SCOUNDREL OF MY HEART is the first in a new series by Lorraine Heath, Once Upon a Dukedom. It is loosely tied to the Sins for All Seasons series, with characters from the six books in that series making an appearance here. This book does stand on its own, requiring no prior reading to immerse oneself in the glittering world of the ton of Victorian England. However, context for the hero’s behavior will make more sense to those who have enjoyed the prior series.
Griff Stanwick is a second son of the Duke of Wolfford, and Griff’s father was convicted for treason. Griff was the neglected “spare” for the dukedom and following the release of Griff and his older brother release from prison, Griff determines to create a social club for other second sons, spinsters, and those who are considered beyond the pale due to trade or other ton limitations. Griff is the brother of Althea, the heroine from BEAUTY TEMPTS THE BEAST, and he’s had an unrequited yearning for his sister Althea’s best friend Kathryn for some time. But he’s convinced he is tainted by his father’s treason.
Kathryn Lambert is a typical historical romance heroine these days, meaning she has a rather modern outlook in the middle of a historical setting. Kathryn is motivated to land an aristocratic husband because her shortsighted grandmother stipulated that Kathryn must wed an aristocrat in order to receive her inheritance of the beloved seaside cottage where the two spent many happy hours together. That’s a pretty crappy condition, if you ask me!
Both Griff and Kathryn have multiple reasons why they believe they can’t be together. I must admit I find that I have less patience with manufactured reasons for characters to stay apart these days. That being said, I do like both the characters as individuals, especially Griff. Heath delivers what her readers have come to enjoy about her writing, using tried and true tropes such as "Enemies to Lovers" and "Best Friend’s Brother." This was a relatively quick read for me, providing an afternoon of light entertainment. Heath’s SCOUNDREL OF MY HEART provides a pleasant romance where true love trumps our couple’s fights against what their hearts truly desire.
Lorraine Heath begins an exciting new series with a breathtaking romance about a young woman who must marry a titled gentleman to obtain her inheritance and the unsuitable man she begins to fall madly in love with
She is desperate to wed a duke…
Lady Kathryn Lambert must marry a titled gentleman to claim her inheritance and has finally gained the attention of a duke. Yet she is unable to forget the scandalous second son who aided in her achievement—or his betrayal.
He wants what he can never possess…
Lord Griffith Stanwick is tormented by the bitter truth that as a “spare,” he will never be able to give Kathryn what she yearns to possess. But when his father is found guilty of treason, Griff detours into the dark and dangerous corners of London, haunted by memories of the woman lost to him forever.
Love not to be denied…
As the duke’s courtship intensifies, Kathryn discovers Griff has become a man to be reckoned with. When old passions flare and new desires ignite, she must decide if sacrificing her legacy is worth a lifetime shared with the scoundrel of her heart.
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