Veena’s review of Once More My Darling Rogue (Scandalous Gentlemen of St James, Book 2) by Lorraine Heath
Regency Romance published by Avon 26 Aug 14
This book is definitely a keeper. I thoroughly enjoyed going back to regency England for Drake Darling’s story. The story hit all the right notes as it moves from light to dark to light, from pathos to laughter to bravery. Like most readers out there, I have little or no love for Ophelia Littlefield, but the Phee who emerges from behind the aristocratic façade definitely impressed me as being totally fitting to be Drake’s Darling.
Drake Darling was not born of the aristocracy but rescued by the Duke Of Greystoke and his duchess Franny, and their love has definitely shaped him into the mesmerizing man that he is today. He struggles with the darkness of his past and his blood and his true place in society for all that his family and friends love him unconditionally. Ophelia, looking her aristocratic nose down on him, definitely brings out the worst in him. Can there be more to this than just his feelings of inadequacy in the face of her scorn?
When fate puts him in her path after she has an accident and is suffering from partial amnesia, it is little wonder that he decides to make the most of this opportunity and avenge himself. I laughed as Phee struggles to find something familiar with the role of housekeeper that Drake casts her in. I do enjoy her ingenious solution as she solicits the help of her next door neighbor’s maid and cook to make headway on tasks that she’s never performed before.
When the truth about her childhood trauma’s emerge, I felt sorry for her, and I admire Drake in how he dealt with it and helped her deal with it. He’s like a rock for her as he helps her accomplish what she needs to rescue her aunt and give her safe haven.
Most touching is when the Duke gives Drake a pocket watch and Drake is finally able to accept and acknowledge that being a father is more than biological and that upbringing and environment play a bigger role in shaping a person.
Grade:A
See Sandy M’s review here.
Summary:
They are England’s most eligible bachelors, with the most scandalous reputations. But for the right woman, even an unrepentant rogue may mend his ways . . .
Born to the street but raised within the aristocracy, Drake Darling can’t escape his sordid beginnings. Not when Lady Ophelia Lyttleton snubs him at every turn, a constant reminder he’s not truly one of them. But after rescuing her from a mysterious drowning, he realizes she doesn’t remember who she is. With plans to bring her to heel, he insists she’s his housekeeper—never expecting to fall for the charming beauty.
While Ophelia might not recall her life before Drake, she has little doubt she belongs with him. The desire she feels for her dark, brooding employer can’t be denied, regardless of consequences. So when Ophelia’s memory returns, she is devastated by the depth of his betrayal. Now Drake must risk everything to prove she can trust this rogue with her heart once more.
Other books in this series:
