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London's Greatest Lovers #2
Pleasures of a Notorious Gentleman
As the black sheep second son of an Earl, Stephen Lyons has gained a reputation in the art of seduction, but when his wicked ways result in scandal, he joins the army to redeem himself. On the battlefield, he proves courageous . . . until he is seriously wounded. Returning home to recover, he discovers he can't remember the angelic beauty who arrives at his doorstep, his babe nestled in her arms.
Mercy Dawson will risk everything to protect the son of the dashing soldier she once knew and admired. When Stephen offers to do the honorable thing, she is determined that London's most notorious gentleman will desire her and no other. But Mercy fears that what began as an innocent deception could destroy her dreams and their blossoming love if Stephen ever learns the scandalous truth . . .
They are masters of seduction, London's greatest lovers. Living for pleasure, they will give their hearts to no one . . . until love takes them by surprise.
Mercy Dawson will risk everything to protect the son of the dashing soldier she once knew and admired. When Stephen offers to do the honorable thing, she is determined that London's most notorious gentleman will desire her and no other. But Mercy fears that what began as an innocent deception could destroy her dreams and their blossoming love if Stephen ever learns the scandalous truth . . .
They are masters of seduction, London's greatest lovers. Living for pleasure, they will give their hearts to no one . . . until love takes them by surprise.
389 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2010
139 people are currently reading
2151 people want to read
About the author
Lorraine Heath
90 books4,376 followersAlso writes Young Adult under Rachel Hawthorne, Jade Parker, and with her son as J.A. London.
Lorraine Heath has always had a soft spot for emotional love stories. No doubt because growing up, watching movies with her mom, she was taught that the best movies "won't half make you cry."
She is the daughter of a British beauty (her mom won second place in a beauty contest sponsored by Max Factor® during which she received a kiss from Caesar Romero, (the Joker on the original Batman TV series) and a Texan who was stationed at Bovingdon while serving in the air force. Lorraine was born in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, but soon after moved to Texas. Her "dual" nationality has given her a love for all things British and Texan, and she enjoys weaving both heritages through her stories.
When she received her BA degree in psychology from the University of Texas, she had no idea she had gained a foundation that would help her to create believable characters—characters that are often described as “real people.” She began her career writing training manuals and computer code for the IRS, but something was always missing. When she read a romance novel, she became not only hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. She's been writing about them ever since.
Her work has been recognized with numerous industry awards including RWA's RITA®. Her novels have appeared on bestseller lists, including USA TODAY and the New York Times.
The author of more than 60 novels, she writes historical and contemporary romance for adults and historical romance for teen readers.
Under the names Rachel Hawthorne and Jade Parker, she writes popular contemporary, historical, and paranormal romance for teens readers. She also writes young adult novels with her son under the name J. A. London.
Lorraine Heath has always had a soft spot for emotional love stories. No doubt because growing up, watching movies with her mom, she was taught that the best movies "won't half make you cry."
She is the daughter of a British beauty (her mom won second place in a beauty contest sponsored by Max Factor® during which she received a kiss from Caesar Romero, (the Joker on the original Batman TV series) and a Texan who was stationed at Bovingdon while serving in the air force. Lorraine was born in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, but soon after moved to Texas. Her "dual" nationality has given her a love for all things British and Texan, and she enjoys weaving both heritages through her stories.
When she received her BA degree in psychology from the University of Texas, she had no idea she had gained a foundation that would help her to create believable characters—characters that are often described as “real people.” She began her career writing training manuals and computer code for the IRS, but something was always missing. When she read a romance novel, she became not only hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. She's been writing about them ever since.
Her work has been recognized with numerous industry awards including RWA's RITA®. Her novels have appeared on bestseller lists, including USA TODAY and the New York Times.
The author of more than 60 novels, she writes historical and contemporary romance for adults and historical romance for teen readers.
Under the names Rachel Hawthorne and Jade Parker, she writes popular contemporary, historical, and paranormal romance for teens readers. She also writes young adult novels with her son under the name J. A. London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 312 reviews
July 25, 2020
Omission is lying just as carefully wording one’s answers is lying.
Plot is thus - *With Spoilers* This h is a nurse who goes to serve her countrymen fighting in the Crimean war. There she meets the H, a very charismatic playboy Major who needs medical services off and on. The time in Scutari is all in the past and I found it pretty vague. Apparently she (and a horde of other nurses) falls for him and he plays the field. Again it’s not clear how many nurses he beds but the h is not one of them. He’s very courteous and friendly to her but nothing more. One of the nurses gets pregnant with his child (unbeknownst to him - I hope!) but doesn’t intend to keep the baby. The h travels with her to Paris where the baby is born and then the ow goes off, abandoning the baby. As per her version, the h learns that the H has died in the battlefield and she vows to take his son back to his family in England. But as she falls in love with the baby (as well!) she announces to them (via post) that she’s the mother as she hopes that they’ll accept her as well so she’ll stay close to the baby. The Book opens here.
Now the H is, of course, is very much alive and at the family residence when she descends there with the baby and a nurse in tow. The h panics thinking he’ll call out her lie but voila, he has amnesia! So after some convolutions and much demurring by the h, they marry and her lies (sorry she never lies, just deflects!) continue. The ow/baby momma makes a late entry and the h adds thieving (to pay the ow for blackmail) to her repertoire but her excuse still lies in the greater good etc. Hard nut to crack this one!
The problem? The h and in a big way!
One might even admire a girl for going all out to make her dreams true/trap her dream guy but wrapping it in altruism and goody-two-shoes-ness is offensive. And she comes across as borderline obsessive and hellbent on 'acquiring' and keeping the object of her obsession!
She excuses herself on that she never directly lies to the H but then dishonesty is equally unforgivable. And she’s dishonest over and over again.
*Major Spoilers*
Plot is thus - *With Spoilers* This h is a nurse who goes to serve her countrymen fighting in the Crimean war. There she meets the H, a very charismatic playboy Major who needs medical services off and on. The time in Scutari is all in the past and I found it pretty vague. Apparently she (and a horde of other nurses) falls for him and he plays the field. Again it’s not clear how many nurses he beds but the h is not one of them. He’s very courteous and friendly to her but nothing more. One of the nurses gets pregnant with his child (unbeknownst to him - I hope!) but doesn’t intend to keep the baby. The h travels with her to Paris where the baby is born and then the ow goes off, abandoning the baby. As per her version, the h learns that the H has died in the battlefield and she vows to take his son back to his family in England. But as she falls in love with the baby (as well!) she announces to them (via post) that she’s the mother as she hopes that they’ll accept her as well so she’ll stay close to the baby. The Book opens here.
Now the H is, of course, is very much alive and at the family residence when she descends there with the baby and a nurse in tow. The h panics thinking he’ll call out her lie but voila, he has amnesia! So after some convolutions and much demurring by the h, they marry and her lies (sorry she never lies, just deflects!) continue. The ow/baby momma makes a late entry and the h adds thieving (to pay the ow for blackmail) to her repertoire but her excuse still lies in the greater good etc. Hard nut to crack this one!
The problem? The h and in a big way!
One might even admire a girl for going all out to make her dreams true/trap her dream guy but wrapping it in altruism and goody-two-shoes-ness is offensive. And she comes across as borderline obsessive and hellbent on 'acquiring' and keeping the object of her obsession!
She excuses herself on that she never directly lies to the H but then dishonesty is equally unforgivable. And she’s dishonest over and over again.
*Major Spoilers*
December 7, 2010
Absolutely wonderful - so unusual for the genre and a complete delight (5 stars)
I've just finished the book and I quite simply adored it. Though it deals with many difficult, horrific, and violent issues, it is at its core a truly gentle and warm love story. It is a delight to be savored and will definitely be added to my all-time favorites list.
In some ways, it reminded me of another one of my favorites by this author, Surrender to the Devil; there are very significant differences in terms of plot and background story, but I saw similarities between both sets of main characters. Anyway, hats off again to Ms. Heath!
This is Book 2 in the London's Greatest Lovers series and though I didn't read Book 1 (story didn't appeal to me), I didn't find it necessary and was not at all lost when it came to this one (though I would recommend reading the summary of the first book).
