Lorraine Heath

Good book with intriguing main characters. Viscount Langdon is holed up on an island in Cornwall, recovering from the effects of a railway crash. He has a hard time coping with the changes in himself and frequently doubts his sanity. The book opens as he stalks the cliffs of his island, more drunk than sober, railing against the fates that left him feeling that he no longer deserves to be his father's heir. But worse than that, the bone-deep loneliness is slowly destroying him. As he yells show more into the wind, "A woman! A woman! My kingdom for a woman!" the lightning reveals a woman washed up on the island's shore. It isn't until he gets her unconscious body to his home that he recognizes her.

Marlowe is an infamous courtesan in London. The story of how she came to be in that position is heartbreaking, but she has accepted the consequences of her choices and made the best of them. She is especially unusual in that her hobby is flying a hot air balloon, which is how she washed up on Langdon's island.

I enjoyed watching the relationship between Langdon and Marlowe develop. They have encountered each other in London and noted sparks of attraction between them. But she is the mistress of another man, and he doesn't poach. The book's first half is spent with Langdon and Marlowe on the island while the storm rages. I loved watching them get to know each other - talking, flirting, doing day-to-day things, and discovering they like each other very much. But life doesn't stand still, and eventually they return to London.

Neither forgot their time together. Marlowe's time with her current protector is ending, and she must decide her next steps. She could move on to another man, but her heart wants Langdon and not as his mistress. However, she is well aware of their class differences and that her profession makes her unsuitable for him to marry. Langdon also knows the likely repercussions of proposing marriage. He doesn't want to create problems for his family but also wants the woman he loves.

There is plenty of angst on both sides as Marlowe and Langdon work through the obstacles keeping them apart. It isn't easy to overcome expectations and prejudices, and I enjoyed seeing Langdon's determination. His big moment at the end was fantastic. I loved the final chapter, and the epilogue was a terrific conclusion. show less

The Earl Takes All
4.5 Stars

Edward Alcott has only ever loved one woman; unfortunately, she is married to his beloved twin brother, Albert, Earl of Greyling. When Albert is mortally wounded, he begs Edward to take his place and ensure that his wife, Julia, is safely delivered of their child. Determined to fulfill his brother's dying wish, Edward assumes his identity and struggles with his attraction to Julia, who finds herself feeling even deeper in love with her "husband". Can Edward risk show more telling her the truth and will she ever forgive him if he does?

To be honest, my expectations for this story were low as the keeping secrets trope is one that I despise. Surprisingly, Edward and Julia's story is delightful and Heath's writing had me turning the pages.

To begin with, Edward's reasons for keeping the secret are plausible as Julia has already suffered several miscarriages. Moreover, Heath handles Edward's need to withhold the truth with aplomb. He never actually tells an outright lie, and she makes it easy to sympathize with him as he is obviously an honorable man placed in an exceedingly difficult situation.

The romance itself is incredible. The chemistry and intensity of emotion between Edward and Julia are tangible, and it is clear that they have always had feelings for one another even as they hid them from themselves and from each other. The fact that Heath is able to encourage the reader to root for Edward and Julia while still presenting Albert in a favorable light is also a testament to her characterization and storytelling.

In sum, kudos to Heath for taking a chance on a problematic premise and turning it into an excellent book with wonderful characters. show less

LOVED IT!

I will admit I started this book with some trepidation, because it's a historical western. This is definitely not a sub-genre I have a lot of interest in as a rule. And it's only the third book I've ever read with this setting. Having said that, there was absolutely no need for the trepidation because this book was wonderful!

It was such a touching and sweet love story between two people that had lived through hell. Both Amelia and Houston had their lives devastated by the Civil War, show more but they dealt with it in such opposing ways. I liked that dynamic between them. They could understand each other, but at the same time because of their opposite personalities they also pushed each other.

I would say the journey in this book was really Houston's. He grew so much as a result of meeting Amelia and loving her. He learned that he has worth as a person and that he can't let the past define him. It was a lovely thing to read.

There was tons of action in this book. Snake bites, storms, floods and horse thieves, but it all fit in really well with the love story.

The most compelling thing was the fact that Amelia was contracted to marry Houston's brother Dallas. At the beginning of the book, I suspected Dallas was going to end up being horrible so it would be easier for Houston to fight for Amelia. I was pleased that the author didn't take the easy route and instead made Dallas a good man. He had his faults but he loved his brothers and he treated Amelia with respect.

As far as side characters, there were not many. Mainly, Dallas and Austin (Houston's brothers.) I really liked them both and look forward to reading their books. This is definitely a series I want to continue.

Five big stars and a thank you to Jonetta for recommending this book to me! show less

This is the first of a trilogy about the Leigh brothers. Dallas has sent for a mail order bride but the day before he needs to travel to Fort Worth to meet her train he breaks his leg. He sends his brother Houston instead. Houston was severely disfigured and lost an eye during the Civil War when he was a boy. Amelia lost all of her family during the war and needs to get away from the memories and nightmares. The 3 week trek back to the ranch ends up being almost 6, including a couple near show more fatal events. Amelia and Houston are 2 lonely people who find something to live for in each other, but betrayal of the brother/fiancé at home is a code of honor neither will submit to. This was so well done, with plenty of angst and tenderness. show less