Don't Tempt Me

By: Loretta Chase

Narrated by: Kate Reading

Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's Summary

Scandal! Gossip!

When kidnapped English heiress Zoe Lexham daringly escapes from captivity, her problems have only begun. After 12 years in a harem, she knows far more about erotic practices than how to conduct a proper conversation in civilized parlors.

Her reception from London society's ladies is arctic; the proposals from their husbands and brothers exceedingly warm; and her loving, but overwhelmed, aristocratic family fear she'll be an outcast forever - unless someone can launch her to success (and a good marriage)!

Enter Lucien de Grey, the Duke of Marchmont. Lucien is no knight in shining armor; he's cynical, easily bored, dangerous to women, and utterly indifferent to popular opinion. But good looks, combined with money and title, make him welcome everywhere. The most popular bachelor in the Beau Monde can easily save Zoe's risqué reputation, if he can prevent the chemistry between them from getting so out of hand...so often...and so deliciously!

©2009 Loretta Chekani (P)2016 Loretta Chekani

Made me chuckle while getting my nails done.

The couple made this book thoroughly enjoyable. A Duke and a "Duchess-that-is-to-be" both with great sense of humor made the chemistry between this couple well-developed and believable. The conversations were easy to follow and very natural. It's so refreshing to find a couple with really bad pasts (one was kidnapped and sold/lived in a harem and the other abandoned by deaths in his family), who weren't traumatized to the point of being overly dramatic or angsty. Both of them have "glass half full" personalities. The book wasn't a tear-jerker per se but this likable couple made this book engrossing. I was glued to this book and slowed down the listening pace to 1x - because I didn't want to miss anything - especially the dialogues. It was that good!

Kate Reading is always superb. Her male voice (especially of Lucien) is very appropriate to the protagonist's character. Kate's characterization of Zoe is a bit mature for her age (24 I believe), but believable nonetheless. It's been a while since I've had to press my rewind icon so many times because I just didn't want to miss a dialogue or a description. Perfect historical romance audio listen, in my opinion. Well-executed by Ms. Chase and Ms. Reading.

This book comes highly recommended by someone who has amassed over 2K audio books, rated 515 and written only 26 full reviews and made it a point to write her 27th audible review for this one.

9 people found this helpful

Hooked from beginning to end!!!

Again Chase hits it out of the park! I loved this story and the characters were wonderful. The banter between Marchmont and Zoe is just great. So it is a bit predictable - that's why I listen to these books! I want to be transported to a Happily Ever After place! There was just enough drama and turmoil to make it interesting. I laughed out loud all the time! Didn't want to put this on pause! Kate Reading is well - she IS THE BEST! She makes any story that much more delightful!

Totally worth a credit.

4 people found this helpful

BORED

This book was dull. I usually love Loretta chase but they must've bothered her to pump out a book asap for this one.

Her sisters didn't care about her in the slightest. Oh you know missing for 12 years but oh heavens if you're ok or not. You should be sent off.

There was no real plot. He is broody, she is sweet but sinful blah blah.

Save yourself a credit and get lord of scoundrels instead (if you haven't already)

8 people found this helpful

A touching story with wit that keeps you listening

The heroine, Zoe Octavia Lexham, was kidnapped at the age of 12 while on a trip with her parents and brought to live in a harem in Egypt. The hero, the Duke of Marchmont, was very close to her and her family as her father helped raise he and his brother after their parents died. After 12 years in which Zoe's father never gave up looking for her, she escaped and went to what would be the equivalent to the now English embassy and was quietly returned home to her family. She was dubbed "the harem girl " by the press and exploited as a scandal. In steps the Duke of Marchmont to calm things and help Zoe to regain her respectability and help her enter into society. Their friendship is renewed and sparks fly in this witty and most entertaining novel. The characters had great depth and their growth in themselves and their relationship was masterfully done.
Another hit by Loretta Chase. She is particularly good at writing romance novels where the h/h have good communication with depth and wit, fun and adventure that keeps you turning the pages, or listening in audio format. Keep them coming Ms. Chase, your style of writing is very refreshing.

1 person found this helpful

Be tempted!

As unusual as this tale is... it is still a very enjoyable regency romance 'read'. It offers a thought provoking yet lightweight look into a darker subject. Just.....Unusual!

NARRATOR : Excellent!

HEAT FACTOR: Scorching!

1 person found this helpful

"The words are English but the thinking must be Arabic bcs I can't make heads or tails of it"

The story was fantastic to about 2 hours prior to ending when the marriage happened and then after that what the book was based on was no more and the story took an entire different direction. I was hoping the bantering would continue but sadly the fun ended at the two hour mark as well and the story became grim and much to serious for my taste. I would still recommend this book just be forewarned about the ending.

7 people found this helpful

Pleasant was to spend an afternoom.

Interesting to listen to. Not the typical story line, and the plot was not as simplistic or ridiculous. ot w as, of course, predicatable. Narration was pleasant. I did get tired of so many sentences beginning with "he said" or "she said". If the writing and narration is adequate, we can all figure out who is saying what.

Childhood friends romance

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have listened to it several times. I wished there were more stories included about Zoe and Marchmont as children so we were more convinced of how close they felt in their youth. There were a few towards the end of the book, but I would have preferred them in the beginning. I liked both characters and Marchmont's evolution back to a generous, caring person is heartwarming. The story of Zoe’s escape to rescue herself is very moving and brought me to tears. She shows great courage throughout the book, including facing her critics to embrace the life she was meant to have in the glittering London ballrooms. Excellent narration.

Kinda boring

Couldn’t connect with the characters. Didn’t really care about them or like them much. I feel they should have been built up sooner in the story. The ending is good though. Worth a listen but not really connected to the series.

Very good

Kate Reading was superb as usual. Some funny moments, some made me cry. I recommend. Loved the Duke!

Poor effort

Entirely daft story that not even mediocre narration couldn't save. Give it a wide berth.

great listen, thanks

Kate Reading, thank you. For the first time in ages I enjoyed a flawless reading which truly complemented a cracking tale.