‘Lord of Wicked Intentions’ by Lorraine Heath

STORY: Only one woman can break through his heart of stone…

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…

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

After her father’s death, Evelyn Chambers never imagined she would be sold to the highest bidder, yet circumstances give her little choice except to accept the lord’s indecent proposal. Rafe is wealthy, as well as ruthless. Yet his coldness belies deep passion and deeper secrets. If she must be his, Evelyn intends to lay bare everything the Lord of Pembrook is hiding. But dark discoveries threaten to destroy them both until unexpected love guides the last lost lord home.

REVIEW: As promised, I did read the third book and … well, I’m still of the opinion that this series is the least favorite. I just didn’t like these lords whatsoever. This one in particular. Rafe really rubbed me the wrong way and I wanted to smack him around a few times.

Evelyn was sweet and for the most part I liked her but even that didn’t help me enjoy this story as much as I wanted to.

That said, I have to say that I’m surprised that this series was not to my liking. This author is someone that knows her craft well and is a remarkable storyteller. I would whole heartedly recommend every book she ever wrote, but this series. If you never read her, don’t start with this series. Pick any other book, but this one!

Melanie for b2b

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher

‘Lord of Temptation’ by Lorraine Heath

STORY: Historical romance readers just can’t get enough of the Lost Lords of Pembrook.

In her previous book, She Tempts the Duke, New York Times bestselling author Lorraine Heath introduced three brooding and intensely passionate brothers determined to reclaim their stolen birthright, as their righteous quest inadvertently leads each one down a separate path to true love.

The story continues with Heath’s Lord of Temptation, as a dark and dangerous lord hardened by a life at sea sets his sights on one virtuous woman who, unlike so many of his conquests, would deny him what he hungers for most.

When it comes to creating breathtaking love stories, irresistible rogue heroes, and heart-stopping sensuality, Lorraine Heath always delivers—and this Lord is one temptation no romance lover should resist…especially fans of Lisa Kleypas and Liz Carlyle!

REVIEW: This is one of those authors that I just can’t put down, yet this series is definitely not my favorite from her. I am having a very hard time caring for these “grown up” characters. I loved them when they were kids but they’ve turned into characters I find tedious.

This is the second book of Missing Lords Trilogy and Tristan’s story. He’s the second born twin brother of the Duke of Keswick, and the one that chose the sea after the brothers got separated.

Lady Anne’s story was a sad one and I really felt sorry for her, but that’s about it. I didn’t find her compelling enough to care about what happened to her one way or another. The plot was fine, but once I found the characters lacking, I cared for their story less.

Will I read the third book in this trilogy? You KNOW I will. I have to!

Melanie for b2b

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher

‘Once More, My Darling Rogue’ by Lorraine Heath

STORY: 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.

REVIEW: London 1874

Drake Darling works as the manager of Dodger’s Drawing Room, a gentleman’s club. An infrequent soiree attendee, he always makes women young and old nearly swoon.  His charm and handsome appearance is like a magnet to women.  Although his blood is not blue, he was taken in as a very young child and raised by the Duke and Duchess of Greystone as one of their own.  However, he actually prefers to stay out of the limelight.

Lady Ophelia Lyttleton is a beautiful young woman whose deceased father had taught her that she must marry very well and uphold her own lineage.  Drake has always been attracted to Lady Ophelia but keeps his distance because she treats him as one who is below her socially thus making her appear as a cold snob.

One night while taking a late walk along the water, Drake finds a woman who had floated up onto the shore.  Finding her still alive, he covers her with his coat and takes her to his home to warm her.  When he gets the muck washed off her, he finds she is none other than Lady Ophelia.  She has no memory of who she is and what has happened to her.  As a way of getting back at her treatment of him, he tells her she is his housekeeper and instructs her as to her duties.  Of course, being a fine lady, she knows nothing about cleaning and cooking and is at a loss.

Little by little, they get to know one another more and Drake finds that Ophelia (he calls her Phee) is rather a nice person after all and eager to learn how to care for his home.  Their togetherness and chats naturally end up in a sincere attraction between them.

But why was she in the water?  Why isn’t her brother looking for her?

There is a terrific story behind all of this which soon comes to light.  This story reveals a young woman who is kind, intelligent, and loving – quite different from the snob that Drake had come to know.  But she is harboring a very dark secret that is at the bottom of the shield she had built around herself.

The book started off a bit slowly for me but as I got into the story, I truly enjoyed it.

Connie for b2b

‘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.