Three young heirs, imprisoned by an unscrupulous uncle, escaped—to the sea, to the streets, to faraway battle—awaiting the day when they would return to reclaim their birthright.

Sebastian Easton always vowed he would avenge his stolen youth and title. Now back in London, the rightful Duke of Keswick—returning from battle a wounded, hardened, changed man—cannot forget the brave girl who once rescued him and his brothers from certain death.

Lady Mary Wynne-Jones paid dearly for helping the imprisoned young Lords of Pembrook, and she remembers well the promise she made to Sebastian all those years ago: to meet him once more in the abbey ruins where they shared a bold, forbidden kiss. While Mary is now betrothed to another, a friendship forged with dark secrets cannot be ignored. Unexpected passion soon burns dangerously between them, tempting Sebastian to abandon his quest for retribution and fight for a love that could once again set him free.

Review

Mary, Mary quite ordinary dreamed of something extraordinary…

The first in a new series by Lorriane Heath, She Tempts the Duke is about a reunion gone wrong. Lady Mary is engaged at long last, and on the verge of a wedding. When her childhood friend Sebastian Easton, Duke of Keswick barges into a ton ball Mary’s thoughts of marriage disappear. She only cares for her friend and his brothers, finally returned to London and determined to reclaim their rightful place in society. Unfortunately, the brothers are not familiar with the rules of the ton, and Mary seeks to help them in any way possible; even if helping them will bring scandal to her feet.

Sebastian’s focus is on revenge and retribution, until he sees Mary at the ball. His childhood friend who rescued him and his brothers is all grown up, and devastatingly beautiful. He can’t help but find interest in his friend’s development; her challenges and woes. Pretending to be nothing more than humble and in her debt, Sebastian seeks small moments with Mary only to find that close proximity inspires more than friendly emotions. When scandal does come a knocking, Sebastian has no choice but to rescue his one-time savior from sure ruin. Yet, with his goal driven by revenge can he open his heart to the possibility of love and joy.

Heath’s latest ensnares from the first page, and has created 3 heroes that are filled with enough angst to entice even the sweetest girl into their web. Honestly just about every woman loves a bad boy or at least wants one of their own to heal. Sebastian and his brothers fit the bill. Similar in looks but vastly different via the experiences, the heirs of Pembrook were the main draw in this story.

I did enjoy the heroine as well. Mary is loyal and determined, and even in the face of potential scandal she refuses to abandon her friends. Surprisingly this loyalty to Sebastian and his brothers has lasted for years, even though she was unaware of their activities. I found her character traits appealing, and she was a different type of strong heroine. Most of the strong heroines I’ve encountered are running from their own horrible experiences, but Mary isn’t running from anything. She’s more devoted to doing the right thing by refusing to let Sebastian appear less than adequate in the eyes of the ton.

Overall, this story was an enjoyable read. Near perfect, with the exception of what I felt was a rushed ending. If you’re looking for some tortured heroes in need of a rescue then She Tempts the Duke is a great place to start.

Reviewed by Landra

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