ARC Book Review-Once More, My Darling Rogue by Lorraine Heath

Once More, My Darling Rogue
Scandalous Gentleman of St. James (2)
Lorraine Heath
Avon Books
E Book
Published August 2014
Acquired: Edelweiss
384 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN:  9780062276254
Authors Website

Synopsis
 They are England’s most eligible bachelors, with the most scandalous reputations. But for the right woman, even an unrepentant rogue may mend his ways…

Born to the street but raised within the aristocracy, Drake Darling can’t escape his sordid beginnings. Not when Lady Ophelia Lyttleton snubs him at every turn, a constant reminder he’s not truly one of them. But after rescuing her from a mysterious drowning he realizes she doesn’t remember who she is. With plans to bring her to heel, he insists she’s his housekeeper—never expecting to fall for the charming beauty.

While Ophelia might not recall her life before Drake, she has little doubt she belongs with him. The desire she feels for her dark, brooding employer can’t be denied, regardless of consequences. So when her memory returns, she is devastated by the depth of his betrayal. Now Drake must risk everything to prove she can trust this rogue with her heart once more.

My Review

ARC Book Review-When The Duke Was Wicked

When The Duke Was Wicked
Scandalous Gentleman of St. James (1)
Lorraine Heath
Avon Books
E Book
Published February 25 2014
384 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN:  9780062276223
Authors Website 

Synopsis
They are England’s most eligible bachelors, with the most scandalous reputations. But for the right woman, even an unrepentant rogue may mend his ways…

Lady Grace Mabry’s ample inheritance has made it impossible for her to tell whether a suitor is in love with her—or enamored of her riches. Who better to distinguish beau from blackguard than her notorious childhood friend, the Duke of Lovingdon?

With no interest in marriage, Lovingdon has long lived only for pleasure. He sees little harm in helping Grace find a proper match. After all, he’s familiar with all the ploys a scoundrel uses to gain a woman’s favor. He simply has to teach the lovely innocent how to distinguish honest emotions from false ones. How better than by demonstrating his wicked ways. But as lessons lead to torrid passion and Grace becomes ensnared in another man’s marriage plot, Lovingdon must wage a desperate gamble: Open his heart fully—or risk losing the woman he adores…

My Review

ARC Book Review-The Last Wicked Scoundrel

The Last Wicked Scoundrel
Scoundrels of St. James (5)
Lorraine Heath
Avon
E Book
Published January 2014
100 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN: 9780062317155
Authors Website

Synopsis
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lorraine Heath brings us the eagerly awaited final story in the Scoundrels of St. James series.

William Graves is the last of Feagan's scoundrels. A onetime grave robber turned royal physician, he has devoted his life to saving others—because he knows there is no way to save himself. Especially not around a lady like Winnie. Though undeserving of her touch, he cannot resist. His passion cannot be tamed…even in the face of certain danger.

Winnie, the Duchess of Avendale, never knew peace until her brutal husband died. With William she's discovered burning desire—and the healing power of love. But now, confronted by the past she thought she'd left behind, Winnie must face her fears…or risk losing the one man who can fulfill all her dreams.

My Review

ARC Book Review-Lord Of Wicked Intentions

Lord Of Wicked Intentions
Lost Lords Of Pembrook (3)
Lorraine Heath
Avon Publishing
E Book
Published April 30 2013
384 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-06-210003-0
Author's Website

Synopsis
Three young heirs, imprisoned by anunscrupulous uncle, escaped—to the sea,to the streets, to faraway battle—awaiting the day when they wouldreturn to reclaim their birthright . . .

Lord Rafe Easton may be of noble blood, but survival taughthim to rely only on himself and to love no one. Yet when he setseyes on Miss Evelyn Chambers, an earl's illegitimate daughter,he is determined to have her, if only as his mistress . . .

After her father's death, Evelyn Chambers never imaginedshe would be sold to the highest bidder, yet circumstancesgive her little choice but to accept the lord's indecent proposal. Rafe is wealthy, as well as ruthless. Yet his coldnessbelies deep passion and deeper secrets. If she must be his,Evelyn intends to lay bare everything the Lord of Pembrookis hiding. But dark discoveries threaten to destroythem both until unexpected love leadsthe last lost lord home . .

My Review
Summary 
When Evelyn's father dies from a illness that slowly killed him, she has little time to mourn. Her brother, immediately orders her to her room. Then he makes her go to a planned meeting, Evelyn thinking, it is to meet future suitors for marriage. Little does she know that her brother is trying to sell her to the highest bidder as a mistress, not a wife. She gains the attention of Rafe Easton. Rafe's only interest is to settle his debt with Geofrrey, where he see's the most gracious and elegant young woman, who stirs his blood like none other. When he see's the other men bidding on her, he knows he can't let anyone else have her but himself. So he takes her, only when her brother brings her to him, she has no inkling of an idea of why she is truly there. Evelyn, is shocked to the core, when she learns the truth she is devastated that her own brother would betray her this way. She knows that if she doesn't become Rafe's mistress, she will live a life on the streets with no home or food and any place to call her own. She knows that this is the only recourse available to her. First she doesn't expect for Rafe to give her time to get used to the idea, but she never thought he would be wooing her in a way. Rafe has a very tough exterior, but she knows that there is more to him than meets the eye. She finds herself falling in love with a man she knows would never love her in return...For he can only fight his demons.

The Hero (Rafe Easton)
Rafe, has only known a life of hardship and has managed to stay alive through the years by hiding who he truly is. At the age of ten, his twin brothers abandoned him to a workhouse. One where he was worked  and abused, until he managed to escape and finally leave and work his way to London. Where he has lived ever since, having to do terrible deeds just to survive, he know is the owner of a gaming hell, and damn proud of it. He makes no apologies, especially with his brothers return that past few years. When he claims Evelyn as his own, he has no clue as to what he is doing. She is his first mistress, but there is something about her that he finds irresistable. But then he begins to soften his heart the more he is around her, but he knows he must truly face his inner demons before he will ever have a future with her.

The Heroine (Evelyn Chambers)
Evelyn, was born on the wrong side of the blanket as it were, also known as a bastard. Her mother was mistress to her father. Her father shielded her through the years, protecting her but in the end making her too innocent and naive about the world. She dearly loved her father, but he trusted her brother way too much. When he died, he had no idea the lengths her brother would go to to be ride of her. She had always though he respected her, but when he sells her to Rafe to be his mistress, she feels so used and betrayed. Like she is worth nothing. She now realizes that Rafe is her only hope. At first she has no idea how to be a mistress, but she starts to see past Rafe's tough exterior and straight to his heart. All she wants is to love him, prove to him that he deserves it, because he has shown her what it is like to be cherished and truly cared for.

My Thoughts 
Lord of Wicked Intentions is the third installment in the series by Lorraine Heath. After reading the first two, I had been looking forward to reading Rafe's story. Rafe is very different I think from his brothers. He suffered in a way they never did, he barely managed to survive. He resists his brothers attempts to befriend him, and always rejects their offers for family gatherings. Rafe is a hardened man, who on the outside appears to care for nothing and for no one. He feels alone, always has since he was ten years old, when his brothers abandoned him. He didn't understand the why for it then, and now that he does, he can't seem to forgive himself for the horrible things he has had to do, so he is unable to forgive family. But when he meets Evelyn, his life changes. He see's his life in a whole different light. She brings laughter, hope and love into his life. I truly adored Rafe, I found his to be utterly irresistable, dangerous and sexy in a way that just appealed to me. He is the kind of hero you just ache for, but admire for his strengths. Evelyn, hasn't suffered like Rafe has, but she doesn't judge his past life. She see's something good in him, and in her own way fights for him. I love the inner strength and will she possess to not run from her circumstances that she has been dealt. She handles it very well, and I loved her courage at times. Overall a heart wrenching, that just had me in tears at various times through the book. There were so many moments that I had to stop and control my emotions. A Magical read that had me from the first page, a story that will pull at your heart strings and leave you aching for more. Another great work by a talented author that has never let me down!!! A exciting read filled with romance, love, and take you on a journey with these characters...one you will never forget.

First Line 
Lord Rafe Easton waited, unmoving. 

Favorite quotes

"I have particular needs. The first is that you are to never wrap your arms around me."
"Why not?" She whispered 
"Because it's what I require." He lowered his lips to hers, and she realized that if he hadn't menacled her wrists that her arms would have twined about him of their own accord, simply to ensure that she remained standing when her knees grew so weak. 
His tongue toyed with her mouth, painting it, outlining it as though he wanted to be intimately familiar with it. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For a moment in his mind, all th eglobes he'd collected over the years spun. More than a hundred, spinning, spinning. He'd been searching for someplace better that where he was.
He'd finally found it, the best place of all--wrapped tightly in Eve's arms. 

My Grade
4.5 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Steamy

Other Books In The Series 
She Tempts The Duke
Lord Of Temptation
Deck the Halls with Love

Book Review-She Tempts The Duke

She Tempts The Duke
The Lost Lords of Pembrook
Lorraine Heath
Avon Publishing
Mass Market Paperback
Published February 2012
355 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-06202246-2
Author's Website

Synopsis
Three young heirs, imprisoned by an unscrupulous uncle, escaped--to the sea, to the streets, to faraway battle--awaiting the day when they would return to reclaim their birthright.

Sebastian Easton always vowed he would avenge his stolen youth and title. Now back in London, the rightful Duke of Keswick--returning from battle a wounded, hardened, changed man--cannot forget the brave girl who once rescued him and his brothers from certain death.

Lady Mary Wynne-Jones paid dearly for helping the imprisoned young Lords of Pembrook, and she remembers well the promise she made to Sebastian all those years ago: to meet him once more in the abbey ruins where they shared a bold, forbidden kiss. While Mary is now betrothed to another, a friendship forged with dark secrets cannot be ignored. Unexpected passion soon burns dangerously between them, tempting Sebastian to abandon his quest for retribution and fight for a love that could once again set him free.

My Review
Summary 
Sebastian once had to leave England at a young age when his father died, and his uncle tried to kill him and his brothers off. Barely escaping with their lives, he made a decision that may have saved their lives, but he has felt guilty over that decision ever since. Now he is back to claim what is his from their Uncle. Sebastian has suffered much over the years, and has battle scars that haven't just scarred him on the outside...but on the inside as well. When he, along with his brothers, arrive at a ball to claim back what was theirs, he comes face to face with the one woman who saved them all...Mary Wynne-Jones. Mary has never forgotten her childhood friend, whom she roamed the hills with as a young girl. Now she is engaged, but when she see's Sebastian and his two brothers very much alive, she is determined to see that they are accepted as they should have been. Even though her affection should lay elsewhere she can't help but feel a pull toward Sebastian. From the first moment she lays her eyes on him again, she only desires to be held in his arms. Soon though a passion soon erupts between them, a desire that could turn into a powerful love.

The Hero (Sebastian Easton)
Even though Sebastian is a twin, he far looks it, and doesn't even have the playful nature of his twin Tristan. Sebastian has changed much over the years...years which have hardened him into a shell of a man. When he was but fourteen years old, he knew he had to make a choice for his brothers, that could very well ruin them all. He sold his twin to a sea captain, and his younger brother Rafe to a workhouse...to this day his decisions have haunted him day and night. When he see's Mary again, he is overwhelmed with a broad range of emotions, all of which focus on her. He knows he will have to make a choice between his duty to his lands and title, and that of duty to his heart.

The Heroine (Mary Wynne-Jones)
Mary, had always felt a friendship with the three brothers. But most especially with Sebastian whom she played with many a time as a child. She has never forgotten her first kiss with him, right before he disappeared. However she couldn't keep what she knew a secret, and her father punished her by sending her to the convent for all of these years. Only recently let her come to London, so that she could find a honorable match and marry. Now she is engaged to a good man, but she is drawn to Sebastian, in a way that she finally begins to feel alive once more.

