Review - - In Want of a Viscount

In Want of a Viscount

by Lorraine Heath

The Chessmen: Masters of Seduction - Book 3

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: February 20, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

American Leonora Garrison has come to England in desperate search of investors to keep her family business afloat but instead finds surprising pleasure when she visits an exclusive ladies’ club and dares to kiss a stranger, who leaves her yearning for more.

With a libertine for a father, Viscount Wyeth, more commonly known as Rook, vowed to live his life above reproach, with nary a hint of disgrace. Until one night, he takes a mysterious beauty into his arms, a lady who tempts him to cast his sterling reputation aside in favor of more wicked pursuits.

When fate reunites the couple, they are torn between desire and duty. Leonora may want the viscount, but she needs a stakeholder not a lover. When caught in a compromising situation that places everything they hold dear at risk, they must determine how best to win. However, in this scandalous game, nothing except love takes all.

PJ's Thoughts:

You know those authors who never let you down? The ones who give you yearning, angst, sensual romance, and hard-won happy endings time and again? That's Lorraine Heath and she does it once more with her newest Chessman novel: In Want of a Viscount. 

Even though I've loved all three books in the series, this one is my favorite. It's charming, witty and emotional, with plenty of steam but also soft moments that are endearing and lovely. It really was such a joy to read. 

Rook is kept from embracing - or revealing - his true self due to his father's many...many...scandals (what a horrible man). While he has good friends and is well respected, he's also closed himself off emotionally and has no plans to marry or ever be vulnerable to the whims of love (so delicious to see this type of hero slowly realize he can't live without that one woman who holds his heart). Leonora is unlike anyone he's ever met. She's bright, focused, curious, loyal, caring, remarkably skilled at all things mechanical, and driven to make her family's business a success. All characteristics that have made her an oddity within both society and her own family (don't get me started on them) but make her unique and special to Rook. Together, these two just may be the one and only key that unlocks the other's heart and opens the door to an enduring love and life together. Watching them slowly make that journey, with its unexpected pitfalls, sizzling encounters, and quiet, heartfelt moments, was pure pleasure. I adored them.

This book is set within the same Heath world as her Sins of All Seasons and Once Upon a Dukedom series with many characters from both series making appearances. It's always fun to catch up with favorites from earlier books, like the other Chessmen and their wives as well as the Trewloves. Aiden Trewlove (The Duchess in His Bed) and Finn Trewlove (The Scoundrel in Her Bed) are Rook's illegitimate brothers with Aiden in particular having an important role in Rook's story. Readers new to Heath, however, should be aware that this book can absolutely be enjoyed on its own without having read the others. Though they really should. Read the others, that is. So many great stories.  

If you enjoy epilogues, the one at the end of In Want of a Viscount is *chef's kiss* with interactions that left me laughing, sighing, and mopping up a few tears. That seems to be the case with many of Lorraine Heath's epilogues. She has a knack for wrapping up a wonderful story with an even better "guess what happened next." 

Review - - The Duchess Hunt

The Duchess Hunt

by Lorraine Heath

Once Upon a Dukedom - Book 2

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: September 28, 2021

Reviewed by PJ

 

Hugh Brinsley-Norton, the Duke of Kingsland, is in need of a duchess. However, restoring the dukedom—left in ruins by his father—to its former glory demands all his time, with little room for sentiment. He places an advert encouraging the single ladies of the ton to write why they should be the one chosen, and leaves it to his efficient secretary to select his future wife.

If there exists a more unpleasant task in the world than deciding who is to marry the man you love, Penelope Pettypeace certainly can’t imagine what it might be. Still, she is determined to find the perfect bride for her clueless, yet ruthlessly charming employer.

But when an anonymous note threatens to reveal truths best hidden, Kingsland has no choice but to confront the danger with Penelope at his side. Beguiled by the strong-willed, courageous beauty, he realizes he’s willing to risk everything, including his heart, to keep her safe within his arms. Could it be the duchess he’s hunting for has been in front of him all along?

