Customer Reviews

To Seduce a Sinner (Legend of the Four Soldiers)

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Having read Ms. Hoyt's first novel in her Four Soldiers series, and not liking it much, I was captivated by her second in the series To Seduce a Sinner. This novel is deeper and in many ways more complex and passionate than the first.

Melisande Fleming has loved Lord Jasper Vale for years but he has never noticed her and was even engaged to her best friend once. So when Jasper is left at the altar Melisande does something completely out of character from her shy quiet self, she asks Jasper to marry her and to her surprise and delight he agrees to the match. She never shares her love for Jasper when she asks for his hand as she has had her heart broken before and intends to guard it most carefully this time.

Jasper agrees to the match because he is frankly tired of looking for a spouse and Melisande comes from a respected family. He really does not know her at all. She is an extreme introvert, plain and unassuming. I also had the same impression of her; in fact, Melisande was almost boring for the first hundred pages or so of this novel. She wants to fade into the background and did so quite well in the first part of the story.

Jasper, on the other hand is about a hundred times more interesting and this story is really his story. Jasper is searching for the man who betrayed his regiment to the French resulting in the horrific torture of his men by the colonial Wyandot Tribe. Jasper's search for the traitor becomes in actuality a search for his redemption. On the outside Jasper is a carefree, sanguine chap but inside he carries guilt and heartache over the fate of his men. Jasper is truly a nice person and it was easy to see why Melisande fell in love with him.

Melisande never really shines at first except in the bedroom where she is totally unafraid and uninhibited. This is a shock to her husband who expected his wife to have the same reticent personality there as she does in the drawing room. These scenes were earthy, emotional and romantic. Through her passion Melisande lets her husband know how enamored she really is with him and it also gives her confidence to express her devotion outside the bedroom too.

This is a sensuous novel that really shows how beautifully this couple's marriage heals broken parts of Melisande and Jasper's past. Melisande's kindness and patience are just the balm that Jasper needs to soothe his troubled soul and Jasper's upbeat personality and persistence allow Melisande a safe environment to express her love and devotion through words and deeds.

This is the second book in The Legend of the Four Soldiers series.

I was not too impressed with the first book in this series as I never got attached to the abrasive heroine. Luckily, this book is of the quality that I have come to expect from Ms. Hoyt. This is the kind of tale that has made her one of my favorite authors.

Melisande has loved, from a distance, Lord Vale for years... although Vale has barely acknowledged her existence. After watching Vale get dumped by his betrothed for the second time, Melisande sees her opportunity and takes advantage of it; she proposes marriage and Vale accepts.

This book had probably one of the funniest opening chapters I have ever read. The scene between Vale and his hysterical fiancée had me laughing out loud and really set the pace for a fantastic story.

Melisande is a heroine who fades into the background when in public and has a few secrets of her own. She's not conventionally beautiful but her wit, humor and sense of herself more than make up for the physical. I thought her and Vale were a perfect match and I enjoyed their sarcastic sparring and watching them get to know each other. Their romance has a real believability to it and their honesty and acceptance of one another was refreshing.

These are too complex characters that aren't that typical to historicals. I found this an easy mix of fun, romance and heat. I also enjoyed the ongoing mystery of the possible betrayer to Vale and his fellow former soldier. I look forward to seeing how that pans out and I can't wait to read the next book. This is one of those impossible to put down books, I loved it.

To Taste Temptation (The Legend of the Four Soldiers)
To Beguile A Beast (The Legend of the Four Soldiers)
To Desire a Devil (release date November 2009)

Cherise Everhard November 2008

Elizabeth Hoyt has only been publishing romances for a few years, but her work is as accomplished, complex, and elegantly written as those of the masters of the genre (like Madeleine Hunter, Mary Balogh, Loretta Chase, Eloisa James, Julia Quinn, etc.) What's more, her plots, characters, and writing style are all original; her voice is unique; and every book is distinct from the last one. I think those who haven't discovered Hoyt's books yet are in for a real treat.

"To Seduce a Sinner," like all of Hoyt's stories, features a troubled male protagonist, a multi-layered heroine (in fact, Melissande seems to have more hidden depths than any of her other heroines, save that of her first book, "The Raven Prince"), and a plot with dark undertones of loss, betrayal, and rage. In this case, Lord Vale is determined to discover the traitor in his war regiment, a journey that takes him to unsavory places to meet with unsavory people. Melissande, in contrast, is suffering from her unrequited love for Vale, love she attempts to keep hidden, even after they marry and start a sexual relationship. This struggle is surprisingly heartwrenching, and it's easy to identify with Melissande's restrained longing for her husband.

Vale is an extremely interesting character-- much more so than he seemed in the first book of this series. He's a cad with a strong moral code; a lover who seems oblivious at times to basic human emotion; a charmer who is befuddled by the enigmatic nature of his wife. The result is an intriguing love story where even small moments between Vale and Melissande crackle with chemistry.

