To Taste Temptation

To Taste Temptation is the first book in Elizabeth Hoyt’s Legend of the Four Soldiers series, the last of her historical romances I’ve yet to read. This opening volume tells the story of Samuel, a wealthy American businessman who grew up in the wilderness and fought with the British in the French and Indian War. Nearly his entire company was slaughtered by an Indian war party who couldn’t have known their location unless someone had betrayed them, and he believes it was one of their own officers. Determined to find out who and bring that person to justice, he travels to England and insinuates himself into the life of Emeline Gordon, an aristocratic lady who is also his new neighbor, asking her to chaperon his younger sister around show more London. He then uses these opportunities to get close to some of the people involved and investigate. Sam and Emeline share a deep attraction for one another, but they’re like oil and water at first, with him thinking her too high and mighty and her believing him to be too uncivilized. Soon their attraction explodes into passion, but Emeline is still set on marrying someone of her own class, while Sam’s investigation has brought danger to both Emeline and his sister, leaving him in a race against time to save them from the culprit. Overall, this was a pretty good story, but it didn’t end up being an Elizabeth Hoyt favorite for me, which I’ll explain as I go along.

Sam was raised in a cabin in the Pennsylvania wilderness. I can’t recall if his exact age when his sister, Rebecca, was born was given, but I got the impression that he was probably around 12-14 years older than her. His mother died in childbirth and his father shortly thereafter. Rebecca then went to live with their uncle in Boston while Sam was sent to a boy’s school. After school he joined the British military, fighting in the French and Indian War. Then his uncle passed on, leaving his business and considerable fortune to Sam, who has become a well-respected businessman. However, he still feels responsible for somehow not doing more to save the men who were taken captive after their company was massacred. Partially under the guise of spending more time with the sister he doesn’t know very well, he travels with her to London, where he asks Emeline to chaperon Rebecca to balls and parties, so that he can gain access to some of the men he wants to investigate as the possible betrayer. The more time he spends with Emeline, the more the lady amuses him and inflames his passion, but she keeps stubbornly pushing him away. However, it doesn’t stop him from falling in love with her and doing everything in his power to get her back when she and Rebecca are kidnapped by their enemy. Sam was maybe a little too alpha for my taste. He has an arrogant streak that could be rather annoying, and he pushed the envelope on forced seduction a couple of times, too, which made me a tad uncomfortable. In spite of that, he did draw my sympathy for a couple of reasons. First is that he suffers from PTSD (although that’s of course not what it was called back then), having flashback triggers and nightmares. Also, by the end, I felt rather sorry for him because of Emeline’s obstinate insistence upon wanting to marry someone of her own class even though she cares for him, too. He’s also good with Emeline’s son, which I thought showed that he’d be a good father.

Emeline is a proper, aristocratic, English lady who lives with her aging aunt and eight-year-old son, Daniel. She’s a widow, who lost her husband some time ago. In fact, she’s lost most of her family, including a beloved brother who was killed in the massacre. Little does she know, though, that Sam targeted her as a chaperon for Rebecca for that very reason, because she has access to the people he needs to interview. Finding the Americans a bit too uncouth for her taste, she reluctantly agrees to help. However, the more time she spends with Sam, the more he draws both her sympathy and her ire, and she also finds herself attracted to the uncivilized brute, much to her chagrin. Emeline hasn’t chosen the path of the merry widow, instead living a chaste, disciplined life since her husband’s passing, so the passion that Sam exudes is new and exciting for her. But despite her growing feelings for him, she still can’t quite give up on the notion of marrying an old, lifelong friend who is of her own social standing. Emeline had her good points. She’s a loving mother to Daniel, much more hands-on than most women of her class would be. She can also empathize with Sam when he’s having his flashback spells. But on the down side, she’s pretty snobbish toward him on more than one occasion and she frustrated me with her stubbornness regarding the idea of possibly marrying him. She’s also very controlling, and although by the end, we kind learn a little bit of why this is the case, it just didn’t resonate with me in the way I would have liked, making me question, to some extent, the depth of her feelings for Sam.

