REVIEW: Falling Into Bed with a Duke by Lorraine Heath

In Falling Into Bed with a Duke (The Hellions of Havisham #1)by Lorraine Heath, Miss Minerva Dodger knows her own mind and has strong opinions. She has been holding out for love instead of giving in to the men who pursue her for her dowry, which is probably why she is still unmarried. Knowing she’ll likely end up a spinster, she decides to go to the Nightingale Club for a night of passion. But falling a little bit in love with dashing Lord Ashebury during their time there might prove to change her opinion on marriage.

‘Tonight was fantasy, the dreams of a homely girl who had never known the heat of passion, who had never been made to feel desired. Who had thought she’d be destined for a cold marriage until she’d decided she’d rather hold her head up high as a spinster than bow before a man who couldn’t love her.’

Growing up wild on the grounds of Havisham after the death of his parents, Ashe has been trying to conquer his nightmares by taking grand adventures with his fellow hellions, his risque photography, and women. He’s not given much thought to settling down until his finances become a mess. So when he finds himself enamored with the lovely, strong-willed Minerva, who also has a large dowry, his problems may be solved. But soon, Ashe’s emotions are involved more in the situation than he ever intended.

‘Her stubbornness, her willingness to go after what she wanted, even her belief in love. He’d never known a woman as complex, complicated, or intriguing. A lifetime with her would ensure he was never bored.’

The new Hellions of Havisham historical romance series is starting off with a bang. Lorraine Heath has given us characters with depth, a relationship with a whole lot of heat, and the promise of even more intense romantic match-ups in the future.

Somehow this is the first book I’ve read by Lorraine Heath and now I know why I’ve heard such great things about her writing. She created characters that not only seemed believable, they captured my attention as well. I’m a sucker for a smart and strong heroine, no matter the genre. Minerva was just that. I loved that she owned her bold personality and she made no apologies for wanting to marry for love, which was rather frowned upon in those times.

Ashe was a wonderful, complex character as well. Still haunted by his parents’ gruesome deaths and hiding a shortcoming in regard to his business acumen, he lived his life seemingly wild and free. I loved that Ashe was so charming and rakish, but underneath it all he wanted someone to soothe his troubled soul. Minerva was the perfect person for him. She was comforting to talk to and so Ashe became her champion, seeing her as a beautiful woman when the rest of Society deemed her as plain. The fact that Ashe could make Minerva feel adored and wanted made me like him that much more. *sigh*

If strong, intelligent heroines and charming heroes with tortured souls are your thing, then I think Falling Into Bed with a Duke will be a highly entertaining addition to your literary collection.

Book Info:

Publication: Published October 27th 2015 | by Avon | The Hellions of Havisham #1

In the first in a dazzling new series, New York Times bestselling author Lorraine Heath introduces the Hellions of Havisham—three charismatic rogues destined to lose their hearts . . .

After six unsuccessful Seasons, Miss Minerva Dodger chooses spinsterhood over fortune-hungry suitors. But thanks to the Nightingale Club, she can at least enjoy one night of pleasure. At that notorious establishment, ladies don masks before choosing a lover. The sinfully handsome Duke of Ashebury is more than willing to satisfy the secretive lady’s desires—and draws Minerva into an exquisite, increasingly intimate affair.

A man of remarkable talents, Ashe soon deduces that his bedmate is the unconventional Miss Dodger. Intrigued by her wit and daring, he sets out to woo her in earnest. Yet Minerva refuses to trust him. How to court a woman he has already thoroughly seduced? And how to prove that the passion unleashed in darkness is only the beginning of a lifetime’s pleasure . . . ?