I loved this story. In fact, I think it's my favorite of Elizabeth Hoyt's books simply because every page revealed something intriging about the characters or the historical period. The dialogue is crisp and witty; the love scenes erotic and raw, as is Hoyt's trademark.

I highly recommend "To Seduce a Sinner."

There were several things about this book I did not like. Though they made it hard for me to stay interested, they might not bother you:

The dog Mouse. I hate small yappy dogs in real life, and I hated this one too. Every time he appeared to move the plot forward or show us more about what kind of woman Melisande is (i.e. one who loves small yappy dogs) I just felt annoyed.

Laugh out loud sex. Okay, usually I enjoy Elizabeth Hoyt, but the dirty talk was just way too over the top. I laughed aloud instead of finding it hot.

No real conflict; Melisande loves Jasper and he falls in love with her fairly early. Sex ensues. What's the conflict? That he sleeps on a pallet and is embarrassed? Conflict is key (for me) in any romance, and I just wasn't interested. I get that there is post-traumatic stress happening, but psychological realism is better left to the literary genre; in a romance when something like that is a key element it often doesn't work for me. Maybe Melisande was too passive in her reactions to Jasper. I was just bored.

I usually love love LOVE Elizabeth Hoyt, and this was her first clunker for me. I can see how others would like it, but I just didn't.

All authors are gifted. They just give their presents at different times. Ok, ok, Elizabeth Hoyt frequently gives her readers presents, but I must confess I thought the author's previous release TO TASTE TEMPTATION was a little disappointing. However, this time, Ms. Hoyt rebounds and gives her readers a "Neiman Marcus" type present! TO SEDUCE A SINNER is topnotch.

Mini Synopsis:
He was Jasper Renshaw, the Viscount Vale, and Melisande wanted him. He possessed the ability to make a woman feel beautiful and desired and while she stood on life's sidelines, Melisande Fleming had fallen hopelessly in love! Then suddenly her fantasy became a reality. Lord Vale was now her husband! But Melisande understood she must proceed slowly, for never would she allow her husband to discover how deep her love was.

Jasper Renshaw greatly admired his new wife. Although, twenty-eight-year-old Melisande Fleming was not a beauty, she certainly was memorable. The woman had a quick mind and a direct manner and refreshingly, was unlike any woman he'd ever known. However, he knew he would continue on alone, for never would he allow his new wife to discover what a despicable creature he was.

Reviewer's Comments:
Sigh . . . two lonely people slowly gaining deep affection and warm feelings toward one another. Now this is romance! And the best part? Although, the plot's backdrop is painful and foreboding, Elizabeth Hoyt manages to throw in some dandy moments of delicious humor! What a great touch Ms. Hoyt - Sir Mouse, Melisande's little dog, is perfect!

TO SEDUCE A SINNER is a lovely romance, with wonderful love scenes, a great hero and heroine, and just the right blend of humor and sorrow. For a cozy November night, do treat yourself! Elizabeth Hoyt gives her reader a gem. A personal note: TO BEGUILE A BEAST (release date May 2009) is now on my pre-ordered list and that, in itself, says it all!

Grade: A
Status: Keeper Shelf
Sensuality: Hot
MaryGrace Meloche.

If you love romances where the ugly duckling or plain Jane gets her Prince, To Seduce a Sinner is the book for you.

Jasper Renshaw, Viscount Vale, has just been left at the altar after courting his soon to be bride for months. Jasper isn't that upset, just a little embarrassed. Things get a bit strange when a plain looking woman in a brown dress, who is a distant relative of his ex-fiancé asks for his hand in marriage. Since Jasper does need to marry, he accepts.

Melisande Flemings has loved Jasper for as long as she can remember. She knows she is plain and unassuming, but now that Jasper is free, she will finally have him as her husband. But, she will never tell him her true feelings, because she was hurt once before from a man she loved. Their marriage will be one of convenience and respect.

Jasper is not sure what to think of his lady wife. He finds himself enjoying her conversation and longs to get to know the real Melisande because she is so very much a mystery he would like to solve. It seems Jasper's life is full of mysteries because he is searching for the man who betrayed him and his troops when they were at war in the colonies. Jasper is still haunted by the torture and deaths of his men. He won't rest until the villain is brought to justice, even if it is by his hand. With Melisande by his side, he feels empowered and longs for peace, which only Melisande can help him find.

To Seduce a Sinner is everything you would want to read in a romance from such an author like Elizabeth Hoyt. She delivers another superb tale of heartbreak and loss that can only be cured through love. Jasper and Melisande may seem to be a very unconventional couple, but Hoyt gives the reader great insight on this couple. Jasper can see beyond Melisande's surface, and for that alone he is a hero in my eyes.

