Book Review #bookreview #thereturnoftheduke #lorraineheath #netgalley
Amazing! Only Lorraine Heath can take the establishing plot points of a disgraced lord and his treasonous father's mistress and beautifully craft a love story full of intrigue, misconceptions and mystery. Heath's writing is lyrically beautiful and perfect paints the budding relationship between hero and heroine, creating a deep connection between them and the reader. This novel is well passed and plays out a mystery that the hero and heroine can work together on equal footing to solve. I have been waiting for this story for the past three books and I think Heath as done a lovely job of bringing this romance and the conclusion to the Stanwick's saga, leaving my heart full of love and respect for the characters that she has crafted and brought to live. Heath is definitely a favorite historical romance author for me and someone you absolutely must explore if you have not had the opportunity yet.
Marcus Stanwick was stripped of his future after his father was charged with attempted murder of the Queen, and he has spent the last year searching the darkest corners of London to unmask any hidden secrets that might bring respect back to his family name. In order to gain more knowledge Marcus must align himself with the last person he would want to-Esme Lancaster, a notorious harlot and supposed mistress to his late father. But Esme is shrouded in secrets and also has her own reasonings for wanting to discover if the plot to assassinate the queen is still underway.
I am in love with every aspect of this novel. I love our hero, he is smart, bold and strong. He has had to leave his life of privilege and learn how to navigate the wild streets of London, and this only makes him a more stronger and capable person who has a deeper understanding of the important things and relationships in life. Esme is the perfect heroine for Marcus, she is cunning, mature, intelligent and the perfect temptress to show Marcus what he truly wants out of life. I love that Marcus and Esme are both on equal footing, they are both more than capable to rescue themselves or the other, I love that they both can be serious when needed but also learn how to have fun and tease in moments of lightness. Watching their relationship develop out of misunderstanding into a strong and trustful relationship is so beautiful. Heath is the perfect word smith to show the deepness of understanding that Esme and Marcus build for the other. Heath also creates a delightfully steamy and sensual relationship between these two, Marcus and Esme are fire together and their physical relationship and small touches only helps to prove the depth of their true feelings towards the other (even before they fully admit to them).
Heath will definitely take you on an emotional journey that is highly fulfilling. Her heroes and heroines always feel like the perfect soul match to the other, and she takes the time and care to craft the characters in the world around them that provide them with support and love. I have absolutely adored her Trewlove series and this trilogy spin off has been the perfect extension of that world.
This book is a must read for me! Lorraine Heath is a must read author! You will definitely not be disappointed and your will be left with a heart full of love for the characters that have finally discovered their happily ever afters!
Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.