DARK TEMPTATION – Allison Chase
A Novel of Blackheath Moor
Signet Eclipse
ISBN-13: 978-0-451-22552-8
ISBN-10: 0-451-22552-X
November 2008
Historical Romance

Cornwall, England – 1830

Amateur sleuth Sophie St. Clair’s family sends her to stay with relatives in Cornwall following a scandal provoked by her tendency to investigate first and plan later. Even in distant Cornwall, Sophie is unable to stay out of the places expressly forbidden to her. Thus, she finds herself at Edgecombe Manor -- exploring the abandoned property -- when she sees someone staring out the windows of the place. That night, more mystery – Sophie wakes from a sound sleep to find harbor lights out of place – a situation sure to lead a ship aground. Unable to interest anyone else, she sneaks out and soon finds herself lost in the mist. Stumbling into a chapel, she finds Chad Rutherford, Earl of Wycliffe, the owner of Edgecombe Manor. It seems that ghosts of those who have died are pushing the two together to investigate some hidden, dark mysteries.

Chad has avoided Edgecombe Manor for several years following the death of his father in a fire. Chad has tremendous guilt over not having come to see his father when he requested it just before he died. He also feels guilt for his indirect involvement in smuggling activities that he discovered led to the death of innocents. Sophie’s unexpected appearance tantalizes and attracts him, even as he tries to push her away. When he discovers that her curiosity will lead her to investigate by herself in spite of the obvious dangers from both the landscape and the locals, he realizes that he must join with her to protect her from harm. A near escape from death on the cliffs pushes both into a wild tempestuous attraction that quickly grows more complex. Both Chad and Sophie have secrets to guard. Does love have a chance?

DARK TEMPTATION is a classic gothic romance. Dark secrets, mysterious happenings, ghosts, and danger are all in the mix. The story starts out a little slow, but once Sophie takes the reins, activities, both investigative and sensual, pick up in intensity. Many of the conflicts are internal -- no one wants to be judged and found wanting -- but how far will Sophie and Chad go to uncover an increasingly tangled pile of secrets among the folk in the village? Often, the first few chapters of a book tell the reader much of what they need to know about the characters and situations in which they find themselves. In DARK TEMPTATION, the reader will want to go all the way to the end, because many of the twists in the plot take place later in the story. DARK TEMPTATION is an interesting read for both mystery and romance fans. Get cozy and prepare to have an adventure with Sophie and Chad.

Lisa Baca