A review by laurenjodi
The Duke and the Lady in Red by Lorraine Heath
5.0
The Duke and the Lady in Red
4.5 Stars
Desperate times call for desperate measures, and Rosalind Sharpe will do anything in her power to protect those she cares for even if it means targeting the notorious and ruthless Duke of Avendale. But when Avendale discovers Rose's deception, he demands recompense of a most scandalous sort - a week in his bed. Can Rose and her duke put aside their suspicions and mistrust to find happiness together?
It isn't often that a book makes me cry, but this story had me breaking out the Kleenex.
Rose and Avendale have excellent chemistry and the keeping secrets trope is, thankfully, disposed of quickly and with little to no unnecessary angst.
While the romance is engaging, it is Rose's other secret that is the true highlight of the book.
Despite the above, the story does have one or two issues. To begin with, it takes time for the plot points to develop and this makes the pacing slower at the start. Nevertheless, once the secrets begin unraveling, the book becomes a page-turner. In addition, Avendale's behavior in the first few chapters leaves much to be desired, and some readers may be put off by his less than savory actions. That said, I recommend persevering as the rest of the romance and the story is well worth it.
All in all, a wonderful book, and I also loved the Joseph Merrick reference (thank you Wikipedia).
4.5 Stars
Desperate times call for desperate measures, and Rosalind Sharpe will do anything in her power to protect those she cares for even if it means targeting the notorious and ruthless Duke of Avendale. But when Avendale discovers Rose's deception, he demands recompense of a most scandalous sort - a week in his bed. Can Rose and her duke put aside their suspicions and mistrust to find happiness together?
It isn't often that a book makes me cry, but this story had me breaking out the Kleenex.
Rose and Avendale have excellent chemistry and the keeping secrets trope is, thankfully, disposed of quickly and with little to no unnecessary angst.
While the romance is engaging, it is Rose's other secret that is the true highlight of the book.
Spoiler
Heath's portrayal of Rose's profoundly disabled brother, Harry, is simply heartwrenching. The pain and suffering he endures in unfathomable, yet he remains a truly good and self-less person. Rose's love and loyalty for her damaged sibling and her willingness to sacrifice everything for him make her an incredible heroine. Likewise, Harry brings out the best in Avendale as well, and it is wonderful to see their male bonding and camaraderie flourish.Despite the above, the story does have one or two issues. To begin with, it takes time for the plot points to develop and this makes the pacing slower at the start. Nevertheless, once the secrets begin unraveling, the book becomes a page-turner. In addition, Avendale's behavior in the first few chapters leaves much to be desired, and some readers may be put off by his less than savory actions. That said, I recommend persevering as the rest of the romance and the story is well worth it.
All in all, a wonderful book, and I also loved the Joseph Merrick reference (thank you Wikipedia).