No Good Duke Goes Unpunished
Rule Of Scoundreals (3)
Sarah MacLean
Avon Books
E Book
Published November 26 2013
384 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-06-206854-5 Authors Website
Synopsis A rogue ruined . . .
He
is the Killer Duke, accused of murdering Mara Lowe on the eve of her
wedding. With no memory of that fateful night, Temple has reigned over
the darkest of London’s corners for twelve years, wealthy and powerful,
but beyond redemption. Until one night, Mara resurfaces, offering the
one thing he’s dreamed of . . . absolution.
A lady returned . . .
Mara
planned never to return to the world from which she’d run, but when her
brother falls deep into debt at Temple’s exclusive casino, she has no
choice but to offer Temple a trade that ends in her returning to society
and proving to the world what only she knows . . . that he is no
killer.
A scandal revealed . . .
It’s a
fine trade, until Temple realizes that the lady—and her past—are more
than they seem. It will take every bit of his strength to resist the
pull of this mysterious, maddening woman who seems willing to risk
everything for honor . . . and to keep from putting himself on the line
for love.
My Review
Mara has been on the run for over twelve years, having to live a life in hiding. Mara was young and desperate to escape a arranged marriage with a man thrice her age, and wanting to have a form of control, set a man up hoping that others would assume he had ruined her, but instead they thought he murdered her. Now twelve years later she has come back to London to offer Temple a trade, one which she knows he won't be able to resist taking her up. Temple is shocked when he finds himself facing the one woman that ruined him. Despite holding the title of "Duke" he hasn't lived that kind of life for twelve years, and is more than happy with who he is. However Temple can't seem to resist Mara, and despite his bitterness and anger toward her betrayal, he knows that she holds the key to Temple gaining back everything that he lost. Mara has many regrets, but her main concern is keeping the boys home together, and will do anything to keep it going, even if it means her ruination and one of the biggest scandals that London has ever seen.
I was able to receive a copy of this book through Edelweiss and Avon publishing. I have been waiting for this one to come out for quite some time. I have to say this one just might be my favorite of the series. I have just started to get back into reading, and I am glad that this is one of the first books I started reading again. I have always enjoyed Sarah Maclean, Her writing style and passion is evident through every story that she writes, and the same holds true for No Good Duke Goes Unpunished. With some books the revenge theme sometimes never goes over well, but I found Maclean's style of plot and the zestiness of the characters only made this theme work quite well, and became a story that was quite impossible to put down. The connection between Temple and Mara was instantaneous from the first page. You see how despite each going after what they each desire, they end up willing to give up everything for the other. A emotionally driven tale that is woven smoothly with the plot that it gives it a spice that only adds to the story even more. A beautifully written gem of a romance that captured me from the beginning, a love story that will curl your toes and sexy enough to fog up the windows!! A remarkable tale of love, forgiveness and the excitement of danger and intrigue. My Grade
4.5 Blossoms Heat Rating
Steamy Other Books In Series
A Rogue By Any Other Name
One Good Earl Deserves A Lover
One Good Earl Deserves A Lover
Rules of Scoundrels (2)
Sarah Maclean
Avon
Mass Market Paperback
Published February 2013
373 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-06-206853-8 Author's Website
Synopsis The second in the incredible new Rules of Scoundrels series from New York Times bestselling author Sarah MacLean.
Lady
Philippa Marbury is odd. The bespectacled, brilliant fourth daughter of
the Marquess of Needham and Dolby cares more for books than balls,
flora than fashion and science than the season. Nearly engaged to Lord
Castleton, Pippa wants to explore the scandalous parts of London she's
never seen before marriage. And she knows just who to ask: the tall,
charming, quick-witted bookkeeper of The Fallen Angel, London's most
notorious and coveted gaming hell, known only as Cross.
Like any
good scientist, Pippa's done her research and Cross's reputation makes
him perfect for her scheme. She wants science without emotion—the
experience of ruination without the repercussions of ruination. And who
better to provide her with the experience than this legendary man? But
when this odd, unexpected female propositions Cross, it's more than
tempting . . . and it will take everything he has to resist following
his instincts—and giving the lady precisely what she wants.
