The Temptation

Once again, Claudia Dain nails it! She seeps you completely into not only the place, but the time, the culture, the very mindset of this period. The characters are very real, very three dimensional- even the secondary characters are real, which adds immensly to the "historical/cultural immersion" effect of reading Clauda Dain. If you're a more sophisticated reader, looking for a historically accurate piece of fiction (that happens to be a romance) this is it. WARNING: May not be suitable for the traditional romance reader who likes a simple, straightforward plot based on the cultural norms of 21st century.

This highly emotional and evocative read is romance at its best, with a keen picture of Olde England as it truly was, and a wonderful battle between the hero and the heroine.

This book is a battle of wills between the Elsbeth and Hugh and will keep you cheering for both up until the end. The 12th century is vividly recaptured in The Temptation and a must read.

Unbelievable sexual tension between a submissive girl and a true gentleman leaves you wanting more with every turn of the page. Hugh of Jerusalem is every woman's dream of seduction and fulfillment. His character is so strong and sensuous that he becomes addicting to the reader as well as Elsbeth, his naive and untrusting bride. The book is 388 pages of pure seduction. Dain offers great insight to the beliefs and practices of the time period (England, 1156). To anyone who finds the book distasteful or vulgar, they must remember the realities of history. It takes true talent to turn such a dark and dreary time to pure seduction and fantasy.

In 1158 England, Lord Gautier asks his daughter Elsbeth, who he has not seen in years, if she really wants to give her life to God by becoming a nun? However, Gautier denies her wish to never marry because a contract exists that allies him with a powerful family. Elsbeth knows her duty, but begs release anyway. Her father forces the marriage between Elsbeth and Lord Hugh of Jerusalem, who overheard the debate.Her plan is simple as she cannot overtly destroy her marriage so she thinks she can coax her spouse into repudiating her starting with persuading Lord Hugh to delay consummation of their vows. Hugh initially agrees because he plans to win her love as nothing less will suit for him. As the couple falls in love, Hugh knows in his soul that once they make love, their hearts will join forever.The tale starts and remains at a snail's pace as Claudia Dain introduces her key threesome and the impact of the Church on life in the twelfth century. The story line towards the middle goes into full throttle and never looks back. Still the refreshing key to THE TEMPTATION is the powerful look inside the religious elements that serve as the prime conflict between the lead couple. Ms Dain provides a deep look at how the Church is involved in almost everything inside a warm love story.Harriet Klausner