I waited what seemed like forever for this book. I enjoyed Jasper from the first book, and was really looking forward to his story.

So, after I closed the book, I had to think about it before I wrote my review. If you know me, you know how much I love Elizabeth Hoyt and her writing. This book, is typical Elizabeth Hoyt, and has everything that I love about her as a writer in it. The emotions, the mystery, the drama, and the way she ties it all in together with things like a secondary romance, a dog named Sir Mouse (who really stole the show) and a hero that is a BIG favorite of mine, he always used an endearment in addressing her, my love, my heart, my dearest wife, which was so sweet. In TSAS, she tells a story of Mr. Life of the Party, who hides behind that front, to disguise deep pain and some dark secrets, you see, Jasper has served six years in the army and watched his unit brutally attacked by Indians. Now he's obsessed in figuring out who ratted their unit out (this is continued over from the first book). Melisande figures out a little while after they were married what his secrets are. Melisande, in turn, blasts one of her own secrets- this shocked me coming from a historical romance novel- which sealed them together, in their pain. Even though they bonded in pain, their relationship has a lot of bantering- which is never over the top, but enjoyable. They are each trying to figure out who the other person is. As a reader, we get to enjoy this journey, both characters surprise one another and readers are rewarded with a sweet sweet ending. I finally understood why she wore the browns, which really bugged me. But now I get her, She was a control freak, who enjoyed the marriage bed *gasp*, She didn't like to be noticed, didn't like attention, the exact opposite of her husband. Opposites Attract? Hmmm.

I can definitely recommend this book.

Share/Like this Review?

The second book in a series of four, this book starts off much better than the first. If you read To Taste Temptation (not necessary) then you were introduced to Jasper and Melissande. Their story does not disappoint. Once again we have a somewhat older than typical heroine and a damaged hero. The continuing arc of the traitor to the 28th is taken up by Jasper as he finds his healing love. The hero and heroine of the next book are introduced here and it looks to be another great one.

Share/Like this Review?

LOVE!!! I sort of put off reading this book because I wasn't so sure I would like Melisande as a heroine, but I actually really loved her. This book had surprising depth, and it was a real pleasure to read, and I adored Vale of course. I did kind of hope that he would get her out of her habitual brown attire, but I did also appreciate that neither of them tried to change the other in anyway shape or form. Right off the bat they were both very accepting of each others quirks. It was a very endearing story and I am quite intrigued to read the next book.

Share/Like this Review?

This book is the second in a series and after havin read this one and the first one i have to say elizabeth hoyt is getting better and better. the story line keeps you interested, the caracters have depth and are fun to follow around for a couple hundred pages. the only thing i wish was that the characters from the first novel had been included somehow since the women are best friends and the men knew each other. but i get that the way the last story ended that would have been hard to write them into this story. all in all a very good read, if you have never read this author before this series is 150% better than her first series.

Share/Like this Review?

I have the same complaints about this that I had about the first Soldiers book - I think this flowed a little more smoothly but it does not have the impact of any the Prince series. It's an OK read, maybe even a good read; if I wasn't comparing it to the Prince books. [IMHO:]

The Legend of the Four Soldiers

To Taste Temptation
To Seduce A Sinner
To Beguile A Beast May 2009
TO DESIRE A DEVIL November 2009


The Princes Trilogy

The Raven Prince
The Leopard Prince
The Serpent Prince

Share/Like this Review?

I have added this book to my keeper shelf. The hero needs to get married but he doesnt want a wife who will really care for him because he suffers from post traumatic stress and survivor syndrome after the French & Indian War and heaven forbid that anyone should love him and help him heal. The heroine does and has for years but doesn't want him to know it. They marry and this is their story. I cared about Jasper from the first book in the series and was very pleased with this book that gave him his happily ever after.

Share/Like this Review?