In the end, I liked To Taste Temptation, but it didn’t quite make it to keeper status, like most of Elizabeth Hoyt’s other books have. Aside from the character flaws I’ve already cited, I had a few other qualms as well. Sam and Emeline’s relationship wasn’t as deep as I wanted it to be. Sam initially plays things close to the vest, because he’s essentially using Emeline to gain access to society for his investigation. He also doesn’t want to reveal too much of what happened to her brother out of concern for her feelings. Emeline, for her part, holds back from Sam out of fear of losing control. I kind of felt like they didn’t spend quite enough time getting to know one another. Also their first couple of love scenes are anger turned to passion moments, which just aren’t my cup of tea. However, once they calm down and settle into their relationship better, these scenes exude all the steamy passion I’ve come to expect from this author. My only other small complaint is that the characters engage in an extreme over-abundance of eyebrow raising, a repetition which the editor should have caught and which is something that I don’t believe I’ve ever seen from this author before. I was also a bit disappointed that there wasn’t a resolution to the budding attraction between Rebecca and the young footman she’d taken a fancy to. The mystery was well-done, keeping me guessing until the actual reveal, and even then, Ms. Hoyt leaves a small thread hanging, which left me wondering if she’ll reveal more in a future book of the series. I also enjoyed the original fairy tale that’s told in snippets at the beginning of each chapter—an Elizabeth Hoyt hallmark—and it also ties into a book of fairy tales that Emeline searches for within the story. Overall, To Taste Temptation was likable enough to make me look forward to the next one, To Seduce a Sinner, which will feature Emeline’s friend and jilted fiance, Jasper, a man who also served with Sam, and her best friend, Melisande. I generally liked these two and think they have a lot of potential together, so I’m going to try to get to their book soon. show less

Widowed Lady Emeline Gordon is an adept member of the ton of London society and has set up a niche for herself, guiding young ladies through their entries into society. Samuel Hartley grew up in the backwoods of the colonies and although he is now a respected businessman in Boston, he is still nowhere near the definition of refined. When Sam asks Emeline to escort his sister, Rebecca, through the vagaries of London society, she reluctantly agrees and quickly learns that Sam is in London for more than just business. While the sparks fly between the unlikely pair, Sam desperately tries to solve a mystery from his past.

Thoroughly enjoyable historical romance. Emeline is a wonderfully strong heroine (and shockingly for a historical romance, show more she's also in her thirties). Sam is an equally strong personality and thoroughly endearing for his habit of wearing moccasins everywhere. The clashes between these two individuals are sparkling and quite steamy further on. Hoyt also works in some serious issues into her novel, looking at the repercussions of warfare on the psyches of the men who fight and the vicious beast of post-traumatic stress disorder, in an 18th century context. She also makes an effort to ensure that servants are not treated simply as background furniture, and there is some emphasis given to the cruelties of a system that focuses on rank rather than merit. The cast of characters that surround Sam and Emeline are equally delightful and the mystery subplot, while easy to figure out in advance of the characters, added sufficient spice to the mix. A particularly nice touch, was Hoyt's framing narrative of the (fictional) fairy tale, Iron Heart, which I found just as interesting as the larger body of the novel. An excellent piece of brain candy. show less

To Taste Temptation
3 Stars

The story and romance failed to completely capture my attention and I often found myself putting the book down to read something else instead.

The mystery surrounding the traitor who led to the massacre at Spinner's Fall is compelling and kept me turning the pages. Nevertheless, the investigation takes a back burner to the rather mundane romance, which is unfortunate.

Emeline is an elitist snob, similar to Annabelle in Secrets of a Summer Night. However, unlike Kleypas's heroine, she never manages to redeem herself. Aside from the intense sexual attraction between them (this books has some of the steamiest scenes I've encountered in mainstream historical romance), I have no idea what Samuel sees in her.

Samuel show more has the potential for an excellent tortured hero but it never manages to come across effectively, and he ends up being your run of the mill alpha who refuses to take no for an answer.

The secondary characters are more interesting, especially Jasper and Melisande (whose book is next - I'm a sucker for redeemed rake vs. prudish miss stories), and Rebecca and Gil ( who apparently appear in subsequent installments although they don't get their own book).

Recommended for those who plan to read the series because it provides the necessary backstory. show less

TO TASTE TEMPTATION is a more conventional romance novel from Elizabeth Hoyt than any installment in the Prince series, but it still wins with it's compelling, fully rounded characters and beautiful style.

Samuel Hartley is literally and metaphorically a hunter: patient, clever, and relentless. He plays a cat and mouse game with the heroine, Emeline Gordon - he enjoys the chase and her resistance only eggs him on further. This is a metaphor that Hoyt draws upon repeatedly - Samuel is always the cat, and Emeline is always the mouse.

Emeline has gotten a lot of flack in the reviews, and I think that's a shame. She is a classic ice queen character - correct and withdrawn to the point of being frosty. But Hoyt makes sure that we understand show more how Emeline became the person that she is: she's an aristocrat, and one by one all the men who were to shoulder the burden of managing her life - her brother, her husband, and then her father - died. Emotionally bereft and totally unprepared, it fell to Emeline to manage the family finances, raise her young son, and take care of her elderly aunt. She rises to the challenge, in a large part thanks to her increasingly rigid self-control.

