Veena’s review of The Scoundrel In Her Bed (Sin For All Seasons, Book 3) by Lorraine Heath
Historical Romance published by Avon 26 Feb 19
I am pretty unconventional and never think about where I start a series, but while each book in this one is a stand alone, this series is definitely one that needs to be read in order.
Lady Lavinia Kent abandoned her ducal groom at the altar to make a home in the London rookeries, rescuing bastard children from baby farmers. This series definitely paints a grim picture of British society and the fate of noble bastards who are abandoned to die forgotten and alone in the poorest areas of London. Can Lavinia do penance for her youthful indiscretions?Finn Trewlove is a noble bastard who himself was once left with a baby farmer in the heart of London. Fortunately, the widow who took him and his brothers and sisters in gave them a loving home. He has served a harsh sentence for his own foray on the noble side of the tracks, which his brother and sister have been able to navigate successfully to enjoy happy marriages. When Finn finds that the love of his youthful life is now rescuing children in his stomping grounds, he can’t decide whether to laugh or cry, but, regardless, he stands as protector to her in her night forays into the dregs of the London scene.
Lavinia herself is no longer the shy, protected ingenue Finn once knew. She is strong in so many ways, having suffered her own version of hell that we learn about as the story unfolds. Even as Finn finds himself in the convent where she is sheltering and setting up her rescues, he is compelled to offer her a job and a home so she can continue to pursue her vocation. I really enjoyed watching this relationship pick up from the shambles of the past to create a promising present.
Ms. Heath paints a grim picture of obsessed parenthood and abuse as Lavinia’s backstory emerges. Lavinia’s story will break your heart, but she’s strong and has survived and, above all, has found her way back to Finn for a second chance at love. Will their story have a different ending this time around? This is definitely a love story, but the layers and nuances will keep readers guessing as the tale unfolds. I’m looking forward to seeing how the stories of the other Truelove siblings will play out.
Grade: B
See Sandy M’s review here.
Summary:
The bastard son of a nobleman, Finn Trewlove was a shameful secret raised by a stranger. As Finn came of age he had secrets, too–the clandestine nights spent with an earl’s daughter. But her promise of forever ended in betrayal.
Driven by a past that haunts her, Lady Lavinia Kent seeks redemption in London’s underworld, engaged in a daring cause inspired by the young man to whom she gave her innocence, and who then proved himself a scoundrel by abandoning her.
When their paths cross again, they can’t deny the yearning and desire that still burns. As they discover the truth behind the deceptions that tore them apart, Finn and Lavinia must fight to reclaim what they’ve lost, no matter how dangerous—because love is worth the risk….
No excerpt available.
