Veena’s review of The Duke and the Lady in Red (Scandalous Gentlemen of St James. Book 3) by Lorraine Heath
Historical Romance published by Avon 28 Apr 15
As I picked up this book to read, the refrain from Chris De Burg’s lady in red was playing in my ears. The picture of a woman standing on a street in New York with her dress blowing around her was in front of my eyes. It’s no surprise that the very jaded Duke of Avendale is bowled over by his first sight of the mystery woman in a red gown. What should have been a simple tryst, because he doesn’t do relationships, turns into a whole lot more. I do enjoy the emotional impact of Ms. Heath’s stories, but she simply bowled me over with the richness of this one, especially the relationship and care that this cold and jaded man brings to his relationship with Rose’s brother Harry.
Rose is a grifter. She uses her beauty and brains to swindle money out of wealthy men who are attracted to her. Her household, which consists of Harry and two other servants-cum-friends, are all different and have special needs. She’s been slowly working her way across England and has finally arrived in London and set herself up as a noblewoman, prepared for that final big score that will enable her to retire in peace and obscurity with her family.
What a triumph it is that her first public appearance in London brings her to the attention of the very rich, very jaded Duke of Avendale, who is definitely a cut above the mark she had hoped to find. As the author describes the scene when the duke spies Rose, I settled in knowing that once more Ms. Heath has delivered an excellent story.
It’s almost as though Rose has jinxed herself with her dreams of that one last big score, because suddenly the line between business and pleasure is definitely blurring as the duke burrows himself into her heart. It’s only her love for her brother which allows her to steel herself and proceed with her plans, only to find herself caught on the verge of escaping with her ill-gotten gains. Now she’s a prisoner in truth as she tries to protect her heart and keep her relationship with Avendale purely physical. He, of course, does not in any way fit into the mold of a wealthy, titled man, especially in how he treats her brother. He absolutely stole my heart in his interactions with Harry, looking beyond the physical imperfections of his disease to forge a long-lasting friendship. The emotional impact of Harry’s words are just as deeply felt by the reader as Avendale.
Of course, Avendale has his own baggage and Rose, and her family of misfits will help him put it into the right perspective and deal with it. I love his maturity when he finally begins to put Rose’s needs and desires above anything he might want.
It’s fun to meet all the characters from the previous books as Avendale introduces Rose into his circle of friends. Just when it seems that it might be smooth sailing for the loversn her past catches up with her and definitely throws a monkey wrench into their relationship. Read the book and find out how Avendale deals with it.
Grade: A
See Sandy M’s review here.
Summary:
When Rosalind Sharpe gains the attention of the deliciously wicked Duke of Avendale, she’s torn between her distracting attraction to the notorious rogue and the knowledge that he—rich as Croesus—is the perfect target for a deception that will put her swindling days behind her.
However, Avendale is no fool. After he discovers the tantalizing lady packing up to leave London with his coins in tow, he confronts her with a scandalous proposition: she can have all the money she requires…for a week in his bed.
Desperate for the funds, Rose agrees, but on one condition: he must never question her motives. Avendale quickly sees beneath her mask and discovers she is more than passion and pleasure—she is everything he has ever desired. But claiming her requires he unveil her secrets and lose her forever. Unless he can put his own dark past aside and risk everything for a chance at love.
No excerpt available.
Other books in this series
