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Secrets of a Victorian Household #4
Lilian and the Irresistible Duke
A reunion in Rome…
Sparks an affair to remember!
Part of Secrets of a Victorian Household. Responsible widow Lilian Fairclough is persuaded to travel to Rome for a hard-earned break and to let down her hair! She’s surprised to be reunited with passionate, cynical Italian duke Pietro Venturi. He reawakens her sensual side and intrigues her with glimpses of pain beneath his rakish surface. Enticed into a secret and temporary affair, what will happen once she returns home?
Sparks an affair to remember!
Part of Secrets of a Victorian Household. Responsible widow Lilian Fairclough is persuaded to travel to Rome for a hard-earned break and to let down her hair! She’s surprised to be reunited with passionate, cynical Italian duke Pietro Venturi. He reawakens her sensual side and intrigues her with glimpses of pain beneath his rakish surface. Enticed into a secret and temporary affair, what will happen once she returns home?
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2020
25 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Virginia Heath
132 books1,182 followersWhen Virginia Heath was a little girl it took her ages to fall asleep, so she made up stories in her head to help pass the time while she was staring at the ceiling. As she got older, the stories became more complicated, sometimes taking weeks to get to the happy ending. Then one day, she decided to embrace the insomnia and start writing them down. Twenty books and two Romantic Novel of the Year Award nominations later, and it still takes her forever to fall asleep.
Her new Regency Romcom for St Martin's Press ~ Never Fall For Your Fiancée ~ is on sale November 9, 2021
If you want to find out more check out virginiaheathromance.com or follow her on Facebook @VirginiaHeathAuthor
Her new Regency Romcom for St Martin's Press ~ Never Fall For Your Fiancée ~ is on sale November 9, 2021
If you want to find out more check out virginiaheathromance.com or follow her on Facebook @VirginiaHeathAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
May 16, 2022
I have skipped around this series (as I have a tendency to do) and this is the finial book of it. The book takes place in Rome and is full of history that adds so much color and feeling to the story of a h/H that have each had a different past (both have lost their spouses). Lillian was happily married and has grown children while the duke had an arranged marriage. Enjoyable book about an affair that grows into something more written by an author I enjoy and whose books I always look forward to.
January 2, 2022
This is the last book of a series. The first three being about the children of Lilian.
Nice holiday romance between a mature couple. Set in Italy. Rakish Italian Duke and prim and proper English widow Lilian .
Nice holiday romance between a mature couple. Set in Italy. Rakish Italian Duke and prim and proper English widow Lilian .
March 15, 2020
I've given this a B at AAR.
Virginia Heath’s Lilian and the Irresistible Duke is the final book in the multi-author Secrets of a Victorian Household series – a fact I didn’t realise until I read the author’s notes after I’d finished, so I can honestly say that it works perfectly well as a standalone! I’m a big fan of the author’s work, so I don’t need much – if any – persuading to read one of her books, but the fact that this one is about a more mature couple (the hero is forty-eight, the heroine forty-five) was a definite draw. That said, while there were things about the book I really liked, it won’t be joining other titles by this author on my keeper shelf. I found the first half a bit repetitive and I very much disliked the ‘black moment’ in the second half. I know there had to be one, but it didn’t work for me.
The eponymous Lilian, a mother of three (hero and heroines of the other books in the series) lost her husband Henry to illness around a decade earlier. She loved him very much and had a fulfilling – if not always easy – life as wife, mother and helpmeet, assisting him with the running of the charitable foundation he set up to help those less fortunate. Working at Henry’s side and bringing up their children was a full-time occupation and one Lilian found personally fulfilling; but now her children are grown and married, she’s suffering from ‘empty nest syndrome’ and isn’t sure what she wants to do with her life. She’s begun to realise that, in working so hard for the Foundation, she’d allowed Henry’s passion to overtake hers; that she’d lost sight of her own interests, hopes and dreams. So now that her children are all settled, she allows herself to be persuaded to take a holiday in the one place in the world she’s always longed to visit – Rome.
Lilian and her cousin Alexandra, who has accompanied her on the trip, are to stay at the home of one of Alexandra’s friends, Carlotta, the Contessa di Bagnoregio, and Lilian is just getting settled in when she almost literally runs into a man she’d never thought to meet again. Several months before, at a Christmas party, Lilian had met Pietro Venturi, Duca della Torizia, who was visiting London at the time. Late that night in a darkened carriage, Lilian had allowed herself to be thoroughly kissed by the handsome Italian, his kiss stirring up so many feelings that she’d thought long buried with Henry, and starting to unfurl something long dormant inside her. Not just desire… a growing sense of self and a spirit of adventure, perhaps?
Pietro is just as surprised to see Lilian, and at first jumps to completely the wrong conclusion about her presence, saying some rather rude and crass things to her. But he quickly realises his mistake, and takes care to apologise; and during the course of their conversation, they agree to put the kiss they’d shared behind them and to go on as friends.
Even so, both of them are fully aware of the strong mutual attraction thrumming between them. Still, they try to adhere to their agreement as they start to spend part of each day together, Pietro escorting Lilian to see the city’s many artistic treasures. He finds himself enjoying her enthusiasm for art and her insight, her refreshing way of seeing the paintings, frescoes and sculptures which are so familiar to him, and it isn’t long before they are unable to deny the desire they feel for one another. They embark on a passionate affair which, at Lilian’s insistence, will be over and done when she leaves, although of course, both of them soon recognise that whatever is going on between them goes far deeper than the merely physical. For Pietro, this is a disaster; he doesn’t want to have feelings for Lilian – for anyone – and he tries to convince himself that she’s no more to him than any of his other lovers.
I really liked Lilian. She’s sensible and down-to-earth, but not closed off to new experiences and I loved the way the author shows her growing awareness of herself as an independent person and as a woman, one with needs and desires she’s suppressed for a long time. I liked Pietro, too – he’s handsome, charming and romantic in a very gentlemanly (and sexy) way – but his backstory is perhaps a bit stereotypical; he married young – his bride chosen for him by his father – and the marriage was obviously unhappy. It’s clear to Lilian that he’s hiding something painful about it, but he refuses to enlighten her further, saying only that he has no wish to become emotionally involved with anyone. Ever. Not wanting another wife, he instead conducts highly discreet affairs with women who know the score; that their relationship is physical only and there is nothing more on offer. Unfortunately, this fact comes back to bite him squarely on the arse later in the story – and although I can’t say much without spoilers, I will say that Lilian’s reaction to an overheard conversation felt very out of character, given the way the author has established her as a straightforward, pragmatic character who isn’t interested in playing emotional games. I get that she was hurt and that perhaps her pride was bruised, but it still seemed like a massive over-reaction, and it happened so quickly, it’s a wonder I’m not suffering from whiplash.
In spite of my reservations about certain aspects of the plot – and the fact that the epilogue is over-long (if you’ve read the other books in the series, it might work better for you, but I had no investment in any of the other characters) – there’s a lot to like about Lilian and the Irresistible Duke. It’s a ‘grown up’ romance between two people who have a wealth of life experience under their belts, the sex scenes are well-written – without lengthy mental-lusting, slick thighs or twitching appendages – and I really appreciated Lilian’s re-claiming of her self and the way she comes to realise she has a life of her own to lead. It might not be my favourite of the author’s books, but is nonetheless head and shoulders above much of the historical romance currently on offer.
Virginia Heath’s Lilian and the Irresistible Duke is the final book in the multi-author Secrets of a Victorian Household series – a fact I didn’t realise until I read the author’s notes after I’d finished, so I can honestly say that it works perfectly well as a standalone! I’m a big fan of the author’s work, so I don’t need much – if any – persuading to read one of her books, but the fact that this one is about a more mature couple (the hero is forty-eight, the heroine forty-five) was a definite draw. That said, while there were things about the book I really liked, it won’t be joining other titles by this author on my keeper shelf. I found the first half a bit repetitive and I very much disliked the ‘black moment’ in the second half. I know there had to be one, but it didn’t work for me.
The eponymous Lilian, a mother of three (hero and heroines of the other books in the series) lost her husband Henry to illness around a decade earlier. She loved him very much and had a fulfilling – if not always easy – life as wife, mother and helpmeet, assisting him with the running of the charitable foundation he set up to help those less fortunate. Working at Henry’s side and bringing up their children was a full-time occupation and one Lilian found personally fulfilling; but now her children are grown and married, she’s suffering from ‘empty nest syndrome’ and isn’t sure what she wants to do with her life. She’s begun to realise that, in working so hard for the Foundation, she’d allowed Henry’s passion to overtake hers; that she’d lost sight of her own interests, hopes and dreams. So now that her children are all settled, she allows herself to be persuaded to take a holiday in the one place in the world she’s always longed to visit – Rome.
Lilian and her cousin Alexandra, who has accompanied her on the trip, are to stay at the home of one of Alexandra’s friends, Carlotta, the Contessa di Bagnoregio, and Lilian is just getting settled in when she almost literally runs into a man she’d never thought to meet again. Several months before, at a Christmas party, Lilian had met Pietro Venturi, Duca della Torizia, who was visiting London at the time. Late that night in a darkened carriage, Lilian had allowed herself to be thoroughly kissed by the handsome Italian, his kiss stirring up so many feelings that she’d thought long buried with Henry, and starting to unfurl something long dormant inside her. Not just desire… a growing sense of self and a spirit of adventure, perhaps?
Pietro is just as surprised to see Lilian, and at first jumps to completely the wrong conclusion about her presence, saying some rather rude and crass things to her. But he quickly realises his mistake, and takes care to apologise; and during the course of their conversation, they agree to put the kiss they’d shared behind them and to go on as friends.
Even so, both of them are fully aware of the strong mutual attraction thrumming between them. Still, they try to adhere to their agreement as they start to spend part of each day together, Pietro escorting Lilian to see the city’s many artistic treasures. He finds himself enjoying her enthusiasm for art and her insight, her refreshing way of seeing the paintings, frescoes and sculptures which are so familiar to him, and it isn’t long before they are unable to deny the desire they feel for one another. They embark on a passionate affair which, at Lilian’s insistence, will be over and done when she leaves, although of course, both of them soon recognise that whatever is going on between them goes far deeper than the merely physical. For Pietro, this is a disaster; he doesn’t want to have feelings for Lilian – for anyone – and he tries to convince himself that she’s no more to him than any of his other lovers.
I really liked Lilian. She’s sensible and down-to-earth, but not closed off to new experiences and I loved the way the author shows her growing awareness of herself as an independent person and as a woman, one with needs and desires she’s suppressed for a long time. I liked Pietro, too – he’s handsome, charming and romantic in a very gentlemanly (and sexy) way – but his backstory is perhaps a bit stereotypical; he married young – his bride chosen for him by his father – and the marriage was obviously unhappy. It’s clear to Lilian that he’s hiding something painful about it, but he refuses to enlighten her further, saying only that he has no wish to become emotionally involved with anyone. Ever. Not wanting another wife, he instead conducts highly discreet affairs with women who know the score; that their relationship is physical only and there is nothing more on offer. Unfortunately, this fact comes back to bite him squarely on the arse later in the story – and although I can’t say much without spoilers, I will say that Lilian’s reaction to an overheard conversation felt very out of character, given the way the author has established her as a straightforward, pragmatic character who isn’t interested in playing emotional games. I get that she was hurt and that perhaps her pride was bruised, but it still seemed like a massive over-reaction, and it happened so quickly, it’s a wonder I’m not suffering from whiplash.
In spite of my reservations about certain aspects of the plot – and the fact that the epilogue is over-long (if you’ve read the other books in the series, it might work better for you, but I had no investment in any of the other characters) – there’s a lot to like about Lilian and the Irresistible Duke. It’s a ‘grown up’ romance between two people who have a wealth of life experience under their belts, the sex scenes are well-written – without lengthy mental-lusting, slick thighs or twitching appendages – and I really appreciated Lilian’s re-claiming of her self and the way she comes to realise she has a life of her own to lead. It might not be my favourite of the author’s books, but is nonetheless head and shoulders above much of the historical romance currently on offer.
January 6, 2020
Series: Secrets of A Victorian Household #4
Publication Date: 1/20/20
Number of Pages: 288
This is a fun author collaboration series that follows the members of the Fairclough family. I haven’t read all of the books, but I didn’t have any problem following this book. The book is excellently written and the characters are fully formed and totally relatable. You’ll feel as if you are friends with all of the characters before you are through reading.
One of the best things is an absolutely delightful epilogue set about five years after the end of the last chapter. I love epilogues and this one was one of the loveliest ever. Not only did we get a very sweet and romantic look at Lilian and Pietro, but we also got an update on all of the characters from the other books in the series. Even though I hadn’t read a couple of the books, I loved seeing what happened to those characters as well. It really was one of the best epilogues I’ve read.
Lilian Fairclough is five and forty years and she’s suffering a bit from what we might call ‘empty nest syndrome’ today. She enjoyed a fairy-tale marriage with the love of her life, but she’s been a widow for ten years. She never even thought of another man during those years and spent all of her time and efforts in raising her three children and running her husband’s foundation. There was little time for anything else. Now, the children are grown, married, and one of them is expecting her first grandchild. She’s needed less and less at the foundation because her daughter and her husband have taken over the every-day running of it. At a loss for what to do with herself now and in the future, she allows her family to persuade her to travel to Italy with Alexandra, her husband’s cousin.
Pietro Venturi, Duca della Torizia, had an entirely different experience with marriage and, as a widower, has sworn that he will never, ever, marry again. At eight and forty, he has spent twenty-five years living a life of no commitments, no emotional involvement, and very strict rules around his affairs. Those rules, however, fly out the window as soon as he meets Lilian. Too bad it took him so long to figure it all out.
Lilian and Pietro had a bit of a history – just a small bit, but it was significant to both of them. The previous December Pietro had been in London and shared an impetuous, mind-blowing kiss with Lilian. Now – all these months later – when he encounters her in the corridor of his own home, he believes she is there to entrap him into marriage. He quickly sets her straight and propositions her. She was totally shocked to realize that it was his home they were visiting and made her position very, very, undoubtedly, clear to him. Well – that didn’t get off to a good start.
As Lilian and Pietro are thrown together more and more – and discover they share a love of art and many other things, their feelings grow. Each fights those feelings – especially Pietro – and they each have their reasons for believing that a relationship won’t work – especially since they live in two different countries. Seeing Pietro grow was a marvelous thing and I came to love him. Lilian had more room for love, but her growth and acceptance of another love was a wondrous thing to behold.
I really enjoyed this story of two very different people with two very different views of love and marriage find their HEA with each other. I hope you will love it as much as I did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 1/20/20
Number of Pages: 288
This is a fun author collaboration series that follows the members of the Fairclough family. I haven’t read all of the books, but I didn’t have any problem following this book. The book is excellently written and the characters are fully formed and totally relatable. You’ll feel as if you are friends with all of the characters before you are through reading.
One of the best things is an absolutely delightful epilogue set about five years after the end of the last chapter. I love epilogues and this one was one of the loveliest ever. Not only did we get a very sweet and romantic look at Lilian and Pietro, but we also got an update on all of the characters from the other books in the series. Even though I hadn’t read a couple of the books, I loved seeing what happened to those characters as well. It really was one of the best epilogues I’ve read.
Lilian Fairclough is five and forty years and she’s suffering a bit from what we might call ‘empty nest syndrome’ today. She enjoyed a fairy-tale marriage with the love of her life, but she’s been a widow for ten years. She never even thought of another man during those years and spent all of her time and efforts in raising her three children and running her husband’s foundation. There was little time for anything else. Now, the children are grown, married, and one of them is expecting her first grandchild. She’s needed less and less at the foundation because her daughter and her husband have taken over the every-day running of it. At a loss for what to do with herself now and in the future, she allows her family to persuade her to travel to Italy with Alexandra, her husband’s cousin.
Pietro Venturi, Duca della Torizia, had an entirely different experience with marriage and, as a widower, has sworn that he will never, ever, marry again. At eight and forty, he has spent twenty-five years living a life of no commitments, no emotional involvement, and very strict rules around his affairs. Those rules, however, fly out the window as soon as he meets Lilian. Too bad it took him so long to figure it all out.
Lilian and Pietro had a bit of a history – just a small bit, but it was significant to both of them. The previous December Pietro had been in London and shared an impetuous, mind-blowing kiss with Lilian. Now – all these months later – when he encounters her in the corridor of his own home, he believes she is there to entrap him into marriage. He quickly sets her straight and propositions her. She was totally shocked to realize that it was his home they were visiting and made her position very, very, undoubtedly, clear to him. Well – that didn’t get off to a good start.
As Lilian and Pietro are thrown together more and more – and discover they share a love of art and many other things, their feelings grow. Each fights those feelings – especially Pietro – and they each have their reasons for believing that a relationship won’t work – especially since they live in two different countries. Seeing Pietro grow was a marvelous thing and I came to love him. Lilian had more room for love, but her growth and acceptance of another love was a wondrous thing to behold.
I really enjoyed this story of two very different people with two very different views of love and marriage find their HEA with each other. I hope you will love it as much as I did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 25, 2020
Lilian Fairclough is a loose ends in her life, widowed for many years, she has devoted her life to her children and keeping the Fairclough Foundation’s doors open. But now her children are grown and married, her daughter and her husband have taken over running the foundation and while they are happy for Lilian’s help, they don’t really need her. So when the opportunity to visit Italy arose, Lilian was eager to have an adventure. She is traveling with her late husband’s cousin Alexandra – who warns Lilian that Italy is not like England and the Italians are nothing like the prim and proper English. This is something Lilian is very aware of since meeting Pietro Venturi, Duca della Torizia last Christmas and sharing a kiss with him that still haunts her all these months later.
When they finally arrive in Italy, Lilian is horrified to learn that they are staying with Pietro! Lilian had no idea his sister Carlotta moved back to his home when she was widowed. So after an awkward and embarrassing reunion – in which Pietro misunderstands Lilian’s arrival in his home and is unbelievably rude and crass to her, it becomes clear that this will not be a smooth journey to HEA. Lilian is hurt and angry, but her desire to experience Rome and to see art that she has only seen in pictures, outweighs her anger, she will ignore Pietro and enjoy the sights.
Pietro almost immediately realizes his error and apologizes at the first opportunity. He and Lilian share a love of art and agree to “forget” about the kiss and be friends. He shows her the fresco in his home and she is awed – but unlike others who have seen it, she is more interested in the story behind it – just like Pietro. Intrigued by her, he offers to show her the Sistine Chapel and tells her places to visit. They form a true friendship and try to ignore the attraction that is simmering between them.
When Pietro takes her to his gallery and shares his most treasured possession with her – sketches of the design of the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo – the passion between them ignites and neither can deny it any longer. They begin an affair, but set rules and make it clear that the affair is temporary, goodbye will be goodbye. In addition, Pietro, who is quite the ladies’ man, has rules of his own that he doesn’t share with her. They embark on a very passionate affair, but soon they both realize they are in over their heads. And when Lilian learns of his past, she is hurt and decides to end their affair before she does the unthinkable and falls in love with him. But is it already too late? And can Pietro let go of the past and seize a chance at true love or will he let it condemn him to a lonely future?
I loved this book, it is well written, flows nicely and is almost impossible to put down. I love that Lilian and Pietro are older and shared more than just passion. The author did a wonderful job with imagery for this book, I was fascinated by the vivid descriptions of the art and the landmarks used in the story and had no problem visualizing based on her writing. The story itself was a lovely “second love” story, filled with emotion, steamy love scenes, heartache, guilt, learning to move on from the past and healing. It is definitely one of the better “second love” stories that I have read and I highly recommend this book. It is the final novel in an author collaboration series, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone title with no problems.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me*
When they finally arrive in Italy, Lilian is horrified to learn that they are staying with Pietro! Lilian had no idea his sister Carlotta moved back to his home when she was widowed. So after an awkward and embarrassing reunion – in which Pietro misunderstands Lilian’s arrival in his home and is unbelievably rude and crass to her, it becomes clear that this will not be a smooth journey to HEA. Lilian is hurt and angry, but her desire to experience Rome and to see art that she has only seen in pictures, outweighs her anger, she will ignore Pietro and enjoy the sights.
Pietro almost immediately realizes his error and apologizes at the first opportunity. He and Lilian share a love of art and agree to “forget” about the kiss and be friends. He shows her the fresco in his home and she is awed – but unlike others who have seen it, she is more interested in the story behind it – just like Pietro. Intrigued by her, he offers to show her the Sistine Chapel and tells her places to visit. They form a true friendship and try to ignore the attraction that is simmering between them.
When Pietro takes her to his gallery and shares his most treasured possession with her – sketches of the design of the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo – the passion between them ignites and neither can deny it any longer. They begin an affair, but set rules and make it clear that the affair is temporary, goodbye will be goodbye. In addition, Pietro, who is quite the ladies’ man, has rules of his own that he doesn’t share with her. They embark on a very passionate affair, but soon they both realize they are in over their heads. And when Lilian learns of his past, she is hurt and decides to end their affair before she does the unthinkable and falls in love with him. But is it already too late? And can Pietro let go of the past and seize a chance at true love or will he let it condemn him to a lonely future?
I loved this book, it is well written, flows nicely and is almost impossible to put down. I love that Lilian and Pietro are older and shared more than just passion. The author did a wonderful job with imagery for this book, I was fascinated by the vivid descriptions of the art and the landmarks used in the story and had no problem visualizing based on her writing. The story itself was a lovely “second love” story, filled with emotion, steamy love scenes, heartache, guilt, learning to move on from the past and healing. It is definitely one of the better “second love” stories that I have read and I highly recommend this book. It is the final novel in an author collaboration series, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone title with no problems.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me*
December 13, 2019
Lilian and the Irresistible Duke
Secrets of a Victorian Household Series #4
Virginia Heath
https://www.facebook.com/virginiaheat...
Release date 02/01/2020
Publisher Harlequin Historical / Mills&Boon Historical
Blurb :
A reunion in Rome…
Sparks an affair to remember!
Part of Secrets of a Victorian Household. Responsible widow Lilian Fairclough is persuaded to travel to Rome for a hard-earned break and to let down her hair! She’s surprised to be reunited with passionate, cynical Italian duke Pietro Venturi. He reawakens her sensual side and intrigues her with glimpses of pain beneath his rakish surface. Enticed into a secret and temporary affair, what will happen once she returns home?
My review :
When two persons sharing a common love for art, can it be more than a temporary affair ...
In fact I preordered this book without even reading the blurb, as I know Mrs Virginia Heath can’t disappoint me, she never and today she confirmed my hopes.
What a delight it was to read Lilian and Pietro’s story, I embarked in their journey all eyes big open, enjoying their outings and the paint lessons.
Next time I visit Roma, I might see it under a different light, and it is sure I would look at the seven hills with the same way.
I have come to cherish these older peoples romances, by being more mature, they act differently than their younger self, they know what they want and who they are. And Mrs Virginia Heath explores it perfectly. Her heroes are wondrous brought-to-life characters, they have their flaws and strengths as their past shaped them to the person they are now.
Both have experienced very different marriage, she filed with love but also duties and he a transaction without even an once of passion. Why they board in their affair with their own expectations.
Lilian had a loving union, and mourned her husband for many years, so when she collides with Pietro, she is far away from thinking of having an affair, and already knows it will be a challenge in itself to disconnect her heart from her body.
Pietro on his side is very adamant with his own rules to in no way disturb his bachelorhood, but happy to indulge with a lovely widow sharing his love for art. She awakens feelings he never experienced and it scares him.
At the beginning of their romance there is an air of lightness, I do not know why but it made me thought of A Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn. Their relationship was so romantic and charming, but also sensual thus I wondered when the other shoe would drop.
And it did.
From there, they must face the shadows from their past and particularly figure out what is worth, when Lilian could be easily swayed from her path, Pietro refuses to budge, single he is, unwed he will stay.
I spent my entire reading picture Pietro as Antonio Banderas, et definitively it suited him.
Even if it is part of a mini series written by different authors, this book is a standalone and no need to read the previous books to fully appreciate it, but do not deprive you from three other good reads.
It is again a 5 stars read by Virginia Heath.
I was provided by the author an advance copy but prior to it, I preordered my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Secrets of a Victorian Household Series #4
Virginia Heath
https://www.facebook.com/virginiaheat...
Release date 02/01/2020
Publisher Harlequin Historical / Mills&Boon Historical
Blurb :
A reunion in Rome…
Sparks an affair to remember!
Part of Secrets of a Victorian Household. Responsible widow Lilian Fairclough is persuaded to travel to Rome for a hard-earned break and to let down her hair! She’s surprised to be reunited with passionate, cynical Italian duke Pietro Venturi. He reawakens her sensual side and intrigues her with glimpses of pain beneath his rakish surface. Enticed into a secret and temporary affair, what will happen once she returns home?
My review :
When two persons sharing a common love for art, can it be more than a temporary affair ...
In fact I preordered this book without even reading the blurb, as I know Mrs Virginia Heath can’t disappoint me, she never and today she confirmed my hopes.
What a delight it was to read Lilian and Pietro’s story, I embarked in their journey all eyes big open, enjoying their outings and the paint lessons.
Next time I visit Roma, I might see it under a different light, and it is sure I would look at the seven hills with the same way.
I have come to cherish these older peoples romances, by being more mature, they act differently than their younger self, they know what they want and who they are. And Mrs Virginia Heath explores it perfectly. Her heroes are wondrous brought-to-life characters, they have their flaws and strengths as their past shaped them to the person they are now.
Both have experienced very different marriage, she filed with love but also duties and he a transaction without even an once of passion. Why they board in their affair with their own expectations.
Lilian had a loving union, and mourned her husband for many years, so when she collides with Pietro, she is far away from thinking of having an affair, and already knows it will be a challenge in itself to disconnect her heart from her body.
Pietro on his side is very adamant with his own rules to in no way disturb his bachelorhood, but happy to indulge with a lovely widow sharing his love for art. She awakens feelings he never experienced and it scares him.
At the beginning of their romance there is an air of lightness, I do not know why but it made me thought of A Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn. Their relationship was so romantic and charming, but also sensual thus I wondered when the other shoe would drop.
And it did.
From there, they must face the shadows from their past and particularly figure out what is worth, when Lilian could be easily swayed from her path, Pietro refuses to budge, single he is, unwed he will stay.
I spent my entire reading picture Pietro as Antonio Banderas, et definitively it suited him.
Even if it is part of a mini series written by different authors, this book is a standalone and no need to read the previous books to fully appreciate it, but do not deprive you from three other good reads.
It is again a 5 stars read by Virginia Heath.
I was provided by the author an advance copy but prior to it, I preordered my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
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January 24, 2020
This is the fourth and finale book in the Victorian Household series, and if there was any author who can end a brilliant series with a swooningly brilliant bang, then it’s Virginia Heath! And what an ending, it’s so romantic…but then what do we expect from a sensual Italian?
Lillian whom for those who have been following this series will know as the mother of the three siblings whose stories have come before this, she has done the dutiful mother and wife she has put her whole life on the back burner for her family and now after being widowed for many years and having her children fly the next to start their own chapter’s she has now the opportunity to go out there and have an adventure of her own. I can’t help but think I have made her sound a little cold, which was not my intention she is as far from cold as a person can get, yet I don’t think I have done this amazing lady justice. This is what happens when you have a very small vocabulary and your soul focus is on the incorrigible Italian, maybe I should just stick to gifs to get my opinion across?
I really, really like Lillian, she is a remarkable lady; selfless, loving, caring, protective and resourceful. She believes that she can never find love or ever feel the stirring of lust and tingles of desire again, oh how wrong she is! After the sad passing of her beloved husband she reached into that deeply hidden internal strength to pull her self up and raise her children – plus their Fairclough foundation, as her husband would have wanted, I also love that she genuinely appeared to love her husband that theirs was a love match another reason why I think she’s a wonderful lady she has a romantic’s heart. She did the most amazing job doing all that on her own, but she is well and truly in dire need of some happiness, a little wooing and adventure of her own. Something which she thinks a lady of her age cannot have, honestly lady your not in the grave yet.
It is such a breath of fresh air to read a story with an older couple instead of your young whipper snappers at twenty something taking centre stage, we have here a women in her prime finally having fun and living the life she should be and being charmed by a sexy enigmatic and gloriously seductive man…isn’t that every woman’s wish?
So our lovely Lillian sets out to Rome for an adventure of a lifetime, unfortunately for her she ends up with not one but two match-makers who are both gently nudging her in the direction of the ridiculously charming, sexy, god-like, rampant Italian stallion that is Pietro…oh, my days! Where is my feather fan when I need it? I’m getting all hot and flustered, one of the things that I have got from this gorgeous book is that; Virginia you really need to send me some more sexy Italians!!!
So…where was I? Oh, yes, Lillian is soon reunited with a very familiar face, if you have read the previous book; Amelia’s story, then you will know that while at a house party Lillian got friendly with a mysterious Italian Duke….oooh the minx! Well that very man is right there before her eyes in all his beautiful tantalising glory.
Pietro, oh Pietro; be still my beating heart! He is a real stud, a proper rascal, roguish in a very elegant way, charming, enigmatic, seductive, a blazing Italian stallion. But, he is also jaded and cynical, his view of relationships and of love is gone a little astray and all he now sees is the needy, manipulative and the bad side of love. He is a bit of a playboy, hopping from one woman’s bed to the next, never sticking around too long and never visiting the same bed twice, but his reluctance in love comes from a real deeply ingrained pain, a pain that our Lillian can see straight away she sees the sadness behind his sparkling smile. I adore the way Virginia describes his voice, I have this sudden image of chocolate; smooth, luxurious and delicious, it made me melt and go into a full on swoon whenever he purr’s those Italian love words to her. Smooth Pietro, very smooth!
They are both guarded, but they can’t deny the attraction they have for one and other, and it is so lovely seeing them as they slowly and rather cautiously get to know each other as Pietro shows her his beautiful city, as they discover they each share a love of art, but seeing as Lillian is only there on holiday will be an end to their new found love? Well I’m not going to divulge what happens’ next, but that ending…oh, be still my beating heart, super romantic!
I love this, the perfectly paced plot is full of fun, brilliant banter, sizzling tension flirtatious winks and saucy innuendos. Fabulously likable character’s, and set in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, the description of the city, the art, the history is magical.
Lillian whom for those who have been following this series will know as the mother of the three siblings whose stories have come before this, she has done the dutiful mother and wife she has put her whole life on the back burner for her family and now after being widowed for many years and having her children fly the next to start their own chapter’s she has now the opportunity to go out there and have an adventure of her own. I can’t help but think I have made her sound a little cold, which was not my intention she is as far from cold as a person can get, yet I don’t think I have done this amazing lady justice. This is what happens when you have a very small vocabulary and your soul focus is on the incorrigible Italian, maybe I should just stick to gifs to get my opinion across?
I really, really like Lillian, she is a remarkable lady; selfless, loving, caring, protective and resourceful. She believes that she can never find love or ever feel the stirring of lust and tingles of desire again, oh how wrong she is! After the sad passing of her beloved husband she reached into that deeply hidden internal strength to pull her self up and raise her children – plus their Fairclough foundation, as her husband would have wanted, I also love that she genuinely appeared to love her husband that theirs was a love match another reason why I think she’s a wonderful lady she has a romantic’s heart. She did the most amazing job doing all that on her own, but she is well and truly in dire need of some happiness, a little wooing and adventure of her own. Something which she thinks a lady of her age cannot have, honestly lady your not in the grave yet.
It is such a breath of fresh air to read a story with an older couple instead of your young whipper snappers at twenty something taking centre stage, we have here a women in her prime finally having fun and living the life she should be and being charmed by a sexy enigmatic and gloriously seductive man…isn’t that every woman’s wish?
So our lovely Lillian sets out to Rome for an adventure of a lifetime, unfortunately for her she ends up with not one but two match-makers who are both gently nudging her in the direction of the ridiculously charming, sexy, god-like, rampant Italian stallion that is Pietro…oh, my days! Where is my feather fan when I need it? I’m getting all hot and flustered, one of the things that I have got from this gorgeous book is that; Virginia you really need to send me some more sexy Italians!!!
So…where was I? Oh, yes, Lillian is soon reunited with a very familiar face, if you have read the previous book; Amelia’s story, then you will know that while at a house party Lillian got friendly with a mysterious Italian Duke….oooh the minx! Well that very man is right there before her eyes in all his beautiful tantalising glory.
Pietro, oh Pietro; be still my beating heart! He is a real stud, a proper rascal, roguish in a very elegant way, charming, enigmatic, seductive, a blazing Italian stallion. But, he is also jaded and cynical, his view of relationships and of love is gone a little astray and all he now sees is the needy, manipulative and the bad side of love. He is a bit of a playboy, hopping from one woman’s bed to the next, never sticking around too long and never visiting the same bed twice, but his reluctance in love comes from a real deeply ingrained pain, a pain that our Lillian can see straight away she sees the sadness behind his sparkling smile. I adore the way Virginia describes his voice, I have this sudden image of chocolate; smooth, luxurious and delicious, it made me melt and go into a full on swoon whenever he purr’s those Italian love words to her. Smooth Pietro, very smooth!
They are both guarded, but they can’t deny the attraction they have for one and other, and it is so lovely seeing them as they slowly and rather cautiously get to know each other as Pietro shows her his beautiful city, as they discover they each share a love of art, but seeing as Lillian is only there on holiday will be an end to their new found love? Well I’m not going to divulge what happens’ next, but that ending…oh, be still my beating heart, super romantic!
I love this, the perfectly paced plot is full of fun, brilliant banter, sizzling tension flirtatious winks and saucy innuendos. Fabulously likable character’s, and set in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, the description of the city, the art, the history is magical.
January 31, 2020
While this is the fourth in a multi-author miniseries about a Victorian family, you don’t need to have read the other three to follow the plot of this one, though there is a charming reunion scene at the end where you’ll get to revisit favourites from other books if you’ve been following along.
The first three books in the series featured the three adult children of the Fairclough family finding their happily ever afters; this final book features their widowed mother, Lilian, who at forty-five with her children all grown and married finds herself in something of a mid-life crisis. She’s become surplus to requirements in her own life, and she’s clearly at a crossroads, unsure of what path her life will take from here on out. Convinced to accompany her relative Alexandra on a trip to Rome, she almost immediately encounters Pietro, an arrogant duke with whom she had a previous encounter in London. An encounter which involved a kiss.
Lilian is a delightful heroine, one mature enough to have no truck with games, something she makes clear to Pietro at the outset and reinforces whenever he attempts to dismiss her concerns. While she and Pietro are both widowers, they have very different backstories; Lilian loved her husband, whereas Pietro’s marriage was a disaster, making him deeply cynical about love. The pair fall in love over a shared passion for art, and the descriptions of Rome as it must have been seen through Victorian eyes are a delight to read, the author having obviously deeply immersed themselves in research of the location and period.
Because this is a romance, everything gets resolved in the end, of course, though there was one question I genuinely thought needed addressing, which was the question of Pietro’s heir. It seemed an obvious question for Lilian, at least, to ask; a duke without a son must want an heir, and why wouldn’t Pietro therefore be seeking a bride of childbearing age? Honestly it would have been a simple matter to include a younger brother/nephew/cousin who is a fine, responsible young man and therefore remove the concern, but since it wasn’t addressed, I was left to wonder. It was a small niggle, though, and one which didn’t spoil my genuine enjoyment of this second-chance romance with a couple both in middle age. Five stars for a delightful read.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via Rachel’s Random Resources.
The first three books in the series featured the three adult children of the Fairclough family finding their happily ever afters; this final book features their widowed mother, Lilian, who at forty-five with her children all grown and married finds herself in something of a mid-life crisis. She’s become surplus to requirements in her own life, and she’s clearly at a crossroads, unsure of what path her life will take from here on out. Convinced to accompany her relative Alexandra on a trip to Rome, she almost immediately encounters Pietro, an arrogant duke with whom she had a previous encounter in London. An encounter which involved a kiss.
Lilian is a delightful heroine, one mature enough to have no truck with games, something she makes clear to Pietro at the outset and reinforces whenever he attempts to dismiss her concerns. While she and Pietro are both widowers, they have very different backstories; Lilian loved her husband, whereas Pietro’s marriage was a disaster, making him deeply cynical about love. The pair fall in love over a shared passion for art, and the descriptions of Rome as it must have been seen through Victorian eyes are a delight to read, the author having obviously deeply immersed themselves in research of the location and period.
Because this is a romance, everything gets resolved in the end, of course, though there was one question I genuinely thought needed addressing, which was the question of Pietro’s heir. It seemed an obvious question for Lilian, at least, to ask; a duke without a son must want an heir, and why wouldn’t Pietro therefore be seeking a bride of childbearing age? Honestly it would have been a simple matter to include a younger brother/nephew/cousin who is a fine, responsible young man and therefore remove the concern, but since it wasn’t addressed, I was left to wonder. It was a small niggle, though, and one which didn’t spoil my genuine enjoyment of this second-chance romance with a couple both in middle age. Five stars for a delightful read.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via Rachel’s Random Resources.
January 30, 2020
After a lifetime of commitments to her family, Lilian is finally free to follow her heart. And a handsome Italian Duke might just be the answer.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book in the Victorian Household series that I've read. Despite there being 3 other books before it, this story worked well as a stand-alone.
Now that her children are all grown and married, with babies on the way, and careers in place; the family dynamics are changing. For the first time in her life, Lilian finds herself surplus to requirements. Having never been completely free, Lilian joins her cousin Alexandra, to spend summer in Italy.
What she doesn't know, is that she is going to be a guest in the home of Pietro, the Italian Duke she kissed last winter.
This was a surprisingly sweet story, as Lilian rediscovers herself, and her love for art and architecture. With the help of her friends, and encouragement of her family, she shrugs off her old persona of a dowdy widow devoted to her children, to find the person she wants to be.
Pietro hasn't had the easiest life, when he was a young man, he had to chose duty over any chance of love. Now, he keeps women at a distance, and works tirelessly at expanding his fortune and collecting art for discerning buyers.
With Lilian so close, he has to confront his demons, before he loses her.
Compared to the other books I've read by Virginia Heath, this one only focussed on the romance, and I was missing the exciting plots she can weave into her stories. Instead, the focus was shifted to a background of Italian art and architecture. This was good, and well-researched; but as it's not an area of interest for me, I wasn't overly invested.
Overall, this was a really sweet book, and it is nice to see main characters that are middle-aged take centre stage.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book in the Victorian Household series that I've read. Despite there being 3 other books before it, this story worked well as a stand-alone.
Now that her children are all grown and married, with babies on the way, and careers in place; the family dynamics are changing. For the first time in her life, Lilian finds herself surplus to requirements. Having never been completely free, Lilian joins her cousin Alexandra, to spend summer in Italy.
What she doesn't know, is that she is going to be a guest in the home of Pietro, the Italian Duke she kissed last winter.
This was a surprisingly sweet story, as Lilian rediscovers herself, and her love for art and architecture. With the help of her friends, and encouragement of her family, she shrugs off her old persona of a dowdy widow devoted to her children, to find the person she wants to be.
Pietro hasn't had the easiest life, when he was a young man, he had to chose duty over any chance of love. Now, he keeps women at a distance, and works tirelessly at expanding his fortune and collecting art for discerning buyers.
With Lilian so close, he has to confront his demons, before he loses her.
Compared to the other books I've read by Virginia Heath, this one only focussed on the romance, and I was missing the exciting plots she can weave into her stories. Instead, the focus was shifted to a background of Italian art and architecture. This was good, and well-researched; but as it's not an area of interest for me, I wasn't overly invested.
Overall, this was a really sweet book, and it is nice to see main characters that are middle-aged take centre stage.
December 17, 2019
I am so pleased to see more authors writing romances with older characters. The opportunities for love are not gone when a person is older. In Lilian and the Irresistible Duke we have the story of the mother of the other characters in the series. Like so many women she has put her personal life aside for the benefit of her family. Long widowed after a solid, loving marriage, Lilian embarks on an adventure trip to Rome, with the support of her children.
While in Rome Lilian meets Pietro, a duke and sister of her hostess. Cautiously, they begin a sexual affair. It was such fun to see two people in their forties enjoying the sights of Rome, art treasures, and each other. Of course, all good things come to an end and Lilian must return to England.
I don't think this is Heath's strongest book, but I enjoyed it thoroughly. The ending brings together and updates all of the characters from the series. (This was not as exciting as it could have been since I was able to read only the first and last books so far.)
ARC provided by the author.
While in Rome Lilian meets Pietro, a duke and sister of her hostess. Cautiously, they begin a sexual affair. It was such fun to see two people in their forties enjoying the sights of Rome, art treasures, and each other. Of course, all good things come to an end and Lilian must return to England.
I don't think this is Heath's strongest book, but I enjoyed it thoroughly. The ending brings together and updates all of the characters from the series. (This was not as exciting as it could have been since I was able to read only the first and last books so far.)
ARC provided by the author.
December 23, 2019
The fourth enchanting story in the 'Secrets of a Victorian Household' series written by a quartet of writers. This series is about the family running the Fairclough Foundation, a place of salvation for many poverty stricken women needing shelter in London. Lilian is the matriarch of the family and the Director of the Fairclough Foundation. Convinced by her family to take a much needed break, she heads to Italy with her cousin. There she meets the Duca della Torizia once again. Pietro and Lilian succumb to their attraction, but with the understanding this is just a short affair. There are too many reasons why they can never really be together. Once again Ms Heath has written an amazing story with characters you become attached to immediately, and in this case, the scenery and museums of Rome come to life as if you were there. Do yourself a favour, and read this book and this series. Can't recommend enough.
January 23, 2020
Enchantingly beautiful, I laughed, cried, was enraged aswell as having all the lovely feels. As always Ms Heath most definitely does not disappoint. Our Hero and Heroine both wonderful as Nd very easy to connect with, absolutely also loved our epilogue most definitely sweet
January 11, 2020
Lilian and the Irresistible Duke by Virginia Heath is the fourth book in the Secrets of a Victorian Household series. There are four books in the series and each one has been written by a different author. I have only read one of the others, but you needn't read the others in order to fully understand and enjoy this one.
Lilian Fairclough has been a widow for 10 years, she loved her husband with all her heart and knows she will never marry again because she couldn't love any man as much as she loved her Henry. She is 45 and has happily seen her 3 children grow up, fall in love and marry. She feels lonely now that the children have all flown the coop and with some not so gentle persuasion from those children she is convinced to take two months away from her normal life and enjoy a break in Italy. Her late husband's cousin, Alexandra will travel with her too, so Lilian is looking forward to the break away.
Pietro Venturi, Duca della Torizia is 48. He is a widower but there is no love lost where his story is concerned. All he felt when his wife died was relief. Since then he has been determined to only have affairs with women, he has no intention to marry ever again, he enjoys his freedom, he enjoys women, and he enjoys art. He has no intention of ever changing his way of life.
Lilian is horrified when she realises that the place she and Alexandra will be spending their vacation is actually Pietro's home. She is horrified because the previous year they ended up sharing a toe-numbing, mind-blowing kiss! It was just one kiss but it's one neither of them has forgotten. Lilian considered it a huge mistake and doesn't want Pietro to think that he can take any liberties with her now that she is under his roof. She makes that perfectly clear to him at the first available opportunity.
He tells her that he understands perfectly and that they should still be able to spend time as friends, especially as they have a mutual love of art and he wants to take her places where she can experience the best that the country has to offer. They spend a lot of time together because of that, and the more time they spend together the more they feel both their friendship and their lust building. Neither wants to marry again, perhaps they can just have an affair? But in the end, will it be enough. They both think so, but maybe they will find out that they have been fooling themselves!
I really loved this story, not least because of the age of our couple. It's nice to have a book that shows that lust and love aren't reserved purely for those under 30. I enjoyed the budding romance between Pietro and Lilian and how they spent so much time enjoying the artistic delights that Italy has to offer. I have never been to the Sistine Chapel, but I have to admit that after reading this book I would definitely love to see it for myself!
This book ticked all the boxes for me and left me smiling. I loved every emotional minute of it and am more than happy to recommend it.
Lilian Fairclough has been a widow for 10 years, she loved her husband with all her heart and knows she will never marry again because she couldn't love any man as much as she loved her Henry. She is 45 and has happily seen her 3 children grow up, fall in love and marry. She feels lonely now that the children have all flown the coop and with some not so gentle persuasion from those children she is convinced to take two months away from her normal life and enjoy a break in Italy. Her late husband's cousin, Alexandra will travel with her too, so Lilian is looking forward to the break away.
Pietro Venturi, Duca della Torizia is 48. He is a widower but there is no love lost where his story is concerned. All he felt when his wife died was relief. Since then he has been determined to only have affairs with women, he has no intention to marry ever again, he enjoys his freedom, he enjoys women, and he enjoys art. He has no intention of ever changing his way of life.
Lilian is horrified when she realises that the place she and Alexandra will be spending their vacation is actually Pietro's home. She is horrified because the previous year they ended up sharing a toe-numbing, mind-blowing kiss! It was just one kiss but it's one neither of them has forgotten. Lilian considered it a huge mistake and doesn't want Pietro to think that he can take any liberties with her now that she is under his roof. She makes that perfectly clear to him at the first available opportunity.
He tells her that he understands perfectly and that they should still be able to spend time as friends, especially as they have a mutual love of art and he wants to take her places where she can experience the best that the country has to offer. They spend a lot of time together because of that, and the more time they spend together the more they feel both their friendship and their lust building. Neither wants to marry again, perhaps they can just have an affair? But in the end, will it be enough. They both think so, but maybe they will find out that they have been fooling themselves!
I really loved this story, not least because of the age of our couple. It's nice to have a book that shows that lust and love aren't reserved purely for those under 30. I enjoyed the budding romance between Pietro and Lilian and how they spent so much time enjoying the artistic delights that Italy has to offer. I have never been to the Sistine Chapel, but I have to admit that after reading this book I would definitely love to see it for myself!
This book ticked all the boxes for me and left me smiling. I loved every emotional minute of it and am more than happy to recommend it.
January 13, 2020
Lilian Fairclough had met the seductive Pietro Venturi, an Italian duke, the previous Christmas and they exchanged an unexpected and passionate kiss. Lilian has been widowed for years, and now that her children are all happily married, she doesn't know what the future holds for her. When her children gift her a trip abroad, she vows to enjoy herself. When she arrives in Rome, she is to stay with a friend of a friend, the wonderfully exuberant Carlotta. But uh-oh. Pietro also lives at the palazzo, Carlotta is his sister!
The ever fabulous Virginia Heath switches eras and countries with remarkable ease, as if she'd always written about Italy in the 1840s. Pietro and Lilian are also older - he's 48, she's 45 - and I think it added depth and texture to the romance, particularly as they behaved like adults. The romance is exquisite; it's very passionate but without page upon page of explicitly detailed lovemaking. It's steamy but not vulgar or cheap, there are no endless mentions of tightness and wetness, of twitching in one's ever-tightening breeches, or heavenly ecstasy of the maiden's first time. Grown-up bliss!
Lilian is a superb character; she's a lover, a romantic, she's enthusiastic and effervescent, and embraces Italy, where she feels alive again. Pietro is so marvellously Italian! Charming, roguish, but in a respectful and romantic way. Virginia Heath admits her own love of Italy and it translates magnificently on the page. I saw the country, I admired the art, all through Lilian's eyes; I could feel the warmth of the sun, I could hear those lovely words and names in Pietro's voice... It is all so unbearably lovely! So pleasant, lively, angst-free... and ever so romantic! The extended epilogue brings us up to speed with everything that's happened in the previous three books of the Secrets of a Victorian Household series. The very appealing characters, the sublime descriptive prose, the sparkling dialogues, the delightful wit, the art, the magnificent latin backdrop, LILIAN AND THE IRRESISTIBLE DUKE has it all!
I volontarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The ever fabulous Virginia Heath switches eras and countries with remarkable ease, as if she'd always written about Italy in the 1840s. Pietro and Lilian are also older - he's 48, she's 45 - and I think it added depth and texture to the romance, particularly as they behaved like adults. The romance is exquisite; it's very passionate but without page upon page of explicitly detailed lovemaking. It's steamy but not vulgar or cheap, there are no endless mentions of tightness and wetness, of twitching in one's ever-tightening breeches, or heavenly ecstasy of the maiden's first time. Grown-up bliss!
Lilian is a superb character; she's a lover, a romantic, she's enthusiastic and effervescent, and embraces Italy, where she feels alive again. Pietro is so marvellously Italian! Charming, roguish, but in a respectful and romantic way. Virginia Heath admits her own love of Italy and it translates magnificently on the page. I saw the country, I admired the art, all through Lilian's eyes; I could feel the warmth of the sun, I could hear those lovely words and names in Pietro's voice... It is all so unbearably lovely! So pleasant, lively, angst-free... and ever so romantic! The extended epilogue brings us up to speed with everything that's happened in the previous three books of the Secrets of a Victorian Household series. The very appealing characters, the sublime descriptive prose, the sparkling dialogues, the delightful wit, the art, the magnificent latin backdrop, LILIAN AND THE IRRESISTIBLE DUKE has it all!
I volontarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 13, 2020
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Really enjoyable read from Virginia. What a wonderful pleasure it was to read a love story of a couple in their late 40’s.
See we don’t curl up and rot at that age , we keep loving on
Pietro and Lilian were so perfect together, passionate and irresistible reading.
I adore the location the book is set in too one of my favourite countries to visit.
I recommend this to all , especially those who think passion is only for the young.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋
Really enjoyable read from Virginia. What a wonderful pleasure it was to read a love story of a couple in their late 40’s.
See we don’t curl up and rot at that age , we keep loving on
Pietro and Lilian were so perfect together, passionate and irresistible reading.
I adore the location the book is set in too one of my favourite countries to visit.
I recommend this to all , especially those who think passion is only for the young.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
January 21, 2020
A sensual journey of romance and an unexpected chance at finding love a second time. Prepare to step back in history and see beautiful Rome with all of its wondrous art and settings as described perfectly by this author. Virginia Heath has engaged her knowledge and historical facts perfectly as we follow widow Lilian Fairclough on her travels to Rome, where she meets Duke Pietro Venturi. Having shared a sizzling kiss a year hence while he was in London, it was one that neither had forgotten. As fate brings them back together, there is resistance at first but as they spend time together it is amazing how much they have in common and their attraction grows.
Lilian is a wonderful character. She is romantic, has a joy for life and loves the city and the culture. Pietro is the quintessential Italian lover, handsome, a little bit of a rogue but charming. As they give into their attraction, is that all it will be?
Amazing characters, scenic romantic vistas, witty dialogue and this author's magnificent prose bring this story full circle to be one that is a keeper and will be read again. Perfect.
Lilian is a wonderful character. She is romantic, has a joy for life and loves the city and the culture. Pietro is the quintessential Italian lover, handsome, a little bit of a rogue but charming. As they give into their attraction, is that all it will be?
Amazing characters, scenic romantic vistas, witty dialogue and this author's magnificent prose bring this story full circle to be one that is a keeper and will be read again. Perfect.
September 23, 2021
Lilian Fairclough is a widow whose children have convinced her to visit a friend in Italy and maybe to have some adventures. Pietro is a widower and a discrete ladies man who is convinced that he is not a suitable husband, based on his short-lived marriage to his first wife. The two of them met before but nothing came of the meeting except a passionate kiss.
Now it could be a holiday romance or it could be something more but both of them need to unpack some baggage and decide how they can balance their established lives with their romance.
It was a fun read with engaging characters.
Now it could be a holiday romance or it could be something more but both of them need to unpack some baggage and decide how they can balance their established lives with their romance.
It was a fun read with engaging characters.
January 20, 2020
Lilian and the Irresistible Duke is book four in the Secrets of a Victorian Household series of historical romances. Each book in the series has been written by a different author, but the characters from each one are closely connected.
Lilian’s three grown-up children have persuaded her to take a well-deserved holiday away from The Fairclough Foundation, a safe haven for destitute women in London. Lilian is looking forward to her visit to Rome; it brings back memories of a secret but delightful kiss from Duke Pietro Venturi.
Pietro Venturi is surprised to bump into Lilian in his home. Knowing that she is a widow he suspects that his sister is trying to matchmake, but when Lilian insists that she is only looking for friendship he relaxes and instead delights in their joint love of art. See here for full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-fbJ
Lilian’s three grown-up children have persuaded her to take a well-deserved holiday away from The Fairclough Foundation, a safe haven for destitute women in London. Lilian is looking forward to her visit to Rome; it brings back memories of a secret but delightful kiss from Duke Pietro Venturi.
Pietro Venturi is surprised to bump into Lilian in his home. Knowing that she is a widow he suspects that his sister is trying to matchmake, but when Lilian insists that she is only looking for friendship he relaxes and instead delights in their joint love of art. See here for full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-fbJ
January 13, 2020
Virginia Heath is by far one of my favorite authors. I'm always thrilled to read something new from her and Lilian and the Irresistible Duke is a lovely addition to her wonderful collection of stories.
Lilian and the Irresistible Duke is a steamy romance featuring a mature hero and heroine. Keep a fan ready because this one is hot. Italy, art, romance and an attraction between two people that burns right off the page make this the perfect winter read.
Lilian Fairclough is a widow with adult children, who has lost a bit of herself in raising a family and in her work at her deceased husbands charitable foundation. She loves her family and the foundation, but her children have taken over all the administrative roles at the foundation and she is at loose ends. Her family decide she needs a trip to Italy to indulge in her love of art and to take a vacation. She accompanies her husband's cousin Alexandra to Italy where they will be staying with Alexandra's friend for six weeks. Doesn't that sound like a wonderful adventure? I was drawn into Lilian's life and wanted her to have the best time in Italy. Virginia Heath does not disappoint, as she gives Lilian and the reader a wonderful art tour of Italy and as the icing on the cake, Pietro Venturi.
Pietro Venturi is the brother of Alexandra's friend and an Italian art dealer. He is a mature hero, handsome, sexy and flawed. The perfect, what happens in Rome stays in Rome fling. Yet there is more to Pietro than meets the eye. Pietro is the very person that Lilian need in her life and he needs Lilian more than he knows.
Lilian and the Irresistible Duke is such a wonderful read and it was nice to have a romance where the couple is mature and sexy at the same time. I also enjoyed that the book was set in Italy and its location was a lovely way to warm up a cold winters day.
I can't wait to see what Virginia Heath comes up with next.
ARC provided by publisher
Lilian and the Irresistible Duke is a steamy romance featuring a mature hero and heroine. Keep a fan ready because this one is hot. Italy, art, romance and an attraction between two people that burns right off the page make this the perfect winter read.
Lilian Fairclough is a widow with adult children, who has lost a bit of herself in raising a family and in her work at her deceased husbands charitable foundation. She loves her family and the foundation, but her children have taken over all the administrative roles at the foundation and she is at loose ends. Her family decide she needs a trip to Italy to indulge in her love of art and to take a vacation. She accompanies her husband's cousin Alexandra to Italy where they will be staying with Alexandra's friend for six weeks. Doesn't that sound like a wonderful adventure? I was drawn into Lilian's life and wanted her to have the best time in Italy. Virginia Heath does not disappoint, as she gives Lilian and the reader a wonderful art tour of Italy and as the icing on the cake, Pietro Venturi.
Pietro Venturi is the brother of Alexandra's friend and an Italian art dealer. He is a mature hero, handsome, sexy and flawed. The perfect, what happens in Rome stays in Rome fling. Yet there is more to Pietro than meets the eye. Pietro is the very person that Lilian need in her life and he needs Lilian more than he knows.
Lilian and the Irresistible Duke is such a wonderful read and it was nice to have a romance where the couple is mature and sexy at the same time. I also enjoyed that the book was set in Italy and its location was a lovely way to warm up a cold winters day.
I can't wait to see what Virginia Heath comes up with next.
ARC provided by publisher
January 10, 2020
I have read many of Ms Heath's books and this one is quite different from the last few I have read. The others had adventure, villains and romance in them, whereas this one is pure romance. I enjoyed reading about art and Italy but found I personally missed the adventure. For those who love romance with lots of sex, this one is for you. As usual, Ms Heath has written her characters beautifully and with much feeling. I received this as an ARC and freely give my review.
February 16, 2021
3.5 stars. The writing was excellent but I had some reservations about main characters. I liked the plot of romance between matured couple but some of their actions didn’t portray their age.
January 31, 2020
4.5 stars, as reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-16V
Lilian Fairclough has been widowed for ten years, and has survived some hard times, while still managing to raise her three children and running the Fairclough Foundation. Now her children are all happily married, money is no longer an issue, and the family foundation is now in capable hands. For the first time in forever, forty-five year old Lilian is going to take a holiday and visit Italy – a place she’s longed to see. She’ll also be able to view some of the world’s greatest art, another passion of hers. Lilian travels with her friend, Alexandra, and they’ll be staying with her friend, Carlotta. What Lilian doesn’t know is that Carlotta happens to be the sister of a man she met briefly last Christmas, and with whom she shared an unforgettable kiss.
Pietro Venturi is the Italian Duke of Torizia, an avid art lover, and a successful art dealer. His business involves travelling, often to England, where he encountered Lilian last Christmas. He fondly remembers her and their shared kiss, but is surprised to find her in his Italian home as the guest of his sister. Pietro is now forty-eight years old, and has been widowed for twenty-five years. When his wife died, he made a decision about how he was going to live his life. From that point forward, he had numerous lovers, but all his affairs were conducted by his rules. He’ll never marry again. No emotions are involved. No promises are made. No strings are attached.
Pietro still feels that attraction for Lilian, and before too long, he boldly suggests an affair for the duration of her stay in Italy. Lilian, feeling free and attractive for the first time in years, surprises even herself as she agrees. Pietro and Lilian begin a steamy affair, but it turns out there’s so much more to their relationship. As Pietro takes Lilian to visit the lovely sites and art in his country, they discover they are compatible in so many ways other than the physical. They share a passion for art and beauty, and they share the same sense of humor. Though they agreed to a physical relationship only, it’s clear that they are becoming emotionally involved.
Since Lilian has felt love before, she recognizes what is happening, but Pietro is a stranger to the emotion and only feels unsettled and threatened. Though Lilian’s life has been hard, it’s also been filled with the love of a wonderful man and her children. Pietro, on the other hand, was forced into a marriage of convenience by his father at a young age, to a woman he didn’t know, couldn’t love, and who made his life hellish. Now, he doesn’t want to let Lilian disappear from his life, but he’s at a loss as to what he should do.
There is so much I love about LILIAN AND THE IRRESISTIBLE DUKE. Watching Lilian blossom and come into her own was joyful. I appreciate that she wanted their relationship to become permanent, but never tried to force Pietro into something he wasn’t ready for. Pietro was handsome, charming, and sexy, but confused and hurt from his youthful marriage. He always built Lilian up and made her feel beautiful, even though he had to find his own way and discover the path he needed to take. It’s wonderful to see a lead couple who are not youngsters in their twenties, but mature adults, even though they each had things to learn. I greatly enjoyed Lilian and Pietro’s sometimes bumpy journey to happily-ever-after, and especially loved the last chapter which gave a little glimpse into their future. LILIAN AND THE IRRESISTIBLE DUKE is a lovely wrap up to the Fairclough series, Secrets of a Victorian Household, and it can easily read as a standalone. I recommend this book, and appreciate Virginia Heath’s lush descriptions of beautiful Italy and some of its wonderful artwork, which added another layer of enjoyment to an already captivating story.
Lilian Fairclough has been widowed for ten years, and has survived some hard times, while still managing to raise her three children and running the Fairclough Foundation. Now her children are all happily married, money is no longer an issue, and the family foundation is now in capable hands. For the first time in forever, forty-five year old Lilian is going to take a holiday and visit Italy – a place she’s longed to see. She’ll also be able to view some of the world’s greatest art, another passion of hers. Lilian travels with her friend, Alexandra, and they’ll be staying with her friend, Carlotta. What Lilian doesn’t know is that Carlotta happens to be the sister of a man she met briefly last Christmas, and with whom she shared an unforgettable kiss.
Pietro Venturi is the Italian Duke of Torizia, an avid art lover, and a successful art dealer. His business involves travelling, often to England, where he encountered Lilian last Christmas. He fondly remembers her and their shared kiss, but is surprised to find her in his Italian home as the guest of his sister. Pietro is now forty-eight years old, and has been widowed for twenty-five years. When his wife died, he made a decision about how he was going to live his life. From that point forward, he had numerous lovers, but all his affairs were conducted by his rules. He’ll never marry again. No emotions are involved. No promises are made. No strings are attached.
Pietro still feels that attraction for Lilian, and before too long, he boldly suggests an affair for the duration of her stay in Italy. Lilian, feeling free and attractive for the first time in years, surprises even herself as she agrees. Pietro and Lilian begin a steamy affair, but it turns out there’s so much more to their relationship. As Pietro takes Lilian to visit the lovely sites and art in his country, they discover they are compatible in so many ways other than the physical. They share a passion for art and beauty, and they share the same sense of humor. Though they agreed to a physical relationship only, it’s clear that they are becoming emotionally involved.
Since Lilian has felt love before, she recognizes what is happening, but Pietro is a stranger to the emotion and only feels unsettled and threatened. Though Lilian’s life has been hard, it’s also been filled with the love of a wonderful man and her children. Pietro, on the other hand, was forced into a marriage of convenience by his father at a young age, to a woman he didn’t know, couldn’t love, and who made his life hellish. Now, he doesn’t want to let Lilian disappear from his life, but he’s at a loss as to what he should do.
There is so much I love about LILIAN AND THE IRRESISTIBLE DUKE. Watching Lilian blossom and come into her own was joyful. I appreciate that she wanted their relationship to become permanent, but never tried to force Pietro into something he wasn’t ready for. Pietro was handsome, charming, and sexy, but confused and hurt from his youthful marriage. He always built Lilian up and made her feel beautiful, even though he had to find his own way and discover the path he needed to take. It’s wonderful to see a lead couple who are not youngsters in their twenties, but mature adults, even though they each had things to learn. I greatly enjoyed Lilian and Pietro’s sometimes bumpy journey to happily-ever-after, and especially loved the last chapter which gave a little glimpse into their future. LILIAN AND THE IRRESISTIBLE DUKE is a lovely wrap up to the Fairclough series, Secrets of a Victorian Household, and it can easily read as a standalone. I recommend this book, and appreciate Virginia Heath’s lush descriptions of beautiful Italy and some of its wonderful artwork, which added another layer of enjoyment to an already captivating story.
October 7, 2020
Look what I found in my TBR pile
Somehow, I overlooked this book. Well, I know how I overlooked it. That happens when you just keep purchasing new books, and the ones you haven't read move to the back, and then you forget about them. You’re too busy looking at the new ones. At least that's the story I'm sticking with.
Lilian and the Irresistible Duke is part of a series, but not a series written by Virginia Heath. The other books in the series are by other authors. I like the idea of connected books with different authors, and I think it's a good marketing ploy. However, I'm comfortable with Virginia Heath, and not so much the other authors in the series. I haven't made up my mind to go back and read the rest in the series. The other characters in the series make an appearance in this book, but I wasn't interested enough in their back-story to invest in the other stories. Now it’s time to talk about Lilian and the Irresistible Duke.
This book was a treat for me because it tells the story of an older couple. Yes, as much as some people may cringe at older people with feelings, I'll try to break it to you gently - there are still sparks after 40. In this book the heroine is 45-year-old Lilian, a widow, and our 48-year-old hero, Pietro Venturi. Pietro is a bit of a Lothario.
When the story begins, Lilian is taking a break from her life. Anyway, Lilian feels herself at loose ends. Her children have all married, her business no longer needs her around, and she doesn't really know what to do with herself - so she is on a holiday. She's visiting beautiful, warm Rome. She and her cousin, Alexandra are being tourists. While they are in Rome, they are staying at the villa of Carlotta, the Contessa di Bagnoregio. Carlotta turns out to be the sister of Pietro. Carlotta and Alexandra are doing a bit of matchmaking. Little do they know that Lilian and Pietro had previously met in England. There, they shared a carriage ride, and a kiss. Neither has been able to forget that kiss.
This story had some ups, but also some downs. On the up side, we have Lilian who happened to love her husband. Yep, no abusive husband for Lilian to get over. The only issue Lilian seemed to have, was what she was going to do with herself. She needs to feel useful. Another up for me was, the vivid beauty of Rome which sparkled throughout the story. This book is full of powerful descriptions of Rome, and its past. After an initial bumpy start, Pietro becomes a self-appointed tour guide. Lilian and Pietro spend long hours going from site to site. Along the way they become friends, and eventually they become passionate lovers.
On the down side. There was an over-the-top ex-mistress; horrible woman. She was an old-school mistress who just never gave up. She was mean, spiteful, and deceitful. For the most part, I found her to be a distraction to the story, and I didn’t think she added anything to the lovely flow of the book. Whenever she made an appearance in the story, it just seemed like filler. I also was not fond of the "break-up" of Lilian and Pietro. I thought Lilian's reaction to Pietro's past just a little irrational, and not in character. Or, at least the impression I formed of her character. But then she quickly changes her mind. Almost too fast. Once again it seemed like filler.
Overall, this is a pretty good story, and I do recommend it. I'm becoming more and more fond of Virginia Heath. In fact, she just may turn into an auto-buy. One thing I can promise you, if you read this book, you will grow to love Rome as much as Lilian did.
Somehow, I overlooked this book. Well, I know how I overlooked it. That happens when you just keep purchasing new books, and the ones you haven't read move to the back, and then you forget about them. You’re too busy looking at the new ones. At least that's the story I'm sticking with.
Lilian and the Irresistible Duke is part of a series, but not a series written by Virginia Heath. The other books in the series are by other authors. I like the idea of connected books with different authors, and I think it's a good marketing ploy. However, I'm comfortable with Virginia Heath, and not so much the other authors in the series. I haven't made up my mind to go back and read the rest in the series. The other characters in the series make an appearance in this book, but I wasn't interested enough in their back-story to invest in the other stories. Now it’s time to talk about Lilian and the Irresistible Duke.
This book was a treat for me because it tells the story of an older couple. Yes, as much as some people may cringe at older people with feelings, I'll try to break it to you gently - there are still sparks after 40. In this book the heroine is 45-year-old Lilian, a widow, and our 48-year-old hero, Pietro Venturi. Pietro is a bit of a Lothario.
When the story begins, Lilian is taking a break from her life. Anyway, Lilian feels herself at loose ends. Her children have all married, her business no longer needs her around, and she doesn't really know what to do with herself - so she is on a holiday. She's visiting beautiful, warm Rome. She and her cousin, Alexandra are being tourists. While they are in Rome, they are staying at the villa of Carlotta, the Contessa di Bagnoregio. Carlotta turns out to be the sister of Pietro. Carlotta and Alexandra are doing a bit of matchmaking. Little do they know that Lilian and Pietro had previously met in England. There, they shared a carriage ride, and a kiss. Neither has been able to forget that kiss.
This story had some ups, but also some downs. On the up side, we have Lilian who happened to love her husband. Yep, no abusive husband for Lilian to get over. The only issue Lilian seemed to have, was what she was going to do with herself. She needs to feel useful. Another up for me was, the vivid beauty of Rome which sparkled throughout the story. This book is full of powerful descriptions of Rome, and its past. After an initial bumpy start, Pietro becomes a self-appointed tour guide. Lilian and Pietro spend long hours going from site to site. Along the way they become friends, and eventually they become passionate lovers.
On the down side. There was an over-the-top ex-mistress; horrible woman. She was an old-school mistress who just never gave up. She was mean, spiteful, and deceitful. For the most part, I found her to be a distraction to the story, and I didn’t think she added anything to the lovely flow of the book. Whenever she made an appearance in the story, it just seemed like filler. I also was not fond of the "break-up" of Lilian and Pietro. I thought Lilian's reaction to Pietro's past just a little irrational, and not in character. Or, at least the impression I formed of her character. But then she quickly changes her mind. Almost too fast. Once again it seemed like filler.
Overall, this is a pretty good story, and I do recommend it. I'm becoming more and more fond of Virginia Heath. In fact, she just may turn into an auto-buy. One thing I can promise you, if you read this book, you will grow to love Rome as much as Lilian did.
January 30, 2020
I don't read a lot of regency romance books, but when I do, I reach for something by Virginia Heath. The stories she writes may have rather quick romances develop, but they also include a story about the characters that will draw you into their stories and have you feeling many different feelings. This story is no exception. Lilian Fairclough is a widow that still loves her deceased husband ten years later. She has devoted herself to raising her children and running his Foundation. Now that her children are happy and independent, they gift her with a trip to Rome accompanying her sister-in-law, Alexandra. Unbeknownst to Lilian, Alexandra and her friend Carlotta have an ulterior motive for this six week getaway, presumably for Lilian to view the great masters of Rome. Pietro, Carlotta's brother, met Lilian once and has never forgotten her. When she turns up in his home, he vows to stay away from her, after all, she is a guest in his home. Fortunately for both of them, feelings and fate have another idea.
I enjoyed reading about the relationship that developed between Lilian and Pietro. They were drawn to each other, but neither realized what was behind those feelings. Pietro had vowed to never get involved with a woman beyond physical pleasure, but no one really knew why. As he opens up to Lilian, I felt so bad for him. He had been through so much at a young age. The Italian acceptance of affairs is something that I am not always comfortable with and this book had me cringing a few times, but it was all part of the story plot. Lilian is such an open, giving, caring and loving person who is unable to hide or mask her emotions and Pietro is so closed. It was fun to see how Lilian could see beyond his mask and determine his feelings. Of course, it wouldn't be a romance unless there was some angst and situations that tear the couple apart and this story has a few. This was a well-written story, including a few romantic scenes, that were not too graphic. The characters were well-developed and I enjoyed visiting with both the main and the secondary ones. There were characters that I did not like at all and were responsible for some of the angst, but I like the presence of characters that I love to hate. I also enjoyed learning about some of the Renaissance artists, the countryside around Rome and the culture and lifestyle of the time. It was well-researched and added much to this story. Overall, I enjoyed this story quite a bit and definitely recommend it to those who enjoy romance, historical romance and even learning about a different time and place. I will continue to look for stories by this talented author. I received a copy of this book from the publisher upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
I enjoyed reading about the relationship that developed between Lilian and Pietro. They were drawn to each other, but neither realized what was behind those feelings. Pietro had vowed to never get involved with a woman beyond physical pleasure, but no one really knew why. As he opens up to Lilian, I felt so bad for him. He had been through so much at a young age. The Italian acceptance of affairs is something that I am not always comfortable with and this book had me cringing a few times, but it was all part of the story plot. Lilian is such an open, giving, caring and loving person who is unable to hide or mask her emotions and Pietro is so closed. It was fun to see how Lilian could see beyond his mask and determine his feelings. Of course, it wouldn't be a romance unless there was some angst and situations that tear the couple apart and this story has a few. This was a well-written story, including a few romantic scenes, that were not too graphic. The characters were well-developed and I enjoyed visiting with both the main and the secondary ones. There were characters that I did not like at all and were responsible for some of the angst, but I like the presence of characters that I love to hate. I also enjoyed learning about some of the Renaissance artists, the countryside around Rome and the culture and lifestyle of the time. It was well-researched and added much to this story. Overall, I enjoyed this story quite a bit and definitely recommend it to those who enjoy romance, historical romance and even learning about a different time and place. I will continue to look for stories by this talented author. I received a copy of this book from the publisher upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
January 31, 2020
I have read a lot of Historical Romances written by Virginia Heath and she has never disappointed me. I have always loved her books and this one I loved even more, but I will get to it in a second.
In this novel we follow Lilian and Pietro and I love them both. It was sweet and passionate, and very interesting because of what the had in common, plus it made me dream about life and love.
First of all, I haven't read many books about an older women, and Lilian is in her forties, so is my mom, so I felt this connection to her that was different than usual because I could see my mom in her, except for the widow part, but still. That feeling made me wish her happiness, just like I hope for my mother. I felt like I was learning about my family member's love story, just like when I listened to my grandparents talk about their love story. It made me feel as if I was part of Lilian's family.
Then we have Pietro. The title says "Lilian and the Irresistible Duke" and that such a perfect way to describe him, Duca della Torizia was definitely irresistible. With all his charm, love for art and the Italian words... I can understand how Lilian could fell for him.
Speaking of Italian, that's something I was immediately excited about that. I want to visit Italy and I'm trying to learn Italian, at least enough to understand (speech and written). And Rome is in my list, in part because of the art and the culture. Reading this novel just made more curious about Rome and putting the city higher on my list.
Another element in this story I loved was all the references to art. I can only imagine the research that Virginia Heath had to do, and I love every single moment that had some story or fact and even description of the amazing art that is mentioned. It was magical and dreamy.
I loved the art reference, although I don't know a lot about it, I find it fascinating and I love to go to museums and historical places. But that's just one part of why I enjoyed it. The other was because Lilian and Pietro had it in common and it made those moments they share even more powerful and important.
Overall, I loved it, like I said previously. It was such a page turned and at one point I was surprised because I wasn't expecting it to happen that way, and that was brilliant and so exciting. And the ending was so perfect!
Do I recommend it? Of course I do! I always recommend Virginia's books.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Virginia Heath for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
In this novel we follow Lilian and Pietro and I love them both. It was sweet and passionate, and very interesting because of what the had in common, plus it made me dream about life and love.
First of all, I haven't read many books about an older women, and Lilian is in her forties, so is my mom, so I felt this connection to her that was different than usual because I could see my mom in her, except for the widow part, but still. That feeling made me wish her happiness, just like I hope for my mother. I felt like I was learning about my family member's love story, just like when I listened to my grandparents talk about their love story. It made me feel as if I was part of Lilian's family.
Then we have Pietro. The title says "Lilian and the Irresistible Duke" and that such a perfect way to describe him, Duca della Torizia was definitely irresistible. With all his charm, love for art and the Italian words... I can understand how Lilian could fell for him.
Speaking of Italian, that's something I was immediately excited about that. I want to visit Italy and I'm trying to learn Italian, at least enough to understand (speech and written). And Rome is in my list, in part because of the art and the culture. Reading this novel just made more curious about Rome and putting the city higher on my list.
Another element in this story I loved was all the references to art. I can only imagine the research that Virginia Heath had to do, and I love every single moment that had some story or fact and even description of the amazing art that is mentioned. It was magical and dreamy.
I loved the art reference, although I don't know a lot about it, I find it fascinating and I love to go to museums and historical places. But that's just one part of why I enjoyed it. The other was because Lilian and Pietro had it in common and it made those moments they share even more powerful and important.
Overall, I loved it, like I said previously. It was such a page turned and at one point I was surprised because I wasn't expecting it to happen that way, and that was brilliant and so exciting. And the ending was so perfect!
Do I recommend it? Of course I do! I always recommend Virginia's books.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Virginia Heath for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
February 28, 2020
Reviewed excerpted from my blog post over at FanSciHist (https://fanscihist.wordpress.com/2020...)
My Rating: 4 stars
Library recommendation: Recommended for public library historical romance collections.
Warning: Hereafter, you chance spoilers. I will try never to reveal major plot points, but to review any book, you must reveal some parts of the story.
______________________
Number of titles I have read by this author: 1
Love story speed: Medium burn
Relationship dynamics: The Art Collector Italian Duke (H) / The Charitable English Widow(h)
Sexual content: Some; “on-screen” and explicit; a fair amount also recounted, or mentioned in passing
Triggers: Recounted spousal death; drug abuse (not by H or h)
Grammar/Editing: This ARC had a number of formatting issues. I consistently have this issue with Harlequin ARCs.
Review: This quick paced novel is set in both Victorian London and Rome. It contains meticulous;y researched detail about art, Rome, the Vatican Archives, and many other historical facts. Readers should be aware that this book is centered around a sexual affair that evolves, so even if all of the sex isn’t “on-screen,” it is always present like another character.
The main characters of this novel are Lilian and Pietro, both of whom are widowed. At the beginning of the novel, it becomes apparent that they have met once before and were instantly attracted to one another, although neither is looking for a new marriage. Pietro is set against feelings and involvement (the contemporary reference would be “commitmentphobe”), due to his disastrous marriage. Lilian is less afraid than she is guarded. Regardless of their reluctance, however, they begin as friends and lovers and grow together.
The supporting characters in this novel are well-enough developed for their parts. Lilian’s children (each has their own book in the series) are actually surprisingly well-described given that they only appear briefly. The catty aristocratic ladies in Rome are also quite effective. The descriptions of the previous spouses were also well-done, making them seem as if they were living characters. I will definitely go back and read the previous installments of the series.
Art version: While not as breathtaking as the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, this artwork is pleasing to the eye and will satisfy most art lovers who don’t mind a nude or two in historic paintings.
Full disclosure: I received a free advance review copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
My Rating: 4 stars
Library recommendation: Recommended for public library historical romance collections.
Warning: Hereafter, you chance spoilers. I will try never to reveal major plot points, but to review any book, you must reveal some parts of the story.
______________________
Number of titles I have read by this author: 1
Love story speed: Medium burn
Relationship dynamics: The Art Collector Italian Duke (H) / The Charitable English Widow(h)
Sexual content: Some; “on-screen” and explicit; a fair amount also recounted, or mentioned in passing
Triggers: Recounted spousal death; drug abuse (not by H or h)
Grammar/Editing: This ARC had a number of formatting issues. I consistently have this issue with Harlequin ARCs.
Review: This quick paced novel is set in both Victorian London and Rome. It contains meticulous;y researched detail about art, Rome, the Vatican Archives, and many other historical facts. Readers should be aware that this book is centered around a sexual affair that evolves, so even if all of the sex isn’t “on-screen,” it is always present like another character.
The main characters of this novel are Lilian and Pietro, both of whom are widowed. At the beginning of the novel, it becomes apparent that they have met once before and were instantly attracted to one another, although neither is looking for a new marriage. Pietro is set against feelings and involvement (the contemporary reference would be “commitmentphobe”), due to his disastrous marriage. Lilian is less afraid than she is guarded. Regardless of their reluctance, however, they begin as friends and lovers and grow together.
The supporting characters in this novel are well-enough developed for their parts. Lilian’s children (each has their own book in the series) are actually surprisingly well-described given that they only appear briefly. The catty aristocratic ladies in Rome are also quite effective. The descriptions of the previous spouses were also well-done, making them seem as if they were living characters. I will definitely go back and read the previous installments of the series.
Art version: While not as breathtaking as the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, this artwork is pleasing to the eye and will satisfy most art lovers who don’t mind a nude or two in historic paintings.
Full disclosure: I received a free advance review copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2020
Lilian and the Irresistible Duke by Virginia Heath is the fourth and final story in the Secrets of a Victorian Household series. This has been a fantastic series to date featuring stories based on the Fairclough Family. Although this is a part of a series, each book can easily stand alone. But I highly recommend reading the entire series to get to know and love the Fairclough family like I have!
Lilian Fairclough at forty-five is feeling a little lost not knowing what the future holds for her now. With all three of her children happily married, and her place in the Foundation that she helped build now being run by her daughter and son-in-law, she’s not sure what she should do next. So she agrees to a trip to Italy, courtesy of her children.
Pietro Venturi, Duca della Torizia at forty-eight years old still fights the restlessness that has plagued him since his youth. Despite his success, fortune, and the usual methods of distraction it seems to be bothering him more than ever. But then the woman he shared an unforgettable, heated kiss last Christmas shows up in Italy.
What an absolutely fabulous and perfect story by one of my all-time favorite authors, Virginia Heath! I always enjoy seeing a hero and heroine who are in their forty’s. With this story, not only do we get an older couple but we get an Italian Duke with the setting in Italy instead of London. I’ve been waiting for this story since I first heard about it and of course, Virginia Heath never disappoints!
For those of us who’ve read the previous books in this series, we’ve seen and heard of Lillian Fairclough. She was married to the love of her life, raised three children, and helped her husband build the Fairclough Foundation to help unfortunate women better themselves. I’ve liked Lilian since I first met her, she’s a kind, caring woman who has spent the last ten years since her husband’s death taking everything on her shoulders. So I was looking forward to seeing her finally get to live her life on her own terms and explore the possibilities that life had to offer. Oh my Pietro, I do believe I fell I love with him myself! Pietro is a new character in this series, although we do find out Pietro and Lilian shared a rather heated kiss many months ago in London that neither one has forgotten… Pietro was such a fabulous hero and I loved watching him break all his rules when it came to Lilian, much to his surprise. They were a fabulous couple and you couldn’t help but root for them to admit their feelings for one another and find a way to be together. It was also great to catch a glimpse of the Fairclough siblings and their spouses at the end of the book, such a perfect ending!
Ms. Heath has truly outdone herself with this story! With wonderful secondary characters, a fabulous storyline, the beautiful setting of Italy, to a couple who captured my heart, this was a story I just couldn’t put down! I absolutely loved everything about this story and would highly recommend it!
Lilian Fairclough at forty-five is feeling a little lost not knowing what the future holds for her now. With all three of her children happily married, and her place in the Foundation that she helped build now being run by her daughter and son-in-law, she’s not sure what she should do next. So she agrees to a trip to Italy, courtesy of her children.
Pietro Venturi, Duca della Torizia at forty-eight years old still fights the restlessness that has plagued him since his youth. Despite his success, fortune, and the usual methods of distraction it seems to be bothering him more than ever. But then the woman he shared an unforgettable, heated kiss last Christmas shows up in Italy.
What an absolutely fabulous and perfect story by one of my all-time favorite authors, Virginia Heath! I always enjoy seeing a hero and heroine who are in their forty’s. With this story, not only do we get an older couple but we get an Italian Duke with the setting in Italy instead of London. I’ve been waiting for this story since I first heard about it and of course, Virginia Heath never disappoints!
For those of us who’ve read the previous books in this series, we’ve seen and heard of Lillian Fairclough. She was married to the love of her life, raised three children, and helped her husband build the Fairclough Foundation to help unfortunate women better themselves. I’ve liked Lilian since I first met her, she’s a kind, caring woman who has spent the last ten years since her husband’s death taking everything on her shoulders. So I was looking forward to seeing her finally get to live her life on her own terms and explore the possibilities that life had to offer. Oh my Pietro, I do believe I fell I love with him myself! Pietro is a new character in this series, although we do find out Pietro and Lilian shared a rather heated kiss many months ago in London that neither one has forgotten… Pietro was such a fabulous hero and I loved watching him break all his rules when it came to Lilian, much to his surprise. They were a fabulous couple and you couldn’t help but root for them to admit their feelings for one another and find a way to be together. It was also great to catch a glimpse of the Fairclough siblings and their spouses at the end of the book, such a perfect ending!
Ms. Heath has truly outdone herself with this story! With wonderful secondary characters, a fabulous storyline, the beautiful setting of Italy, to a couple who captured my heart, this was a story I just couldn’t put down! I absolutely loved everything about this story and would highly recommend it!
January 27, 2020
Lilian and the Irresistible Duke, by Virginia Heath, will be available and booksellers on February 1, 2020. Lilian is book four of the Secrets of a Victorian Household series. Each book/character has been written by a different author. I find a series of this type very interesting, you get a different take on each of the entertwined characters. A fresh set of eyes on a plot can be enlightening. Although Lilian is a stand-alone tale it is part of a series and I'd recommend reading each book to throughly flesh out the entire story. This story is about adults, not blushing virgins, so they act like grown-ups. I like that and it's written beautifully.
Ms Heath has taken on the love story of the older couple, near and dear to my heart as I'm "older" too. Our heroine, Lilian, is widow who had a lovely marriage and her children are her prized achievement. She's been content until now, she has an "empty nest" and finds herself at loose ends. She's talked into a trip to Rome, it'll be good to get away for awhile. She's a nice lady and easy understand & empathize with. She's likeable.
Pietro, our hero, had the exact opposite marriage experience. No love lost there, it never existed. He's not going down that road again. Nice guy who was disappointed by life and that's easy to empathize with too. He & Lilian have a huge mistake to work through, it takes some time to get over but their chemistry won't be denied. Both are set in their ways & watching them grow and learn is enjoyable. They have so much in common that it's no wonder they're drawn to one another.
One more plus to Lilian & Pietro's story is the setting. Rome is very, very, different from a London setting. The places they visit, things they do, it's all awe inspiring and makes me want to hop on a plane to Italy. Since I don't have a passport I'll just have to thank Ms Heath for the imaginary vacation.
#VirginiaHeath #SecretsofaVictorianHousehold #LilianandtheIrresistibleDuke #HarlequinHistorical #historicalromance
Ms Heath has taken on the love story of the older couple, near and dear to my heart as I'm "older" too. Our heroine, Lilian, is widow who had a lovely marriage and her children are her prized achievement. She's been content until now, she has an "empty nest" and finds herself at loose ends. She's talked into a trip to Rome, it'll be good to get away for awhile. She's a nice lady and easy understand & empathize with. She's likeable.
Pietro, our hero, had the exact opposite marriage experience. No love lost there, it never existed. He's not going down that road again. Nice guy who was disappointed by life and that's easy to empathize with too. He & Lilian have a huge mistake to work through, it takes some time to get over but their chemistry won't be denied. Both are set in their ways & watching them grow and learn is enjoyable. They have so much in common that it's no wonder they're drawn to one another.
One more plus to Lilian & Pietro's story is the setting. Rome is very, very, different from a London setting. The places they visit, things they do, it's all awe inspiring and makes me want to hop on a plane to Italy. Since I don't have a passport I'll just have to thank Ms Heath for the imaginary vacation.
#VirginiaHeath #SecretsofaVictorianHousehold #LilianandtheIrresistibleDuke #HarlequinHistorical #historicalromance
January 31, 2020
I had no idea before reading this delightful novel that it's the fourth book of the multi-author series; Secrets of a Victorian Household. Written by a favourite author of mine, Virginia Health, we follow widow Lilian Fairclough during an unexpected Italian adventure.
Lilian keeps herself busy but has somehow lost her way since the death of her dear husband. Without a defined role and conscious of getting older she reluctant to accept an invitation to go overseas. However, with some persuasion, she travels to Rome to stay with the family of her companion. Only, the head of the household is a man she's met previously during a flirty exchange…!
Pietro Venturi, Duca della Torizia can't believe the English woman he kissed whilst sharing a carriage with her during his last trip to England is staying as a guest in his house. With a mutual interest in art, he uses his knowledge to seduce Lilian, only he underestimates the attraction between them.
Much of the charm within this narrative is how it relates to my own memories of Rome. Ms Heath brings the city alive, describing the sights us travellers have visited or crave to see. The attention to detail is palpable as we learn about Pietro's work as an art dealer. Additionally, the heroine is a mature woman with a grown-up family. A widow, it's her children who encourage her to travel and it's a refreshing change to read about protagonists closer to my age! It's heart-warming to read about a forty-five-year-old, struggling to find a purpose who ends up falling-in-love with someone to share her life with, in a way she never thought possible.
To sum up, this is standalone with enough back-story to familiarise readers with the other notable characters whose stories have already been told in previous novels. Ultimately, it's a sexy romance full of intrigue and promise set against a stunning backdrop.
***arc generously received courtesy of Harlequin Historical***
Lilian keeps herself busy but has somehow lost her way since the death of her dear husband. Without a defined role and conscious of getting older she reluctant to accept an invitation to go overseas. However, with some persuasion, she travels to Rome to stay with the family of her companion. Only, the head of the household is a man she's met previously during a flirty exchange…!
Pietro Venturi, Duca della Torizia can't believe the English woman he kissed whilst sharing a carriage with her during his last trip to England is staying as a guest in his house. With a mutual interest in art, he uses his knowledge to seduce Lilian, only he underestimates the attraction between them.
Much of the charm within this narrative is how it relates to my own memories of Rome. Ms Heath brings the city alive, describing the sights us travellers have visited or crave to see. The attention to detail is palpable as we learn about Pietro's work as an art dealer. Additionally, the heroine is a mature woman with a grown-up family. A widow, it's her children who encourage her to travel and it's a refreshing change to read about protagonists closer to my age! It's heart-warming to read about a forty-five-year-old, struggling to find a purpose who ends up falling-in-love with someone to share her life with, in a way she never thought possible.
To sum up, this is standalone with enough back-story to familiarise readers with the other notable characters whose stories have already been told in previous novels. Ultimately, it's a sexy romance full of intrigue and promise set against a stunning backdrop.
***arc generously received courtesy of Harlequin Historical***
January 30, 2020
It has always been hard for me to finish a Virginia Heath book considering she completely immerses you in her soulful characters and exquisite story line longing for them to go on forever.
People had to follow their own path. Listen to their own heart. If the calls from his weren't loud enough, then that was that.
Lillian and Pietro are two mature people who are free to choose what they want in life. Lillian's children have married, have lives of their own, and they are running the foundation in London that Lillian and her deceased husband started many years ago to help people less fortunate. Now is her time to enjoy the beautiful city of Rome full of rich art and architecture that Pietro is most happy to show her. The affair was not what she expected. Will she be able to say goodbye when she returned to London? It was better to not settle for less than what she shared with her late husband. What happens in Rome, stays in Rome.
Pietro owns his own successful and lucrative gallery in Rome and lives a solitary life that he unexpectedly finds lacking when Lillian appears in his life for the second time after a brief, but passionate, kiss during his visit to London the previous year. Can he overcome his misgivings about his past failed relationships and open his heart to another? But she left without saying goodbye.
I adore Lillian and Pietro's story with their deep understanding of art and a truly remarkable friendship as two people of a certain age would have. Their secret affair is a bonus to all of the in-depth and fascinating discussions they have about Michelangelo's works. In fact, Pietro would be my number one pick for a tour guide in Rome.
Thank you to Ms. Heath once again for giving me the opportunity read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
People had to follow their own path. Listen to their own heart. If the calls from his weren't loud enough, then that was that.
Lillian and Pietro are two mature people who are free to choose what they want in life. Lillian's children have married, have lives of their own, and they are running the foundation in London that Lillian and her deceased husband started many years ago to help people less fortunate. Now is her time to enjoy the beautiful city of Rome full of rich art and architecture that Pietro is most happy to show her. The affair was not what she expected. Will she be able to say goodbye when she returned to London? It was better to not settle for less than what she shared with her late husband. What happens in Rome, stays in Rome.
Pietro owns his own successful and lucrative gallery in Rome and lives a solitary life that he unexpectedly finds lacking when Lillian appears in his life for the second time after a brief, but passionate, kiss during his visit to London the previous year. Can he overcome his misgivings about his past failed relationships and open his heart to another? But she left without saying goodbye.
I adore Lillian and Pietro's story with their deep understanding of art and a truly remarkable friendship as two people of a certain age would have. Their secret affair is a bonus to all of the in-depth and fascinating discussions they have about Michelangelo's works. In fact, Pietro would be my number one pick for a tour guide in Rome.
Thank you to Ms. Heath once again for giving me the opportunity read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
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