Customer Reviews

To Tame a Dangerous Lord

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Rayne Kenyon, Earl of Haviland, is on a mission though not his usual kind. The spy formally involved in political intrigue and shadowy secrets is unaccustomed to stuffy London ballrooms and simpering misses but he's made his Grandmama a promise to marry and produce an heir. Months of searching for a bride have come to naught until he happens upon a scantily clad damsel in distress at a inn. Possessing a strong chivalrous streak, Rayne springs into action and saves the curvaceous maid. But Madeline Ellis is no ordinary lady needing a hero. The daughter of an army Captain has been taking care of herself and her rapscallion brother since her mother's death many years ago and her father's more recently. It pains Rayne to see a woman, especially the daughter of the man who saved his life, brought so low. As a result the outspoken and prideful Madeline must relent when Rayne insists on escorting her to London and finding her suitable employment. Soon Rayne realizes that the lively Miss Ellis, though plain in appearance, would make him the perfect wife, the mother of his heir. But Madeline has her fears. Such a cold blooded arrangement is one she's never envisioned for herself. But what can she do? She has fallen in love with the enigmatic and remote gentleman. Perhaps its time for her to tame the dangerous lord.....with seduction.

Finally Haviland gets his book and its a pretty good one. After seeing him passed over for most of The Courtship War series (particularly in To Bed a Beauty (Courtship Wars, Book 2) -my favorite), Rayne gets his bride in this fourth installment. Though To Tame A Dangerous Lord is nothing out of the ordinary in terms of marriage of convenience romance books, its a solid read. Rayne is your typical highhanded detached aristocrat who, having been burned by love many years ago, seeks a more practical arraignment with his wife. A woman who would suit his purpose and give him an heir. Likewise Madeline is pragmatic but deep down she secretly yearns for love. It all comes to a head when Madeline realizes that she has desperately fallen in love with Rayne, but not he with her and so she seeks a way to make him fall in love, hence her attempts at seduction and visits to Fanny (readers will remember the courtesan who gives advice of the carnal kind from the previous books). Again nothing new but well written. I loved Rayne's quirky friend Freddie who was constantly getting into trouble and putting his foot in his mouth. You never knew what would come out of his mouth! On the other hand Rayne's harridan Grandmother gave me the willies, but she was perfection. The only two parts I didn't care for were the constant references to Madelines lack of beauty (please enough already!) and Rayne's cold blooded stubbornness (lasted way too long into the book IMHO). And the "danger" in the book was just meh, not that thrilling. Other than that its a good read recommended.

Other marriage of convenience books I have enjoyed:
The Devil in Winter (The Wallflowers, Book 3)

Well, if I disregard all the ways in which the hero and the heroine simply disregarded all the rules of propriety (of which she should be extremely careful, since she was a companion/governess and any slip could ruin her), and her annoying little brother, the main problem I had with this book was the hero. Overbearing, self-centered, stubborn. So convinced he is always right that I wanted to shake him!! Unable to get over a youthful infatuation and allowing one bad experience to rule his life. At first, he pursued the heroine all the time - but once they got married, he simply abandoned her. I hated him. And he had her followed, didn't trust her, was seeking for ulterior motives all the time. God, I hated him. After a while, I just wanted her to leave him and find someone better. In the end, she should let him beg her forgiveness and grovel for a long time before forgiving him. But all he had to do was say I love you and everything was fine and rosy and perfect. She didn't have any spine left by the time he was finished with her. Oh, and one more thing - the love scenes were simply awful, so forced, with no feeling in the at all. She was supposed to be a sheltered innocent, but he did all he wanted to her - and I didn't really have the feeling that she was comfortable with it all. Not good.
If you really feel like you have to read this book, borrow it from a library, don't waste your money on it.

I have heard a number of good things about Jordan's books, but to tell the truth this one left me wanting. It started off good but after the first few chapters the book lost its appeal. The character development poor and the story was was mediocre at best.

I always buy Nicole Jordan's books, and always love every sentence. But this book is a huge bore. She really fell flat with the story line and character development. I will continue to buy her books, but she better step it up with her next book about Tess (the excerpt for her next book is VERY good). Keep trying Nicole! This one was not one of your better books.

After his first youthful love betrayed him, Rayne Kenyon, Earl of Haviland, became determined to remain unencumbered by emotional attachment. The former spymaster has no interest in marrying for love, but desires an heir to carry on his title. He decides to wed Madeline Ellis, the plain spinster daughter of a fellow spy who once saved his life.