My Review Summary
Pippa is within two weeks of getting married, to a good man but doesn't excite her. She is beyond curious about intimacy in the bedchamber, and she hasn't even been kissed by her fiancee, she is desperate to know as much as possible. Pippa has always been fascinated with the world around her, and has made it her mission to learn as much as she can, goes everywhere with a book in her hand. Pippa knows that she is a bit odd to others, but she craves knowledge. So she goes to "The Fallen Angel" and seeks out Cross, who is more than able to give her the information she needs. Cross has the reputation of being a scoundrel with the ladies, with more than enough experience, and is one of the four partners in the gaming hell. Cross is curious when Pippa bursts into his office, and insists that he teaches her about sexual matters. At first he doesn't know how to respond to her, she is a proper lady and engaged to be married, and attempts to distract her from her purpose and protect her from scandal. Before long though he finds her too irristable and finds that he wants her for herself. Pippa knows what she wants, and Cross keeps distracting her, and takes her on a battle of wits and wills and before she knows it she finds herself falling in love with a man who is not her fiancee. Who will win this battle of love.... My Thoughts
I could hardly put this one down....it was such a sexy and entertaining read to the very end. Sarah Maclean has such talent with her stories and this one definitely didn't disappoint in any way. There was such a sense of fun and playfulness between this couple, and even though there wasn't a huge conflict involved, there was enough opposition in the book that it keeps you on your toes. I found Pippa to be the type of character that you aren't sure if you are going to like, but end up liking her more and more. She is beyond smart, and for those of us in the modern world, her uniqueness would be considered normal. However back in the 1800's, it was far from normal. Pippa takes it all in stride, how others look at her, most view her as "odd". However Cross responds to her Cleverness in such a way that made me love him more. Cross is your typical alpha male type, has a very tough exterior, but is not the normal rakish type. He keeps trying to resist Pippa constantly because he knows there is no future for him with her. However Pippa is beyond stubborn and keeps coming back to him despite his efforts to keep her from him. I found this couple to be unique to their situation. The love connection between Cross and Pippa was poignant and heartbreaking at times. I just loved how their story progresses and builds and the conclusion was just about PERFECT. I really enjoyed how this story is brought to life to this reader in such a way that it provoked a feeling of warmth and tenderness. The plot had a sense of mystery and intense emotion. Overall a OUTSTANDING romance that kept me up all night reading. A well put together story with characters that completely satisfied me in every way, and a beautiful tale of love and passion that had me from the first page. LOVED EVERY MOMENT
First Line
There were benefits to being the second son. Favorite Quotes: She thought him safe. Scientific. Without danger. She was mad. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Do not tempt the lion," he said, the words brushing across her lips, parting them with their touch. "For he most certainly will bite." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "I told you to leave me. I told you never to come near me." He leaned in, torturing them both--so close and still an unbearable distance. "But you couldn't resist. You want me to teach you the things you should learn from him. You want my experience. My sin. My kiss. And not his." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "I want every inch of you...I want your mind and body and soul."
My Grade
5 Blossoms
Heat Rating
Steamy
Other Books In Series
A Rogue By Any Other Name
No Good Duke Goes Unpunished
Never Judge A Lady Be Her Cover
A Rogue By Any Other Name The Rules Of Scoundrels (1)
Sarah MacLean
Avon
Mass Market Paperback
Published March 2012
386 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-06-206852-1 Author's Website
Synopsis What a scoundrel wants, a scoundrel gets...
A
decade ago, the Marquess of Bourne was cast from society with nothing
but his title. Now a partner in London’s most exclusive gaming hell, the
cold, ruthless Bourne will do whatever it takes to regain his
inheritance—including marrying perfect, proper Lady Penelope Marbury.
A
broken engagement and years of disappointing courtships have left
Penelope with little interest in a quiet, comfortable marriage, and a
longing for something more. How lucky that her new husband has access to
such unexplored pleasures.
Bourne may be a prince of London’s
underworld, but he vows to keep Penelope untouched by its wickedness—a
challenge indeed as the lady discovers her own desires, and her
willingness to wager anything for them... even her heart
My Thoughts Summary
Michael, lost everything when he was sixteen in a card game, by his neighbor, and he was left with nothing. So now many years later he vows vengeance against the man that ruined his life. He is determined to let no man or woman get in his way, including his childhood friend Penelope. When he hears that his land is now a part of her dowry, he must come up with a plan to secure her marrying him as soon as possible. So he compromises her, which in turn forces her to marry him or face a horrid scandal on herself and her family. Penelope is thrilled at first when she see's Michael for the first time in many years, but he has changed a lot. He is no longer the boy she would run and play with, and write letters to. When she has no choice but to marry him, she wonders what kind of marriage they will have. She aches for passion and love and more than anything she desires Michael to be the one to give it to her. But when she finds out his thirst for revenge, she realizes his resolve and wonders if her love for him might be enough.
