After surviving a horrific railway accident, Viscount Langdon retreats to his private island to recover and conquer the nightmarish memories that continue to haunt him. The very last thing he wants—or expects—is for London’s most infamous courtesan to wash up on his beach.
Marlowe is known for her bold flirtations, but her most daring exploits involve flying in her hot air balloon. When a storm blows her off course, she discovers herself alone with the isle’s only inhabitant. The gorgeous, seductive lord tempts her beyond reason, but giving into temptation would lead to her ruination because the all-consuming liaison would demand complete surrender. And she has secrets to protect.
Langdon finds the captivating beauty near impossible to resist, but he can’t risk her learning the true reason behind his isolation. However, a powerful tempest of desire is swirling wildly between them, urging them to give in to the perilous passion that could destroy them . . . or perhaps show them the way to love.
Release Date: Dec 24, 2024
Series: Scandalous Gentlemen of St. James
Book: 5
Heat Level: Hot
Publisher: HarperCollins
Imprint: Avon
Price: $6.99
“She’d seen the darkening sky but hadn’t cared. She’d wanted to be someplace where she had more control. Where she was the mistress, the queen, the ruler. Where she could think. Where perhaps she could recapture those dreams she’d clung to when she was a young girl and her father would take her up in his balloon. She longed to reclaim the peace and absence of doubts she’d held then. When she’d believed her future was hers for the taking, could be anything she desired. Instead, it had been fashioned by circumstances beyond her control. And of late, she was simply so damned weary of disappointments.”
Viscount Marlowe survived a horrific railway accident unscathed for the most part, but he has a secret no one knows. He has become lonelier since his accident, retreating to an uninhabited island off the coast of his family’s estate, but when he discovers Marlowe’s bruised and broken body on the beach he knows that his life is about to change forever. The storm that pushed Marlowe’s hot air balloon onto the island is nothing compared to the feelings that she unleashes within Langdon.
I’ve been hoping Lorraine Heath would revisit these characters in this series, and she finally has. It was worth the wait. I could not have loved this any more than I did. Class difference is my favorite trope because I always feel the characters need to overcome outside pressures to be together, and it isn’t all in their head.
Langdon and Marlowe had to overcome some tough situations like her reputation as a mistress and her father’s debts, but through everything Langdon stood tall in the face of adversity. His commitment to Marlowe never wavered even when her vulnerabilities forced her to push him away. He was romantic and sweet, and Marlowe is a lucky lady to have a man who is so in love with her. I will come back and reread the epilogue when I need to be reminded of the magic that historical romance can create, and how it makes me believe in the power of true love.
If you’re a fan of the Scandalous Gentleman of St. James series by Lorraine Heath then you don’t want to miss the newest installment. You will not be disappointed. If you’re a fan of historical romance authors like Lisa Kleypas and Tracy Anne Warren then give this one a try.
~ Michelle
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