One of the things I loved most about Pleasures of a Notorious Gentleman was that I found it to be very refreshing for the genre in many ways:
(1)
THE HEROINE --- Both the hero and the heroine had large and serious personal struggles and obstacles to overcome. So many times, the heroine is basically picture-perfect (in terms of personality, though not always physically), and it's the hero who has a few flaws that we love him for nonetheless (or because of). Here, Mercy was unbelievably real. She faces some extremely difficult situations and choices and in some instances, one wonders whether what she did was right - even though the other options don't really seem to be options at all. At her core she is a truly good person, but who has made mistakes and ends up suffering for them. She is definitely one of my all-time favorite heroines - strong, courageous, generous, compassionate, intelligent, etc. (And I loved that she was not the usual beauty, hadn't been able to find a suitor, etc. - the wallflower-ish heroines are admittedly my preferred type).
*Note: There was one decision Mercy makes towards the end, when cornered, that was a little too much for me and that I SO wish Ms. Heath had not written in. Was too annoying to not mention, though to write more would be a spoiler.
THE HERO --- Stephen was also definitely flawed. For most of his life he was quite a wastrel - and not in the oh-so-seductive-and-we-love-him-anyway manner. He really didn't do much with his life except for spend his time trying to perfect his expertise in the sack. It's often said that when we are severely tested is when our true colors show, and that is the case for Stephen. When he is faced with being a hero or a coward, he ends up being very brave and selfless during his time in the military. We don't have much flashback to his time then, but it seemed that he remained himself - still fun-loving - but became a stronger and better person, which made it all very plausible. The mental torture he goes through after, of being unable to remember any of his time at war and feeling as though he is a stranger to himself, was very well-written and Ms. Heath succeeded extremely well in making this flawed man come to life and be a hero that any reader can easily fall in love with.
(2) THE UNDERLYING STORY --- The struggles that the hero and heroine face were realistic. The conditions were definitely not usual and neither was what happened or how they came to be reunited, but so many times in HRs it's so obvious that the secondary plot - whether it be a mystery or whatever - is really only there for the sole purpose of bringing the two main characters together. Here, the underlying story is absolutely integral to who Mercy and Stephen are and have become as people and it really defines and sets-up the future of their relationship.
(3) (Basically) VILLAIN-FREE --- Although you do have someone who causes difficulties towards the end, there was no villain of the book, which was *such* a welcome change in this reader's opinion. That Ms. Heath was able to make the romance compelling, enjoyable, and engaging nonetheless shows how talented she is. This is not an action book, but is instead almost solely focused on the development of the main characters and of their relationship.
(4) SECONDARY CHARACTERS --- The other characters were fantastic and very three-dimensional. Especially Ainsley, the duchess (Stephen's mother), Leo (her lover), and Lynnford (Stephen and his brothers' father-figure growing up). Even Mercy's father, who in many ways is extremely unlikable, was not only portrayed as the big-bad-mean-father figure.
(5) AGE --- Stephen is only 25 years old, which is really quite young for most romance heroes. Usually the heroine is in her early to mid-twenties and the hero is 30+. I normally prefer that to be the case, but in this instance, I felt that his age made the change Stephen had undergone/was undergoing all the more believable and it also made his past behavior easier to let go of. I don't think we ever know Mercy's exact age, which always drives me nuts, but I was extremely surprised by how young Ainsley, Stephen's younger brother, is - only 23!!! The way he's written, one thinks he's in his 30s.
BOTTOM LINE
Buy the book immediately and enjoy! It was such a pleasure and I hope that you love it as much as I do. I am greatly looking forward to Ainsley's story, but it will be very difficult for it to surpass Stephen's.
I've just finished the book and I quite simply adored it. Though it deals with many difficult, horrific, and violent issues, it is at its core a truly gentle and warm love story. It is a delight to be savored and will definitely be added to my all-time favorites list.
In some ways, it reminded me of another one of my favorites by this author, Surrender to the Devil; there are very significant differences in terms of plot and background story, but I saw similarities between both sets of main characters. Anyway, hats off again to Ms. Heath!
This is Book 2 in the London's Greatest Lovers series and though I didn't read Book 1 (story didn't appeal to me), I didn't find it necessary and was not at all lost when it came to this one (though I would recommend reading the summary of the first book).
One of the things I loved most about Pleasures of a Notorious Gentleman was that I found it to be very refreshing for the genre in many ways:
(1)
THE HEROINE --- Both the hero and the heroine had large and serious personal struggles and obstacles to overcome. So many times, the heroine is basically picture-perfect (in terms of personality, though not always physically), and it's the hero who has a few flaws that we love him for nonetheless (or because of). Here, Mercy was unbelievably real. She faces some extremely difficult situations and choices and in some instances, one wonders whether what she did was right - even though the other options don't really seem to be options at all. At her core she is a truly good person, but who has made mistakes and ends up suffering for them. She is definitely one of my all-time favorite heroines - strong, courageous, generous, compassionate, intelligent, etc. (And I loved that she was not the usual beauty, hadn't been able to find a suitor, etc. - the wallflower-ish heroines are admittedly my preferred type).
*Note: There was one decision Mercy makes towards the end, when cornered, that was a little too much for me and that I SO wish Ms. Heath had not written in. Was too annoying to not mention, though to write more would be a spoiler.
THE HERO --- Stephen was also definitely flawed. For most of his life he was quite a wastrel - and not in the oh-so-seductive-and-we-love-him-anyway manner. He really didn't do much with his life except for spend his time trying to perfect his expertise in the sack. It's often said that when we are severely tested is when our true colors show, and that is the case for Stephen. When he is faced with being a hero or a coward, he ends up being very brave and selfless during his time in the military. We don't have much flashback to his time then, but it seemed that he remained himself - still fun-loving - but became a stronger and better person, which made it all very plausible. The mental torture he goes through after, of being unable to remember any of his time at war and feeling as though he is a stranger to himself, was very well-written and Ms. Heath succeeded extremely well in making this flawed man come to life and be a hero that any reader can easily fall in love with.
(2) THE UNDERLYING STORY --- The struggles that the hero and heroine face were realistic. The conditions were definitely not usual and neither was what happened or how they came to be reunited, but so many times in HRs it's so obvious that the secondary plot - whether it be a mystery or whatever - is really only there for the sole purpose of bringing the two main characters together. Here, the underlying story is absolutely integral to who Mercy and Stephen are and have become as people and it really defines and sets-up the future of their relationship.
(3) (Basically) VILLAIN-FREE --- Although you do have someone who causes difficulties towards the end, there was no villain of the book, which was *such* a welcome change in this reader's opinion. That Ms. Heath was able to make the romance compelling, enjoyable, and engaging nonetheless shows how talented she is. This is not an action book, but is instead almost solely focused on the development of the main characters and of their relationship.
(4) SECONDARY CHARACTERS --- The other characters were fantastic and very three-dimensional. Especially Ainsley, the duchess (Stephen's mother), Leo (her lover), and Lynnford (Stephen and his brothers' father-figure growing up). Even Mercy's father, who in many ways is extremely unlikable, was not only portrayed as the big-bad-mean-father figure.
(5) AGE --- Stephen is only 25 years old, which is really quite young for most romance heroes. Usually the heroine is in her early to mid-twenties and the hero is 30+. I normally prefer that to be the case, but in this instance, I felt that his age made the change Stephen had undergone/was undergoing all the more believable and it also made his past behavior easier to let go of. I don't think we ever know Mercy's exact age, which always drives me nuts, but I was extremely surprised by how young Ainsley, Stephen's younger brother, is - only 23!!! The way he's written, one thinks he's in his 30s.
BOTTOM LINE
Buy the book immediately and enjoy! It was such a pleasure and I hope that you love it as much as I do. I am greatly looking forward to Ainsley's story, but it will be very difficult for it to surpass Stephen's.
September 7, 2010
2.5 stars
POV: 3rd Person: Stephen, Mercy, The Duchess
Sensuality: Hot
This is the second in a series about 3 brothers. Stephen is the middle brother. He has no title while both his brothers have inherited titles from their fathers. Stephen has decided that because he has no title, he must best his brothers in the bedchamber. He is a notorious cad and never spends too much time with any one woman.
When his brothers decide he needs more for his life, they buy him a commission in the military. He heads off to war kissing all the girls goodbye on his way.
He returns home alive, but missing the memories of the last two years of his life. He has no memories of the war or any of the women he met (or bedded). When Mercy Dawson arrives on his doorstep with his son in tow, he is shocked. He has no memories of her, but cannot let her be humiliated by having given birth to his son. Mercy and her son are taken in by Stephen and his family, but she has secrets of her own that could ruin any relationship she had or has with Stephen.
