Pleasures of a Notorious Gentleman » (Original)

Lorraine Heath wrote her first story at seven, and it involved a fisherman who fell in love with a mermaid. She has since moved on to writing about sexy cowboys and dashing English lords (and sometimes, cleverly, in the same book!). Publishers Weekly says she is a "master of her craft." She is, indeed, and along with being a New York Times and USA Today bestseller, she has won the RITA^® Award, Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, and a Career Achievement Award.

As the black sheep second son of an Earl, Stephen Lyons has gained a reputation in the art of seduction, but when his wicked ways result in scandal, he joins the army to redeem himself. On the battlefield, he proves courageous ...until he is seriously wounded. Returning home to recover, he discovers he can't remember the angelic beauty who arrives at his doorstep, his babe nestled in her arms.

Mercy Dawson will risk everything to protect the son of the dashing soldier she once knew and admired. When Stephen offers to do the honorable thing, she is determined that London's most notorious gentleman will desire her and no other. But Mercy fears that what began as an innocent deception could destroy her dreams and their blossoming love if Stephen ever learns the scandalous truth ...

They are masters of seduction, London's greatest lovers. Living for pleasure, they will give their hearts to no one ...until love takes them by surprise.

Publishers Weekly

Heath's second London's Greatest Lovers historical (after November 2010's Passions of a Wicked Earl) pairs a battle-scarred Crimean War soldier with his compassionate nurse. Mercy Dawson cared for Maj. Stephen Lyons, brother of the duke of Ainsley, after he was wounded. A year later, she arrives at the duke's estate to bring him her infant son, John, whom Stephen fathered. Mercy believes Stephen dead and is shocked when she meets him again at Ainsley's estate, where he is recuperating from terrible injuries to body and mind. Stephen has no memories of his two battle-ridden years, but he knows he must do right by Mercy, whose kindness and love for her son set her apart from Stephen's many other past lovers. As they become reacquainted, their romance ripens with intensity and realistic emotion that will leave even the most seasoned reader teary-eyed. (Dec.)