Twice the Temptation by Suzanne Enoch
This novel contains two connected stories about two different Marquis of Rawley. A Diamond or Forever is set in Regency England, and Diamonds are NOT a Girls Best Friend in present-day England and they both have to deal with a cursed diamond necklace called the Nightshade Diamond.
The first story follows Evangeline Munroe who inherits the necklace from an aunt. On her way home from receiving the necklace she’s involved in a carriage accident and as she’s attempting to see to the damage Connoll Addison, Marquis of Rawley, falls on top of her and kisses her in the middle of the street. They exchange words, but Connoll is haunted by the kiss and seeks Evangeline out.
There’s some cute courtship things, Evangeline doesn’t cower to Connoll and he likes that, and a very cute kitten named Elektra. As well as complications. Her mother thinks the only good man is one you can control and she’s got an annoying older suitor who doesn’t realize he’s lost her. Connoll is the star of this show though. He’s dashing, witty, caring and sees through Evangeline well enough to know that she’s just a bit misguided. I wish Enoch had introduced us to Connoll earlier.
Connoll and Evangeline figure out about the cursed diamond and stow it away on the Rawley estate, so that it will bring good luck to the Addison family over time, since it won’t be worn. The bad luck only comes about when it’s worn or touched by someone. The diamond remains in the same place until 2007 when it’s discovered by Samantha Jellicoe.
Samantha Jellicoe is the girlfriend of Richard Addison, Marquis of Rawley. She’s also a retired cat burgler now in the security business. She’s setting up security in one of the buildings of Rawley park for a gem exhibit when she finds the necklace in the hiding place. She takes it to Rick thinking it’s a gift, but they find a note from Connoll and Evangeline telling about the story.
Sam believes the curse but Rick doesn’t. They have some mishaps with it, including a former sometime partner of Sam’s that wants to rob the gem exhibit. Rick and Sam are the characters of Enoch’s series of contemporary novels. Both are fun and engaging, but the fact that Rick is a definite Alpha, take charge hero and Sam is fiercely independent ’cause she’s not wanted to get caught. The next in the series comes out in October.
Overall this was a neat idea and I loved the Regency story, Connoll is a winner of a hero and Evangeline worked well enough, especially realizing that marrying a partner rather than someone you can control is the best way to go. From the second story, I hope Sam gets comfortable enough with her new legal way of life to accept that Rick is there to help, and Rick realizes he doesn’t need to be on top of every situation and trust Sam more.
Grade: B+ (average of A Diamond or Forever – A and Diamonds Are NOT a Girls Best Friend – B)