I seriously struggled through this book. The first couple of chapters and last couple were good, but all those in the middle dragged on and were very repetitive. I can sum it up in just a few sentences: Stephen wants to remember the last two years; Mercy doesn't want him to remember; Stephen wants to remember Mercy and if he loved her; Mercy is afraid he will remember her and leave her; And Mercy loves her son John and will do anything for him. There you go...you've now understand everything that happens in the middle of the book. Really. If you just read the beginning and end you won't have missed anything.
Mercy was selfish and stupid. She was just as confusing as Claire [in the first book] about sexuality. She was afraid to be touched, but somehow she became quite the vixen in bed with only one encounter.
Stephen was bland and just not very exciting. Not completely unlikable, but nothing special.
Overall, a repetitive and boring read. It took me over a week to read when I normally can read a book this length in less than 2 days. I only finished it because I hate not finishing a book and I got this one from the publisher to review.
*Received from the publisher via netgalley to review*
POV: 3rd Person: Stephen, Mercy, The Duchess
Sensuality: Hot
This is the second in a series about 3 brothers. Stephen is the middle brother. He has no title while both his brothers have inherited titles from their fathers. Stephen has decided that because he has no title, he must best his brothers in the bedchamber. He is a notorious cad and never spends too much time with any one woman.
When his brothers decide he needs more for his life, they buy him a commission in the military. He heads off to war kissing all the girls goodbye on his way.
He returns home alive, but missing the memories of the last two years of his life. He has no memories of the war or any of the women he met (or bedded). When Mercy Dawson arrives on his doorstep with his son in tow, he is shocked. He has no memories of her, but cannot let her be humiliated by having given birth to his son. Mercy and her son are taken in by Stephen and his family, but she has secrets of her own that could ruin any relationship she had or has with Stephen.
I seriously struggled through this book. The first couple of chapters and last couple were good, but all those in the middle dragged on and were very repetitive. I can sum it up in just a few sentences: Stephen wants to remember the last two years; Mercy doesn't want him to remember; Stephen wants to remember Mercy and if he loved her; Mercy is afraid he will remember her and leave her; And Mercy loves her son John and will do anything for him. There you go...you've now understand everything that happens in the middle of the book. Really. If you just read the beginning and end you won't have missed anything.
Mercy was selfish and stupid. She was just as confusing as Claire [in the first book] about sexuality. She was afraid to be touched, but somehow she became quite the vixen in bed with only one encounter.
Stephen was bland and just not very exciting. Not completely unlikable, but nothing special.
Overall, a repetitive and boring read. It took me over a week to read when I normally can read a book this length in less than 2 days. I only finished it because I hate not finishing a book and I got this one from the publisher to review.
*Received from the publisher via netgalley to review*
January 15, 2016
Wasn't it poorly written? No
Did I have a lot of difficulties staying with the story? Not really, I wasn't that crazy about it but I kind of enjoyed reading it.
Is it a bad story? Not at all
So what's my problem?
1. Mercy's self-serving lies:
I think people make mistakes. I am not that much of a goody two shoes to want a perfect heroine who never lies. Human beings do despicable things to each other. I can live with a heroine who has lied. But Mercy lied because she wanted to keep John and later Stephen. Come on, admit it. It was never for anyone but herself. She had no good reasons to lie other than her secret wishes didn't have a chance unless she lied. Oh Mercy girl, not cool, not cool.
2. SO MUCH internal dialogue Mercy had going on with herself:
Since she cooked this major lie about being John's mother, she had a lot of reckoning to do. She was constantly wondering about oh what if. Because again, her self-serving lies gave her what she wanted: the man she loved and the son she loved but didn't give birth to. So much page space wasted on watching a selfish woman being worried about getting caught.
3. Stephen and Mercy had little chemistry:
Why Mercy? Stephen had slept with many many many many women. What made Mercy so special? If the writer could not reasonably illustrate that, reading them having passionate sex is just plain funny. This is the kind of sex that's supposed to turn a rake into a family man? All the other poor women were all interchangeable but this one woman is special? I wasn't convinced.
This was an ok read because Lorraine Heath writes beautifully. But the plots and characters........I have no further comments.
Did I have a lot of difficulties staying with the story? Not really, I wasn't that crazy about it but I kind of enjoyed reading it.
Is it a bad story? Not at all
So what's my problem?
1. Mercy's self-serving lies:
I think people make mistakes. I am not that much of a goody two shoes to want a perfect heroine who never lies. Human beings do despicable things to each other. I can live with a heroine who has lied. But Mercy lied because she wanted to keep John and later Stephen. Come on, admit it. It was never for anyone but herself. She had no good reasons to lie other than her secret wishes didn't have a chance unless she lied. Oh Mercy girl, not cool, not cool.
2. SO MUCH internal dialogue Mercy had going on with herself:
Since she cooked this major lie about being John's mother, she had a lot of reckoning to do. She was constantly wondering about oh what if. Because again, her self-serving lies gave her what she wanted: the man she loved and the son she loved but didn't give birth to. So much page space wasted on watching a selfish woman being worried about getting caught.
3. Stephen and Mercy had little chemistry:
Why Mercy? Stephen had slept with many many many many women. What made Mercy so special? If the writer could not reasonably illustrate that, reading them having passionate sex is just plain funny. This is the kind of sex that's supposed to turn a rake into a family man? All the other poor women were all interchangeable but this one woman is special? I wasn't convinced.
This was an ok read because Lorraine Heath writes beautifully. But the plots and characters........I have no further comments.
June 23, 2013
This book turned out to be much deeper and much more moving than I expected. Both Stephen and Mercy have been deeply affected by their experiences in the Crimean War -- Mercy as a nurse and Stephen as a cavalry officer. When they meet again in England, Stephen has no memory of Mercy (or of anything that happened to him during the war), and Mercy has an infant who she claims is Stephen's son, the result of just one night of passion.
Mercy and Stephen do not immediately fall in love. Indeed, they aren't even very comfortable around one another at first. Stephen has no interest in being tied down, especially given his precarious mental state, and he doesn't know if he can bring himself marry her. Mercy doesn't truly expect marriage, and even if they did wed, she knows he will not be faithful. His pre-war reputation as one of London's greatest ladies' men is well known to her.
Nothing comes easily to this couple, and that's one of the things that makes their story so enjoyable and touching. As in the other two books of this series (about Stephen's brothers), Stephen's family members play important roles, and their duchess mother sometimes steals the show. I wish Heath had given her a book of her own.
I read these books out of order; each works well as a stand alone. But why not read the entire series? The Kindle versions are priced at only $2.99. A real bargain for such an outstanding author's work.
Mercy and Stephen do not immediately fall in love. Indeed, they aren't even very comfortable around one another at first. Stephen has no interest in being tied down, especially given his precarious mental state, and he doesn't know if he can bring himself marry her. Mercy doesn't truly expect marriage, and even if they did wed, she knows he will not be faithful. His pre-war reputation as one of London's greatest ladies' men is well known to her.
Nothing comes easily to this couple, and that's one of the things that makes their story so enjoyable and touching. As in the other two books of this series (about Stephen's brothers), Stephen's family members play important roles, and their duchess mother sometimes steals the show. I wish Heath had given her a book of her own.
I read these books out of order; each works well as a stand alone. But why not read the entire series? The Kindle versions are priced at only $2.99. A real bargain for such an outstanding author's work.
November 15, 2021
This was a very average read. She takes on a baby from a colleague/friend and pretends to be the mother. The hero who is the father thinks nothing of it and they fall in love all over again since he suffered amnesia. Nothing too shocking or angsty. Kind of boring tbh. TW: rape
December 6, 2025
This aged so badly it's almost funny
The opening scene, with the hero going from lover one's bed, to march to the train on the way to Crimea and getting stopped by lover two (and given a scented handkerchief) and then once more stopped by lover three (and given a locket of hair) was, frankly, pretty revolting.
The way it's narrated makes the hero look like this shiny prize all women want and you should get excited to get him by proxy through the heroine. I, personally, wanted to boil him in bleach while he takes a full course of IV antibiotics 😷🧼
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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The opening scene, with the hero going from lover one's bed, to march to the train on the way to Crimea and getting stopped by lover two (and given a scented handkerchief) and then once more stopped by lover three (and given a locket of hair) was, frankly, pretty revolting.
The way it's narrated makes the hero look like this shiny prize all women want and you should get excited to get him by proxy through the heroine. I, personally, wanted to boil him in bleach while he takes a full course of IV antibiotics 😷🧼
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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March 23, 2025
I enjoyed Pleasures of a Notorious Gentleman. I do wish that the heroine was more beautiful.
February 18, 2011
I am having so much trouble rating this book, so let me start with some of the good stuff.
I LOVED Stephen. I cannot even say this enough. Before I picked up this book, I was getting tired of the reformed rake plot, so it stands to reason I wouldn’t be too fond of Stephen. This guy was the biggest player ever and was in no hurry to repent for it. But unlike a lot of the reformed rake plots that have been starting to grate on me, Stephen didn’t just drop his womanizing ways because he found The One. His traumatic experiences in the Crimean War, and his guilt for being unable to remember them, spurred him to be a better person. It made his reformation believable. And in the end, he was a really great guy! He was so serious about doing the right thing and marrying the mother of his child, stepped up to the plate to become a father of a child he didn’t know he had, and was really determined to make sure Mercy was pleasured. Really, who wouldn’t want to meet a guy like that? Stephen alone gets 5 stars.
Mercy on the other hand… I couldn’t stand her! Don’t get me wrong, I could totally see where she was coming from. She truly did love Stephen and his son John who she had saved, and the trauma she endured as a nurse during the war did explain a lot of her actions. At a lot of points I did consider her brave and admirable. But her frantic drive to keep Stephen and John in her life, including sabotaging her husband’s attempts to gain his memory, left a bad taste in my mouth. I just ended up skipping everything between the wedding and when Stephen finds out the truth. I don’t think the lying bothered me as much as her disregard for other people and the consequences of her actions. I think a lot of people would feel differently, but it was enough to almost make this a DNF for me.
On a third level, I really enjoyed Lorraine Heath’s writing style. That was a plus for this book. I’ve enjoyed her before, so I think I might go through her backlist and pick up some titles.
How do I sum all this up? The ending was wonderful, but I can’t ignore the fact that I had to skip over almost fifty pages to get to it. Take this review as you will. Overall, I can only give this book 2 stars.
I LOVED Stephen. I cannot even say this enough. Before I picked up this book, I was getting tired of the reformed rake plot, so it stands to reason I wouldn’t be too fond of Stephen. This guy was the biggest player ever and was in no hurry to repent for it. But unlike a lot of the reformed rake plots that have been starting to grate on me, Stephen didn’t just drop his womanizing ways because he found The One. His traumatic experiences in the Crimean War, and his guilt for being unable to remember them, spurred him to be a better person. It made his reformation believable. And in the end, he was a really great guy! He was so serious about doing the right thing and marrying the mother of his child, stepped up to the plate to become a father of a child he didn’t know he had, and was really determined to make sure Mercy was pleasured. Really, who wouldn’t want to meet a guy like that? Stephen alone gets 5 stars.
Mercy on the other hand… I couldn’t stand her! Don’t get me wrong, I could totally see where she was coming from. She truly did love Stephen and his son John who she had saved, and the trauma she endured as a nurse during the war did explain a lot of her actions. At a lot of points I did consider her brave and admirable. But her frantic drive to keep Stephen and John in her life, including sabotaging her husband’s attempts to gain his memory, left a bad taste in my mouth. I just ended up skipping everything between the wedding and when Stephen finds out the truth. I don’t think the lying bothered me as much as her disregard for other people and the consequences of her actions. I think a lot of people would feel differently, but it was enough to almost make this a DNF for me.
On a third level, I really enjoyed Lorraine Heath’s writing style. That was a plus for this book. I’ve enjoyed her before, so I think I might go through her backlist and pick up some titles.
How do I sum all this up? The ending was wonderful, but I can’t ignore the fact that I had to skip over almost fifty pages to get to it. Take this review as you will. Overall, I can only give this book 2 stars.
April 9, 2018
Pleasures of a Notorious Gentleman is the second book in Heath's "London's Greatest Lovers" trilogy about three brothers who are famously good in bed.
I have to give this one a meh review just as I did the first one. Unfortunately it has a trope that I hate and it went on far too long. The heroine keeps a major secret from the hero and maintains the ruse deep into the story. When that happens I just can't get into the book because I feel like their romance is built on no foundation at all. The actual relationship can't start -- IMO -- until the truth is out so the longer the one character is in the dark, the longer I wait for the real story to begin.
Mercy Dawson brings Stephen Lyons's son to his family thinking Stephen died in the war in the Crimea. His death was misreported and she's shocked when they send for him and he appears. She was a nurse there and tended him and his fellow soldiers, although she was not present when he was so badly wounded he was thought dead and then sent home. She also fell in love with him in a situation we only get hints of for longer than I'd have liked. What we do learn is that the child is not actually Mercy's although he is Stephen's. But everyone thinks she's the mother, Stephen as well (because he has amnesia), and she just rolls with it. She's come to love the baby and consider herself his mother even though she didn't actually give birth to him. If they all believe she's the result of a tryst she had with Stephen, she'll get to be a part of his life.
Maybe it's just me, but it just really bothers me for the MCs to build their relationship on the back of a lie.
As it's Lorraine Heath, it's not terrible. It's just not up to her standards. It's kind of like she chose the most difficult to like tropes for the three books in this series and succeeded about as well as an author can at writing them. So, while I always enjoy something about an LH book, there are definitely much better efforts in her backlist.
I have to give this one a meh review just as I did the first one. Unfortunately it has a trope that I hate and it went on far too long. The heroine keeps a major secret from the hero and maintains the ruse deep into the story. When that happens I just can't get into the book because I feel like their romance is built on no foundation at all. The actual relationship can't start -- IMO -- until the truth is out so the longer the one character is in the dark, the longer I wait for the real story to begin.
Mercy Dawson brings Stephen Lyons's son to his family thinking Stephen died in the war in the Crimea. His death was misreported and she's shocked when they send for him and he appears. She was a nurse there and tended him and his fellow soldiers, although she was not present when he was so badly wounded he was thought dead and then sent home. She also fell in love with him in a situation we only get hints of for longer than I'd have liked. What we do learn is that the child is not actually Mercy's although he is Stephen's. But everyone thinks she's the mother, Stephen as well (because he has amnesia), and she just rolls with it. She's come to love the baby and consider herself his mother even though she didn't actually give birth to him. If they all believe she's the result of a tryst she had with Stephen, she'll get to be a part of his life.
Maybe it's just me, but it just really bothers me for the MCs to build their relationship on the back of a lie.
As it's Lorraine Heath, it's not terrible. It's just not up to her standards. It's kind of like she chose the most difficult to like tropes for the three books in this series and succeeded about as well as an author can at writing them. So, while I always enjoy something about an LH book, there are definitely much better efforts in her backlist.
August 30, 2020
I enjoyed this book so much! I was so moved emotionally right from the beginning and at the very end, I was basically crying.
I love books with babies in them and one of the reason I removed a star was because of the absence of a relationship between the h and his son. I also feel the very end was too quick but altogether it was an interesting read!
I love books with babies in them and one of the reason I removed a star was because of the absence of a relationship between the h and his son. I also feel the very end was too quick but altogether it was an interesting read!
August 29, 2022
Fuck it one star this is terrible absolutely horrible
April 19, 2018
(Another old Amazon review, from 2010. By the year 2030 I may have them all on my Goodreads bookshelves.)
There are several good things to say about this book. I've often enjoyed Lorraine Heath's writing and the chemistry between her Hs and hs is almost always good and often it's smoking hot. This one is true to form. The love she writes about here rings true in its intensity and develops nicely. The H and h are, for the most part, personable and appealing and Heath's writing is quite good, as usual.
The setting is Victorian England and the H, Stephen Lyons, brother of the hero in PASSIONS OF A WICKED EARL, had been wounded badly during the Crimean War, at first even mistakenly believed to be dead, and we find him returned to England after two years as a soldier to recover from his wounds. The heroine, Mercy Dawson, had been a nurse working with Florence Nightingale to attend the wounded in the Crimea and had cared for Stephen in the hospital, where they developed a friendship. Unfortunately, Stephen remembers nothing at all about the two horrific years he spent in the Crimea, as though his mind just erased it all to spare him the agony of PTSD. So when Mercy shows up in England with a baby that she claims is his and that everyone says looks just like him, he can only take her word for it because of his memory gap. He decides to do the right thing and they marry. Their sexual chemistry is amazing but, more to the point, they actually fall in love.
That's all well and good but I just couldn't get past two issues that kept me from fully appreciating the H and h. First, my problem with Stephen: From the age of 16 to almost 25 he had devoted all his time to being all that he could be as a lover. That's it. No other useful occupation. He prided himself on his expertise in bed and his innumerable conquests. And oh how all the women loved him. Irresistible to all, "tall, short, plump, slender... young and not so young". We're reminded of this throughout the book. He's super well-endowed and knows exactly how to please. I'm supposing condoms during Victorian times must have been way more reliable than I had thought (and he must have used them pretty regularly) because after so many years with so many women he should have had way more love children than the one and should have already contracted one STD or another. But he lucked out. Only the one by-blow and a clean bill of health. But we are not to judge him because he miraculously becomes a sensitive non-cad due to the 2 years in the Crimea he can't remember. OK, rake reformed and redeemed. I must try not to be so judgmental.
My second issue is with Mercy. Yes, to a large degree she is wonderful and admirable. It takes a great deal of courage and altruism to be a caring wartime nurse. And, in addition, she is loving and warm and devoted to baby John. The problem I have with her is that I couldn't get over her deception. Yes, she loves the baby and doesn't want to be separated from him. *POSSIBLE SPOILER TO FOLLOW* That's understandable but does NOT justify her not telling Stephen before marriage that she is not the biological mother. She could plainly see that Stephen and his family were fair-minded and caring people and would not be so cruel as to deny her access to baby John. True love should be able to handle truth, honesty and full disclosure. If it can't, it's not true love. Mercy lucked out, IMO. She got her HEA in spite of her actions.
There are several good things to say about this book. I've often enjoyed Lorraine Heath's writing and the chemistry between her Hs and hs is almost always good and often it's smoking hot. This one is true to form. The love she writes about here rings true in its intensity and develops nicely. The H and h are, for the most part, personable and appealing and Heath's writing is quite good, as usual.
The setting is Victorian England and the H, Stephen Lyons, brother of the hero in PASSIONS OF A WICKED EARL, had been wounded badly during the Crimean War, at first even mistakenly believed to be dead, and we find him returned to England after two years as a soldier to recover from his wounds. The heroine, Mercy Dawson, had been a nurse working with Florence Nightingale to attend the wounded in the Crimea and had cared for Stephen in the hospital, where they developed a friendship. Unfortunately, Stephen remembers nothing at all about the two horrific years he spent in the Crimea, as though his mind just erased it all to spare him the agony of PTSD. So when Mercy shows up in England with a baby that she claims is his and that everyone says looks just like him, he can only take her word for it because of his memory gap. He decides to do the right thing and they marry. Their sexual chemistry is amazing but, more to the point, they actually fall in love.
That's all well and good but I just couldn't get past two issues that kept me from fully appreciating the H and h. First, my problem with Stephen: From the age of 16 to almost 25 he had devoted all his time to being all that he could be as a lover. That's it. No other useful occupation. He prided himself on his expertise in bed and his innumerable conquests. And oh how all the women loved him. Irresistible to all, "tall, short, plump, slender... young and not so young". We're reminded of this throughout the book. He's super well-endowed and knows exactly how to please. I'm supposing condoms during Victorian times must have been way more reliable than I had thought (and he must have used them pretty regularly) because after so many years with so many women he should have had way more love children than the one and should have already contracted one STD or another. But he lucked out. Only the one by-blow and a clean bill of health. But we are not to judge him because he miraculously becomes a sensitive non-cad due to the 2 years in the Crimea he can't remember. OK, rake reformed and redeemed. I must try not to be so judgmental.
My second issue is with Mercy. Yes, to a large degree she is wonderful and admirable. It takes a great deal of courage and altruism to be a caring wartime nurse. And, in addition, she is loving and warm and devoted to baby John. The problem I have with her is that I couldn't get over her deception. Yes, she loves the baby and doesn't want to be separated from him. *POSSIBLE SPOILER TO FOLLOW* That's understandable but does NOT justify her not telling Stephen before marriage that she is not the biological mother. She could plainly see that Stephen and his family were fair-minded and caring people and would not be so cruel as to deny her access to baby John. True love should be able to handle truth, honesty and full disclosure. If it can't, it's not true love. Mercy lucked out, IMO. She got her HEA in spite of her actions.
July 19, 2011
Another amazing book. I love this series; might possibly be my favorite series. Usually with historicals, the plots are overused and lacks originality, but not this series. I felt in love with the family within the first few pages of the first book and I love them even more with this book. This book is so refreshing because it is so different from all the other historicals I've read. At first when I read the descriptions, I was interested but thought that the plot is not very creative. I love reading cliches but was pleasantly surprised by the twists in this story. It's not cliche at all; I don't believe I've read any historicals that are similar to this story.
February 19, 2019
This is one of the very few books in my life that I couldn't finish. I'm usually generous in my ratings of romance novels and willing to accept even the most ridiculous set-up if I like the characters. But this one - just no.
Stephen is a soldier returned from the Crimean war after a serious injury. The injury caused an amnesia and he can't remember anything from the last two years, including his time during the war. Then a woman, Mercy, turns up and claims she is the mother of his son. The baby, John, looks very much like him and she was a nurse at a hospital where Stephen had recovered from an earlier injury, so her story is entirely possible.
But while the kid is his, she is not the mother and he never slept with her. Another nurse had his child but wanted to give it away but Mercy took it instead. Mercy had fallen for Stephen because he had rescued her one night from an assault and she couldn't bring herself to give his son to a foundling home. She came to love John and when she (wrongly) learned that Stephen had fallen in the war she decided to bring the child to his parents but claim herself to be John's mother so that she could stay with him as a nursemaid. But then it turns out Stephen is still alive.
This could be an ok set-up. She could have refused to marry him, stayed on as the nursemaid and Stephen could have fallen for her in time. She could've tried to trick him into marriage but at the last moment she could've realised that she can't go on lying to him but, of course, he has fallen for her in the meantime, yadda yadda yadda. Not more ridiculous than any number of historical romance novels.
But what really happens is this: She continues lying to him while telling herself that she has no other option to stay with the child. Nothing else matters to her, including Stephen's feelings.
What the hell? The author can have her declare her love for the baby all she wants but the facts are pretty clear: It is not her son. She never had any relationship with Stephen. She has no right to trick him into marriage.
The author obviously knows that Mercy's actions are unconscionable, so we get told again and again how she can't act any differently because she just loves the child so much and that she never directly lies to Stephen. She just tells Stephen repeatedly that she is the mother but she never actually tells him that they slept with each other. What? How is that not lying?
She tells him they had only one night together when he had rescued her from the assault (he had stayed with her and consoled her after the attack) and when he is horrified that he took advantage of her in that situation she tells him that she didn't feel that way. Of effing course she didn't feel that way because he never acually slept with her but HE obviously has to assume that if they had only one night and she had his child that it must have happened that night. She is perfectly aware of that fact, she in fact depends on him believing this turn of events. There is no possible universe in which this is not lying.
And while it is never explicitly said in the book (at least in the first half that I've read), she must hope like hell that he never regains his memories even though he clearly suffers because of it. That is despicable.
I finally had to stop reading when
Sorry, that is a better set-up for some thriller with a deranged stalker than for a romance novel.
Stephen is a soldier returned from the Crimean war after a serious injury. The injury caused an amnesia and he can't remember anything from the last two years, including his time during the war. Then a woman, Mercy, turns up and claims she is the mother of his son. The baby, John, looks very much like him and she was a nurse at a hospital where Stephen had recovered from an earlier injury, so her story is entirely possible.
But while the kid is his, she is not the mother and he never slept with her. Another nurse had his child but wanted to give it away but Mercy took it instead. Mercy had fallen for Stephen because he had rescued her one night from an assault and she couldn't bring herself to give his son to a foundling home. She came to love John and when she (wrongly) learned that Stephen had fallen in the war she decided to bring the child to his parents but claim herself to be John's mother so that she could stay with him as a nursemaid. But then it turns out Stephen is still alive.
This could be an ok set-up. She could have refused to marry him, stayed on as the nursemaid and Stephen could have fallen for her in time. She could've tried to trick him into marriage but at the last moment she could've realised that she can't go on lying to him but, of course, he has fallen for her in the meantime, yadda yadda yadda. Not more ridiculous than any number of historical romance novels.
But what really happens is this: She continues lying to him while telling herself that she has no other option to stay with the child. Nothing else matters to her, including Stephen's feelings.
What the hell? The author can have her declare her love for the baby all she wants but the facts are pretty clear: It is not her son. She never had any relationship with Stephen. She has no right to trick him into marriage.
The author obviously knows that Mercy's actions are unconscionable, so we get told again and again how she can't act any differently because she just loves the child so much and that she never directly lies to Stephen. She just tells Stephen repeatedly that she is the mother but she never actually tells him that they slept with each other. What? How is that not lying?
She tells him they had only one night together when he had rescued her from the assault (he had stayed with her and consoled her after the attack) and when he is horrified that he took advantage of her in that situation she tells him that she didn't feel that way. Of effing course she didn't feel that way because he never acually slept with her but HE obviously has to assume that if they had only one night and she had his child that it must have happened that night. She is perfectly aware of that fact, she in fact depends on him believing this turn of events. There is no possible universe in which this is not lying.
And while it is never explicitly said in the book (at least in the first half that I've read), she must hope like hell that he never regains his memories even though he clearly suffers because of it. That is despicable.
I finally had to stop reading when
Sorry, that is a better set-up for some thriller with a deranged stalker than for a romance novel.
September 24, 2022
Ik heb de Nederlands talige uitgave gelezen : Om nooit te vergeten - Candlelight Historische roman 988 .
Dit verhaal is gelukkig heel wat beter dan het 1e deel van deze serie .
Jammer dat Mercy niet eerder in het verhaal de gehele waarheid aan Stephen durfde op te biechten .
Dit verhaal is gelukkig heel wat beter dan het 1e deel van deze serie .
Jammer dat Mercy niet eerder in het verhaal de gehele waarheid aan Stephen durfde op te biechten .
April 28, 2018
Lorraine Heath is one of my favourite authors because whenever I pick up one of her books, I am always assured of an outstanding historical romance. Pleasures of a Notorious Gentleman, the 2nd book in her London’s Greatest Lovers series, is a passionate and moving story of two deeply wounded people who find happiness through the healing power of love.
One of Ms Heath’s greatest strengths is her ability to create in depth characters that appeal directly to the emotions. The torment Stephen endures because he can’t remember the events of the past two years is captured so well and gives him a vulnerability which is very touching.
But his eyes – his beautiful blue eyes – had changed the most. They held such an incredible bleakness when he looked at her that she almost wept. His wounds went much deeper than his flesh; they had penetrated his soul.
The war has changed him. Gone is the irresponsible, womanizing rogue from Passions of a Wicked Earl to be replaced by a man prepared to take his responsibilities seriously and marry Mercy. It takes him a little longer to bond with his son, John but, when he does, it’s a poignant moment.
She transferred the child to Stephen’s waiting arms. Not once did John release his firm grip on Stephen’s finger. His throat knotted, Stephen forced out the words. “Hello, John. You and I are going to have quite a time of it, aren’t we?”
The boy blinked up at him, a question in eyes of blue, a shade that mirrored Stephen’s. Who the devil are you?
I’m your father.
Mercy is gentle, courageous and loving and just perfect for Stephen. Her own experiences of war allow her to understand him in a way his family can’t. Her tenderness and compassion are exactly what he needs to heal his troubled soul. She’s not perfect and doesn’t always make the right decisions. I did not agree with her keeping the truth from Stephen but I understood that she was driven by her love for Stephen and John and her fear that she might lose everything she held dear.
Their journey to happiness is passionate, poignant and, at times, heart-rending as they struggle to overcome the obstacles that lie in their path. But the final affirmation of their love is well worth waiting for.
Before she could protest, he took her in his arms and kissed her deeply while the world looked on. With his reputation, no one even raised an eyebrow. But Mercy knew the kiss symbolized much more. It was a celebration of their life their love.
Ms Heath brought to vivid life the harsh realities of war and I was pleased that she chose not to take the easy option as regards Stephen’s amnesia.
I love the secondary characters; Stephen’s younger brother, the Duke of Ainsley who exudes power and authority and demonstrates a maturity well beyond his years; Stephen’s mother, the Duchess of Ainsley who loves her sons and wants their happiness and her young lover, Leo who obviously loves her to distraction. I was also pleased to see the rift between Stephen and his older brother, the Earl of Westcliffe healed.
I'm looking forward to reading Ainsley's story in the final book in the series, Waking Up With the Duke
VERDICT: A GREAT READ
RATING: ★★★★½
One of Ms Heath’s greatest strengths is her ability to create in depth characters that appeal directly to the emotions. The torment Stephen endures because he can’t remember the events of the past two years is captured so well and gives him a vulnerability which is very touching.
But his eyes – his beautiful blue eyes – had changed the most. They held such an incredible bleakness when he looked at her that she almost wept. His wounds went much deeper than his flesh; they had penetrated his soul.
The war has changed him. Gone is the irresponsible, womanizing rogue from Passions of a Wicked Earl to be replaced by a man prepared to take his responsibilities seriously and marry Mercy. It takes him a little longer to bond with his son, John but, when he does, it’s a poignant moment.
She transferred the child to Stephen’s waiting arms. Not once did John release his firm grip on Stephen’s finger. His throat knotted, Stephen forced out the words. “Hello, John. You and I are going to have quite a time of it, aren’t we?”
The boy blinked up at him, a question in eyes of blue, a shade that mirrored Stephen’s. Who the devil are you?
I’m your father.
Mercy is gentle, courageous and loving and just perfect for Stephen. Her own experiences of war allow her to understand him in a way his family can’t. Her tenderness and compassion are exactly what he needs to heal his troubled soul. She’s not perfect and doesn’t always make the right decisions. I did not agree with her keeping the truth from Stephen but I understood that she was driven by her love for Stephen and John and her fear that she might lose everything she held dear.
Their journey to happiness is passionate, poignant and, at times, heart-rending as they struggle to overcome the obstacles that lie in their path. But the final affirmation of their love is well worth waiting for.
Before she could protest, he took her in his arms and kissed her deeply while the world looked on. With his reputation, no one even raised an eyebrow. But Mercy knew the kiss symbolized much more. It was a celebration of their life their love.
Ms Heath brought to vivid life the harsh realities of war and I was pleased that she chose not to take the easy option as regards Stephen’s amnesia.
I love the secondary characters; Stephen’s younger brother, the Duke of Ainsley who exudes power and authority and demonstrates a maturity well beyond his years; Stephen’s mother, the Duchess of Ainsley who loves her sons and wants their happiness and her young lover, Leo who obviously loves her to distraction. I was also pleased to see the rift between Stephen and his older brother, the Earl of Westcliffe healed.
I'm looking forward to reading Ainsley's story in the final book in the series, Waking Up With the Duke
VERDICT: A GREAT READ
RATING: ★★★★½
July 8, 2022
2019: 5 stars
2020: 4 stars
2022: 3 stars
2020 review
the first half of the book went slowly and to my frustration, there were too many inner thoughts from Mercy and Stephen. I understand it is needed but I skimmed some of it. I really did enjoy watching the relationship between Mercy and Stephen blossom into a great love. The plot was great, the dialogue was interesting and I just loved Mercy and Stephen <3 Now I can't wait to reread Ainsley's book!
2022 review
Secrets causes misunderstandings which lead to bad things happening. All I can say that whilst reading this book, I could predict how it would go and mercy’s lie did blow up in her face spectacularly. I wasn’t surprised.
Can’t say that I loved mercy or Stephen. Lorraine heath seems to be sticking with lies/miscommunication trope in this series, which I’m not a big fan of. The writing style is boring as there are too many descriptions and long chunks of sentences in a paragraph. Nevertheless, it was not a horrible book.
2020: 4 stars
2022: 3 stars
2020 review
the first half of the book went slowly and to my frustration, there were too many inner thoughts from Mercy and Stephen. I understand it is needed but I skimmed some of it. I really did enjoy watching the relationship between Mercy and Stephen blossom into a great love. The plot was great, the dialogue was interesting and I just loved Mercy and Stephen <3 Now I can't wait to reread Ainsley's book!
2022 review
Secrets causes misunderstandings which lead to bad things happening. All I can say that whilst reading this book, I could predict how it would go and mercy’s lie did blow up in her face spectacularly. I wasn’t surprised.
Can’t say that I loved mercy or Stephen. Lorraine heath seems to be sticking with lies/miscommunication trope in this series, which I’m not a big fan of. The writing style is boring as there are too many descriptions and long chunks of sentences in a paragraph. Nevertheless, it was not a horrible book.
February 23, 2020
I was mostly into this, but the dark moment happened way too late and then was also not satisfying? Weird conclusion to a book that I had mostly otherwise enjoyed.
September 24, 2017
Reread it and absolutely loved it again!!!
August 17, 2020
5 absolutely perfect stars ⭐️
I really did this author some injustice months ago when I’d overlook her books because the cover seemed like the reads were really light. This is my second from her and I’ll definitely be back for more!
I’ve always been a sucker for tortured war heroes and the premise of this book was unique. In the beginning, as I’m sure the author intended, I thought Stephan had died and my heart broke and I had to go to read the synopsis again to check who the hero was lol. It was a messy situation, with the heroine claiming to be the child’s mother and him not remembering. At that beginning part though, I wished she wasn’t so hopelessly in love with him. It was also funny and ridiculously sweet seeing Stephen try to remember her and having all this romantic thoughts about their presumed relationship “He wanted to know if he’d had a pet name for her. Red, perhaps, in honor of her hair. Had he teased her about its brightness, or had her eyes always held the majority of his attention?” I loved every moment that he tried to figure out what it was about her that had drawn him in -her eyes, her smile, her inner beauty, her body. Oh, I love this author!
I found Tessa and Leo’s relationship icky, I wish I hadn’t even read about that part. And to know how promiscuous Tessa was (cringe), well I guess like mother like son.
There was so much palpable emotions in the book and towards the end, it took me a lot of effort not to cry. I loved Mercy, couldn’t love her more if I tried. I also loved Stephen and then there was Leo, a very interesting side character. I was so happy to have picked this up after encountering some reads I didn’t enjoy. If you ever see this Mrs Heath, I’m your biggest fan now!
I really did this author some injustice months ago when I’d overlook her books because the cover seemed like the reads were really light. This is my second from her and I’ll definitely be back for more!
I’ve always been a sucker for tortured war heroes and the premise of this book was unique. In the beginning, as I’m sure the author intended, I thought Stephan had died and my heart broke and I had to go to read the synopsis again to check who the hero was lol. It was a messy situation, with the heroine claiming to be the child’s mother and him not remembering. At that beginning part though, I wished she wasn’t so hopelessly in love with him. It was also funny and ridiculously sweet seeing Stephen try to remember her and having all this romantic thoughts about their presumed relationship “He wanted to know if he’d had a pet name for her. Red, perhaps, in honor of her hair. Had he teased her about its brightness, or had her eyes always held the majority of his attention?” I loved every moment that he tried to figure out what it was about her that had drawn him in -her eyes, her smile, her inner beauty, her body. Oh, I love this author!
I found Tessa and Leo’s relationship icky, I wish I hadn’t even read about that part. And to know how promiscuous Tessa was (cringe), well I guess like mother like son.
There was so much palpable emotions in the book and towards the end, it took me a lot of effort not to cry. I loved Mercy, couldn’t love her more if I tried. I also loved Stephen and then there was Leo, a very interesting side character. I was so happy to have picked this up after encountering some reads I didn’t enjoy. If you ever see this Mrs Heath, I’m your biggest fan now!
August 27, 2017
What’s not to love about Stephen and Mercy? Stephen is a shadow of his former self, locked in the memories that he’s lost about the past two years of his life at war. Constantly reminded of the selflessness shown on the battlefront, all he can remember is who he used to be, and he doesn’t like it. That is, until Mercy shows up at his door with his baby. Stephen is a second son, a bit of a spoiled rake but a good guy. His brother buys him a commission and sends him to the Cremera, the Vietnam of 1850's England. He returns physically damaged and minus his entire memory. Mercy was a nurse in the Cremera. The torment Stephen endures because he can’t remember the events of the past two years is captured so well and gives him a vulnerability which is very touching. Stephen Lyons is a 2nd son, sandwiched between two titled brothers. His younger half-brother is a duke, for heaven’s sake! So he decides to be best at something – and that something is being a highly proficient and desired lover of many women! But Stephen takes nothing else seriously, so in despair his brothers buy him a commission – and then war with Russia breaks out, he is sent to the Crimea, and his life changes forever. I truly enjoyed this story, but for some reason the whole bit with Lynnford seemed too much in this story. Stephen was a truly tragic hero because I can picture exactly this happening in England after being a part of so many wars. I've always thought that the world didn't do right by their soldiers returning home so a story like this touches me deeply. He struggles with amnesia, and for a man who doesn't truly like what he used to be, to not know what he became when tested is crushing. This one sees libertine and womaniser Stephen Westcliffe going off to the Crimean war and returning home an injured hero with no memory of the war. Into his life comes Mercy - a former Nightingale nurse - with his son. What Stephen doesn't know and can't remember is that Mercy is not the biological mother of his child.
Lorraine Heath is one of my favourite authors because whenever I pick up one of her books, I am always assured of an outstanding historical romance. Pleasures of a Notorious Gentleman, the 2nd book in her London’s Greatest Lovers series, is a passionate and moving story of two deeply wounded people who find happiness through the healing power of love. One of Ms Heath’s greatest strengths is her ability to create in depth characters that appeal directly to the emotions. The second book featuring the three sons of a duchess with different fathers.
But his eyes – his beautiful blue eyes – had changed the most. They held such an incredible bleakness when he looked at her that she almost wept. His wounds went much deeper than his flesh; they had penetrated his soul.
She transferred the child to Stephen’s waiting arms. Not once did John release his firm grip on Stephen’s finger. His throat knotted, Stephen forced out the words. “Hello, John. You and I are going to have quite a time of it, aren’t we?”
The boy blinked up at him, a question in eyes of blue, a shade that mirrored Stephen’s. Who the devil are you?
I’m your father.
Before she could protest, he took her in his arms and kissed her deeply while the world looked on. With his reputation, no one even raised an eyebrow. But Mercy knew the kiss symbolized much more. It was a celebration of their life their love.
Lorraine Heath is one of my favourite authors because whenever I pick up one of her books, I am always assured of an outstanding historical romance. Pleasures of a Notorious Gentleman, the 2nd book in her London’s Greatest Lovers series, is a passionate and moving story of two deeply wounded people who find happiness through the healing power of love. One of Ms Heath’s greatest strengths is her ability to create in depth characters that appeal directly to the emotions. The second book featuring the three sons of a duchess with different fathers.
But his eyes – his beautiful blue eyes – had changed the most. They held such an incredible bleakness when he looked at her that she almost wept. His wounds went much deeper than his flesh; they had penetrated his soul.
She transferred the child to Stephen’s waiting arms. Not once did John release his firm grip on Stephen’s finger. His throat knotted, Stephen forced out the words. “Hello, John. You and I are going to have quite a time of it, aren’t we?”
The boy blinked up at him, a question in eyes of blue, a shade that mirrored Stephen’s. Who the devil are you?
I’m your father.
Before she could protest, he took her in his arms and kissed her deeply while the world looked on. With his reputation, no one even raised an eyebrow. But Mercy knew the kiss symbolized much more. It was a celebration of their life their love.
December 21, 2010
What’s not to love about Stephen and Mercy? Stephen is a shadow of his former self, locked in the memories that he’s lost about the past two years of his life at war. Constantly reminded of the selflessness shown on the battlefront, all he can remember is who he used to be, and he doesn’t like it. That is, until Mercy shows up at his door with his baby. Mercy expects that Stephen will tell the truth about the baby and their real connection, only to discover that Stephen doesn’t remember. Mercy’s in love with Stephen; seeing his compassion, strength, and fierce loyalty at hospital she wishes that she could be as good as he believes her to be. She reveals pieces of his life, and he’s continually frustrated that he can’t remember his time with her, or the strength that he showed then. To be honored with a knighthood for something he can’t remember accomplishing is a large burden to shoulder. I loved these characters, neither perfect, a little bit ragged. They have both lost something, her innocence, his memory, and find a peace sadly lacking in their lives without each other. Mercy’s hiding a big secret though, one that could destroy the happy life they’re building together. Mercy loves this baby, and will do ANYTHING to see that the child gets the happy life it deserves. At the same time, there is the continuing story of the Stephen’s mother, the Duchess, and her two loves, Leo and the Earl. While I won’t say much in terms of where their story is heading, I have a lot of respect for the Duchess and Leo; she can’t change what she’s done before, but she won’t let it detract from the happiness she can have in the present and in the future. Leo loves her, flaws and all, and is willing to be patient and show her that he’s not fickle, and that regardless of age he’ll continue to love her through the good and the bad. I can’t wait for Ainsley’s story.
April 5, 2022
before his return from the war, stephen was known to be a master in seduction, a man known for his wicked ways with women. what he didn’t expect from his redemption in the army was the horror of an escalated war. he had witnessed men die, become a shell of themselves for those that survived while he came back not remembering anything during his time there. seriously wounded, stephen is diagnosed with amnesia.
after receiving false news that stephen was killed in the war, mercy brought baby john to his father’s family so that they have a piece of stephen. little did she know that the man she fell in love with that one unfortunate night is still alive. fearing that her deception would be seen through once stephen’s eyes landed on her, mercy was ready to bolt. but continued on with omitting the truth when stephen clearly didn’t remember her.
it’s pretty interesting to watch stephen and mercy fall for one another in this setting. although stephen is no longer the person before, mercy still loved him for who he is. she hopes that one day stephen would fall in love with her but a marriage of convenience would protect her reputation and legitimise john. but when a certain someone returns back to their lives, mercy’s plan is slowly crumbling at its seams and the truth will be revealed.
with time, the two got closer with mercy sharing stories about her time in the war as a nurse. it was there that she met stephen and loved him for what he did for her. while she couldn’t bear the disdain that is inevitably coming, mercy decides to stay by john and, in extension, stephen. it’s a sweet story about two people who were individually plagued by the horrors of the war but finding solace and sanctuary in one another.
after receiving false news that stephen was killed in the war, mercy brought baby john to his father’s family so that they have a piece of stephen. little did she know that the man she fell in love with that one unfortunate night is still alive. fearing that her deception would be seen through once stephen’s eyes landed on her, mercy was ready to bolt. but continued on with omitting the truth when stephen clearly didn’t remember her.
it’s pretty interesting to watch stephen and mercy fall for one another in this setting. although stephen is no longer the person before, mercy still loved him for who he is. she hopes that one day stephen would fall in love with her but a marriage of convenience would protect her reputation and legitimise john. but when a certain someone returns back to their lives, mercy’s plan is slowly crumbling at its seams and the truth will be revealed.
with time, the two got closer with mercy sharing stories about her time in the war as a nurse. it was there that she met stephen and loved him for what he did for her. while she couldn’t bear the disdain that is inevitably coming, mercy decides to stay by john and, in extension, stephen. it’s a sweet story about two people who were individually plagued by the horrors of the war but finding solace and sanctuary in one another.
June 25, 2020
Iii, ce mi-a plăcut. ;)) O carte "cu fuste" (asa numesc eu poveștile cu personaje din sec 18), relaxanta, cu o intriga destul de bine construită si o poveste de dragoste frumoasa.
Marcy este un personaj demn de luat in seama. Bine a zis, cine a zis, ca mama nu este cea care te naște, ci cea care te creste. Mi-a plăcut felul în care au fost povestite lucrurile, modul în care cei doi si-au închegat relația si finalul. Nu imi amintesc mai nimic din primul vol al seriei, dar asta chiar a fost o lectură plăcută. Iubitorilor iubirilor de poveste sigur le va plăcea. 4 stele.
Marcy este un personaj demn de luat in seama. Bine a zis, cine a zis, ca mama nu este cea care te naște, ci cea care te creste. Mi-a plăcut felul în care au fost povestite lucrurile, modul în care cei doi si-au închegat relația si finalul. Nu imi amintesc mai nimic din primul vol al seriei, dar asta chiar a fost o lectură plăcută. Iubitorilor iubirilor de poveste sigur le va plăcea. 4 stele.
November 11, 2020
2.5 stars. Mercy and Stephen. Trigger alert: rape. Well written. Stephen has lost his memory of the his two years at war. Mercy shows up with her father and his son John. Mercy is passing herself off as the biological mom of John-she is not. Tons of lies. No real passion between Mercy and Stephen.
I also had some issues with the side character of Tessa. I did not like Tessa (Duchess of Ainsley-Stephen's mom) in this one. All three of her sons knows that Stephen is her favorite. Tessa even admits in her thoughts that she ignored her first son especially as a child. Tessa keeps Leo her younger lover on a willing string even though she can not get over her true love of her life -Stephen's dad. Tessa did not tell The Earl of Lynnford that Stephen was his son until she thought Stephen had died in the war. I also did not her befriending the Earl of Lynnford wife while she still is in love with her husband. (ick!) The only thing Tessa has going for her that I liked in this story is she seems to be a caring grandmother to both of her sons kids. Though this type of person might favor Stephens son more than Morgan son due to having and showing such favoritism in the past. Anyways, I wish Leo would fall out of love with her and find himself a new love. HA!
Book 2 in the London's Greatest Lovers Collection
I also had some issues with the side character of Tessa. I did not like Tessa (Duchess of Ainsley-Stephen's mom) in this one. All three of her sons knows that Stephen is her favorite. Tessa even admits in her thoughts that she ignored her first son especially as a child. Tessa keeps Leo her younger lover on a willing string even though she can not get over her true love of her life -Stephen's dad. Tessa did not tell The Earl of Lynnford that Stephen was his son until she thought Stephen had died in the war. I also did not her befriending the Earl of Lynnford wife while she still is in love with her husband. (ick!) The only thing Tessa has going for her that I liked in this story is she seems to be a caring grandmother to both of her sons kids. Though this type of person might favor Stephens son more than Morgan son due to having and showing such favoritism in the past. Anyways, I wish Leo would fall out of love with her and find himself a new love. HA!
Book 2 in the London's Greatest Lovers Collection
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2010
Such a sad, heart-warming story for Stephen. I was expecting a lighter story for this middle non-titled brother given his interests in the first book in this series, Passions of a Wicked Earl. Much of the book I felt pity for what Stephen was going through and the internal struggles. Although there is no great triumph at the end, Stephen's affliction, Stephen and Mercy found their great love. I wanted a total happy ending for this couple but their story was not completed, hopefully that will come when the Duke's story is released in the final book in this series.
This story ends with that potential of someday another book, maybe John's story when he is grown.
This story ends with that potential of someday another book, maybe John's story when he is grown.
May 29, 2024
Pleasures of a Notorious Earl .., started off with an interesting story, and then became a bit repetitive for most of the rest of the book which was a bit disappointing. Nevertheless, it’s a really good read.
It’s 1855 to 1856, England .. the Crimean War is almost over.. The hero, Stephen Lyon, second son of an earl was badly wounded, and also suffers from amnesia… he remembers nothing from his two years in Crimea. At first he had been reported killed.
Mercy Dawson was a nurse during the war and met Stephen … they enjoyed each other’s company, and then he came to her assistance during a traumatic event she suffered. Over a year later, and back in England she arrives on his doorstep with a 3 month old baby boy, and tells him she’s the mother of his son.
Almost all the rest of the book is about Stephen’s anguish … that he can’t remember his time during the war, and Mercy’s secrets… how she’s deceived him tho hasn’t actually told any lies. Both kept agonizing and worrying about their lives. It truly fizzled slowly along with so much repetition. Finally, in the last couple of chapters of the story the MCs have some hurdles, and then they get their HEA.
It’s 1855 to 1856, England .. the Crimean War is almost over.. The hero, Stephen Lyon, second son of an earl was badly wounded, and also suffers from amnesia… he remembers nothing from his two years in Crimea. At first he had been reported killed.
Mercy Dawson was a nurse during the war and met Stephen … they enjoyed each other’s company, and then he came to her assistance during a traumatic event she suffered. Over a year later, and back in England she arrives on his doorstep with a 3 month old baby boy, and tells him she’s the mother of his son.
Almost all the rest of the book is about Stephen’s anguish … that he can’t remember his time during the war, and Mercy’s secrets… how she’s deceived him tho hasn’t actually told any lies. Both kept agonizing and worrying about their lives. It truly fizzled slowly along with so much repetition. Finally, in the last couple of chapters of the story the MCs have some hurdles, and then they get their HEA.
August 8, 2025
Whoa, this might be my least favorite Heath to date and if I’d started my Heath journey with this book, I don’t know that I would ever have read another. This was BAD. I was already predisposed to disliking Stephen due to his behavior in the first book in this series. However, this book also gives us a really problematic heroine in Mercy, who despite her assertions that she never lied, does in fact, spend the bulk of the book lying about the fact that she’s Stephen’s infant son’s mother. She’s not. But Stephen lost his memory and has no recollection of his actions during his time spent fighting in Crimea and therefore, can’t even remember Mercy, much less whether they were ever intimate. There’s a whole lot of huge revelations that come far too late in the book including the fact that Mercy was raped and about to be raped by a second man by the time Stephen found her. It’s a lot and none of it is handled all that well. I’m really looking forward to the final book in the series though.
August 31, 2022
***2.75 Stars***
Not my favorite Lorraine Heath book. This one was very slow moving, rather depressing, and pretty repetitive.
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