‘She Tempts the Duke’ by Loraine Heath

STORY: 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.

REVIEW: It is a given that the genre I read most, which is romance, requires me to suspend my belief to a certain extent, and I am very happy to do so.

When I run into a story that has me in a permanent state of disbelief, I tend to be a bit disappointed because of it. I was hoping for an element of surprise at the least, but none was had and that’s what made this story only good and not extraordinary, which I’ve always gotten reading Ms. Heath.

Here it is in a nutshell: well written, decently paced but too predictable. Will I read the other two books in the series? YOU BET! As Ms. Heaths fan I can’t pass it up, but I do hope that the upcoming books will have more of Ms. Heath’s ‘passion’ in them.

*Book provided by Avon through Edelweiss.

‘Deck the Halls With Love’ by Lorraine Heath

STORY: A Lost Lords of Pembrook Novella

Christmas is a time for miracles … and second chances at love.

In her dazzling first Season, Lady Meredith Hargreaves gave her heart to Alistair Wakefield, the Marquess of Chetwyn, only to have it shattered when he proposed to another. And now that he’s free to pursue her? It matters little, because she’s on her way to the altar, heartbreak be damned.

Chetwyn once set aside his dreams in favor of duty and honor. But as Christmas approaches, he is determined to put his own desires first and lure Lady Meredith back into his arms, where she’s always belonged.

First he steals a dance; then he steals a kiss. But when they find themselves alone in an abandoned castle during a snowstorm, reignited passion consumes them both. And Chetwyn will have one last chance to steal back Meredith’s heart, once and for all.

REVIEW: Lorraine Heath is an old pro in telling a romantical tale, and this short but sensual as much as sweet novella, is yet another proof of her great talent.

‘Deck the Halls with Love’ is a delightful tale of second chance in love. This was an absolutely lovely holiday novella! You really don’t have to read the earlier story to follow this secondary character of that book, Alistair Wakefield, the Marquess of Chetwyn.

Lady Meredith Hargreaves and Alistair’s timing in getting together has always been off. However, our hero is making this Christmas season count and goes all out to seduce and talk his ‘Merry’ to ditch the her fiancé as he’s sure that he loves her more than the man ever will.

As Alistair had broken Merry’s hart before, she is having a hard time believing him, but Alistair is willing to do anything to let her see that he’s changed.

This was one very well written, fast paced and entertaining novella. I think it’s just a perfect vehicle for all of you out there that have never tried this author. You can pre-order this little tale as it will be available on January 22nd.

Book provided by publisher through Edelweiss.