Lady Mary Wynne-Jones had been Sebastian’s best friend throughout their childhood. He had taught her how to move stealthily and they had had many adventures together as they grew up. He had even snuck into her room on the night of her mother’s death and held her as she grieved. Had her father known it, Sebastian would have been in trouble.

Twelve years later, the three boys now known as the lost lords of Pembrook have become a legend. Their uncle, Lord David, was holding a ball. He had recently married and had petitioned the court to be named duke since no one has heard from his nephews in all of the years that the boys have gone missing; even Mary feared they may be dead. The night of the boys’ disappearance, their uncle had also left the area and had just returned. It was suspected that he had been living on one of the other estates. Although she had promised Sebastian that she would keep her rescue of them to herself, she had broken her word. She had told her father, who, being more cowardly than she had thought, had sent her to a convent to contemplate her misdeeds. During Mary’s first ball, she had caught the fancy of Viscount Fitzwilliam and, after a devoted courtship; she had become engaged to him. She was sure that if Sebastian was still alive, he would have come to her by now. Fitzwilliam’s parents liked her and thought her time spent in the convent had taught her mercy and grace. In reality, it had only taught her to never trust her father with a secret.  During her younger years, knowing Lord David’s secrets and sins, she had feared that he would come to the convent after her and kill her as he had intended to do with his nephews.

It is at Lord David’s party - his first - that the three brothers make their appearance; all three have grown into mighty men now. They give him twenty-four hours to remove himself from their home. At first, no one believes they are who they claim to be – until Mary speaks up for them, recognizing them and approving their claim.

Unlike his twin, Sebastian is no longer handsome, bearing scars from the brothers’ years apart and all that he has endured. Trying to reinstate themselves, the three brothers make themselves known to society. But Mary and Sebastian’s subsequent actions prove to be scandalous enough that Fitzwilliam calls off their engagement. To save her reputation, Sebastian marries her. But Mary wants more than her reputation saved…she wants her husband’s love. However, it seems that he has saved all of his love for his estate…Pembrook. Can she convince him that there is more to life than an ancient pile of stones? Is their uncle the source of the recent injuries the brothers have endured, or do they have another enemy?

A deliciously romantic read, SHE TEMPTS THE DUKE, the first book in phenomenal author Lorraine Heath’s new THE LOST LORDS OF PEMBROOK series, is a passionate and angst-filled historical romance. The three men find their lives in danger more than once. When they made their escape from their uncle, the three lads had each gone their separate ways, and they all carry demons from their years spent apart. While Sebastian went into the military, Tristan went to sea and Rafe, who started out in a workhouse ended up owning a den of iniquity. This intriguing story is brimming with danger, adventure, betrayal, conflict, deception, wit, clever banter, passion, true love and second chances, making it unforgettable. Ms. Heath is one of my favorite authors, and her latest is definitely a book that should not be missed. I highly recommend it and look forward to reading the next book in this series, LORD OF TEMPTATION, which is due out in October.

This book was reviewed using a digital galley via Netgalley.com. It’s free for professional readers! Check it out: www.Netgalley.com.

 

 

By Romance Junkies Reviewer: Dottie Click here to Buy this Book Now!   Romance Junkies Content Editor: Wendy Romance Junkies Publishing Editor: Dottie   Top of Page