I thought it was very clear that Emeline felt like she was walking a tightrope, with a horrible abyss yawning beneath her. No wonder Samuel makes her panic, snap, and flee. He unbalances her, sends her wobbling on that tightrope, and Emeline is terrified. So she lashes out at him, like a mouse trapped by the claws of a cat would try to bite.

Emeline is not particularly nice to Samuel - but then, Samuel is not particularly nice to her, either. He hunts her down like a fox in a hole. It's all very primitive and sexy, but meanwhile we see enough of Samuel's soft and caring side, and enough of Emeline's strong and vibrant nature, to know they will work as a couple once the predator has captured its prey.

I really can't wait to read whatever Hoyt comes up with next, I'm excited to have discovered her. show less

Why is it that when someone is rich it's always "as rich as Croesus"? Shameful how Midas is ignored I tell you. Excuse me just 10 pages later Samuel is richer than King Midas.
 
Only on the third or so page and Emeline shows such promise by these two lines "She suppressed a shiver. Intelligent men were so hard to manage." hahaha!
 
Emeline struck me as very cold at first, but just average English lady mannerisms? I think Emeline is too accurate of a portrayal of an English woman for me. She is so reserved! There are little wants and desire that eek out in Samuel's presence I just need more of them to surface to connect with Emeline.
 
Oh God love when Rebecca (Samuel's sister) asks the footman if her dress is cut too low and blurts out show more "the maid doesn't mind her boobies hanging out.." So funny. Definitely feel like there is something up with that footman hmmm.
 
After Samuel confronts Jasper (the man he thinks is responsible for the attack on their regiment) at a ball and then goes back to Emeline's home they have an argument in the sitting room. Here is where I finally felt the heat between this couple. Or maybe it was simply completion of all the stand-offish meetings with wanting communicated just between the eyes. Whatever it was these two characters finally popped for me.
 
Liked how Emeline complains that Samuel not conforming to English customs is all to annoy her. Also quite enjoyed Emeline's friend Melisande, had the most wonderful dry sense of humor. (Melisande is the star of the next book)
 
Heartbreaking storyline of soldiers and how they deal with the aftermath of war. The author did a commendable job of showing how each one handles it differently but still all the same with too much seen eyes that are haunted.
 
Wowza Emeline and Samuel's first sex scene was hot! I think the author tried to set it up with them being cold and arguing with each other, which I got, but I didn't feel it was quite the incredible "moment" it could have been or I have read before. You know how sometimes when you read a sex scene between the characters and you're like "Finally!"? Samuel and Emeline arguing, being a little rough with each other, definitely added some spice to it and the um, cough/blush, descriptive words brought heat to the scene. Samuel and Emeline's sex scene was so passionate I just wish their relationship would have felt the same to me, so close but just lacking, maybe in interaction they don’t seem to be the star of the show but rather Samuel's search for who betrayed him and his regiment during the French and Indian War. Which by the way not to be to picky, but wouldn't the English have called it the Seven Year's War? American's called it the French and Indian War so Samuel saying it makes sense but all the English people saying does not. (My history background rearing its ugly head)
The author used some words and descriptions that I'd call on the risqué side or maybe I'm just not used to this kind of talk in regency stories? This book is definitely not for people who shy away from or can't handle some naughty talk. (icky these two sentences sound kind of prudish)
 
Samuel and Emeline really love to hate each other. She could slap him, he could roughly grip her arm, and then bam they are going at it like mad little bunnies. Great sexual friction/chemistry between these two. Would have been an A book if with that same sexual friction/chemistry there was great cognitive interaction.
 
The author started each chapter with a snippet from a legend called "Iron Heart". I was surprised how much I liked this technique and how much it added to the story and the development of Samuel's character. I almost wanted to read ahead to finish this story within the story.
 
The ending was a tad anti-climatic. They caught the traitor, they didn't catch the traitor? All I know is that Ms. Hoyt better continue the storyline of Rebecca and O'Hare or I will be pissed! (I still think something funny is up with that footman. He seemed to have more of an accent when he talked with Rebecca. When he was with Samuel and Vale searching for Rebecca and Emeline he spoke in proper English. Maybe it was an author mistake and I am just driving myself crazy with theories) ****(Spoiler)**** (Turns out I was wrong SHOCKING! I have actually read this whole series, preparing for the Olympics so I can watch the men's hockey and not get behind on reading/updating my blog which I've been doing lately. Anyway, O'Hare is alas just a footman and we the poor readers hear nothing about them until the last book in the series and it is only for like 5 sentences. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!)
 
