Historical Romance published by Avon 29 Sep 20
With a heavy heart, we say goodbye to the Trewloves who have made reading this series such a joy. Benedict “Beast” Trewlove is the last sibling to get his happily ever after, and his is nearly the most poignant of all. He’s one who hasn’t spent years wondering who his parents are – after all, he has the perfect family already. When Althea Stanwick and her family lose everything and Beast steps in to offer what help he can, the irony of her wishes isn’t lost on him at all, especially when he finally realizes she’s the only person who can give him everything he never knew he wanted.
Beast and Thea come to an agreement – she will teach the last few women in the brothel he owns how to better themselves for job opportunities and he will teach her how to become a seductress so she can finally be independent and free of male captivity. They both try so valiantly to stay their courses, but there is something between that cannot be snuffed out. Thea thinks she knows what she’s always wanted, both before and after her father’s betrayal, but suddenly the kind, honorable, and trustworthy Benedict leads her to the dream of living with no doubts, no walls, and no nobility. Beast knows he belongs in Whitechapel, keeping as many people safe as he can. As much as he tries to give Thea what she wants and then walk away, he can’t deny his heart forever.
Then when he discovers who his parents are and all that he has to gain from that, it’s Thea who steps back. Their dreams are destroyed in a flash, Benedict now in Scotland and Thea taking employment in London no one of her station would touch unless forced to. Though these two have a lot to learn about trusting their hearts and listening to those who love them, I really enjoyed the journey they take to find their way together in a world that will have a difficult time welcoming them. But another lesson learned is to do whatever makes you happy, because that’s all you can control. Leave all the rot and garbage to those who don’t know what true love and happiness is.
It’s wonderful to see all of the Trewlove siblings, along with their families and their mum, throughout. I love that they step up and help each other, no questions asked. Their love and belief in one another is their legacy from this series, cementing the fact blood doesn’t always make a family or a home. I also love the last chapters of the book, giving us children and grandchildren of these characters we’ve come to cherish over the last several years. I’m sad to see this series end, but we will revisit these folks again when Thea’s two brothers get their stories next. As usual, when it comes to a Lorraine Heath book, I can’t wait for those.
Grade: A
Summary:
She wants lessons in seduction
Althea Stanwick was a perfect lady destined to marry a wealthy lord, until betrayal left her family penniless. Though she’s lost friends, fortune, and respectability, Althea has gained a scandalous plan. If she can learn to seduce, she can obtain power over men and return to Society on her terms. She even has the perfect teacher in mind, a man whose sense of honor and dark good looks belie his nickname: Beast.
But desire like this can’t be taught
Benedict Trewlove may not know his parentage but he knows where he belongs—on the dark side of London, offering protection wherever it’s needed. Yet no woman has ever made such an outrageous request as this mysterious beauty. Althea is out of place amongst vice and sin, even if she offers a wicked temptation he can’t resist. But as the truth of his origin emerges at last, it will take a fierce, wild love to overcome their pasts.
No excerpt available.
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