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37 of 42 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another emotionally satisfying story from Lorraine Heath, June 28, 2008
This review is from: In Bed With the Devil (Avon Romantic Treasure) (Mass Market Paperback)
When I pick up a Lorraine Heath book, I know I'm in for a well written, emotionally satisfying story. In Bed With the Devil is exactly this . . . in spades! This is book one in Ms. Heath's new Scoundrels of St. James series.
He is called the Devil Earl. Lucian Langdon, Earl of Claybourne, grew up differently than other members of the aristocracy-he was raised on the rough London streets. At the age of six, he was taken in by and became one of `Feagan's lads', a group of misfits trying to survive the best way they could. At fourteen, Luke was captured and accused of murder, but was spared the hangman's noose by a gentleman who claimed that Luke was his long lost grandson and heir. Luke didn't believe that he's the rightful heir, but didn't deny it and went along with the old gent. He isn't comfortable with nor accepted into society and for those reasons he doesn't attend social functions. That is until the night he attended a ball and saw Lady Catherine Mabry. While there, he couldn't take his eyes off of her and was impressed that she boldly returned his gaze. Catherine was shocked, but intrigued . . . and is still intrigued five years later. It is Luke's dangerous reputation combined with her need for help that prompts her to seek him out. She would do anything to protect those she loves-even make a deal with the devil.
I absolutely loved Luke. He is a tortured hero that I completely sympathized with. He has flaws, but it is those flaws and how he handles/reacts to them that makes him incredibly endearing. He struggles with inner demons because he believes he's not the real earl, but says he is because he didn't want to let down the man who saved his life-a man who truly believed Luke was the rightful earl and who took care of the rest of Feagan's lads. Luke is fiercely loyal to his friends and vice versa. They depended upon each other for everything when they were children and are still there for each other as adults.
Catherine is a strong, willful heroine whom I admired very much. She is the sole caretaker of her ailing father, the Duke of Greystone, while her brother is off gallivanting around the continent. She is completely devoted to her friend, Winnie, Duchess of Avendale, who is abused by her husband. Her desire to help her friend and stop the abuse is what prompts her to visit Luke and beg for his help. She is fascinated by the wickedness associated with the Devil Earl, but after spending time with him soon discovers that he's not what others perceive him to be. I like that Catherine challenges Luke at every turn and speaks her mind without being over the top.
In Bed With the Devil is a beautiful redemption story. It is darker and grittier than any of Ms. Heath's previous books, but it needs to be to fit the feel of the story. I must say that I was captivated by the secondary characters-Winnie and the rest of Feagan's lads-and wonder which of them will be featured in the next book in this series. This book is another keeper from Lorraine Heath that I highly recommend!
~Andrea~
Reviewed at romancenovel.tv
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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
The author is running out of steam - formulaic and tired story, December 21, 2008
This review is from: In Bed With the Devil (Avon Romantic Treasure) (Mass Market Paperback)
I am sure many will disagree with me but I think that Lorraine Heath is running out of steam. There were several things that bothered me about this book which I found only mildly entertaining and not particularly fulfilling.
The setting - why not tell us exactly when this story was set? Unless you know that Oliver Twist first began to appear in 1837, there are no real clues. There is not enough colour or detail about the settings, the political and social background that would help us understand the story and the actions of some of the main characters.
Catherine, our heroine - It really stretched the imagination to think that the gently bred daughter of a Duke would flit around London at night seeking out the demi monde of Lucas, our hero, in order to solicit murder. I found myself unable to warm to the headstrong and strident Catherine - a proto-feminist to be sure but not a particuarly sympathetic one.
Lucas, our hero - Again, a little credulous to think that the son and heir to a fabulously wealthy earldom would disappear off the face of the earth, get caught up in the stews of early Victorian London and then be immediately recognised as an adult as the rightful heir without real queston. He's more likeable than Catherine but rather immature in some of his choices - e.g. thinking himself in love with the wrong woman and for the wrong reasons. Also, I am not at sure I understand why he was felt to be so wicked and a "devil". He did not really have that dark side to his character that one would expect - he's far too honourable and open for me to consider him a devil.
Sterling, Catherine's brother - good grief - what an insipidly annoying man. Surely he won't reappear in her planned trilogy? He would need a lot of redemption! He was a cad.
Feagan's children - too, too obvious that we are at the beginning of a trilogy, there is no finesse about it as the author introduces a series of people for potential stories. Also, why don't we learn more about Feagan who had such an influence on the hero?
Heath can tell a good story but this seemed tired to me and just could not catch my attention. I read it cover to cover in 2 sittings but was anxious to finish it so I could move on. Like many very successful romantic genre writers, some authors just seem to run out of steam and, sadly, Heath seems to have joined the every burgeoning list. I think I preferred her Texas-set books. The English Victorian stories just don't seem as genuine or meaty to me. The author seemed to me to be doing a "paint by numbers" exercise here to meet a deadline and that her heart was not in it - she can do much better.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
In Bed with the Devil, August 7, 2008
This review is from: In Bed With the Devil (Avon Romantic Treasure) (Mass Market Paperback)
Lady Catherine Mabry is on the hunt for a man more vindictive than her hated guardian -she has no choice. Someone very close to her is being harmed daily and Catherine has to find someone with a ruthless reputation in order for her to make a bargain. Who does she turn to? The Devil Earl himself, Lucian Langdon, the Earl of Claybourne.
Lucian's reputation is that of vile murderer and womanizer. Barely tolerated in polite society, he is on the outskirts of acceptance and knows that the only way to be acknowledged is to find a wife and attain his goal via her. The woman he wants, however, is not schooled in the ways and running of the ton and Lucian knows that he must enlist the help of a society miss in order to teach her. Lucian and Catherine negotiate a bargain in which Catherine will teach his intended the ways of polite society and Lucian will help Catherine with her quest - however, Catherine's bargain is much more dangerous than both thought possible.
Catherine and Lucian enter their endeavor with their eyes wide open and their hearts closed to the other. Suspicions aside, neither of the two realizes that in making a simple bargain will become a lifetime of love.
Lorraine Heath is an automatic read for me simply because every historical romance I have ever read from her is outstanding. In Bed with the Devil is no exception. Lucian and Catherine are ill prepared for the love that comes their way and they are hesitant to break their bargain. Catherine's role in society is such that she cannot act alone and it is only after much soul searching that she accepts and realizes that while she loves Lucian, his heart belongs to another. She was wrong and I am glad for it.
In Bed with the Devil is a splendid tale of bargains and love and acceptance. I cherished every word and continue to stand in awe of anything written by Lorraine Heath.
Talia
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed
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