PJ's Thoughts:

Is there anything better than when a romance hero finally opens both his eyes and his heart to the fact that what he needs - and wants - has been standing in front of him all along? It is a delicious moment and one that Lorraine Heath does so well. In Kingsland's case, it's a slow awakening that is so much fun to watch, especially as it seems King is the very last one among his family and friends to figure out how he feels. 

I was intrigued by Kingsland in the first book of this series, Scoundrel of my Heart, and eager to read his story, especially when I figured out who his heroine would be. I loved Penelope Pettypeace. She's intelligent, efficient, pragmatic, indispensable, and secretly in love with her boss. But that's a professional line she will not cross. She's also harboring a devastating secret that could see their association come to a swift end if revealed. King, on the other hand, is determined to enter a loveless union with a woman - any woman - who will give him an heir and spare then leave him alone. There are reasons, of course, for this attitude that are gradually hinted at, then revealed, over the course of the book. In true Heath fashion, both King's and Penelope's secrets are deep, dark, and potentially devastating. They also could be triggering to some readers so please check the content warnings at the end of this review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. King and Penn are a well-matched pair that totally worked for me. The writing kept me engaged. Their banter was crisp and witty. And watching their hearts unfurl and open totally to one another was a true delight. I was totally clueless as to each of their secrets until revealed. And, boy howdy, was I ever shocked to learn King's. I did not see that coming! There was more foreshadowing for Penn's which made it less of a shock for me but no less heartbreaking. One frustration for me was King's reaction, especially when compared to Penn's response to his own secret. After everything they had been through together, it felt "off." He does manage to redeem himself in a lovely way, and I finished the book secure in their future happiness, but it did take a bit of the shine off their story for me. Even with a bit less shine though, The Duchess Hunt is still a darn good read and one that I enthusiastically recommend. 

CW: child abuse, child pornography

Birthday Month Giveaway #12 - - Historicals on the Horizon

 

I've been plotting out my reading for the rest of 2021. Oh, not the impulse buys, those books that catch my eye, causing me to quickly one-click at Amazon. No, these are the books I've been hearing buzz about for the past several months, the next installment in an ongoing series that I've been eagerly anticipating since last year. The books written by the authors who are my treasured auto-buys. The majority of these books have already been pre-ordered, allowing me to bask in the giddy anticipation of waking up on release day to the knowledge that a delicious new historical romance is on my Kindle, sitting there like a gaily-wrapped package just waiting to be opened and appreciated. Here are a few of the historical romances I'm most anticipating.

The Devil's Own Duke

by Lenora Bell

Wallflowers vs Rogues - Book 2

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: September 28, 2021

Lady Henrietta Prince is far too busy for romance. She's dedicated her life to turning her family vineyards into a profitable sparkling wine venture. But when she shares a thrilling kiss at midnight with a handsome stranger, she's captivated...until he claims to be the distant heir to her father's dukedom.

Ash Ellis is a gambler who lives life on the edge. Now he's locked his sights on a glittering prize and nothing will stand in his way.

When Henrietta is forced to marry the wicked rogue to keep her beloved vineyards, she vows that Ash will never have her trust, or her love. Even if his kisses are more intoxicating than the finest champagne.

His new bride is certainly beautiful, but biddable? Not so much. Ash will settle for nothing less than Henrietta's total surrender...but is he the one in danger of losing his heart?

PJ says: Bell's books touch my heart, tickle my funny bone, and always, always leave me with a happy smile. I adored book one of this series and can't wait to embark on this new journey with winemaker Henrietta and gambler Ash. 

The Duchess Hunt

by Lorraine Heath

Once Upon a Dukedom - Book 2

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: September 28. 2021

Hugh Brinsley-Norton, the Duke of Kingsland, is in need of a duchess. However, restoring the dukedom—left in ruins by his father—to its former glory demands all his time, with little room for sentiment. He places an advert encouraging the single ladies of the ton to write why they should be the one chosen, and leaves it to his efficient secretary to select his future wife.

If there exists a more unpleasant task in the world than deciding who is to marry the man you love, Penelope Pettypeace certainly can’t imagine what it might be. Still, she is determined to find the perfect bride for her clueless, yet ruthlessly charming employer.

But when an anonymous note threatens to reveal truths best hidden, Kingsland has no choice but to confront the danger with Penelope at his side. Beguiled by the strong-willed, courageous beauty, he realizes he’s willing to risk everything, including his heart, to keep her safe within his arms. Could it be the duchess he’s hunting for has been in front of him all along?

PJ says: Heath is one of my favorite historical romance authors. I've been intrigued by Kingsland and his secretary, Miss Pettypeace since meeting them in book one, Scoundrel of My Heart (highly recommend!). I'm excited for them to take center stage in The Duchess Hunt. 

Rules for Heiresses

by Amalie Howard

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Release Date: October 26, 2021

Sometimes, finding love means flouting the rules...

Born to a life of privilege, Lady Ravenna Huntley rues the day that she must marry. She's refused dozens of suitors and cried off multiple betrothals, but running away—even if brash and foolhardy—is the only option left to secure her independence.

Lord Courtland Chase, grandson of the Duke of Ashvale, was driven from England at the behest of his cruel stepmother. Scorned and shunned, he swore never to return to the land of his birth. But when a twist of bad luck throws a rebellious heiress into his arms, at the very moment he finds out he's the new Duke, marriage is the only alternative to massive scandal.

Both are quick to deny it, but a wedding might be the only way out for both of them. And the attraction that burns between them makes Ravenna and Courtland wonder if it'll truly only be a marriage of convenience after all...

PJ says: A rebellious heiress, a shunned duke, a delicious scandal, and a marriage of convenience. Check, check, check, and double check! Howard brings heat, humor, and heart to her historical romances and I am here for it. 

 

A Wanton for All Seasons

by Christie Caldwell 

Publisher: Montlake 

Release Date: November 2, 2021

Annalee Spencer and Wayland Smith were uninhibited young lovers until the Peterloo Massacre set them on two different paths. Raised to the title of Baron of Darlington in recognition of his courage, Wayland is now a model of propriety and heroism. As for Annalee, the trauma of that tragic day in Manchester is ever present. To dull the pain, she lives only for pleasure. And she derives immense pleasure from co-leading the Mismatch Society, a league of scandalously independent women. Perhaps too scandalous…because of Annalee. To save the society, she must adopt a veneer of respectability. For that she needs the man who’s won the admiration of the ton.

Wayland may be conflicted, but he agrees to Annalee’s proposal, if only to atone for having brought his former beloved to Peterloo on that fateful day. Reunited under the pretense of a courtship, Wayland and Annalee find the feelings between them are becoming real. With their own futures at stake, it’s finally time to confront the past, to trust in each other again, and against the odds, to reclaim the love they once had.

PJ says: The first two books in this series have been brimming with sensual romance and deep emotion. I have a feeling this third one may be the most emotional yet. Christi Caldwell never disappoints.

After Dark with the Duke

by Julie Anne Long

The Palace of Rogues - Book 4

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: November 30, 2021

She arrives in the dead of night, a mob out for blood at her heels: Mariana Wylde, the “Harlot of Haywood Street,” an opera diva brought low by a duel fought for her favors. But the ladies of the Grand Palace on the Thames think they can make a silk purse from scandal: They’ll restore her reputation and share in her triumph...provided they can keep her apart from that other guest.

 
Coldly brilliant, fiercely honorable, General James Duncan Blackmore, the Duke of Valkirk, is revered, feared, desired...but nobody truly knows him. Until a clash with a fiery, vulnerable beauty who stands for everything he scorns lays him bare. It’s too clear the only cure for consuming desire is conquest, but their only chance at happiness could lead to their destruction.

