Sandy M’s review of The Duchess in His Bed (Sins for All Seasons, Book 4) by Lorraine Heath
Historical Romance published by Avon 20 Aug 19
I have to be honest, the first chapter in this book had me thinking for the very first time that Lorraine Heath might let me down with this story. I’m not a fan of how this book begins, at least until the heroine’s reasons for her actions are made clear. So now that I look back, the start of Aiden’s and Selena’s story makes perfect sense and it doesn’t bother me nearly as much. So take a bit of advice from me if you’re just starting this book – hang on and Ms. Heath will definitely not let you down.
Selena is a recent widow and has come to the Elysium Club to find passion. That’s something she never experienced in her marriage, despite the fact she loved her husband – but she was never in love with him. She spied Aiden Trewlove at a wedding not too long ago and has decided from that one viewing the man has to be the one to show her the wonders of a man and a woman coming together.
Knowing the minute the lovely beauty walked in, Aiden slowly makes his way to her through those enjoying the amenities of his club just for women. He figures she’s there for the same reason all the other women are, and is a tad disappointed when he discovers his through hits the mark. But there’s something about this masked lady that has him keeping her to himself, showing her around the club and playing a slow seduction with her – because that’s the only way he’ll have her in his bed, not because any man will do for her.
What I love most about this story is the fact Aiden understands why Selena is choosing her current actions. He may not like all of them, but he puts himself in her place before he spouts off in anger or walks away, neither of which he does, at least for the obvious reasons we always get in romance books. Yes, he has doubts and vulnerabilities, but that’s exactly why he’s the perfect hero. Selena also has doubts about her plans as her feelings for Aiden become more and more complicated. I really enjoyed how she put her foot down where her family is concerned. And the surprising twist she learns about her husband and his best friend is met with equal kindness and understanding from the duchess.
We get caught up with the Trewlove family as they appear throughout this book. I love every darned one of them. They stick together, despite the fact they’re not blood, and that makes you love them even more. They don’t blink an eye when they realize Aiden is falling for Selena. They accept her with no questions asked and love her because Aiden does. The ending is expertly done, giving these two a way to be together in society, something I didn’t see coming and didn’t know how the author would make it all right.
Once again, Lorraine Heath proves why she’s one of the romance industry’s best. I learned my lesson with this book, and I will never, ever doubt her again.
Grade: A
Summary:
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.
No excerpt available.
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