Sealed with a Kiss Event with Lorraine Heath

Lorraine Heath is the bestselling author of the Scandalous Gentlemen of St. James series, the Scoundrels of St. James series, and the Hellions of Havisham series, among others. 

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A Historical Christmas Event with Lorraine Heath

USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Lorraine Heath always dreamed of being a writer. After graduating from the University of Texas, she wrote training manuals and computer code, but something was always missing. When she read a romance novel, she became not only hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. She's been writing about them ever since. Her work has been recognized with numerous industry awards including RWA's RITA®, two Romantic Times Career Achievement Awards, and a Pioneer of Romance Award.

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ARC Review: An Affair with a Notorious Heiress by Lorraine Heath

“An Affair with a Notorious Heiress(Scandalous Gentleman of St. James” is classic Lorraine Heath. I love so many of Heath’s books but the books in the last series has not grabbed until this book! The fourth book in the “Scandalous Gentlemen of St. James” series.

First, the book was so,so,so good. It’s been a while since I have started reading a book and look up to see it’s almost 2 am! The chemistry between Alistair Mabry, Marquess of Rexton and Tillie, Lady Landsdowne was so fantastic! Heath gives us two very different characters! Alistair is the son of the notorious Frannie in her previous books and series, “Surrender to the Devil: Scoundrels of St. James.” Frannie was notoriously known because of her lack of blue-blood in the previous books. Her son, Alistair has had to pay the price. After getting beat up many times while he was in school because of his mother’s reputation, Alistair is determined to marry only a woman with impeccable reputation and Tillie has anything but that. Alistair is a quiet and reserved guy who is looking for an equally quiet wife. When he begins to court Gina, Tillie’s sister Alistair has to remind himself who he is really interested in.

Tillie came to London in search of a husband because of her mother’s urging. Her parents had “new money” and in the colonies they were not accepted. Tillie’s mom urges her into London society with the hopes that she will marry a titled man-which she does. But her disastrous marriage quickly ends in a divorce. Tillie is eager to help her sister find a good match so she can return back home. When Alistair shows interest in her, she is not only weary of what his intentions are with Gina but also about her own feelings towards him. Alistair was quick to realize that Tillie’s name was slandered and her ex-husband was not. While Tillie is shunned and an outcast, her husband is readily welcomed back. The more time that Alistair spends with Tillie the more he comes to love her no longer fight their attraction. But Tillie is very much not welcomed into society and Alistair might be able to help her find her way back in however he is not sure if she will even stay in London.

Heath is an automatic read for me but for reasons I can’t understand her latest books haven’t grabbed me, but this book had me up all night. I really loved both Tillie and Alistair and loved their story. I also loved that Gina was a very conning matchmaker and she was an accomplice in helping her sister and Alistair find love. I loved this book and highly recommend it!

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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Sealed With a Kiss Event with Lorraine Heath

Lorraine Heath always dreamed of being a writer. After graduating from the University of Texas, she wrote training manuals and computer code, but something was always missing. After reading a romance novel, she not only became hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. She’s been writing about them ever since. Her work has been recognized with numerous industry awards, including RWA’s RITA® and a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. Her novels have appeared on the USA Today and New York Times best-seller lists.

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ARC Review: The Earl Takes All by Lorraine Heath

Lorraine Heath is an automatic read for me. She is one of my absolute favorite writers. I’ve read the first book in “The Hellions of Havisham” which I liked. The tension between Lady Julia Kenney and her brother –in-law was very notable in the previous book so I could not wait to see how Heath unraveled the story between Edward and Julia.

The background of this story is very important. First, Edward is a twin. His brother, Albert, the Earl of Greyling is the first born and has everything going for him. He has a beautiful wife, Julia and they are both madly in love. Julia and Edward have not gotten along. Julia thinks Edward is irresponsible, womanizer, drinks too much, gambles all the time-which is all true. Edward has always been in love with Julia and one night she stole a kiss from her, when she thought he was Albert. When Julia becomes pregnant Albert and Edward go on a trip to India to have a last hurrah. An unfortunate event occurs and Albert dies. He makes Edward promise to pass himself off as Albert for fear that Julia would lose their baby. Edward feels guilt ridden for his past and because he suggested the trip so he agrees.

When Edward passing himself off as Albert returns it’s very tense. Julia is pregnant and she notices a difference in “Albert” she attributes it to just mourning and tries to be supportive of her husband. Edward for his part feels very uncomfortable as he tries to portray his brother and mimic his mannerisms but at the same time fights his own feelings as he mourns for his brother and fights his feelings for Julia.

