The Blackest of Hearts

Rogues & Gentlemen #14

by Emma V. Leech

Lord Blackehart has not a drop of blue blood in his body, but he is the undeniable Lord of London’s underworld.
Born into poverty and quickly abandoned, he is left to grow up in the misery of the workhouse. Rumours about him are many, that he cannot die, and that he killed a man when he was just twelve years old. Now a man in his prime he is built like a mountain and exudes power.
Katherine Dove is illegitimate. She has borne the shame of this her whole life, but when her guardian and her only protection from the world at large dies, she discovers a clue to her parentage.
A perilous journey to London in search of her father finds her in dark company, but Miss Dove is resourceful, and Luther Blackehart seems to be a man who can supply the answers to everything and anything she desires.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Regency Romance, Regency, Historical Fiction, Fiction

326 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 28, 2018

About the author

Bestselling author hiding mostly in 19th-century England, venturing out only for chocolate and tea.

Emma V. Leech is the award-winning author of multiple bestselling series across Regency romance, Regency mystery and paranormal romance. Fall in love with swoon-worthy rogues, bold heroines, witty banter and deeply romantic happily-ever-afters. Follow Emma on BookBub for new releases and exclusive deals.

EMMA’S BOOKS

Rogues And Gentlemen
Regency romance – 17-book series (ongoing)
Sexy, tumultuous and irresistibly romantic. From pirates and smugglers to earls and dukes, these unforgettable rogues will sweep you away!

Winter Rogue
A Regency Christmas romance within the Rogues & Gentlemen world
A scandal-weary earl, a runaway heiress and a crumbling country estate snowed in for Christmas. A sensual, heart-tugging holiday novella about redemption, desire and a love neither of them expects.

A Rogues and Gentlemen Christmas
A standalone Regency Christmas romance
A collection of three romantic holiday stories featuring beloved Rogues & Gentlemen characters. Expect snowstorms, sizzling tension, unexpected proposals, mistletoe moments and heart-melting happily-ever-afters – a cosy festive escape for Regency romance lovers.

The Girl Is Not For Christmas
A standalone Regency Christmas romance
Miss Olivia Penrose is the only thing standing between her family and ruin when a brooding aristocrat crashes into her carefully laid plans. Sparks fly amid family secrets, snowy scandals and irresistible festive longing in this passionate, witty and deeply romantic winter read.

Girls Who Dare
Regency romance – 12-book series
Inside every wallflower is the heart of a lioness. When these overlooked young women make a pact to change their lives, rules are broken, reputations are risked and love becomes the most daring adventure of all.

Daring Daughters
Victorian romance – 19-book series and two compilations
The next generation of the Girls Who Dare. Their mothers risked everything for love – now their daughters are ready to be even bolder. An ongoing series of fiercely romantic stories set in a rapidly changing world.

Wicked Sons
Victorian romance – 12-book series
Their mothers dared all for love. Their sisters did the same. Now it’s the sons’ turn… dangerous, tempting and determined not to fall – until the right woman brings them to their knees.

The Venturesome Ladies Of Little Valentine
Regency romance – my current series
A quiet seaside village, a wave of scandalous newcomers and local ladies who refuse to be swept aside. A warm, witty Regency series full of secrets, second chances and delicious enemies-to-lovers romance.

The Regency Romance Mysteries
Regency romantic suspense – 3-book series
Dashing heroes, wicked villains, murder, mystery – and heroines who refuse to sit prettily and wait to be rescued. Perfect if you like your Regency romance served with danger and intrigue.

The French Vampire Legend
Paranormal romance – 4-book series
A dark, dramatic and heart-wrenching tale of courage, sacrifice and a love that not even time, war or monsters can destroy. Gothic atmosphere, high stakes and a romance that refuses to die.

The French Fae Legend
Fantasy romance – 4-book series
An award-winning saga with close to sixteen million online reads. Moving between modern-day France and the Fae Lands, these books weave powerful magic, danger and an all-consuming love that proves stronger than any enchantment.

The Book Lover
A standalone paranormal romance novella
A book-obsessed young woman, an infuriatingly charming stranger and the unnerving sense that stories might be bleeding into real life. A short, intensely romantic tale for anyone who has ever fallen in love with books… and perhaps with something not entirely of this world.

