Lorraine Heath's "Scoundrel of My Heart," swept me away. The enduring theme of a long-held affection, entwined with a sickbed scene, and the nuances of pining after your sister's best friend, added depth to the storyline. Heath's eloquent prose skillfully painted a swoon worthy connection between the characters, set against the backdrop of the Victorian era's rouges and societal intricacies. While not without its imperfections, this 4-star read is a delightful blend of romance and historical allure, offering a captivating escape into a bygone era.

Hello

Apologies for the late notice, but I have decided not to review this title. While I am certain it's obvious by now, I wanted to also clear this off NetGalley, so it's not showing as open for either of us.

Thanks,
Laura

Overall: 3.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: A bit
Perspective: Third person from both the hero and heroine

Should I read in order?
Ideally yes! Heath’s series can wind together and this book is a direct relation to the ending of her Sins for All Seasons series. The first part of this novel takes place prior to Beauty Temps the Beast (book 6 of Sins for All Seasons series) so I would at least read that one first.

Basic plot:
Kathryn must marry a titled gentleman to get her cottage inheritance. Too bad her friend she is attracted to is only the spare.

Give this a try if you want:
- Victorian time period (1873 for the first part, and 1874 for the second part)
- London setting
- Best friends brother
- Unrequited love (especially from the hero but a bit from both)
- Heroine nurses hero back to the health
- Losing nobility status
- Huge hero, tiny heroine (heroine barely reaches hero’s shoulders)
- Medium steam – 3 full scenes

Ages:
- Hero is 27, heroine 24

My thoughts:
There is so much sweetness in this book!!!! Seriously if unrequited love is your jam, Griffith will have your heart. He is just so, so sweet. He remembers what Kathryn is wearing the first time they meet. He steals her hair ribbon and keeps it forever. He is SO IN LOVE with her.

I really enjoyed Kathryn through this book. She is rather quiet, but strong, and I like how she doesn’t let anyone lead her astray from what she wants in life.

Something did prevent me from loving this book the whole way through. Maybe it was the bit of separation? I’m not too sure, but when we got to part II, I was getting a little bored with some things. We have to wait for a lot of the steam too which maybe wasn’t right for my mood at the time. Overall this was a super sweet, adorable book with plenty of romance that I appreciated. I’m not sure if I would reread it though.

Also there’s a bit of a love triangle with Kathryn trying to marry a lord to get her cottage property. I feel like a number of Heath’s books Ive read have some kind of love triangle thing going on and honestly it’s not for me. That usually ends up driving me bonkers. Though it wasn’t too bad here, probably because I know the other love interest will get his own story in the next book. (which is on my TBR!)

Scoundrel of My Heart was fantastic! I loved the storytelling, the characters, the build, the passion, and drama. It was an exciting read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The details were wonderful and it flowed well. I felt pulled in the entire time. There were a few parts that were a little slow for me but overall this was a winner. Looking forward to the next one!

Lorraine Heath's Scoundrel of My Heart is the first book in the Once Upon a Dukedom series and follows Lady Kathryn Lambert, who is trying to catch a duke's eye in order to marry and claim her inheritance. She seeks the help of her best friend's brother, Lord Griffith Stanwick, to learn more about what the duke may want in a wife—only to realize Griff may be her better match.

I've heard so many great things about this book and can see why it's become a fave for so many. Griff puts on the persona of a scoundrel as a way of protecting a tender heart that's hurt by the way he's dismissed by everyone from his father to Kathryn for being a second son. He is quietly pining for Kathryn and willing do sacrifice anything for her and to help her achieve her dream. His devotion to her was swoon-worthy on every level.

Meanwhile, Kathryn undergoes a realization that the cottage she's longed for her entire life may not actually make her happy if it means giving up the man she's grown to love. She has a beautiful evolution and starts to take the reins of her life in every regard. I was rooting for her every step of the way.

Heath sets up so many great side characters here, it has me ready to dive into more of her books ASAP! I highly recommend this book for fans of historical romance, particularly those who enjoy a gooey soft hero.

Lorraine Heath has become an autobuy author thanks to this series. I really loved the premise, the journey, everything. Lorrraine was a guest of the podcast where she promoted this book

Rated: PG-13
Sub-genre: Historical
4 out of 5 Stars
Tags: Victorian England; Second sons; Inheritance
Trope: Enemies to Lovers
Pro: The hero of the story had great growth
Con: Left with a couple of questions that may be explained in later books
Verdict: Good series to look out for

I truly enjoyed "Scroundrel of my Heart" by Lorriane Heath. The Chemistry between Lady Kathryn and Griffith Stanwick was intense. You could feel the love that they had for each other when they were together. There was not too much mention of Duke Kingsland to really get to know who he was. But, from tidbits he is mysterious, plus who are these other 3 men, known as Chessmen. I hope the author writes on these gents. I think if would be interesting to see who Duke Kingsland will go on one knee for (read the story to know what I mean by that)? I received this book from Netgalley. I highly recommend this book.