Madeline is heading to London in hope of gaining new employment. She meets Rayne at an inn while attempting to avoid the grasp of Lord Ackerby and his plans of making Madeline his mistress. Once wedded, Madeline becomes adamant about winning the love of her new husband. With some advice from the Loring sisters and techniques taught to her by a renowned courtesan, Madeline begins her assault upon the barriers surrounding Rayne's heart. Madeline's resolve would soon be tested as she must also deal with Rayne's vile grandmother, avoid Lord Ackerby, find and rescue her brother from a possible hanging, and help her husband assist a friend with a blackmail problem. Whoever said peer marriages were boring had never met Madeline and her spymaster.


**** FOUR STARS! Even though this is the fifth book in the Courtship Wars series, each titles is a stand-alone tale. Madeline and Rayne's story has an abundance of danger and romance. Any time things start to slow down, something wicked rears its head to cause untold amounts of new chaos. This is a terrific tale to heat up your blood on a chilly night. ****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

I usually love Nicole Jordan's books, but this one was a big disappointment. The first two chapters were very promising and then the book fell apart. I was skipping pages left and right battling boredom. In the end, I succumbed only reading half of the book before it was thrown into the donation box. The Seduction was the best by far of Jordan's books.

Rayne Kenyon, Earl of Haviland, may not be interested in love but he still has to marry and produce a heir. When he meets Madeline Ellis, the daughter of an old friend who once saved his life, he aids her out of a delicate situation. When his search for a bride isn't successful he decides to make Madeline an offer she can't refuse. She will be his bride, give him a heir and in return will have everything money can buy.
Madeline loves Rayne and accepts his proposal even though she knows that he isn't looking for love. But with the help of some new friends she does her best to make him change his mind about loving her.

Nicole Jordan is one of my favourite authors of historical romances and "To tame a dangerous lord" is so far one of her best books.
Rayne and especially Madeline are two extraordinary characters and I enjoyed reading about them and their relationship.
Madeline is a special heroine. She is no classic beauty but has other qualities like intelligence, loyalty, quick-wittedness and a good heart. So Rayne has no chance but to fall in love with her. I especially like that Madeline takes the action in her own hands and tries to seduce Rayne. She is no passive heroine that needs a man to lead her through life.
Rayne may be arrogant but he noticed right from the start that Madeline is special. His spy background adds a lot to his character and the story. And even though Rayne is a bit slow in realizing that Madeline is perfect for him overall he is a great hero.
I also loved meeting the Loring sisters and Fanny again, they are so sweet to Madeline and willing to help her in seducing Rayne.

So if you are a fan of historical romances with great characters, lots of lovely and sexy scenes then this book will be perfect for you. I'm already excited to read the next book by Nicole Jordan. "To desire a wicked duke" will centre on Tess Blanchard, a teacher at the Loring academy.

I usually enjoy Nicole Jordan's books but this one was so boring I really had a hard time finishing it. This one is NOT a keeper.

In 1817 Madeline Ellis needs gainful employment quickly, but her immediate problem is that dreadful Lord Ackerby who is everywhere she is. Former British Intelligence operative, Rayne Kenyon observes her and her stalker; the Earl uses his espionage skills to figure out what is going on and intercedes warning Ackerby to stay away from Madeline.

With a connection to her father and wanting her, he offers to assist her in finding a suitable position, but quickly realizes she is perfect for a job he needs filling. Rayne suggests a marriage of convenience, which Madeline rejects as she dreams of a marriage of passion and love. He rejects her counteroffer having tasted the betrayal of love once before. However, desperate and realizing he is her one; she changes her mind hoping to win his heart.

The latest Courtship Wars (see To Bed a Beauty, To Pleasure A Lady, To Romance a Charming Rogue and To Seduce a Bride) is an enjoyable entry enhanced by the return of Rayne who has a second chance at love if he accepts his feelings. Madeline proves resolute as she decides To Tame a Dangerous Lord through her heart although both must overcome distrust, dangerous innuendos and misunderstandings if they are to make it.

Harriet Klausner

I really adored To Tame A Dangerous Lord. Madeline and Rayne are robust characters that really interact graciously together. I love Madeline's wit and spunk. When she and Rayne were together, I could picture their emotions, expressions and everyday moments because Nicole Jordan creatively sketches their style wonderfully. I thought she told a magnificent tale that left an impression upon this reader. She takes two different players and allows them to see deep inside the others heart, while bringing out their absolute best from each other. Their embraces, kisses, and interludes are so captivating that the chemistry between them swoons off the pages. This is an extraordinary romance that I couldn't put down. The secondary characters blended in well making this historical an even double pleasurable read. - Linda L.