"She Tempts the Duke" is the first book of Lorraine Heath's "The Lost Lords of Pembrook" series. Although it was a solid historical romance, I did not feel as attached to the characters as in her superior "The Scoundrels of St. James" saga.Sebastian fits the tortured hero archetype - a scarred war veteran, he is plagued by the guilt of having sent off his brothers to escape a murderous uncle when only a child himself. Following the horrors of war, he returns to reclaim his title in their company. Due to his physical deformities and the suspicious circumstances of their initial disappearance, the lost lords find it difficult to gain acceptance back into Society. Keswick's single-minded obsession with protecting the lands of Pembrook are disturbing to read in the later half of the book. It takes so long for him to "come around" that, as a reader, his epiphany came as too little too late as I had completed most of the story with total apathy towards him. Even though his mindset is understandable, it bordered a little too close to the edge of madness for me to come to love him as I do so many other heroes written by this author.As for Mary, it was disheartening to see that such a courageous child with a strong sense of justice has grown into a wishy-washy Mary Sue following her years in the nunnery. I found her attempts to reconnect with her childhood friend while balancing her relationship with her betrothed to be extremely frustrating. Every incident where Sebastian is humiliated in public, Mary jumps to the conclusion that Fitzwilliam must have been involved - which in itself is unfair - but her contrition only lasts until the next occurrence! It was wonderful that she has such a caring nature to see past Sebastian's scars, but beyond that I found it difficult to pinpoint another quality which I admired in her character. She was too much of a push-over for me, or perhaps it was that Sebastian had too much personality that hers was washed out in comparison. I so longed that she would somehow revert back to the girl Sebastian remembered, one that was brave enough to save the little lords.I am looking forward to reading Tristan and Rafe's stories next, and hope that without Lord David's presence, the plot may get a chance to move away from the theme of vengeance. 3.5 stars. I liked the writing and I liked the story, but I think the author was trying to have too many stories going on at once. (as often happens when there is a trilogy of romance novels) But I liked the characters, especially Mary, I found it nice for the female lead to be the emotionally stronger character. She didn't have as many demons to work through but was there when the hero, Sebastian, needed her.
What do You think about Ispitirea Unui Lord (2014)?
A pretty good start to the series looking forward to reading more about the brothers.
—Clauu11
Sebastian Easton, Duke of Keswick and Lady Mary Wynne-Jones1856, London
—candy2yummy
3.5 stars. I think the other two lords might be even more interesting.
—Trickpony125
Grabs your attention from beginning to end!
—sasha
