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The Earl's Temptation

Book 2 in the series:Rogues & Gentlemen

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'The Earl's Temptation' is a captivating tale of romance and adventure set in the Regency era, following the journey of Alexander Sinclair, the Earl of Falmouth, and Celestine De LaVelle. The plot intertwines themes of love, sacrifice, redemption, and societal expectations as the characters navigate through challenges and obstacles. The writing style immerses the readers in a world filled with danger, passion, and intricate relationships, keeping them engaged from start to finish.

The story unfolds as Alex, a former navy officer and smuggler, crosses paths with Celeste, a resilient young woman with a troubled past. Their unlikely romance faces hurdles due to their age difference and societal norms, creating a tension-filled narrative that culminates in a heartwarming resolution. Emma V. Leech skillfully weaves together a tale of love overcoming adversity, enriched with well-developed characters and vivid descriptions that transport readers to the shores of France and the ballrooms of London.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with Celeste embodying youthful resourcefulness and Alex representing a tormented, older character grappling with his past.

Writing/Prose:

The author's writing is engaging and well-crafted, with a rich narrative style that effectively conveys both emotional depth and historical context, although it deviates from traditional regency language.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around a May to December romance filled with intrigue and societal challenges, focusing on the relationship between a younger woman and an older man with a tumultuous past.

Setting:

The story is set in the early 19th century, traversing between France and England, which enriches the historical context of the narrative.

Pacing:

The pacing is moderate, with a mix of tension and romance that sometimes feels prolonged but generally maintains the reader's engagement through emotional climaxes.

Notes:

The story is about Alex, the Earl of Falmouth, and Celeste, a young, resourceful woman.
Alex is twice Celeste's age and struggles with their age difference.
Celeste has a challenging background, making her a strong character.
The book features a mix of romance, intrigue, and historical settings from France to England.
Celeste cares for Alex after rescuing him from the sea, igniting their love story.
The book was noted for its emotional depth, even making some readers cry.
Emma V. Leech is praised for her storytelling, capturing the essence of the time period.
There is a theme of redemption for Alex, who has a troubled past as a womanizer.
Celeste's character is seen as realistic, reflecting a young woman of her era.
The story includes dangers of smuggling and societal pressures of the time.
Despite some criticisms of Celeste's immaturity, many appreciate her strength and perseverance.
Readers compared the dynamics of this couple to traditional romances, noting its unique features.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for the book include discussions of past sexual relationships, explicit scenes, and themes of class exploitation and danger.

Has Romance?

Romance is a significant element in The Earl's Temptation, as the love story between Celeste and Alex drives the narrative.

From The Publisher:

The Earl's Temptation

ROGUES & GENTLEMEN: BOOK TWO

Alexander Sinclair, Fourth Earl of Falmouth, has a reputation for revelling in vice.

Wine, women and gambling are only one side of this dangerous man, for the Earl has a second life, leading a criminal gang, smuggling contraband between France and Cornwall.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A fabulous historical romance […] Ms. Leech has provided readers with a well-written book with amazing characters. Alex and Celeste's story is loaded with drama, action, sizzle, humor and suspense. The Earl's Temptation is book 2 of the Rogues & Gentlemen Series but can be read as a standalone - this is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger." ~ Amazon customer review

Seeking ever more risk Alexander often leads his men on their night-time missions. One unlucky night the revenue men appear, and the smugglers sail into a violent storm in an effort to escape, but the ship and all aboard go down. Barely alive Alexander washes ashore on the coast of France.

Enter innocent beauty, Celestine Lavelle, the daughter of a noble French family forced to flee their estate during the revolution.

Having lost everything, she must work in the kitchens of a coastal brothel.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I loved the characters so much they are so complex and share a wonderful chemistry. Emma Leech created a world so passionate that evokes so much emotions you cannot put down this amazing steamy story" ~ Amazon customer review

Desperate and alone, her future is besieged by sin.

The discovery of a half-drowned English smuggler on the shore will lead her heart in directions she never dreamed of. Alexander determines to save his beguiling rescuer. He plans her future should be full of everything that is good and honourable… but will the temptation to take her as his own be too hard to resist?

The second book of the acclaimed Rogues & Gentlemen historical romance series from Emma V Leech, the multi-award-winning Amazon Top 10 romance writer. Author of fan favourites such as Flaming June and Last Man in London, both listed in the 20 'Romance Reads You Can't Miss' in the Amazon Kindle Storyteller Awards 2018.

**** Warning: Contains both a feisty heroine and a classic alpha male, meaning you may encounter some mild swearing and mildly graphic, descriptive sex scenes. ****

The Rogues & Gentlemen series can be enjoyed as stand-alone novels or as part of the wider series. If the full series appeals, the suggested - but by no means essential - reading order would be:

Book 1: The Rogue

Book 2: The Earl's Temptation

Book 3: Scandal's Daughter

Book 4: The Devil May Care

Book 5: Nearly Ruining Mr Russell

Book 5.5: Winter's Wild Melody

Book 6: One Wicked Winter

Book 7: To Tame a Savage Heart

Book 8: Persuading Patience

Book 9: The Last Man in London

Book 10: Flaming June

Book 11: Charity and The Devil

Book 12: A Slight Indiscretion

Book 13: The Corinthian Duke

Book 14: The Blackest of Hearts

Book 15 Duke and Duplicity

Book 16 The Scent of Scandal

Book 16.5 The Christmas Rose

Book 17 Melting Miss Wynter

Book 17.5 The Winter Bride, a Rogues & Gentlemen Novella

Happy reading! And please do leave a review if you can - it would mean the world to hear what you enjoyed most about the book.

 
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