Reviews

[ImABookAddict · Rating 3 out of 5]

An OK read

The blurb was great but the delivery was disappointing. The h was too preachy and judgmental IMO. I know she was raised by a vicar and all. But she seemed too ready to think badly of someone. And she really came off as self-righteous. I wish someone had called her on it. I mean, she demanded that the H feed the hungry (which was ok) but she never shows an ounce of interest in helping him do that. And then she wastes food when she was "punishing" the H by only eating soup on the table. She snaps at the maid (forgot why) and says she's not a whore. Well, the maid already told her when they first met that her mother used to be one. I loved the H but the h was seriously annoying up there on her pedestal. She does change later in the book. But it's too late for me. She never considers the feelings of others.

[Karen Darling · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book ended up being better than I thought it would be. Not bad.

[Ash · Rating 2 out of 5]

The heroine preached too much and it was annoying.
This book was not my cup of tea.

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma Leech has woven another wonderful tale and it was great revisiting some of the characters from previous books in this series! Lord Luther Blackehart has not a drop a blue blood but he has earned the tile of Lord of London's underworld He was born in a workhouse and has clawed his way up to be made heir to Black Rule

Katherine Dove was taken in by a vicar when her unmarried mother died in childbirth. After many years, her guardian dies and Katherine finds some clues about her past and who her father was.

She heads to London and Luther sees her there, falls immediately under her spell and rescues her from a woman set on making Katherine one of her ladies for hire. Luther knows he can never have her or show his feelings but agrees to help her locate her father - he insists that part of the deal is for her to be safe at his home.

There are many adventures, dangerous situations, attempted murders, kidnappings,romance, some humor, family discoveries and love - it really has it all and I highly recommend the read!

[Fibula · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked it! At times it was a little too predictable, and for our hero (who I loved in the previous novels) I would have preferred a less prim romantic interest (but she's very likeable anyway!), that's why I gave 3 stars instead of 4. Anyway, I would recommend this book! :)

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/13/2020)! 🎁

[LOVEROFBOOKS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't miss this book!

Well, wow. Just wow. This was not your average Regency romance. This is a new author to me and I'm already hooked. I did not sleep until this was finished. It was just.that.good. It has it all. Mystery, crime on the docks, romance, strong friendship, strong family ties, and the ending was absolutely perfect. Very heart warming.

There is no 'filler' in here. In fact it's a tightly woven story with some poetical prose also. I wasn't sure I was going to like it because the story started so bleakly and I wondered how on earth the author was going to get these two different people from completely different worlds together. Well, she not only did it, she did it with flair. I will be reading this again and this is going on my Keeper shelf.

Believe me. If I could give it ten stars, I would.

[Vivian Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never gets old

I love this series! What a jewel you find at the end of the story! Definitely a must read in this continuing series. Can be read as a stand alone, but why do that when you can enjoy all the books in this series! Vividly written that the love and emotions are palpable!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

I just finished this book definitely a change from the last one and I couldn't stop reading it once I started.. I loved it from beginning to end and I can't wait to see what else this author has in store for us

[Winnifred D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could have sworn I'd read all of the books in this series a while back, then realized this was still unread on my Kindle. I'm a fan of many of Emma Leech's book and particularly liked several entries in "Rogues and Gentlemen" (if you've never read "Flaming June", do yourself a favor and read it ASAP).

This book got off to a rough start for me, and I was considering giving it 3 stars until just after the halfway mark. Then the plot and characters start to come to life, and this becomes more of a trademark E.L. read, full of emotion and a sense of humanity that elevate it above your standard Regency. Some reviewers have an issue with the h being too judgmental and self-righteous, and I will admit that toward the end I was a little weary of the "light in the H's darkness" analogy. But one thing I do admire is Leech's willingness to feature h's that aren't always easy to like and must undergo transformations as storyline proceeds. If you view this h as a reflection of how a young woman would have been repressed during this time period, inculcated by her cold, strict guardian into beliefs pretty common to the middle class, it's easier to understand her.

I had a harder time with the H. I'm not a huge fan of "love at first sight" in my romance novels, which this definitely is. It's one thing to be bowled over by innocent beauty, but it's a bit out of the blue here. THEN, though, when H realizes that naive h is being tricked by a brothel owner, and will soon be in the woman's clutches, what does he do? Absolutely nothing. He has an appointment with a business contact, h probably wouldn't trust him anyway, so he'll just let the h stay at the madam's for a few days until he deigns to throw around money to rescue h. Say what?? Even if he thought he couldn't intervene right away, why does he wait until the very last minute to take action? And then he makes the h feel cheap by bickering with the madam in front of h. By this point, h is cynical and feels completely taken advantage of (which is understandable), and thinks H is just another male in her life
trying to bully her. The first scene between them in the carriage is awkward, not at all sweet or sexy. And honestly, I was cringing as she arrived at the H's house and was basically tricked into dressing up for dinner. Yes, the h is obstinate and argumentative, but any young virgin of that time would have been concerned about her situation. The H at this point isn't close to proposing marriage, and being a kept woman in the 19th century was not the romantic situation some writers make it out to be.

Thankfully, the H does become more likable as he shares his past with h and contends with his ghosts. It's believable that he's trying to make a fresh start. One thing I do appreciate about this writer is that her love scenes typically serve to deepen characters' relationships--they aren't simply there to titillate--the dialog is usually fairly realistic, and there is a minimum of purple prose. I've started skimming over some authors' love scenes, as they can seem generic and mechanical.

I liked how the revelation of the h's father is worked into the plot, and the resolution is action-packed. The situation with Ricky is nuanced and sad. I liked that the author didn't try to redeem everyone at the end.

If you want to nitpick, there are a few spelling errors and several run-on sentences, along with a mistake in the first couple pages involving Ricky's age. But these mistakes aren't enough for me to lower my rating.

Note: This is not a "sweet and clean" romance. There is a steamy, but well-written, pre-marital scene and post-marital sex, plus there is some PG rated language spoken by the H (which is addressed by the h).

Note to the author: If you happen to read this, please continue this series! I've tried to get into your newer series, but those seem more geared to the teen/"sweet and clean" reader. I miss the darker stories!

[Tisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord Luther Blackehart who has not a single bit of nobility to his name or names. Is definitely the ruler of his underworld endeavors. Which is where he is known as Black Rule.
This couple, has sass, determination, honor & ten asity. The moment they meet, where Lord Blackhart saves Miss Katherine Dove, the chemistry is off the walls.
But can the two stay together, especially once Miss Dove parentage is discovered by the man who is willing to be legit & become a true blue blood of nobility.

Lord Blackhart tries to be fair & gradually attempting to have his business's become legit for over a year. Luther was born into poverty & abandoned, which had him being raised in misery in a workhouse. While growing up there have been rumors, scandals that he killed at age 12.
A man in his prime could get any woman he wants. The ladies definitely want to catch their desires from Lord Blackhart.

Katherine Dove was born illegitimate when her mother died in childbirth. Her whole life she had received protection from her guardian. Now Katherine's existence changes forever. While she loses her guardian, she finds a clue of who her father might be.
A perilous journey to London in search of her father finds her in dark company, but Miss Dove is resourceful, and after Luther Blackehart saves her from a horrible fate. Katherine might have found the man who can supply the answers to her past & her future to actually have a family.

Another set of lead characters, that get you involved in their tit for tat. They hot, steamy chemistry & sexual tension. The Rogues in this series might be rough on the outside. But they have the hearts of gold. Determine to protect the woman they love.
Read Katherine & Luther's love story.

[WhiskeyintheJar · Rating 3 out of 5]

A flush rushed over her, prickling up her neck as she found herself shocked at her own decadent desires. Horrified she glanced up, to find Luther watching her, wide awake, his gaze intent.
“Don’t stop,” he said, his voice rough. The blaze at her cheeks only burned hotter at the discovery he’d been watching her, and she moved away. “Please, Katherine,” he said, such pleading in his voice she stilled. “I’ve longed for you to touch me. I can’t think of anything else. I’m going out of my mind for wanting you. My skin aches to feel your hands on me. I crave your mouth, your kiss, everything. You’ve got me, love, heart and body and soul. I’m yours to do with what you will. So, please don’t go. I can’t bear it when you leave me alone at night.”
She stilled, staring up at him in astonishment. Had… had he just…. Had he just told her he loved her?

This was a Kindle Freebie that Random Number Generator pulled out of the pile and was pretty good. The female main character is the adopted daughter of a reverend and with that kind of bringing up, she had some preachy issues to work out/get over. There were a couple moments where I thought it started sounding or was on the path to being Inspirational but I think it was just the character's background.

Had some sweet moments, some drama, and male main character who couldn't imagine he was good enough for his woman.

[Martha B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light versus Darkness

With good reason, Luther Blackheart, aka Lord Blackheart, is one of the most feared and/or respected crime bosses within the London underworld. He has developed some high reaching connections, but his dangerous existence is a lonely one. Then unexpectedly he sees the light of his future from afar.

With good reason, Katherine Dove is a God fearing young woman. She is also an innocent who's all alone in the world. Arriving in London, her hope is to find a lost relation, just so she will have someone in her life. Then unexpectedly her life takes a dramatic turn.

If you've already read all the previous books in this entertaining series you will especially appreciate The Blackest of Hearts. I would have enjoyed this tale even if I had never read any of the previous books. However, since I have, I'm so pleased that Lord Blackheart's own story is being told and he finally has the opportunity to achieve his own happily-ever-after. Emma V. Leech is a very good writer, and it shows in this engrossing read. I especially enjoyed the cameo appearances by other key players in the Rogues and Gentlemen series.

Content 411: In addition to both secular and religious swearing, there is also a moderate amount of sexually intimate scenes.

[E Oygard · Rating 4 out of 5]

The seedier side of London society

Katherine Dove has been raised by a cold hearted vicar after her mother died in childbirth. All her life she has been brought up to believe she is destined for the fires of hell as she is the daughter of a whore. When the vicar dies, Katherine discovers evidence that leads her to believe everything the vicar said was untrue, so she sets out to discover who her father is.

Luther Blackeheart is Lord of the London underworld. He was introduced as a character in a previous book. Badly scarred and feared by all, when he first sets eyes on Katherine as she climbs down from the coach, he is determined to have her.
I was highly entertained by the story. The setting was completely different from previous books with characters from the lower echelons of London society. I did however wonder why so much was made of the locker when it was never mentioned again.

[Susan Saltos · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked Luther "Lord Blackehart". We've seen him in a few of the previous books. I enjoyed his backstory. I didn't care much for Katherine. She was raised by a vicar and the word of the bible. He mentally abused her, saying she'd always be tempted to sin and she'd end up a whore like her mother and when she dies, she'llend up in firey hell. Because of that and Katherine's life of almost pure isolation from anyone else except church on Sundays, she's frightened of every feeling and thinks every feeling she has is a sin. It got a bit annoying and judgmental. For her having so many doubts about the vicars vengeful God, you would think she would be more happy to be free of him and able to make her own decisions about what's right or wrong and how God would judge her. Luckily, she learns through Luther that having feelings and desires isn't sinful and God isn't vengeful as she was brought up to believe. Loved who her father turned out to be. Enjoyed the characters and side characters.

*** it is better to read this series in order as side characters reappear in and out throughout different books. ***

[Wendy Tavenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

He has a chance at happiness

I absolutely loved Katherine and Luthers story. She was born to a unwed mother who died in childbirth. She was raised by a mean spirited reverend. When he died she found things that belonged to her mother including clues as to who her father was.
Luther was born and raised in the work house until her and Ricky escaped. He was already a killer at 12 yrs old. When he finally found a home with Rule the Lord of the underworld he thought he finally had a family. Rule adopted Luther when he was 25 so he could take over his enterprise but Rule was also murdered that day.
Katherine escaped to London to find info on her father and was tricked into help by a Madam who ran a brawdy house. Luther saved her and then their friendship began. A beautifully written story with a wonderful ending.

[Betty Ritcheson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series had me as a fan of this author from the 1st book

I had enjoyed all the books in this series but it was wonderful to read this to find some of my favorite characters from previous works. I don't want to spoil the surprise by revealing names. Some things were easy to figure out and not a surprise. Like betrayal and resentment from some. When Luther revealed why he ran from the workhouse was more in depth was good and it wasn't a surprise to see Badger by his side, it was a surprise to know who Ms Dove's father turned out to be. I loved this read and it is a fast read, or, I should say I didn't want to put it down. Word of advice, don't start late in the evening if you have to work the next morning. You might have a readers hangover if you do!

[Pontiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luther’s story is a sad one, and within his own moral code, he is quite honourable. When he first sees Katherine, he knows she’s his fate on some level.

She’s a clueless country miss, looking for her father, and Luther saves her from a terrible life. As she begins to trust he won’t hurt her, she sees behind his gruff exterior and dangerous persona.

When she finds her father, it changes everything and nothing, so they must overcome yet another hurdle to be together.

Great book, coming the full 360 degrees in an exciting, adventure-filled series.

Waiting for more.

KU

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy cannoli, this book was good.

Rarely do I ever stop to write a review. I leave 5 stars and move on. But this book was so good. I’ve read hundreds of romance novels. HUNDREDS. And this is definitely top 5 for me. Luther charmed me from the moment he appeared on the page several books earlier, and Katherine was an absolute delight. As much as I love a brooding hero with a gritty exterior who fights against love, it’s thoroughly refreshing to read of a brooding hero with a gritty exterior who fights FOR love from the get-go.

[Sarah L · Rating 5 out of 5]

have a box of tissues ready!

Perhaps it was the seedier side of Regency London, perhaps it was the mention of my beloved Greenwich Park (a fifteen minute walk from my house and where I married my husband) but this story had me transfixed. I was right there. I teach the stories of industrial London to my classes but they never become boring - be they real or fiction- as they are truly trodden into London.
A beautiful redemption arc for both characters and wonderful to see some old faces from earlier in the series.

[Richard Burlton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A step away from the aristocracy and into the criminal elements of London. We have already met Luther Blackheart in earlier stories in this series and now he is a leading character of this book. He is explored as a complex man with a strong moral code of his own.

Katherine as the female lead comes from a restricted strongly religious background so the interaction between the two is fascinating. I liked the plot and the fact that the drama didn't dominate the narrative which would have been very easy.

[Melba Hard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant.

I have been waiting for this book for ages and couldn't wait to read it. I completed it in one day because I couldn't put it down. What a brilliant story . How well Lord Blackehart as portrayed and his relationship with His Dove was beautifully written. Plus Katherines father, what a surprise although i feel that there were clues there. It is always good to meet up with old friends.

[sandy forguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luther and Katherine

Very well written story many heartache for Kate rtf heroine and Luther growing up thinking that they at no one but it only took one look for Luther to know he wanted more and that his fate was in front of him when Katherine came to London looking to find her father and there in lies where Luther rescued her and honored all the promise he made to her would highly recommend so glad rtf hey had their HEA but isn't that what we all hope for :)

[Merrilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting book to read

I wasn’t sure I would like this book as the book description described the leading character as a villain, and normally I want to root for a good guy. I had liked the last book I had read from this author so I gave it a try and was glad I did. I didn’t guess how this story would ever have a good ending but the author did a good job getting there. I’d recommend this for young adult to seniors.

[Kay Hubert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Warm Heart

It’s so interesting to see heros who have both white and black characters within themselves. And our hero acknowledges all the misdeeds of his life to the lovely virgin he hope to (eventually) bed. And she is of strong and Godly spirit, no simpering violet. So between these two strong-willed people how can there not be fireworks in their lives. Bravo for such a fun book to read to warm up a chilly night!

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was difficult for me. I didn't like the FMC for most of the book. The MMC really did all the work for the relationship. Over zealous religion is just squick to me. Some of this was cringey. Some of this was really deep and beautiful. This author writes longing and pain in an extraordinary way. I cried several times for the MMC. I also cried when the FMC found her father. It was a roller coaster of love and dislike for the story.

[Cindy Neary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great romantic tension

Luther was born in the workhouse and climbs out of the gutter by will power alone. Katharine is an orphan raised by a vicar on thin charity. They meet and gradually learn to give each other the love they both need. I love books like this where the relationship and the characters grow over time. Each kiss and touch mean something.

[Joan Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable

This was a thoroughly enjoyable romance and one I highly recommend. Luther and Katherine were so deserving of love and their story was entrancing. Two lonely people who met by chance who were looking to find someone to belong to. It was absolutely heartwarming.

[Jeanette Bean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has connections from the previous book but can be read as a standalone. This story has a slightly darker side which I always enjoy from this author. Two very different characters brought together, dire circumstances behind and infront of them; the evil man with a heart, the naive woman with a hope. Excellent reading to loose yourself in.

[Roseann White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovable and heroine Rogues and Gentlemen

Love the writing of Emma V Leech! The stories just pull you in and make you feel like you are one of the characters. Her words are full of real life experiences. It is fantasy yet real life. Love her work! Never disappointing to me. And some characters do travel over into future writings, which I love. Thank you Ms. Leech!