An all new series begins with a new twist on the words Independent Women, but I am looking forward to seeing how Jane Feather takes these characters into the world of men and gives them a chance to spread their wings. The series kicks off with a story of former lover coming back together after the tragic loss of someone they both loved, someone that leaves them in a bit of an untenable situation. Ms. Feather has always has an interesting way of putting her characters into binds and them finding creative ways of getting them out of them, but I wasn’t too sure if this one was going to work out to everyone’s satisfaction to be honest, thankfully I was proved wrong. Diana Somerville has returned to her home in England after living for years in Africa, prompted by the deaths of her father and brother to return, and is dismayed to find her former fiancé has been given half of everything she thought she owned outright. Her brother has left everything he owned to the man that broke her heart and now she has to not only deal with him on business decisions but live with him as well. Rupert Lacey has never stopped loving Diana, despite her breaking his heart with her lack of faith in him, and when he is forced to live with her he knows that the challenge she poses is one is can’t resist. Diana is determined to win the war against Rupert, but soon she remembers how much her body and heart crave the man and her resistance is just not strong enough. Leaving London seems the only option, until he follows right behind her, forcing her to own up to her desires and feelings. But when they are faced with the first challenge of their newly rekindled relationship it becomes obvious that Diana will truly never give her heart and trust to him, leaving Rupert withdrawing. Diana must now chase after the man to prove that she loves him enough for the both of them, or their love will truly be gone forever, and she just can’t accept that truth. Diana was one of those woman that I don’t really like too much, raised in a bubble and living a life of luxury without every really understanding the world around her. She didn’t really appreciate the love of the man when she had him, allowing fear and stupidity to lose her the best thing in her life, and then when she has a second chance at it, she does the same stupid thing again. In the end she finally wizens up thankfully, but though I like some of her decisions and she was certainly a strong-willed enough woman for her time, overall I would have been slapping some sense into her had I been one of her close friends. Personally I thought that Rupert was too good of a man for Diana, his love remaining true despite her childishly throwing away their love. He was smart, dedicated, brave, sweet and sexy all while being a true gentleman and trying to protect himself from the rumors and trauma of their broken engagement. HE worked so hard to prove to the woman that he loved her and show her that they could have a happy life together while all she did was plot to tear him down and try to bring him to his knees. I am happy that in the end he got what he wanted, which oddly was Diana, but I would have liked to see him with a stronger female lead to be honest, a woman truly of his stature and greatness. I am hoping that the other two ladies that will be getting stories in this series are better characters and look forward to reading their stories soon, but overall I have to say that Diana’s childishness made this one a bit of a drag for me.

Could have been better with different characters

Thank you to Jane Feather, Kensington Books/Zebra, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review a couple years ago.

Spoilers

Yes, a couple years ago. I had tried to read the ARC so I could review it, but I hadn’t liked the characters and hadn’t had the patience to persevere to the end, so I’d said I wouldn’t be reviewing it for those reasons and had left it at that. I hadn’t realized at the time that it would count against my completion percentage. So now I’ve forced myself through it so I can mark it complete.

It wasn’t any better than I remembered. Neither Rupert nor Diana are endearing, and neither are that likable either. Diana is spoiled and selfish and immature, Rupert is autocratic and selfish and immature. At times they seemed to approach conflict with a mature, reasonable attitude, and honestly, I might have given them more credit—if it weren’t for the hate sex.

I’m sure hate sex can be well written—maybe?—but it wasn’t here. I wasn’t emotionally invested in either of them, neither of them were well developed, so it was kinda like watching a couple strangers go at it in the seat next to you on the bus. It wasn’t romantic; they did not make love. They fucked. And it was unpleasant. I skipped the last couple sex scenes.

The plot could have been compelling if I cared about the characters, but I didn’t, so it wasn’t all that interesting. Have you ever seen two children fight over a toy? Each has a grip on it and they’re tugging it back and forth between them? That was the plot. That was the conflict between Diana and Rupert—he inherited everything that she had expected to inherit. I did sympathize with Diana on that point—it would be awful to lose your rights to just about everything you own not long after you lost your family. You’d feel powerless and lost and scared. But instead of taking a deep breath and brainstorming viable solutions to the problem, she (figuratively) stomped her foot, crossed her arms, and pouted while brainstorming ways she could undermine Rupert out of spite. And Rupert, since he held all the power, more or less sat back and waited to see what she’d do. It was a game to him. And when she did indeed make moves to undermine him, he got mad at her and scolded her as if she were a petulant child. Then they hate-fucked.