Although I love Lorraine Heath, for me, this story felt very uncomfortable. The funeral scene that they held for “Edward” was so sad and heartbreaking. Edwards own discomfort felt real. These can be seen as attributes for a fantastic writer-which Heath is- but I had to put the book down several times and come back to it. As can be expected Julia immediately wanted to continue their marital relations and Edward has to make the decision, does he make love to his brother’s wife under the guise of Albert or keep putting her off and add a strain to the already strenuous situation. If he tells her the truth he breaks his promise to Albert and risks losing his heir. For me, I would have loved it if Edward just came back as himself and the story unraveled from there. It would have been easier for me to accept. As can be expected the truth does come out and it’s not just a mere confession and it’s not just Julia’s wrath that he has to face.

Although this was a three star, I still plan to read the next book in the series.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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Review: Between the Devil and Desire by Lorraine Heath

Lorraine Heath is such a great writer and when I realized that I had not read this book yet, I jumped at the chance to read it. In classic Heath style I was captivated with the story and, although lengthy, finished it in two days. This is the second book in the “Scoundrels of St. James” series, I read the first one, In Bed with the Devil (Scoundrels of St. James, #1) and really enjoyed it. For anyone not familiar with the series, Jack, Lucian, Graves, Frannie, and Swindler were all street kids. It was Lucian’s grandfather that took them in the hopes of providing a better life for them. But they all have very different destinies and even though they share a past, they don’t share the same origins.

This is Jack Dodger’s story. I love Jack Dodger! He really carried this story for me and so did the mystery surrounding his beginnings. Jack has a gambling establishment that he created with the help of a mysterious benefactor. Jack was part of the street kids lead by Finnegan, he was the one that taught Jack how to survive and how to make sure that he never got caught while stealing. Jack is very rough around the edges and not part of the aristocracy. When he is named the guardian of the Duke of Lovingdon’s son. Jack is shocked because he never had a relationship with the duke and can’t understand why he would name him guardian. Even more shocked is Lovingdon’s widow- Olivia.

Olivia is angry and shocked when her husband’s will is read and even more when Jack Dodger is named the guardian. He has a terrible reputation and after a few conversations with him she is determined to take her son to the country and get away from Jack. Jack isn’t having it though; he is determined to figure out why the Duke names him of all people a guardian. Despite her constant objections and down-right arguments with Olivia, Jack is determined to be a good guardian to Jack. Not only did his mother sell him off when he was very young but he never knew his father. Jack informs Olivia that if she wants to get rid of him, all she has to do is remarry. Olivia is shocked at the suggestion, not only is she in mourning but she is also the epitome of social grace and respectability, she refuses to have her reputation stained.

Olivia and Jack were complete opposites. Their backgrounds could not have been more different. Although I liked Olivia I absolutely loved Jack. He was very emotionally disconnected but he was incredibly loyal to all those that he loved. His connection with Finnegan and his relationship with Henry-Olivia’s son were incredibly sweet. He was such a great hero! Definitely one of my favorites that I have read so far! Also, Heath has a talent for sneaking in very dark issues and making them a part of the story. Jack has some very dark secrets in his life and many of them still haunt him. I absolutely loved this story and plan to re-read it in the future.

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Sealed With a Kiss Event with Lorraine Heath

Lorraine Heath always dreamed of being a writer. After graduating from the University of Texas, she wrote training manuals and computer code, but something was always missing. After reading a romance novel, she not only became hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. She’s been writing about them ever since. Her work has been recognized with numerous industry awards, including RWA’s RITA® and a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. Her novels have appeared on the USA Today and New York Times best-seller lists.

| Site | Facebook | Twitter |

Guest Post with Author Lorraine Heath and Giveaway

Lorraine Heath always dreamed of being a writer. After graduating from the University of Texas, she wrote training manuals and computer code, but something was always missing. After reading a romance novel, she not only became hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. She’s been writing about them ever since. Her work has been recognized with numerous industry awards, including RWA’s RITA® and a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. Her novels have appeared on the USA Today and New York Times best-seller lists.

| Site | Facebook | Twitter |

ARC Review: Falling Into Bed with a Duke by Lorraine Heath

Lorraine Heath kicks off a new series with “Falling Into Bed with a Duke.” This new series is labeled “The Hellions of Havisham” which include The Duke of Ashebury and one of his best friends- Edward. In true Lorraine Heath many characters from other books make their appearance here such as Grace from the “Scandalous Gentlemen of St. James “ series, which I loved and most notably Jack Dodger from “Scoundrels of St. James” series. I loved that Heath is able to continue their stories interlacing them with new characters.

