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Samantha Jellicoe #4
Twice the Temptation
Two unforgettable tales. One dazzling diamond!
Summer 1814...
When Evangeline Munroe inherits the exquisite but supposedly cursed Nightshade Diamond, she considers it a bit of good fortune. Then she literally runs into Connoll Addison, Marquis of Rawley, the most sought after bachelor amongst the ton. Surely her immediate attraction to the rogue is bad luck. Could the diamond be more dangerous than she ever imagined?
Present...
Samantha Jellicoe thinks it's good luck that has her—-a reformed cat burglar—-providing security for a museum exhibit. Then she discovers the Nightshade Diamond, with an accompanying note that says the thing is cursed. Cursed indeed! How else to explain Scotland Yard breathing down her neck, the appearance of an ex-boyfriend, and her lover Rick Addison suddenly testing the boundaries of their relationship? She needs to unload the gem and soon, or she may lose her dreams forever.
Summer 1814...
When Evangeline Munroe inherits the exquisite but supposedly cursed Nightshade Diamond, she considers it a bit of good fortune. Then she literally runs into Connoll Addison, Marquis of Rawley, the most sought after bachelor amongst the ton. Surely her immediate attraction to the rogue is bad luck. Could the diamond be more dangerous than she ever imagined?
Present...
Samantha Jellicoe thinks it's good luck that has her—-a reformed cat burglar—-providing security for a museum exhibit. Then she discovers the Nightshade Diamond, with an accompanying note that says the thing is cursed. Cursed indeed! How else to explain Scotland Yard breathing down her neck, the appearance of an ex-boyfriend, and her lover Rick Addison suddenly testing the boundaries of their relationship? She needs to unload the gem and soon, or she may lose her dreams forever.
374 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 31, 2007
About the author
Suzanne Enoch
98 books2,644 followersSuzanne was born in Southern California sometime in the latter half of the 20th century. In the way that some people are born knowing they want to be astronauts or cellists, Suzanne always knew she wanted to be a writer. Early dreams of becoming a zoologist and writing true stories about her adventures in Africa were crushed, however, after she viewed a television special about the world’s most poisonous snakes; she did NOT want to write about how she’d been bitten and lost a limb to a cobra. Thankfully at the same time the movie “Star Wars” premiered, and she realized that she could make up adventures and write about them, and not be eaten by deadly predators while doing research.
She dabbled in romantic fantasy writing for a year or two after graduating with a degree in English from the University of California, Irvine, until her affection for traditional Regency romances led her to write one for fun. After several encouraging rejections from publishers, she snared the interest of the world’s best and most patient literary agent, who advised her to revise the manuscript. This ultimately led to the publication of her first book, The Black Duke’s Prize, from Avon Books in the Spring of 1995. A second Regency, Angel’s Devil, followed that Fall.
When Avon folded its traditional Regency line, Suzanne was encouraged to try her hand at historical romance. As she remained keenly interested in England’s Regency period, she decided to attempt another manuscript set in that time. Lady Rogue hit the shelves in March of 1997. She wrote a total of 29 books for Avon, including two anthologies and a five-part contemporary series which received a pair of starred reviews from Publishers Weekly. One of those books, Twice the Temptation, was named one of the five best romances of the year by PW in 2007.
In 2002 her well-known love of all things “Star Wars” led to an invitation to appear on the E! channel in the television special “Star Wars: The Force Is Back”, where she discussed the romance in the movie series and ended up with more air time than George Lucas.
In 2010 Suzanne left Avon Books for St. Martin’s Press, where she continues to pen historical romance novels. Her 31st book, Taming an Impossible Rogue, is set to arrive in March 2012.
Suzanne is known for her humorous characters, sexy bad boys, and whip-sharp, witty dialogue. She currently resides in Placentia, California with several hundred guppies and various other tropical fish, and handful of very loud, spinach-loving finches. And her collection of action figures and statues from “Star Wars”, “Lord of the Rings”, “X-Men”, and “Pirates of the Caribbean”. Everybody needs some inspiration, after all.
www.facebook.com/SuzanneEnoch
She dabbled in romantic fantasy writing for a year or two after graduating with a degree in English from the University of California, Irvine, until her affection for traditional Regency romances led her to write one for fun. After several encouraging rejections from publishers, she snared the interest of the world’s best and most patient literary agent, who advised her to revise the manuscript. This ultimately led to the publication of her first book, The Black Duke’s Prize, from Avon Books in the Spring of 1995. A second Regency, Angel’s Devil, followed that Fall.
When Avon folded its traditional Regency line, Suzanne was encouraged to try her hand at historical romance. As she remained keenly interested in England’s Regency period, she decided to attempt another manuscript set in that time. Lady Rogue hit the shelves in March of 1997. She wrote a total of 29 books for Avon, including two anthologies and a five-part contemporary series which received a pair of starred reviews from Publishers Weekly. One of those books, Twice the Temptation, was named one of the five best romances of the year by PW in 2007.
In 2002 her well-known love of all things “Star Wars” led to an invitation to appear on the E! channel in the television special “Star Wars: The Force Is Back”, where she discussed the romance in the movie series and ended up with more air time than George Lucas.
In 2010 Suzanne left Avon Books for St. Martin’s Press, where she continues to pen historical romance novels. Her 31st book, Taming an Impossible Rogue, is set to arrive in March 2012.
Suzanne is known for her humorous characters, sexy bad boys, and whip-sharp, witty dialogue. She currently resides in Placentia, California with several hundred guppies and various other tropical fish, and handful of very loud, spinach-loving finches. And her collection of action figures and statues from “Star Wars”, “Lord of the Rings”, “X-Men”, and “Pirates of the Caribbean”. Everybody needs some inspiration, after all.
www.facebook.com/SuzanneEnoch
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
May 19, 2018
Why write one good story when you can write two mediocre ones?
I hear ya, depressed tiger. Never love anything. They will just eventually let you down.
This book is two novellas, which I admit have a cool connection - a cursed diamond necklace- but still, neither story was that great.
The first one was a historical romance and was ... fine. I guess.
The second one was in the now with Rick and Sam and it was kinda stupid. She was actually pretty unlikable in it. She not only acted pretty childish, petty, and unreasonable, but she let an ex boyfriend kiss her on the lips and hid it from Rick.
I hear ya, depressed tiger. Never love anything. They will just eventually let you down.
This book is two novellas, which I admit have a cool connection - a cursed diamond necklace- but still, neither story was that great.
The first one was a historical romance and was ... fine. I guess.
The second one was in the now with Rick and Sam and it was kinda stupid. She was actually pretty unlikable in it. She not only acted pretty childish, petty, and unreasonable, but she let an ex boyfriend kiss her on the lips and hid it from Rick.
September 29, 2025
A cursed diamond that changed the course of Rick's ancestry and could very well muck up his relationship with Sam. I loved it. I am in the minority here, but I found it utterly fascinating as to how the cursed diamond could weld such power. Connoll, Rick's ancestor, is a man who sees what he wants and goes after it, much like Rick. Evangeline is a practical, pragmatic female who is determined to chart her own course in life, much like Sam. What a wonderful smash up!
A Diamond or Forever: 5-Stars
Evangeline Munroe is a young woman who knows what she wants from marriage - a malleable husband, older would be fine, but he must be controllable. In 1814 a woman loses just about everything when she marries, that is why she needs a husband she can control. When her aunt gifts her with a valuable family heirloom, the Nightshade Diamond with its curse, Gilly doesn't really believe that to be true. Then her carriage crashes into Connoll Addison, Marquis of Rawley and strange things start to happen when the diamond is around. Try as she might to dissuade him, Connoll is smitten and determined. But the most awful thing is that Gilly is smitten too. Drat that cursed diamond!
Diamonds Are Not a Girl's Best Friend: 5-Stars
Almost 200 years have passed since the Nightshade Diamond has made its last unlucky appearance. Sam knows that when she finds this diamond in the walls of the old stable, now transformed into an exhibit venue for a traveling collection of priceless jewels from the Victoria and Albert Museum, that nothing good is going to happen to her and Rick. She's right.
