Well, color me confused. I wanted to buy A Promise of More from Amazon with that cover and blurb but the inside story is Portia and Grayson's from A Touch of Passion. /shrug
Anyway, this was pretty disappointing regardless of the different story. Portia has remained single for years because of her love for Grayson, but when he wants to marry her, she decides to marry someone else since she thinks he doesn't love her. Grayson wobbles back and forth between love and duty until I wanted to slap him. The story seemed pretty disjointed and the hero/heroine just aren't that likable. ( )

Received via NetGalley from the Loveswept team (Random House Publishing Group) in exchange for an honest and completely unbiased review.

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Lady Portia Flagstaff has been in love with Grayson Devlin since she was sixteen years old, and has been saving herself in hopes one day he will see her as the woman she is and not the almost-sister she feels he treats her as. When she's stolen away by a Sultan with plans to make her part of his harem (**this isn't as cheesy as it sounds**), Portia must rely on the only man she's ever loved to save her, protect her and honor her. Yet, Portia will not settle until she finally has Lord Blackwood's heart for her own.

Grayson Devlin is a bachelor of the tallest order. He has a new woman as often as he likes and enjoys the pleasure of the flesh. He risks it all to rescue his childhood friend Lady Portia Flagstaff, and when it becomes clear her honor would be forfeit upon returning to England, he offers to marry her. Any honorable man would do the same. But can he keep his wits about him and keep his heart off the table?

All the while a nefarious person is tracking their every move, focused on destroying Grayson and killing his new betrothed. Can they find their nemesis before it's too late?
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I have been having issues finding a book worthy of a positive review lately. Some of this is probably due to bad luck, but mostly I think my dissatisfaction is linked to the monotony that comes from reading the same genre over a long period of time. I came to the conclusion recently that a change in the reading material would help with my disillusionment. So, when i meandered through NetGalley and saw A Touch of Passion I stopped to take a peek. The story interested me and the lovely Loveswept team granted me access to this unique experience.

I enjoyed Mrs Evans' writing style, one that was simple, direct and has a decent emotional element woven into a relationship that, although implausible in the beginning of the novel, became one that you wanted to happen. The characters were real, likeable and flawed. Regardless of the cliché cardboard characters the novel flowed well, and the evolution of the key characters are both realistic and natural.

I have never read any other books in Evans' A Disgraced Lords Series, and to be honest while reading A Touch of Passion I had no idea it was part of a series until near the end. I could follow along without reading the first few books and Evans was able to entice me to read the next book to learn who the villain/villainess of the story turns out to be without any preamble or background. Amazing!

A Touch of Passion is aptly named, the lovers are passionate people, with deeply held beliefs and world views. The love scenes have meaning and tend to develop the story: a refreshing change from the also nymphomania I've been subjected to from some New Adult Romances. The sex is tasteful and spaced out enough that the reader actually reads the scenes instead of just skipping to the part where the plot is continued.

The usual aspects of neo-Victorian literature is still here: mile long discussions, corsets, honor and a strong, independent "modern" woman. Generally I dislike anything Victorian, and dismiss it as boring. Evans might have made me more inclined to try this new flavour of book - so fiery, emotionally charged and MATURE LOVE.

This book would appeal to readers who enjoy neo-Victorian romance, romance in general, a good mystery, and tough Female Leads! Well worth the time! ( )

#3 in “The Disgraced Lords” series, but can be read as a stand alone. However, I would suggest reading the other two in this amazing series. Please visit the author’s website for more details.
I you only read one Historical Romance this year, be sure to read this one and it’s entire series. It is expressive, brilliantly written with engaging, enthralling characters, fast paced action, and an unforgettable storyline, it lingers long after the last page. A sins of the father, revisited upon the sons, type story.
“A Touch of Passion” is the much anticipated story between Lady Portia Flagstaff and Grayson Devlin, Viscount Blackwood. I was not disappointed. This has been an enthralling and much anticipated series! A page turner with a well blended mixture of lust, passion, romance, danger,suspense,mystery,long time friendships,promises, passion and love. The characters has a kinship many do not have in real life or fictional life. The reader is taken on a romp from an Arab harem though Egypt to England, with Portia and Grayson, while facing their passion, and many dangers, including a possible marriage. Fast paced, adventure and passion filled. Highly recommended series to any reader who enjoy Historical romance, suspense, a bit of mystery, and passion. Very intriguing and interesting. Ms. Evans is an amazing storyteller, one who holds her readers enthralled throughout the whole amazing series. Well done! More, please!

*Received for an honest review from the publisher through Net Galley*

Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Hot
Reviewed by: AprilR,courtesy of My Book Addiction and More ( )

I'm loving this series. This time a Lady Portia is kidnapped early on in the story to be added to a harem in Alexandria. A Libertine Scholar Grayson Devlin, Viscount Blackwood, comes to the rescue. When he finds out Portia's has been taken he also discovers someone is trying to make him look guilty for her kidnap.

And then Grayson want's to marry to save her reputation, but will they that's the question as Portia will not marry a man who does not admit to love her.
The story is intriguing as the rest of Libertine Scholars are called in to fight mystery of who is attacking them.

I love the secondary characters, some I've read in other novel's, some I'm sure will have their own. And the love scenes are passionate and hot.
I can't wait for the next book in the series I'm enjoying it so much. A great book 5/5 ( )