TAINTED BY TEMPTATION – Katy Madison
AVON
ISBN: 978-0-06-201734-5
February 2011
Historical Romance

England

Velvet Campbell needs this governess position. After her last position was terminated without pay, she has been reduced to skin and bones. After the long hours of travel and the heavy rain, she passes out on the front steps of Lucian Pendar's home. It takes her a few days, but she finally gets back on her feet, only to find herself dizzy and distracted whenever she is in his presence. Lucian's daughter Iris is too far behind in her studies and it is up to Velvet to bring her up to speed and somehow manage to avoid Iris's determined father.

Lucian knows his daughter is spoiled, but he found it easier to ply her with gifts than to face the living reminder of his deceased wife. He mistakes Velvet's illness for pregnancy, and assumes this means she might be willing to be his mistress. But life in the Pendar household is not so easy or carefree. There have been murders before, and with what Iris claims to hear at night, there may be more as well.

Lucian Pendar is noble, but not afraid to take what he wants. But when it comes down to the wire, can Lucian act like the hero to save the ones he cares about, or will he lose them just like everyone that came before. Velvet is driven and self-sufficient. She's a strong woman thrown into a tough situation, and with hard work she might just come out on top.

TAINTED BY TEMPTATION is a throwback to all the Historical romances I loved to read when I was younger. A classic tale of mistaken intentions, this novel has a dark and mysterious tone that will leave readers guessing until the very last page. Katy Madison is definitely an author to watch!

Amanda Toth