My Thoughts 
She Tempts The Duke is the first in the Lords of Pembrook series. It has been a while since I have read from this author, and she has always been a personal favorite of mine. She never disappoints...and I found myself falling in love once more. The characters here are unforgettable, ones that are so endearing and climb their way straight into your hearts. Sebastian is a tortured hero--very much tortured, more than I have seen in a while. He is heavily scarred on the outside and the inside. We see evidence that he has suffered much over the years, but I really loved the way he is with his brothers and Mary. We see that he really cares for Mary, even if he doesn't admit it right away. I enjoyed seeing the gentleness he displays with her, even though he has only known a life of roughness and abuse and hardship. Mary is very strong willed and fights for what is right more than what is easy. Mary is the one who saved the three brothers when she was a mere girl. We see through differect acts of courage, how she continues to protect them even at costs to herself. She accepts Sebastian for who he has become, and see's past the scars and into the man. I love a heroine that doesn't judge, but accepts and loves Sebastian for who he is now. There is a danger side to the plot, one full of intrigue and mystery, there is also some sensual moments that keep you totally immersed into the story. A True Gem of a story that will steal its way into your heart.

First Line 
Tonight was the night they would die. 

Favorite Quotes 
"What do you want?"she asked with equal part tenderness and challenge. 
How often had he done things only to prove something to her? Let her see now the sort of man he was. What the years had transformed him into. 
"To forget,"He thrust a hand into her hair, cradled his palm against her cheek, moved her farther into the shadows. 
"Mary," he whispered like a soft benediction and hoped to God that she didn't connect the two sentences and think it was she he wished to orget. Never her. She was the only thing worth remembering. 
He tilted up her face and covered her mouth with his. He wasn't gentle. He wanted to replace horrendous memories with something worth remembering. 

My Grade
5 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Steamy

Other Books In The Series 
Lord of Temptation
Deck The Halls With Love
Lord of Wicked Intentions

Book Review-Texas Glory

Texas Glory
Texas Trilogy (2)
Lorraine Heath
Topaz
358 Pages
Published April 1998
American West

Synopsis

SHE WAS GIVEN TO A STRANGER
Cordelia McQueen was a virtual prisoner in her father's house. Until everything changed when she was shamelessly traded in a battle for land and water rights, and thrust into an unfamiliar world as the bride of Dallas Leigh.

HE BELONGED TO THE LAND
Dallas had given his life to the land. Now he aimed to put West Texas on the map. But as he gazed into the eyes of the lovely stranger who belonged to him, he caught a glimpse of another ambition--a warm, radiant desire of the heart. Was this the woman who would walk beside him as, together, they carved out a rich future with all the promise of love?

Summary:
 Cordelia McQueen has always been a virtual prisoner in her fathers home. Dee is shocked when her father agrees to give her over to marriage to Dallas Leigh, her family's enemy. Dee is scared to death of this man, and desperately wishes that she was more important to her father than water and land that her father needs for his ranch. Having caring for her mother, after a scuffle with her father, and losing her, and her father broke his promise to her. Now she is married to Dallas and everything is unfamiliar, and feels more alone than ever. Dallas Leigh is desperate to have a son, and is determined to find a wife, and when he hears that McQueen has a daughter, he trades water rights for Cordelia as his wife. But he never realized how opposite they were from each other, he despises the fear he see's in her eyes and wants to do anything he can to take it from her. Dee although in the beginning afraid of her husband, starts to look at him through her own eyes, instead of her brothers eyes, and slowly she starts to get to know him and the fear fades away from her, and a desire that sparks between them, and a tender love that will only strengthen their intimate bond with one another...

The Hero 
Dallas Leigh, is tormented by the war between the states, and he is still haunted by what happened during that time. Now he has built a empire, but he is desperate for a son. So when he hears that McQueen has a daughter, no many people even knew about, he marries her, but never expected that is wife would have a fear of everything in her life, including Dallas. Dallas is a proud and ambitious man, but his wish is for a son, however when Dee enters his life he starts to realize that she is the most important thing in his life, and would do anything to bring her happiness. Dallas doesn't think he deserves love, but he needs it more than any other...