I would probably describe this story as first a drama and then romance. There are a lot of intangibles in this story which I highly enjoyed. I liked it because it was original but Emeline was a little too cold for me (hush to the people who say this is a more historically accurate portrayal of an English woman during the time period) and Samuel never struck a cord with me. I quite honestly liked Rebecca and O'Hare better and could have read more about them. If you're looking for some scorching booty scenes though this book has that just start reading about 100 pages from the end ;) show less

This was a great story, passionate, exciting, and heartfelt. The hero and heroine were perfect for each other. There was a lot of tension, tons of chemistry, and just the right amount of drama. Samuel Hartley is very believable as a war-scarred soldier, dark and dangerous, a true hunter. Lucky Lady Emeline Gordon gets to be his prey, and she is more than his equal in spirit and strength. She's maybe not the nicest person in the world, but this only made her more real, a character with depth and feeling. She doesn't want to have anything to do with Samuel at first, let alone like or love him - he's from the colonies, she's an aristocrat, he's so very different, she upholds and conforms to society's strictures. Unlike other across the show more tracks romances, however, Hoyt does a great job depicting the clashes and differences between these two characters, so that Emeline's resistance to Samuel seems rational and understandable. As for Samuel, he's tortured, driven, loyal and by no means perfect. It could have been so easy, I think, to make this character overblown and overdone, a brooding soldier bent on revenge - but fortunately Hoyt sidesteps such a pothole and explores Samuel and his feelings with understated, sympathetic complexity. While the thrill of the chase was a big (and fun) part of the book, there was more to their relationship than that - enough to make me believe that these two were really in love, that they were really going to make it. As for the more basic plot structure of the book, a mystery gives Emeline and Samuel an excuse to get together, but it's really only peripheral - not that well integrated into the romance or that nicely executed. Other than that, a well written book that stayed with me long after I'd turned the last page. On to the next in the series. show less

It’s no secret I loved Elizabeth Hoyt’s first three books. Also I think I may have mentioned that I came close to stalker-like when I ran into her in an elevator – thankfully I managed to restrain myself to save total and complete embarrassment.

I also thoroughly enjoyed her first effort with contemporaries in Hot by alter ego Julia Harper.

So when I started reading To Taste Temptation, I fully expected to love it. And guess what? I did. It's another winner for me for Elizabeth Hoyt.

But wait – this isn’t much of a review so I’ll continue. This is the first book in a series, The Legend of the Four Soldiers. The first soldier, Samuel Hartley is a self made man from the Colonies who fought in the war. He is haunted by what show more happened there and has come to England with his younger sister to track down a traitor. His next door neighbour and sister to his commanding officer is Lady Emeline Gordon, a titled lady who tutors young women in all the fine arts of the upper class.

Samuel is delightful! He’s brash, he’s honest and he really doesn’t give a damn what society thinks of his odd ways. He is Very Strongly Attracted to Emeline and pursues her relentlessly.

Emeline, for her part is Very Strongly Attracted to Samuel, but she’s a snob, she’s elitist, she’s prickly as a pear and I thought she was a hoot. I don’t think she will be everyone’s favourite heroine – in fact I can see many not liking her, but I did. She’s a product of her times and her upbringing.

I love seeing Samuel get her going and getting her mad as a wet hen. He takes great delight in doing that too. They are thrown into each other’s company quite a bit when he hires her to help with his sister Rebecca.

He finally wears down her resistance and when he does – wow – the steam level left my windows fogged up. Of course afterwards, Emeline being Emeline claims that’s it – their brief affair is over. But Samuel isn’t good at taking no for an answer and relentlessly pursues her until she give in again – and then again in a country house party.

Now at this point sadly the book gets a bit of a down grading. You see, Emeline is practically engaged to her brother’s best friend – a man she loves but only as a friend of her brother’s. At this point, she runs away from Samuel and she and Vale, her brothers friend formally announce their engagement. From this point on, I admit, I would have liked to smack her a good one. Vale and Samuel had established a friendship and of course that went very quickly down the drain. Her stubbornness caused a great deal of pain for Samuel who I really enjoyed. Then later they have a final ‘one for the road’ so to speak and I thought another harder slap was in order.

But, things got straightened out – this is a romance of course and I happily finished the book.

There was also an interesting secondary story between Rebecca and O’Hare, one of the footmen employed by Samuel. I don’t know if Ms. Hoyt has something planned for them or not – but I kind of hope so.

There was another interesting thing of note about this book. In her previous trilogy, Ms. Hoyt told a series of fairy tales. She does the same thing with this book at the beginning of each chapter. Normally I tend to skip over the italicized writing at the beginning of chapters, but here as well as her other three books, I found the tale enchanting. show less