Aside from the plot and characters, the writing was just bad in general. There was no energy; my mind wandered so much I have only a hazy impression of the middle, and though it was a relatively short book, it still felt slow. Also, we were regaled with things we didn’t need to be told, such as Diana’s experience at the inn toward the end. Stop, get information, hire an escort—that was all we needed to see. But we also got to watch Diana settle into her room, got her thoughts about the place and servants, blah blah blah blah blah.

Overall, this was a bad book. I am so glad I’m finally reviewing it so it’s no longer hanging over my head.

Diana and Rupert's relationship has been a relationship since she was an awkward, coltish, girl. And he, the older brotherly best friend to her brother Jem.
As time passes and feelings evolve as they are want to do. Diana and Rupart's love develops and grows until the two become a couple, and are engaged.
At least until the fateful day on the banks of the Orange River. When she confronted him with rumors of a mistress and possible child.
But far from the explanation that she had hoped for. She received only a quiet shrug of resignation, marking the end of their engagement. The dissolution of their joined future. Leaving each to proceed...alone.

Flash forward...
Diana is freshly back in London after both the deaths of her beloved father and brother in South Africa.
Longing for the familiarity of her family home.
So...
Imagine her surprise when she enters said home. Only to encounter the one man she had never hoped to see again.

For his part...
Rupart it seems has never managed to clear either his head or his heart of the loss of Diana. Even as he managed to maintain his friendship with her brother Jem. Going so far as to join him in battle in service to the English crown.
Only to lose his best friend in battle.
But gaining control of all of Jem's interest in family lands, money, mines, and most importantly the family home.

Ding...Ding...Let the fight begin!

It is very clear from the time that these two lock eyes in the front entryway of the house that they now share that there are definitely going to be fireworks.
What remains to be seen however is just who manages to get burned in the process.




And now for a little clarification concerning the 'girl group" portion of the read.
Despite the fact that the three ladies and their friendship stands as the overall premise of the series as a whole. Petra and Fenella serve as little more than window-dressing for the few exploits that Diana has that attempt to give her some time away from the seemingly omnipresent Colonial Lacy.

It is more than clear that this story is going to be about Diana and Rupert. And their almost obsessive need to drive both themselves and the reader absolutely batshit crazy by the end of this book. By taking every opportunity they can to rip each other's clothes off, and go at it like wildebeests before returning civilly to their respective corners to fight another day
These two spend more time chasing, mad, missing, and making up with each other then the law should allow.
For two people who can't seem to find a common ground outside of the bedroom. They seem to have no problem doing so when behind closed doors.
Even though the sex scenes are far less explicit than most. They are most obviously no less passionate.

As if dealing with the couple's hot and cold relationship shenanigans doesn't give readers enough to do.
Just when you think that the two have finally laid down their arms in the name of love.
Questions arise about whether or not Rupert was really with Jem when he died in battle. As he claimed.
And when confronted with said question by Diana.
What does Rupert do?
You guessed it!
Turn rail and run to his childhood home; with Diana hot on his heels.
And a heartbreaking "aha moment" waiting in the wings.

To which I say.
"Bring on the resolution already."
"This book is running low on pages."
By this time everyone is clearly tuckered out by things. The window dressing has long since left the situation. And we are down to about somewhere around 85% done with this thing.
Leading one to conclude the following...

Love, war, riches, romance, recriminations, and redemption are the names of this story's game.
But be forewarned.
Though this book may contain only half the pages of its contemporaries. The tale therein packs quite the emotional and dramatic combination.
Never hesitating to leave one reeling while begging for more.

Thanks to Zebra Books and NetGalley for providing the review copy on which my honest critique is based.

This is the second Jane Feather book I've tried and I've come to the conclusion that she's just not the author for me. I'm not a fan of her writing style and I find the characters boring

Jane Feather writes another historical romance with Tempt Me with Diamonds. Diana Sommerville, mourning her brother who died at Mafeking, reaches London only to discover that her nemesis Colonel Rupert Lacey has been made joint heir to her family estate by her decease brother. The less than loving pair had almost married in South Africa but parted in acrimony. How will they work out sharing a house? For lovers of romantic romps.

