laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
Between the Devil and Desire
4 Stars
As the owner of a gaming hell, Jack Dodger is the last person one would entrust with the care of a small child. Yet, he not only inherits the late Duke of Lovingdon's fortune, but is named guardian to his young son. Olivia Stanford, the boy's mother, is not amused that a debauched scoundrel is living in her home and is not shy about voicing her opinion. The only problem is her incomprehensible attraction to the rogue...
While the plot twists are obvious from miles away, the journey toward the actual revelations is entertaining nonetheless.
Jack and Olivia have exceptional chemistry and their love/hate banter is fun. Jack is charming and witty, and his obvious affection for young Henry makes him all the more appealing. The fact that he is tortured to boot is icing on the cake.
Olivia is a likable heroine overall, but her preoccupation with society's dictates and tendency toward self-righteousness is tiresome at times. Thankfully, this doesn't last too long and she does eventually get over herself.
The romance and minor suspense plot deal with some darker issues, such as child abuse, poverty and the vagaries of social class, with tact and sensitivity.
In sum, another well-written and engaging story by Lorraine Heath and I really need to read more of her books.
4 Stars
As the owner of a gaming hell, Jack Dodger is the last person one would entrust with the care of a small child. Yet, he not only inherits the late Duke of Lovingdon's fortune, but is named guardian to his young son. Olivia Stanford, the boy's mother, is not amused that a debauched scoundrel is living in her home and is not shy about voicing her opinion. The only problem is her incomprehensible attraction to the rogue...
While the plot twists are obvious from miles away, the journey toward the actual revelations is entertaining nonetheless.
Jack and Olivia have exceptional chemistry and their love/hate banter is fun. Jack is charming and witty, and his obvious affection for young Henry makes him all the more appealing. The fact that he is tortured to boot is icing on the cake.
Olivia is a likable heroine overall, but her preoccupation with society's dictates and tendency toward self-righteousness is tiresome at times. Thankfully, this doesn't last too long and she does eventually get over herself.
The romance and minor suspense plot deal with some darker issues, such as child abuse, poverty and the vagaries of social class, with tact and sensitivity.
In sum, another well-written and engaging story by Lorraine Heath and I really need to read more of her books.
geo_ix's review against another edition
5.0
Man I really love these books so far. There’s so much that goes on that’s not what I usually see in a historical, and this got pretty dark at times (so did the first but for different reasons and since they’re all from the streets they’ll all have a slightly dark moment).
It was a bit dramatic at times, but considering I love drama, it was great. I did pick up on the ending quite early but I was shocked at the ramifications of the knowledge because I didn’t know that was even a thing.
I loved Henry and I loved seeing him open up and become less frightened, I hope we see him again some day!
Definitely continuing this as soon as I can, I just have to finish my yearly goal first or I’ll never get it done so it might not be until January.
It was a bit dramatic at times, but considering I love drama, it was great. I did pick up on the ending quite early but I was shocked at the ramifications of the knowledge because I didn’t know that was even a thing.
I loved Henry and I loved seeing him open up and become less frightened, I hope we see him again some day!
Definitely continuing this as soon as I can, I just have to finish my yearly goal first or I’ll never get it done so it might not be until January.
maisyreads1817's review against another edition
4.0
This was such an enthralling story.
The beginning was a bit shaky for me, mainly because both main characters are pretty unlikeable. Which I can get on board with but having not met the FMC and the MMC came off pretty badly in the previous book there was a lot of work to do. And I did end up really liking them by the end it just took a bit longer than I would have liked. I think my main problem was the MMC way of putting walls back up felt very frustrating but that is part of the point I guess. The main problem I had was the unnecessary POV of the villain included in the story. The hard topics covered in this story are why it took me so long to read, Lorraine Heaths writing is so absorbing that once your into it you just keep going, but the difficult topics covered made it hard to want to pick up. The POV didn’t push the story along and only adds to the readers pain as you know something is coming. I understand suspense and foreshadowing, it just didn’t feel right in this instance.
Overall very gripping story and can’t wait to read the next one. Finally Frannie’s book!
The beginning was a bit shaky for me, mainly because both main characters are pretty unlikeable. Which I can get on board with but having not met the FMC and the MMC came off pretty badly in the previous book there was a lot of work to do. And I did end up really liking them by the end it just took a bit longer than I would have liked. I think my main problem was the MMC way of putting walls back up felt very frustrating but that is part of the point I guess. The main problem I had was the unnecessary POV of the villain included in the story. The hard topics covered in this story are why it took me so long to read, Lorraine Heaths writing is so absorbing that once your into it you just keep going, but the difficult topics covered made it hard to want to pick up. The POV didn’t push the story along and only adds to the readers pain as you know something is coming. I understand suspense and foreshadowing, it just didn’t feel right in this instance.