The legendary duke never dreamed love would be his last battleground. Valkirk would lay down his life for Mariana, but his choice is stark: risk losing her forever, or do the one thing he vowed he never would...surrender.

PJ says: I've been reading Long since her debut. If she writes it, I buy it. I pre-ordered After Dark with the Duke in March. I'm currently at the midway point of an advance copy of the book and all I can say is that if the second half of this book is as good as the first it may well end up being one of my favorite JAL books and one of my favorite historical romances of 2021. 

What historical romances being released between now and the end of 2021 are you most looking forward to reading?

One person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, September 13 will receive a print copy of Scoundrel of My Heart by Lorraine Heath.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

*Void where prohibited

Review - - Scoundrel of My Heart

Scoundrel of My Heart

by Lorraine Heath

Once Upon a Dukedom - Book 1

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: March 30, 2021

Reviewed by PJ

She is desperate to wed a duke…
Lady Kathryn Lambert must marry a titled gentleman to claim her inheritance and has finally gained the attention of a duke. Yet she is unable to forget the scandalous second son who aided in her achievement—or his betrayal.
He wants what he can never possess…
Lord Griffith Stanwick is tormented by the bitter truth that as a “spare,” he will never be able to give Kathryn what she yearns to possess. But when his father is found guilty of treason, Griff detours into the dark and dangerous corners of London, haunted by memories of the woman lost to him forever.
Love not to be denied…
As the duke’s courtship intensifies, Kathryn discovers Griff has become a man to be reckoned with. When old passions flare and new desires ignite, she must decide if sacrificing her legacy is worth a lifetime shared with the scoundrel of her heart.

PJ's Thoughts:

If you follow my reviews you know how much I loved Lorraine Heath's Sins for All Seasons series, especially the final book, Beauty Tempts the Beast. I was intrigued by the glimpse readers were given of heroine Althea's brothers, Griff and Marcus, in that book and happy to hear Heath planned to write stories for them but, to be honest, I doubted she would be able to surpass my love for Beast and Althea. Boy, was I wrong.

This book is about as close to a perfect read as I could want. I wouldn't change a thing about it. Exquisitely written, beautifully nuanced, each word, look, and gesture conveys depth, intent, and a full range of emotions. Griff and Kathryn showed me anger, devotion, joy, retribution, love, hopelessness, and yearning - oh my gosh, the yearning - so clearly and so deeply that I couldn't help but feel their emotions to my core. Heath gives us fully developed, multi-layered characters who continually evolve throughout their journey. I adored them. I want to be friends with Kathryn. I want to dance with her on the beach and bask in the glow of her joy. And Griff. There are so many scenes I'd like to quote to highlight the ways in which he captures Kathryn's heart - and mine - but each reader should have the opportunity to discover those on their own. Suffice it to say, he's set the new standard for my book boyfriends. 

And then there's the duke, the character who most surprised me in this book. I was prepared to heap my full disdain upon his head. I mean, really, the man actually placed a notice in the paper inviting women to submit applications detailing why they should be chosen for the position of his duchess. Plus, he was standing between Griff and Kathryn. But, the Duke of Kingsland holds his cards close to his chest and I was very pleased with the twists his character arc took, especially as pertains to my favorite couple. He's up next as the hero of book two and I cannot wait to discover what Heath has in store for our single-minded, workaholic duke and his uber-efficient secretary, Penelope Pettypeace. The Duchess Hunt will release September 28, 2021. I already have it on pre-order. 