A Diamond or Forever: 5-Stars
Evangeline Munroe is a young woman who knows what she wants from marriage - a malleable husband, older would be fine, but he must be controllable. In 1814 a woman loses just about everything when she marries, that is why she needs a husband she can control. When her aunt gifts her with a valuable family heirloom, the Nightshade Diamond with its curse, Gilly doesn't really believe that to be true. Then her carriage crashes into Connoll Addison, Marquis of Rawley and strange things start to happen when the diamond is around. Try as she might to dissuade him, Connoll is smitten and determined. But the most awful thing is that Gilly is smitten too. Drat that cursed diamond!
Diamonds Are Not a Girl's Best Friend: 5-Stars
Almost 200 years have passed since the Nightshade Diamond has made its last unlucky appearance. Sam knows that when she finds this diamond in the walls of the old stable, now transformed into an exhibit venue for a traveling collection of priceless jewels from the Victoria and Albert Museum, that nothing good is going to happen to her and Rick. She's right.
October 30, 2014
Another great Sam and Rick re-read about a cursed 16 million dollar diamond. I love the way their relationship has grown and strengthened. As always, the banter is snarky, their love is passionate, and the bad guys are always screwed. Rick is just such a 'basic' guy...it's constantly hilarious to me:) Reading these books are like spending time with old friends.
March 7, 2019
I went into reading this blind coz I wanted a light and fun quick read and this just fit the bill. Twice the Temptation have 2 stories revolving around the Nightshade Diamond which is cursed and brings bad luck to those who carries it with them in person.
In Diamond or Forever, Evangeline and Connoll meet and even though Connoll is convinced of his interest from the outset, Gilly takes time to let go of her mother's convictions in finding the perfect groom. This part of the story was more interesting than Sam's story maybe coz Sam has a whole series for herself of which I haven't read any. In Diamond's are not a Girl's Best Friend, Sam and Rick find the diamond hidden by Connoll and starts experiencing changes of luck at more than one turn.
Both stories had enough banter fun and witty to keep me entertained but it was refreshing to read about Connell whose character is really pleasant and sensible with lovely humor.
In Diamond or Forever, Evangeline and Connoll meet and even though Connoll is convinced of his interest from the outset, Gilly takes time to let go of her mother's convictions in finding the perfect groom. This part of the story was more interesting than Sam's story maybe coz Sam has a whole series for herself of which I haven't read any. In Diamond's are not a Girl's Best Friend, Sam and Rick find the diamond hidden by Connoll and starts experiencing changes of luck at more than one turn.
Both stories had enough banter fun and witty to keep me entertained but it was refreshing to read about Connell whose character is really pleasant and sensible with lovely humor.
September 1, 2018
4 stars.
I really enjoyed how there are two stories - one from the regency era with Rick's multiple-times great-grandfather Connoll and then the present day with Sam and Rick... all to do with a cursed blue diamond necklace heirloom.
A fun read. (This book reminds me of J.D. Robb's Remember When, also a book with an interlinking storyline and missing diamonds.)
I really enjoyed how there are two stories - one from the regency era with Rick's multiple-times great-grandfather Connoll and then the present day with Sam and Rick... all to do with a cursed blue diamond necklace heirloom.
A fun read. (This book reminds me of J.D. Robb's Remember When, also a book with an interlinking storyline and missing diamonds.)
March 15, 2021
What to say about this book... I will start off by saying do not pick this up. While it definitely wasn't the worst book I've ever read it wasn't good either. This book is split into two with a story set in the 1800s and one in the 2000s, this intrigued me for sure as the style of writing for historical romances are very particular so adapting to a modern setting could be very hard. In this case it didn't work for me. I absolutely loved the first half which is the only good part of the book. The characters were very lovable and their romance very sweet however it fell short with it only being half of the book. The second half just didn't work. The characters were snobby and VERY dislikable. There wasn't a single bone in my body that was rooting for them. All in all I am going to wipe the second part of this story from my brain... At least I know that if I am to read another Suzanne Enoch novel that I need to make sure it is explicitly a historical romance.
Read
February 21, 20248/4/2007 reread 6/14/2009 ; 7/29/17 ; 2/19/2024
August 4, 2020
3.5 stars. Containing 2 novels about a cursed diamond necklace. 4 stars for A Diamond or Forever, the historical romance. 3.5 stars for Diamonds are Not a GIrl's Best Friend, the modern romance featuring retired cat burglar Samantha Jellicoe and billionaire Richard "Rick" Addison.
A Diamond or Forever set in 1814 when her Aunt Rachel gives Evangeline "Gilly" Munroe the family heirloom, The Nightshade Diamond, a cursed diamond set in a necklace. Gilly is trying to decide between 2 suitors when Connall Spencer Addison, Viscount Halford, Earl of Weldon, Marquis of Rawley crashes into her life. Gilly's mother was a well-meaning nightmare, but I liked her father. I think Connall just wanted what he couldn't have and Gilly's disinterest challenged him.
I liked the plot of Diamonds are Not a GIrl's Best Friend where our retired cat burglar is running security for a traveling gem exhibit on Rick's Devonshire estate. Sam has her hands full when a former colleague decides to test her system.
With-reservations:
language, betrayal, sexual situations, dominance, thieves and stealing, violence
A Diamond or Forever set in 1814 when her Aunt Rachel gives Evangeline "Gilly" Munroe the family heirloom, The Nightshade Diamond, a cursed diamond set in a necklace. Gilly is trying to decide between 2 suitors when Connall Spencer Addison, Viscount Halford, Earl of Weldon, Marquis of Rawley crashes into her life. Gilly's mother was a well-meaning nightmare, but I liked her father. I think Connall just wanted what he couldn't have and Gilly's disinterest challenged him.
I liked the plot of Diamonds are Not a GIrl's Best Friend where our retired cat burglar is running security for a traveling gem exhibit on Rick's Devonshire estate. Sam has her hands full when a former colleague decides to test her system.
With-reservations:
language, betrayal, sexual situations, dominance, thieves and stealing, violence
August 9, 2013
Ugh...I just did not like this book as I did the others. I really am only reviewing the second half (although, I did read the first). I think people really only care to read a review about the Sam and Rick half. I know I did.
I just feel like she could have made this so much more. Maybe add more accidents and goofy things because of the supposed curse. For Rick to finally believe in the curse after Sam was in danger...that is just stupid. How many times in the past year has she been in danger?!?! And with no excuse of a curse. If he was going to believe...let him get his foot get stuck in a broken floor board, break pencil after pencil, get a small electric shock while typing on his computer, have birds crap on his head (or is that supposed to be good luck?).....you get my point. The tire and phone incident were believable, but everything else was of their own making and reactions....and some were probably in motion before the cursed diamond was even in the picture.
Also...would have loved to get to know the security guys more...especially Jamie. And would have liked to learn more of Shepard.
Basically... why even write the darn thing, if you are going to cut it in half and deprive of us of a complete story?
I have read reviews that the next one is great. So yes...I will read it.
I just feel like she could have made this so much more. Maybe add more accidents and goofy things because of the supposed curse. For Rick to finally believe in the curse after Sam was in danger...that is just stupid. How many times in the past year has she been in danger?!?! And with no excuse of a curse. If he was going to believe...let him get his foot get stuck in a broken floor board, break pencil after pencil, get a small electric shock while typing on his computer, have birds crap on his head (or is that supposed to be good luck?).....you get my point. The tire and phone incident were believable, but everything else was of their own making and reactions....and some were probably in motion before the cursed diamond was even in the picture.
Also...would have loved to get to know the security guys more...especially Jamie. And would have liked to learn more of Shepard.
Basically... why even write the darn thing, if you are going to cut it in half and deprive of us of a complete story?
I have read reviews that the next one is great. So yes...I will read it.
April 3, 2016
Fascinating story
At first I was not sure where Enoch was going with this book. The first half we get to meet Rick's ancestor and the fiery woman he decides to marry. The Nightshade diamond is her legacy passed down from an aunt. No one believes it is cursed, but strange things do occur.