The Hero (Michael, Marquess of Bourne)
Michael lost everything he had in a card game when he was only sixteen years old. He lost his home, school, friends...everything he had ever known to the father of one of his closest friends. Left alone in London, he was taken in by "Chase"--leader of the gaming hell which he currently is part owner in now. Now Bourne is desperate to regain all that he lost, including marrying Penelope, the one girl he fell in love with a decade ago. Bourne knows that she is pure and good and plans on keeping her from his underworld that he has created for himself. But when Penelope proves to be a match for him, he finds he may be risking his heart to her.
The Heroine (Penelope Marbury)
Penelope once adore Michael when they were children. They were as close as two peas in a pod, and even when he went away to school ,she wrote him constantly, and still continued after he lost everything. Penelope has grown into a strong willed woman who has yet to make a good match for herself. When her first engagement is ended because the man she was going to marry was in love with someone else, she was devastated. Ever since she has never been able to say yes to a proposal. But then she see's Michael again, and he practically ruins her in society's eyes, and she has no choice but to marry Michael, despite the scoundrel he is. She is then brought into his illicit world, and for the first time she feels alive and wants to embrace the adventures with Michael at her side.
My Thoughts
A Rogue By Any Other Name is the first in the most newest series by Sarah MacLean. I have to say that I ever since I first read this author....she utterly captivated me instantly with her sharp wit and wonderful written stories that just pulled at my heartstrings. I can honestly say she is at the top of my favorite authors to read and I can't believe that it has taken me so long to get this one read....I truly must be an idiot LOL . Because this books was full of everything that satisfies every romantic notion that made me fall in love with romance novels in the first place. The story has a strong plot with a hero that I fell in lust and love with from the beginning. He is total Alpha and bad boy Rake type. Definitely the irresistable type that I just can't help but love from the first page. Penelope seems in the beginning like there is so much more she wants but feels caged by restrictions by her family and society. But when she marries Michael, we see the true fire beneath the mask, and I started to really like her. She fights for what she really wants and for the love she has for Michael (and I just LOVED her for that) I just love two strong characters that might not seem good for each other...but in the end are just perfect for each other. There is also such a sexual tension between these two from the beginning, and boy did this story sizzle and spark. A page turner this one....and story that will make you believe in second chances and a love that never dies!!!! A Romance Marvel that will make you pop in delight!
First Line The eight of diamonds ruined him.
Favorite Quote "Michael," she said softly, "there's no one better. Not for me." The words crashed through him, and she tilted her head, came up on her toes, and pressed a kiss to his lips. It was the most perfect kiss he'd ever experienced, her lips firmly on his, soft and sweet and utterly mesmerizing.
My Grade
5 Blossoms
Heat Rating
Steamy
Other Books In Series
One Good Earl Deserves A Lover
No Good Duke Goes Unpunished
Never Judge A Lady By Her Cover
Ten Ways To Be Adored When Landing A Lord
The Ralstons
Sarah MacLean
Avon
357 Pages
Published October 2010
Regency Romance
ISBN: 978-0-0618-5206-0
Synopsis Since being named one of London’s "Lords to Land" by a popular ladies’ magazine, Nicholas St. John has been relentlessly pursued by every matrimony-minded female in the ton. So when an opportunity to escape fashionable society presents itself, he eagerly jumps—only to land in the path of the most determined, damnably delicious woman he’s ever met!
The daughter of a titled wastrel, Lady Isabel Townsend has too many secrets and too little money. Though used to taking care of herself quite handily, her father’s recent passing has left Isabel at sea and in need of outside help to protect her young brother’s birthright. The sinfully handsome, eminently eligible Lord Nicholas could be the very salvation she seeks.
But the lady must be wary and not do anything reckless...like falling madly, passionately in love.
BOOK REVIEW
Summary
Nick is asked by his friend to go searching for his sister who has disappeared. So Nick yearning for a escape from London, after being names the most eligible bachelor in a ladies magazine. He finds himself in Yorkshire, England. Isabel Townsend, when in town stumbles across Nick, after he saves her life, and asks him to look at her marble statues, and has a hope that she will be able to sell them for money, because she has to have the funds that she needs. But then Lord Nicholas and his friend, through a twist of fate, find themselve stuck at the manor due to a terrible rainstorm. After sharing a passionate kiss withg the handsome and irresistable Lord Nicholas, Isabel knows that she is in deep deep trouble. Not just for her girls, younger brother, or the manor, but also her heart.
The Hero Lord Nicholas St John is a expert on antiquities, now all of London is after him, after being put on a ladies magazine, and is the most sought after bachelor of all London, and more than likely England. But the moment he saves Isabel he finds himself stuck at the manor, his attraction to her increases and he finds her so mysterious, that he must know of all her secrets, and save her from all her folly's since that has always been his weakness, is women in trouble and in need of help and saving. But he is drawn to her because the more he tastes her sweetness, he only aches for more of her.
