Bound by Temptation
Grade : C-

I’ve heard some positive buzz about Lavinia Kent, and her debut novel was well-received here at AAR. However, despite my high hopes, this book failed to meet its potential and flopped on several levels for me.

Clara, a widowed countess, has a reputation of being a bit wild. However, when she wakes up tied to the bed of a man she doesn’t know, she thinks she’s gone too far. That man, Jonathan Masters, did it for her own good. The two are drawn to each other, but at the same time infuriated—Clara with Masters’ closed-minded opinions on women’s rights, and Masters with Clara’s independence and feisty attitude.

However, things get a bit interesting when Clara offers to help him find a suitable bride. Guards are let down, and the two begin to fall for each other, despite their reluctance.

Summarizing this book, something that usually comes very easily to me, was hard. I also left out a few parts to avoid spoilers. I attribute this to a general lack of a typical plot arc. Instead of one major plot point, there are several small ones, and instead of a steadily rising line of tension and conflict, the plot line is instead bumpy—a conflict followed by a resolution followed by another conflict. Some plot points disappear in lieu of others, and the ending was a disappointment and incredibly anticlimactic.

I also just wasn’t feeling the chemistry between Masters and Clara. Their relationship is built on a slight buzz of sexual tension, but not nearly enough to make it convincing. I also never felt the emotional connection, either. Things go back and forth and the climax of their relationship (the declarations of love) was summarized in the epilogue rather than actually happening “on screen.” Masters had almost no appeal to me, and his anti-feminist attitudes were never resolved to show an ultimate respect for Clara and her independent thoughts.

The writing was hit and miss. There were a few really great scenes and dialogue involving the two protagonists, but abrupt paragraph breaks and choppy head jumping pulled me out of the story on a number of occasions. Some parts seemed anachronistic.

There were a few really enjoyable moments in Bound by Temptation, and it kept me interested. Overall, though, it just didn’t impress me. This is the second book in what I predict will be a trilogy following the Masters family. The history and dynamics of the three siblings are interesting, but just weren’t presented to their full potential.

Reviewed by Jane Granville
Grade : C-

Sensuality: Hot

Review Date : March 13, 2010

Publication Date: 2010

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Jane Granville

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