If you enjoy historical romance, Scoundrel of My Heart is a book you won't want to miss. Both Griff and the book are in the running for my favorites of 2021. 

~~~~~~~~~~

Have you read Lorraine Heath's books yet? Do you have a favorite book or series?

Kathryn loves to start her day with a joyful dance on the beach. How do you start your day? 

One randomly chosen person posting a comment before 11:00 PM, March 31 will receive a print copy of Scoundrel of My Heart. 

*Must be 18

*U.S. only

Review - - Beauty Tempts the Beast

 

Beauty Tempts the Beast

by Lorraine Heath

Sins For All Seasons - Book 6

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: September 29, 2020

Reviewed by PJ

She wants lessons in seduction

Althea Stanwick was a perfect lady destined to marry a wealthy lord, until betrayal left her family penniless. Though she’s lost friends, fortune, and respectability, Althea has gained a scandalous plan. If she can learn to seduce, she can obtain power over men and return to Society on her terms. She even has the perfect teacher in mind, a man whose sense of honor and dark good looks belie his nickname: Beast.

But desire like this can’t be taught

Benedict Trewlove may not know his parentage but he knows where he belongs—on the dark side of London, offering protection wherever it’s needed. Yet no woman has ever made such an outrageous request as this mysterious beauty. Althea is out of place amongst vice and sin, even if she offers a wicked temptation he can’t resist. But as the truth of his origin emerges at last, it will take a fierce, wild love to overcome their pasts.

PJ's Thoughts:

Somehow I knew Beast would end up being my favorite. Lorraine Heath has wrapped up her Sins For All Seasons series with a book I inhaled in one sitting, then returned to the beginning and slowly savored scene by scene, word by delicious word. Heath is a gifted writer who brings layered stories and nuanced characters to life through her skillful command of exquisite language and heartfelt storytelling. Consider this passage in which Thea begins to realize what her life would have been had she not lost what she thought at the time was everything:

The world in which she'd grown up lacked magic, depth, satisfaction. Only now did she realize it, only now did she understand that without him, her world had been an arid place where she never would have truly come into herself.

Such a beautiful description of how, sometimes, losing everything you thought necessary leads you to who you're truly meant to be and to the person you're meant to be with.   

Beast and Thea are both complex characters which makes them that much more interesting, both individually and as a couple. I loved watching them shift and grow through the deepening of their relationship and the changes in their lives. I enjoyed watching Thea's growing confidence as she took control of her destiny. And Beast has so many intriguing facets. I loved his caring, nurturing nature, his calm, reasoning demeanor, and his fierce love for Thea. I'm not a swooning person by nature but, oh mama, is he worthy of it. My love for them is as boundless as their love for one another. I just finished a third reading of this book and, honestly, all I want to do is go back to page one and immerse myself in their journey all over again. I have a feeling I'll be revisiting them often. 

Heath has packed this story with humor, heart, and deeply sensual emotion. I was immersed from start to finish. And that epilogue! I don't usually enjoy epilogues that take characters decades into the future but this one featuring the entire Trewlove family was glorious. My heart burst with joy while my eyes overflowed with tears and I laughed out loud. I couldn't have asked for a better conclusion to one of my favorite Lorraine Heath series. 

And, bonus!  Heath is bringing us two future books featuring secondary characters (Thea's brothers) from Beauty Tempts the Beast with the possibility of Trewlove sightings in those stories. Color me beyond excited! 

~~~~~~~

Are you reading the Sins For All Seasons series? 

Do you have a favorite book or couple in the series?

Do you enjoy an epilogue that takes you decades into the future?

Review - - The Earl Takes a Fancy

The Earl Takes a Fancy
by Lorraine Heath
Sins for All Seasons -  Book 5
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: March 31, 2020
Reviewed by PJ
 

She’s looking for a nobleman to wed…

Though born out of wedlock, Fancy Trewlove is determined to fulfill her mother’s wish that she marry into nobility. Fancy’s keen intellect and finishing school manners make her the perfect wife for any gentleman—if he’s willing to overlook her scandalous lineage. But Fancy’s plans are thrown into chaos when an intriguing commoner begins visiting her bookshop—and she finds herself unable to stop thinking about him.

