The Chessmen: Masters of Seduction, Book 3
From the publisher:
New York Times bestselling author Lorraine Heath’s next novel in The Chessmen: Masters of Seduction series where the price is always high…
American Leonora Garrison has come to England in desperate search of investors to keep her family business afloat but instead finds surprising pleasure when she visits an exclusive ladies’ club and dares to kiss a stranger, who leaves her yearning for more.
With a libertine for a father, Viscount Wyeth, more commonly known as Rook, vowed to live his life above reproach, with nary a hint of disgrace. Until one night, he takes a mysterious beauty into his arms, a lady who tempts him to cast his sterling reputation aside in favor of more wicked pursuits.
When fate reunites the couple, they are torn between desire and duty. Leonora may want the viscount, but she needs a stakeholder not a lover. When caught in a compromising situation that places everything they hold dear at risk, they must determine how best to win. However, in this scandalous game, nothing except love takes all.
“Featuring a strong, independent heroine to break down Rook’s walls, this slow-burn romance from Heath (The Notorious Lord Knightley) pays off, and the appearance of endearing series characters will please fans. Hand to readers who like Sarah MacLean and Christy Carlyle.” — Library Journal
“This final book in Heath’s Chessman series, like the others, features a brainy woman who wouldn’t make a traditional bride for a nobleman, and it’s a pleasure to watch Rook appreciate the very qualities in Leonora that many men find odd. Heath fans will enjoy spending time with the Chessmen . . . A delightful fantasy for awkward, intrepid women. —Kirkus Reviews
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I’ve really enjoyed this series that requires a leap to suspend your disbelief. These are probably best read in order, although they each stand alone. There are also references to the Trewlove series with some overlapping characters. I always enjoy Heath’s books – she writes interesting stories with unique characters and enough heat and drama to keep those pages turning.
This book centers of one of the three life long friends known as the Chessmen – this is Rook’s story. His father was a terrible womanizer, and he is determined to steer clear of any women who could harm his fragile reputation. But when his brother asks him to fill in at the women’s club and grant this American visitor a kiss, he obliges. But she is not the shrinking violet he was expecting.
Leonora has come to England from America to find investors for her father’s company. He has passed away, but she is determined to see his invention, a typewriter, come to fruition. Her mother, an obnoxious social climber, is more interested in seeing Leonora marry someone with a title, and her brother really hates the business and is happily making his way through all the clubs in London.
Leonora has little interest in getting married, though. She is not the marrying kind – she has more interest in inventions and how things work than in men. But that man who kissed her at the club has definitely intrigued her. Will she settle for an investment or does she want more? Will he put up the money she needs and forget about that kiss? A happy ending is assured, but it is so much fun getting there. This is another terrific read by an author who consistently turns out good stories. Don’t miss it!
The Chessmen: Masters of Seduction
1/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch
IN WANT OF A VISCOUNT by Lorraine Heath. Avon (February 20, 2024). ISBN: 978-0063114715. 384p.
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