I'm loving the Chessmen! Leonora has resigned herself to forever being single so she can run the family business. She takes a daring trip to a club that grants women's desires. All she wants is a kiss. The sparks fly from the moment Rook walks in. He's the hero you love. Determined not be like his promiscuous father, he spends so much time righting wrongs. Their chemistry has you flipping the pages wanting to see when they realize they've fallen in love. Can't wait to see if there's more to the series.

In Want of a VIscount is the third book in Lorraine Heath's delectable historical romance series The Chessmen: Masters of Seduction. I just love this series; the first two books were 5-star reads for me. However, I found this one a little bit harder to get into; perhaps it was the slow build-up between our leads. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed this installment.

Leonora "Nora" Garrison and her family have come to England in a desperate attempt to seek investors to keep their family business from going under. (That's Nora's main concern; actually, her brother and mother want her to marry a rich lord.) Never having been kissed, Nora goes to an exclusive ladies' club in London in search of a new experience from an anonymous man. Not knowing who he is, she is kissed by John Castleton, Viscount Wyeth, who is known as "Rook" to his friends, at the request of his brother who owns the club. Rook's father is a despicable libertine, having fathered by-blows across London. Rook has vowed to live above reproach and to never put himself in his father's shoes by having illegitimate offspring. Once he kisses the "Lady of Sighs", however, he's extremely tempted to cast aside his good reputation. When they are later reunited, they are both torn between incredible desire and duty. When caught in a compromising position and everything is put at risk, will they be able to get everything they truly want?

As I stated earlier, this book took me a while to fall into its spell. I was able to put it down for extended periods of time, until I got about halfway through. Both characters, however, were truly engaging from the start. Rook, one of the "Chessmen" known for their business acumen, absolutely detested his father, the Earl of Elverton. The man was an absolutely horrid human being, and Rook's only regret about his father dying is that the man had no redeeming qualities. His reputation meant everything to him; in no way, shape or form did he want to resemble his father in any manner. That didn't mean he didn't enjoy the opposite sex, however. He just went to the greatest lengths to avoid his paramours giving birth to any by-blows. It wasn't too horribly difficult to resist...until he met Nora. Nora was absolutely wonderful! Her family - and most men - thought her odd. She had a great mind, and her greatest pleasure was learning to disassemble items and learn how they worked, then put them back together. She was extremely close to her father, who passed away from a debilitating illness. She learned everything from him. The family business manufactured weapons, but many other businesses did as well. What Nora wanted to do, though, was rebuild the family business to produce a "writing machine" that she helped her father develop in order to give him the ability to write when he became so ill. The family was seeking investors for this machine, though her brother Sam - who now owned the business - wasn't the least bit interested and didn't have any idea how to truly run the enterprise his father left to him. It was Nora who was the brains in this outfit! All her mother wanted Nora to do, however, was marry a rich lord; her mother figured that was the best way for HER to be welcomed in Society back in New York! (This is a character you will absolutely love to hate!) Rook couldn't understand how other men didn't realize how beautiful she was or how incredibly smart. When the two became intimate, sparks flew off the page. It was the sweetness of the romance, though, that captured me. When Rook arranged for Nora to go behind the scenes of Big Ben to see how it worked, my heart just melted! When caught in a compromising situation, it didn't seem that either would get their happily-ever-after. But Ms. Heath is a master of happy endings, so I knew to just hang in there! It was a pleasure seeing the other Chessman and their wives again. It was seeing Aiden Trewelove again, however, that made me the happiest! Aiden was Rook's brother, and I fell in love with him in The Duchess in his Bed, one of my favorite books by Ms. Heath. After a slow start, I wasn't the least bit disappointed, and I know you won't be, either! What will Lorraine Heath come up with next?!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

There is an element in this book I find I have a love/hate relationship with. There must be a simpler “catchphrase” for it…like only one bed, or brother’s best friend, or friends to lovers. In this case, it’s when both main characters express their desire to never get married yet fall in love, but love the other so much they don’t want to hold them back so don’t allow their true feelings to show. And each character also construes every romantic moment as a fluke and the other MMC as just being kind. What’s the quick explanation of this? I love it for the yearning and the romantic overtures, I hate it because I get frustrated at a certain point and want them to open their eyes already!

