Book Review-Surrender To A Scoundrel

Surrender To A Scoundrel
American Heiress Series
Julianne MacLean
Avon,
368 Pages
Published January 2007
Paperback 
Victorian Historical Romance
ISBN:978006081819361

Synopsis:
No woman can resist him. . .

Lord Martin Langdon takes pride in his scandalous reputation as a scoundrel, and he considers the art of seduction a most rewarding pastime. So when this dashing rakehell learns of a particularly beautiful woman who is "impossible to flirt with," Martin is determined to prove that not even the prim and proper Evelyn Wheaton can resist his charms.

Except one.

Evelyn knows all about the reckless rogue's shocking reputation and she wants nothing to do with him. She may be looking for a husband, but Martin is certainly not a candidate. The smoldering looks he sends her way, however, are a different matter entirely. She suspects there is great passion to be had if she'd throw caution to the wind and surrender to this scoundrel . . . but dare she risk her heart?

And will Martin, who hides a most tormented past, find true love at last?

My Review: 

Summary:
Lord Martin Langdon has great pride in his scandalous reputation that he has created for himself. Now he is a boat racer, and a competant and talented one at that, and now the race is on for who will win Evelyn Wheaton, a widow, just come out of mouring, and looking for marriage and a family. So Martin pursues the beautiful widow Evelyn, because part of him can't stand to see his rival winning the hand of her, because on the outside she seems prim, cool and proper, however he is determined to break down that barrier and find a passionate woman with dreams and desires that he plans to unravel, however he never expected to fall in love while he was doing it, or to find that she has found joy and love in his embrace and never wanting to let go, despite the pain that holds Langdon back from racing toward the greatest happiness he would ever find....in Evelyn's arms.

The Hero 
Martin Langdon, when he a boy rescued Evelyn from the icy lake, but never received a thank you from the cool and proper Evelyn. When they were teenager Evelyn caught him being the rascal he was, pursuing anything that was open and in skirts, however now ten years later he has changed. Martin has suffered a great pain, that he has yet to grieve for. Now he is a racer, wrecked two boats that his brother bought for him, seeming to be aloof about life, however Martin is a deep and passionate man, and there is only one person that bring down his fake barriers and to help him feel once more.

The Heroine
Evelyn Wheaton, growing up admired the young boy that rescued her and saved her life, but then she catches him in bed with a maid, and her closest friend with a broken heart, and remains cool and above him, for she knows she can't afford to get hurt, because she has yet to feel love or happiness in her young life. Having to guard her heart, based on her father's poor treament of her, she has had to do everything by duty, but now a widow and out of mourning, she desires for love and a family, not knowing that she truly desires is passion and a vibrancy to live life as fully as she possibly can, and have no regrets.

My Thoughts:
Surrender To A Scoundrel is the sixth installment in the American Heiress Series that Julianne Maclean has written. I have to say that from the first to last page I was entranced by this romantic story that takes us back to the late 1800's in England. Its about a story of two young people that care for each other without fully realizing that they are destined for each other, through a twist of fate. Both the hero and heroine in this story have suffered some version of pain and suffering in their lives, and only when they come to each other and find love. I found the characters of this story to be endearing, the plot to be filled with one adventure after another, and this author has such a talent for writing memorable romantic fiction.

My Grade On This Book 
4.5 Blossoms  

Other Books In The Series:
 To Marry The Duke
An Affair Most Wicked
My Own Private Hero
Love According To Lily
Portrait Of A Lover