THE VISCOUNT AND THE VIXEN is book 3 in Lorraine Heath's Hellions of Havisham series. I think THE VISCOUNT AND THE VIXEN works as a standalone novel, and will appeal to new readers even though it's part of a series. Even though this is not a paranormal historical, some of the characters are haunted by the past. There are some elements in THE VISCOUNT AND THE VIXEN that give the story a slightly Gothic feel -- the lamented love, the stopped clocks and the forsaken living quarters, and a heroine with secrets. Lorraine Heath once again takes characters who are in a seemingly impossible situation, with obstacles that are almost too great to overcome, and turn that into a gripping and enjoyable story. The delectable yet skeptical Killian St. John, Viscount Locksley and smart yet secretive Portia Gladstone meet and marry under highly unusual circumstances, but they wind up finding something together that's worth fighting for.

There are many kinds of strong heroines and Portia's strength comes with a pragmatism that she's acquired after getting some hard knocks in life. Her ability to hold it together no matter what life throws at her and regroup is something I find admirable. Every character in THE VISCOUNT AND THE VIXEN is flawed and make some spectacular mistakes -- some are mistakes that you can come back from, and some are not. Lorraine Heath steadily builds the tension as readers are clued in to what secret Portia is hiding before it's revealed to Killian. I like how Killian's recluse father befriends Portia in the story and how he very charmingly plays matchmaker. As Killian begins to stop thinking of Portia as the cold- hearted fortune-hunting seductress he supposes her to be, he is disconcerted by how quickly he falls for her. The escalating tension between Portia and Killian as their relationship evolves is both intense and highly erotic.

THE VISCOUNT AND THE VIXEN is an intoxicating romance with conflicted characters and hope and haunting in equal measure. The eventual intrusions from the outside world into Killian and Portia's life break the spell between them with mixed results. This story beautifully illustrates how people, rather, than just houses, are haunted. I look forward to Lorraine Heath's next foray into historical romance.

Book Summary

Love begets madness. Viscount Locksley watched it happen to his father after his cherished wife’s death. But when his sire arranges to marry flame-haired fortune hunter Portia Gadstone, Locke is compelled to take drastic measures to stop the stunning beauty from taking advantage of the marquess. A marriage of mutual pleasure could be convenient, indeed . . . as long as inconvenient feelings don’t interfere.

Desperation forced Portia to agree to marry a madman. The arrangement will offer the protection she needs. Or so she believes until the marquess’s distractingly handsome son peruses the fine print . . .and takes his father’s place!

Now the sedate—and, more importantly, secure—union Portia planned has been tossed in favor of one simmering with wicked temptation and potential heartbreak. Because as she begins to fall for her devilishly seductive husband, her dark secrets surface and threaten to ruin them both— unless Locke is willing to risk all and open his heart to love.

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