A lovely romance with a wounded hero and strong heroine both of whom are beautifully drawn through the story. Nicely written love scenes, steamy but nothing over the top. This is my first Elizabeth Hoyt book and I've already ordered more. I loved her details that were just enough to be interesting without being distracting.

I read about this book when reading a PBS member's list of favorite "wounded heroes" and I think that Vale really fits the bill. He carries terrible emotional scars that really color the story and his character and makes him a strong character. But honestly I liked Melisande as much as Vale. I thought she was a really great female lead. I think they are often weak-spined or stupid but this character was awesome.

Overall I think this is probably not as well researched as a Kleypas novel but I enjoyed reading it as well as any Kleypas book. (The standard by which all others are measured, IMO)

Share/Like this Review?

I loved this book! Yes, Mr. Mouse (the dog), definately stole the show, but the characters are so warm and wonderful. I thought this book might be a little darker than it was, and you know what? it was PERFECT! I will be looking for more of Ms. Hoyt's books in the future!

Share/Like this Review?

What a wonderful romance! I immediately fell in love with Jasper and Melisande. Jasper was still dealing with horrors he faced during Spinner's Fall and Melisande was hurt by an old love that made her want to keep her emotions close to her vest. Jasper put forth a jovial manner at all times, but Melisande seemed to see right through him. This frightened Jasper at first, but as he started to really see and get to know Melisande, it was easier for him to be open with her. I liked how the author dealt with their resolutions and I thought Jasper and Melisande was perfect for each other. There were many times when I laughed and a few times I was misty-eyed. The only part of the story that I didn't care for was the mystery involving the betrayer at Spinner's Fall. It did serve a purpose, but I didn't find it engaging.

Share/Like this Review?

What can I say? I just love Elizabeth Hoyt. While this wouldn't be my favorite book by her, it's very good, nonetheless. Better than average for anyone else. She has the most realistic characters and makes us absolutely fall in love with them. Melisande was a very simple, plain, quiet woman. And Jasper was so perfect for her. Not perfect himself, but perfect for her. Her quiet smiles were treasures for him and in the bedroom, they were beautiful together. She came alive there as she never would outside of it. I absolutely adored the gift he gave her - it was just perfect. And as always, the story told at the preface of each chapter was an added bonus. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. It's on the AAR Top 100 Romance list I've been whittling away at.

Share/Like this Review?

This book was different than other romance Historial books I have read. Usually the main characters marry without love and fall in love by the end of the book. In this one Meissande has always loved Jasper from afar. He has never taken a good look at her, because he thinks she is rather plain compared to the other woman he has bedded. He soon finds out the truth after they are married.

Share/Like this Review?

I really liked this much better than book 1 (To Taste Temptation). I appreciated that Jasper's PTSD wasn't "magically" cured by falling in love. Both he and Melisande found a way to deal with it. I liked their push and pull between each other. The mystery of the traitor isn't solved and might not be until book 4. We do know/find out who it isn't.

Share/Like this Review?

Re-discovered Hoyt again. Her story line just keeps you reading. Love it.

Share/Like this Review?

I don't know what it is about this book that makes it such a favorite of mine. After reading all of the Four Soldiers series, I can say I like this one the best. The H&H are both flawed, neither of them is described as particularly handsome or beautiful and although superficially they seem like totally different personalities, actually they have some things in common. They are both good at keeping secrets, they are both quirky, but accepting of each others quirks. It's really a sweet story.
This book has a bit of dry humor and lots of heart-tugging emotion. Should appeal to fans of Stephanie Laurens, Jo Beverly and Liz Carlyle.

Share/Like this Review?

Good book.

Share/Like this Review?

I actually really liked this book. I wasn't sure how I would like it because I did not particularly like the first book of this series(To Taste Temptation). But I think the author redeemed herself with this book. And now I am looking forward to the next book of the series. Especially after getting a glimpse of the main characters of the next book in this book :)

Share/Like this Review?

A great book!

Share/Like this Review?

I love this series! So Much Fun!

Share/Like this Review?