Customer Reviews

In Bed With the Devil (Avon Romantic Treasure)

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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

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.

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

So. Another paperback with a picture of a woman whose clothes appear to be falling off, a manly man whose clothes have already fallen off, author's name and title written in a curly font, pastel background colours and a cheesy title. Nothing unusual here, dozens of books that look just like this one are published every month. Most are fairly mediocre with little characterisation and a scanty plot. But not this one!

'In Bed With The Devil', despite the rather corny title (which, for once, was actually reflected by the content of the book), is a very good story. It has elements that most other historical romances set in Victorian times have - nobility, country estates, seedy parts of London, etc - but what marked this story out was its convincing characterisation. The plot isn't particularly complex - the Earl of Claybourne, a boy who lived as a thief on the streets of London as a youth before being found by his grandfather after killing a man who turned out to be his uncle, wants to marry his childhood love, Frannie, who worked in their thieving gang. However the inconvenience of Lucien Langdon's title means that Frannie feels she's not able to marry him as she doesn't know how to behave as a Countess. When Lady Catherine Mabry, daughter of a Duke, comes to Lucien to ask him to carry out a murder for her, they establish an unusual wager; Catherine will teach Frannie how to be a Countess and then Lucien/Luke will kill the mystery person for her.

Luke finds himself spending a great deal of time with Catherine and comparing her to Frannie. These two women are very different and yet there's something about Catherine that draws Luke. However he can't get too close to her, partly because of Frannie but also because he is shortly going to have to commit murder for her and he knows that will mean the death of his soul. As we the readers discover who Catherine wants killed and why, as Luke starts to discover more about the mystery of his origins, as both Luke and Catherine begin to understand the nature of love and of trust and fidelity, it seems their lives might be in danger. Can they keep themselves safe? Can they be happy?

The strength of this book is in the characterisation, not just of Luke and Catherine but also of many other people. For once this was a story where the central love affair was believable and grew organically, rather than just being presented as a fait accompli. It was also interesting to learn of Luke's character, initially presented as a murdering devilish man but slowly being proved to be quite different. Catherine was a great heroine, a strong but feminine woman who didn't spend her time simpering and whining but who got on with life, despite its difficulties for her. This was a book in which the reader could believe absolutely in the happy ever after for these two characters.

Historical detail was reasonable in this book although the dialogue slipped occasionally into Americanisms. The story, however, carried this reader along at all times and it was always enjoyable to follow the lives of Catherine and Luke.

Originally published for Curled Up With A Good Book © Helen Hancox 2008

In 1851 when Lucian "the Devil Earl" Langdon enters a ballroom, everyone especially the females turn their eyes away from him; society shuns him for allegedly murdering his uncle. However this time when the Earl of Claybourne enters a ballroom uninvited as always, one woman stares right back at him. Lady Catherine Mabry refuses to blink or look away.

Raised on London's mean streets as one of Feagan's den of child thieves and urchin con artists, Lucian and his friends Jack and Frannie were rescued by his grandfather. To Catherine, he is the one man strong enough to save her from her ruthless guardian. But she's playing with fire when she propositions the devil. Others may fear him, but she sees his innate goodness. Catherine will do whatever she must to save him from himself and force him to believe in his right to hold the title and her heart.

This is reminiscent of Oliver Twist as an adult treated by the Ton as a murdering scoundrel except for one courageous woman who sees him as her heroic savior, who she hopes lives up to his reputation and proves deadlier than her cruel guardian; yet she also discovers the caring nature underneath that begs to belong. Lorraine Heath writes an excellent Victorian romantic suspense that hooks audience from the opening journal entry of Lucien to the closing entry.

Harriet Klausner

Having read most of this author's books, I trust her both with my $$$ and my time. So when this story started with an overly repetitious "image" of the lead male character as "a devil", "evil", "black-hearted", etc. I become a little disappointed. Alright, already--we got it! Still I read on and was completely rewarded. This story nicely shows how sometimes the heart knows much more than the mind and the struggle between the two impulses is both charming and highly romantic. Secondary characters add the perfect spice because this time, the "ton" is less represented and we hear words from the streets of London. There is the tension of the "two" worlds of the aristocracy and the real Londoners as well as great history in the punishment practices of errant, orphaned children as well. Just a solid effort done with a forgiveable weak start.

Let me start out by saying that this is one of the most beautifully written historical romances I have ever read and I have read a lot. I don't understand why some were saying how it started out slow and dumb. It never struck me that way ,but, it did strike me as an incredibly beautiful love story that is for sure. The author took her time in bringing these two people together ,but, the journey along the way was nothing short of magical as we are allowed to experience their growing friendship and the building attraction between them and that always takes time. It was a gorgeous and sacrificial love that you feel will be unending through time. The depth of both characters unfolds wonderfully as well as the growing love that forms between them both. There are very interesting secondary characters who we want to learn about ,but, they never overtake the main story. They are necessary though to the story as we learn more about Luke and what brings him and Catherine together. I just couldn't put this book down and when I had to all I could think about was how much I wanted to pick it back up again and read some more. This story will resonate with me for a long time and I will always remember these characters. You may cry close to the end ,but, you eventually will scream with joy and happiness for them. I was so captivated and moved and touched and that to me is what a great love story should do for its reader. Lorraine Heath this was a magnificent effort and I cannot wait to read your next in this series. It will be hard to top. This definitely will go in my top 10 lists of all time favorites! Well done Ms. Heath.....well done!

In Bed With the Devil has to be one of Lorraine Heath's best books. I think it harkens back to her earlier books and I feel it is a definite keeper. The main characters, Catherine and Luke, were fantastic. I know I read romance for the fantasy and Heath hit it out of the ballpark with her characterization of Luke. He is the quintessential romance hero--will do anything to protect those he loves, has a heart of gold, and of course comes with jet black hair and silver eyes to go along with his tall, muscular frame!! He was great and I really liked his counterpart, Catherine. Too often, the heroine ruins a book for me, but I really liked her. She was spunky and stood up for herself without being obnoxious about it. And the way she looked after her friend Winnie was wonderful. I can't say enough about the secondary characters. They were spectacular and I think they each deserve their own book. I guess Jack's book will be next and I am ready for it.
One of the most important reasons I liked this book is the writing. Lorraine Heath is one of the most evocative writers today. There were several scenes that really moved me in this book. I don't want to give anything away, but there was a very moving scene with Catherine and her father in the garden that brought tears to my eyes. And the final paragraph in the epilogue beautifully summed up this book. There was never a question that Luke was not the devil he was perceived to be and LH made the story of his redemption a truly magnificent one. The next book I read has a very hard act to follow.

Very, very enjoyable book. I've read a previous book by this author and also liked that one a lot. She's a good writer and tells a compelling story. Well worth your time. Excellent beach or plane read. (I read it at home since I can't afford a plane ride LOL) Looking forward to her next book.

I thought this story was so touching and poignant and I absolutely could not put it down. I was enthralled by all of the characters and I loved the loyalty and strength of the heroine. I agree that the hero was called "devil" a little too often initially, but that was so minor in the context of the whole story. I cared so much for Winnie's plight and was touched by the help given...so often many struggle to help themselves and they just need amazing friends to help them through the tough times. That was a major theme you see throughout this book with all of the characters...deep loyalty and friendship. Great story and worth the read.