Be careful what you wish for…When Lord Hawkridge inherits a penniless marquessate, he must abandon his courtship of the lowborn girl he loves. Years later, she rises from commoner to textiles heiress. Hawk has never banished her from his heart. Here’s their chance to share his home! But how can he convince a woman whose trust he destroyed that he desires her far more than her money?Faith … far more than her money?
Faith Digby’s chaotic world is too full to bother with men. She controls half a boarding school, one life-endangering secret, and two recently gentrified parents. There’s no time for the old flame roaring back into her life. Not when admitting she still loves him would imperil everything and everyone she holds dear…
In the Rogues to Riches historical romance series by USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Erica Ridley, Cinderella stories aren’t just for princesses… Sigh-worthy Regency rogues sweep strong-willed young ladies into whirlwind romance with rollicking adventure.
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This is a very emotional second chance at love story. Ten years ago Faith Digby and Zachary Nash were in love, they shared a night of passion and promises were made. But the next day, reality slapped Zachary in the face. With the death of his father, he became the Marquess of Hawkridge and responsible for all the debt the marquisate had accumulated under his father and then his guardian. Foolishly, Hawk thought he could marry Faith, but when he learns the full extent of his obligations, he sends her a letter breaking with her.
Faith was devastated by Hawk’s rejection and wrote back telling him to never speak to her again. Later when she learns that she is expecting a child, she and her parents concocted a story to explain the appearance of Christina. In the years since Hawk left her, the Digby’s have become rich and it enables Faith to work with Dehlia at the school in St. Giles. When Dehlia’s husband Simon, brings his half-brother to dinner, it is the last man Faith ever wanted to see again – Hawk.
Hawk regrets loosing Faith, but he could not afford to marry her then or even now. He has worked hard the last ten years and is close to paying off his debts and once again being financially stable. He hopes once the port he is building is opened, he will finally be in a position to win back the only woman he has ever loved. When he sees Faith again, the years fade away and he is desperate to apologize and explain his actions.
Faith wants nothing to do with him and is terrified he will learn her secret. She is still angry and hurt, but admits to herself that she still loves him. Hawk tries to get himself back into her good graces and then learns that her family is rich – how can he convince her that it is her and not her money he wants?
When Hawk learns of his daughter, he is furious and will stop at nothing to be with his child, even marry her mother. Faith agrees to marry him, but she will be damned if he gets a shilling from her and makes plans to ensure he doesn’t.
These two have a long, painful road to their HEA and will have to learn to forgive and trust each other before they can have any sort of future. I thought the book was well written, but there are some inconsistencies and dropped plot lines – but in fairness, I read an uncorrected eARC and these issues might be resolved prior to publication. I did feel that Faith’s anger was out of proportion considering the secret she kept from him and her actions before and after they married. For quite a bit of the book, I didn’t like her but she was able to redeem herself by the end. The book is very emotional, has cameos with Dehlia and Simon and a very sweet ending.
This is the fourth book in the series, but it could easily be read as a stand alone title – HOWEVER, I would suggest reading the previous book [book:Lord of Night|33516789] before reading this book to get a better understanding of Simon and Hawk’s relationship.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an Uncorrected eARC that was provided to my by NetGalley and the publisher*
Ten years ago when Zachary Nash, Lord Hawkridge inherited a penniless marquisate, he had to abandon his courtship of Faith Digby, the lowborn girl he loved. Hawk has never banished her from his heart. Faith Digby’s chaotic world is too full to bother with men. She controls half a boarding school, one life-endangering secret, and two recently gentrified parents. There’s no time for the old flame roaring back into her life
This is the fourth book in the Rogues to Riches series & whilst it stands on its own, I’d recommend reading the whole series as it’s not only a very good series but the characters do feature in different books & that enriches the whole experience. Hawk has been a minor character in the earlier books & became a secondary character in Lord of Night his half brother Simon’s story where Faith also appeared. A lovely read of misunderstandings, secrets, doubting motives & most of all learning to trust again. I do love the author’s books & she’s a must read for me. The characters are very well fleshed & the story flows so well. I eagerly await Heath’s story.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Lord of Temptation is a tale of duty and honor. The odds were stacked against a pair of star crossed lovers, but love found a way. Hawk and Faith have a history. Their love happened fast, burned hot and left a lasting impression on their souls. He broke her heart and now he wants the chance to mend it. Ten years and one secret too late. Can the pain of the past, be healed by the hope for the future? Ms. Ridley takes her cue from the classics and crafts a tale of broken dreams, battered hearts and maybe a happy ending.
Lord of Temptation is the 4th novel in Erica Ridley’s Rogues to Riches series. Having recently read and reviewed the box set of the first three books, Lord of Chance, Lord of Pleasure, Lord of Night, I was most anxious and fortunate to read a free ARC of Lord of Temptation.
Lord Hawkridge, Zachary Nash, better known as Hawk to his friends and family, was one of the periphery characters I was first introduced to in the previous novels in the series. While not a true supporting character in the other books, enough was revealed of him to let me know he was considered a likable man and friend to the other characters, and he was saddled with a debt-ridden estate and title.
Faith Digby, also introduced in the previous books, seemed to epitomize what is generally a nondescript friend of the heroine or another character of the books, perhaps a spinster, doesn’t seek attention, and has no secrets to hide.
As I was re-introduced to the characters of Hawk and Faith, it is revealed that Hawk and Faith were childhood friends, fell in love several years ago, and Hawk planned to marry Faith, even though she was lowborn, right around the time he inherited his marquessate. They haven’t seen one another for ten years. Hawk is still dealing with low funds and other family problems, and Faith has moved on and is half in charge of a boarding school for abandoned and lowborn girls.
Without revealing too much of the storyline and spoil your reading pleasure, suffice it to say Hawk and Faith become reacquainted through the endeavors of several characters made familiar in previous books, and they both have a lot of issues to work through. There is a lot of forgiveness that takes place as well as secrets revealed.
This is a fine addition to the Rogues to Riches series and doesn’t have to be read in series order though it might make it easier. A little more is revealed about characters introduced in previous books and I look forward to reading more about them in successive books in the series.
GOING UP IN FLAMES!!!
OMG! Wow! Talk about going up in smoke. If you’re looking for steady paced, action galore, easy to follow, smooth flowing read that captures your attention from the start. Congratulations my friends you’ve found it. This is one read you’ll kick yourself if you miss it. Erica really has a way of drawing us back to the regency era. Romance is hot in this bad boy. The characters were intriguing and complex. Following the characters along as their personalities transformed and blended were quite a treat I couldn’t take my eyes from the pages. My sole focus was on the tale and my rear on the edge of my seat. With a whirlwind of emotions and unexpected surprises this jewel kept me captivated until the last word. The scenes were so realistic with such graphic detailed descriptions that really brings the read to life before your eyes. Phenomenal job Erica and thanks for sharing.
Erca Ridley just keeps getting better and better! Love her style, characters and stories! Keep up the great work!
Great book
I enjoy Erica Ridley’s stories. Good characters and good writing.
Lord of Temptation: Rogues to Riches Book 4
by Erica Ridley
The fourth installment in the Rogues to Riches series is the perfect complement of adventure and romance. I enjoyed reading their background it creates a romantic start to the story. It gives the readers a blissfully entranced by the intertwining suspense, intrigue and romantic elements as the tale unfolds. I always enjoy Erica Ridley’s creative style of writing it’s a perfect balance of predictability and spontaneity, providing satisfying historical components mixed with refreshing new twists. Readers who prefer mostly chaste encounters will enjoy the simmering passion found at this book. No one will be disappointed by the fourth installment of Rogues to Riches, as The Lords of Temptation is emotionally powerful, and readers will be transfixed by this poignant tale of love and redemption. If you are like myself you will need a box of Kleenex because this story is heart warming but may bring tears to your eyes since Erica tackles this secret baby issue as fans of Erica Ridley stories and the series you can’t miss this! This is Lord Hawkridge (Hawk) and Faith Digby story. The story knocked me over as I turned the page after page. I absolutely enjoyed this story as I read it to figure out what would happen next. Its full of mystery, Intrigue, blazing hot chemistry and its a awesome read.
Although I received this book as an ARC, I was very much looking forward to reading it. The set up for it in Lord of Night was wonderful. But I am sorry to say that it just wasn’t as good as I had hoped. It was very much a HEA story without the adventure and suspense. I would have liked to see something go wrong that would pull Faith and Hawk together more than just their past mistakes. In saying that, it is still a great read and fairly clean. Now to wait for the next one. The story of Grenville has been set up in the last couple of books and I am sure there will be lots of adventure and mystery to come. A great series with much more fun reading to come as Ms Ridley continues to set more characters for future books. This can be read as a standalone but it is much more enjoyable to read them all from the beginning.
“The years have been both cruel and kind.” This line is perfect to describe the time that Hawkridge and Faith have been apart. They loved each other, but were thwarted by his circumstances and youth. That love is still there, but it will take a lot to make it work, if it is even possible. This is not a meet again, fall into each other’s arms, and find happy ever after sort of tale. There is a lot of hurt and resentment, guilt, and secrets – all sorts of conflict, and they will have to face it and work through it. At stake is not just a second chance for love, but a second chance at life.
Hawkridge and Faith are great characters. They seem “normal.” They feel and act like real people would in similar situations. The story is well paced, with a few ups and downs. There is some intrigue and mystery (secrets) and some surprises. The secondary characters are terrific. Hawkridge’s mother is the perfect “Camille.” My favorite is Hawkridge’s brother Simon. How can you not love him? This is a wonderful series. I look forward to the next books.
The hero, Hawk, had my sympathy. What is an 18-year old to do after being left with tremendous debts by his father and then his guardian? Withdraw and regroup, especially when all the “adults” in his life tell him to do so. He’s been diligently paying off the debts of the past 10 years when his path crosses with Faith Digby’s, the love of his life. Faith’s mistrust is understandable, however she is not without fault for the sad situation as she did not inform him of a very important fact more than 10 years ago. With a bastard older brother, the fact this information was withheld hurt him.
Somewhat predictable storyline but nicely told. I received a free copy and voluntarily read and reviewed it.
Loved this story. An emotional roller coaster ride.
Lord of Temptation by Erica Ridley is book Four in the Rogues to Riches series. This is the story of Faith Digby and Zachary Nash.
Faith and Zach were in love and shared a special night. But then in the light of day along with Zack knowing that he can’t afford a wife after inheriting a dirt-pore title of Marquess of Hawkridge. Faith was broken hearted when Zack sent that letter breaking things off with her. Now 10 years later Faith is a heiress and Zach is still fighting to keep his pore title going. But when they happen to meet again Faith has to keep her secret of what the results were of that one night and Zack tries to make her realize that he loves her.
This was a great second chance at love book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Web Motion for my ARC in exchange for an honest review. This is the first book in this series that I have read. Erica Ridley has a done a superb job with this story. I certainly had the range of emotions with this book.
This story has abandonment, premarital sex, learning from other people what a family should be, second chance at love and family. So much more to this story. If you love Erica Ridley books, you need to get this one. If you have never read her books, take a chance on this one. It is worth it and I highly recommend it.
What does one do when you are 18 years old and you find that you have been left with your father’s mess to clean up? Hawk did what most young men of that age do – he listened to the people he thought knew better than he did. Only to find that he should have listened to his heart after all, especially in the wake of the hurt he left behind. Hark’s decision leaves Faith with her own set of problems, however she is fortunate in having loving, supportive parents. Ten years later when they meet again, both Hawk and Faith have more hurdles to overcome that most people do in a lifetime. If I think back to when I was 18, and having watched my children growing up and the choices they made at 18, one can only ache for Hawk. Both Hawk and Faith have immense courage and it takes all the lessons they have learned in their maturing process to overcome their issues. I loved both the main characters in this book, and it was a delight to see the growing bond that grew between Hawk and the brother we were introduced to in the previous book in this series. Although this book is part of a series and many of the characters appear in this one too, it is nevertheless a standalone with a happy ending. I received a copy of this book through NetGalley as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Wonderful characters. Great plot. True love. Sweet romance. Heartbreaking storyline but with a small possibility of a happy ending. Don’t start this one in the evening unless you’re prepared to be up all night reading!
A romantic love story that shows there can be a second chance at love. When Zachary Nash and Faith Digby fell in love, neither had a title or riches but as often happens things change. Zachary become Lord Hawkridge when his father died and was left with a hugh amount of debt. He breaks it off with Faith and breaks her heart. Years later, Faith comes into her own and goes from a commoner to a textile heiress. But as fate often does, they meet again and Hawk wants to resume his relationship with Faith even though he has not quite paid off his debt. This is a story of strong emotions, secrets that are well hidden and learning to trust again after heartache. Hawk realizes how much he has lost due to his sense of duty to his family and estate while Faith has devoted herself to protecting and teaching orphans at a boarding school she has half ownership in. Secrets come to light and the two try to find their way to a happy ever after but it is a long road they travel. Part of a series, this can be read as a stand alone but why do that? The entire series is wonderful as all of the stories by Erica Ridley so do yourself a favor and read them all!!
Responsibilities versus Feelings.
Zachary Nash, Marquess of Hawkridge – aka Hawk – had no choice; others chose for him.
At age 18, he was in love with Miss Faith Digby.
Her parents were poor, merchants – owners of textile factory – and without titles.
Even though he had promised in secret to marry her, when he was overwhelmed by the responsibilities of a totally bankrupt title, he ended his engagement to her…
Worse than ending that commitment, it was the way he did it.
Ten years ahead, Hawk had not yet managed to marry an heiress, so despite being a nobleman, he decided to become a merchant. He would build a port and win over transported goods.
The problem was getting financiers for this venture. Slowly, he could get something.
But some problems began to arise, causing Hawk’s time to subside.
Her mother began to show signs of depression and some other strange illness that made her cough a lot.
The little money Hawk had invested with his friend Gideon was invested in a new business that would only give him a financial return in a year.
Not long ago, Hawk had made peace with his older brother, Simon Spaulding.
Simon was the bastard son of Hawk’s father, married to Dahlia, the administrator of the St Giles school for girls. And Dahlia was the best friend of… Faith.
Hawk and Faith meet again.
He felt guilty. She felt angry for being abandoned.
But as the two met each other more and more, Hawk becomes aware of a secret that can change all the plans he had for his life.
A second chance novel with great chances of going wrong but that works out several times.
5 stars
Interesting historical romance. Hawk and Faith have a history and meet again ten years later. Their first parting wasn’t a happy one and there were regretful mistakes made on both sides. Now there may be another chance…
Good read. Wasn’t happy how Hawk walked away, even at his young age; or how Faith solved her problem, though, again due to age. Love St. Giles, girls and school and how the story ends. Not happy with Hawk’s mom especially how she relates to him; in love with Dahlia, her siblings and Chris! Waiting for Bryonny and Heath’s stories.
Voluntarily read ARC for honest review.