Synopsis:

After the death of his wife and father, the Earl of Markham has spent the last five years fiercely guarding his emotions from involvement, including getting too close to his son. Then a blackmail threat shatters his impassive world. To ensure his son's inheritance, Markham must woo and marry a headstrong commoner with a heart as wild and free as the English countryside she loves. Though wrong for him in every way, he discovers seducing her awakens more than just his colorless world. Soon, the battle to protect his son's future becomes a fight for his own heart.

After a tragedy destroyed Lizzie Parker's dreams, she wants no part of venturing far from home. She is content with her life of her garden, her village, and possibly, her father's curate. Sent from her ideal world to London and the glittering Season, Lizzie does whatever possible to vex the man who once broke her heart. But she never expects his kisses to tame her resistance. And each time his touch arouses her senses, she is less and less sure of just where she belongs.
 

SRR GRADE:  C
 

Lizzie Parker’s father is forcing her to leave her home so she can finally have a season in London. Lizzie has found the one man she loves with all her heart and that is her father’s curate, Edmund. She even announces that she gave her virginity to Edmund, thinking it will stop her father from making her go. Her escort, Lord Evan Fielding, the ninth Earl of Markham is there waiting to take her on her journey and has heard everything she announced to her father. It has been three years since Lizzie saw Markham and thought herself in love with him. But all her girlish fantasies crumbled when he refused her childish declarations. Lizzie has no choice but to go with Markham even though he seems out of sort with the whole thing.

The only reason Evan is helping Lizzie is because he is being blackmailed by the Reverend Parker. The Reverend has proof that Evan was born before his parents were married and if this comes out, he will lose his place as the Earl. Lizzie’s father doesn’t want her to marry a penniless nobody and wants her to marry a man with money so she will be financially secure. And the Reverend believes Evan may be the perfect husband for Lizzie.

Lizzie goes with Evan to London but is rude to him every step of the way. Evan can hardly stand to be in her company, until he sees her kinder nature and the way she is with other people. And when she decides to help an unfortunate family, Evan is on his way to falling for her. But Lizzie’s ex-beau won’t let her go and Evan’s former mistress wants him to be the father of her child. Can Evan get Lizzie to fall for him and try to keep her safe as those around them try to separate them with lies and deception?

A Tarnished Heart has two enemies who become lovers and so much more. Leslie Dicken has written an engaging historical romance with some luscious love scenes that makes for great reading. Lizzie may act like a spoiled brat when first introduced, but quickly she changes her tune and is really lovely both inside and out. It was quite enjoyable to watch Evan fall for her charms. He is so stiff and believes that Lizzie is the same devious individual as her father, but that changes very quickly.

There are some roadblocks toward Evan and Lizzie’s happiness but all is resolved in a perfect way. For great love scenes and a hero and a heroine you can sympathize with, try A Tarnished  Heart.