Between the Devil and Desire: Scoundrels of St. James, Book 2

Oliver Twist on Steroids ( ok that's 4 words)

The relationship between Jack Dodger an the Duchess' son Henry. ( it's so sweet)

Consider Yourself one of the Family!!

Listening to book 3 can't wait to get to book 4.

This book had great plot points! All that I thought would happen ended up being completely different by the end of the book. I love how Lorraine Heath slowly develops attraction into powerful love. And her characters grow and change so much throughout the story. It was a journey into healing your heart and finding happiness. I highly recommend this four star historical romance.

Narration: Susan Ericksen is consistently good. She's great with historical romances. Good accents, marked differences between characters and added emotions to the story. I don't particularly like male narrators but Antony Ferguson did a good job as well. His narration was minimal (only for some journal entries) and for me it was like a cherry on top of your sundae... A sweet addition.

I bought this book because I was able to get the whole "Scoundrels of St. James" series during one of Audible's sales. Well, in light of how good this book was, I definitely feel that I got a great bargain. If you started with book 1--In Bed with the Devil--you'll likely go into this book thinking how unlikely it is that Jack Dodger will fall in love. But, Susan Ericksen pulls it off successfully--making the reader become completely enchanted with this love story.

The first part of each chapter is a journal entry, and they're just as interesting here are they were in the first book. But the part that will make you smile the most are the adorable portions written from the perspective of Olivia's young son, Henry.

Even though this book is a sequal, it can stand alone. It's not completely necessary for you to have read book 1. I also thought the narration of this book was quite good. There are a few dialogues in which it's difficult to differentiate between the voices of the different characters, but I wouldn't let that keep you from purchasing this book.

Love the 2nd installment in the Scoundrels of St. James series! This story is about the relationship between Jack Dodger (borrowed from the Artful Dodger in Dickens' Oliver Twist) and Olivia, the Duchess of Lovingdon. When Olivia's older husband dies, everyone is stunned when he places known scoundrel and owner of the infamous gaming hall, Jack Dodger, as he guardian of their young son. No one, including Jack, is aware of any connection between them and he does not seem to be particularly well suited to raising a young Duke. Olivia, of course, is horrified, and becomes more so when Jack insists on moving into the home that she shares with her young son. He seems to delight in tormenting her.
This story is fun, fast paced, and interesting and the romance is steamy, but not vulgar. I loved Susan Erikson's narration and really enjoyed learning more about the characters that appeared in the first novel. I cannot wait to listen to the next book. Five stars, indeed!

I love this series and this was a fabulous book. The characters are fun and it's an easy read/listen. The narrator does an excellent job.

If you have listened to Heath's first book of this series, "In Bed with the Devil" then you know of Jack, but you really don't know Jack! This book made me fall head over heels for Jack and I really felt for him. After listening to this book, I am beginning to understand that the Scoundrel's are better men than most of the aristocrats will ever be! Looking foward to book three!

Lust! Desire! Satisfaction!

I loved the play between Jack and Olivia. They had issues with eachother from the beginning yet couldn't stay away.

I thought both Susan Erickson & Anthony Ferguson did a great job.

Jack Dodger, a boy from the streets now one of the wealthies men in London. Appointed guardian to a 5 year old boy he doesn't even know. A Dutchess who follows the rules except when it comes to lust.

I love the play between Jack and the other characters. When I laugh or snicker out loud its a good lilsten!

The book was mostly bickering as foreplay. The writer had some unique ideas, but the story didn't put them to good use. I just don't get the bickering part - what a turn off. The characters did change, and that part got better, but not enough to make it really good. It was OK, but nothing I will remember later. Romantic fluff.

Does it ever have to end? The narration and story line is superb, entertaining and page turning. Each character in the book is depicted with style, purpose and motivation.

Now, I'm moving on to the next review of Book 3 which, by the way shall be extremely positive.

This is book 2 in the Scoundrels series, and I enjoyed it, but the romance between Jack and Olivia started a bit slow. At first, Jack and Olivia were really mean to each other, which was a bit annoying, but the book picked up speed and captured my attention. The book did have some good twists, and Lorraine Heath is a talented author. There are some dark, evil aspects in the story, especially in Jack's background, but it made you understand Jack and his personality. The narrator is really good, and she also read book 1, which is nice for consistency. Overall, I am enjoying this series and I am looking forward to book 3.