This book was ultimately a disappointment for me. Definitely not one of Lorraine Heath's better books.

I've always enjoyed Lorraine Heath's books, but this one really stood out for me. I read it in less than 24 hours! I'm so happy I had a day off of work, or I might have called out! A very hearty 'Well Done" to Heath!

Can I just say how much of love a forbidden romance/friends older brother trope? If nothing else that hooked me right there. I love when there is a connection and the family members get a front row seat or at least a peanut gallery view of what's going on.

Kathryn is a smart, sassy woman who embraces her flaws. She has her grandmother to thank that she can't inherit her cottage until she marries a titled gentleman - either that or a wastrel uncle takes ownership - isn't that how it always goes?

Meanwhile, Griff has gone through his own family drama, ending in a change of station for himself and creating a new niche from the wreckage. Kathryn has a issue with this and isn't afraid to tell him so - I loved that she was ready and willing to go toe to toe with him. Their banter and back and forth was just so fun to read and laugh out loud at!

During this, Kathryn finds herself being courted by a Duke, put up to it by none other than Griff! What a twist of events. It was such a great story, watching these two 'will they/won't they', I just want to go back and read it again.

And I can't wait to read the Duke's story in the second book when that comes through. And a reminder for any Heath fans, Griff and Kathryn got their start in The Beauty and the Beast*(Another personal favorite) - it was definitely fun seeing where these characters came from, but not absolutely necessary to read this book - though you should because both are so fun!

My opinion is my own and freely given.

Scoundrel of My Heart manages to be fresh while still containing some of the best historical romance troupes. The hero and heroine are sympathetic and likable while still containing flaws. I particularly loved that Griff drove himself to success while still having ideals. The idea of a club just for the untitled and wallflowers was brilliant.

*3.5 stars*

I actually enjoyed this book more than I was expecting as the beginning felt a little bland to me, but I think it *just* stretched the edges of believability as the plot went on, and it needed a little something more to make it stand out in my mind.

I've read a number of books by Lorraine Heath, and I've liked her writing in the past, so I was very excited to start a new series from her. Scoundrel of My Heart was a well written historical romance with some fun plot twists and a feminist bent, which pleased me. I'm always looking for new and different HR, and though this almost got there, it wasn't quite a homerun for me.

When I love a book, I read it quickly, and this one took me a few days to finish. I enjoyed it, but I wasn't overly compelled to keep reading. I've read hundreds of historical romances, and it really takes something special (or one of my favorite tropes- helloooo, grumpy/sunshine) to make a book standout for me.

I'm excited to see where this series takes me, and I'm hoping we get a match for the sedate Duke next.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

In order to gain an inheritance from her beloved grandmother, Lady Kathryn Lambert must marry a man with a title. The inheritance is a cottage by the beach where she has strong memories of being loved by her grandmother. She has six months until she turns 25, after that time, the cottage reverts to her Uncle. As a wallflower, and at age 25 nearly on the shelf; Kathryn considers applying for the duchess position the Duke of Kingsland has advertised in the newspaper. She asks her best friend’s brother, Lord Griffith, for help in composing a letter to extoll her attributes to the Duke. Griffith Stanwick, is struggling to find his way personally and emotionally after his father was found to be an English traitor. He loves Lady Kathryn but is aware that she needs to marry a man with a title, so he lends a hand in the competition for the Duke’s proposal.

Over time, and after getting to know Griffith Stanwick, Lady Kathryn begins to realize that the cottage by the sea that she wants to inherit might not be all she wants. And Griff, because he loves her, wants her to have it all. I like how nothing happens in the instant and the characters draw closer during the course of the story as they learn more about each other. This is another fine book from Lorraine Heath that her fans will enjoy.

This is a typical 'want what you can't have' romance between a woman who needs to marry a titled gentleman and a scoundrel with a big heart. I've enjoyed Lorraine's books in the past and although this one didn't light me on fire, it was entertaining.

You'll love the characters and the story flows well even if it's not unique. There is the usual entertaining blend of scandal, love, angst and sexual tension. If you're a fan of Elizabeth Hoyt, Ella Quinn, Julia Quinn, etc then you will enjoy this book and everything else Lorraine writes.

