Review: Always a Temptress by Eileen Dreyer

Always a Temptress (The Drake's Rakes #3)
by Elieen Dreyer

• Mass Market Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Forever (October 1, 2011)

Goodreads Description:

His greatest battle is just beginning . . .

Captain Harry Lidge has done his duty. After losing too many good men on the battlefield, he's ready to put his responsibilities behind him and live a life free of care. But first he has one last mission: find out what the most outrageous woman in London, the same woman who betrayed him nearly a decade earlier, is concealing, before her secrets take down the crown.

Her heart is the only thing she won't risk . . .

Surrounded by ardent admirers and a few loyal friends, Lady Kate Seaton glides through the ton on a confection of couture gowns and bon mots. No one suspects that beneath her lighthearted façade Kate hides a sorrow so scandalous she'll do anything to keep it hidden. But only when she trusts Harry with the truth and only when he trusts her with his heart can they stop the villains all too willing to kill Kate to attain their ultimate goal: destroy England

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Finally it is Kate's turn for a happy ending! I have been eagerly anticipating this story since it has been obvious that Lady Kate Seaton and Captain Harry Lidge would butt heads eventually. There have been hints of bad history between the two in the previous books in the series and it has been a mystery just what the issue is. Of course that history is revealed eventually in the story and although it was interesting enough I was expecting something more from it. I do think that Kate's family (and their secrets) was the highlight of the story (other than the romance of course). It was totally unexpected.

Drake's Rakes are still trying to defend England by tracking down the Lions, which is the group trying to destroy England. Although I have thought this plot line to be interesting in the other books things really pick up speed in this book. It felt like quite a bit of progress was made toward uncovering the traitors but by no means enough to put an end to the conspiracy. I wish more of the story was dedicated to this part of the plot because I really enjoy the action and mystery aspects a lot in addition to the romance.

In typical romance novel fashion, the relationship between Harry and Kate is rocky at the start. The bad history between them causes a lot of distrust which is difficult for them to overcome, but even with these obstacles I couldn't help but feel that it still came a little to easy for them. True love conquers all I guess. Still, the story was very enjoyable and is a great addition to the series. It fits in perfectly. I can't wait for Drake's Rakes to thwart the Lions plans completely. One thing I am very curious about is who the next book is about. Up until now I have known which woman each book would be about but now I don't know...maybe Schroeder? I Think she deserves a happy ending of her own.

4/5

I received this book for review. Any opinions expressed are my own.