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Title: Tempt Me Not
ISBN: 0380776243
Author:
Eve Byron
Publicate Date: 1995-06
Publish: 1995-06
List Price: $4.99
Average Customer Rating: 5.0
Format: Paperback
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Amazon Lowest New Price: $8.66
Amazon Lowest Used Price: $0.01
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1: Wonderfully crafted romance historical series!
The storyline is generally about Jillian and Max (future duke of Basset) who practically grew up together with Max being the best friend of Jillian's brother - Damian (future duke of Westbrook). The two ducal families (Basset and Westbrook) has for centuries been great friends who has made it a tradition to "watch each other's backs". Jillian grew up loving Max without his knowledge. While Max watches over Jillian like an overprotective brother until circumstances forced him to acknowledge that his little "Pandora" has blossomed into one of the most exquisite sought-after debutante in London. It was exactly this popularity which leads to an incident that brought upon a forced marriage between the two, threatening centuries-old traditions and more importantly a cherished friendship between the two powerful dukes. There are two main things I loved about this book.
Firstly, unlike the average historical romance which focuses only on the present predicament, this book spans over a longer period of time. It tells the story from Jillian's birth; it details Max and Jillian's interaction over the growing years and the circumstances which builds up to their marriage. Eve Byron has taken her time to build the foundations at the beginning which enables her reader to understand the characters' actions when they found themselves in their current situation. I certainly wouldn't have sympathised with Max's cruel behaviour towards Jillian had I not been exposed to his childhood experiences. I could have easily hated Max's indifference and squirmed at Jillian's lack of pride in her pursuit of his love. Instead my heart went out to Max - the lonely, loveless boy hidden behind the handsome haughty mask of the Duke of Basset and I could not help but admire Jillian's courage. It was very refreshing to read about a heroine who has her priorities in order - love first before pride. Most headstrong heroine I've read, go through unreasonable lengths to defy the hero because of pride. This character however has the honesty, vibrancy and unrelenting hope - exactly what the hero needed.
Secondly, the secondary characters in this book are not just there to populate and enliven the story. These characters are not after-thoughts but are crucial parts which make the story whole. Even though Damian and Bruce each have their own stories and this book hints at what might transpire, they are not sub-plots which detracts from the romance between Max and Jillian. The intricate thread which weaves the lives of these secondary characters to the main characters doesn't just add to the story but actually completes it.
I read Byron's second book first - "Tempt me not" which is Damian's story. I enjoyed it so much that I searched around to see if it's part of a series. Whilst I love Damian's story as much as Max's, I however did not see the brilliance of this series until I've read this book. The time period in the second book doesn't just follow on from the first one as in most romance series. Some periods actually overlap and events which happened in the first book are retold in the second book but from a different character's point of view. It was brilliantly done such that while one book can be read on its own without any loss to the story, reading the second doesn't just provide the same information but adds another dimension to the same event. The second book gives insight to what the other characters (which were secondary in the first book) are thinking and feeling at that exact time and the circumstances which led them to that precise moment. So to those who read this book, I highly recommend reading the rest of the trilogy. I haven't read Bruce's story yet and I'm dying to read it now that I've had a taste of the first two instalments.
Just a note though, some readers may find the first half of the book a bit slow having used to reading books which goes straight to the crisis at hand after only a few pages of introduction. However I advise that you persevere and savour the slow build up leading to the climatic events as this will only deepen your appreciation of the outcome.
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2: The first in the "Me Not" series
I loved this book, from start to finish. One of my very favorite scenes in any of the romance books I've read in the past year & a half is in this book -- the balcony scene! It is not to be missed, it is that good. I laughed so hard, I thought I'd break a rib.
This book is great by itself, though it excellently sets the stage for the next 2 in the series.
1-10 scale: 9.9
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3: Will Touch Your Heart!!
I recently re-read this classic love story and decided to share my thoughts with fellow romance readers. This story is sweet and Jillian and Max will touch your heart as they find love and learn to accept love. These characters are truly multi-dimensional and their story is amazinly tender and sweet.
If you are looking to read a romance that is not all heat and attraction then pick up this classic romance from a very talented author. You won't be sorry I promise.
Official Reviewer for www.romancedesigns.com
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4: Truly One Of The Best Historical Romances I've Ever Read!!!
Set in Regency England
Damien and Max are both sons of Dukes and best friends. The Duke of Basset and the Duke of Westbury have always watched each other's backs through out history. Jillian is Damien's sister. All through her life she has considered Max to be part of her family but when she gets older she discovers that she also has come to love him as a woman. Max has watched Jillian grow up from a child and now he has noticed her as a woman. Circumstances find Max and Jillian in a passionate embrace by Damien who demands that Max never come to their home again. Jillian sees her family being torn apart and takes drastic measures to keep it intact. She allows her encounter with Max to become public knowledge so that Max will be forced to marry her. She knows he loves her but now she's just got to get him to admit to it. Plus she has to get Damien and Max to be family again. I could not put this book down! I read it in one afternoon it was so good! The characters are richly drawn and you get involved with them very quickly! This one's a keeper for sure!!
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5: Truly Amazing
This is truly one of the best romance books ever written! The characters and plot is so real, that I actually became lost within its pages. It was magical to watch Max's an Jillians love grow. A great read, one that shouldn't be missed!
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