Between the Devil and Desire (Lorraine Heath)

Jack Dodger was sold by his mother when he was very young, and escaped the perverted man whom he was sold to. He was lucky to be rescued by Feagan's a kind old man who had the best gang of thieves in all of London. Now his passion is making money and he is doing very well for himself due to the popularity of his game hell being the most successful and notorious club in London. Olivia Stanford, the widowed Duchess of Lovingdon doesn't know why the notorious and ill behaved Jack Doger is doing in her house, just as her lawyer is about to read her husband's will. Little does she know her chaste and roper life is going to be turned upside down when the solicitor states that Jack Dodger is now the legal guardian of her 5 year old son Henry - the legitimate heir and next in line to the Dukedom and is the new owner of her home! Jack is just a shocked to hear that he has been appointed guardian to a 5 year old boy and has to put up with the sharp tongued, proper and furious Olivia.... Read more

I had been waiting for Jack's book ans I wasn't disappointed with this latest offering by Heath. Really hated the bad thing that happened to Jack as a child but it helped to understand him as an adult. Why he held himself back and all. Kinda disturbing to think about his relationship with Olivia too. So kinda tried not to think about her first husband and the whole thing. You will see what I mean if you give this book a shot. Also really didn't need the whole villian there. He didn't seem to add to the story. Almost like the author was just trying to obtain some form of closure for Jack but really that wasn't necessary. It didn't move the book forward of course it didn't hold it back either! I think Jack and Olivia did that all on their own. Liked hearing from some previous characters too like Frannie, Dr. Graves, Swindler, Luke and Catherine. Nice to have met the infamous Feagan too! Won't be a bit surprised to find out that he is actually a closer relation to someone that... Read more

Jack Dodger learned early in life not to trust anyone but himself. Sold by his mother when he was young, he thought that he had done something wrong. The first man that bought Jack was foul indeed and he ran away. Saved by a man named Feagan, Feagan taught Jack how to steal without a sound and run like the wind. Jack's luck ran out the day he and his best friend were caught stealing. Or did it change for the better? Now an adult, Jack is in charge of his own destiny and the owner of one of the most notorious and successful gentlemen's clubs in all of London. Women throw themselves at Jack Dodger's feet but he feels nothing for them. At least that is what he likes to remind himself especially after coming face to face with Olivia Stanford, the widowed Duchess of Lovingdon. Olivia has no idea that the man she was married to kept as many secrets as he did. Forced to keep house with Jack Dodger per her now deceased husband's will, Olivia is biding her time until she remarries. ... Read more

This is my first Lorraine Heath book and I was very happily surprised that it was such a great read! I love the story of Jack and Olivia, but how can you not? A carefree renegade and an uptight, haughty widowed duchess. The story grabbed me from the beginning and the entire book is really a fun, interesting read with great dialogue and a good flow.

This is Jack Dodger's story (2nd book in the The Scoundrels of St. James series) - he was placed in the street as a 5 year old child and ran with a gang of children. Jack is willed at large fortune and guardianship of Duke's 5 year old son. The Duke's mother Olivia is outraged that Jack who owns a gambling place would be names her sons guardian. The connection between Olivia and Jack is amazing - I love we see the real side of Jack. Check out the The Scoundrels of St. James series; In Bed With the Devil (Avon Romantic Treasure) (book 1), Surrender to the Devil (Book 3 - Frannie Darling story, due out July 2009). If you enjoy this genre I would also suggest; Secret Desires of a Gentleman, Never Dare a Duke (Avon Romantic Treasure) , Seduced at Midnight (Berkley Sensation).