Rook aka Vicount Wyeth and Leonora are incredible together. He worships the ground she walks on and she has no idea. In fact, he doesn’t quite realize his devotion to her either. Of course, those closest to him have no problem seeing his infatuation and they just patiently wait for him to fall. Leonora may be a bit of a wallflower, but she’s no shrinking violet. She has always been thought of as “other” because she is always questioning the world around her and is fascinated by machines and how they work. Get her on a topic she is enthusiastic about and you’d be hard-pressed to get a word in edge-wise. But she would be lost if asked to recite poetry or play the pianoforte. Unlike many men of the time, Rook finds these attributes to be fascinating. With the other Chessmen all paired up with strong-minded, independent women, he is well aware of the asset women are to the workforce.

While I loved the connection Rook and Leonora had, especially Rook’s fascination with Leonora, this story moved a bit slowly for me at times. I think it was, as I mentioned before, the couple not fully giving into their love for each other sooner. But boy, could Rook make me swoon with his thoughts about Leonora and his actions regarding her.

I was completely gripped by this book from the beginning. I thought Lorraine Heath was absolutely incredible at translating the sexual tension between these two characters right from the start. I absolutely loved the connection they had from the start, and I also think throughout the book a great job was done at developing a deeper, emotional connection between them. I thought Rook and Leonora has a great connection together, and they just seemed like a perfect fit.
I also quite liked them as seperate characters. Rook is quite different from his friends, and he's haunted by his father's past. I thought the emotional journey he had around that was quite interesting, and I really liked how it was done throuhgout the novel. Leonarra's in this interesting place where her desires aren't in line with what society at the time accepts from women. I thought her interest in inventing was really interesting and shaped how she saw the world around her. I also just really loved how Rook was ready to fight anyone who thought her interests were strange, even before he realised he was in love.
I just loved how both characters became each others biggest supporters, as well as their save havens throughout the novel, and how their pull to each other became much more than just physical as the book continues. I do have to say that this book gets a little bit slow at the times, and the third act conflict is just completely stupid and the resolution way too quick. However, this was definitely a really good read that I would highly recommend.

Thank you #NetGalley for the advanced copy of #InWantofaViscount by Lorraine Heath in exchange for an honest review.

I have only read a few of Lorraine Heath's books but she always amazes me with how she can take a very unique premise and tell the most wild stories and you think she can't possibly make this work and make me like this story and yet, she does it every time. I really shouldn't still be surprised by the magic she can do with her writing. This is the final book in the Chessman series which unofficially begins with The Duchess Hunt and each book was so delightful. Rook, the hero of this book, is my catnip of heroes. He was starchy in the streets and wild in the sheets, he was head over heels for the heroine, and dead set against marriage because of daddy issues. Rook was perfect in this book. I had problems with Nora. Ordinarily I love a wallflower/bluestocking heroine but Nora bothered me from time to time. She just kept talking about how everyone's eyes would glaze over when she got to talking about her writing machine and to be honest, mine started to glaze over once or twice because I was tired of reading about it. It took entirely too long for her to want to find out about Rook which made me think she didn't really care for him but was glad to have someone who was interested in her. In the end, I enjoyed the book and I'm looking forward to going back and reading the Trewlove books as I've not read that series yet but I definitely want to see how their found family came about.

Rook has deliberately done everything in his power not to be like his manslut father who fathered untold numbers of children and then gave them to a baby farmer (this plot point is connected to the Sins for all Seasons series but it's not necessary to read those first). Until he meets a lady in his brother's club who wishes to be kissed. They kiss and he's fascinated by his Lady of Sighs (don't get me started on that atrocious nickname). The lady is Leonora, an American inventor who is looking for investors for her writing machine. Her mother however is looking for a titled husband for her. So Rook is determined to stay single and not dip his wick anywhere due to his father's reputation and Leonora just wants to invent things and not get married. This is basically the entire plot.

I adore Lorraine Heath. I have several of her books on my keeper shelf. But I've been very lukewarm about this series. This book in particular was fine. The writing was fine, the plot was fine, and the characters were fine. But there was very little internal or external conflict. Why couldn't these two be together? The reasoning was flimsy so the romantic tension was nil. It had some very sweet scenes and the spice was spicy for Heath. What it was missing was the Heath Angst and bonkers plot twists. What made her books so rare and special was the absolute unhingedness of some of the plots. This is the author that wrote Gorilla Twins book ffs (The Earl Takes All) Would that book have been published today? Doubtful. Unfortunately, Heath has also been cleansed and sanitized for today's audience and it's a damn shame. I recommend this book for those who love quiet character-driven romances with little to no tension. As for me, I want mess, I want my heart twisting, and I want to question how they will possibly end up together. Heath was so very good at this and I wish she would go back *sadness*

The green fairy gives an entrepreneurial woman the courage to seek her first kiss. A Viscount is encouraged by his half-brother to grant said kiss. Thus begins the story of "In Want of a Viscount", the latest installment in Lorraine Heath's Masters of Seduction series. While I adore the author's writing, this story just seemed a bit more repetitive than past works I have read. I loved Viscount Wyeth's typical banter with his pals, but I was a bit disappointed in Leonora's character. It just irked me that a woman with such an incredible mind and passion for inventing, put up with so much from her mother. Her brother came across as rather wimpy to me as well. I feel she should have stood up for herself more.

