Waking Up with the Duke

May 2, 2011
In this striking third London's Greatest Lovers Victorian romance (after Pleasures of a Notorious Gentleman), the handsome duke of Ainsley, famed for his bedroom prowess, receives the proposition of his life when the paraplegic marquess of Walfort suggests that Ainsley impregnate Walfort's wife, Jayne, who despises Ainsley for his role in the accident that crippled her husband. Ainsley, who has always desired Jayne, agrees, and their month of secret passion leaves Jayne torn between her attraction to Ainsley and her loyalty to her husband. Ainsley's complicated family allows Heath to explore several difficult situations and ways that love can be obstructed by convention. While the eventual outcome is predictable, the sensitive handling of Jayne and Walfort's challenging relationship and the impressive tangle of love, guilt, and secrets will please those who prefer fiery love scenes balanced by complex emotional drama.