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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
More an adventure book than a romance novel., September 5, 2003
I guess this book is fine if you are looking for adventure more than romance. Don't misunderstand me, the book had romance, but I felt like the principal theme was the war, the mission to recover the treasure and the intrigue, with romance added like an afterthought. It really got tiresome how Robert and Olivia could not trust each other or even communicate. All the conflicts between them could have been solved if they had simply talked to each other. And why was Robert always so ready to assume the worst about Olivia? Even when the evidence pointed to the contrary? It only took his brothers a moment to figure out she wasn't the killer of Orlando. And why was Olivia always trying to run away from him? She was wanted for murder, and under the circumstances Robert was the only protection she had. Where would she had gone, had she scaped from him? And don't get me started on the improbability of two cousins looking so alike that everybody would mistake one for the other. They would have to be twins to be so alike! In general, I really don't like to see war mixed with romance. Military men don't make my favorite heroes, nor does war and killing my favorite setting for a romance novel, and I think maybe that's why this novel is not memorable for me. The epilogue was my favorite part of the book, although I pity Olivia. Four children in four years of marriage, all this while living in a campsite while her husband did war? Poor woman! All in all, the book was not bad, just not my favorite kind.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Exciting regency romance, July 4, 2001
In 1805 London, Lord Robert Bradstone seduces Olivia Sutton through words of love and kisses. However, it is not her body he wants; it is her brain. He coaxes her into deciphering a coded missive that claims a King's Ransom in a tomb in Madrid. However, a Spanish "spy" tries to intercede, but Robert shoots him and blames a shocked Olivia for the murder. The dying Spaniard gives Olivia a gold band and tells her to flee with the deciphered note. Seven years later, Robert returns from the seemingly dead of a sunken ship. Meanwhile Olivia needs him to clear her name and to accompany her to Wellington so she can deliver information he needs. Robert apparently wants to atone for his travesty and offers to escort Olivia. However, she has deep doubts about trusting the scoundrel who destroyed her life even if he appears to behave honorable now. She also wonders if he would betray his country. To her chagrin, her thirst for vengeance wars with her love for the rat. ! ONCE TEMPTED is an exciting Regency romantic suspense novel that stars a brilliant, intrepid heroine, whose naiveté is destroyed by the dashing aristocratic cad. The story line is fast-paced, filled with action, and loaded with shockers. Elizabeth Boyles' boiling tale will provide much enjoyment to sub-genre fans as the ingenious Olivia, though once burned, struggles to avoid that same flame. Harriet Klausner
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A very adventurous Regency romance, May 30, 2003
"Once Tempted" is my first book by the author and in my opinion a very good one. The setting is Regency London and the Penninsula during the Napoleonic Wars.Miss Olivia Sutton is a young lady living under a false name since she was betrayed by her so-called lover, the Marquis of Bradstone. Bradstone sullied her name and reputation involving her in treason. Major Robert Danvers arrives in London on a mission. He is masquerading as his treasonous cousin and he intends to make his mission successful by finding and using Olivia. When they meet they are both shocked and surprised. Olivia is not a plain unsignificant girl Robert was led to believe and she shows lots of spirit and passion, which captivates Robert.Olivia fights very hard not to fall under the strong charm of the Marquis again but she is shocked and helplessly attracted to him especially when she finds out his true identity. They don't trust each other at all. Olivia wants to clear her sullied name and Robert wants to fullfil his mission.Their life is in danger and they have to leave London. During their journey to Spain they encounter many dangerous obstacles and they constantly fight for their lives. They start seeing each other in different lights and they can't resist the growing attraction between them. Their love is passionate, sensual and desperately heartaching. There is much danger, dishonesty, violence and bloodthirst around them and the way to victory and fullfilment of their love leads through the horrors of war.This is a very well-written historical romance set during the Napoleonic Wars. The author managed to combine enough love and action to make it a wonderful piece of work. All the characters are well developed and excitingly alive. ONCE TEMPTED is a brilliant historical romance with an action-packed storyline, a passionate love story and likeable characters from one of the most fascinating eras in history. I look forward to the other novels written by this talented author.
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