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Book Review-When A Duke Loves A Woman by Lorraine Heath

by | Aug 31, 2018 | Book Reviews | 0 comments

Book Review-When A Duke Loves A Woman by Lorraine Heath

Book Review-When A Duke Loves A Woman by Lorraine HeathWhen a Duke Loves a Woman by Lorraine Heath
Also in this series: Beyond Scandal and Desire, The Scoundrel in Her Bed , The Duchess in His Bed , The Earl Takes a Fancy, Beauty Tempts the Beast
Series: Sins For All Seasons #2
Published by Avon on August 21, 2018
Genres: Historical Romance, Regency Era
Pages: 400
Format: Paperback
Source: Self Purchased
ISBN: 0062676040
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three-half-stars

Gillie Trewlove knows what a stranger's kindness can mean, having been abandoned on a doorstep as a baby and raised by the woman who found her there. So, when suddenly faced with a soul in need at her door—or the alleyway by her tavern—Gillie doesn't hesitate. But he's no infant. He's a grievously injured, distractingly handsome gentleman who doesn't belong in Whitechapel, much less recuperating in Gillie's bed.

Being left at the altar is humiliating; being rescued from thugs by a woman—albeit a brave and beautiful one—is the pièce de résistance to the Duke of Thornley's extraordinarily bad day. After nursing him back from the brink, Gillie agrees to help him comb London's darker corners for his wayward bride. But every moment together is edged with desire and has Thorne rethinking his choice of wife. Yet Gillie knows the aristocracy would never accept a duchess born in sin. Thorne, however, is determined to prove to her that no obstacle is insurmountable when a duke loves a woman.

When The Duke Loves A Woman is the second book in her newest series which features The Duke of Thornley as our hero and Gillie Trewlove as our heroine. This is a unique take on a romance and Lorraine Heath brings us a emotionally driven story and even though it has its flaws, it was still a truly remarkable read.

Our delightful story begins when our hero, the Duke of Thornley, has just learned that on his wedding day, his bride has flown the coop, with nothing but a letter telling him she isn’t good enough for him and he learns that she has disappeared into the dangerous streets of Whitechapel. And even though he has just been jilted, he cares for his fiancee, and goes out in search of her. But he is robbed and beated by some thieves and he is rescued by a fierce woman that scares off his attackers….Gillian Trewlove.

Gillian Trewlove, was abandoned on the doorstep and now all grown up she has learned some tough lessons in life and has paved her own way in her life. She is fierce and independent and can kick some booty when its needed. But despite her tough exterior she has a soft heart full of compassion. She runs a tavern, and has four adopted siblings that she would do anything for. When she sees a man being beaten, she can’t turn her back on him and scares off his attackers and brings him to her rooms and along side the infamous Doctor Graves (a doctor seen in previous books) she helps heal him. Gillie feels a strong connection to Thornley, a sexual chemistry she has never felt before. But she knows a relationship with a Duke such as Thornley is impossible.

After Thornley is healed, he decides he can’t give up on his fiancee, just wanting to make sure she is secure and safe but he knows that he doesn’t know the dark streets of Whitechapel and needs someone to help him look for her. So he goes to Gilie and asks for her help. Gillie can’t believe that she is helping the man she wants search for his fiancee, but she knows how dangerous and secretive the streets can be. And she can’t resist spending every moment she can with Thornley. As they continue their search, Thonrley and Gillie begin a passionate love affair, giving into the desire they feel for each other, knowing they could never have a future. But will Thornley choose love or duty?

For all her boldness, there was still a part of her that believed she deserved being left on a doorstep; buried deep within her was a little girl who wanted to believe she was a princess. He intended to treat her as though she were a queen.

I had high hopes for this book especially since so many have loved this book so much, so I just knew that I would love it too….well unfortunately its one of my least favorite books by this author. Not saying that this book is horrible or anything because its still an incredible story but it fell a bit flat for me. I hate saying this about a story written by one of my auto buy authors….like really, I LOVE this author so very much so it hurts my heart to write this review, but this book I struggled with on and off and it took me FOUR days to read this one. Now anyone that knows what I read and how MUCH and FAST I can read a book, knows how unusual of an occurance this is for me. But I will say the beginning and the ending were phenomenal….but the center of the book just was difficult to read. I lost my attention and focus and lost interest in the story. I honestly stopped feeling the actual romance between these two in the middle of their story. And maybe it just was just me and I was having an off week, but I really couldn’t connect with the story at times. The pacing felt a bit off and the lack of romance I felt really was a struggle.

This woman had every right to complain about her life, the harshness of it. Instead she met it head-on and worked hard to make it better for herself.

What made the story worth it was the characters. As always, Heath weaves these characters so boldly but with a warm and human touch you connect with Thonrley and Gillian. I adored both of them, they each have their own struggles and setbacks in life but you see what they are capable of. I loved seeing the sexual chemistry that builds through the book and the supporting cast of characters was simply enchanting. I really admired how they added a spark of energy to the story that makes you laugh and give you the feels.

“People in my position do not marry for love. We marry for greater gains, out of obligation, for duty.”
“I think your lot has the wrong of it. Love is the greatest gain of all.”

Overall, I found When A Duke Loves A Woman to be an enjoyable romance and despite the struggles, well worth it to see the happy ending that these two deserve….love their commitment and loyalty….their true devotion and chemistry that is daring and bold as the story itself and with all the emotion that Lorraine Heath guarantees in her stories!!! A CAPTIVATING TALE!

“You are a remarkable woman, Gillie Trewlove. I am a better man for having known you.”


 

About Lorraine Heath

Also writes Young Adult under Rachel Hawthorne, Jade Parker, and with her son as J.A. London)

Lorraine Heath has always had a soft spot for emotional love stories. No doubt because growing up, watching movies with her mom, she was taught that the best movies "won't half make you cry."

She is the daughter of a British beauty (her mom won second place in a beauty contest sponsored by Max Factor® during which she received a kiss from Caesar Romero--Joker on the original Batman TV series) and a Texan who was stationed at Bovingdon while serving in the air force. Lorraine was born in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, but soon after moved to Texas. Her "dual" nationality has given her a love for all things British and Texan, and she enjoys weaving both heritages through her stories.

When she received her BA degree in psychology from the University of Texas, she had no idea she had gained a foundation that would help her to create believable characters—characters that are often described as “real people.” Her novels have appeared on bestseller lists, including USA Today, Waldenbooks, and most recently, the New York Times.

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