laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
In Bed with the Devil
3.5 Stars
Notorious in society for his dubious origins and reputation as a killer, Lucian Langford, or the Devil Earl, is astounded when he is approached by Lady Catherine Mabry with an outrageous request. Nevertheless, he is willing to come to her aid on the condition that she return the favor. As the two set about fulfilling their respective parts of the bargain, they realize that they are bound by more than their agreement.
An enjoyable historical romance although there are some contrived situations and predictable developments. For instance, the references to Charles Dickens's Oliver Twist are obvious, unimaginative and trite.
While the mystery is intense and suspenseful, the resolution is not as satisfying as it could have been, and it is clear that.
In terms of the romance, the story contains a trope that does not usually appeal to me, i.e., the hero believes he is in love with another woman. However, Heath handles this aspect very well and the hero and heroine are both very likable as individuals and as a couple.
All in all, a light and entertaining read and I will continue with the series possibly due to the fact that the hero in the next book, Jack, is quite the anti-hero.
3.5 Stars
Notorious in society for his dubious origins and reputation as a killer, Lucian Langford, or the Devil Earl, is astounded when he is approached by Lady Catherine Mabry with an outrageous request. Nevertheless, he is willing to come to her aid on the condition that she return the favor. As the two set about fulfilling their respective parts of the bargain, they realize that they are bound by more than their agreement.
An enjoyable historical romance although there are some contrived situations and predictable developments. For instance, the references to Charles Dickens's Oliver Twist are obvious, unimaginative and trite.
While the mystery is intense and suspenseful, the resolution is not as satisfying as it could have been, and it is clear that
Spoiler
this is not the last we've seen of the villainIn terms of the romance, the story contains a trope that does not usually appeal to me, i.e., the hero believes he is in love with another woman. However, Heath handles this aspect very well and the hero and heroine are both very likable as individuals and as a couple.
All in all, a light and entertaining read and I will continue with the series possibly due to the fact that the hero in the next book, Jack, is quite the anti-hero.
geo_ix's review
5.0
I LOVED this book. Recently I've come to realise I really do love certain types of historical romances, and they're usually with rakes or scoundrels, the woman's more independent than is acceptable in the time period, and they're a lovely slow burn. I love the mystery in this of whether he is the Earl or not, I loved figuring out what his head pains meant, and I loved all the side characters so much that I'm very eager to read all their books!
atgerstner's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
booklover_29's review against another edition
2.0
This book was going fine till 80%,afterward I got a little tired of "Oh I am not good enough for him/her" crap.Their problem like many other romance books was miscommunication which got a little old and predictable for me.
Also the child thing towards the end was completely unnecessary and her randomly deciding to go to america lol.It had no effect on the story whatsoever as the hero still comes to confess to her(even as he doesn't know she was going to america,sooo what was the point??).
The hero was also a bit lacking for me
Also the child thing towards the end was completely unnecessary and her randomly deciding to go to america lol.It had no effect on the story whatsoever as the hero still comes to confess to her(even as he doesn't know she was going to america,sooo what was the point??).
The hero was also a bit lacking for me
maisyreads1817's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 ✨✨
Somehow I just sat down and read the first 200ish pages in one go. It just went by so quickly, Lorraine Heath has an amazing writing style that just keeps you gripped but you still connect to the characters as their development isn’t ever skipped over.
The ending was a little dragged out (internal monologues seemed repetitive a bit).
Also things with FMC brother were very unresolved. I know he will be in later books but it was just a bit jarring that they didn’t have more of a conversation.
My instincts were correct and I do really click with Lorraine Heath’s writing. Can’t wait to devour her back list (I seem to have collect a majority of it already
Somehow I just sat down and read the first 200ish pages in one go. It just went by so quickly, Lorraine Heath has an amazing writing style that just keeps you gripped but you still connect to the characters as their development isn’t ever skipped over.
The ending was a little dragged out (internal monologues seemed repetitive a bit).
Also things with FMC brother were very unresolved. I know he will be in later books but it was just a bit jarring that they didn’t have more of a conversation.
My instincts were correct and I do really click with Lorraine Heath’s writing. Can’t wait to devour her back list (I seem to have collect a majority of it already
thegeekyblogger's review against another edition
4.0
Listened/Read for fun (Audible/Kindle)
Overall Rating: 4.50
Story Rating: 4.50
Character Rating: 4.50
Audio Rating: 4.25 (Not part of the overall rating)
First thought when finished: I cried! Seriously full on crocodile tears!
Story Thoughts: You know when you start a book and think "no way am I going to buy this story"? That was me in the beginning of In Bed With the Devil. By then end, I was totally sold and rooting very hard for the HEA. Seriously, Lorraine pretty much pulls off the impossible--she wrote a love story that started off with the guy really wanting to marry someone else. I cried, yelled, screamed, and maybe called a few names while listening. Just really fantastic all around!
Character Thoughts: Lucian and Catherine were very well suited for each other. They both bring things to the table that brings out the best in the other. I love when characters kind of "click" together to form a whole relationship. Add to that, the cast of fantastic characters surrounding them and this is just one wonderfully written character driven story. That is my favorite kind of historical romance.
Audio Thoughts:
I love when audiobooks have two narrators and both Susan and Antony did a fantastic job. They had very similar pacing styles which made their narration work!
Final Thoughts: If you are a historical romance fan, I highly recommend this series!
Overall Rating: 4.50
Story Rating: 4.50
Character Rating: 4.50
Audio Rating: 4.25 (Not part of the overall rating)
First thought when finished: I cried! Seriously full on crocodile tears!
Story Thoughts: You know when you start a book and think "no way am I going to buy this story"? That was me in the beginning of In Bed With the Devil. By then end, I was totally sold and rooting very hard for the HEA. Seriously, Lorraine pretty much pulls off the impossible--she wrote a love story that started off with the guy really wanting to marry someone else. I cried, yelled, screamed, and maybe called a few names while listening. Just really fantastic all around!
Character Thoughts: Lucian and Catherine were very well suited for each other. They both bring things to the table that brings out the best in the other. I love when characters kind of "click" together to form a whole relationship. Add to that, the cast of fantastic characters surrounding them and this is just one wonderfully written character driven story. That is my favorite kind of historical romance.
Audio Thoughts:
Narrated By Susan Ericksen, Antony Ferguson / Length: 10 hrs and 2 mins
I love when audiobooks have two narrators and both Susan and Antony did a fantastic job. They had very similar pacing styles which made their narration work!
Final Thoughts: If you are a historical romance fan, I highly recommend this series!
max_pink's review
4.5
4.5*
—this found family is literally everything. Nearly made me cry at the end. 10/10
—clayborne is a disaster man. 8/10
—catherine slaps. 9/10
—the drama is great
—the writing is dramatic af
—quality stuff
—audiobook narrator (Susan Ericksen) was really good
—this found family is literally everything. Nearly made me cry at the end. 10/10
—clayborne is a disaster man. 8/10
—catherine slaps. 9/10
—the drama is great
—the writing is dramatic af
—quality stuff
—audiobook narrator (Susan Ericksen) was really good