The Heroine 
Cordelia McQueen, having grown up in a home where women were seen but not heard. Dee has always had a fear of what happens between two people when they are married, after seeing her father once abuse her mother, and ever since her mother ended up parlalyzed because of a scuffle between her parents, she has cared for her mother. But when they move to a new place, she is a prisoner in her father's house on the claim its for protection. Her father made a promise that she would never have to suffer any intimate contact with a man, but then her father broke his promise to her when he barters her for land and water. Dee is afraid of her husband especially at the beginning, and feels alone. But when she starts to see Dallas as who he really is, she realizes that he is the best things that her father could have ever done for her.

My Thoughts:
Texas Glory is the second in the Texas series by Lorraine Heath. This is my favorite book written by this author, I just love reading it, and could read it over and over and never be bored by this story. This story begins with two people that couldn't be more opposite of each other, and each one has certain dreams, but when they truly come together they manage to have both of their dreams come to life. I found this a powerfully emotional book, that will cling to your heart. It has such a charming note about it, the characters fully of depth and promise, this is truly a sparkling gem that will touch your soul.  

My Favorite Quote:
"You were my dream, Dee. I just didn't know it. The part of me that I was always searching for."

My Grade On This Book 
5 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series 
Texas Destiny
Texas Splendor

Net Galley Book Review-Passions Of A Wicked Earl

Passions Of A Wicked Earl
London's Greatest Lovers 
Lorraine Heath
Avon, 384 Pages
Published October 26th 2010
Victorian Historical Romance
ISBN: 006192296X

Synopsis:
Known throughout London for his prowess in the bedroom, Morgan Lyons, the 8th Earl of Westcliffe, cannot forgive an unpardonable affront to his honor. Discovering his young bride in the arms of his brother was a staggering blow–so he banished the beautiful deceiver to the country and devoted himself to the pursuit of carnal pleasure.


Claire Lyons was an innocent, frightened girl on her wedding day, seeking chaste comfort from a childhood friend. Now, years later, she has blossomed magnificently and has returned to London with one goal in mind: the seduction of her notorious husband. Unskilled in the sensual arts, she burns nonetheless for the kisses too long denied her. And she has but one Season to win back the heart of the rogue she betrayed.

My Review

Morgan Lyons, Earl of Westcliffe, after finding his bride in the arms of his brother, can't forgive her, and banishes her to the country estate, then he settles in England, a conossiur of woman alike. He has never been able to forgive or forget the one night, that should have been theirs. Claire Lyons, having been bethrothed to Morgan knowing that she would end up married to him, but never spent time with him before they got married, was afraid of him. So when his brother offered a way that would give her time before having to give her body to the Earl, she agreed being a little drunk, but not knowing what it would entailed. After the fact, she fully regrets it, and stays at the country estate, managing it as well as any man, but when her sister is of age, she goes to England to reconcile with her enstranged husband and to put her sister out into society. But seeing Morgan again, and after sharing a passionate kiss with him, she sets her out to seduce him and win him back to her side forever, to have his love and non other. 

 I truly loved reading Passions of a Wicked Earl, it was such a engaging and warm read, that had me aching for more but yet leaving me fully satisfied at the end. We see Morgan, who had planned at the beginning to keep true to his vows, but after seeing his brother holding his wife, never mind that both had their clothes on, he feels betrayel stab to his heart, and vows to never forgive her or forget that horrible night, where he knows their marriage is a farce. However when she returns to London, he knows he can never trust her, however passions ignite between the two, and he starts wondering if he should have listened to her all those years ago, and should he trust in her again, or will he only be betrayed once more? Both Morgan and Claire find a love benetah all the mistrust and betrayal, where they learn to trust with full hearts. Passions of a Wicked Earl is one of my favorite romances written by this author so far, it had such a emotional twist to it that went to the heart of this reader, definitely looking forward to reading the sequel in this wonderful series.

My Grade On This Book 
5 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series
Pleasures Of A Notorious Gentleman 

Book Review-Surrender To The Devil

Surrender To The Devil

Scoundrels of St James 
Lorraine Heath
Avon, 377 Pages
Published July 2009
Victorian Historical Romance
ISBN: 987-0-06-173399-4

Synopsis
A Devilish Duke on a Quest for Pleasure . . .

Frannie Darling was once a child of London's roughest streets, surrounded by petty thieves, pickpockets, and worse. But though she survived this harsh upbringing to become a woman of incomparable beauty, Frannie wants nothing to do with the men who lust for her, the rogues who frequent the gaming hall where she works. She can take care of herself and feels perfectly safe on her own—safe, that is, until he strides into her world, and once again it becomes a very dangerous place indeed.

To bed her but not wed her. That's what Sterling Mabry, the eighth Duke of Greystone, wants. But Frannie abhors arrogant aristocrats interested only in their own pleasure. So why then does the thought of an illicit tryst with the devilish duke leave her trembling with desire? Her willing body begs for release . . . and a wicked, wonderful surrender.

My Review:
Frannie Darling, having grown up on the streets with the Feagan boys, she stays away from men after a terrible incident that caused them all grief. Now she does the books for the Gentleman's club, she is also taking children off of the streets and placing them in a safe environment, most of them working for a devil of a man Sykes, who is ruthless with those that defy him. Knowing what these children have to go through, she builds a home for these children, where they have food, a roof over their heads, education and a loving and safe environment. So at Lucian and Catherine's wedding, she meets Sterling Mabry, the Duke of Greystone, who has her senses going off the wire, and sensations that she never thought she would ever be able to feel. Sterling Mabry, after returning home and assuming his position and taking responsibility, is all he see's, knowing he will never find the happiness his sister Catherine has found. But when he see's the beautiful Frannie Darling, who stirs up feelings inside of him that he never thought he would feel, but knows all he can offer her is a position in his bed. But never knowing that it was about to take him on a ride he never expected to enjoy, and to find a tender love that would brighten his bleak day to day life.

Surrender to the Devil by Lorraine Heath is the third installment in the Scoundrels of St James series. I truly loved reading Frannie's story, who is one of my favorites out of all the Feagan Children. Frannie, after one horrible night having her innocence taken away, finds healing after years, but her Feagan brothers and protectors have never forgotten, especially when she meets Sterling. But despite all their efforts, she finds herself falling for this handsome Duke, yet knowing she can never have him in the long term sense. Sterling at first seems cold and only holds feelings for his sister, caring for no one else. But after time passes, Frannie finds Sterling's inner character, who does care, especially about her, despite the way he attempts to hide it from her. But their tryst turns from all about to lust from a whole lot more than either of them expected to find. This was truly a remarkable love story, and Frannie and Sterling's story was sensational and had a emotional side to it, that left me fully satiated at the end. The plot was engaging, and the character came alive, with a heated passion that will surely heat up your windows. This was such a wonderful romance, and Lorraine Heath has done it again with Surrender to the Devil!

My Grade On This Book
4..5 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series
In Bed With The Devil
Between Devil and Desire
Midnight Pleasures With A Scoundrel

Book Review-Between the Devil and Desire

Between the Devil and Desire
Scoundrels of St James
Lorraine Heath
Avon, 375 Pages
Published Jan 2009
Victorian Historical
ISBN: 978-0-06-135564-6

Synopsis
London's most notorious rogue—decadent, depraved, forbidden
The ladies of the ton won't stop whispering about deliciously wicked Jack Dodger—once a thieving street urchin, now the wealthy owner of London's most exclusive gentleman's club. There's no pleasure he hasn't enjoyed, no debauchery the handsome scoundrel won't provide for the lords who flock to his house of carnal intrigue.
London's most virtuous lady—honorable, uncorrupted, and all too human
Olivia, Duchess of Lovingdon, would never associate with such a rogue. So when Jack is named sole heir to the duke's personal possessions, the beautiful, well-bred lady is outraged. Now, Olivia is forced to share her beloved home with this despicable man.
Caught between the devil and desire

But Olivia's icy disdain is no match for Jack's dangerous charm. His touch awakens desire. His kiss demands surrender. She will struggle to bar Jack from her heart . . . but her body, coveting divine release, will not let her bar him from her bed.

