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A review by delaneyyyw
A Tempest of Desire: A Novel by Lorraine Heath
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Lorraine Heath can be relied on for three things:
1) plotlines that seem slightly bonkers on the surface but feel utterly natural once you're enmeshed in the characters she's created and the world they inhabit;
2) the most perfectly-phrased descriptions of complicated emotions;
3) almost convincing me that there's no possible way these characters are going to get a happy ending (and then pulling it off!).
After a traumatic rail accident, Viscount Langdon retreats to a rocky island off the coast of his family's estate to heal in solitude. He's grieving the confident, capable heir he was prior to the accident, and figuring out how to proceed both in society and in his tight-knit family. Walking along the cliffs in the midst of a storm, Langdon sees a woman's unconscious body wash ashore. He hauls her up to his tiny castle, discovering while he tends her wounds that he recognizes her. Marlowe is the longtime mistress of one of his aristocratic acquaintances and a notorious London courtesan (with one name, like Madonna or Shakira!). She is also a part-time aeronaut, with her own hot air balloon that had unexpectedly drifted into the path of a storm.
The two have a very brief yet impactful past interaction that they must reckon with while waiting out the rain and rough waters. Naturally, they are majorly attracted to each other, but Marlowe is loyal to her benefactor, so they must bond on a deeper emotional level before a romantic or sexual one. Langdon can be prickly, and often makes offhand comments aimed at shocking Marlowe or getting a rise out of her--as if he's trying to push her away rather than navigate his complicated emotions. But there's nothing like the trope of forced proximity (only one bed, naturally) to force characters into uncomfortable situations!
I was reading around 15% a night until I hit the 45% mark and could somehow no longer put my Kindle down. I got to 80%, realized I would have to either commit to finishing the book or commit to being a functioning human being at work the next day, and somehow managed to get to sleep. I was really enjoying the couple's time alone on Langdon's island, but once Heath threw "the real world" into the mix, I was rapt. These two felt so real, their emotions so vivid. For me, it was wondrously angsty catnip.
If you're already a Lorraine Heath fan, you'll love this book. I think fans of the way Sherry Thomas writes complicated, angsty emotions and couples that seem impossible will also enjoy this book quite a bit. If you're looking for a historical with a unique heroine (commoner, has to provide for herself, not a virgin, has a cool hobby, fiercely determined and independent) or hero (invisible disability, close relationship with his family and two lovely alive parents, an absolute yearner, respects and admires strong women)--this is IT. READ IT.
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
1) plotlines that seem slightly bonkers on the surface but feel utterly natural once you're enmeshed in the characters she's created and the world they inhabit;
2) the most perfectly-phrased descriptions of complicated emotions;
3) almost convincing me that there's no possible way these characters are going to get a happy ending (and then pulling it off!).
After a traumatic rail accident, Viscount Langdon retreats to a rocky island off the coast of his family's estate to heal in solitude. He's grieving the confident, capable heir he was prior to the accident, and figuring out how to proceed both in society and in his tight-knit family. Walking along the cliffs in the midst of a storm, Langdon sees a woman's unconscious body wash ashore. He hauls her up to his tiny castle, discovering while he tends her wounds that he recognizes her. Marlowe is the longtime mistress of one of his aristocratic acquaintances and a notorious London courtesan (with one name, like Madonna or Shakira!). She is also a part-time aeronaut, with her own hot air balloon that had unexpectedly drifted into the path of a storm.
The two have a very brief yet impactful past interaction that they must reckon with while waiting out the rain and rough waters. Naturally, they are majorly attracted to each other, but Marlowe is loyal to her benefactor, so they must bond on a deeper emotional level before a romantic or sexual one. Langdon can be prickly, and often makes offhand comments aimed at shocking Marlowe or getting a rise out of her--as if he's trying to push her away rather than navigate his complicated emotions. But there's nothing like the trope of forced proximity (only one bed, naturally) to force characters into uncomfortable situations!
I was reading around 15% a night until I hit the 45% mark and could somehow no longer put my Kindle down. I got to 80%, realized I would have to either commit to finishing the book or commit to being a functioning human being at work the next day, and somehow managed to get to sleep. I was really enjoying the couple's time alone on Langdon's island, but once Heath threw "the real world" into the mix, I was rapt. These two felt so real, their emotions so vivid. For me, it was wondrously angsty catnip.
If you're already a Lorraine Heath fan, you'll love this book. I think fans of the way Sherry Thomas writes complicated, angsty emotions and couples that seem impossible will also enjoy this book quite a bit. If you're looking for a historical with a unique heroine (commoner, has to provide for herself, not a virgin, has a cool hobby, fiercely determined and independent) or hero (invisible disability, close relationship with his family and two lovely alive parents, an absolute yearner, respects and admires strong women)--this is IT. READ IT.
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!