Scoundrel of My Heart by Lorraine Heath is a book that proves that being a "spare" isn't necessarily a bad thing and that if it's meant to be, it will be. The plot was genius, the characters were lovable and the pace was spot on. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more from Lorraine Heath! I recommend.

Lady Kathryn Lambert has never expected to marry for love. Love is not a requirement for inheriting her Grandmother's oceanside estate, but marry a titled gentleman is. She sets her sights on a Duke, but even after gaining his attention cannot seem to erase the entirely scandalous Lord Griffith Stanwick from her mind. Kathryn has known Griff forever, his is the second son, but older brother to her best friend. Kathryn has always felt a spark of attraction for him, but his heedless teasing and lack of a title have made him an entirely unsuitable option for marriage. However, as the deadline for her marriage and inheritance begins to loom, Kathryn questions whether the seaside cottage will be enough to console her if she does not also have the love and respect of the man she marries. When Griff resurfaces in London and Kathryn's life following a family scandal, he is a changed man, but somehow all the more alluring. Will their shared history and attraction be enough to bring them together as Kathryn faces a proposal from a Duke and Griff's father's treason threatens his safety?

A satisfying romance read for fans of historical fiction. We've got a little bit of an enemies to lovers vibe, although enemies is a bit too strong of a word for Kathryn and Griff. I like the banter and romantic tension between the two. Griff gets a little too self sacrificing a few too many times for my personal liking, but he does ultimately grow as a character. The romance reaches a nice simmer and we get a couple hot scenes. I was intrigued by the ending and will definitely be checking out the next novel in this series.

What a way to start a series, romance between two "enemies". Lord Griffith is put off by the idea of being considered a "spare". Poor Lady Kathryn can't gain access to her inheritance a rather annoying plot for her to overcome, as her heart belongs to certain someone who would not let her qualify to gain access to her hopes and dreams.

Sometimes making a new dream isn't so hard.

Such a cute story about friends, and enemies turned lovers.

Scoundrel of My Heart by Lorraine Heath is a great start to a new series. Wonderfully written with great characters. Kathryn and Griff's romance will make you swoon. I happily recommend and look forward to the next book in the series.

Thanks you Netgalley for giving me this opportunity to read and review.

Lady Katherine must be married by 25 years old or she'll lose her grandmother's cottage by the sea. That cottage has meant everything to her for a life time.

Lord Griffith is the older brother of her best friend. They dont know eachother well on a personal level but they've known eachother forever. They got to talking one night and make conversations and she asks him for his help to get the attention of a certain person. He is a second son and a spare to a Duke so he is out of the equation. But he conspires to help her gain the attention of the person she has eyes on. He happens to be a Duke who makes it known he is looking for a duchess. In doing so and helping her, chemistry sparks between the two of them, and before he could even realize that she returns his affection he and his family are casted out from society and shunned for his father's treasonous acts. His father was also hung, and katherine is forbidden to have any contact with her best friend or him.

A year later she finally has what she wants. She has the attention of that Duke who she set caps on, and he is finally seriously courting her. But she can not forget lord Griffin. He is always on her mind. The same goes for Griffin as well.

Finally Lord Griffith makes his appearance and is now a club owner. Now that she knows where he's at and seen him, her feelings only grow stronger and stronger. With her feelings growing more for Griffin, her duke is getting closer to proposing. She must come to and make a decision. Losing the cottage of her dream or the man she loves.

I loved this book so much. It captured my attention from beginning to end. It was beautifully written, and perfectly paced out. I absolutely adored the banter between the two main characters. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone, and I can't wait to read the next book.

I love this author. I will basically one-click on anything with her name attached to it. The Once Upon a Dukedom series is a bit of a spin-off of her previous Sins for all Seasons series, having introduced the Stanwick family in Beauty Tempts the Beast.

I wasn’t expecting the look back in time to how this couple met. After the previous book, with featured Griffith’s sister Althea as the heroine, I thought this author would jump right into the current circumstances facing this family after their father was found to have been plotting against the crown. Instead, readers get a look into the family dynamics before that event and see Griffith and Kathryn’s relationship when all was relatively well. I would say their relationship is a mix of romance tropes… enemies to lovers, best friend’s brother being the ones that immediately come to mind.

Griff’s new circumstances aren’t the only thing keeping this couple apart, there is the small matter of Kathryn meeting the terms of an inheritance and a betrothal to another man (who is the hero in the next book in the series, YAY!). But their relationship is so romantic and I ADORED Kathryn’s seductive ways to keep Griff on his toes.

Scoundrel of My Heart is a wonderful start to a new series and I am so excited to see what comes next.