THE LAST WICKED SCOUNDREL is Book five in Lorraine Heath's
Scoundrels of St. James series. I have been
looking forward to this story for a long time.
Dr. William
Graves is the last one of Feagan's scoundrels from this
series to find love. It's a good idea to read the other
books in the series before reading this one. Not only will
it give the reader a better understanding of the two main
characters, but they were also all really fabulous books.
Of all the men in this series, Dr. Graves always struck me
as being the classic nice guy. For me, this makes him
perfect for Winnie because given her background; she could
really use a nice guy for a change. It just helps that
Graves is sexy while being a nice guy.
In addition to
seeing favorite characters again, I really liked some of
the gothic elements in this story like the séance. After
finding things around her home in odd places, seeing
fleeting forms in the mist, and having a feeling of being
watched, Winnie worries she's either going mad or else her
abusive husband has come back from the dead.
For much of
the story Graves is in an ethical dilemma. He knows her
husband isn't dead. However, it would be betraying the
trust of people he deeply cares for to reveal that fact. He
struggles with whether or not to tell her the truth. I am
very pleased Heath decided to bring back Winnie, the
Duchess of Avendale and make her the heroine of this story.
She was able to speak up for herself in this story in a way
that she hasn't in the past.
The chemistry between Winnie and
Graves is great, and they seem to fit really well together.
Even though THE LAST WICKED SCOUNDREL is only a novella, I
didn''t feel cheated
in any way. The story makes sense for the characters and
for the world that it's set in, and the resolution is
satisfying. I look forward to When the Duke Was Wicked,
which continues the series with the next generation.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lorraine
Heath brings us the eagerly awaited final story in the
Scoundrels of St. James series.
William Graves is the last of Feagan's scoundrels. A onetime
grave robber turned royal physician, he has devoted his life
to saving others—because he knows there is no way to save
himself. Especially not around a lady like Winnie. Though
undeserving of her touch, he cannot resist. His passion
cannot be tamed … even in the face of certain danger.
Winnie, the Duchess of Avendale, never knew peace until her
brutal husband died. With William she's discovered burning
desire—and the healing power of love. But now, confronted by
the past she thought she'd left behind, Winnie must face her
fears … or risk losing the one man who can fulfill all her
dreams.