"Superb Pirate/Regency Adventure"

Being raised without love; introduced to all manner of vices during adolescence; Damian Westmore lived life for pleasure and was dubbed "The Duke of Rogues". Caring only for his younger brother Adam, the shock of hearing of his death at the hands of pirates devastated Damian who took to the sea vowing to destroy the ones responsible. Rescued from imprisonment two years later Damian joined the crew of a ship sailing back to England never realizing that the 'crew' were the pirates he'd spent the last two years seeking, or that it included a beautiful woman who would totally beguile him.

Mirabelle Hawkins dreamed of becoming a pirate and sailing the seas with her brothers all her life. After stowing away on their last voyage she had one chance to prove her worth and hold her own. Unfortunately, the enigmatic new navigator Damian was a distraction that was wreaking havoc with both her hormones and resolve. Conversely, Damian was finding it equally hard to remain aloof when it came to keeping his mind and his hands off the stunning siren even with her four brothers on the same ship. In exacting his revenge against her brothers Damian knew there could be no future for such an ill-fated romance and in keeping his oath would lose the woman he desired above all others.

*** TOO GREAT A TEMPTATION is a non-stop action, thoroughly exciting, and exhilarating read by a newer author whose vibrant stories are certain to make lovers of this pirate / regency era genre sit up and take notice. With a deft hand the author paints a deeply moving characterization of the horror of a childhood that shaped Damian's life giving remarkable insight as to his motivations for justice and retribution. Likewise, the same care and detail was given in character building as to what shaped Mirabelle's motivation in wanting the freedom of a pirate's life. The romance was hot and the descriptions of some passionate encounters were sensually stimulating and in my opinion very well done. A lighter touch was added with the antics of Mirabelle's four brothers that evoked some laugh out loud moments along with Mirabelle's good friend Henrietta, whom I would love to see have her very own story proving herself more than ready for a romance of her own. On the whole, I thought this an extremely well plotted story with a twist ending I was secretly hoping for, yet still managing to amaze me when it took off in a shocking direction I had not anticipated. Those looking for a well developed storyline from a vibrantly fresh new voice should definitely take a good look at this new talent!

Marilyn Rondeau, for CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

Reviewed by Marilyn Rondeau
Posted February 21, 2007

Summary

lord so sinful he is dubbed the "Duke of Rogues," Damian Westmore lives for pleasure—until the day his brother dies at the hands of pirates. Abandoning the libertine life to pursue revenge, Damian finds the criminals he seeks and joins their crew in disguise, waiting for the chance to strike the brigands down. But he never imagined there would be a woman on board—or that the stunning siren would inflame the very passions Damian swore to resist until his brother's death was avenged. Beautiful, fiery Mirabelle Hawkins longs for the freedom of the high seas—so she stows away on her brother's pirate ship at the first opportunity. But she finds something more exciting than chase and plunder: a bold, handsome, secretive sailor whose touch makes her tremble with desire . . . but whose love is a cutlass that could destroy all she holds dear.