The Heroine
Isabel Townsend is the head of Townsend Park, after her father went away never to return, and her mother died shortly after that, she has kept up Townsend with little money. And she is looking for a way to provide for all that are sheltered at Townsend. Including women from all over, who are in need of help in some form. She is also responsible for her younger brother who is ten and is a Lord. However she must also worry about him going to school soon and to protect his birthright. So when she meets Nick, whom is a antiquitter she hopes she can sell her marbles for a large sum which will be enough to provide for all their needs. What she never expected was to fall in love when she vowed never to do so, never wanting to fall in love and then be deserted like her mother was. But fate has a way of turning things around when you least expect it.
My Thoughts Ten Ways To Be Adored When Landing A Lord is the second installment in the Ralston's series, and a pure delight. I love reading the first one of the series, and I was eager to read Nick's story, and I am so glad that I was able to get my hands on it.This is probably one of my favorite romances of the year! I truly loved everything about this story, it was such a delicious romance, definitely packed with romance, intrigue, a bit of danger, witty humor and passion, what more could a girl ask for right? I truly loved all the characters involved in the story, as well as the plot for the story. There were moments that made me laugh, moments that made me wonder, be surprised and even cry at the end. I have no complaints as far as this one goes, defnitely one I would consider buying to put on my shelves to re read as much as I would like. I have truly enjoyed reading from this author, and is at the top of the ladder when it comes to well written and riveting historical romances!
My Favorite Quote
"Only that you would do well to tell me the truth about your situation. I'm bound to discover it soon enough"
My Grade On This Book
5 Blossoms Other Books In The Series
Nine Rules To Break When Romancing A Rake
Eleven Scandals To Start When Winning A Duke's Heart
Nine Rules To Break When Romancing A Rake
Sarah MacLean
Avon,
397 Pages
Published April 2010
Paperback
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN: 9780061852053
Synopsis A lady does not smoke cheroot. She does not ride astride. She does not fence or attend duels. She does not fire a pistol, and she never gambles at a gentlemen's club.
Lady Calpurnia Hartwell has always followed the rules, rules that have left her unmarried -- and more than a little unsatisfied. And so she's vowed to break the rules and live the life of pleasure she's been missing.
But to dance every dance, to steal a midnight kiss -- to do those things, Callie will need a willing partner. Someone who knows everything about rule-breaking. Someone like Gabriel St. John, the Marquess of Ralston -- charming and devastatingly handsome, his wicked reputation matched only by his sinful smile.
If she's not careful, she'll break the most important rule of all -- the one that says that pleasure-seekers should never fall hopelessly, desperately in love . . .
My Review:
Lady Calpurnia Hartwell has lived a life of always living by the rule book, never breaking any rules especially that in society, and yet she is still unmarried. So deciding that she wants some changes in her life, she writes a list of nine things that she wants to do, that she has always wanted to that she feels she has missed out on now that she feels that she is on the shelf; but because she is a woman, she is restricted to respectable activities. But as she starts crossing items off of her list, she starts to see that she has a partner in her list of daring things, who is none other than Gabriel St John, the Marquess of Ralston, who is too charming and wicked for his own good. But as the risks of her adventures escalates so does the passion that ignites between them, that starts to blossom into a love that will come up behind them and surprise them in ways that they never expected.
Nine Rules To Break When Romancing A Rake by Sarah Maclean, was purely wonderful and I thoroughly enjoyed it and had it read in just under a few hours, I found it to be such a enthralling romance that had me resisting to ever putting it down despite the bruised elbows (since my favorite position is to read on my stomach) And I think one of my favorite things about their relationship is the witty interchange between the two and had me amused till the very end of the book. Also the plot was truly entertaining. We have Callie, who has always obeyed the society rules, which have brought her only loneliness and a yearning for dreams and desires and that fear that they will never be fulfilled. So she starts writing a list of things that no respectable lady would ever do, and would cause a scandal. Such as Fence, Attending a Duel, Gambling at a Gentlemans Club (where women are never allowed), but she somehow adopts a companion that protects her reputation yet steals sensual embraces that would cause anyone sensible to blush the roots of a carrot. Yet there is a strong connection between these two characters that are so enjoyable to see progess throughout this story that leaves the reader breathless with anticipation with every page turned. I truly have enjoyed reading this story and am looking forward to reading the next one in the series, I can hardly wait!!!! Sarah MacLean is such a remarkable writer into historical romance, that no one would want to miss out on!!!
