She Tempts the Duke

By Lorraine Heath

New York Times bestselling author Lorraine Heath kicks off another enthralling series, this time following the fortunes of the Lost Lords of Pembrook—three dark and dangerous noble brothers imprisoned and robbed of their inheritance, but free now and determined to reclaim their birthright. Perfect for fans of Lisa Kleypas and Liz Carlyle. 

Sebastian Easton always vowed he would avenge his stolen youth and title. Now back in London, the rightful Duke of Keswick—returning from battle a wounded, hardened, changed man—cannot forget the brave girl who once rescued him and his brothers from certain death.

Lady Mary Wynne-Jones paid dearly for helping the imprisoned young Lords of Pembrook, and she remembers well the promise she made to Sebastian all those years ago: to meet him once more in the abbey ruins where they shared a bold, forbidden kiss. While Mary is now betrothed to another, a friendship forged with dark secrets cannot be ignored. Unexpected passion soon burns dangerously between them, tempting Sebastian to abandon his quest for retribution and fight for a love that could once again set him free.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Jan 31, 2012
• ISBN: 9780062096333

Lorraine Heath

Lorraine Heath always dreamed of being a writer. After graduating from the University of Texas, she wrote training manuals, press releases, articles, and computer code, but something was always missing. When she read a romance novel, she not only became hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. She’s been writing about them ever since. Her novels have been recognized with numerous industry awards and have appeared on the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists.

Reviews for She Tempts the Duke

[hollie1122-1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Read this as a palate cleanser, just ended up being annoying.

[librarydanielle_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

this one was a more interesting tawdry novel. three brothers hunted by their uncle, who wants the heir's ducal title. definitely draws on the story of Richard III and his nephews, but the author also mentions this, so it's more of an interest point than an eye roll.

[addictofromance · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

She Tempts The Duke is the first in the Lords of Pembrook series. It has been a while since I have read from this author, and she has always been a personal favorite of mine. She never disappoints...and I found myself falling in love once more. The characters here are unforgettable, ones that are so endearing and climb their way straight into your hearts. Sebastian is a tortured hero--very much tortured, more than I have seen in a while. He is heavily scarred on the outside and the inside. We see evidence that he has suffered much over the years, but I really loved the way he is with his brothers and Mary. We see that he really cares for Mary, even if he doesn't admit it right away. I enjoyed seeing the gentleness he displays with her, even though he has only known a life of roughness and abuse and hardship. Mary is very strong willed and fights for what is right more than what is easy. Mary is the one who saved the three brothers when she was a mere girl. We see through differect acts of courage, how she continues to protect them even at costs to herself. She accepts Sebastian for who he has become, and see's past the scars and into the man. I love a heroine that doesn't judge, but accepts and loves Sebastian for who he is now. There is a danger side to the plot, one full of intrigue and mystery, there is also some sensual moments that keep you totally immersed into the story. A True Gem of a story that will steal its way into your heart.

[ktleyed · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I had my ups and downs with this one. Set during Regency times in England, I saw many similarities between this story and her earlier, Texas Destiny, most notably another scarred hero and silhouettes as a seduction technique. Though I love scarred heroes, Sebastian is much too obsessed with regaining his title as Duke and regaining his lands. Not to mention, seeking revenge on the uncle who tried to have him killed. Because of his obsession, he treated Mary badly, the woman he's supposed to care so much about. I scratched my head over Sebastian's treatment of her, as did she. I had trouble warming up to him and Mary's character was much too spontaneous and thoughtless of what she was doing. Though she knew better, she disregarded the rules of avoiding scandal, to the point that it was unbelievable. Still, this story wasn't bad, but I much preferred Texas Destiny. Still, I look forward to Tristan and Rafe's stories.

[kasey007 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

If you've read my reviews you know I like connected romances, particularly about brothers. Fortunately for me, Lorraine Heath has a new triology; The Lost Lords of Pembrook. First up is She Tempts the Duke, the love story of two childhood friends separated by time and circumstance who find each other again.At the age of fourteen Sebastian Easton, the eighth Duke of Keswick, learns that he may not make fifteen. The future looks pretty bleak. His father has "accidentally" died making him duke. His uncle has put him, along with his twin brother Tristian and his 10 year old brother Rafe, in the tower. They are all alone in the world, awaiting the fatal "accident" their uncle has planned. Fortunately, Sebastian's childhood friend, Lady Mary Wynne-Jones,stole the key to let them out. The three brothers escape, but leave Mary behind, who ends up being put in a nunnery by her father. It takes twelve years of heartache and pain before the three lords are able to reclaim their heritage.Twelve years later, Lady Mary is out of the nunnery and engaged and in London at a ball given by Lord & Lady Easton, the scheming uncle. Lord Easton is using the ball to reinforce his claim to the title. He has petitioned the Court of Chancery to award him the title, since his nephews cannot be found. Lady Mary has always wondered what happened to the lost lords of Pembrook. She doesn't want an injustice to happen but knows no one would believe her story. The ball livens up when all hear the following announcements: "His Grace, the Duke of Keswick!", "Lord Tristian Easton!", and "Lord Rafe Easton!". Mary recognizes the well-dressed, rough looking lords, despite Sebastian's misshapen face and eye patch. They are now the talk of the ton.Their reappearance awakens Mary and Sebastian's past friendship and leads to a growing connection, despite the fact that Mary is engaged to Viscount Fitzwilliam. It's as if they can't help themselves. Although the years have separated them and they don't know each other very well, they still have that deep childhood friendship and a growing attraction between them. As Mary helps the three brothers reintegrate into society in order to further secure their claim, she and Sebastian grow closer. They even kiss. This continual involvement with the brothers interferes with her engagement and alters the courses of their lives. Though they grow closer, Sebastian's obsession with his uncle and reclaiming Pembrook, the ducal estate, do not make that process easy.Even though their relationship starts out as a have to situation, I enjoyed watching Mary and Sebastian renew their friendship, fall in love, and defeat his uncle. These characters were made for each other. Sebastian learns that he has always loved Mary and she was the reason for him surviving the war and his terrible injuries. Mary helps him to accept himself and his injuries and to forgive himself for the tough choices he made concerning his brothers and having to leave them behind. And Mary has not only regained her best friend, but discovered a man who passionately loves her as well. I look forward to both Tristian and Rafe finding love just like their older brother. From her web site it looks like book 2, Lord of Temptation, is coming out in October, 2012.