Overall very gripping story and can’t wait to read the next one. Finally Frannie’s book!
thegeekyblogger's review against another edition
4.0
Read/Listened for Fun (Kindle/Audible)
Overall Rating: 4.25
Story Rating: 4.25
Character Rating: 4.25
Audio Rating: 4.00 (not part of the overall rating)
First Thought when Finished: Jack Dodger was super wicked and probably my favorite Scoundrel!
Story Thoughts: Historical romance must have two things to make me happy: a man to swoon for and a woman who puts him in his place. Between the Devil and Desire delivered on both counts. The story had the added kick of a little boy who brought out the best in Mr. Dodger. I cried at the back story, laughed at the shenanigans, and loved watching Jack/Olivia fall in love!
Character Thoughts: Normally I would start with the man but to me Olivia was the rock of Between the Devil and Desire. She was a woman who could have just cowered to Jack but instead she was a fierce mama bear who held her own. What I loved most? She was willing to expand her thought process even where her son was concerned. Jack was just awesome. I liked him the first book but loved him here. I am so glad he finally found love and a little peace.
Audio Thoughts:
Susan and Antony did a great job with Jack and Olivia. I do think they work really well together and really enjoyed this audiobook.
Final Thoughts: I am really enjoying this series so far!
Overall Rating: 4.25
Story Rating: 4.25
Character Rating: 4.25
Audio Rating: 4.00 (not part of the overall rating)
First Thought when Finished: Jack Dodger was super wicked and probably my favorite Scoundrel!
Story Thoughts: Historical romance must have two things to make me happy: a man to swoon for and a woman who puts him in his place. Between the Devil and Desire delivered on both counts. The story had the added kick of a little boy who brought out the best in Mr. Dodger. I cried at the back story, laughed at the shenanigans, and loved watching Jack/Olivia fall in love!
Character Thoughts: Normally I would start with the man but to me Olivia was the rock of Between the Devil and Desire. She was a woman who could have just cowered to Jack but instead she was a fierce mama bear who held her own. What I loved most? She was willing to expand her thought process even where her son was concerned. Jack was just awesome. I liked him the first book but loved him here. I am so glad he finally found love and a little peace.
Audio Thoughts:
Narrated By Susan Ericksen, Antony Ferguson /Length: 11 hrs and 15 mins
Susan and Antony did a great job with Jack and Olivia. I do think they work really well together and really enjoyed this audiobook.
Final Thoughts: I am really enjoying this series so far!
bookspam's review
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
max_pink's review
4.75
4.75 Stars
CW: Referenced SA of a child
Jack and Olivia have a real hate to love that was great to see. The exploration of Jack's trauma was very solid, in my opinion. Heath really nails the big, sweeping emotions.
And the ending, y'all. Lorraine Heath has the best third acts in historical romance. My gosh. The PLOT TWISTS! Her dedication to choosing violence! Unmatched.
And obviously the friend group is perfection. I love the squad and am excited to get to their books.
Great audio narration by Susan Ericksen and Antony Ferguson, also.
CW: Referenced SA of a child
Jack and Olivia have a real hate to love that was great to see. The exploration of Jack's trauma was very solid, in my opinion. Heath really nails the big, sweeping emotions.
And the ending, y'all. Lorraine Heath has the best third acts in historical romance. My gosh. The PLOT TWISTS! Her dedication to choosing violence! Unmatched.
And obviously the friend group is perfection. I love the squad and am excited to get to their books.
Great audio narration by Susan Ericksen and Antony Ferguson, also.
bookwife's review against another edition
1.0
So no. I did not like this book at all. I've had the book for awhile. I got it right after I finished the last book in the series because I loved that one so much and I was so excited to learn more about Jack. But god I hated Olivia. She was your typical woman of the ton. She followed the rules to a T. Everything everyone did was improper and everything she did was perfect. I hated the banter between Jack and Olivia. They poked at each other and I understand that it was meant to be humorous but to me it just sounded ridiculous and most of it was childish and it kind of made me hate Jack.
The storyline goes incredibly slow. Which I get because Olivia is in morning and they are complete opposites. I did love the relationship of Jack and Henry. I think they were cute and that Jack actually made a fantastic guardian. But I hated Olivia's transformation. She goes from this prissy proper lady to having sex on a train while her son and nanny are a few cars away. Just doesn't seem plausible. But whatever.