Minerva Dodger is Jack’s daughter. She is very outspoken but not very pretty. She has been out for six seasons but the only offers of marriage have come about because of her very large dowry. Because of her large dowry she often gets marriage proposals but it’s very obvious that they want her money and not her. Minerva is tired of sitting back and letting life pass her by, she is ready to take matters into her own hands. She decides that she will visit a place that is top secret but is specifically where people go and derive pleasure. Her very good friend Grace finds out the location and Minerva disguises herself and names herself Lady V. In this place of pleasure she immediately draws the attention of Ashe. Ashe is no stranger to living a wild life. After he was left orphaned when his parents died he lived under the care of a guardian but has pretty much done what he wants. Ashe has traveled all over the world and has had many adventures. He is very popular in London society and very charming with women. Minerva is shocked when she draws his attention.

As Ashe and Minerva get to know each other they do so in society and anonymous at the famous house of pleasure. Ashe instantly suspects that Minerva is Lady V but both are pushing the limits of their relationship in and out of society. Ashe and Minerva are very different people. She has a very good head for business and he has a great passion for photography. Ashe knows that if he wants to win Minerva’s heart he has to first win her respect. As the story unfolds and Minerva lets her guard down around Ashe she is heartbroken to discover that she might not have protected her heart enough.

I love Lorraine Heath and have read many of her books. She is a fantastic writer and has amazing storylines. I have to confess that I’m in a bit of a reading slump. I drift form book to book and none really capture my attention for long periods of time. I thought that “Falling into Bed with a Duke” would help me with my slump but it really didn’t. Although I liked both the hero and heroine I didn’t think that they had great chemistry. Ashe was charming but I didn’t get a strong sense of him being a “rogue” or heartbreaker. Minerva was interesting but I didn’t love her as much as I would have loved to. Nonetheless I’m still going to anticipate the next book in the series and I’m hoping that Edward and Julia will play a part in the future books. I can say with certainty that Lorraine Heath fans will enjoy reading this first book in the new “The Hellions of Havisham” series.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: The Duke and the Lady in Red by Lorraine Heath

I have often confessed my love of Lorraine Heath many times already so it will come as a shock to say that at the beginning of “The Duke and the Lady in Red (Scandalous Gentlemen of St. James) I didn’t love it. I had a hard time getting the hero and the heroine. Well there is a fantastic reason for this!

I have read and loved the previous two books in the: Scandalous Gentlemen of St. James Series so I was familiar with Avendale and his ruthlessness and selfishness. When he sees Rosalind Sharpe he is immediately drawn to her. Rose knows how to work a room, a crowd, how to be charming and basically how to steal from her audience. She is a con artist.

So this is the reason that I didn’t like her and Avendale. Basically because when they meet she is not herself. She is pretending to be someone else. This is not a big spoiler because there are so many rich and wonderful parts of the story that unravel the minute we understand why Rose does what she does.

Avendale rich, handsome and unbeatable cannot believe that he has been con. He considers himself a worthy opponent of any men, especially a women. The minute he discovers who Rose really is, or what she is, he sets off to find her. And find her he does!

No one can do chemistry and tension like Heath! Rose and Aavendale were a fantastic couple! As pay back for her deception, Avendale takes Rose as his mistress until he is ready to dispose of her. He obviously doesn’t really know Rose and when he does he can’t help but fall head over heels. Rose was such a rich character. She alone could have made me love this story. Avendale is a true rake turned hero. He does such beautiful things for the people that Rose is protecting that it brought tears to my eyes. Her brother crushed my heart. I had to put the story down and take a breath.

I have to bend down my head in shame that I could have doubted Heath. Beautiful, entertaining, and heartbreaking story! Just when we think Rose and Avendale have faced it all, Rose’s past catches up to her. Ultimately, Avendale has to let her go… Needless to say, this was a phenomenal story. It was one heart stopping moment after another. Another fantastic read by Heath!

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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Sealed With a Kiss Event by Lorraine Heath

Lorraine Heath is the bestselling author of the Scandalous Gentlemen of St. James series, the Scoundrels of St. James series, and the Lost Lords of Pembrook series, among others.

Find Lorraine at:

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A Duke Surrender's His Heart...with Lorraine Heath and Giveaway

A Duke Surrender's His Heart on Christmas Eve - Lorraine Heath

Lorraine Heath always dreamed of being a writer. After graduating from the University of Texas, she wrote training manuals and computer code, but something was always missing. When she read a romance novel, she became not only hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. She's been writing about them ever since, for both adult and young adult readers (as Rachel Hawthorne and Jade Parker and with her son as J. A. London).

Places to find Lorraine:

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ARC Review: Once More, My Darling Rogue by Lorraine Heath

Lorraine Heath never disappoints! I have to be careful when I start her books that it’s on the weekend because I know that I’m not going to be able to put it down. I absolutely loved “Once More, My Darling Rogue.” This the second book in the Scandalous Gentlemen of St. James series the hero is Drake Darling son to Frannie Darling from “Surrender to the Devil.”

Although I never read Frannie’s story I loved the Scoundrels of St. James series as well. Drake is Frannie and Sterling Mabry’s (Duke of Greystone) adopted son. Drake was a street child that was adopted by Frannie and Sterling. Drake’s heritage was very common, his father was sentenced to death for numerous crimes. Although only a young child, he saw his father hang to death.

When the story begins Drake is at his sister Grace’s party. Despite the fact that Drake was raised in a wealthy home he never felt like he deserved love or to call The Greystone’s his parents that is why he never takes their name but adopts Frannie’s name from when she was a street child “Darling.”
This is all very relevant because our heroine Lady Ophelia Lyttleto, who is a horrible snub, always makes Drake feel like he is beneath her station. Ophelia belittles Drake and goes out of her way to humiliate him, although he is her dearest friend Grace’s brother. Grace and Drake grew up loving each other as brother and sister and have a special bond. In the previous book, Grace and Ophelia sneak into the gaming hall that Drake manages quite often. This book reminded me of Overboard with Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell (one of my favorite movies). Just like the movie Ophelia loses her memory. Drake happens to be near the river when he sees her fall in.

Once he retrieves her and takes her to his home Ophelia has no memory of who she is. Drake can’t help but have a little fun with her. He tells her that she is his servant. Although it sounds terrible Ophelia was really so horrible and such a snub that it was gratifying to see her put in such a humble situation. Ophelia (prior to losing her memory) goes out of her way to be rude to Drake, calls him “boy” and always sends him to get her things as if he were a servant.

Drake intends to only have a little fun and a little revenge with Ophelia. He intends to have her in his home as a servant for a day and then he will tell her the truth. When Drake returns to the club he learns that Ophelia’s brother is very indebted and he worries that Ophelia’s life might be in danger. He thinks that someone might have intended to dump Ophelia in the river.

Drake decides that it won’t do any harm to keep her as his servant, her duties include everything from dusting to washing his back. There were some parts that were really comical but there were also very tender parts. Ophelia can’t remember that she is a lady but she does know that she and Drake had a past. Drake slowly realizes that it’s only a matter of time before she remembers who she is or before her family begins to question her whereabouts (her brother believes that she is with their uncle and aunt.

While Drake is having his fun with Ophelia she tries to remember who she was but at the same time “re-learn” all her duties as a servant. She also befriends the maid that works next door to Drake something she would never have done before losing her memory.

Inevitably two things happen Drake and Ophelia fall in love and she regains her memory. During these big events Ophelia’s big dark secret comes to light and she is able to start her life again. I can’t say how much I loved both these characters, although Ophelia was horrible at the beginning, seeing her transformation was very beautiful. Drake was such a fantastic hero, he was also wounded by his past. I loved this book, I could not put it down. I loved seeing characters from the previous books and I know that they will be a part of the next series. I loved and highly recommend this beautiful book about two very beautiful people who despite themselves fall madly in love with one another.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: The Gunslinger by Lorraine Heath

Although I know that Lorraine Heath is an accomplished author I had my doubts about liking about this novella. I’m glad to say that I was wrong. This was a great story and the characters were really fantastic. Usually I read Heath’s historical romance because I really love them. This story takes place in the Wild West.

Chance Wilder, adequately named, lives his life as a hired gun. He is rumored to have killed over twenty-eight people. His life is a serious of chances. Every fight he gets into is a chance to life or die. He has no home and drifts from town to town helping the people that hire him. Chance is hired by Toby, a young fourteen year old to save his sister Lillian. Although Lillian is in a very dangerous situation she thinks that she can take care of herself. When Chance rescues her she is grateful but repulsed by his lifestyle and his reputation. Chance never attaches himself to people or towns and tries not to get attached to Lily and her brother but he soon realizes that this job won’t be like the ones before.

As Lily and Chance get to know each other they both discover that their mutual reputations lack truth. The town has Lily pegged as a whore when Jack Ward is found dead in her bed. The Ward family wants to run Lily off the land that Mr. Ward left her. They rationalize that the only reason that he left her the land was because they had some type of illicit affair. Chance also falls into this category but he can’t help to grow to care for both Lily and her brother and before long he is trying everything in his power to protect her.

I’m so glad that this short novella is a part of a series because I really enjoyed it. Although only a few hundred pages I really loved both Lily and Chance and loved that they both really got to know their mutual truths. Both their reputations are not the least bit warranted and they are both genuinely caring and good people. Heath was able to make me love the characters, wishing they both had a happy ending and at the same time deliver a couple of surprises that I did not see coming. I really enjoyed and highly recommend this short novella.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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