January 21, 2022
Gents!!!!
https://www.lorraineheath.com/Because I repeat myself all the time, I shall do it again. Sometimes, when one gloms an author's work, one experiences things. Sometimes one notices the author’s writing pattern. Often, it’s a word that is used over, and over, and over. For example, Mary Balogh uses “I daresay” a lot. In the case of Lorraine Heath’s, Scoundrels of St. James series, she uses the word “gents” a lot. So much so, that I became irritated. Now that I have brought this to your attention, you may become irritated also. Having said that, you must read this book! Just ignore all the “gents.”
Because I was not that impressed with the first book in the series, In Bed with the Devil, 2008, I was a little wary about Between the Devil and Desire. Not to worry, not to worry! The Devil and Desire turned out to be a wonderful book! After I finished the book, I sighed…in a good way.
Jack Dodger, is the owner of a gentleman’s club in London. And, by the way, there are prostitutes working there. But, like alllll good heroes, he doesn’t partake of what they offer. He just makes money off of the men who do partake, and also gamble at his place…ummmm…sounds almost pimp-ish. But, he’s our hero, so he can’t be a pimp! Anyway, Jack was part of a gang of children who grew up in the slums of London. The gang's mentor was a man by the name of Feagan. Jack was taught to pick pockets. He was a fast pickpocket, he could dodge through the crowd, hence his name. Then one day, the gang (four boys and one girl) were taken from the streets of London, and housed at the Earl of Claybourne’s estate. Turns out one of the boys is the heir to the Earl of Claybourne. (see previous book). Now, the children have a bright, new world open to them. But, allll of them have experienced dark tragedies that have made them what they are. Even the Earl of Claybourne cannot banish their dark thoughts. I found the unfolding stories of their lives very intriguing. Now, Jack is a wealthy man, and he has no morals whatsoever. Jack is a real scoundrel. When this story begins his life as he knows it is about to change. Enter Olivia, the Duchess of Lovington.
Olivia, is the Dowager Duchess of Lovington, and she has a young son, Henry. By the way Henry is a scene-stealer. Anyway, Olivia is waiting for the will to be read. She wonders why Jack Dodger is there. He doesn’t have a clue. He vaguely remembers Olivia’s husband coming to his gentleman’s club. But, her husband never participated in any of the things available there. Mostly, Jack remembers her husband standing around and observing. So, Jack and Olivia have no idea what is going on with the will. Well, the sparks are about to fly. It seems that Olivia’s husband has made Jack her son’s guardian. The reaction of Olivia and Jack to this news was priceless. From this moment forward, the book is full of wonderful sniping, banter, and downright callous moments. I loved every minute of these two circling each other.
This is a totally engaging story. The chemistry between Olivia and Jack is steaming. I can’t tell you how much I looked forward to alllll the scenes between Olivia and Jack. Wonderful! Were there some bumps in the road? Besides being irritated with “gent,” I had a slight problem with how long it took Olivia to get over her antagonism of Jack. But, it was just a minor bump.
This book is not only about a great couple. They are surrounded with amazing secondary characters, which includes an adorable little boy named Henry. Ms. Heath has done a great job of taking us back to Victorian England. The narrative creates some great atmosphere. London is brought vividly to life, the sounds, sights, and smells are all there for the reader to relish.
https://www.lorraineheath.com/Because I repeat myself all the time, I shall do it again. Sometimes, when one gloms an author's work, one experiences things. Sometimes one notices the author’s writing pattern. Often, it’s a word that is used over, and over, and over. For example, Mary Balogh uses “I daresay” a lot. In the case of Lorraine Heath’s, Scoundrels of St. James series, she uses the word “gents” a lot. So much so, that I became irritated. Now that I have brought this to your attention, you may become irritated also. Having said that, you must read this book! Just ignore all the “gents.”
Because I was not that impressed with the first book in the series, In Bed with the Devil, 2008, I was a little wary about Between the Devil and Desire. Not to worry, not to worry! The Devil and Desire turned out to be a wonderful book! After I finished the book, I sighed…in a good way.
Jack Dodger, is the owner of a gentleman’s club in London. And, by the way, there are prostitutes working there. But, like alllll good heroes, he doesn’t partake of what they offer. He just makes money off of the men who do partake, and also gamble at his place…ummmm…sounds almost pimp-ish. But, he’s our hero, so he can’t be a pimp! Anyway, Jack was part of a gang of children who grew up in the slums of London. The gang's mentor was a man by the name of Feagan. Jack was taught to pick pockets. He was a fast pickpocket, he could dodge through the crowd, hence his name. Then one day, the gang (four boys and one girl) were taken from the streets of London, and housed at the Earl of Claybourne’s estate. Turns out one of the boys is the heir to the Earl of Claybourne. (see previous book). Now, the children have a bright, new world open to them. But, allll of them have experienced dark tragedies that have made them what they are. Even the Earl of Claybourne cannot banish their dark thoughts. I found the unfolding stories of their lives very intriguing. Now, Jack is a wealthy man, and he has no morals whatsoever. Jack is a real scoundrel. When this story begins his life as he knows it is about to change. Enter Olivia, the Duchess of Lovington.
Olivia, is the Dowager Duchess of Lovington, and she has a young son, Henry. By the way Henry is a scene-stealer. Anyway, Olivia is waiting for the will to be read. She wonders why Jack Dodger is there. He doesn’t have a clue. He vaguely remembers Olivia’s husband coming to his gentleman’s club. But, her husband never participated in any of the things available there. Mostly, Jack remembers her husband standing around and observing. So, Jack and Olivia have no idea what is going on with the will. Well, the sparks are about to fly. It seems that Olivia’s husband has made Jack her son’s guardian. The reaction of Olivia and Jack to this news was priceless. From this moment forward, the book is full of wonderful sniping, banter, and downright callous moments. I loved every minute of these two circling each other.
This is a totally engaging story. The chemistry between Olivia and Jack is steaming. I can’t tell you how much I looked forward to alllll the scenes between Olivia and Jack. Wonderful! Were there some bumps in the road? Besides being irritated with “gent,” I had a slight problem with how long it took Olivia to get over her antagonism of Jack. But, it was just a minor bump.
This book is not only about a great couple. They are surrounded with amazing secondary characters, which includes an adorable little boy named Henry. Ms. Heath has done a great job of taking us back to Victorian England. The narrative creates some great atmosphere. London is brought vividly to life, the sounds, sights, and smells are all there for the reader to relish.
In case you can’t tell, I loved this book…even with the plethora of Gents. I do recommend Between the Devil and Desire. If you haven’t read it you’re missing a good story.
Time/Place: Victorian England
Sensuality: Hot!
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