This is what I really hated. What was incredibly disgusting, was the ending. Even though you can kind of see it coming. The whole time I thought there is no way the author is going to do this. It just can't happen. Its freaking nasty. It's just very messed up and made me want to throw up a little bit.
I've read a few reviews and I do not understand why people aren't more freaked about it. Maybe I'm making too big a deal about it. But I just don't think I am. This book was a complete train wreck.
The storyline goes incredibly slow. Which I get because Olivia is in morning and they are complete opposites. I did love the relationship of Jack and Henry. I think they were cute and that Jack actually made a fantastic guardian. But I hated Olivia's transformation. She goes from this prissy proper lady to having sex on a train while her son and nanny are a few cars away. Just doesn't seem plausible. But whatever.
This is what I really hated. What was incredibly disgusting, was the ending. Even though you can kind of see it coming. The whole time I thought there is no way the author is going to do this. It just can't happen. Its freaking nasty. It's just very messed up and made me want to throw up a little bit.
Spoiler
It turns out that Jack's father is Olivia's dead husband. Oh and that Henry, Olivia's son, is actually Jack's brother. ITS FREAKING GROSS! Olivia is married to her son's brother!! YUCK. And how did she react? Oh it's not big deal. No one will find out and who cares if they do.I've read a few reviews and I do not understand why people aren't more freaked about it. Maybe I'm making too big a deal about it. But I just don't think I am. This book was a complete train wreck.
awishman's review against another edition
4.0
Lorraine Heath writes such a mixture of heightened sexual tension and completely bonkers plots which are ridiculous but extremely entertaining.
lucy_qhuay's review against another edition
2.0
I'm starting to realize Lorraine Heath is also a hit or miss author for me. I swear I have read wonderful books by her and others that were very much lacking, such as this one.
Nothing about this book was memorable. The main characters felt flat, although they certainly had the potential to be wonderfully multilayered and complex. The romance was lacking in credibility and emotion. The other characters weren't that great either and plotwise it all went nowhere. Such a pity! I'll have to think more about whether or not I'll continue with the series.
fi_c's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
**Most of my reviews contain detailed Content Warning/Trigger Warning (CW/TW) sections, which may include spoilers. I have tried to mark them appropriately, but please use caution.**
Audio (Susan Ericksen)
3.5/5
Summary: After the sudden death of her much older husband, widowed mother Lady Olivia must contend with the former child thief turned gambling/general debauchery lord Jack Dodger, who has been assigned as her son’s guardian and largely as her husband’s heir.
Stats: HR - victorian, M/F, part of a series but could stand alone, open door.
Notes: This book felt more cobbled together than most of Lorraine Heath’s work. I found I was having trouble paying attention to the narration, but still not missing much, which tells me there’s a lot that doesn’t do much for either the characterization or the plot. Neither character caught me as particularly interesting. Neither were they insufferable. Overall, a bit of a let down.
OTT and Spoilery Content Notes:
Human trafficking of a child (the mmc), child criminal mmc (pickpocket), murder, death of parents (of side character), branding, child imprisonment, alcohol, gambling, tobacco, death of previous spouse (fall), widow FMC, unhappy first marriage with a large age gap, child (of FMC), some “crazy” talk, CSA of the mmc, FMC slaps mmc, “pansy” as insult, opiate use (laudanum), mmc has paid for sex, mmc is a pimp/manages sex workers, child abuse (rapping of hands/smacking), custody dispute between mcs (fmc’s son used to manipulate her by the mmc), accusation of paedophilia (against mmc by villains), FMC hits mmc with a poker, mmc throws something out of anger (when alone), illness (influenza), pregnancy (side character), parental abandonment, mention of death of pet dog (in childhood, suspected poisoning), arson, fire, kidnapping, firearms, murder (of children, in the past, brief mention), death/homicide, brief descriptions of rape of MMC as a child, age gap (about 10 years), MMC’s parents were 15/17, description of parent’s illness
Audio (Susan Ericksen)
3.5/5
Summary: After the sudden death of her much older husband, widowed mother Lady Olivia must contend with the former child thief turned gambling/general debauchery lord Jack Dodger, who has been assigned as her son’s guardian and largely as her husband’s heir.
Stats: HR - victorian, M/F, part of a series but could stand alone, open door.
Notes: This book felt more cobbled together than most of Lorraine Heath’s work. I found I was having trouble paying attention to the narration, but still not missing much, which tells me there’s a lot that doesn’t do much for either the characterization or the plot. Neither character caught me as particularly interesting. Neither were they insufferable. Overall, a bit of a let down.
OTT and Spoilery Content Notes: