have until he finally got it, Jamie was definitely feisty, and a bit of a bad girl sexually I think personally. I would love to read about his brothers, as this is book 1 in the series regarding the 4 brothers. Roarke's brothers are not half-human, they are full Orta so that should be interesting.
Storyline: FAIR
Intimacy: GOOD
Enjoyment: GOOD
**********************
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March 15, 2011
Really short ebook - 61 pages on my Nook, but I loved it. I have a major weakness for boss-employee romances, and this one had that as well as a touch of sci-fi, and some hot hot sex! I also have a weakness for romances where the hero is pathetically in love with the heroine, and is desperate for her while also being strong and alpha-like (if that makes any sense!).
When thinking about it, I really do not think that this book could be any longer than it already is, unless Harte added in some more dramatic elements. This book is pretty straight-forward, no mystery person trying to kill anyone, no long drawn out secrets. It is about the characters and their specific situation. Everything really seemed to work well.
Harte definitely leaves it open for more books, with the mention of Talson's brothers mating habits - two men and one woman. ;)
When thinking about it, I really do not think that this book could be any longer than it already is, unless Harte added in some more dramatic elements. This book is pretty straight-forward, no mystery person trying to kill anyone, no long drawn out secrets. It is about the characters and their specific situation. Everything really seemed to work well.
Harte definitely leaves it open for more books, with the mention of Talson's brothers mating habits - two men and one woman. ;)
July 15, 2012
well I got what I came for...sex sex sex. this is a sci fi erotica and I got it for free so I didn't really know anything a about it. Turns out it was set in the future where a persons debt was put into a contract and that contract was bought so the person could work it off...they were indentured slaves. Jaime was actually working off the debt of her parents and Roark was her boss. Both were attracted to eachother but Jaime's no sex clause prevented Roark from pursuing her without breaching her contract. in the end she messed up giving him his opening to go after her...literally...since she ran off. Being half alien and half human Roark was unaccepted by both halves, but it apparently gave him the stamina of a bull! Phew. Once the fun started it went to the end. Short story...fun and sexy.
July 1, 2012
I'm not sure why but this totally hit the mark for me. Well written with the right mix of possessive alpha male, feisty heroine and hot love scenes.
I love stories with a paranormal hook and this has that. We're talking about a future where those in serious debt pay by becoming indentured servants. This could have easily become creepy and a story based on an abuse of power (after all as an indentured servant Jamie was basically a slave....and not because of her sexual preferences if you know what I mean) but it really doesn't. He treats her well and while he works her hard clearly feels proud at her success. This flows through all aspects of this story.
For a free read, it doesn't get better for me.
I love stories with a paranormal hook and this has that. We're talking about a future where those in serious debt pay by becoming indentured servants. This could have easily become creepy and a story based on an abuse of power (after all as an indentured servant Jamie was basically a slave....and not because of her sexual preferences if you know what I mean) but it really doesn't. He treats her well and while he works her hard clearly feels proud at her success. This flows through all aspects of this story.
For a free read, it doesn't get better for me.
September 10, 2012
The premise of the story had me skeptical...debt repayment by indentured servitude, the master who is the hero of the story is not fully human and a sexy woman is hot for this species? But as the story progresses and you learn the true feelings they both have as well as what they had to endure...you grow to love both Jamie and Roarke. Nice romantic story with hot sex scenes. They are all described realistically including Jamie's first anal experience. If half stars could be given this would be four and a half stars. Certainly worth the price and the time to read it.
July 24, 2015
Rating: 3 stars
Re-read: No
Marie Harte definitely know how to write high sexual tension through the book. There are some scenes in the book that turns readers on just by reading it.
The reason I will not re-read the book and I gave it a 3 star was because it was very confusing. Harte did not provide a paragraph explaining what the heck happened to the world. There was a major confusion of what are the races and why the male character was hiding his race. Just very confusing figuring out what is what.
Re-read: No
Marie Harte definitely know how to write high sexual tension through the book. There are some scenes in the book that turns readers on just by reading it.
The reason I will not re-read the book and I gave it a 3 star was because it was very confusing. Harte did not provide a paragraph explaining what the heck happened to the world. There was a major confusion of what are the races and why the male character was hiding his race. Just very confusing figuring out what is what.
October 29, 2015
A little bit more world building and less speculations about special gifts and it could have earned another star. In saying this it wouldn't really stop me from reading Talson's Test the 2nd installment in the series.
NB - if you like stories to end on a tidy HEA I don't think this would appeal. It literally ends mid-stroke (kinky pun intended)
NB - if you like stories to end on a tidy HEA I don't think this would appeal. It literally ends mid-stroke (kinky pun intended)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews