The Determined Lord Hadleigh - Virginia Heath (HH #1443 - July 2019)

Series: King's Elite (Book 4)

He's got iron control…

But she might be his undoing!

Haunted by Penny Penhurst's courage on the witness stand, meticulous barrister Lord Hadleigh offers her a housekeeper position at his estate. Despite trying to stay detached, Hadleigh is charmed by her small child and surprised by how much he yearns for this proud woman! Can he break through his own -- and Penny's -- barriers to prove he's a man she can trust…and love?

This was an excellent conclusion to the King's Elite series. "The Boss" is in custody and it is up to Lord Hadleigh as Crown Prosecutor to build a watertight case for conviction. Hadleigh is well known for his meticulous and thorough preparations, and his unemotional prosecutions. The book opens at the trial of Lord Penhurst, who was captured in the first book of the series. Lady Penny Penhurst is on the witness stand, and Hadleigh can't help being moved by her courage. Haunted by what she endured both before and after her husband's capture, Hadleigh takes steps to help her secretly.

Penny endured three years of hell at the hands of her physically and mentally abusive husband. With her husband's estates and funds confiscated by the Crown, Penny is left with nothing but her determination to start a new life. It is harder than she expected, but she intends to stand on her own two feet. When she finds out that Hadleigh has been helping her on the sly, she is furious and reads him the riot act.

I loved the development of the relationship between Hadleigh and Penny. Overall, it is an emotional rollercoaster with both of them having to face the demons of their pasts before they can move on to a happy future. Hadleigh is a fixer. He is compelled to right wrongs when he sees them, which is why he is so outstanding as a prosecutor. He is consumed by guilt over what happened to Penny and feels partially responsible for it. Partly driven by his feelings of not having been able to help his mother, it helped him to know that he was helping someone who suffered as she had. Penny was furious at his interference. Having been controlled and manipulated by one man, she was not going to allow another one any control over her life. I loved the way she laid out her objections in a manner that Hadleigh could understand, and how it opened his eyes to the consequences of his actions.

But Hadleigh still isn't able to let go of his need to help. The perfect solution falls into his hands when he offers his country estate as a place to prepare witnesses for the upcoming trial. The house was closed for a decade, so he offers the job of housekeeper to Penny. This gives her the employment she craves and Hadleigh the satisfaction of helping her. But there are also consequences to his actions. Hadleigh avoided the house for years because of the memories he associates with it, memories he is now forced to confront. I ached for him as those memories frequently overwhelmed him.

The interactions between Penny and Hadleigh were fantastic. Penny refuses to be a victim and has no trouble standing up to Hadleigh when she feels that he oversteps. Hadleigh isn't a man who feels he is always right and can see the error of his ways when they are pointed out to him. It takes him a while to realize that there is more to his need to help Penny than just reparations for the past. I liked seeing them slowly get to know each other. There were some heartwarming scenes of Hadleigh with Penny's son, as she sees a different side to him. There were also some intensely emotional scenes, such as when she breaks through the walls he erected around his memories of his mother. At the same time, the attraction between them continues to grow. Penny is reluctant to trust herself after her disaster of a marriage, while Hadleigh is ready to have it all. I loved his understanding of her feelings and his willingness to be patient while she works through them. The epilogue was fantastic and perfect for this series. I loved seeing the extended length of time passed and where they all are in their lives.

The secondary characters were all people from the earlier books. I loved Clarissa and Seb's support of Penny and laughed out loud when Seb confronted Hadleigh over his clandestine efforts to help Penny. Seb is caught between a rock and a hard place as he wants to help Penny but also understands Hadleigh's actions. When the action moved to the country house, I loved seeing Jessamine again. The instant friendship between her and Penny was great, helped along by their shared experiences. The Dowager Lady Flint and Harriet were both a riot with their uncensored comments and advice. Flint, Gray, and Seb were all willing participants in giving Hadleigh a hard time over his relationship with Penny.

 

The Disgraceful Lord Gray - Virginia Heath (HH #1426 - Apr 2019)

Series: King's Elite (Book 3)

A spy on a mission…

Until he meets this heiress!

Miss Theodora Cranford's learned to keep her impetuous nature locked away. She won't be deceived by another man who can't see past her fortune. She wants an honorable, sensible sort -- not a self-assured scoundrel like her new neighbor, Lord Gray. Although she's sure there's more to him than meets the eye… But after that first captivating kiss, she's certainly left wanting more!

Good addition to the series. In the previous two books, the men of the King's Elite worked to bring an end to the smuggling and spy ring that was funneling arms and money to France. They succeeded in stopping the gang's operations, but have yet to capture the ringleader, known only as "The Boss." Intelligence has narrowed it down to two people, one of whom is Viscount Gislingham. Gray and Lord Fennimore were sent to Suffolk to infiltrate Gislingham's social circle and find out if he is, in fact, their quarry. The investigation gets off to a rocky start when Gislingham's niece, Thea, happens on Gray swimming naked in a stream while playing with his dog, and the dog knocks her into the stream as well.

I really liked both Gray and Thea. Gray made appearances in the two previous books where he played significant roles. Now he is up for a significant promotion if he handles himself well during this operation. Gray is a charming and flirtatious, but also level-headed and compassionate. After a romantic disappointment and irresponsible reaction left him financially ruined a decade earlier, he spent the intervening years traveling the world on merchant ships. Older and wiser, he wishes he'd done things differently in the past but believes he's changed for the better. Brooding over the past and things that can't be changed isn't his style. Thea is red-haired and feisty, but she tries to keep that side of herself locked up tight. She blames "Impetuous Thea" for some bad decisions in her past, ones that have left her feeling guilty. She is very cautious around men, thanks to those who have been more interested in her inheritance than in her.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Gray and Thea. The sparks flew from the moment they met, but both had reasons to resist. Thea, because of her distrust of charming scoundrels, and Gray, because of his reasons for being in Suffolk in the first place. He isn't very happy about having to play up his disreputable reputation as he is quite smitten by Thea and that reputation works against him. Admitting to themselves and each other that romantic involvement is not a good idea, they commit to friendship instead. I loved seeing them get to know each other, sharing the disappointments of their pasts and inevitably growing closer. This is especially a problem for Gray, who finds Thea invading his mind at inopportune moments, making him question his worth as a spy. He also suspects that his deception will not go over well when the truth is revealed. Thea finds it increasingly difficult to keep "Impetuous Thea" locked up as she gets to know Gray, especially when he is so understanding of her past. I liked how Gray encouraged her to embrace her true self and how Thea helped Gray open his heart again. There are the expected complications when the truth comes out, but some timely advice helps cut through the problems to the heart of the matter. The ending was terrific and perfectly "Impetuous Thea" and "disgraceful" Lord Gray.

The continuation of the search for "The Boss" was a page-turner. Both Gray and Lord Fennimore are prepared to do whatever necessary to advance their investigation, and Gray's time with Thea gives him the entry into the Viscount's world that he needs. As their efforts bring them closer to the truth, Gray finds himself questioning some of the things he discovers. There are some surprising twists leading up to the unmasking of "The Boss," one of which was a complete surprise and one I had begun to suspect. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, with the hero of the day turning out to be Trefor, the dog.

 The secondary characters are terrific, especially Lady Harriet and Lord Cedric Fennimore. Harriet is a widow who is determined to live life to the fullest. She is incorrigible in her actions and delights in encouraging Thea to loosen up. in previous books, Lord Fennimore has been shown as a gruff, mission-oriented man who doesn't put up with any shenanigans. It was fun to see Gray play up to their supposed "cousins" relationship whenever possible. It was especially enjoyable to see Cedric get caught in Harriet's wiles, exposing a very different side to him.

 

The Uncompromising Lord Flint - Virginia Heath (HH #1407 - Jan 2019)

Series: King's Elite (Book 2)

Imprisoned by her past

Set free by her enemy!

Charged with high treason, Lady Jessamine Fane's under the watchful eye of icily calm Lord Peter Flint. A task this spy won't be swayed from, no matter how alluring his prisoner! Only, it's not long before Flint realizes tenacious Jess hides a lifetime of pain. With so much at stake, can he afford to take a chance on their powerful attraction?

This was an excellent enemies-to-lovers story. It is the second book in the King's Elite series, where the members of the Crown's spy agency have been trying to shut down a French spy/smuggling ring that has members in the highest echelons of British society. Though each book can be read as a standalone, they are better read in order as each one builds on the previous ones.

In this book, Lord Peter Flint is tasked with escorting Lady Jessamine back to England to stand trial for treason. He is well-known for his cool, calm devotion to duty, and he is determined to deliver her safely to London. However, Jess does not make it easy for him. She is feisty, brave, and determined to escape from his custody. The opening salvos in their battle are impressive and set the stage for an interesting battle of wills.

I loved both Peter and Jess. There is more to each of them than the other realizes, and their voyage of discovery was a delight to read. Peter's devotion to duty runs bone-deep as he follows in his father's footsteps as a member of the King's Elite. As a young agent, he made a mistake with a female prisoner that had a lasting effect on him; he will not trust anything that Jess says to him. He is also a gentleman who has five older sisters, and his protectiveness for the female of the species cannot be denied. Jess is an amazing young woman. Torn from her home in England when her French mother ran away with her lover, Saint-Aubin, Jess was subjected to unthinkable neglect and cruel abuse. After her mother's death, Jess was forced to help him with his smuggling/espionage ring. More clever than Saint-Aubin realized, Jess found a way to betray him. She is determined to free herself from both the English and Saint-Aubin and live life on her own terms.

The relationship between Jess and Peter was confrontational at the beginning. I had to laugh at the sight of her pelting him with bread as she screamed French insults at him. In spite of that, Peter defends her right to be treated humanely, something that ends up biting him in the butt when it gives her the chance to escape - twice. Though frustrated by her actions, he can't help but be impressed by her cunning and determination. By the time he catches up with her the second time, he has to redo his entire plan for getting her to London while using her as bait to draw out both the French and the English traitors who want her back in their hands or dead. It isn't too long before the sparks of confrontation turn into the sparks of attraction, but both are reluctant to lower their guards. I liked seeing the trust slowly grow between them as they try to keep Jess safe from Saint-Aubin. As their trust grew, so did their love for each other. But until Jess is proved innocent of the charges against her, there is no way that they can be together.

The suspense of the story was fantastic. I was glued to the pages from start to finish. With all evidence pointing toward Jess's guilt, Peter was determined to get her to London to stand trial while at the same time laying a trap to catch those in charge of the operation. Jess's attitude did nothing to change his mind. But as more of Jess's past was revealed, it became clear that there was more to the story than he knew. Peter is wary of trusting what Jess says, and Jess is unwilling to share everything in an attempt to protect herself. It isn't until she spots Saint-Aubin himself that she confesses all to Peter. As the depth of her knowledge becomes clear, the need to protect her intensifies. As all the players converged on Peter's home in Cornwall, the tension was palpable. There was a terrific scene with Peter, Jess, and Lord Hadleigh as Peter finally convinced Hadleigh of Jess's innocence. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as treachery nearly won the day, though of course, the good guys prevailed.

The secondary characters were terrific also. Lord Gray has some great moments as he provides backup for Peter. He is also outspoken in his dismay over some of his friends' romances. This makes me especially eager to read his story and see how Cupid's arrow brings him down. Peter's mother was one of my favorites. Her outspoken attitude regarding any hint of "tomfoolery" made me laugh, even as it frustrated and embarrassed Peter. I also loved her pragmatic attitude toward what was happening, having had years of experience with Peter's father and his activities. I especially loved her acceptance of Jess and the way she pulled Jess into the family circle. Though he was only doing his job, there were moments when I detested Lord Hadleigh's attitude toward Jess. I loved seeing his eyes get opened to the truth and the effect it had on him.

My only problem with this book, as with the first one, is one of the author's writing quirks. I'm told it is a British thing, though I haven't come across it in any other British author I've read. Phrases such as "she was stood" or "Jess found herself sat" instead of "she stood" or "she found herself sitting" tended to pull me out of the story because they sound wrong to this American reader. I expect I will get used to them the more I read from this author, but it's hard going right now.

The Mysterious Lord Millcroft - Virginia Heath (HH #1394 - Sept 2018)

Series: King's Elite (Book 1)

Life as a duchess…

Or something much more dangerous?