I received an E copy from Harper Collins Publishers via NetGalley, and this is my voluntary and honest review.

Curiosity kissed the cat and many more nips followed as the final Chessman falls in “In Want of a Viscount” by Lorraine Heath!

I adore the meet-cute of Leonora Garrison and Rook, Viscount Wyeth, and that they can’t get enough of each other. They are themselves and more when together and It was sweet reading how well matched they are even though neither are not looking to marry.

I love how bold Nora is. She want it, she got it… even if she risked scandal or was very direct in what she desired. She was the force behind the family business and deserved better from them, so I’m happy for her get-it-gurl moments.

I love that Rook sees Leonora and encouraged her interests. He was absolutely thoughtful so could we not swoon as he found ways to feed her mechanism curiosity. His actions regarding his family, all of them, was admirable. Then his grand gesture was perfect!

If you enjoy kissing, innocent yet sensual trysts, and women receiving their deserved recognition, then I highly recommend this book!

Thank you to Net Galley, Avon, and Harper Voyager US for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.

✔️ Secret Identity
✔️ Teach Me
✔️ Bluestocking
✔️ He Can't Love (He Had a Bad Dad)

-summary-
In Want of a Viscount is the third book in the Chessmen: Masters of Seduction series though it does work great as a standalone (I loved book two and have yet to read book 1).

Nora is an American in London who kisses a mysterious stranger one night as she's never been kissed before. She's in town hoping to find investors in her father's business though her family would rather get an influx of money through her making a match from a wealthy member of the ton. Enter Viscount Wyeth (aka Rook) who has daddy issues that result in him mostly staying away from women. But of course, he was the mysterious stranger and their attraction sizzles as they try to navigate their feelings, their pasts, and their visions of the future.

-my thoughts-
You can't help but love Nora right away. She's smart and tenacious and clearly, the one saving her family from themselves. Remember how awful Lizzie Bennett's mom is? Well, Nora's mom has the same vibe.

Rook was easy to like too, daddy issues aside. I also really love when a normally unruffled guy gets agitated about love and almost can't function. Lorraine also deftly weaves it in so it's not a surprise at the end. It's sort of like, picture a guy in a suit, hair perfectly coiffed. By 25% through, his hair is kind of mussed. by 50%, the jacket is off and the sleeves are rolled
up. And then by 75%, the tie is askew, his hair is all over the place like he's been holding his head in his hands and he's kind of wild-eyed. That's the vibe of Rook's emotional journey.

Totally enjoyable read. Definitely pick up!

Steam 🔥🔥
Banter 🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️
Swoon 💕💕💕💕

Lorraine Heath and the Chessmen series never misses. It's hard to pick a favorite, and maybe it's recency bias, but I absolutely loved Johnny and Leonora. He's so serious and uptight, has spent years trying to have impeccable character because his father was so despicable, and Nora is exactly the force of nature he needs to shake him out of his inertia. And she's my favorite kind of heroine, one who is clever and interesting even if the people around her can't appreciate it. And it's not just Johnny that provides that for her - the other Chessmen and their wives are clearly the circle of friends she needs, even if we don't get to see enough of it on the page.

For a book that starts with a moment of lust and a deep kiss, there was so much more to the story. I loved the balance of Nora trying to save her late father's legacy and Johnny desperate to erase his father's damage. Positive or negative, carrying a family is a heavy burden, and they found kindred spirits in each other, someone to talk to and find comfort in. They could have serious, heartfelt conversations just as easily as they could find themselves kissing again. They were an absolutely perfect match even before either of them realized it.

Unlike the last book in the series, I thought we saw a perfect amount of the Chessmen supporting their friend. And normally I hate a third act "breakup" but I thought the ending of this book was so well paced and packed exactly the right emotional punch. If this is truly the end of the series, it was a fitting way to wrap everything up.

