Book Review: Lord of Wicked Intentions by Lorraine Heath

I gave Lord of Wicked Intentions by Lorraine Heath 4 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed every minute of it. I started AND finished it within 24 hours, so that should surely say something about how much I liked it.

"Lord Rafe Easton may be of noble blood, but survival taught him to rely only on himself and to love no one. Yet when he sets his eyes on Miss Evelyn Chambers, an earl's illegitimate daughter, he is determined to have her, if only as his mistress.

After her father's death, Evelyn Chambers never imagined she would be sold to the highest bidder, yet circumstances give her little choice except to accept the lord's indecent proposal. Rafe is wealthy, as well as ruthless. Yet his coldness belies deep passion and deeper secrets. If she must be his, Evelyn intends to lay bare everything the Lord of Pembrook is hiding. But dark discoveries threaten to destroy them both until unexpected love guides the last lost lord home." - Summary from Goodreads

I really enjoyed reading this book. It had several elements that I adore in a historical romance. It was a slow burn, the hero was cold and unfeeling (on the outside), and the sexual tension and build up was written perfectly.

“His mouth covered hers, with purpose, his tongue impatient to dance with hers. The intensity had her swaying, reaching up to wrap her arms around him for balance, to keep her knees from buckling and carrying her to the floor.”

I am a sucker for the tortured hero and that was Rafe to a T. He seems unfeeling and uncaring for anyone but himself, yet his subtle actions throughout the story reveal something much more. He has a kindness that he is so desperate to hide from the world.

The moment he sees Evelyn, there is something about her that he wants. He only offers her the position of his mistress and due to her circumstances, it is really her only choice.

What follows is a lovely and sweet story of two broken people finding comfort and ultimately love in one another.

“Studying this man, she saw no kindness in his features, no compassion, no sympathy. Yet he had come after her, had carried her through the rain. Because he thought he owned her, or was it because as he’d said, he knew what it was to be where she was?”

The pacing of this book was done well. We gradually learn more about more about the mysteries surrounding Rafe and his past. The writing was well done and flowed wonderfully. The story itself was captivating and it really was a page turner for me.

The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I have read other historical romances with similar elements that absolutely blew me away. I can't say this book did that for me but it was still a really good read and I definitely recommend it to anyone who loves the tortured hero.

I will absolutely be reading more from Lorraine Heath.