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bookloverchelle's review against another edition
4.0
I haven’t read too many titles from Zoe Archer and even though I jumped in to the Nemesis, Unlimited series with book two I had no problems understanding the overarching storyline or the secondary characters. Alyce Carr has tried for years to enact a change in her village. She and her fellow villagers are being dangerously taken advantage of in the local copper mine. Simon Addison-Shawe is a member of Nemesis, Unlimited, an organization that works to right the wrongs and help those being taken advantage of. Simon goes undercover and even though he has the fate of his village in his hands he’s intrigued by Alyce. When he reveals his true purpose these two embark on a dangerous adventure to take on the mine’s owners and to improve the living conditions of the townspeople. There may be many things separating them but the chance at something more brings them together. A really enjoyable historical romance especially if you’re looking to get out of the London ballrooms. Very interesting to read a historical outside of Dukes and the ton. Fun read!
ltsakmann's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoyed the second installment in the Nemesis series. Now on to the last entry!
witandsin's review against another edition
3.0
Blue Ribbon Rating: 3 out of 5
Original Review Link
As an agent for Nemesis, Unlimited, Simon Addison-Shawe has perfected the art of going undercover. But his latest mission – to help the miners of a small Cornish village – threatens to throw him off his stride. Or more accurately, outspoken bal-maiden Alyce Carr does. He knows he needs to recruit Alyce to help him bring down the corrupt mine owners who are slowly starving their workers to death, but Simon’s usual charm isn’t going to work on the sharp, suspicious Alyce. And if he does manage to convince her to help him, will their mutual attraction throw a wrench into their plans to save the families of Trewyn?
I can always count on author Zoë Archer to deliver a unique historical romance, and DANGEROUS SEDUCTION is no exception. Rather than an heiress or governess of some sort, the heroine of this second NEMESIS, UNLIMITED novel is a sharp-minded bal-maiden with a thirst for justice. Alyce doesn’t need to be swept off her feet, but that doesn’t mean she’s not left breathless by Simon. Simon’s an aristocrat with no desire to lead a pampered life when he could be of use to the world. It’s easy to admire Simon and Alyce for their intelligence and determination to save the people of Trewyn from the increasingly underhanded, abusive dealings of the mine owners and their bullying lackeys. Alyce and Simon fit one another like a lock and key, and watching them fall in love as they work to make the lives of others better was wonderful.
DANGEROUS SEDUCTION is every bit as much a love letter to equality as it is a romance, and I liked that about this book. Yet, while every single element of the story worked for me, as a whole it was missing that coveted spark to keep me engaged. Normally I practically devour Ms. Archer’s books, but I never quite connected to DANGEROUS SEDUCTION. Still, there’s no denying that this is a well-written, original story with clever characters and a strong moral center.
Note: My review was written for Romance Junkies and is cross-posted here courtesy of Romance Junkies(less)
Original Review Link
As an agent for Nemesis, Unlimited, Simon Addison-Shawe has perfected the art of going undercover. But his latest mission – to help the miners of a small Cornish village – threatens to throw him off his stride. Or more accurately, outspoken bal-maiden Alyce Carr does. He knows he needs to recruit Alyce to help him bring down the corrupt mine owners who are slowly starving their workers to death, but Simon’s usual charm isn’t going to work on the sharp, suspicious Alyce. And if he does manage to convince her to help him, will their mutual attraction throw a wrench into their plans to save the families of Trewyn?
I can always count on author Zoë Archer to deliver a unique historical romance, and DANGEROUS SEDUCTION is no exception. Rather than an heiress or governess of some sort, the heroine of this second NEMESIS, UNLIMITED novel is a sharp-minded bal-maiden with a thirst for justice. Alyce doesn’t need to be swept off her feet, but that doesn’t mean she’s not left breathless by Simon. Simon’s an aristocrat with no desire to lead a pampered life when he could be of use to the world. It’s easy to admire Simon and Alyce for their intelligence and determination to save the people of Trewyn from the increasingly underhanded, abusive dealings of the mine owners and their bullying lackeys. Alyce and Simon fit one another like a lock and key, and watching them fall in love as they work to make the lives of others better was wonderful.
DANGEROUS SEDUCTION is every bit as much a love letter to equality as it is a romance, and I liked that about this book. Yet, while every single element of the story worked for me, as a whole it was missing that coveted spark to keep me engaged. Normally I practically devour Ms. Archer’s books, but I never quite connected to DANGEROUS SEDUCTION. Still, there’s no denying that this is a well-written, original story with clever characters and a strong moral center.
