Heartless by Kat Martin

To escape her life of poverty as a tenant farmer's daughter, Ariel Summers made a bargain with the devil-she would become the Earl of Greville's mistress in exchange for the schooling and refinements of a lady. But she couldn't foresee the earl's untimely death, or her own disturbing attraction to his bastard son and heir, Justin Ross.
Justin Ross never meant to demand payment from the tempting young woman his father had so callously planned to ruin. But her innocent allure provoked his ruthless nature, and he vowed he would have her in his bed.

Seduction was his plan, but Justin never suspected Ariel's innocent passion would awaken emotions he had long believed dead. Now mistrust and betrayal threaten the fragile happiness the two of them have found, and Justin must convince Ariel he isn't the heartless man she believes.

And he will risk his very life to prove his love.

Kat Martin will never compare to Judith McNaught in writing style or character development, but if I'm in the mood for a B-grade romance, she's the one I turn to.

Heartless is the first book in a Victorian-Era trilogy and one of my favorites by her.

The hero, Justin, is jealous, jaded and...well, Heartless. He's never known love from anyone in his life and he's been dumped on by enough women to know they're all just as Heartless as he is and not worth his efforts.

Until he meets Ariel.

While the book captured me and I rather enjoyed his jealous fits and absolute adoration of her, I can't help but wonder if there's such a thing as a smart historical romance heroine with common sense. Things aren't looking good at this point.

The other two that follow this one are:

The Fire Inside
Fanning the Flame

Which I'll be reviewing shortly.

Not must reads, but still pretty good.

3.5 out of 5