In Lorraine Heath's enchanting novel, 'In Want of a Viscount,' the latest installment in The Chessmen: Masters of Seduction series, readers are transported to a world where desire and duty collide in a scandalous dance. Viscount Wyeth, known as Rook, finds himself entangled with the captivating American Leonora Garrison, whose quest for investors intertwines with a daring kiss in an exclusive ladies' club.
Heath skillfully weaves a tale of passion and societal expectations as Rook grapples with the tarnished legacy of his libertine father and the temptation Leonora represents.
The juxtaposition of Leonora's scientific curiosity and Rook's desire to protect her from scandal creates a delightful tension.
The narrative unfolds with a perfect blend of romance, intrigue, and familial obligations, drawing readers into a world where love takes precedence over reputation.
“In Want of a Viscount' is a delightful exploration of two souls navigating the complexities of society, duty, and the undeniable allure of true love.

Very grateful to the publisher for this copy, opinions are my own.

Reading Lorraine Heath is like coming home. You just settle in because it’s comfortable, cozy, and exactly what you need.

In Want of a Viscount is the final Chessmen book 😢 and I’m so sad to see them end. I have loved this series and Rook completely surprised me with how much I loved him, having very little spotlight time in the other books. He’s more complicated than his starchy impeccable reputation lets on, and he is so so good at seeing Leonora. Leonora is perfectly imperfect with her misunderstood inquisitiveness, her fascinating mind, and her heart that she’s had to guard for far too long. I loved the meet cute between MCs who are both exactly what the other needs without being anything like what the other expects. She throws him for a loop with his almost obsession for her and he teaches her how to be okay with being herself. It felt like every time Rook and Nora were together on page that the tension they had from societal expectations and family obedience just dissipated as they seemed so at ease with one another. I loved watching them fall for each other, loved seeing Rook spoil Leonora with inquisitive delights, and loved seeing how Leonora could unravel Rook with her frankness.

But did I mention kissing? Unfortunately kissing is frequently overlooked but in In Want of a Viscount, kissing is THE WHOLE PURPOSE. I loved how much kissing they did, how much exploring, discovering, and types of kissing occurred in this book. The kissing will make you swoon, and that’s even before you get to the steamy parts which are 🔥🔥🔥.

That being said, I would HIGHLY recommend In Want of a Viscount. A big thank you to Avon and NetGalley for my early copy. Yet another ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read by Lorraine Heath.

Goodness do I love Lorraine Heath. I also have a soft spot for Americans traveling to Britain and the romances that ensue. In Want of a Viscount takes a down on her luck American, Nora, to London seeking investors in her father's business. Nora is the brains behind the business, but of course her brother inherited it and has no brains for maintaining it. Nora's brother and interfering mother view this opportunity in London as a way to get Nora married to a titled aristocrat...enter Rook, a viscount. One clandestine kiss and a bunch of serendipity later the two are in love.

I loved how fleshed out these characters were, and there was no infuriating third act breakup in the sense of miscommunication. Nora is unapologetically herself and Rook loves her for that. The sex is steamy but pivotal to the relationship and the way the characters step into themselves is *chefs kiss.*

Leonora Garrison met Viscount John Castelon, Rook to his friends when she and her brother, Sam and her mother traveled to England seeking investors in their manufacturing company. Rook and his friends, the Chessman were investors and so the idea was pitched to them and whoever else would be interested. Unbeknownst to Leonora, her mother and brother actually came to England to seek a wealthy titled husband for her so that they could benefit from his largesse. Leonora's goal was to get the manufacturing of her invention, the writing machine into production as a way to honor her deceased father. Rook was determined not to end up as his father, a scoundrel with many kids born outside of wedlock that he did not support. With both Leonora and Rook determined not to marry, it was a joy to read how the author plotted their coming together and having a HEA. It was not all fun and games and they had to go through alot emotionally before they ended up together. A wonderful addition to the Chessman series.
I received a ARC from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was steamy, fun and kept me reading. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

This is a fun, tropey book that combines the following:

1. American industrialist/inventor FMC whose father left the family company to her brother, not to her; also she does NOT want to get married, since this would prevent her from running the company
2. Starchy nobleman MMC who is so starchy and above reproach because his father was the worst womanizer OF ALL TIME
3. A club for ladies where they can go to request things like "a kiss!"
4. A title-hunting matchmaking mama

The best part of the book is Rook's (the MMC) combination of starchy hero with personal high standards but nonjudgmental perspective on the rest of the world. He loves that Leonora knows what she wants and asks for it, and never judges her for looking for a kiss or for her "unfeminine" desires (that include things like being an inventor, not just kissing unknown gents in ladies' clubs).