Note: My review was written for Romance Junkies and is cross-posted here courtesy of Romance Junkies(less)
showmethemonet's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 Stars. Zoe Archer, yaaaaaas! Omg, I come back to you after a fluffy read and am like, "Yes. THIS."
Simon is delicious. He's smooth and capable and that perfect aristocrat with a cunning vigilante edge. Alyce is such a badass valkyrie, and emotionally vulnerable, that Simon immediately just SEES, and helps her see herself and THEY JUST BOTH FEEL ALL OF THE THINGS!! 😍
So glad to see this end with these two poised to make an appearance in book #3 (because seeing Eva & Jack again here was perfect!)
Simon is delicious. He's smooth and capable and that perfect aristocrat with a cunning vigilante edge. Alyce is such a badass valkyrie, and emotionally vulnerable, that Simon immediately just SEES, and helps her see herself and THEY JUST BOTH FEEL ALL OF THE THINGS!! 😍
So glad to see this end with these two poised to make an appearance in book #3 (because seeing Eva & Jack again here was perfect!)
lisajo85's review against another edition
4.0
I don't know why but it took me a little while to jump into this book. But once I finally did, I really enjoyed it. The characters are amazing, the romance is intense and the story is seriously entertaining.
Simon is an intriguing hero. Usually a one track mind...focused on the mission and nothing else. But of course Alyce Carr changes everything. I like the back story with Simon...the gentleman wishing to make something more of his life. Wanting to be more than his status. You fall in love with him long before you really get to know him because of the life he leads. He wants to change the status quo and in essence, change the world....but one case at a time! He's a man with unlimited talent and a humble sense morality. His life is defined by taking down the bad guy and making sure the 'little guy' has an opportunity for a better life. What's not to love with a hero like that?
Alyce was great. I was afraid that her detailed circumstances, especially the part about her living in the same town her entire life, would make her come across as sheltered. Fortunately, she developed wings instead of hiding. Once she left her town, she was ready to fly. Archer did a great job of exploring her adventurous side...showing that she was a smart, independent, courageous woman despite her quiet upbringing. And I loved how she discovered her ability to lead. She was doing it all along, but watching her grow and acknowledge this strength...not to mention staying true to her community...made her an admirable heroine. She is not a character you can easily forget. Eva mentioned in a conversation with Alyce that it would take strong, special woman to claim Simon and at the time you don't really take that statement literally but it was the truth. There were few people that could be Simon's equal, male or female, but Alyce was the one. Archer crafted this character perfectly.
This book was unique in really all aspects. Your hero is a gentleman masquerading as "Robin Hood," your heroine is a laborer working as a bal-maiden in a small town. The set up concerns taking down the elite to better the lives of the working class. It's the same as it was in the first novel of this series...these are not the dukes and earls typically featured in a historical romance. And honestly, the book is all the better for it. You have real, typical, every day people finding their 'happily ever after' in a different time period and I loved it. I loved all the secondary characters, especially Alyce's brother Henry and his wife Sarah. It was so endearing to see such a sweet couple in this novel.
The ending wrapped up a little to quickly for me, but thank goodness for epilogues. Overall, this was just a great story with two exceptionally well crafted characters that could make it on their own, but in the end, why would they want to when they're stronger together? Loved it!
Simon is an intriguing hero. Usually a one track mind...focused on the mission and nothing else. But of course Alyce Carr changes everything. I like the back story with Simon...the gentleman wishing to make something more of his life. Wanting to be more than his status. You fall in love with him long before you really get to know him because of the life he leads. He wants to change the status quo and in essence, change the world....but one case at a time! He's a man with unlimited talent and a humble sense morality. His life is defined by taking down the bad guy and making sure the 'little guy' has an opportunity for a better life. What's not to love with a hero like that?
Alyce was great. I was afraid that her detailed circumstances, especially the part about her living in the same town her entire life, would make her come across as sheltered. Fortunately, she developed wings instead of hiding. Once she left her town, she was ready to fly. Archer did a great job of exploring her adventurous side...showing that she was a smart, independent, courageous woman despite her quiet upbringing. And I loved how she discovered her ability to lead. She was doing it all along, but watching her grow and acknowledge this strength...not to mention staying true to her community...made her an admirable heroine. She is not a character you can easily forget. Eva mentioned in a conversation with Alyce that it would take strong, special woman to claim Simon and at the time you don't really take that statement literally but it was the truth. There were few people that could be Simon's equal, male or female, but Alyce was the one. Archer crafted this character perfectly.
This book was unique in really all aspects. Your hero is a gentleman masquerading as "Robin Hood," your heroine is a laborer working as a bal-maiden in a small town. The set up concerns taking down the elite to better the lives of the working class. It's the same as it was in the first novel of this series...these are not the dukes and earls typically featured in a historical romance. And honestly, the book is all the better for it. You have real, typical, every day people finding their 'happily ever after' in a different time period and I loved it. I loved all the secondary characters, especially Alyce's brother Henry and his wife Sarah. It was so endearing to see such a sweet couple in this novel.
The ending wrapped up a little to quickly for me, but thank goodness for epilogues. Overall, this was just a great story with two exceptionally well crafted characters that could make it on their own, but in the end, why would they want to when they're stronger together? Loved it!
melwasul's review against another edition
4.0
Au mois de décembre je vous parlais du premier tome de la série des Justiciers de Zoë Archer. Un premier tome, Un désir de vengeance, vraiment à part dans le genre romance historique, collection A&P de chez J’ai Lu pour Elle. Et surtout, une très bonne surprise. Le deuxième tome, Séduction à risque, confirme le côté « à part »/ « nouveau genre » (du moins en France et dans mes souvenirs) de cette série.
Fin du 19ème siècle, alors que les mentalités changent sans vraiment changer et que le monde évolue à toute allure, la Némésis est appelé à l’aide en Cornouailles, dans le petit village minier de Trewyn où les mineurs vivent dans des conditions épouvantables et sont proches de la rupture. La Némésis, cette « agence », ce groupe de personnes dévouées, qui décident de venir en aide de manière anonyme et gratuite aux opprimés, à ceux dans le besoin, dans le but de faire justice, décide d’envoyer sur place l’un de ses meilleurs agents-justiciers : Simon Addison-Shawe qui s’y fait embaucher comme mécanicien. [...]
L'intégralité de ma chronique ici: http://lune-et-plume.fr/seduction-a-risque-de-zoe-archer/
Fin du 19ème siècle, alors que les mentalités changent sans vraiment changer et que le monde évolue à toute allure, la Némésis est appelé à l’aide en Cornouailles, dans le petit village minier de Trewyn où les mineurs vivent dans des conditions épouvantables et sont proches de la rupture. La Némésis, cette « agence », ce groupe de personnes dévouées, qui décident de venir en aide de manière anonyme et gratuite aux opprimés, à ceux dans le besoin, dans le but de faire justice, décide d’envoyer sur place l’un de ses meilleurs agents-justiciers : Simon Addison-Shawe qui s’y fait embaucher comme mécanicien. [...]
L'intégralité de ma chronique ici: http://lune-et-plume.fr/seduction-a-risque-de-zoe-archer/
chelseaj91's review
4.0
Alyce Carr has no time for the strange man in her little Cornwall village, no matter how breathtakingly handsome he is. Life in Trewyn doesn't allow for much fun—the managers of the copper mine barely provide the miners and their families with enough food. Outsiders are suspect and flirts are unimaginable, but Simon Sharpe is as keen as his name…and Alyce can't ignore him for long.
As the founder of Nemesis, Unlimited, Simon Addison-Shawe is well accustomed to disguise and deceit. Yet he's not prepared for Alyce's dogged defense of her people and the injustices the copper mine has dealt them. With Alyce's help he can change the fate of an entire town, and convincing her to join him is only part of the thrill. Together, they ignite a desire in each other much too powerful to deny. But at what cost?
Great entry in this series.
I loved getting to see more of Simon, who clearly wasn't just the pampered gentleman society would have him be. I thought it was interesting watching him slip into the various roles that he played, and seeing some of the reactions when things were revealed were pretty great. It was also kind of funny watching him attempt to integrate himself with the people of Trewyn and the life of the mine, and the way the different personalities played all around.
Alyce was intriguing. I thought it was interesting how she was pretty much the only one willing to make waves, yet at the same time, she seemed to stop just shy of basically fully jumping in. Until Simon showed up, of course. I liked that she trusted him from the beginning, even after truths were revealed, she didn't exactly stop trusting him, but she definitely became more wary of him. And a lot more likely to jump into the fray. I loved watching her slip into the roles they played; even as worried as she was about everything, she still knew what was important and hid her fear/worry, sometimes even using it to further her character.
I did want to smack both of them though. Like Edgar mentioned, they were both so stubborn. I'm glad that while they both had some talks with other people, it was kind of their own hearts that made them go after each other. I liked that it was a dual changing of the mind/going after them, rather than one chasing the other (granted, that's always an interesting thing too, but these stubborn people kind of needed the mutual turning around).
I did find myself wanting a little more of the others of Nemesis; it felt like they all played a slightly bigger part in the previous book. Maybe that was just because they were being introduced? Not saying they weren't involved, but I just kind of wanted a little bit more of that family dynamic. I did love Eva and Jack's participation though. Knowing this series was compared to Leverage, I could really see the scene between Simon, Jack and the mine owners as one with Hardison (Simon) and Eliot (Jack), no trouble (Maybe the other way around; but that would have added a little more comedy to the scene).
As the founder of Nemesis, Unlimited, Simon Addison-Shawe is well accustomed to disguise and deceit. Yet he's not prepared for Alyce's dogged defense of her people and the injustices the copper mine has dealt them. With Alyce's help he can change the fate of an entire town, and convincing her to join him is only part of the thrill. Together, they ignite a desire in each other much too powerful to deny. But at what cost?
Great entry in this series.
I loved getting to see more of Simon, who clearly wasn't just the pampered gentleman society would have him be. I thought it was interesting watching him slip into the various roles that he played, and seeing some of the reactions when things were revealed were pretty great. It was also kind of funny watching him attempt to integrate himself with the people of Trewyn and the life of the mine, and the way the different personalities played all around.
Alyce was intriguing. I thought it was interesting how she was pretty much the only one willing to make waves, yet at the same time, she seemed to stop just shy of basically fully jumping in. Until Simon showed up, of course. I liked that she trusted him from the beginning, even after truths were revealed, she didn't exactly stop trusting him, but she definitely became more wary of him. And a lot more likely to jump into the fray. I loved watching her slip into the roles they played; even as worried as she was about everything, she still knew what was important and hid her fear/worry, sometimes even using it to further her character.
I did want to smack both of them though. Like Edgar mentioned, they were both so stubborn. I'm glad that while they both had some talks with other people, it was kind of their own hearts that made them go after each other. I liked that it was a dual changing of the mind/going after them, rather than one chasing the other (granted, that's always an interesting thing too, but these stubborn people kind of needed the mutual turning around).
I did find myself wanting a little more of the others of Nemesis; it felt like they all played a slightly bigger part in the previous book. Maybe that was just because they were being introduced? Not saying they weren't involved, but I just kind of wanted a little bit more of that family dynamic. I did love Eva and Jack's participation though. Knowing this series was compared to Leverage, I could really see the scene between Simon, Jack and the mine owners as one with Hardison (Simon) and Eliot (Jack), no trouble (Maybe the other way around; but that would have added a little more comedy to the scene).
cleocleveland's review against another edition
5.0
I wavered between 4 & 5 stars but bumped it up for a couple of reasons. Reason #1 is Alyce the heroine. Working as a bal-maiden for the copper mine she's physically strong but she's also got a strong personality, moral center and a quick mind. Simon was an excellent hero but Alyce is truly the special one in the book. Also, oddly enough, we have been embroiled in our own labor uprising here in Massachusetts this summer. Granted it's a grocery store and not a mine but the Market Basket saga is still ongoing even though it's created havoc at the grocery stores I'm eager to see if the workers are successful. Anyway, all of that put me in the perfect mood to see the greedy mine owners get theirs (I'm always in the mood for that but it particularly resonated right now).
Although Zoe Archer never shies away from the conditions in the mine and the plight of the workers she's careful not to get too grim. We see moments of happiness and family as well. And once the scams start, the fun for the reader begins. Simon & Alyce are a great team and I loved the conclusion to their seemingly impossible situation. I'm looking forward to Marco's story but I do wish that the Nemesis series was continuing after that.
Although Zoe Archer never shies away from the conditions in the mine and the plight of the workers she's careful not to get too grim. We see moments of happiness and family as well. And once the scams start, the fun for the reader begins. Simon & Alyce are a great team and I loved the conclusion to their seemingly impossible situation. I'm looking forward to Marco's story but I do wish that the Nemesis series was continuing after that.
la_xu's review
3.0
I would give the first 50% of the book 2 stars then the last 50% of the book 4 stars... Averaging to a 3 star read.