He’s looking to escape his title…

Widowed just a year ago, the reclusive Matthew Sommersby, Earl of Rosemont, has been besieged by women hoping to become his next wife. Desperate for anonymity, he sheds Society life to search for the peace that eludes him. Fancy’s shop is his one refuge, until the night their passion erupts into a kiss that nearly leads to her ruin—and leaves both longing for much more. 

Together, they discover an unlikely love…

As Fancy finds herself torn between her family’s expectations and her growing feelings for Matthew, secrets are exposed—secrets that force Fancy to question if she can trust her heart’s desire...

PJ's Thoughts:

Lorraine Heath has written a lot of 5-star books but, for me, the books in her current Sins for All Seasons series are my favorites. I've fallen hard for the Trewlove bastard siblings and their emotional journeys to love. 

Fancy is the youngest of the Trewloves and the only child born to the mother who raised them all as her own. She's been nurtured and protected by her entire family since birth. Now that she's of an age to be introduced into society, their expectations are high and she does not want to disappoint them, even though her goals are not the same as theirs. I adored her. She's sweet, kind, giving, and would love nothing more than to continue running her bookshop, teaching adult reading to those less fortunate, and deepening her friendship with Matthew Sommersby. 

I'm not usually a fan of deception but I completely understood Matthew's deep mistrust of women as well as his need to escape from his titled life. I thoroughly enjoyed his "courtship" of Fancy. They develop a lovely friendship which gradually deepens into an enduring love. He shows in a variety of ways - from his anonymous gifts to his actions following a harrowing encounter - just how completely he understands, admires, and appreciates her and she opens his eyes to how much more fulfilling his life can be. Of course, he eventually mucks it up but his atonement wins her heart along with mine. As much as I enjoyed Matthew's evolution though, what I really loved was Fancy's. It was such a joy to watch her come into her own, taking ownership of her sexuality, and control of her life. She becomes a force to be reckoned with and I cheered her on the entire way. 

If you enjoy beautifully written and richly emotional journeys,  romance with a fairy-tale feel, and a heroine and hero with whom you'll fall in love, give this one a try. I highly recommend it. 

Review - - The Duchess in His Bed

The Duchess in His Bed
by Lorraine Heath
Sins for all Seasons - Book 4
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: August 20, 2019
Reviewed by PJ
    

For a duchess with practical desires, falling in love is an inconceivable part of her plan…

 As owner of the Elysium Club which caters to women’s fantasies, Aiden Trewlove is accustomed to introducing adventurous ladies to sin and vice. But he is uncharacteristically intrigued by the mysterious beauty who visits his club one night, yearning to indulge in the forbidden—with him. Drawn to her indomitable spirit, he breaks his rule of never becoming personally involved with his clientele and is determined to fully awaken her desires.

A recent widow, Selena Sheffield, Duchess of Lushing, has never known passion, not until Aiden’s slow, sensual seduction leads her on a journey of discovery and incredible pleasure. But her reasons for visiting the notorious club are not all that they seem.

As Selena’s motives become complicated by love, she finds herself with a most unexpected choice: forge ahead with a secret plan that could secure her future—or follow her heart which could prove ruinous.

My thoughts:

Lorraine Heath is one of my favorite historical romance authors and the Sins for all Seasons books rank among my favorites that she has written. The first three books have all been five star reads for me, with the last one earning a Top Dish rating. The Duchess in His Bed, while very good, didn't quite hit the same mark. 

I've been anticipating Aiden's story and he was everything I had hoped for: loving, loyal, sensual, and protective. His emotional journey is littered with peaks and valleys and I was there with him for them all. Which probably goes a long way toward explaining why I didn't connect with his heroine, Selena for much of the book. While I sympathized with her position, and understood how her family's expectations had shaped her, I had a real problem with her dogged determination to continue her deception after she begins to know the real Aiden, the person behind the persona, and realizes the impact her actions will have on him. There's one particular scene where Heath walks a tight line between "this is where she begins to change" and "I'm done. Book, meet wall." I'll be honest; it was a close call. It was my faith in the author that kept me reading and she didn't let me down but it wasn't until the last quarter of the book that I actually began to forgive the heroine for her actions and believe that she might be worthy of a happy ending with the hero. 

