- Title: One Good Earl Deserves a Lover (The First Rule of Scoundrels)
- Classification: Adult Fiction
- Genre: Historical Romance
- Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
- Publisher: Avon (January 29, 2013)
- ISBN-10: 0062068539
- ISBN-13: 978-0062068538
- Author's Website: http://macleanspace.com/
- Notes: Quotes will need to be checked against the final copy as I read an ARC.
Lady Philippa Marbury was by all accounts considered odd. Smarter than the average debutante, she attacked life in a scientific manner. So when she became betrothed to a man who was her intellectual polar opposite, it was only natural for her to evaluate the institution of marriage and gather all the information she could to ensure the happiest and most satisfying of relationships. That resulted in her seeking out someone who was an expert in a field she had no expertise in--the art of copulation...
"I selected you, Mr. Cross. Quite carefully. I have a very specific, very clear, very time-sensitive plan. And it requires a research associate."
A research associate?
He didn't care. He didn't.
"What research?"
Damn.
Her hands came together tightly clasped. "You are quite legendary, sir."
The words sent a chill through him.
"Everyone talks about you. They say you are an expert in the critical aspects of ruination."
He gritted his teeth, hating her words, and feigned disinterest. "Do they?"
She nodded happily and ticked items on her fingers quickly as she spoke, "Indeed. Gaming, spirits, pugilism, and--" She stopped. "And--"
Her cheeks were awash in red, and he wanted her to consider the rest. To hear its absurdity. To stop this madness.
"And...?"
She righted herself, spine straight. He would have wagered everything he had on her not replying.
He would have lost.
"And coitus." The word was soft, and came on a firm exhale, as though she'd finally said what she'd come to say. Which couldn't be possible. Surely he'd misheard her. Surely his body was responding incorrectly to her.
Before he could ask her to repeat herself, she took another breath and continued. "That's the bit at which you are purported to be the most proficient. And, honestly, that's the bit I require."
"I selected you, Mr. Cross. Quite carefully. I have a very specific, very clear, very time-sensitive plan. And it requires a research associate."
A research associate?
He didn't care. He didn't.
"What research?"
Damn.
Her hands came together tightly clasped. "You are quite legendary, sir."
The words sent a chill through him.
"Everyone talks about you. They say you are an expert in the critical aspects of ruination."
He gritted his teeth, hating her words, and feigned disinterest. "Do they?"
She nodded happily and ticked items on her fingers quickly as she spoke, "Indeed. Gaming, spirits, pugilism, and--" She stopped. "And--"
Her cheeks were awash in red, and he wanted her to consider the rest. To hear its absurdity. To stop this madness.
"And...?"
She righted herself, spine straight. He would have wagered everything he had on her not replying.
He would have lost.
"And coitus." The word was soft, and came on a firm exhale, as though she'd finally said what she'd come to say. Which couldn't be possible. Surely he'd misheard her. Surely his body was responding incorrectly to her.
Before he could ask her to repeat herself, she took another breath and continued. "That's the bit at which you are purported to be the most proficient. And, honestly, that's the bit I require."
This is the second book in The First Rule of Scoundrels series. If you haven't read the first book of the series, don't worry. You won't feel like you've missed anything, but if you love Ms. MacLean's books as much as I do, you'll want to read it anyway.
One of the things I love about books is that you can live vicariously through the characters in them. This is one of those books. I love it when a character does something I would never ever dare to do and it turns up all sunny skies, roses and happy endings. I mean, haven't you ever wanted to do something a little reckless, totally out of character, and totally not what society would deem respectable? Well, this is one such book where the main character does and I had such a fun time reading it that my kids kept asking me what I laughing about to which I repeatedly replied, "Oh, nothing."
One of the things I love about books is that you can live vicariously through the characters in them. This is one of those books. I love it when a character does something I would never ever dare to do and it turns up all sunny skies, roses and happy endings. I mean, haven't you ever wanted to do something a little reckless, totally out of character, and totally not what society would deem respectable? Well, this is one such book where the main character does and I had such a fun time reading it that my kids kept asking me what I laughing about to which I repeatedly replied, "Oh, nothing."
Lady Philippa 'Pippa' Marbury was a fun character who took her experiments and research very seriously. She's truly doing this because she honestly wants the best marriage she can have. That is what makes this story so delectably delicious and fun. I did say she was considered odd, right? Well, Lady Phillipa had everything very well thought out except for one little item she couldn't have foreseen. The man she selected, who was rumored to be able to get a woman out of her clothes without ever raising a hand, had taken a self imposed vow of celibacy and had been celibate for the past 6 years. In all those years, however, no one had tempted him like the bespectacled young woman who made him such an indecent proposal.
Cross in a part owner of a gambling club called the Fallen Angel. He's also a man bearing a heavy burden. Years ago something happened that he couldn't forgive himself for. He'd been young, foolish, selfish, and unreliable and had bowed out of a commitment which resulted in tragic consequences. He'd vowed never to be as reckless or selfish as he'd once been. When Pippa comes to him with her proposal he is shocked, surprised, and taken totally unaware. He's never met a woman like her. She amuses and attracts him, with her tenacity, spirit, stubbornness, and cluelessness as to how inappropriate such a liaison would be. Besides his self imposed celibacy, Pippa is the sister-in-law of one of his business partners so he's in a doubly uncomfortable position. She may be the one temptation he can't resist and prove to be his downfall.
Overall, I gave this one 5 out of 5 roses. It was funny, engaging and steamy with a dose of suspense added in to the mix for good measure. I loved how before anything could change, Cross had to come to terms with his past and Pippa had to come to terms with her feelings which Cross confronts her with head on. I liked how this seemingly mismatched couple had so much in common even though on the surface you'd never believe it. Additionally, I loved how Cross truly saw Pippa for the woman she was. I've always loved Ms. MacLean's books and she didn't disappoint. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, I'm giving this one a SHOWER rating--a cold shower is necessary (need I say more?). Some books should come with a warning - make sure your significant other is handy or your shower is in working order. lol
Order of series:
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