To Seduce a Sinner

Melisande Fleming had watched Jasper Renshaw- Lord Vale for six years. Watched him take other women to his bed as she blended in all too well, so well, he did not give her much notice at all; let alone remember her name. Melisande saw an opportunity before her to have the man her heart desired, and with all that was holy she took that opportunity with a vow to make him love her, as well as keep the secret from her past buried. Lord Vale had ghosts of his own past that haunted him nightly. A witness and tortured at the Spinner's Falls massacre, Vale was damaged on the inside while all of his friends had to bear scars on the outside of their bodies. He too had a secret, a shameful one that he hoped no one would ever discover. In his search for the traitor of Spinner's Falls, he can not help falling for his new lady wife. It was she that proposed to him, and every day it seemed she beheld something new and intriguing; he knew he could never give himself fully to her, but he would take all that he could get from her. Pent up sexual frustrations of a new bride, a man unsure of himself, and blossoming love mixed with secrets and betrayal make To Seduce A Sinner extremely pleasant to read. What two secrets do these lovers both possess that fear could make the other not love them at all? Historical Romance with an erotic flare sends little shivers up your spine. an extremely well written novel, Ms. Elizabeth Hoyt truly shines with this one! 5 Hearts Hachette Book Group Isbn# 0446406929

Elizabeth Hoyt has only been publishing romances for a few years, but her work is as accomplished, complex, and elegantly written as those of the masters of the genre (like Madeleine Hunter, Mary Balogh, Loretta Chase, Eloisa James, Julia Quinn, etc.) What's more, her plots, characters, and writing style are all original; her voice is unique; and every book is distinct from the last one. I think those who haven't discovered Hoyt's books yet are in for a real treat. "To Seduce a Sinner," like all of Hoyt's stories, features a troubled male protagonist, a multi-layered heroine (in fact, Melissande seems to have more hidden depths than any of her other heroines, save that of her first book, "The Raven Prince"), and a plot with dark undertones of loss, betrayal, and rage. In this case, Lord Vale is determined to discover the traitor in his war regiment, a journey that takes him to unsavory places to meet with unsavory people. Melissande, in contrast, is suffering from her unrequited love for Vale, love she attempts to keep hidden, even after they marry and start a sexual relationship. This struggle is surprisingly heartwrenching, and it's easy to identify with Melissande's restrained longing for her husband. Vale is an extremely interesting character-- much more so than he seemed in the first book of this series. He's a cad with a strong moral code; a lover who seems oblivious at times to basic human emotion; a charmer who is befuddled by the enigmatic nature of his wife. The result is an intriguing love story where even small moments between Vale and Melissande crackle with chemistry. I loved this story. In fact, I think it's my favorite of Elizabeth Hoyt's books simply because every page revealed something intriging about the characters or the historical period. The dialogue is crisp and witty; the love scenes erotic and raw, as is Hoyt's trademark. I highly recommend "To Seduce a Sinner."

This is the second book in The Legend of the Four Soldiers series. I was not too impressed with the first book in this series as I never got attached to the abrasive heroine. Luckily, this book is of the quality that I have come to expect from Ms. Hoyt. This is the kind of tale that has made her one of my favorite authors. Melisande has loved, from a distance, Lord Vale for years... although Vale has barely acknowledged her existence. After watching Vale get dumped by his betrothed for the second time, Melisande sees her opportunity and takes advantage of it; she proposes marriage and Vale accepts. This book had probably one of the funniest opening chapters I have ever read. The scene between Vale and his hysterical fiancée had me laughing out loud and really set the pace for a fantastic story. Melisande is a heroine who fades into the background when in public and has a few secrets of her own. She's not conventionally beautiful but her wit, humor and sense of herself more than make up for the physical. I thought her and Vale were a perfect match and I enjoyed their sarcastic sparring and watching them get to know each other. Their romance has a real believability to it and their honesty and acceptance of one another was refreshing. These are too complex characters that aren't that typical to historicals. I found this an easy mix of fun, romance and heat. I also enjoyed the ongoing mystery of the possible betrayer to Vale and his fellow former soldier. I look forward to seeing how that pans out and I can't wait to read the next book. This is one of those impossible to put down books, I loved it. To Taste Temptation (The Legend of the Four Soldiers) To Beguile A Beast (The Legend of the Four Soldiers) To Desire a Devil (release date November 2009) Cherise Everhard November 2008

Okay, Elizabeth Hoyt's ability to write one amazing historical romance after another is beginning to bother me. It's unnatural. I've never read such a consistently wonderful author. Each book is a gem. In some ways, I am grateful. But such talent is unsettling. It breeds dissatisfaction when I finish her latest and must wait months, MONTHS, to read her next offering. The mediocre work of other authors is cold comfort. Can you write faster, Elizabeth? But no, don't write faster! Continue to do whatever it is you do (weird rites by moonlight?) and continue to write such top-notch stuff! In case you can't tell by my effusive praise, I loved Jasper and Melisande's story. (And how great is it that Melisande and Jasper are names authentic to the period? Ms. Hoyt never saddles her characters with anachronistic names like Ryder and Blaze.) This book is funny and heartwrenching and sexy as hell. If you haven't started reading Elizabeth Hoyt, you're in for a treat. Pick up the first two books in The Four Soldiers series, and read them in order. And then read her Prince trilogy. You won't be sorry...until you realize how long you'll have to wait for book 3...

All authors are gifted. They just give their presents at different times. Ok, ok, Elizabeth Hoyt frequently gives her readers presents, but I must confess I thought the author's previous release TO TASTE TEMPTATION was a little disappointing. However, this time, Ms. Hoyt rebounds and gives her readers a "Neiman Marcus" type present! TO SEDUCE A SINNER is topnotch. Mini Synopsis: He was Jasper Renshaw, the Viscount Vale, and Melisande wanted him. He possessed the ability to make a woman feel beautiful and desired and while she stood on life's sidelines, Melisande Fleming had fallen hopelessly in love! Then suddenly her fantasy became a reality. Lord Vale was now her husband! But Melisande understood she must proceed slowly, for never would she allow her husband to discover how deep her love was. Jasper Renshaw greatly admired his new wife. Although, twenty-eight-year-old Melisande Fleming was not a beauty, she certainly was memorable. The woman had a quick mind and a direct manner and refreshingly, was unlike any woman he'd ever known. However, he knew he would continue on alone, for never would he allow his new wife to discover what a despicable creature he was. Reviewer's Comments: Sigh . . . two lonely people slowly gaining deep affection and warm feelings toward one another. Now this is romance! And the best part? Although, the plot's backdrop is painful and foreboding, Elizabeth Hoyt manages to throw in some dandy moments of delicious humor! What a great touch Ms. Hoyt - Sir Mouse, Melisande's little dog, is perfect! TO SEDUCE A SINNER is a lovely romance, with wonderful love scenes, a great hero and heroine, and just the right blend of humor and sorrow. For a cozy November night, do treat yourself! Elizabeth Hoyt gives her reader a gem. A personal note: TO BEGUILE A BEAST (release date May 2009) is now on my pre-ordered list and that, in itself, says it all! Grade: A Status: Keeper Shelf Sensuality: Hot MaryGrace Meloche.