The other Trewlove siblings, and their partners, make appearances, helping to move the story forward as well as allowing readers to catch up with their ongoing relationships. We're also given a peek into what younger sister, Fancy is up to. Her book is next and I'm excited to see what Heath has in store for her. 

If you've read Finn's book, The Scoundrel in Her Bed, you've already met the monster who sired both Finn and Aiden. You'll see more of him in The Duchess in His Bed and, let's just say, he hasn't changed his ways. But, never fear, justice is served up in the best possible way by the best possible person, in one of the best "revenge is sweet" scenes I've ever read. I would have bought the book for this scene alone. Lorraine Heath may look sweet in her photos but the woman has a deliciously devious mind when it comes to her writing and I love it!

Review - - The Scoundrel In Her Bed

The Scoundrel In Her Bed
by Lorraine Heath
Sins for all Seasons - Book 3
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: February 26, 2019
Reviewed by PJ

The bastard son of a nobleman, Finn Trewlove was a shameful secret raised by a stranger. As Finn came of age, he had secrets, too—the clandestine nights spent with an earl’s daughter. But her promise of forever ended in betrayal.

Driven by a past that haunts her, Lady Lavinia Kent seeks redemption in London’s underworld, engaged in a daring cause inspired by the young man to whom she gave her innocence, and who then proved himself a scoundrel by abandoning her.

When their paths cross again, they can’t deny the yearning and desire that still burns. As they discover the truth behind the deceptions that tore them apart, Finn and Lavinia must fight to reclaim what they’ve lost, no matter how dangerous—because love is worth the risk . . .

My thoughts:

Angst, betrayal, redemption, sacrifice, gut-wrenching emotion, and a cross-class, soul-stirring love that will rip your heart to shreds then slowly, carefully, completely, mend it back together, stronger than ever. They all take center stage in this beautifully written novel by Lorraine Heath. 

I usually enjoy Lorraine Heath's books but this one takes a special place among my Heath keepers. I was hooked from the opening pages and remained immersed in the story until the very end, not just reading about these characters but experiencing their journey with them. Heath filled me with just about every emotion possible with this tale. Keep the tissues handy. You're going to need them. 

I'm not usually fond of flashbacks but they worked for me in this case. By using them in the first part of this book, Heath gives us an intimate look into a young, tender, and forbidden first love between Finn and his Vivi...before everything goes to hell, both believing they've been betrayed by the other. The price each pays is devastating and life-altering. When next they meet, several years later, each has undergone a transformation, making a reconciliation nearly impossible. Yet, the deep love they once shared still lurks beneath the pain and bitterness that has festered over the years. What follows is a deeply emotional opportunity to begin again, right the wrongs, and recapture the happiness that was stolen from them.

My heart absolutely broke for these two. What they went through was so heart-wrenching and what was done to them, absolutely despicable. The phrase, "forged in fire" seems appropriate for what they are forced to endure before finally finding happiness together. I fell hard for Finn. He has such a tender heart. And Lavinia. She's been through hell, dealing with it in the only way she feels she can, and faced with decisions no one should have to make. I wanted to wrap my arms around both of them and make everything better, make those decisions they are forced to make less devastating. 

When characters still linger in my mind weeks after reading their story, when what was done to them still elicits tears of outrage and sorrow, when their hard-won love soothes the pain of their journey and leaves me confident in their happiness, that is a book that's deserving of my highest recommendation and a place on my Best of 2019 list. Keep your tissues handy - it's going to be a roller-coaster ride of emotions - but do not miss The Scoundrel In Her Bed by Lorraine Heath. 


Are you reading this series?

Do you enjoy romances that take you on an emotional roller-coaster ride?

What's your favorite Lorraine Heath novel?