It's not groundbreaking or even all that original, but it's fun and sexy!

Also, spoiler (it's not revealed until the FINAL CHAPTER): Rook is a virgin hero. Be still my heart.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

have long been a fan of Lorraine Heath and historical romance. Her characters and places repeat in several series which allow readers to be transported . I really, really wanted to move this latest in the. Newsmen series, but for some reason I couldn’t click with it. For me, the characters felt surface level and I couldn’t connect with Rook and Lorraine. Leonora is a head strong American who is in England to introduce a writing machine she has invented. She ancestor with an engineer mind which is insulated done a woman in her time. Her oddities have caused her to be overlooked I the dating scene. But Rook sprites her mind and encourages her pursuits.

Rook is afraid to become like his father who is a rake and vile man. He has done very thing he can to avoid giving in to any reflection of his paternal lineage. The two meet at Aiden Truelove’s club the Elysium. Lenora is adventurous and Ingrid, Rook hesitant.

In a slow moving storyline the two have to overcome familial meddling and overcome the odds of American and London matchups. Overall, not my favorite of the series, but still a good one by Ms. heath who has proven to be an amazing author.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the sneak peek

This was a really exciting, witty and fun read by one of my favorite authors. Ms Heath writes with so much passion in her book. She has brought another winner to her fabulous table of historical's which never go out of style.
The characters were fully developed with thoughts and feelings of their own. There is a connection to other books that was an added bonus. I just love that we see the lives of other couples that make the story so wonderful.
John, Viscount Wyeth, known as Rook, has come to London to visit his brother who owns the Elysium. It's a private club which for making ladies’ fantasies come to life. When his brother asks Rook to go to a certain room (as a favor) called the kissing room and kiss the woman there.
Leonora Garrison is an American, twenty seven and has never been kissed. She winds up drinking a very strong beverage (absinthe) and finds that kissing Rook is toe curling.
A very hot kiss which makes for a sexy story of two people who were meant to be and love is the key. I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.

In Want of a Viscount
The Chessmen: Masters of Seduction Series - Book 3
By Lorraine Heath

Avon - February 2024

Historical Romance


John Castleton, Viscount Wyeth, known to most as Rook, had gone to the Elysium to see his brother Aiden Trewlove, one of the many children sired by his father. His intent had only been to give Aiden news their father was dying, but Aiden needed help. One of the ladies at his private club had a request. A kiss. Nobody should be the wiser. And it was unlikely that he would see the foreigner again.

Leonora Garrison had travelled from America with her brother and mother to find investors for their new invention. She was focused on the machine she was certain would transform lives, while her mother was focused on her marrying to improve her own standing in New York society. Leonora had never expected to see the man who had given her the kiss, and was shocked when he was a potential investor.

Rook was captivated by Leonora and her thirst for mechanical knowledge. He was even more fascinated by her beautiful passionate personality. However, the disgrace his father had brought to their family was something he didn’t want to burden a wife with.

In Want of a Viscount is a beautiful romance of a hero totally enamored with a smart, inquisitive woman. I loved reading about her tinkering with objects, and her obvious obsession with always learning. I enjoyed revisiting with the Trewloves from the previous series. I look forward to learning what's next.

Kathy Andrico - KathysReviewCorner.com

Rook, Viscount Wyeth, is the only legitimate son of his philandering father and has strived his entire life to be perfect. While visiting his illegitimate brother’s club, he is asked to give a kiss in a private room to an anonymous woman looking for a taste of pleasure before joining the marriage mart. The pair share an electric kiss and don’t think they will see each other again until they are invited to the same party. American heiress Lenora is not looking for a husband, she’s looking for investors for her writing machine (typewriter) so she does not know what to do when she is continually thrown together with Rook who she is undeniable attracted to. The pair must navigate the ton, their attraction, and their complicated families.

I love Lorraine Heath books. They are just so well written and thought out making them an absolute pleasure to read. I loved both Rook and Lenora. Both were very well rounded characters with clear motivations and complex needs making them feel like real people. I love that both were lonely until the found each other. The pair had wonderful chemistry that made the steamy scenes absolutely electric. I also loved seeing characters I knew from other books (in addition to the Chessmen books, this book also features characters from the Once Upon a Dukedom and Sins for All Seasons series). This book was one the definitely had layers to it and I can see myself revisiting it and getting even more out of it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.