Historical Romance published by Avon 30 Mar 21
You’d think after all these years of reading romance I’d learn to trust my favorite authors. Sometimes I slip, though. Sometimes secondary characters who don’t pull me in during one book totally surprise me when chosen for their own story. Thus is the case with the brothers of Althea Stanwick, heroine of Beauty Tempts the Beast, last book in the Sins for All Seasons series. But Lorraine Heath is one of the best in the business and I should know better than to doubt her, even the tiniest bit. Lesson learned.
Griffith Stanwick is a second son, ignored by his father before that man’s traitorous behavior was revealed in BTtB last year. While his sister has married well and is very happy, Griffith and his older brother, the current shamed duke, are still living hand to mouth, working hard both for coin and to find who else was responsible, along with their father, in a betrayal to the Queen. Griff has plans, however. Stockpiling his gambling winnings, his future will see his dream of a club for second sons, wallflowers, merchants not welcomed in society, and others of that ilk.
Lady Kathryn has known Griff since they were children. She feels he’s always been condescending and sarcastic whenever they’ve interacted. Little does she know that’s only because his feelings for her are more than they should be and because she’s destined to marry a duke. Suddenly things between them have changed and Kathryn is seeing a different man, which Griff is, having now worked the docks and seeing a darker side of London and life. Knowing he can’t ever have her, Griff helps her endeavors to land a duke, and while Kathryn needs to marry well for reasons of her own, she can’t get that blasted scoundrel out of her head.
As these two become more and more entwined in their lives, they still stay their respective courses to get what they want in the end. Of course, there’s something they want even more than their dreams, and it almost seems they won’t get their happily ever after. Despite their desire to do what’s right by the other, their hearts will have the last say, no matter what anyone else believes. As usual, I love these characters Ms. Heath has given readers, which is the main reason I should never doubt her talent. I also love that we get caught up with the Treweloves from the previous series, all of which shows Griff what he can have, even from the wrong side of London.
It’s not necessary to read the Sins for All Season before you start here, but I would highly suggest that you do. They’re just wonderful stories, and while previous characters in that series are seen in this book, it adds an extra layer if you’ve met them before. I’ve probably said it in reviews before, but Lorraine Heath can do no wrong in writing romance. So where the heck did my doubt even come from? Another lesson learned.
Grade: A
Summary:
She is desperate to wed a duke…
Lady Kathryn Lambert must marry a titled gentleman to claim her inheritance and has finally gained the attention of a duke. Yet she is unable to forget the scandalous second son who aided in her achievement—or his betrayal.
He wants what he can never possess…
Lord Griffith Stanwick is tormented by the bitter truth that as a “spare,” he will never be able to give Kathryn what she yearns to possess. But when his father is found guilty of treason, Griff detours into the dark and dangerous corners of London, haunted by memories of the woman lost to him forever.
Love not to be denied…
As the duke’s courtship intensifies, Kathryn discovers Griff has become a man to be reckoned with. When old passions flare and new desires ignite, she must decide if sacrificing her legacy is worth a lifetime shared with the scoundrel of her heart.
No excerpt available.
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