A review by cakt1991
Between the Devil and Desire by Lorraine Heath

5.0

 Between the Devil and Desire is yet another top-tier Lorraine Heath book, and I can understand why other readers consider this series her best. Following very closely, timeline wise, after its predecessor, it’s chock-full of more intrigue, angst, and swoony, sexy romance. And while the romance can stand on its own, there are some spoilers for non-romance related elements of the first book. 

Jack was an absolute delight in the first book, and continues to be so in this one. He’s very much a rogue, but he’s quite a nuanced one. He has a devil-may-care attitude, a trait he developed as a result of the trauma he experienced early in his life, and I would like to warn readers new to the series that his past includes references and discussions (but no graphic depictions) of child sexual abuse. His complex bond with Luke, hero of the last book, is also explored further, particularly in relation to his role in the previously mentioned plot twist and its ramifications on their relationship. But in spite of all he experienced, or perhaps because of it, he also cares deeply for those he loves, especially his fellow Scoundrels, and while he initially dithers about taking on the role of guardian to Henry, the new Duke of Lovingdon, especially as he was unsettled by the previous Duke’s motivations, he becomes close to him as well. 

Olivia is also quite interesting. A foil for Jack, she’s very proper and buttoned-up. My interest was piqued when I learned early in the book she was sister to the Duke of Avendale, a supporting character from the prior book, particularly as her perspective presented insight into his behavior that mirrored those which played a role in the previous book’s plot. But I was also intrigued by the complex nature of her prior marriage, with the late Duke of Lovingdon keeping more secrets close to his chest than she knew.

The romance started on a delightful front, much funnier than I’m used to from Heath. Jack and Olivia engage in witty banter as they argue over the ins and outs of how Henry will be raised, not to mention disagreements over the distribution of the late Duke’s estate in Jack’s favor. Things gradually take a dark turn, with family secrets coming to light, and them fighting their desire for one another despite the taboo nature of their relationship. I loved how they pushed each other’s buttons and wound each other up, while also waiting with bated breath for their illicit kisses, and more. 

Heath really brought the drama with this one, including a messy family tree that feels like it’s out of a soap opera. I had an inkling as to what Lovingdon’s connection might be, but even with all the foreshadowing, it caught me off guard just as much as it did for both Jack and Olivia. The final twist in particular blew me away, because I was so certain I had to be wrong, because “no way Lorraine would do this,” and she did?! 

This book was perhaps even better than the last, and I’d recommend it to readers looking for a dramatic, angsty historical romance.