Tempting the Heiress

Rating:
Summary: a good read
Review: After an absence of two years, Brock Bedegrayne has returned to England and has, once again, insinuated himself into Amara Claeg's life and affairs. This time, however, Brock seems intent on courting Amara. But while Amara has always been in love with Brock for as long as she can remember, there is, unfortunately too much animosity between the two families -- esp on the Claegs' side. For Amara's parents hold the Bedegraynes responsible for the death of their son, Doran; and Brock, in particular, for the death of Amara's first fiance, the wealthy Lord Cornley. At present, Amara's father is pressuring her to marry Matteo Taldo, the Conte Prola. Will Brock's ardent and forceful courtship sway a very reserved and filially obedient Amara to follow her heart? Or will Amara be forced into another unwanted engagement -- one that may actually result in an undesired marriage?

To begin with, don't read the plot synopsis at the back of the book: it's inaccurate and gives far too much of the plot away. I've always wondered why the people in publishing think anyone would want to read a book when such care has been taken to spell out nearly every plot development in the synopsis! But to get back the "Tempting the Heiress," while I do enjoy Barbara Pierce's Bedegrayne series, honesty compels me to admit that this installment (one that I have been eagerly looking forward to for months) was not really the best installment in the series. The authour tries to walk a fine line between trying to keep things fresh for readers who would be quite familiar with the story so far, and filling readers who have not yet read "A Lady's Mischief" & "A Gentleman at Heart" with what has happened so far without giving too much away. As a result the book did not always flow very smoothly and tended to get bogged down after a while. Fortunately, in creating Amara and Brock, the authour provided us with a hero and heroine that were easy to care and root for. And if the novel had been all about Brock's struggle to win Amara's hand in marriage, the novel would have worked a little better. But because there was also a small intrigue subplot that was not truly realized until the last third of the novel, the uneven air of menace that threaded its way through the book was at times a little frustrating. However, "Tempting the Heiress" did prove to be an extremely well written and sensuous romance novel, so that on the whole I'd vote this a worthwhile read.

Rating:
Summary: From the Outside In
Review: Amara Cleag holds a secret that only Brock Bedegrayne knows about. Brock left England two years earlier after a scandal that involved Amara. Always secretly in love with Amara, Brock returns to England, upon hearing of her possible betrothal to another, in order win her himself. Amara first sees Brock again in the gardens, while trying to avoid her current suitor. Amara and Brock's begins again at this point.

This book is very difficult to get into if you have not read the previous installments of this series. This was the first I read and I really didn't understand all of the characters until half way through the book. The characters, while engaging to read about if you have read the other books, detracted from Amara and Brock's story.

Amara and Brock's story does make you want to cheer for them. The abuse Amara suffers at the hands of her parents is quite difficult to read, at times. Also, when you learn of the brutality Amara suffered as a younger woman, you want her to find happiness and love with the man she has cared for.

I would definitely recommend reading the other books in this tale before reading this one. This one does not really stand alone very well.

Rating:
Summary: engaging Regency romance
Review: In 1810 Vauxhall Gardens, Conte Prola passionately kisses Amara Claeg. Her parents will force Amara to marry her to the Italian count though she hates his kiss. She flees only to run into the devil, Brock Bedegrayne, who has come home after two years overseas.

Though Amara's mother detests the Bedegraynes blaming them for the death of her son, Brock makes it clear to Amara that he desires her and is courting her. Brock asks her to forgive him for his part in the incident two years ago in which her brother died and informs her he is no longer running away so she will have to deal with him.

Amara dreams of her previous suitor Lord Cornley who died in a fire six years ago. Her father selected him though her preference would have been Brock. As far as her dad was concerned Cornley could do anything he wanted and he sexually assaulted her until Brock yanked the SOB off of Amara. A fire killed the man.

This is an engaging Regency romance due to the strong attraction between the two lead protagonists and the fun interactions between his family members. The heroine's reactions to her almost betrothed vs. her belief that she must marry as her father insists turns tedious and a subplot involving her cousin as an odious rival never comes to fruition. Still fans will appreciate this suspenseful second chance tale especially a final fiery twist as Brock struggles to overcome the odds knowing her family rejects him and she has reasons too.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: engaging Regency romance
Review: In 1810 Vauxhall Gardens, Conte Prola passionately kisses Amara Claeg. Her parents will force Amara to marry her to the Italian count though she hates his kiss. She flees only to run into the devil, Brock Bedegrayne, who has come home after two years overseas.

Though Amara's mother detests the Bedegraynes blaming them for the death of her son, Brock makes it clear to Amara that he desires her and is courting her. Brock asks her to forgive him for his part in the incident two years ago in which her brother died and informs her he is no longer running away so she will have to deal with him.

Amara dreams of her previous suitor Lord Cornley who died in a fire six years ago. Her father selected him though her preference would have been Brock. As far as her dad was concerned Cornley could do anything he wanted and he sexually assaulted her until Brock yanked the SOB off of Amara. A fire killed the man.

This is an engaging Regency romance due to the strong attraction between the two lead protagonists and the fun interactions between his family members. The heroine's reactions to her almost betrothed vs. her belief that she must marry as her father insists turns tedious and a subplot involving her cousin as an odious rival never comes to fruition. Still fans will appreciate this suspenseful second chance tale especially a final fiery twist as Brock struggles to overcome the odds knowing her family rejects him and she has reasons too.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: Read the series in order
Review: Not having read the previous books was a detriment. So many events from the past are referred to that this reader had a tough time following current events. it was about the middle of the novel before the pieces started falling into place, and even then, I often wished I had all that background knowledge.

The book had a number of good qualities, however, including the strong leading characters. Amara's subservience to her nasty family was irritating, but her heart was so good and her past so painful that you really rooted for her to have a wonderful life with someone like Brock who would cherish her. Brock is a flawed man, but he has exactly the qualities that Amara needs. Their long, difficult road to happiness is most fulfilling.

This story is darker than many Regency era romances, reminding me a lot of Jo Beverley. Although some of the obstacles are more unfulfilled nuisance than real problems--like Amara's cousin--this story features several episodes of true unplesantness and downright violence. These, in fact, are the things that both separate the lovers and bring them together.

Had I read the earlier books first, I'd have enjoyed this book more and rated it higher. I will read more from Barbara Pierce, however.