Book Review-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.
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"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