Lorraine Heath’s ability to weave captivating, passionate, unique romance is incomparable. The return of the Duke is the third book in the Once Upon A Dukedom series. I flew through this novel I couldn’t put it down. The book is intricate and intriguing, yet it moved fast and was easy to read. I didn’t guess the outcome until the end. There is a mystery angle that worked splendidly. The plot is unique as both characters are outside society, and each has specific burdens that affect their lives.

Marcus and Esme’s spark is instantaneous and undeniable. I respected Esme and loved the many layers of her personality. I could feel Marcus’ bitterness and anger towards his situation. The sensuality and physical connection is pure fire. The two are sworn enemies yet find that fire and ice are combustible. Esme Lancaster has a plethora of secrets and a mysterious background. Marcus stays in the shady, criminal areas of society, disenchanted and alone with a vendetta for those complicit in his father’s guilt. Marcus Stanwick has been stripped of his title and has lost everything due to his treacherous father. The Return Of The Duke delivers this and more. But giving into temptation comes at a cost, and they must decide if love is worth the risk of losing their one chance for redemption.It is rare to find a historical romance that defies convention, has an intriguing mystery, and off-the-chart chemistry. Soon, they're unable to deny their growing desire for each other. She doesn't trust Marcus but can't deny the handsome devil makes her wonder if she does indeed possess a heart, one he could very easily steal.As their hunt for the truth leads them into danger, Marcus finds Esme isn't cold and calculating as he'd assumed but fire and brimstone, with courage and determination to match his own.

His search forces him to turn to a woman he despises for her unforgiveable betrayal?a woman known as the heartless harlot.Harboring secrets, Esme Lancaster has her own reasons for wanting to discover who's behind the conspiracy that's still afoot. Vowing to return honor to his family, he seeks to expose the others involved in the treasonous plot and bring them to justice. In the thrilling third book in New York Times bestselling author Lorraine Heath's Once Upon a Dukedom series, the dashing son of a disgraced duke teams up with a sultry beauty to thwart an assassination plot against Queen Victoria.When his father, the Duke of Wolfford, is hanged for an assassination attempt on Queen Victoria, Marcus Stanwick is stripped of everything.

Return of the duke lorraine heath