This relationship between husband and wife builds very slowly, but with respect and care. When both begin to fall in love with one another, their passion explodes, and their loves scenes are very emotional and heated. Jasper is able to break through Melisande's emotions, and she in turn helps him heal. Elizabeth Hoyt is a superstar of the historical romance genre, and with To Seduce a Sinner, she writes a sure fire hit.

Katiebabs

To Taste Temptation (The Legend of the Four Soldiers)

Jasper and Melisande are very believable, three dimensional characters. Ms. Hoyt has a wonderful talent when it comes to making her characters "real people". Add to this historical backdrops that are some of the best drawn in this genre. Jasper is another of Ms. Hoyt's unique alpha males, who is so real, and an irrestible combination of strength, sensitivity, sensuality humor and danger. Melisande is also a combination of these characteristics, while also being very alpha female in her own quiet, understated way.

Jasper is a Viscount who has been left standing at the altar by his second fiance. This one is a buxom, not to bright, young thing who has fallen in love with a curate. Melisande has loved Jasper for years. However, she is shy and goes out of her way to dress and present herself as background color.

When she hears that Jasper has again been dumped, she decides to do the unthinkable, and approches Jasper and proposes to him. He accepts. Their love story is so well written. Melisande is a wonderful strong character, with sad secrets of a love turned bad because of an unfaithful fiance earlier in her life.

Jasper has heartbreaking secrets related to his military service for the British against the French and some indian tribes in the new world colonies which ended with the wholesale slaughter of his men. The slaughter was facilitated by a traitor. Jasper is one of the few survivors and is determined to find the traitor. This back story is exciting and introduces characters who will be in the next segements of the 4 Soldiers story. The mystery of the traitor is still left to be solved. Ms. Hoyt does this with seamless excellence, as usual.

Okay, Elizabeth Hoyt's ability to write one amazing historical romance after another is beginning to bother me. It's unnatural. I've never read such a consistently wonderful author. Each book is a gem. In some ways, I am grateful. But such talent is unsettling. It breeds dissatisfaction when I finish her latest and must wait months, MONTHS, to read her next offering. The mediocre work of other authors is cold comfort. Can you write faster, Elizabeth? But no, don't write faster! Continue to do whatever it is you do (weird rites by moonlight?) and continue to write such top-notch stuff!
In case you can't tell by my effusive praise, I loved Jasper and Melisande's story. (And how great is it that Melisande and Jasper are names authentic to the period? Ms. Hoyt never saddles her characters with anachronistic names like Ryder and Blaze.)
This book is funny and heartwrenching and sexy as hell.
If you haven't started reading Elizabeth Hoyt, you're in for a treat. Pick up the first two books in The Four Soldiers series, and read them in order. And then read her Prince trilogy. You won't be sorry...until you realize how long you'll have to wait for book 3...

When I first began reading this book I thought I was reading some of the best writing I've read in a while. It started out so strong, was clever and funny and sophisticated. It just didn't stay that way. (I realize from the negs already that this will not be a popular review because this is a very popular author - but it's just how I feel about the story. If you really love this author, I don't want to discourage you from trying this book.)

I didn't find myself endeared to the heroine that much. I didn't know her that well and had more trouble "feeling" the connection between her and the hero Jasper. I think I'd have liked to have seen a little more emotion from them as well, especially the heroine. Being an animal lover myself, I enjoy pets in stories, but I believe there should have been less focus on the dog and more on Melisande's history and the emotions connected with it that led to her falling in love with the hero. I wanted more about how she fell in love with the hero other than just one encounter. I found myself a little bored at times, but I was still eager to see how the story would come out. I just never had that satisfied feeling from it though. I kept expecting it to get better, back to the style I saw in the beginning, but it didn't. I found the ending a bit typical and without much substance.

As I said though, the soldiers' stories are so interesting and I want to read the others. I believe they have so much potential. That part of this book was well developed, and I know this author is capable because of the quality of writing in the beginning and in various parts of the story. I felt so strongly for the soldiers and it really made me stop and think about what soldiers face. I just hope the heroine in the others are a little more developed as well, and that we are able to see more feelings and emotions, and background to support the two.

This book is the second in the Four Soldiers Series and is more engaging than the first. Although the first book, "To taste Temptation" was not as good as this one, it is much better than many other authors best work. It just lacks the magic that Ms. Hoyt recaptures in this second story and can be found in her previous "Prince" novels. I couldn't put this book down and after reading the excerpt for "To Beguile a Beast", I can't wait for the third book in this series. That would be my biggest complaint. Having discovered this author with her first book, I must patiently wait until she completes further work to continue enjoying her writing, although I could definitely reread her previous stories to make the wait less painful. I highly recommend this book as well as all of her previous work! She is one author I purchase without question.