TEMPTATION by Leda Swann

Publisher: Avon Red
Date published: November 2009
ISBN: 978-0061672408
Erotic historical romance
Trade Paperback
Reviewed by Valerie
Obtained via publisher



Beatrice Clemens learns from her brother, who is a soldier in South Africa that there are many soldiers who haven’t got family to write to them. So, she gets her friends to pick a soldier and to send them letters from home. Beatrice begins a correspondence with Captain Percival Carterton and doesn’t think there is any harm when the letters get a little saucier. She’s looking for a steady husband and doesn’t believe she will ever meet Percival. Percival is utterly captured by Beatrice, and when he gets home he looks her up, determined to win her heart and marry her. But Beatrice may just get herself betrothed to another man, unless Percival can persuade Beatrice that it’s only in his arms that she will find true love and passion.

This is quite a nice, interesting and entertaining read. We are introduced to Beatrice and her friends. Beatrice is a very sensible woman; she works hard and is looking for a nice, steady husband. She may have found him. Reading the correspondence between her and Percival was interesting. I also enjoyed reading about the secondary characters and how they write to other soldiers, and get their happy endings too. I also liked the way the sexual tension builds up until in the last part of the book, things get so hot, the reader may need to keep an iced drink very close. This author, who is actually a collaboration of two people, has written a tale that will keep you entertained. For me, personally, I felt it lacked real emotions and the characters didn’t really leap out at me. Other than that, I did enjoy this story and can recommend it.


THIS IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT OF THIS BOOK. THIS IS AN OBJECTIVE UNBIASED REVIEW

CAPTIVE by Leda Swann

Publisher: Avon Red
Date published: January 2009
ISBN: 978-0061672392
Erotic historical romance
Trade Sized Paperback
Obtained via: Publisher
Reviewed by Valerie



Louisa Clemens is a British governess. She is presently in Italy, taking care of her charges. While presenting them to their mother and her guests at a small party, she is aware of a man watching her. Stealing a look at him, she is surprised at her body’s reaction to him. She is used to men trying to get her into their beds and has always been able to politely refuse, but she sees in this strange man danger. This exotic man, Khair Bey steals into her bedroom and proceeds to seduce her and show her how enjoyable sensual pleasure really is. Now she must flee, and on her way to England, her ship is captured by pirates and Louisa is put up for sale. To her shock, Khair Bey shows up and buys her. Now she is his slave in every way, body and soul. Khair is intoxicated by the British beauty and he is wondering just who is the slave in this relationship.

CAPTIVE was for me a quick read and an entertaining one. I enjoyed the plot, I enjoyed the characters and the sex scenes were sensual and emotional. I thought that Leda Swann did a good job showing the differences between the British family, Louisa worked for and the Moroccan family that Khair came from. I also enjoyed the writing style, the story flowed nicely and the dialogue was well done too. I did feel, however, that this story could have been fleshed out a lot more. I also felt the main characters, although enjoyable, could have been more dimensional. They come across a little flat. I also didn’t really enjoy the fact that a simple white lie was the only thing that really kept Louisa and Khair apart. This just may be a book from this author that is not quite up to par. I haven’t read any other titles by this author so I cannot compare. If you don’t mind a decent, entertaining read then by all means do try this one.

THIS IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT OF THIS BOOK. THIS IS AN OBJECTIVE UNBIASED REVIEW.

STAND AND DELIVER by Leda Swann

Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Date published: August 2007
ISBN 9781419912115
Historical romance
E-book
Reviewed by Karin




CLICK TO PURCHASE!This novella picks up on the tales of mysterious and dangerous outlaws who terrorized the roadways of long-ago England, the Highwaymen. Jack Hall is a fearsome criminal, who appears at the Burroughs family's Inn late one night seeking lodging.

The Innkeeper's daughter, Bess has kept her heart guarded and passion under wraps as she diligently tends to her duties. Her beauty has produced many admirers, but none has captured Bess' heart, until Jack sparks a thirst she cannot quench alone. She gives herself freely and he takes all she offers.

One night with Bess and Jack cannot leave her alone. He risks their safety and his change to have a legitimate life in the Americas to have one more night with Bess. Before Jack's mettle is revealed, Tim, the besotted stableboy who dreams of winning Bess, is shocked when he sees Jack and Bess in the throes of passion. Not deterred from his goal of winning Bess, Tim hatches a misguided plot to do away with Jack and subdue Bess. Is the love Bess and Jack have true, or will this unlikely couple be parted by fate?

The good use of dialogue and vivid descriptions quickly build the sensual tension between Bess and Jack, leaving the reader looking forward to each of their encounters. Jack is a charming scoundrel and Bess a spirited lover who he has initiated to sex. There is explicit description of sexual encounters and voyeurism.

This story is a quick and exciting read to be recommended.

MISTRESS by Leda Swann

Publisher Avon Red
Date published March 2008
ISBN 978-0-06-143122-7
Historical Erotic Romance
Trade Paperback
Reviewed by Susan






Emily Clemen’s situation has brought her to Eric Twyford. Emily is a teacher but it doesn’t pay enough so she has offered to pose for some scandalous pictures to earn some more money. Eric, a photographer, is more than happy to help her out. They embark on a business relationship but it evolves into something more.

Emily is a sensible girl. Being an orphan with no family to help her, she does what she can to help herself including posing for naughty pictures. It is surprising to her that she can let go of her inhibitions so easily. Of course, it is made easier by her attraction to Eric. He tries to keep everything on a business level but he can’t resist the growing feelings he has for her. Emily needs to decide whether she wants to be just a “mistress” or a “wife”. Her decision takes this couple on another path and it becomes almost torturous as we wait for them to come together again. Eric and Emily are a great couple but it takes awhile before they find their “happily ever after”.

MISTRESS is a fascinating story with some nice twists. It gives readers a good idea of what life was like in those days. Women did not have a lot of choices – very unfair – and it makes me glad that I’m not living in those days. MISTRESS contains lots of erotic action as well as romance. It should not be considered just an “erotic” book but a historical romance infused with eroticism.