Some things I really liked about the novel was that both Alyce and Simon were such good characters. Alyce especially was such a strong woman who cared about her home, her community, and her work. She was passionate about standing up for those who couldn't want used her voice even if it got her in trouble. She was smart and adapted to new scenarios so well. At the same time she had a sense of innocence and wonder about her when she was traveling to all the new cities. In general, she was such a good character.
A minor character I also really liked was Sarah, Alyce's sister-in-law. She didn't show up very often in the novel but I liked her conversations with Alyce. Moreover, her discussions with Alyce at the very end of the novel really solidified her place as one of my favorite characters in the novel.
I also liked that the book was unique in that as a historical romance novel, it wasn't just about the regency or upper-class noblemen and women that I feel like the majority of historical romances are. It was cool that this was taking place during the industrial revolution and that our heroine was a working-class lady.
I really enjoyed the latter half of the novel when Alyce and Simon go off on their mission together. It was so much more exciting going to different towns/cities with them and the stakes felt so much higher as they got closer to the end of their mission.
However, overall I was a little frustrated at the pacing of the book especially in the 1st half (hence the 2 stars). Despite have such a strong social justice slant to the novel which I'm normally all about, I just was so bored when they were in the mining town. I understand that the author had to paint and image of the atrocities that were taking place and there needed to be time for Simon to gain the trust of Alyce and the miners, but it was just soooo boring. If there was some way to make mining sound exciting, that would have been great. If not that, I kind of thought the mini mission that Simon takes Alyce on to the managers' house was just... kind of a dumb one.
The other pacing factor that bothered me was their relationship. It was pretty much lust at first sight/interest at first sight, but then the two characters kept coming up with excuses to not be together, even at a physical level. This makes sense for like at least part of the book, but not the majority of it. I like a good slow burn, but not when it doesn't quite match up with the insta-love but not showing it until way later. I'd rather it be a slow burn all throughout with them falling for each other over the book then doing the deed, instead of being instantly into each other but denying it for 70% of the book.
Had the pacing been better, and the first half not been so boring, I would have given this book 4 stars.
Some things I really liked about the novel was that both Alyce and Simon were such good characters. Alyce especially was such a strong woman who cared about her home, her community, and her work. She was passionate about standing up for those who couldn't want used her voice even if it got her in trouble. She was smart and adapted to new scenarios so well. At the same time she had a sense of innocence and wonder about her when she was traveling to all the new cities. In general, she was such a good character.
A minor character I also really liked was Sarah, Alyce's sister-in-law. She didn't show up very often in the novel but I liked her conversations with Alyce. Moreover, her discussions with Alyce at the very end of the novel really solidified her place as one of my favorite characters in the novel.
I also liked that the book was unique in that as a historical romance novel, it wasn't just about the regency or upper-class noblemen and women that I feel like the majority of historical romances are. It was cool that this was taking place during the industrial revolution and that our heroine was a working-class lady.
I really enjoyed the latter half of the novel when Alyce and Simon go off on their mission together. It was so much more exciting going to different towns/cities with them and the stakes felt so much higher as they got closer to the end of their mission.
However, overall I was a little frustrated at the pacing of the book especially in the 1st half (hence the 2 stars). Despite have such a strong social justice slant to the novel which I'm normally all about, I just was so bored when they were in the mining town. I understand that the author had to paint and image of the atrocities that were taking place and there needed to be time for Simon to gain the trust of Alyce and the miners, but it was just soooo boring. If there was some way to make mining sound exciting, that would have been great. If not that, I kind of thought the mini mission that Simon takes Alyce on to the managers' house was just... kind of a dumb one.
The other pacing factor that bothered me was their relationship. It was pretty much lust at first sight/interest at first sight, but then the two characters kept coming up with excuses to not be together, even at a physical level. This makes sense for like at least part of the book, but not the majority of it. I like a good slow burn, but not when it doesn't quite match up with the insta-love but not showing it until way later. I'd rather it be a slow burn all throughout with them falling for each other over the book then doing the deed, instead of being instantly into each other but denying it for 70% of the book.
Had the pacing been better, and the first half not been so boring, I would have given this book 4 stars.
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