Constantly told her beauty and charm are all she has to offer, Lady Clarissa is intent on marrying a duke. And intriguing spy Sebastian Leatham will help her! Only, first she'll assist him with his new assignment -- playing the part of confident aristocrat Lord Millcroft. Sebastian awakens a burning desire within Clarissa that leaves her questioning whether becoming a duchess is what she truly longs for…

This is the first book in the King's Elite series and it captured my attention from the beginning. I loved both main characters, and the setting of stopping a ring of smugglers with ties to Napoleon.

Clarissa is a reigning beauty in Society, well known for her charm and perfect appearance. This perfection hides a profoundly insecure woman who hides a secret that would topple her from the pedestal she is on. She feels that the only way to protect herself is to marry a duke (because who would question a duchess?) and has pursued the Duke of Westridge for two years. His courtship has been lackadaisical at best, and his attention has recently begun to wander. Needing some peace to regroup, Clarissa left London to visit her sister. Her fixation on marrying a duke was irritating at first but became understandable as her issues were revealed.

Seb is a member of an elite spy ring working for the British government. Recently wounded, he is recovering at the home of Dr. Joe Warriner, brother of one of his colleagues, and anxious to return to his mission. Seb is a man who can blend in anywhere, but would rather face a deadly enemy than have to converse with a woman. Confronted with Clarissa and her stunning beauty, Seb became a tongue-tied mess. It's unusual to find a hero who doesn't reek of self-confidence, and Seb's shyness and moments of blushing were sweet.

Seb and Clarissa intrigued each other from the very start. Though overwhelmed by her beauty, it didn't take long for Seb to see that she used that beauty as a façade to hide the real her. Clarissa sensed his attention and used her own observational skills on him. She couldn't help but notice his physique and how different he was from the other men she knew. Though gruff on the outside, she saw the kindness in his eyes. Both had their pride, however, and maintained their outward appearances. But the sparks that were there between them created an unexpected encounter that night, as each one's inability to sleep sent them to the kitchens for a late-night snack. Seb ended up more than a little tipsy and became very talkative, something that didn't usually happen with him. I ached for him as he talked about his past and sighed at his admission of his shyness and difficulty talking to women. I also loved his observations of Clarissa and his advice to her about the duke. He finished off his ramblings with an unexpected kiss that shook them both.

Six weeks later, Seb was back at work, with a new assignment in their search for the leaders of the smugglers. A task that he isn't happy about. Instead of his usual background position, he will be front and center as Lord Millcroft, trying to work his way into a suspect's circle. It was his bad luck that on his first night being introduced to Society he ran into Clarissa, who could blow his cover with one word. Clarissa's intelligence shines through in this part as she listens to his explanation and steps in to help. Her acceptance of "Lord Millcroft" and presence at his side cement his place. In addition, she helps smooth over any of his rough spots. As a benefit to her, Seb's attentions to her waken a bit of jealousy in her duke.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Seb and Clarissa. Their work together to uncover the smugglers frequently put them in each other's company. As they work together, their feelings for each other grow and change. Seb falls hard for Clarissa but knows her eyes are set on the Duke of Westbridge. His background also holds him back as he is well below her in standing. For Clarissa, the more time she spends with Seb, the less enthralled she is with the duke. Seb's appreciation of her intelligence begins to change the way she sees herself. Her increase in confidence gives her the boost she needs to go after what she wants. I loved Clarissa's big moment at the end.

The mystery of the smugglers was great. It was an essential part of the story but didn't detract from the romance. I was on the edge of my seat as the book progressed, waiting to see what would happen. I loved how Seb and Clarissa's efforts complemented each other, and the way they made a perfect team. I laughed out loud at the scene with Clarissa in men's clothes, determined to help and refusing to be left behind. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, as well as an example of Clarissa's ingenuity. I loved the twist at the end and look forward to seeing more of them in future books.

I liked the secondary characters of Seb's fellow spies, Flint, Gray, and Hadleigh. All of them seemed to enjoy giving Seb a hard time, especially Gray. He really stirred the pot the night that Seb went out with the other "gentlemen."