This book was decent. I thought it could've been much more expressive for the heroine because she let a lot of things just happen with no explanation. I would read more books by this author and I do recommend reading Tempt Me with Diamonds.

Diana Sommerville is a diamond of the first water (and second, third, fourth, etc.) as her family owns a diamond mine. Disaster strikes when her brother dies and leaves most of his fortune to her former fiance. Trouble ensues, but their is chemistry and Jane Feather writes a fine romance.

Feather writes well, but the potential of the book wasn't realized. Diana and Rupert find themselves at odds after a broken engagement and then being forced to share the same house. Worst of all they have to pretend to be married. Both Diana and Rupert were not the most likable characters, and I found myself skipping through the chapters.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Tempt Me with Diamonds is an intriguing romance. Diana and Rupert have a vast history of shared pleasures, as well as mournful tragedies that marked their lives. After the death of her brother Diana returns home to find her plans will have to include Rupert, her ex-fiance. Her beloved brother has left his shares of the family diamond mine to the man who destroyed her heart. Rupert and Diana will find themselves in battle throughout this story. I felt Rupert's reasons for Diana not to ask questions ridiculous. There was so much misinformation and Diana just leaves it at that. No argument, no questions, just plain avoidance, and suffering. Overall it was a good story, I just wish Rupert had communicated more. I look forward to reading more in the series.

Than you for letting me read this book. I thought Diana was a bit of a brat when I first started reading this story. I thought Rupert was being stubborn at times but I think he was the perfect match for her. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

Diana and Rupert were engaged but broke up. Then her brother passes and leaves half of the estate to Rupert, who insists on sharing the house with Diana.

I know they were supposed to have feelings for one another, but I never felt it. They were very stubborn and immature in their fights. I don’t know, this one left me wanting more story, background relationship, or something more that I can’t define.

This one was just an okay read for me. I actually own the physical copy because I was so excited about the premise but it fell kind of flat for me. It had it’s really great moments and I loved the chemistry but I had trouble connecting with the characters, specially Diana. She was a bit spoiled and I felt like Rupert was manipulative in the beginning. However, I’m a sucker for the hate/love trope and I loved the banter between them! I liked the second half better than the first half even though I felt it all wrapped up a tad too quickly! Overall this is a quick read and I’m looking forward to rest of the series as I loved the side characters!

Tempt Me With Diamonds by Jane Feather contains a creative plot twist for a Regency novel in the wide field of this genre. Diana has returned home to claim her inheritance, part of which is her home, after her father and then, her brother have died in South Africa. When she arrives she discovers that her nemesis, Colonel Davis Lacey has taken up residence. In Regency England it is highly inappropriate for an unmarried, unrelated man and woman to share a residence, no matter how innocent. In addition, Diana never wanted to see him again, let alone share her house with him. They had been lovers, betrothed when she perceived he had been unfaithful. Never great talkers, when she asked for an explanation, he was offended and their relationship was over. Now this.

This was a fresh plot, not without its issues but new and different. The characters are compelling. Diana, justifiably outraged at Davis' behavior, both past and present, is livid. Davis, having a goal, well several, one of which is to annoy Diana, is an amusing and endearing character. Tempt Me With Diamonds is an original and extremely amusing book, which should be read for the plot, but would certainly hit the spot with characters alone.

I received a free ARC of Tempt Me With Diamonds in exchange for a fair and honest review. #netgalley #temptmewithdiamonds

The Story in 4 Sentences or Less: Upon her brother’s death in battle, Diana Sommerville is left a very wealthy woman but there’s a big problem, her brother left a chunk of his estate to his best friend Rupert Lacey, Diana’s ex-fiance. Whom she now loathes but also still desires. Not that she wants him to know that. Rupert won’t back down from a challenge much less from a chance to get Diana back but he has a secret that could destroy any chances he has with her.





Like It? Hate it? Love it? Why? Nope. Nope. Nopity nope, nope, nope. I just could not get into Tempt Me With Diamonds and I read it twice! Both times was an exercise in patience because Diana and Rupert were the most un-couple like couple with the dullest personalities, one of whom had a toe in the TSTL territory.

