Love begets madness. Viscount Locksley watched it happen to his father after his cherished wife's death. But when his sire arranges to marry flame-haired fortune hunter Portia Gadstone, Locke is compelled to take drastic measures to stop the stunning beauty from taking advantage of the marquess. A marriage of mutual pleasure could be convenient, indeed... as long as inconvenient feelings don't interfere. Desperation forced Portia to agree to marry a madman. The arrangement will offer the protection she needs. Or so she believes until the marquess's distractingly handsome son peruses the fine print... and takes his father's place! Now the sedate-and, more importantly, secure-union Portia planned has been tossed in favor of one simmering with wicked temptation and potential heartbreak. Because as she begins to fall for her devilishly seductive husband, her dark secrets surface and threaten to ruin them both-unless Locke is willing to risk all and open his heart to love. An outstanding romance, masterfully written, a beautiful love story. I haven't read the previous books in The Hellions of Havisham series, but that didn't disturb my enjoyment. I was enthralled right from the first chapter. Marriage of convenience is one of my all-time favorite romance tropes, and I loved what the author did with it.
It was a compelling book, carefully plotted, with an easy flow and strong dialogue. The sex scenes were tender but sexy and the soul to this story. I believe I've never seen a heroine in historical romance quite like this one, I was captivated by Portia. Her strength, kindness and humbleness.
Lorraine Heath is a skilled and sensitive storyteller. Please don't miss The Viscount and the Vixen, you won't regret it!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.