Loretta Chase is back, and announcing her presence with authority, with Don't Tempt Me, a "Spunky English girl overcomes impossible odds and outsmarts heathen villains" story, and so much more. Chase is one of my all time favorite romance writers, yet I had found her 2008 release: Your Scandalous Ways unfortunately lackluster, so while I was awaiting this release with baited breath, I have to admit to being a tad nervous as well. Thankfully, that concern has proven to be unfounded, and I can happily declare myself to be completely enchanted with this story. I take it as a good sign when a writer can have you nearly doubled over and howling with laughter by Chapter Two.
Don't Tempt Me is hilarious, touching, and thoroughly delightful, if not technically perfect. It has a few minor flaws - chiefly, her choice of villains and his motivations were slightly cartoonish for my taste; I found this fellow a little to conveniently maniacal to be truly realistic, and in a story that was mostly character driven, this conflict felt slightly out of place. Nonetheless, this book will be taking a place in my keeper collection, and I will definitely be reading it again. Everything I have come to love & anticipate in Chase's writing is present & accounted for here. Rich detail in her characters & setting, her signature comedic genius and subtle wit. If I had any other quibbles with it, I'd say the love scenes weren't as detailed as I would have liked, but the sexual tension between the H&H is definitely tangible and goes a long way toward cranking up the heat.

Grade: A-
Sensuality Rating: R

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Story: 4.5 stars
Romance: 4.5 stars
Overall rating: 4.5 stars

Wow--LOVED IT! This was classic Loretta Chase: romantic, humorous, intriguing plot line.

I was dismayed to find the heroine persona non grata at the opening of the book, but, of course, our hero is just the person to make her the most fashionable lady of the day. I enjoyed the developing romance between Zoe and Marchmont, but the love scenes could have been a bit more detailed for me--that would have earned them a 5.

The story had a few twists and turns that I enjoyed; Ms. Chase's style of writing is vivid and dynamic. The only minor disappointment was the choice of villain. There were quite a few sideline (or exotic eastern) characters that would have been much more interesting and would have earned the story a full 5 as well.

All in all, I NEARLY opted to keep this one on my shelf. But, a number of members have it on their Wish List and I have 130 on my TBR list. Why not make it possible for others to enjoy this book as I have? I hope you (review reader) are one.

Chase is back in top form! Almost right up there with Lord of Scoundrels and The Last Hellion. Wonderful h/h, great story. Just one teeny complaint--weak villain.

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