"A Regency romance that is heavy on suspense"

In 1805 London, Lord Robert Bradstone seduces Olivia Sutton through words of love and kisses. However, it is not her body he wants; it is her brain. He coaxes her into deciphering a coded missive that claims a King's Ransom in a tomb in Madrid. However, a Spanish 'spy' tries to intercede, but Robert shoots him and blames a shocked Olivia for the murder. The dying Spaniard gives Olivia a gold band and tells her to flee with the deciphered note.

Seven years later, Robert returns from the seemingly dead of a sunken ship. Meanwhile Olivia needs him to clear her name and to accompany her to Wellington so she can deliver information he needs. Robert apparently wants to atone for his travesty and offers to escort Olivia. However, she has deep doubts about trusting the scoundrel who destroyed her life even if he appears to behave honorable now. She also wonders if he would betray his country. To her chagrin, her thirst for vengeance wars with her love for the rat.

ONCE TEMPTED is an exciting Regency romantic suspense novel that stars a brilliant, intrepid heroine, whose naivetÈ is destroyed by the dashing aristocratic cad. The story line is fast-paced, filled with action, and loaded with shockers. Elizabeth Boyle's boiling tale will provide much enjoyment to sub-genre fans as the ingenious Olivia, though once burned, struggles to avoid that same flame.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted June 30, 2001