**Mild spoilers ahead (small summary of the book)**

Ok, before I start the review, I have to mention: Lorraine Heath is an auto-buy for me. She's never written a book that I didn't love. Her stories are intricate and moving, passionate and poignant. She never fails to deliver on those qualities. The first book in her newest series, Scoundrel of My Heart, continues the tradition of Heath doing what she does best: creating a beautiful love story while exploring the flaws of her characters.

This book follows Griff Stanwick (brother of Althea from Heath's last novel) as he attempts to prove himself as a second son, the "spare." He intends to open a club specifically for spares and unmarried women, to relax and enjoy a fun environment that they would normally be be denied (because they aren't titled, or the first-born male in the family.) However, before he can attempt this, his father gets arrested for treason (he's not a good man), and he, Althea, and his older brother, Marcus, must flee to the slums of London, since they have no money or homes. This is where the previous novel actually picks up (with Althea's story in Beauty Tempts the Beast). Scoundrel of My Heart is set before and after Althea's story. To make a long story short, Griff succeeds in opening his club and is able to reenter society.

Now for our heroine's backstory: Lady Kathryn Lambert is the good friend of Althea, and the story starts out with the events before Beauty Tempts the Beast. She is the frenemy of Griff--they verbally spar but ultimately enjoy each other. Also, he's been head-over-heels for her for years. It's so adorable to hear his thoughts of her. He tells her his plan to open up a club, and his enthusiasm moves Kathryn. They begin to get close to each other and then BAM: Griff goes on the run due to his traitorous father. They are apart for TEN. WHOLE. MONTHS. Normally I'm not a fan of a time hop, but in this instance, it's for a good reason. Griff goes from a slightly pampered second son, to a rough and tough club owner with fighting experience and an attitude to match. It's actually a very believable transition. Heath does a good job of showing actual growth in Griff.

By the way, during this time, Kathryn has become engaged to a duke, but it's not a love match--she needs to marry a titled gentleman to inherit a beloved home, a cottage in Kent. Without Griff, Kathryn tries to move on from the growing affection she felt for Griff, but she never quite succeeds.
Long story short: Once he's back in the picture, they finally declare their love, Kathryn leaves the Duke (he's the hero of her next book!), and she ends up being given the cottage by a relative. They love a wonderfully happy ever after. Heath is the QUEEN of epilogues, and she doesn't disappoint in this novel. They always make my cry. They're beautiful.

Now for the things I loved about the novel, and the things that were a little irksome (although there was very little of that. It's Lorraine Heath.)

Things I loved:

1. Griff--OMG. He is ADORABLE. I have a soft spot for second and third sons--they tend to try harder--and Griff is the perfect one. Lightly pampered and lacking real direction, life events force him into a situation that makes him tough and hard--and violent. He's always been an adorable scoundrel, but after the ten months away, Griff is now a scoundrel with some weight to him, some character development. And it does him a lot of good. He matures into a man worthy of Kathryn. And that's all he's ever wanted. My personal catnip in a romance--contemporary or historical--is when the hero is absolutely gaga over the heroine from the beginning. Like, a take-a-bullet-for-her kind of way. And buddy, is Griff protective and in love with Kathryn. It's a beautiful story to see play out. He is sexy, vulnerable, protective, loyal, and in love in a BIG way. He's the perfect book boyfriend, especially if you like your heroes with a heart as big as an ocean. I ADORE him.

2. Kathryn--What a refreshing heroine! I get tired easily of the women who don't seem to understand the world around them, and a lot of times, they come off as extremely naïve. Don't get me wrong--I know that it's historically accurate to portray them that way, but it doesn't matter. I love a tough heroine. My favorite thing about Kathryn is her absolute desire to do whatever the hell she wants. She doesn't question her sexuality or her desire for Griff. She wants him almost from the beginning, and it's such a feminist thing to see. She's smart, knows her desires, and forces Griff to realize all of things that life has to offer. She loves him unconditionally.

3. The plot--Without giving too much away, let me say that Heath has created an interesting start to her new series. Getting out of the London slums--with the Trewlowe family in the last series--is a refreshing change of scenery. The combination of the rough and tough with a burgeoning society is going to make for an interesting series.


Some things I'm not sure about:

1. The lack of info about the time hop--This is technically a stand-alone novel, but honestly, if you haven't read her last series, you're going to be pretty lost. It's kind of confusing. Because of this, I'd highly recommend reading the last series--particularly the last book. The time hop in this novel is rushed over, and it attempts to explain everything in just a few pages. If you didn't read the last series, you'll more than likely be lost.

2. Her love scenes--Heath writes a beautiful love scene, but it's over halfway into the novel before we get to it. Despite the intense attraction and affection on both sides, it's a slow burn. I just wanted to give readers a heads-up.

Overall, Heath once again crafts a beautiful plot with an intense and passionate love story. Her characters are always multi-dimensional and full of life. Griff is such a wonderful book boyfriend, and Kathryn will makes you proud to be a woman. You won't regret starting this series--and then do yourself a HUGE favor and read every other Lorraine Heath novel. You won't regret it.

Scoundrel of My Heart
Once Upon a Dukedom Series - Book 1
By Lorraine Heath

Avon - April 2021

Historical Romance


Lord Griffith Stanwick lived a carefree life. As the spare, he didn't have responsibilities. He also didn't receive much attention from his father. He had a better relationship with his sister Althea and brother Marcus. In fact, he seemed to often find himself in the company of Althea and her friend Lady Kathryn Lambert, a young lady who challenged him at every turn. One he was even willing to help regarding a duke searching for a wife.

In order for Kathryn to gain the inheritance she desperately wanted, the cottage which held such precious memories, she had to marry a titled gentleman. A man like Griff might pique her interest, but it was only someone like the enigmatic Duke of Kingsland that she could marry. The Duke was asking eligible young women to submit letters of their attributes for him to decide on a wife, and Kathryn knew it was an opportunity she needed to pursue, and appreciated Griff's help.

Life can take unexpected turns. Sometimes with the most unfortunate outcomes. Griff's father was convicted of treason. Both Griff and Marcus were brought in for questioning, and although they were deemed innocent, the entire family lost the title, home and possessions. They had also lost people they had once called friends. Marcus sought those involved in the plot, while Griff used his talents to earn money to support them. He was an outcast, a man without title, yet the one woman who was again in his sights was none other than Lady Kathryn Lambert.

Scoundrel of My Heart is a continuation of Ms Heath's Sins for All Seasons series. First, we see Althea, the heroine from Beauty Tempts the Beast and Griff before they lost everything. Then the story jumps to after that story, and we see Kathryn and Griff reunite. I really enjoyed seeing more of the challenges facing their family. I was fascinated with all of the characters and am eager for the next story in this intriguing series.

Kathy Andrico - KathysReviewCorner.com

<i>Scoundrel of My Heart</i> was brilliant in literally every way and I was utterly captivated and delighted by it. The highest compliment I can pay a romance novel, probably, is that I almost end read this book because I was so anxious about how it was going to resolve. I knew, obviously, that things would work out between Kathryn and Griffith because romance novel, but honestly, I just couldn't figure out how Heath could pull it off in a way that I could believe and root for.

Apparently this series follows the <i>Sins of All Seasons</i> series, which I had a sort of uneven experience with and have not actually finished the final book, which introduced both protagonists of this particular book. So I went into this book not realizing the connection and therefore when this book pivots into what I would consider Part II, I was shocked and my intrigue level magnified substantially.

The baked in, simplified version of the conflict is that Lady Kathryn needs to marry an heir not a spare in order to the get the cottage that is part of her dowry that is intimately tied to so many of her best childhood memories. Lord Griffith is not a heir <spoiler>and then he isn't even a lord</spoiler>. Meanwhile, the Duke of Kingsland is looking for a bride and he has advertised that eligible ladies of the ton should write him a letter essentially pitching themselves to him as a prospective bride. Griffith... Y'all. THIS MAN. He loves Kathryn so much. Anyway, he finds himself roped into helping Kathryn figure out what the Duke of Kingsland wants and is looking for and everything about this is delightful. Truly, the entire Part I section of this book had me absolutely swooning. And I think for a lot of authors that would be the totality of the plot and there would be NOTHING wrong with that.

But Lorraine Heath is like, "No, ma'am, I will ramp up the angst factor to an 11" and suddenly I'm like overwhelmed by how much there is to work through. And Kingsland is like, perfectly fine and I, like Kathryn, cannot wait for him to be brought to his knees by a woman (book two!!!). Anyway, I basically love all of these characters and I loved this book and I don't really know how to explain to you that this book was everything I wanted, beyond telling you that this book was everything I wanted.

I am so grateful to Netgalley and Avon for the review copy and am very much looking forward to obtaining a copy for my keeper shelf because, again, this book was perfect for me.

This book takes place in 2 different time zones and to prevent giving away any spoilers, I am going to say before the big event and after the event. The relationship between Griffith and Kathryn is shown to grow and evolve through the time they know each other and it is absolutely beautifully written by the author. I couldn't put down the book for a single moment and was enthralled with their romance. Also, my goodness, this hero, you guys, ooooh just swoon. What can I say about him? I absolutely adored him in the book. The letter that he wrote brought tears to my eyes. Even Kathryn's character is fantastic. She is brave, sassy, smart and sexy. I loved her in this book. This is book one in the "Once upon a dukedom" series and I cannot wait to read the upcoming books in this series. I highly recommend this book just be aware, you will not be able to put it down. So make sure you have some time or you will be reading through the night like me.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*

I had the pleasure of reading an early copy of Lorraine Heath’s newest book, SCOUNDREL OF MY HEART, from her newest series, ONCE UPON A DUKEDOM, and ladies…I am in LOVE with Griffith Stanwick 🥰

Reasons your going to want to read this:

🎭 Griff is a complex man. His previous introduction in BEAUTY TEMPTS THE BEAST barely scratches the surface of his ambition or his character.
💋 He has a wicked mind that when he shares his wicked thoughts, well give me a naughty mouthed man everyday of the week.
❤️ But what I most loved about him is he is beyond kind and unselfish and will do anything for the woman he loves. You can’t get more romantic than that.

I was worried that this wouldn’t live up to my own expectations as y’all know how much I adore the SINS FOR ALL SEASONS series and anything in comparison feels like it would pale, but I love this book as something new.

Griff and Kathryn are such a great couple together. They have so much chemistry and even as the pages were burning up, the heart of these two really had me in my feels. I loved how their story started out as antagonistic and sharp but delved into true friendship and eventually love. Griff is a wonderfully kind man that is willing to risk his life’s happiness in order for Kathryn to gain he. They fight with each other and for each other and I loved every minute of it.

4.5 stars

Scoundrel of My Heart is the first book in the Once Upon a Dukedom by Lorraine Heath. The characters are well-written and develop at a smooth, steady pace. A story that is funny and silly, dark and tragic, beautiful and sweet. I'm so excited for the next book in this series!

Scoundrel of My Heart by Lorraine Heath brings all the swoons to a new series Once Upon a Dukedom.

The opening of the book is so funny. Griffith is a second son and a scoundrel. He wakes up outside his family home from a wild night of drinking to his sister and her friends chatting about marriage prospects. One of those friends, Kathryn, is eager to land a titled gentleman so she can receive her inheritance. The inheritance is her grandmother’s seaside cottage! We visit there later in the story and I always love a trip to the seaside in any historical!

I love the outspoken characters in this book, the witty banter and slow burn. I also love the friendship in this book. Heath is such a masterful writer I did not see some of the plot turns coming.

The book is a quick paced read, an original historical with a sweeping central romance. Of course Health brings us life changing plot points with a little adventure tossed in!

Looking forward to the next in the series! Hope Marcus gets his own book too!

Well, I’m always here for a Lorraine Heath book, but I was extra excited to see that it was one of Althea’s brothers because I completely forgot they were getting stories.

I love love loved Kathryn. She’s smart and sassy and seems so sure of what she wants. Griff starts out being a bit nonchalant about everything, but with the turn of events, he becomes guarded and a different sort of strong. Together these two have banter and chemistry for days.

Plot wise, it was good. It did take me a minute to get invested, but once Things Happened, I was captivated. I loved how much they loved each other and the lengths they were willing to go to. Of course, I also wanted to mash their faces together while simultaneously forcing them to have a conversation but that’s just me.

Overall, I loved these two together and the last few chapters were some of my favorites. I can’t wait to read the next book.

**Huge thanks to Avon for providing the arc free of charge**

Well that was really very lovely. This is my first Lorraine Heath book, but it won’t be my last. And I do believe I’m intrigued enough to read the previous series leading into this one!

The love story here developed so organically, so comfortably that it was one of the most satisfying reads I’ve enjoyed this year. There was upheaval and scandal and misunderstandings, which all lead to an even more wonderful romance. Sigh.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Scoundrel of My Heart
Book 1 in the Once Upon a Dukedom Series
Rating: 5 Stars
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.

Scoundrel of My Heart was amazing! I loved it from beginning to end. I actually didn't want it to end because I was so invested to know more of Griff and Kathryn. I admit that Griff is now one of my favorite male leads. He is such a cinnamon roll!! I loved the pace that the author created for them to fall in love. I enjoy couples who get to know each other before taking their relationship to the next step. I loved how Griff spoke of Kathryn. I thought that all that he did for her was so romantic, even though it was tearing him apart. That letter he wrote...!!! So good!
They both were at a point that were close to lose being happy only because they believed they were doing the right thing in society's eyes. I'm glad they realized that it was their happiness that mattered.

I highly recommend it and I can't wait to read the next one!!

4/5 Stars

** I received this as an E-ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review, Thank you!**

I loved this book. I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed the characters. Honestly, Griff was such a cinnamon roll. I loved him. The chemistry between our two main characters was on point. I loved the romance, it was honestly everything I could've wanted. I will also admit that one of the side characters (the duke) I really enjoyed, especially as we got closer to the end of the book. He seemed to intrigue me more and more and I really ended up liking him overall as a character. Overall I had a great time, It was easy to read, swoony and kept my complete attention. I would highly recommend giving it a read!

This is my first Lorraine Heath's book and I'm kicking myself for waiting this long to check out her backlist! I devoured it in (my) record time and I was completely suck into the mesmerizing world she has created. I'm a sucker for a pining hero, and Griffin Stanwick smells like a whole pine forest from miles away! Being born a second son of duke, he is treated as a "spare," an invisible being in his own family as well as in Society. It motivates him to make a future for himself, financially independent from his father and elder brother. He has ambitions, visions, and determination to thrive and succeed in his own endeavors, especially after his family has fallen from grace for his father's treason. But his past has given him a severe case of I-don't-deserve-you syndrome! And so he pushes the woman he loves to another man...

Lady Kathryn Lambert needs to marry a titled gentleman to gain an inheritance that holds a special sentimental value from her grandmother. Yet, when the opportunity finally comes for her to be courted by a duke, her heart just couldn't follow reasons. Instead, it yearns for a scoundrel, her best friend's brother, someone who has suddenly come back to her life after disappearing for months following his family's ruin. I love Kathryn for her boldness and intelligence, she knows exactly what she wants and how to make Griff come to his senses.

Even though their first sexy time comes in much later in the book, I feel like their longing for each other, enhanced by the ways they look, touch, tease, and think about each other, more than makes up for it. They make my heart swell when they finally make it through all the obstacles to be together. This book is a great beginning of a new series, it's sweet, heartbreaking, and beautifully written with a captivating story and wonderful cast. I can't wait to see what comes after this!

*Special thanks to Avon Books for granting me this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

Goodness, what an absolutely beautiful book. I have loved Lorraine Heath's books for years, they're all stunning, but this one stole my heart. The writing draws you in and entangles you in their emotions, Griff with his sweet and sultry longing, Kathryn with her desire to aquire something she feels she has to have, but confused on why she is so reluctant. I can't even begin to relay just how much I loved this book. I was having trouble reading the end because the tears wouldn't stop so I could see the words. Brilliant! I am eagerly waiting for the next book.

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Lady Katherine needs to marry a man with a title. If only she truly wanted a man with a title. The man she wants has been cast out of society for supposed treason on his father's part. He is also the ultimate forbidden fruit... her best friends brother.
Griff is what we call "the spare" and can't have what he wants. He has dreams and aspirations of course, but he doesn't have the one thing he wants to have...a title.
These two come together and make for a lovely and swoon worthy romance! A great start to a new series, and I can't wait to see who's story we get next!

Such a great start to a new series!

Kathryn and Griff have such an electric connection right from the start. The moment where he asks her to undo her braid in exchange for his information of her potential suitor will remain one of my favorite scenes of the entire book. Oh, the sexual tension! I'm embarrassed to say it took me a while to make the connection with Beauty Tempts a Beast. Once I realized that Althea, Griff, and Marcus were familiar faces from the Trewlove series I felt so blown away! I loved seeing Griff's return to society and his dreams for the exclusive club for the spares, spinsters, and merchants come to life. I can't wait to see who the love interest of the Duke of Kingsland will be. I'm very intrigued by his mysterious inner circle that he meets with at the end.

Lord Griffith Stanwick is a second son and his father ignores him until and if he is needed. So he does what he wants. Well this time, he is found behind the hedgerow, on his tummy, sleeping. Lady Kathryn Lambert could quite easily make his life unbearable. His sister Althea had just become engaged and was to marry in January. The Duke of Kingsland advertised in the newspaper for any lady interest in marrying a Duke should write a letter to him and at his ball, he would announce the lady, he was going to court.
Lady Kathryn Lambert could quite easily make Griff's life unbearable. She would not think of being courted by a second son. Her Grandmother had left her a cottage by the sea but she had put stipulations on it. She had to marry a peer. For a couple of days, she had been thinking about her letter to the duke but felt she was unaccomplished and boring. Griff offered to help her.
This was a very busy story. The bantering between the two of them. The trouble that comes between them and their families. The need to escape into the night. The characters are wonderful. Well, at least some are. Her friends are kind and she stands by them as does he. He starts a business and she adds her thoughts, trying to help him. Engagements are made and some are broken. Some have hearts that have been hurt and others find joy. It is so well written and it flows easily. I really loved this book. The support given by friends and some family is special. I highly recommend this marvelous Novel you will not regret the time spent reading it.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it. Thank you.

This was beyond fantastic. I’ve never read a Lorraine Heath book before but I am rectifying that immediately!
This was everything I wanted The Heiress Hunt to be and more. The characters, Griff and Kathryn, definitely stole my heart from the beginning and never gave it back. I yearned for them to be together but loved how they were willing to sacrifice for each other’s happiness. This is a whirlwind love story that you won’t want to miss.
There is angst, balls, action sequences and gaming halls/clubs. So much was going on but it’s paced to perfection.
There was mention of the Trewloves which I know is her other series but I didn’t feel lost or like I needed to read them in order to understand what’s going on in this series.
So excited that the series is going to continue; it should be interesting to see how the Duke of Kingsland falls in love.

Lady Katherine must marry a Duke in order to inherit her grandmother's cottage that has been her lifelong dream. Lord Grif is the second son of a Duke, and considered a spare, and therefore unnecessary.

Grif conspires to win the Duke for Katherine, while falling in love with her himself. Before he realizes his feelings might be returned by Katherine Grif ends up cast out of society and stripped of his title because of his father's treason.

When they meet a year later Katherine has indeed caught the attention of the Duke, and must choose between the Duke and the Scoundrel.

I LOVED this book so much! This was breathlessly romantic, I could not get enough of how much Grif pined for Katherine and how everything he did was to bring her happiness.

There were so many moments that had me swooning while reading this I simply could not get enough. It is one of the most romantic books I have read in a long time where every gesture, every glance was loaded with emotion and longing.

This will be one of my favorite books of the year, I truly loved it.

Thank you to Netgalley for the review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Another winner in what is sure to be a series that I will devour!

Lord Griffith Stanwick, second son, has big plans to open a club that caters to those like him, “spares not heirs” and others who are not handed all of their dreams simply based on birth order. He knows about having his deepest desire just out of reach... Lady Kathryn Lambert.

All her life Kathryn planned to marry for a title, after all it was a condition to getting the inheritance of her dream cottage on the sea. A dream she may be willing to give up for the love of her best friend’s brother, Griff.

Dreams soon become a nightmare for Griff when his father is found guilty of treason and Kathryn catches the eye of a Duke. The only thing left for Griff is building his club.

Before Kathryn moves on to the life that will bring her the cottage she desperately wants, she has to close the door on the one person she might have given it all up for, The only way to do that is to make a visit to the newest and most sought after club in town, owned by a Mr. Griffin Stanwick.

The deep connection formed between Griff and Kathryn before life circumstances dashed their chance at love, was absolutely beautiful. Try as they might, watching how it was impossible for them to find happiness in secondary dreams was heart-wrenching, The fight for Griff and Kathryn to have it all and then some, was exactly what I have come to expect from Lorraine Heath!

Historical romance lovers, this one is for you!

Lady Kathryn needs to wed a peer to get her hands on her inheritance and she has set her sights on a haughty Duke. Except her bestie's wastrel brother is suddenly giving her the vapors. Those who have read Beauty Tempts the Beast, will recognize Griff as Althea's brother, in his book we get the full story behind their family's fall from grace.

Griff is the Spare which means that even as the son of a Duke he is ignored by his family and as a man, he is haunted by the knowledge that the woman he wants is out of his reach.
So he delights in being a scoundrel and decides to make his way in the world by going into business as a club owner while at the same time giving Kathryn everything she wants. He writes the wife seeking duke a letter to convince him that Kathryn would make the perfect duchess and then like the scoundrel he is, bets on the outcome.

But fate had other plans for Griff and virtually overnight he finds himself cast out of society, dodging assassins and living in poverty. While the woman he loves is about to marry another and make all her dreams come true.

I loved this book. From the writing to the characters to the romance. It had a little bit of all the tropes I love: enemies to lovers, childhood friends to lovers, class differences, sickbed trope, unrequited love, pining hero, nicknaming hero, and a heroine who doesn't shy away from getting what she wants. It's a bit of a slow burn but I didn't even notice because I was too busy making heart eyes over Griff and his pining and his hair ribbon hoarding *swoon* .

This book is definitely one where the heroine is the one in pursuit. Normally, I prefer my hero to do the pursuing but Griff pined so beautifully that I wasn't even irritated one bit by his bad case of I'm-Not Good-Enough-itis. Plus he's a cinnamon roll with a sprinkling of Alpha tendencies which is my kryptonite. He was perfect. Kathryn was strong, bold, and outspoken and didn't sound like a 21st-century woman in period clothing which is a huge pet peeve of mine. Together, Kathryn and Griff had chemistry for days and if I had one quibble it would be that I wish they had more love scenes. Carriage seks would not have gone amiss.

As always Heath weaves a beautiful character-driven tale where the external plot is interesting enough to move the story forward but doesn't take over the romance. She also has a way of introducing the series and the other characters without taking the focus away from the main couple. I loved everything about this story and can't wait for the next book. I have a feeling the Duke of Kingsland is going to be cured of his medical-grade case of emotional constipation.

Thanks to @netgalley and @avonbooks for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
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