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Passions of a Wicked Earl
London's Greatest Lovers series, No 3
Lorraine Heath

Avon
November 2010/ ISBN 978-0061922961
Historical Romance: London 1853
Amazon

Reviewed by Linda Morelli

Morgan Lyons, the eighth Earl of Westcliffe, inherited a crumbling estate and a marriage contract binding him to the Earl of Crestmont’s firstborn daughter, Claire. He barely knows the young girl, but realizes her dowry will bring funds to improve his estate. On their wedding day, Westcliffe suffers the sting of betrayal when he finds his young brother, Stephen, in bed with his new bride.

Claire was 17 when she wed Westcliffe. Terrified of her wedding night, she turned to her best friend, Stephen, for advice and comfort. Stephen concocted a chaste plan, hoping to give Claire time to get to know Westcliffe. The plan backfired, and as a result, Westcliffe sends Stephen packing. He then takes Claire to his country estate, Lyons Place, and departs. Once again it’s clear to Westcliffe that no one wanted him.

Three years later, Claire returns to London to see Westcliffe, knowing that her foolish actions tore a family apart, and lost her a friend and a husband. But she desperately needs his help. Her father has arranged a marriage for her younger sister, Beth, and Claire hopes to give her a Season to allow Beth to find a better prospect for a husband. When Claire admits to Westcliffe that she was forced into the marriage, he realizes that he never courted her, and inwardly admits that he may be partly responsible for the debacle of their marriage. As he slowly begins to trust Claire, Westcliffe agrees to let Claire and Beth remain for the season.

Not having had a Season herself, Claire visits Westcliffe’s mother, Tessa Seymour, the Dutchess of Ainsley, for advice. Tessa agrees to help, then advises Claire to use her womanly wiles to make amends. It’s a suggestion Claire intends to follow.

Passions of a Wicked Earl is a wonderful, passionate romance, with deep emotions, awakening realizations and delightful touches of humor. Lorraine Heath has mastered a fast moving plot that had me hooked from the beginning. I loved the sexy Westcliffe and determined Claire, and Tessa and her young artist lover, Leo, were charming. Passions of a Wicked Earl is a definite must read and keeper.

Reviewer's Note:


Reviewed 2011
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