The next half of the book jumps back to the present and our reformed thief finds the unlucky but spectacular gem. Of course she finds it in the middle of setting up a gem show on Rick's estate for the V&A museum. Old lovers, fear of diamonds, and and loving Rick keep Sam on her toes and us reading.
At first I was not sure where Enoch was going with this book. The first half we get to meet Rick's ancestor and the fiery woman he decides to marry. The Nightshade diamond is her legacy passed down from an aunt. No one believes it is cursed, but strange things do occur.
The next half of the book jumps back to the present and our reformed thief finds the unlucky but spectacular gem. Of course she finds it in the middle of setting up a gem show on Rick's estate for the V&A museum. Old lovers, fear of diamonds, and and loving Rick keep Sam on her toes and us reading.
August 8, 2015
Two stories involving one diamond necklace. I liked the first story "A Diamond or Forever" best. Evangeline and Connell were great together and the diamond seemed to do it best to be bad luck to whomever was carrying it. The second story "Diamonds are Not a Girl's Best Friend" was weaker as Samantha finds the necklace while setting up security for a gem show. The bad luck didn't seem as linked to the necklace and Rick and Samantha's chemistry wasn't as good (which is funny since it is a book in their series).
October 18, 2008
I surprisingly liked the historical section of this book. It had been a long time since I had read anything from this time period. The story line in the contemporary time seemed to drag a little even though it was really a short story. All in all, the series is very entertaining although somewhat unbelievable. I mean, it's not every day a billionaire falls for a cat burglar.
July 10, 2019
Two novellas that connect regency ancestors and events of the past to contemporary characters in the future
If you are deciding to read this book or not, you can read more details from the story by a few of the other reviewers. I’d like to address this review to some of the negative reviews.
First, when choosing to read a book, I do read the book blurb and a couple of the more detailed reviews. There is no way one could have been surprised that this particular book contained two stories or novellas. The book blurb and reviews made that fact abundantly clear. To those that didn’t understand that, REALLY!
I’m not a big fan of historical romance, but I am a huge fan of the Sam and Rick romance mysteries. Since Miss Enoch is really more of a well known regency historical romance writer, I found the idea of intertwining a regency romance telling of one of Rick’s ancestors , plus background of the Nightshade diamond to Miss Enoch’s contemporary series quite interesting. I enjoyed reading a bit about Rick’s ancestor, Connell Addison, the one he favors and how Connell met and married Rick’s great great grandmother. The idea of the Nightshade diamond connecting the two stories was clever. The diamond is considered cursed. It seems whenever the owner holds the diamond and is about to make a poor decision, the diamond makes the choice that much worse. When the diamond is put away, good things seem to occur. In the first story, Connell must try to convince his love interest that marrying someone that lights ones fire and is not afraid of a woman’s intellect is more important than marrying someone not very intelligent, interesting and bland, just to be able to live a comfortable lifestyle.
The second story of my favorite characters, has Sam find the Nightshade diamond that Rick’s ancestors hid in the old stable. A note inside the box holding the diamond explains about the curse. Rick of course doesn’t believe, but Sam, the reformed cat burglar does, just as sports figures of today have their same type of superstitions.
I do agree more could have been made of the cursed mishaps, but keep in mind this is a novella, two short type stories. Only so much can be included. I was glad a prior love interest of Sam’s was introduced. We see a lot of women swooning over Rick, plus a past wife, it was nice to see a bit of jealousy on Ricks part. By the way, Sam didn’t kiss her prior love interest On The Cheek to see if sparks still flew. This old boyfriend got hold of the Nightshade diamond, SM gave a peck on his cheek to get close enough to steal the diamond back from him before the cops took him away. Rick saw it and understood the why when Sam told him about retrieving the diamond.
