Tempt Me with Diamonds

November 5, 2018
Turn-of-the-century lovers divided by lies and distrust rekindle their romance in this capable but one-note series launch from Feather (Reckless Seduction). It’s 1902 and Diana Sommerville has just returned to London from her dead father’s gold and diamond mines in South Africa to discover an infuriating situation. Her older brother Jem, killed in battle fighting the Boers, left his share of the family holdings to his best friend, Rupert Lacey, the unfaithful ex-fiancé Diana dumped two years ago in Africa. Now they must share the house and the family businesses—all of them—in what Rupert hopes will be a “civilized arrangement.” To satisfy society’s curiosity, they’ll pretend they’re married when they’re in public. The problem is forgetting they’re not married when they’re in private. Although the premise raises questions about colonialism, Feather sticks to the usual story of former lovers reconciling once they’ve regained each other’s trust. Diana is a strong heroine who’s more than equal to her troubled hero in intelligence—and stubbornness. Feather’s fans and new readers will enjoy this series opener, as long as they don’t expect it to dig too deep.

December 1, 2018

Diana Somerville has just returned from Africa and is appalled to learn that her brother Jem, killed in the Boer War, left his half of their inheritance (including the houses) to his best friend--and her ex-fiancé--Col. Rupert Lacey. Of course, living in the same house with Rupert will not be easy--or proper--for either of them, so they agree to let everyone think the engagement was never broken and they married abroad. The only problem is the annoying attraction that still sizzles between them. Well-matched protagonists spar their way to love and trust in a romance awash in deception and unanswered questions. VERDICT An ingenious plot, well-developed characters, an unfortunate misunderstanding, a dash of mystery, and a delightful final twist result in a sensual Edwardian romance sure to please Feather's many fans. Feather (Trapped by Scandal) lives in Washington, DC. [Previewed in Kathryn Howe's "Love Changes Everything," LJ 10/15/18.]

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2019
In this series debut, the heiress to a diamond mine discovers that her unwelcome houseguest has a legitimate claim to her estate--and to her heart.Diana Sommerville is surprised to find Rupert Lacey, her late brother's best friend--and her ex-fiance--in her Cavendish Square mansion. The last time she saw Rupert, he was in South Africa, where he and Jem had helped the English army protect her family's diamond mine before Jem was killed in battle. "Pointless to die in a war over diamonds and gold," Diana remarks. And she would be married by now if Rupert hadn't betrayed her. Now, Rupert tells her, they will have to share the mansion, since Jem left half the estate to him and he does not intend to move out. To avoid a scandal, Diana enlists the help of her friends Petra and Fenella to pretend that she and Rupert are already married until the two of them can reach an agreement on how to divide the assets. Inhabited by a horse named Kimberly Diamond and a pair of dogs named Hera and Hercules, the house has more sentimental than financial value for Diana. But as her old feelings resurface, heated arguments with Rupert over how to run the estate get even hotter in the bedroom. Rupert, ever the gentleman squatter, tries to win Diana's heart with honesty and consideration. But just like she did with the estate, Diana makes him work for what's already his.For the girl who has everything--diamonds, a mansion, a racehorse--finding someone to share it with is the best gift of all. A solid start to the series.

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