4.5 starsThis was SOOOOO much better than the first two books!!! And I suggest skipping them altogether if you are so inclined, just to get to Ainsley. The youngest brother, he has been the constant voice of reason, so steadfast and responsible in his Duke-ly duties. He is old beyond his years.For the last three years, the Duke of Ainsley has felt responsible for the accident that robbed his cousin of his ability to walk...after all, he was holding the reins, and drinking while doing so. The accident also left his cousin's wife, Jayne, in such distress that she lost their child. Basically, he feels responsible for the ruination of both of their lives. So when his cousin asks him to impregnate his wife to repay the debt he owes them, Ainsley reluctantly accepts.The idea seemed a little farfetched at first, but Ms. Heath somehow made it all believable. Indeed, I shed tears more than once, for both Jayne and Ainsley. Jayne is such a sweet soul, and her life is consumed with taking care of a husband who can no longer walk...and who also no longer seemingly has any affection for her. Her existence is lonely, and at first she also blames Ainsley for the accident. But this romance blooms so BEAUTIFULLY! Really, this is truly romance...slow to build, then passionate and poetic, and even tragic at times. Ainsley has to seduce Jayne, and I was seduced just reading it. Whew! This is the epitome of seduction...slow and sensual. I couldn't help but figure out exactly HOW Jayne and Ainsley would get to be together. It was pretty predictable. But that was okay, because the way the story is told, I was still consumed. I stayed up until two in the morning, anxious to get to their happily ever after.Also, the story of Tessa and Leo (the mother of the Greatest Lovers), whom we have come to know during the course of this trilogy, get their own conclusive ending. I loved Tessa!!!! I loved that she is middle aged, with three titled sons and grandchildren, yet is still living the life that she wants. I love how unconventional she is and how she doesn't give a damn about society and how she will be recieved. She's a duchess, and she'll do whatever she pleases! So her lover Leo is a huge part of her life. (squeee!) I love that the boys accept him simply because he makes their mother happy and treats her like a queen.Overall, this is by far my fave of the series. It was very emotional, and tugs at both my maternal and romantic heartstrings.