Lastly, bodice rippers and contemporary romantic suspense are not typical best seller lists heavy reading, thought provoking books. Come on people, these are light reads to enjoy and escape with. Granted, some romance writers are way better than others, or have a series based on characters that readers enjoy, while others are very quick reads of nothingness. I can’t speak of miss Enoch’s regency romance, but I do recommend her romantic contemporary series about British billionaire financier Rick Addison and his love interest Samantha Jellicoe who is a reformed cat burglar and now security expert. Their stories remind me of Cary Grant To Catch a Thief, Robert Wagoners,It Takes a Thief combined with his Hart to Hart tv series. Does this stuff actually happen? Who cares, that is not the point, if it’s your point, why aren’t you reading a biography. The real point is, I wish it were happening to me and I had a Rick Addison ready to catch me from falling off a roof. Escapism. Take it for what it really is. Otherwise go visit the big tombs area of the library/bookstore and quite complaining about books that some of these reviewers don’t get.
Ps
Don’t buy a bodice ripper and then complain about the sex scenes. We all know you really like those but just are pretending to be a charity belt wearer.
If you like contemporary romance, give the Rick and Sam series a try, mix a pitcher of margaritas and pretend you are in Monty Carlo wearing a beautiful frock waiting for Rick to take you to the casino. Just enjoy!
If you are deciding to read this book or not, you can read more details from the story by a few of the other reviewers. I’d like to address this review to some of the negative reviews.
First, when choosing to read a book, I do read the book blurb and a couple of the more detailed reviews. There is no way one could have been surprised that this particular book contained two stories or novellas. The book blurb and reviews made that fact abundantly clear. To those that didn’t understand that, REALLY!
I’m not a big fan of historical romance, but I am a huge fan of the Sam and Rick romance mysteries. Since Miss Enoch is really more of a well known regency historical romance writer, I found the idea of intertwining a regency romance telling of one of Rick’s ancestors , plus background of the Nightshade diamond to Miss Enoch’s contemporary series quite interesting. I enjoyed reading a bit about Rick’s ancestor, Connell Addison, the one he favors and how Connell met and married Rick’s great great grandmother. The idea of the Nightshade diamond connecting the two stories was clever. The diamond is considered cursed. It seems whenever the owner holds the diamond and is about to make a poor decision, the diamond makes the choice that much worse. When the diamond is put away, good things seem to occur. In the first story, Connell must try to convince his love interest that marrying someone that lights ones fire and is not afraid of a woman’s intellect is more important than marrying someone not very intelligent, interesting and bland, just to be able to live a comfortable lifestyle.
The second story of my favorite characters, has Sam find the Nightshade diamond that Rick’s ancestors hid in the old stable. A note inside the box holding the diamond explains about the curse. Rick of course doesn’t believe, but Sam, the reformed cat burglar does, just as sports figures of today have their same type of superstitions.
I do agree more could have been made of the cursed mishaps, but keep in mind this is a novella, two short type stories. Only so much can be included. I was glad a prior love interest of Sam’s was introduced. We see a lot of women swooning over Rick, plus a past wife, it was nice to see a bit of jealousy on Ricks part. By the way, Sam didn’t kiss her prior love interest On The Cheek to see if sparks still flew. This old boyfriend got hold of the Nightshade diamond, SM gave a peck on his cheek to get close enough to steal the diamond back from him before the cops took him away. Rick saw it and understood the why when Sam told him about retrieving the diamond.
Lastly, bodice rippers and contemporary romantic suspense are not typical best seller lists heavy reading, thought provoking books. Come on people, these are light reads to enjoy and escape with. Granted, some romance writers are way better than others, or have a series based on characters that readers enjoy, while others are very quick reads of nothingness. I can’t speak of miss Enoch’s regency romance, but I do recommend her romantic contemporary series about British billionaire financier Rick Addison and his love interest Samantha Jellicoe who is a reformed cat burglar and now security expert. Their stories remind me of Cary Grant To Catch a Thief, Robert Wagoners,It Takes a Thief combined with his Hart to Hart tv series. Does this stuff actually happen? Who cares, that is not the point, if it’s your point, why aren’t you reading a biography. The real point is, I wish it were happening to me and I had a Rick Addison ready to catch me from falling off a roof. Escapism. Take it for what it really is. Otherwise go visit the big tombs area of the library/bookstore and quite complaining about books that some of these reviewers don’t get.
Ps
Don’t buy a bodice ripper and then complain about the sex scenes. We all know you really like those but just are pretending to be a charity belt wearer.
If you like contemporary romance, give the Rick and Sam series a try, mix a pitcher of margaritas and pretend you are in Monty Carlo wearing a beautiful frock waiting for Rick to take you to the casino. Just enjoy!
May 29, 2019
In 1814, Evangeline Monroe is given the Nightshade Diamond because her aunt believes she's is the most pragmatic person of her generation and therefore the one least likely to be affected by its curse. Apparently, if someone tries to keep hold of it, they will be cursed, but if they let go of the massive diamond, it will bring good luck. First thing that happens? She literally runs into Connall Addison, Marquis of Rawley.
Evangeline has a list of what she wants in a husband and Connall was crossed off the list early. But is his interest in her part of the Nightshade curse? Or the exact opposite?
In the present day, Samantha Jellicoe is trying to run her security business. Right now, she is protecting a traveling exhibition of the royal jewels that are being housed at Rawley Park which was passed down to her beau, Richard Addison. While rehabbing the old stable for the exhibit, she comes across the Nightshade Diamond which Connal and Evangeline had hidden a century before. She is wary of items with curses on them but Richard is skeptical. But even he can’t deny that there are a number of strange things happening and all of the worst ones seem to happen when one of them is holding that stone. Samantha is already dealing with an off-duty Scotland Yard inspector who is convinced that she is up to no good as well as the usual Addison groupies and the hordes of tourists. Not to mention that this exhibit is likely to be a target just because her old colleagues/competitors will want to see if they can best her.
Evangeline has a list of what she wants in a husband and Connall was crossed off the list early. But is his interest in her part of the Nightshade curse? Or the exact opposite?
In the present day, Samantha Jellicoe is trying to run her security business. Right now, she is protecting a traveling exhibition of the royal jewels that are being housed at Rawley Park which was passed down to her beau, Richard Addison. While rehabbing the old stable for the exhibit, she comes across the Nightshade Diamond which Connal and Evangeline had hidden a century before. She is wary of items with curses on them but Richard is skeptical. But even he can’t deny that there are a number of strange things happening and all of the worst ones seem to happen when one of them is holding that stone. Samantha is already dealing with an off-duty Scotland Yard inspector who is convinced that she is up to no good as well as the usual Addison groupies and the hordes of tourists. Not to mention that this exhibit is likely to be a target just because her old colleagues/competitors will want to see if they can best her.
December 30, 2016
Not the best of the series, although the first half/story was actually pretty wonderful! That's a 4 star endeavor.
The second half did not meet its promise. It recycled elements from the first 3 books -- the insider, hate with Donner -- and wasted Bryce, who could have been an interesting media for insight into Sam's past. The Rick-Sam arguments were also a little stale. I love that pair so much that I'm hoping for freshness in the last book!
Nitpicky: I was a little disappointed that Sam's gift was bought from Cartier without any history or story given their shared appreciation for context.
The second half did not meet its promise. It recycled elements from the first 3 books -- the insider, hate with Donner -- and wasted Bryce, who could have been an interesting media for insight into Sam's past. The Rick-Sam arguments were also a little stale. I love that pair so much that I'm hoping for freshness in the last book!
Nitpicky: I was a little disappointed that Sam's gift was bought from Cartier without any history or story given their shared appreciation for context.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2016
I'm rather conflicted by this book. It started with a back story which ended up requiring over 100 pages to tell, which first made me question why I was reading about these people and their choices, and then left me wanting to know more after the book transitioned to Rick and Sam. The two stories met, in a way, but still left me feeling cold. The climax was also rather predictable, as was the resolution.
March 1, 2018
Dos novelas cortas y relacionadas en un solo libro. El inicio de la primera, en la regencia, un poco lento, pero después agarra algo de ritmo. Los personajes son interesantes, pero no tanto como Sam y Rick. La segunda en la época actual, se siente apresurada y poco profunda. Pero igual resulta entretenida, aunque termina muy rápido. Los conflictos entre los protagonistas siempre son los mismos y creo que empieza a ser repetitivo. Ojalá que el quinto y último mejore.
September 26, 2018
I really loved the dual timeline here. This series is just fun with some underlying depths as Samantha tries to stay on the straight and narrow, she has to wonder if Rick is just in it for the adrenaline rush or if he'll stick with her in her post cat burglar mode. He has to wonder if she'll miss the old life and if he can measure up.
The historical couple were not as compelling but the storyline was cute and funny as the luck ebbed and flowed.
The historical couple were not as compelling but the storyline was cute and funny as the luck ebbed and flowed.
April 5, 2023
Two novellas, one historical, the other contemporary. The historical (1814, England) romance is between Rick’s ancestor and the cursed diamond she receives from her aunt. Good banter, and the necklace was fun. Romance fairly well-developed for a novella. I occasionally found the tone anachronistic.
The second story was modern-day Rick and Sam. The romance and great chemistry was there, but no real love scenes. The suspense didn’t grip me, but the story was fun and interesting.
The second story was modern-day Rick and Sam. The romance and great chemistry was there, but no real love scenes. The suspense didn’t grip me, but the story was fun and interesting.
March 20, 2019
Pros: 2 books in 1 Cons: 2 books in 1
This was my least favorite of the series so far.I would have liked this better if the author had gone back and forth between the two stories instead of one story and then the other right afterwards -OR- shorten the first story into a 1 chapter prologue.
This was my least favorite of the series so far.I would have liked this better if the author had gone back and forth between the two stories instead of one story and then the other right afterwards -OR- shorten the first story into a 1 chapter prologue.
March 25, 2019
So apparently this is a series? Did not know.
Basically 2 stories in one, both involving a possibly cursed diamond necklace.
The first was basic Regency boilerplate. The second, with the heroine as a reformed (?) cat bugler, was a lot more fun. Very Oceans 11, except in reverse, if that makes any sense.
Basically 2 stories in one, both involving a possibly cursed diamond necklace.
The first was basic Regency boilerplate. The second, with the heroine as a reformed (?) cat bugler, was a lot more fun. Very Oceans 11, except in reverse, if that makes any sense.
June 1, 2020
This book was split into two parts. I adored the first part as I do all of this author’s historical romance novels. The second part was contemporary and a completely different story enjoyment-wise. I did not finish. I left this in my currently reading pile for a few years, but I’ve come to the realization I won’t be finishing this book and plan to donate it.
January 17, 2021
4 stars overall
First story review: I liked the hero but not the heroine. She came off salty and the because of that the romance felt forced. Intersting plot. 3.5 stars
Second story: The hero was being over protective and the heroine to secretive. Took away from the story. 3 stars.
Overall, I bumped it to a 4 star because I liked how the stories connected.
First story review: I liked the hero but not the heroine. She came off salty and the because of that the romance felt forced. Intersting plot. 3.5 stars
Second story: The hero was being over protective and the heroine to secretive. Took away from the story. 3 stars.
Overall, I bumped it to a 4 star because I liked how the stories connected.
April 21, 2024
Just read the Sam-Rick part, and I think this one is a big let down. Idk why Rick is starting to get on my nerves??? Goody-goody two shoes with tantrum issues, trying to change who she is to fit his ideal, knowing full well she's a thief at heart who got on adrenaline. Huh
January 2, 2018
3.5 Stars
August 23, 2018
Not my favorite...
September 10, 2018
Recommended by Novelist Character likable, Storyline Intricately plotted, Writing style banter filled.
Perfect but would have liked to have known it was book 4 in a series.
Perfect but would have liked to have known it was book 4 in a series.
January 22, 2019
I really enjoyed the 2 entwining books.
May 24, 2019
I liked the contemporary part, not the historical one.
August 3, 2020
I had to speed-read/skim through the second story because I was too worked up about secondhand embarrassment. I liked the characters, though, so I might read try another Samantha Jellicoe book.
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