Veena’s review of Secrets of Seduction (Legendary Lovers, Book 3) by Nicole Jordan
[Genre] published by Ballantine Books 29 Apr 14
Fairy tales must be the new in thing, since this is the second beauty and beast themed romance that I am personally reviewing in so many months. I’ve come to the conclusion that I am definitely a sucker for them, because I quite enjoyed this one too, despite some of the inconsistencies that bothered me from time to time. This book is also a cross-over book from the author’s Paradise series featuring the Guardians of the Sword based on Cyrene Island.
Skye Wilde is an independent miss. She first made Hawk’s acquaintance when she almost fell off the balcony at the tender age of thirteen while he danced with his wife in the family ballroom. Hawk is now a widower, having tragically lost his wife and child in a fire at his estate while he was away on a business trip. He’s spent the last ten years living abroad, working for the foreign service, trying to atone for the sin of living without his family. He’s finally coming back to restore his estates in preparation for a new wife. Skye is determined to win him for herself, so she beards him in his stately castle with the excuse of seeking his help on a quest, but, in reality, to confirm that he is her destined lover and see if there’s chemistry between them.
I know the author explains that Skye is wild and independent, but, even so, it’s strange that she’s able to go and stay at Hawk’s castle without any lady’s maid or chaperone for days on end, even traipsing off to Ireland with him. She’s a sweet, young, virginal miss as is appropriate for her station in life, but she jumps into bed with Hawk with the alacrity of a modern-day miss that’s hard to reconcile.
The chemistry between them is definitely red hot and they can’t seem to get enough of each other. Hawk, try as he might, is unable to resist her as she sweeps his objections aside and steamrolls him with humor and persistence into doing her bidding. Inconsistencies aside, I quite enjoyed the book with its intricate secondary plot where Skye seeks to find her guardian’s lost youthful love and restore him his happiness.
Hawk’s commitment to the Guardians of the Sword is apparent from the beginning of the book. Even though this story can and does stand on its own, it’s clear that there’s a lot more hidden under the surface. I believe reading those books first will enhance the enjoyment of this one.
Grade: B
Summary:
Stunning sensuality and breathtaking romance mark this dazzling new Legendary Lovers tale from New York Times best-selling author Nicole Jordan, where an extraordinary beauty teaches a handsome, reclusive “beast” to love again.
The most charming Wilde cousin, Lady Skye has secretly loved the enigmatic Earl of Hawkhurst since girlhood, long before the tragedy that left him scarred both physically and emotionally. When Skye learns that the celebrated hero has returned to England from his self-imposed exile to make a cold marriage of convenience, she brazenly plants herself on his castle doorstep, determined to convince Hawk that she alone is his perfect mate and destiny.
An elite member of the Guardians of the Sword, Hawk has vowed never again to risk the pain of loving – but that’s before he deals with the most enchanting, annoyingly persistent seductress he’s ever encountered. One night of blazing passion leaves him impossibly torn. Will Hawk choose duty over love, or will he open his heart and let Skye’s healing light penetrate his darkness?
Other books in this series:
