✔️ Secret Identity
✔️ Teach Me
✔️ Bluestocking
✔️ He Can't Love (He Had a Bad Dad)

-summary-
In Want of a Viscount is the third book in the Chessmen: Masters of Seduction series though it does work great as a standalone (I loved book two and have yet to read book 1).

Nora is an American in London who kisses a mysterious stranger one night as she's never been kissed before. She's in town hoping to find investors in her father's business though her family would rather get an influx of money through her making a match from a wealthy member of the ton. Enter Viscount Wyeth (aka Rook) who has daddy issues that result in him mostly staying away from women. But of course, he was the mysterious stranger and their attraction sizzles as they try to navigate their feelings, their pasts, and their visions of the future.

-my thoughts-
You can't help but love Nora right away. She's smart and tenacious and clearly, the one saving her family from themselves. Remember how awful Lizzie Bennett's mom is? Well, Nora's mom has the same vibe.

Rook was easy to like too, daddy issues aside. I also really love when a normally unruffled guy gets agitated about love and almost can't function. Lorraine also deftly weaves it in so it's not a surprise at the end. It's sort of like, picture a guy in a suit, hair perfectly coiffed. By 25% through, his hair is kind of mussed. by 50%, the jacket is off and the sleeves are rolled
up. And then by 75%, the tie is askew, his hair is all over the place like he's been holding his head in his hands and he's kind of wild-eyed. That's the vibe of Rook's emotional journey.

Totally enjoyable read. Definitely pick up!

Steam 🔥🔥
Banter 🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️
Swoon 💕💕💕💕

Lorraine Heath and the Chessmen series never misses. It's hard to pick a favorite, and maybe it's recency bias, but I absolutely loved Johnny and Leonora. He's so serious and uptight, has spent years trying to have impeccable character because his father was so despicable, and Nora is exactly the force of nature he needs to shake him out of his inertia. And she's my favorite kind of heroine, one who is clever and interesting even if the people around her can't appreciate it. And it's not just Johnny that provides that for her - the other Chessmen and their wives are clearly the circle of friends she needs, even if we don't get to see enough of it on the page.

For a book that starts with a moment of lust and a deep kiss, there was so much more to the story. I loved the balance of Nora trying to save her late father's legacy and Johnny desperate to erase his father's damage. Positive or negative, carrying a family is a heavy burden, and they found kindred spirits in each other, someone to talk to and find comfort in. They could have serious, heartfelt conversations just as easily as they could find themselves kissing again. They were an absolutely perfect match even before either of them realized it.

Unlike the last book in the series, I thought we saw a perfect amount of the Chessmen supporting their friend. And normally I hate a third act "breakup" but I thought the ending of this book was so well paced and packed exactly the right emotional punch. If this is truly the end of the series, it was a fitting way to wrap everything up.

In Lorraine Heath's enchanting novel, 'In Want of a Viscount,' the latest installment in The Chessmen: Masters of Seduction series, readers are transported to a world where desire and duty collide in a scandalous dance. Viscount Wyeth, known as Rook, finds himself entangled with the captivating American Leonora Garrison, whose quest for investors intertwines with a daring kiss in an exclusive ladies' club.
Heath skillfully weaves a tale of passion and societal expectations as Rook grapples with the tarnished legacy of his libertine father and the temptation Leonora represents.
The juxtaposition of Leonora's scientific curiosity and Rook's desire to protect her from scandal creates a delightful tension.
The narrative unfolds with a perfect blend of romance, intrigue, and familial obligations, drawing readers into a world where love takes precedence over reputation.
“In Want of a Viscount' is a delightful exploration of two souls navigating the complexities of society, duty, and the undeniable allure of true love.

Very grateful to the publisher for this copy, opinions are my own.

Reading Lorraine Heath is like coming home. You just settle in because it’s comfortable, cozy, and exactly what you need.

In Want of a Viscount is the final Chessmen book 😢 and I’m so sad to see them end. I have loved this series and Rook completely surprised me with how much I loved him, having very little spotlight time in the other books. He’s more complicated than his starchy impeccable reputation lets on, and he is so so good at seeing Leonora. Leonora is perfectly imperfect with her misunderstood inquisitiveness, her fascinating mind, and her heart that she’s had to guard for far too long. I loved the meet cute between MCs who are both exactly what the other needs without being anything like what the other expects. She throws him for a loop with his almost obsession for her and he teaches her how to be okay with being herself. It felt like every time Rook and Nora were together on page that the tension they had from societal expectations and family obedience just dissipated as they seemed so at ease with one another. I loved watching them fall for each other, loved seeing Rook spoil Leonora with inquisitive delights, and loved seeing how Leonora could unravel Rook with her frankness.

But did I mention kissing? Unfortunately kissing is frequently overlooked but in In Want of a Viscount, kissing is THE WHOLE PURPOSE. I loved how much kissing they did, how much exploring, discovering, and types of kissing occurred in this book. The kissing will make you swoon, and that’s even before you get to the steamy parts which are 🔥🔥🔥.

That being said, I would HIGHLY recommend In Want of a Viscount. A big thank you to Avon and NetGalley for my early copy. Yet another ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read by Lorraine Heath.

Goodness do I love Lorraine Heath. I also have a soft spot for Americans traveling to Britain and the romances that ensue. In Want of a Viscount takes a down on her luck American, Nora, to London seeking investors in her father's business. Nora is the brains behind the business, but of course her brother inherited it and has no brains for maintaining it. Nora's brother and interfering mother view this opportunity in London as a way to get Nora married to a titled aristocrat...enter Rook, a viscount. One clandestine kiss and a bunch of serendipity later the two are in love.

I loved how fleshed out these characters were, and there was no infuriating third act breakup in the sense of miscommunication. Nora is unapologetically herself and Rook loves her for that. The sex is steamy but pivotal to the relationship and the way the characters step into themselves is *chefs kiss.*

Leonora Garrison met Viscount John Castelon, Rook to his friends when she and her brother, Sam and her mother traveled to England seeking investors in their manufacturing company. Rook and his friends, the Chessman were investors and so the idea was pitched to them and whoever else would be interested. Unbeknownst to Leonora, her mother and brother actually came to England to seek a wealthy titled husband for her so that they could benefit from his largesse. Leonora's goal was to get the manufacturing of her invention, the writing machine into production as a way to honor her deceased father. Rook was determined not to end up as his father, a scoundrel with many kids born outside of wedlock that he did not support. With both Leonora and Rook determined not to marry, it was a joy to read how the author plotted their coming together and having a HEA. It was not all fun and games and they had to go through alot emotionally before they ended up together. A wonderful addition to the Chessman series.
I received a ARC from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was steamy, fun and kept me reading. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

This is a fun, tropey book that combines the following:

1. American industrialist/inventor FMC whose father left the family company to her brother, not to her; also she does NOT want to get married, since this would prevent her from running the company
2. Starchy nobleman MMC who is so starchy and above reproach because his father was the worst womanizer OF ALL TIME
3. A club for ladies where they can go to request things like "a kiss!"
4. A title-hunting matchmaking mama

The best part of the book is Rook's (the MMC) combination of starchy hero with personal high standards but nonjudgmental perspective on the rest of the world. He loves that Leonora knows what she wants and asks for it, and never judges her for looking for a kiss or for her "unfeminine" desires (that include things like being an inventor, not just kissing unknown gents in ladies' clubs).

It's not groundbreaking or even all that original, but it's fun and sexy!

Also, spoiler (it's not revealed until the FINAL CHAPTER): Rook is a virgin hero. Be still my heart.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

have long been a fan of Lorraine Heath and historical romance. Her characters and places repeat in several series which allow readers to be transported . I really, really wanted to move this latest in the. Newsmen series, but for some reason I couldn’t click with it. For me, the characters felt surface level and I couldn’t connect with Rook and Lorraine. Leonora is a head strong American who is in England to introduce a writing machine she has invented. She ancestor with an engineer mind which is insulated done a woman in her time. Her oddities have caused her to be overlooked I the dating scene. But Rook sprites her mind and encourages her pursuits.

Rook is afraid to become like his father who is a rake and vile man. He has done very thing he can to avoid giving in to any reflection of his paternal lineage. The two meet at Aiden Truelove’s club the Elysium. Lenora is adventurous and Ingrid, Rook hesitant.

In a slow moving storyline the two have to overcome familial meddling and overcome the odds of American and London matchups. Overall, not my favorite of the series, but still a good one by Ms. heath who has proven to be an amazing author.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the sneak peek

This was a really exciting, witty and fun read by one of my favorite authors. Ms Heath writes with so much passion in her book. She has brought another winner to her fabulous table of historical's which never go out of style.
The characters were fully developed with thoughts and feelings of their own. There is a connection to other books that was an added bonus. I just love that we see the lives of other couples that make the story so wonderful.
John, Viscount Wyeth, known as Rook, has come to London to visit his brother who owns the Elysium. It's a private club which for making ladies’ fantasies come to life. When his brother asks Rook to go to a certain room (as a favor) called the kissing room and kiss the woman there.
Leonora Garrison is an American, twenty seven and has never been kissed. She winds up drinking a very strong beverage (absinthe) and finds that kissing Rook is toe curling.
A very hot kiss which makes for a sexy story of two people who were meant to be and love is the key. I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.

In Want of a Viscount
The Chessmen: Masters of Seduction Series - Book 3
By Lorraine Heath

Avon - February 2024

Historical Romance


John Castleton, Viscount Wyeth, known to most as Rook, had gone to the Elysium to see his brother Aiden Trewlove, one of the many children sired by his father. His intent had only been to give Aiden news their father was dying, but Aiden needed help. One of the ladies at his private club had a request. A kiss. Nobody should be the wiser. And it was unlikely that he would see the foreigner again.

Leonora Garrison had travelled from America with her brother and mother to find investors for their new invention. She was focused on the machine she was certain would transform lives, while her mother was focused on her marrying to improve her own standing in New York society. Leonora had never expected to see the man who had given her the kiss, and was shocked when he was a potential investor.

Rook was captivated by Leonora and her thirst for mechanical knowledge. He was even more fascinated by her beautiful passionate personality. However, the disgrace his father had brought to their family was something he didn’t want to burden a wife with.

In Want of a Viscount is a beautiful romance of a hero totally enamored with a smart, inquisitive woman. I loved reading about her tinkering with objects, and her obvious obsession with always learning. I enjoyed revisiting with the Trewloves from the previous series. I look forward to learning what's next.

Kathy Andrico - KathysReviewCorner.com

Rook, Viscount Wyeth, is the only legitimate son of his philandering father and has strived his entire life to be perfect. While visiting his illegitimate brother’s club, he is asked to give a kiss in a private room to an anonymous woman looking for a taste of pleasure before joining the marriage mart. The pair share an electric kiss and don’t think they will see each other again until they are invited to the same party. American heiress Lenora is not looking for a husband, she’s looking for investors for her writing machine (typewriter) so she does not know what to do when she is continually thrown together with Rook who she is undeniable attracted to. The pair must navigate the ton, their attraction, and their complicated families.

I love Lorraine Heath books. They are just so well written and thought out making them an absolute pleasure to read. I loved both Rook and Lenora. Both were very well rounded characters with clear motivations and complex needs making them feel like real people. I love that both were lonely until the found each other. The pair had wonderful chemistry that made the steamy scenes absolutely electric. I also loved seeing characters I knew from other books (in addition to the Chessmen books, this book also features characters from the Once Upon a Dukedom and Sins for All Seasons series). This book was one the definitely had layers to it and I can see myself revisiting it and getting even more out of it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received a copy of this title from the publisher; all thoughts expressed are my own. Lorraine Heath remains one of the few historical romance authors that I still enjoy reading and this title is no exception. I really appreciate to the way she tells a story and creates very likable characters. I struggle with some of the historical romances that incorporate very modern ideas creating wallpaper historicals. I really appreciated that the hero, James, was not a womanizer with a string of broken hearts; his behavior makes sense in context with his childhood experiences with his parents (especially his father). I really like Leonora and the fact that she is an inventor; Heath does a great job of showing her struggle in trying to fit into the role allotted to women during the time by allowing her brother to be the public face of the business with the intention of him eventually taking over all running of it despite the fact that she is clearly the better businessperson in the family. I enjoyed the romance and will continue to look for future stories by Ms. Heath.

This is my least fav in this trilogy. It was a bit repetitive for me and a slow burn. Just seemed a bit different than the other 2 in the series as well. Lenora is an American came to England to search for investors for her invention of a writing machine and help her family business. She meets Rook at a club who is also a Viscount but they ended up eventually kissing each other. Just this had little drama throughout to keep me engaged. You meet some of Lorraine’s other characters as well.

I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review

WOW! This book. Lorraine never disappoints and her writing is superb. This lovely tale of longing and wanting and slow burn is such a satisfying read. A woman inventor, yes!!! An understanding man, double yes!!! Both Rook and Nora were such nice people and there is no way you cannot like them. Their story is so sweet. I did not think I would need a tissue, but damn it, I sure did. The Chessman, along with their wives, are such a great group of people and throw in the Trewloves, and you have a clan of amazing people.

I do love a new Lorraine Heath story, especially one where we get to catch up with so many characters from her past books. (Don’t worry - this one can definitely be read as a standalone.) Here, we finish the Chessmen series with Rook and Leonora’s story. Leonora is an American who has traveled to London to seek investors (or so she believes) for her late father’s business. The Chessman are potential investors but it all becomes much more complicated when Rook and Leonora share an anonymous kiss as the story begins.

Leonora and Rook together are wonderful. Both wanting only the best for the other, even if they aren’t sure that that best means them. Rook especially accepts and encourages Leonora in the absolute best ways, even as he is trying to maintain an air of respectable perfection that I can only imagine is completely exhausting. The chemistry between them is palpable and the slow burn rather exquisite - and slow burns are not always my jam. They kiss but they also talk. And Rook sees Leonora in a way no one else ever has.

The secondary characters add much to the story, as is generally the case with Heath’s books. Love seeing so much of the Trewloves. Rook’s mother is lovely, Leonora’s is . . . not. I did not care for her spineless brother all that much, either. I do wish we could have seen Leonora make deeper connections with the other Chessmens’ wives, but I also recognize that could have detracted from this as a standalone.

4 solid stars. And I am wondering if a certain Scotland Yard inspector will be the MMC of one of Heath’s future books. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary ARC of this book. These opinions are my own,.

In Want of a Viscount continues the chessman series theme of no one has daddy issues like heroes in a historical romance. However, the backdrop of the Gilded Age and an American heroine looking for investors for her company gives the trope a fun new twist.

I really loved Leonora as a heroine. She was so smart and industrious while also being compassionate and caring. Rook was also incredibly compassionate and carried a lot of guilt for things that weren't his fault. I loved that they each appreciated the other's good qualities so much and I loved seeing them through each other's eyes.

This is one where I would recommend reading some of Lorraine Heath's earlier works first. Ideally, you would have read the Chessman series, the Once Upon a Dukedom series, and the Sins for All Seasons series but The Duchess in His Bed is the most important (Sins for All Seasons Book 4). You could read this one as a standalone but you will likely be confused by some parts.

🌶️🌶️🌶️- This story doesn't have a lot of fully detailed steamy scenes but the sexual tension and anticipation is well written and a large part of the story. From simply on-page scenes this would be two peppers but given that sexual experimentation is a big part of their early relationship, it becomes a larger part of the plot.

American Leonora “Nora” Garrison has come to London with her brother Sam and her mother, to find investors for their machine factory. And it is in London that she learns about the Elysium, a private club for ladies. She goes to the club and seeks to fill a secret desire; to be kissed. Nervous, she overindulges in absinthe and is quite tipsy when a man joins her in the private room. They share an amazing kiss and then she passes out, waking much later and mortified by her actions. But that is nothing compared to the mortification of coming face to face with her mystery lover at a dinner with potential investors! Despite the awkwardness, Nora is drawn to John Castleton, Viscount Wyeth, or Rook to his fellow Chessmen, not only is he handsome, but he takes a real interest in Nora, making her feel intelligent and beautiful. They know there is no future for them, nor does she want one, but they can’t seem to stay away from each other, which is why they are found in a compromising situation and find themselves betrothed. While Nora has come to love Rook, she refuses to enter a marriage with a man who doesn’t love her back. But is her plan to save them actually going to save them from heartbreak or has that ship already sailed?

As part of an elite group of investors known as the Chessmen, John “Rook” Castleon, Viscount Wyeth has made a fortune, enabling him to live a life independent of his father the Earl of Elverton. The earl is a libertine whose exploits, mistresses, insatiable lust, and illegitimate children are widely known, and he is the last person Rook would ever want to emulate. To that end, he has devoted his life to being above reproach, so it is completely out of character for him to kiss a stranger in a club devoted to women, but that is exactly how he met Nora. He had gone to the club to see the owner, his brother Aiden Trewlove (one of his father’s many by-blows), and is talked into kissing her. He is intrigued by her the minute he meets her and is desperate to learn who she is, especially when she falls asleep during their kiss. Nora is unlike any woman he has ever known and when they end up betrothed, he isn’t as upset as he should be, considering he never planned to marry. So when Nora sets her plan in motion to free him from their forced engagement, he should be happy, right?

This was a well-written, engaging read with wonderful characters and lots of emotion. The book is filled with emotion, Trewlove cameos, really awful parents, a STEM heroine, secret trysts, a “technically virgin” hero who has been hurt before, steamy love scenes, a bit of heartache, some betrayal, and finally a HEA complete with an epilogue. I liked this story, but it is not the ending I was expecting for the series as I was hoping for a bit more Chessmen involvement, especially in the epilogue. This is the third and final book in the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title as there isn’t any ongoing plot tying the books together, however, it is worth mentioning that this book is also loosely connected to the Sins for All Season series – so if you read that series you will see lots of familiar faces in this book! Overall this was a very good read and I wonder if the next series will pick up where this book ended (I hope so! Fingers crossed!) If you enjoy intelligent heroines, heroes trying to atone for the sins of their fathers, steamy love scenes, and happy endings, then I am happy to recommend this book to you!

4 stars

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

I think In Want of a VIscount is my favorite book in this series, and I super loved getting to see all of the Trewloves again! I loved Rooks and Lenora's first meeting along with their slow-burn romance once they meet each other again. I loved how Rook supported Lenora's scientific endeavors and didn't let her mother's intentions keep them from growing closer. I thought their romance was full of explosive chemistry, and heartwarming moments. They are truly meant for each other, and I loved how their relationship played out.
The ending was especially lovely, and I loved how her mother got what she deserved as well.
I can't wait to see what Lorraine Heath is going to write next.

I always enjoy Ms. Heath's books and this one is no exception. The chemistry between Rook and Nora is off the charts. I loved the tension between them as Nora tries to find investors to save her late father's factory. She was so strong and independent--a woman who knew what she wanted, and yet, she was soft and vulnerable as well. I really loved Rook. He was such a tower of strength and respectability until he lost his heart to Nora. These two were willing to do whatever they could to help each other, even walking away, but in the end, Rook and Nora got their happily ever after.

I really disliked Nora's mother. I think the author went a little overboard on how awful she was, and her brother wasn't better as far as I'm concerned. I think with Sam, though, it was that he hadn't found his own true passion yet--the factory was never that for him so at least he redeemed himself a little at the end.