Sandy M’s review of A Tempest of Desire (Scandalous Gentlemen of St. James, Book 5) by Lorraine Heath
Historical Romance published by Avon 24 Dec 24
Viscount Langdon heads to a family island for peace and solitude, all the while trying to stave off loneliness and getting his life back on track after a railway accident and so he doesn’t disappoint his father in taking over as heir when the time comes. Finding an unconscious woman on his shores is not what he needs, but then when he realizes who she is, his dilemma is now two-fold: keep her close or send her back to her infamous life.
Marlowe (I have to love her name since it’s also mine) is one of London’s well-known courtesans and loves taking to the sky in her balloon, a passion she got from her father before her life fell apart. She and Langdon have a slight history that leaves both of them unsure of the other. Stuck on the island until the storm that grounded Marlowe blows over, their desire and emotions become stronger with each passing hour, even when they do their best to keep those feelings at bay.
Langdon enjoys the strength of Marlowe in all aspects of life. She doesn’t back down, gives as good as she gets. I enjoyed their getting to know one another, secrets and all, while alone together. Their slow burn to love is all that more poignant by Langdon wanting all of Marlowe, not just bedsport, and she gives him her strength over and over again, even when she knows some things may backfire on them. The scenes sewing her balloon back together give an extra special look into each of them stitch by stitch.
We get to catch up with a few previous characters in the series, and those with Langdon’s parents are especially emotional and heartfelt. Lorraine Heath is a master at family – blood and of the heart – in her stories, and this one is no exception. If you’re a fan of the series, you’re going to love this book too. If you haven’t begun to read about these St. James Gentlemen, now’s the time.
Grade: A
Summary:
After surviving a horrific railway accident, Viscount Langdon retreats to his private island to recover and conquer the nightmarish memories that continue to haunt him. The very last thing he wants—or expects—is for London’s most infamous courtesan to wash up on his beach.
Marlowe is known for her bold flirtations, but her most daring exploits involve flying in her hot air balloon. When a storm blows her off course, she discovers herself alone with the isle’s only inhabitant. The gorgeous, seductive lord tempts her beyond reason, but giving into temptation would lead to her ruination because the all-consuming liaison would demand complete surrender. And she has secrets to protect.
Langdon finds the captivating beauty near impossible to resist, but he can’t risk her learning the true reason behind his isolation. However, a powerful tempest of desire is swirling wildly between them, urging them to give in to the perilous passion that could destroy them . . . or perhaps show them the way to love.
Other books in this series:
