When the Duke Was Wicked by Lorraine Heath (2014)
Historical romance. Victorian-era England. Book 1 of the Scandalous Gentlemen of St. James series. Duke’s daughter Grace is looking to make a love match this season and does not want to be misled by a blackguard’s sweet words to gain her dowry. She recruits her childhood friend, former crush, and now debauched widower the Duke of Lovingdon to help assess her suitors. He says no since he’s not ready to re-enter society nor find love ever again, but then feels protective and surprisingly attracted to Grace. He knows that he’s still heartbroken after the loss of his first wife and daughter, so he has no interest in marrying again, nor in dallying with a proper lady like Grace. But of course, his resistance only lasts for so long as he attempts to teach her lessons about false promises and words of seduction.
Ebook and audiobook borrowed from my local library via Libby.
Once More, My Darling Rogue by Lorraine Heath (2014)
Historical romance. Victorian-era England. Book 2 of the Scandalous Gentlemen of St. James series. Lady Ophelia is one of the snootiest debutantes around and is constantly disparaging the commonborn Drake, even though he was raised by a duke and duchess. When she washes up ashore the Thames with no recollection of her memory, Drake decides to play a trick on her and tell her that she’s his housekeeper. It’s terrible of him and he knows it and he swears he’ll tell her the truth the next day, but then she says something snotty, and it makes him mad all over again. Interestingly though, now that she’s lost her memories, she’s actually a much nicer person and Drake is able to let down his guard around her. They grow closer together, but Drake feels a mix of guilt and protectiveness towards her. Plus, there’s the mystery of how she ended up in the river in the first place, which makes Drake even more protective. Tons of emotional angst while we wait for Drake to get in trouble for his sins.
Ebook and audiobook borrowed from my local library via Libby.
The Duke and the Lady in Red by Lorraine Heath (2015)
Historical romance. Victorian-era England. Book 3 of the Scandalous Gentlemen of St. James series. Rose is a swindler who sets her sights on the elusive Duke of Avendale. He’s so distracted by his desire for her that he almost falls for it. But then he catches her trying to leave town with his money and insist that she stays with him at his home for a week. Avendale has a long history of being selfishly debaucherous and Rose is really just trying to survive her tragic upbringing. It was so interesting to see the unraveling of Rose’s secrets over the story and Avendale’s kind and gentle responses to it. Loved all the twists and reveals in this one.
Ebook and audiobook borrowed from my local library via Libby.
An Affair with a Notorious Heiress by Lorraine Heath (2017)
Historical romance. Victorian-era England. Book 4 of the Scandalous Gentlemen of St. James series. The Marquess of Rexton is supposed to be courting young Miss Gina at the request of her uncle to improve the girl’s chances of finding a suitable match. Unfortunately, Rexton is more preoccupied with Gina’s older and scandalous sister Tillie. The former countess went through a horribly scandalous divorce involving being unfaithful to her husband with a footman and is pretty much unacknowledged by the ton. She and Rexton have an instant spark of passion for each other and spend most of the time bickering when Tillie is supposed to be chaperoning Rexton’s outings with Gina. Unfortunately, Rexton cannot simply court Tillie instead, since her reputation makes her an unsuitable wife for Rexton as the heir to a duke. It’s all a mess and Rexton really needs to get over his want for a spotless reputation.
Ebook and audiobook borrowed from my local library via Libby.
Gentlemen Prefer Heiresses by Lorraine Heath (2017)
Historical romance. Victorian-era England. Book 4.5 of the Scandalous Gentlemen of St. James series. We pick up immediately after Book 4, at the wedding of Rexton and Tillie. Where younger siblings Andrew and Gina are busy lusting after each other. After a quick little eavesdropping misunderstanding, they’re off on nighttime adventuring and believing that they’re ill-suited for each other. Quick novella that was full of flirtation and steam.
Ebook and audiobook borrowed from my local library via Libby.
A Tempest of Desire by Lorraine Heath (2024)
Historical romance. Victorian-era England. Book 5 of the Scandalous Gentlemen of St. James series. Viscount Langdon has isolated himself on an island after a train accident leaves him with nightmares. And then one night, the storm washes up Marlowe, the most beautiful and desirable courtesan in London. He rescues her and learns that she was flying her hot air balloon solo and got caught in a storm. These two have been lusting after each other since first sight, but Marlowe is under the protection of another lord and is very loyal. Langdon also does not want to encroach on someone else’s territory, so he has tried very hard to stay away from Marlowe. But now, they’re stuck together and getting to know each other’s thoughts and personalities, making their connection all the stronger. This book is full of seductive flirting and yearning and longing. Another great book by Lorraine Heath.
Advance ebook provided by Avon Books via NetGalley.
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