This time out, I have one of my favorite historical authors, Loretta Chase, with Don't Tempt Me (Avon). When Lucien was young, his parents' death sent him reeling. Lord Lexham took Lucien and his older brother in hand, and Lucien grew to be fast friends with the Lexham children, including the younger Zoe, who always made him laugh. Then she disappeared while the family was a trip to Egypt. Now the Duke of Marchmont, Lucien de Grey doesn't care much for what other people think. But the return of Zoe to her family has him offering to launch her into Society, as he still feels he owes her father. Without someone in a high enough position, people won't accept her after the years she spent in a harem. Zoe is disappointed to find Lucien so changed from the boy she used to tease and play with, but occasionally, she sees a glimpse of that boy in his eyes. She also can't help but notice that he also looks at her in a more adult sort of way. As children, they always had spats, and Zoe ran away. As adults, the spats are a little different, but when she runs, Lucien still can't help but follow, even though he knows he shouldn't. But Zoe makes him feel again, something he's tried very hard not to do since his brother's death. He can't help it when she's around, though, and some of the things he's feeling are a little scary, like the way he doesn't want to come up with a list of suitable men to invite to a dinner for her. This one is absolutely terrific, with touches of humor and an unconventional heroine who knows what she wants and just how to get it. Lucien is a great hero, always trying to do the right thing, determined to keep his word, and falling hard in love with Zoe along the way. As a pair, they're very nearly perfect. This one gets four and a half of Cupid's five arrows.
Until next time, happy reading!
