Pleasures of a Notorious Gentleman

Heath's second London's Greatest Lovers historical (after November 2010's Passions of a Wicked Earl) pairs a battle-scarred Crimean War soldier with his compassionate nurse. Mercy Dawson cared for Maj. Stephen Lyons, brother of the duke of Ainsley, after he was wounded. A year later, she arrives at the duke's estate to bring him her infant son, John, whom Stephen fathered. Mercy believes Stephen dead and is shocked when she meets him again at Ainsley's estate, where he is recuperating from terrible injuries to body and mind. Stephen has no memories of his two battle-ridden years, but he knows he must do right by Mercy, whose kindness and love for her son set her apart from Stephen's many other past lovers. As they become reacquainted, their romance ripens with intensity and realistic emotion that will leave even the most seasoned reader teary-eyed. (Dec.)