Let me start with Rupert, holy monkey brains but this guy was arrogant, obnoxious, and way too controlling! You know how when there’s an arrogant hero he usually has a reality check at some point that humbles him? This guy never had it. He’s a controlling bully in a sense that he constantly used Diana’s sexual attraction to him to undermine her decisions and to get his way. He doesn’t grow up, doesn’t try to get to know Diana as she is in the present, instead he wants to shape her, mold her into his vision of her. Lame dude, so lame. He’s the guy that wants a blow up doll type woman. You know, the kind that doesn’t say anything, does whatever he wants, and is ready for his “masculine passion” at all times of the day and night. He was supposedly a man who had fought in battle but honestly? I wouldn’t follow this guy into a paper sack, much less into a life or death situation. I didn’t like him at all.


Then there was Diana, whom I liked even less. Spoiled, selfish, and a total shrew, she didn’t have the sense given to a goose when it came to standing her ground with Rupert. She would fight him on the stupidest things yet when it came to establishing herself as her own woman with her own thoughts, ideas, and needs, she folded like a stack of cards as soon as Rupert turned on his “seductive powers.” And I use that phrase lightly because there was absolutely nothing seductive about that bully. I didn’t even get the sense that they liked each other in bed, it read more like two people who had an itch, didn’t like each other but they were all they had. There was no believable connection between them at all and they seemed to live for hurting each other. Neither one ever had the bright idea to sit down and talk like adults, it was like quarreling children who weren’t old enough to handle sex or the responsibility that went with it. It was a vicious cycle of insult, insinuate, have angry sex, repeat.


Click It or Skip It? Skip it. Rupert and Diana are unlikable as individuals and unbelievable as a couple. Maybe someday I’ll try this author again.

I seriously struggled with this one. I was planning to just give up on on, but got to about the 80% mark and things got a bit better.

This story follows Dianna Sommerville and Rupert Lacey. Diana's brother has died in the Boer War and has left his inheritance to his bff and Diana's former fiance Rupert. They have to split everything, including their home. They hate each other but to pull off sharing a home pretend that their engagement never ended and are now married.

Cute premise, except absolutely nothing makes you like these people. Diana is spoiled and spiteful. Rupert is secretive and managing. The story just starts with them hating each other and fighting without the reader caring enough to hope that they work it out. And by the time they get to a point where the story get interesting I was just reading to finish the book, I didn't really give a damn.

Diana and Rupert did everything to get on each other's nerves. What they succeeded is getting on my nerves. Rupert was too forceful, and wouldn't explain the misunderstanding that broke up their engagement.


I voluntarily reviewed a copy of an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you.

Not my favorite by this author but it also didn't go in the DNF pile. It had some really enjoyable and funny moments with plenty of romance, just something felt off for me. For fans of the author I would say don't miss but if you are new to the author, I would start with another book.

It has been a while since I have read a Jane Feather Historical Romance, and for the life of me, I can't remember why. I love her books. Her writing is superb and her unforgettable characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this love story. Renewing and re-acquainting a love that was lost due to words unspoken and a loss of trust. Both are stubborn and have a short rein on their tempers which makes the sparks fly and the sex great. Can they learn to trust each other and think before they act? You will have to read this wonderful book to find out. I am so glad I found Jane's books. Enjoy this love story.

I did not finish this book. I couldn't get past the glaring plot hole of Rupert inheriting her brothers share even though her brother died before her father did. I also had a problem with the premise of the marriage. This book had no believable elements in it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

Battle lines are drawn!

This had all ingredients for a captivating read.
There's the feisty young woman (Diana Sommerville) used to getting her own way. (Ok so she's spoilt, and then some).
The handsome ex fiancé Colonel Rupert Lacey who was Diana's brother best friend. Rupert and Jeremy were fighting in the Boer War in South Africa, when Jem was killed in battle.
It's Diana's deceased brother's will and the two protagonists having been left a joint inheritance that sparks trouble. Rupert has inherited half the estate and other interests, including a racing horse Jem and Diana had been raising and nursing along since a colt.
Diana comes to blows with Rupert over the town house. In the end they share it (and pretend to all that they'd married in South Africa as had been planned.) Now thats a situation waiting to be blown sky high! The atmosphere inside the house is decidedly cool and how the staff manage is to be wondered at.
There are two dedicated minders (Diana's ex nanny and Rupert's batman come valet) who are at their wit's end.
Their situation has all the hallmarks for a strong story but to me it falls flat.
The so called chemistry seemed too manufactured. Would be interesting situations just didn't follow through.

A NetGalley ARC