Sandy M’s review of Surrender to the Devil (Scoundrels of St. James, Book 3) by Lorraine Heath
Historical Romance published by Avon 30 Jun 09

I absolutely adore Lorraine Heath’s books. And after reading this third book in her latest series, I have to say it’s a very close second to her Texas trilogy, my all-time favorite. This addition to the series is also my favorite. But each of these scoundrels have been wonderful to read about, finding love when they thought they didn’t deserve it, so therefore they didn’t want it. But when the time came, they each fell very, very hard.

The series revolves around the street kids who grew up together under the direction of Faegan, who taught them how to steal in exchange for food and a place to live. They’ve, of course, come a long way since then, making better lives for themselves, even becoming part of the nobility in a couple of cases. Frannie is the only female of the group, and the scoundrels all look after her like brothers. She currently works as the bookkeeper for Jack Dodger’s gaming hell and has an orphanage for street kids in the works. She’s trying to give back to make up for the crimes she committed all those years ago.

Frannie meets Sterling, Duke of Greystoke, at the wedding of his sister to Luke, another of Frannie’s lads. They’re drawn to one another immediately, Frannie becoming bold enough to introduce herself to him, leading Sterling to attempt to seduce her into one night of pleasure. They both know he can never marry her because her bloodline is nothing compared to his ancient one. But that doesn’t stop either one of them when it comes to the desire that courses through them when they’re together.

Sterling is of the opinion he will not make a good husband, one fiancee leaving him behind when his secret is revealed is proof enough. However, knowing he has to marry to keep the ducal line prosperous, his efforts in that vein are doomed to fail with Frannie on his mind at all times. They’re thrown together when helping a young boy who has been forced to steal for a dangerous man Frannie knew during her days on the streets, and their attraction only grows each time they come together.

It’s Sterling’s change through the course of knowing Frannie that’s at the heart of this book. He’s groomed to be duke, a man who wants his pleasures and takes them where and he can. He looks beyond his perceived problem only to know he’ll be no good for anyone in his life. But it’s Frannie’s goodness, her selflessness, her heart that change him. No matter what is thrown at the woman, she finds the positive side of life and gives of herself despite being hurt or injured in any way, and that’s what Sterling longs for when he finally sees how he’s chosen to live his life. He gives generously to her orphanage when seeing her with the boys she’s taken in. In the end, he’s willing to give Frannie up, though, just to make sure she’s not burdened with what he believes his life will become.

The next book, Midnight Pleasures with a Scoundrel, is due out in a couple a weeks. This is Jim’s story, the one scoundrel who loves Frannie, would marry her if she’d give the word, but she never sees his feelings for her until it’s too late. It will be interesting to see what kind of heroine Ms. Heath has in store for Jim, who is broken hearted at the end of this book. And it’s always fun to find out what the other scoundrels are up to.

Grade: A+

Summary:

A Devilish Duke on a Quest for Pleasure . . .

Frannie Darling was once a child of London’s roughest streets, surrounded by petty thieves, pickpockets, and worse. But though she survived this harsh upbringing to become a woman of incomparable beauty, Frannie wants nothing to do with the men who lust for her, the rogues who frequent the gaming hall where she works. She can take care of herself and feels perfectly safe on her own—safe, that is, until he strides into her world, and once again it becomes a very dangerous place indeed.

To bed her but not wed her. That’s what Sterling Mabry, the eighth Duke of Greystone, wants. But Frannie abhors arrogant aristocrats interested only in their own pleasure. So why then does the thought of an illicit tryst with the devilish duke leave her trembling with desire? Her willing body begs for release . . . and a wicked, wonderful surrender.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series