My Review:
Jack Dodger, a wealthy man who owns a prestigious gentleman's club. Having lived on the streets when he was younger, he craves wealth. So when he hears that the Duke of Lovingdon has died, but his will leaves him all his entailed wealth, if he agrees to be guardian to his son, he agrees but meets resistance with the mother, Olivia. Olivia is furious, after hearing the will and that she has no power, even as the mother of her son, to repute the offer to Jack Dodger. Jack is only doing this for the power and wealth, but despite tension between him and Olivia escalate, he starts to care for this young boy he is responsible for. And he starts to realize that there are a lot more important things besides wealth, but when desire and passion are cultivated between these two, they come to realize that love is the most dangerous weapon of all when it comes to defeating the shield around one's heart.

This is the second in the series, and I just fell in love with Jack Dodgers story. Jack grew up on the streets being a pickpocket and now he is more than ever determined to make as much money as he possibly can. So when he hears that he is supposed to be the guardian to a young impressionable boy. But his mother Olivia matches his strong will, and tension flows between them both. But as time continues there is a desire that rises and unable for either of them to resist. I truly fell in love with this story and the characters as well. Not only Olivia and Jack but the little boy, Henry. From the beginning Jack starts to learn what it means to have a family, and the bond between Jack and Henry become undeniably strong. At first, Jack's goal is to get Olivia married off to someone so he can just enjoy the rewards and not have to bear the responsibilities, but time passes and his relationship with Olivia strengthens to the point where he doesn't know if he can live without her in his life. This is such a heartwarming story, where love can melt the ice of any hardened heart and teach the true value of the healing power of love. This is probably one of my favorite series written by Lorraine Heath, for the plot flows and the characters are engaging, and the passion and love these two feel will brighten up any stormy day. Such a wonderful read!!!

My Grade On This Book
4.5 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series
In Bed With The Devil
Surrender To the Devil
Midnight Pleasures With A Scoundrel 

Book Review-In Bed With The Devil

In Bed With The Devil 
Lorraine Heath
Scoundrels of St. James Series
Avon, 371 Pages
Victorian Romance
Published July 2008
ISBN: 978-0-06-13557-8

 Synopsis
They call him the Devil Earl—a scoundrel and accused murderer who grew up on the violent London streets. A proper young lady risks more than her reputation when consorting with the roguishly handsome Lucian Langdon, but Lady Catherine Mabry believes she has no choice. To protect those she loves, she would do anything—even strike a bargain with the devil himself.

Lucian desires respectability and a wife above all else, but the woman of his choosing lacks the social graces to be accepted by the aristocracy. Catherine can help Lucian gain everything he wants. But what she asks for in exchange will put their very lives in jeopardy. When danger closes in, Catherine discovers a man of immense passion and he discovers a woman of immeasurable courage. As secrets from his dark past are revealed, Lucian begins to question everything he knows to be true, including the yearnings of his own heart.

My Review:
Catherine Mabry is desperate, after finding out that her closest friend is being abused, she is at her wits end. Her friend has no choice but to bear the abuse and put a smile on her face, but Catherine has different ideas about getting rid of this tormentor. She goes to the "Devil Earl"  Lucian Langdon who is rumored to have killed, so she knows that he is the perfect person on the job. However when she sneaks into his residence but after sharing a sensual embrace, things start to heat up between the two. Lucian is curious by this woman's proposition which has nothing to do with satin sheets and heated nights of passion, but to kill someone, whom he has no idea who this man is or what he has done to deserve such a thing. However he makes a deal with her, one that she won't be able to refuse. Lucian desires the one woman he has loved all of his life to be his wife, but he needs someone to teach her to be a Earls wife and to be accepted into society, and Catherine is the perfect tutor for the job. But as things progress, dark secrets will come to life as well as a deep desire that both these two will discover, one where will help them down the precarious road of love and need.

