Sandy M’s review of Don’t Tempt Me by Sylvia Day
Historical Romance published by Brava 1 Apr 08

I have got to pull my Sylvia Day books out of the TBR pile. I’ve read only one other book by this author, but it was a short story.  Nothing wrong with that, I loved it.  But that’s my point.  A book and a half read and I want more, more, more of Ms. Day’s works.  There’s not one thing not to like about this book, which leads me to believe I’ll enjoy her others just as much.

Simon Quinn is tired of the spy game and is ready to retire his work for the crown.  His unscrupulous superior has other ideas, however, and basically blackmails Simon into one last mission.  He doesn’t have much choice when this happens.  He’s not a nobleman, has no property of his own, and when his boss freezes Simon’s account, even money is lost to him.  He’s learned a hard lesson, but the next time he gets the chance, he’s back to Ireland and out of their hands.

His mission becomes quite complicated when he encounters Lynette Baillon, daughter of a vicomte. The problem is he doesn’t know her as Lynette.  The woman whom he thinks it is he disliked at first sight and he can’t figure out why he now burns for her. Meeting Simon has made Lynette feel for the first time in two years, ever since her sister died.  She’s in for a huge surprise the longer she associates with Simon. And it’s that surprise that starts this book moving at the speed of light in a complex mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end.

I enjoyed Simon and Lynette very much. Simon looks at himself as a cad, a rake, a no-gooder because of his profession.  Didn’t matter to me, I loved him as much as Lynette did.  He does his best to stay away from her, to do what’s right for her, so that alone made him a hero in my eyes.  Though Lynette loves her family, is obedient, she knows her own mind and does her own thing, especially when it comes to Simon. The heat just combusts between these two whenever they’re together and their love scenes are simply terrific.  Ms. Day knows how to lay on the sizzle!

We also get two mini romances in this book, Lynette’s mother and her sister both find love.  Not having read any other books by Ms. Day, I don’t know if they’re part of any other stories.  I’m going to be finding out as soon as possible, though.  I’m going to begin scouring that TBR pile tonight!

Grade: A

Read Gwen’s review here and other information by following the book’s tag.

Summary:

WHO IS SHE?

Simon Quinn can have any woman he wants, but he prefers them jaded, worldly, and free of illusions. His life is one of danger and temporary pleasures. An Irish commoner, he has nothing more than his expertise as a lover and mercenary to recommend him and no title, property, or family to redeem him.

Lysette Rousseau is a deadly beauty who can seduce or betray with equal skill. She should be just the sort of woman Simon entertains, but something about her sets him on edge. At times she is a femme fatale he cannot abide, at others she is warm, sweet, and irresistibly alluring. His reactions to both sides of her are equally powerful, but for opposite reasons. It seems almost as if there are two women in one…

TWINS!

…one wounded and exploited, the other innocent but strong. Lynette Rousseau will do anything to reclaim the sister who doesn’t remember her. She will gain the proficiency required to enter the underworld her sibling occupies. But how will she defend herself against the enigmatic, seductive Simon Quinn? A man who can liberate Lysette, but whose insatiable desires may ensnare Lynette forever…

Read an excerpt.