Kristie J’s review of Beyond Scandal and Desire (Sins for All Seasons, Book 1) by Lorraine Heath
Historical Romance published by Avon 30 Jan 18

Lorraine Heath wrote bloody brilliant Westerns back in the day and I inhaled every one she wrote.  But, alas, the Western did not sell that well and she moved her writing across the pond and started writing about Dukes and Earls and Viscounts (oh my) and I was devastated.  For years I was so heartbroken I gave up her books.  Give Me Westerns or Give Me Death was my motto.  But recently this book was on sale at Amazon and I decided to see if she had the same magic.  What was the real selling point is the hero is NOT a Duke, an Earl, or a Viscount (oh my).  In fact, he’s a throw-away bastard raised by a widow who takes in the by-products of illicit relations back in the day before birth control was what it is today.

Mick Trewlove is the hero.  He’s discovered his sad history and now he’s out for revenge against the man who threw him away.  The plans include stealing the legitimate’s promised bride, Aslyn Hastings, away from the heir and doing his level best to bankrupt his brother until he is recognized as his father’s son and not some nameless bastard.  Part of his plans go swimmingly well.  It seems his brother is addicted to gambling and Mick has him in a corner in no time.

But his plans for Lady Aslyn don’t go as planned and Mick is hoisted by his own petard, as me dear father used to say, when he falls in love with Aslyn and she with him.  Though she doesn’t know exactly his roots, Aslyn does realize Mick is of noble blood but also on the wrong side of the blanket and it matters not a whit to her.  She sees the kind of man he is and the success he’s wrought out of nothing and the love and care he has for his family and she falls deeper and deeper in love with him.  But now Mick has a dilemma on his hands.  He now wants a lot more with Aslyn, but he’s holding his plans a secret knowing that if she finds out, he will probably lose her.

I really like this book.  I mean really, really like it.  I want to keep reading about Micks brothers and sisters, especially since none of them are Dukes or Earls or Viscounts (oh my).  I’m going to do just that.  While I still have no plans to read most of her English-set historicals as they are about Dukes and such – just check out the titles – I’m a big enough person to get over my grudge and admit she’s a darn good writer no matter what genres she writes in.  I read very few English-set historicals these days, mainly because of the – you knows – but I’m ever so glad I read this one and very happily give it a good recommendation.

Grade: A

See Sandy M’s review here.

Summary:

At birth, Mick Trewlove, the illegitimate son of a duke, was handed over to a commoner. Despite his lowly upbringing, Mick has become a successful businessman, but all his wealth hasn’t satisfied his need for revenge against the man who still won’t acknowledge him. What else can Mick do but destroy the duke’s legitimate son—and woo the heir’s betrothed into his own unloving arms . . .

Orphaned and sheltered, Lady Aslyn Hastings longs for a bit of adventure. With her intended often preoccupied, Aslyn finds herself drawn to a darkly handsome entrepreneur who seems to understand her so well. Surely a lady of her station should avoid Mick Trewlove. If only he weren’t so irresistible . . .

As secrets are about to be exposed, Mick must decide if his plan for vengeance is worth risking what his heart truly desires.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series: