He has devil's blood in his veins. At least, that's always been the legend. How else could the Duke of Brexford's notorious bastard son return from the dead? The brutal decade since Lucien Durand, Lord Bolt, allegedly drowned in the Thames forged him into a man who always gets what—and who—he wants. And what he wants is vengeance for his stolen birthright...and one wild night in Angelique Breedlove's bed.

Angelique recognizes heartbreak when the enigmatic Lord Bolt walks into The Grand Palace on the Thames, and not even his devastating charm can tempt her to risk her own ever again. One scorching kiss drives home the danger.

But in the space between them springs a trust that feels anything but safe. And the passion—explosive, consuming—drives Lucien to his knees. Now his whole life depends on proving his love to a woman who doesn't believe in it...because his true birthright, he now knows, is guardian of Angelique Breedlove's heart.

ANGEL IN A DEVIL’S ARMS

by Julie Anne Long

ALL OF THE STARS!

You think you’ve read about perfect heroes? Then get ready for Lucien. He will have you swoon and laugh and maybe even your eyes water a tiny bit. He is just wonderful, charming, funny, self-deprecating with a twinkle in his eyes and intuitive, caring and thoughtful. Lucien has a tenderness for Angelique that he expresses in his mind that is achingly beautiful. For this alone, for his thoughts about this strong, proud woman, I would give this a five star rating. He was the ideal partner for Angelique, who had been hurt and disappointed and discarded by men and disowned by her family. She is wary of Lucien but fascinated and drawn to him all the same. Because of Angelique’s previous painful experiences her pulling away from Lucien was relatable, even when she hurt him.

“Is it something about me? Or do you feel as though you can treat all men as though what we feel is of no consequence?”

Lucien’s vulnerability was incredibly endearing.

I admired him for how he handled the conflict with his father. Angelique could be pretty badass, especially when she fought for the man she’d fallen in love with.
I loved that there wasn’t a sudden realization that they had fallen for one another because it was so obvious to see from the outside what was happening. It was a gradual growth and there was no need stating the obvious – that’s how good JAL is transferring the words from the pages into the reader’s heart. Their interactions and teasing natures were just…*blissful sigh*…

Being in a room that contained her was better than being in a room that did not contain her.

I also adored reconnecting with Delilah and Captain Hardy – like Delilah and Angelique I thought Lucien and Tristan would butt heads but nope, they got along just fine which is why I was so touched when Captain Hardy pled Lucien’s case.

I think everyone should read Julie Anne Long’s books. Seriously, though – her writing is poetic and full of wit and clever dialogues, her stories are riveting, delighful, and so, SO romantic. I knew this when I went into ANGEL IN A DEVIL’S ARMS. I’ve known this for years but every time I finish a book by this author I think I have an expression of awe and utter bliss on my face. The highest compliment I can pay a HR author is comparing them to Lisa Kleypas. If you love LK’s stories you’ll definitely adore Miss Long’s books. The teaser about the next couple in the epilogue of this installment has me excited for the next book. I hope we don’t have to wait too long!

“I should like it if we could be friends, Lord Bolt.”
She sounded appallingly sincere. A silence spread like a stain.
“Friends?” he managed finally, on something like a croak, as though she’d extended a silver platter upon which rested his own testicles.