C2’s review of She Tempts the Duke (Lost Lords of Pembrook, Book 1) by Lorraine Heath
Historical Romance published by Avon 31 Jan 12
In her new series, Lorraine Heath tell the stories of the Lost Lords of Pembrook – three boys who ran away from their scheming uncle. They escaped a locked tower (with some help from a friend) and fled into the night, promising to return for retribution when they were adults. One went to the army, one went to sea, and one was left in a workhouse. The boys decided it would be best for them to run away until they were older and better able to fight their uncle. They made plans to reunite in ten years but they didn’t manage. Now they have returned…
Sebastian, the oldest (and new Duke of Keswick), and his twin brother, Tristan, were fourteen and their younger brother, Rafe, was ten when their father (a skilled horseman) was killed in a riding accident. Their father’s brother locked then in a tower on the family estate, but after Mary (also fourteen and from the neighboring estate) overheard him give orders to kill the boys, she went looking for them and managed to break them out of the tower. While the boys were fleeing, Mary told her (remarkably ineffectual) father what she heard – even though Sebastian said not to tell anyone – and was sent to a nunnery for her trouble.
Fast forward a dozen years – Mary is finally having a Season, thanks to her aunt rescuing her from the nunnery. She has recently been betrothed, even. Imagine her surprise when, after years of hearing nothing from them, the lost lords of Pembrook arrive at a ball given by their uncle. The brothers have come to reclaim their inheritance and assume their rightful places in society. Society, however, is less than welcoming. The ton doesn’t like the looks of these uncivilized young men. But the brothers continue with their plans – they throw their uncle out of the family home and cut off his money and try to find their way in society. But scandal continues to plague them. And Mary’s unwavering support of them turns society’s suspicious eyes on her. Her friends want to know more about the brothers, her fiancé wants her to stay away from them, and Mary just wants Sebastian. Even though Sebastian thinks she deserves so much better.
Sebastian was horribly injured during his time in the army. He lost an eye and has terrible scars over most of one side of this body. How could any woman stand to be with him? And yet Mary doesn’t seem to mind at all. She was his best friend when they were children and knew him better than anyone, except maybe Tristan. Could it really be that the scars don’t matter to her?
After rumors blemish Mary’s reputation and her betrothed’s father forces him to withdraw his suit, the brothers know one of them must step up and marry her – both to save her reputation and to thank her for all she has done for them. And Sebastian knows he could never let one of his brothers marry her. But does he care for her the way she needs him to? Or is he only grateful for her help to him and his brothers? Is he even capable of loving anyone now or has his time away taken that from him? Is Pembrook all that matters or does Mary still hold part of his heart?
A lot of Sebastian and Mary’s story was set up for the next two books, I think. There was a lot of information to pass along to the reader. Still, I always enjoy Ms. Heath’s books. She has a way of drawing the reader into both the emotional side of the story and the intrigues that tend to surround her characters. This series is loosely tied to her Scoundrels of St. James series. It is not necessary to read those books before reading this one but, if you have read them, you will run across some familiar names. I like it when an author stays consistent within the world he/she has created – it makes it seem more real.
If you are in the mood for a solid historical and a story arc that promises to continue to intrigue, look no further. I am already anticipating the other two books.
Grade: B
Summary:
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.
No excerpt available.
Other books in this series:
Lord of Temptation – October 2012