I have just loved this series, its a favorite of mine by Lorraine Heath. In Bed With The Devil is the first installment of the Scoundrels Of St James series. We have Lucian who was found at a young boy by a man called Feagen and showed him the ropes of the streets which included pick pocketing and stealing. However his grandfather found him and he learned how to become the Earl which is his heritage as well. However he has never had much interest in Society then he meets the beautiful creature Catherine who comes to him with a dangerous proposition. But what he learns is that he is falling in love with a woman he has only known a short time, alot more than the one woman he has vowed to marry. This love story is definitely filled with mystery and conflict and a heated passion that we see grows between these two characters. The interaction between these two are very amusing at time, but connect for the reader. In Bed with the Devil is a engaging read that will swirl you among a deep mystery of secrets, witty interaction, and a love story that will tie up knots in you and leaving you purely satisfied. Lorraine Heath surely delivers!!!

Trailer:


 

My Grade On This Book
4.5 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series
Between The Devil and Desire
Surrender To the Devil
Midnight Pleasures With A Scoundrel

Book Review-Midnight Pleasures With A Scoundrel

Midnight Pleasures With A Scoundrel
Scoundrel of St. James Series
Lorraine Heath
Avon, 372 Pages
Published November 2009
Victorian Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-06-173400-7

Synopsis
She Sought Revenge But Discovered Desire.On a quest to avenge her sister's death, Eleanor Watkins never expected to fall for the man following her through pleasure gardens and into ballrooms. But soon nothing can keep her from the arms of the sinfully attractive scoundrel, not even the dangerous secrets she keeps. Strong, compassionate, and utterly irresistible, James is all she desires. But can she trust him enough to let herself succumb to all the pleasures that midnight allows?James Swindler has worked hard to atone for his unsavory past. He is now as at home in London's glittering salons as he is in the roughest streets. But when the inspector is tasked with keeping watch on a mysterious lady suspected of nefarious deeds, he is determined to use his skills at seduction to lure Eleanor into revealing her plans. Instead, he is the one seduced, turning away from everything he holds dear in order to protect her—no matter the cost to his heart.

My Review:
After the death of her sister, Eleanor Watkins, comes up with a plan for revenge. When her sister goes into London for the season with hopes and dreams of finding a husband and a more secure future for her family, but comes back to them broken in body and spirit. After her death, Eleanor looks through her journal, and after finding the true reason of what truly happened to her in London, she is bent for revenge, against the one man that is truly evil in every respect. But as she follows him around London, she keeps running into a handsome stranger that makes her heart beat faster and her knees weak with his touch. Never knowing who he truly is. James Swindler, is sent on a mission, to follow Eleanor Watkins, after hearing that there is a threat to one of  the "Lords " lives. Knowing that there must be a good reason that they send him on such a mission, he investigates, wanting to earn Eleanor's trust. What neither one of them expected was to fall for each other, and then when a certain event occurs, they will be both tested in ways they would never have imagined, but will their love be enough for the danger ahead?

I have always loved reading Lorraine Heath, and have been reading her since her cowboy series (which are great by the way) and I just love her regency romances, and this one was one of my favorites of hers. It was filled with so much mystery and intrigue, it kept me in suspense throughout the whole of the book, and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to suit me!! My summary is pretty vague, but I didn't want to give anything away, which you should find out yourself, I am certain you will be just as pleased yet surprised at the turn of events that occur throughout this story. I can't say too many times, that romances like this I can usually guess what is going to happen, however, this was very different. I applaud Lorraine Heath with just a job WELL DONE!!! It was such a great romance, with the perfect mix of sensuality and excitement to suit you. I am looking forward to reading  the rest of the series, especially if they are as good as this one was for me!!!

My Grade On This Book
5 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series:
In Bed With The Devil
Between The Devil And Desire
Surrender To The Devil