London, England – 1764

Samuel Hartley is focused on finding the man who betrayed his regiment six years ago during the French-Indian Wars back in America. Only Sam and a few British soldiers, some of them members of the ton, survived a massacre at a place called Spinner’s Falls, and he wants to know why. He has traveled an ocean to find a traitor, but he will need the help of a member of the ton. After all, he’s merely a colonial gentleman and he works in trade; his enormous wealth will only gain him limited entrance into English society.

Lady Emeline Gordon is the sister of one of Sam’s fallen comrades and the perfect person to help Sam. A model of beauty, charm, and manners, she is received in the highest circles of Society, and because she dearly loved her brother, she is willing to help Sam. But Lady Emeline is extremely prickly, highly conscience of class rank and the rules of propriety, which for Sam, a man raised in the American wilderness, are of no concern. At least they weren’t until he met Emeline. As the two attend balls and soirees together so that Sam can question the ex-officers who are members of Society, it becomes obvious that Sam will never be good enough for Emeline, and that begins to rankle. Even though her tongue is sharp, so is her mind, and Sam admires that as well as her spirit. It isn’t long before he is haunted by more than his memories of war. Now Sam has two missions; find the turncoat and bring him to justice, and release all the passion that he is certain lies beneath Emeline’s polished Society façade.

Emeline is really quite annoyed with herself. She cannot seem to stop her attraction to Samuel even though he is an uncivilized colonial. His dress and manners are barely acceptable, and still Emeline cannot stop thinking of him. If Samuel only knew how much he really affects her, she would not have a chance of resisting his advances. And yet she must. They are from two different worlds, and Emeline has obligations she cannot disregard no matter how much she longs to.

It is a testament to the author’s ability to create a very genuine setting and such realistic characters in TO TASTE TEMPTATION that I could hardly abide Lady Emeline. The depiction of her as a condescending member of the ton who believes herself superior and is constantly thinking criticisms of others is spot on for the time and place, but it hardly makes her amicable. Samuel, however, quite makes up for Emeline. He’s a charming, noble character, and like Emeline, reflects his country. He’s a self-made man, a little bit wild, and ruggedly handsome. It’s difficult to understand why Samuel should find Emeline so irresistible, but it’s delightful to see how he purposely frustrates her and upsets her composure. And eventually, under his influence, Emeline becomes palatable.

While Sam and Emeline’s battle of wills evolves and the sexual tension builds to a fever pitch, Sam’s investigation steadily progresses, adding suspense and more turmoil to the plot. His quest to find the traitor is an emotional one, and it is an involving mystery. Between that and the volatile romance, readers will become completely engrossed in the fast paced plot. Engaging secondary characters round out the tale, adding warmth and a depth that makes the whole that much better. Also, noteworthy are the enchanting prefaces that begin each chapter, recounting a tale that parallels the main story and are just as entertaining.

TO TASTE TEMPTATION is book one in Ms. Hoyt’s new series The Legend of the Four Soldiers, and it’s an auspicious beginning. With its vividly drawn characters, neat plotting, and heated romance, it’s sure to satisfy.

Sandra Brill