Monday 6 January 2014

Review: One Good Earl Deserves a Lover by Sarah MacLean


Title: One Good Earl Deserves a Lover
Author: Sarah MacLean
Publisher: Piatkis Books
Release Date: 29th January 2013
Source: Bought
Rating: 5 out of 5

Description: Lady Philippa Marbury is odd. The bespectacled, brilliant fifth 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.

Sarah MacLean has done it again with another perfect historical romance. I absolutely fell under the spell of Pippa and Cross’s story. It was emotional, sexy and exceptional.  These two characters were so perfect for each other it’s hard not to want them to be together. One Good Earl Deserves a Lover is a less dramatic and lighter story than A Rogue by Any Other Name. It is by far my favourite book in The Rules Of Scoundrels series.  If you haven’t read this series yet then I highly recommend it.

In the second book of the Rules of Scoundrels series, Sarah MacLean once again delivers a book filled with strong characters who drive the story. The characters come first and it shows, making for a compelling romance about a haunted Earl and a Lady who just wants some answers. Phillipa ‘Pippa’ Marbury is a scientist and intellectual women. She prefers the company of books to most people. She is all set to marry Lord Castleton but before she walks down the aisle she wants answers to some scandalous questions. To aid her in her information gathering she asks Cross, one of the owners of The Fallen Angel.  What starts out as an innocent quest turns into a romance filled with unexpected endings.

MacLean excels at character development. Each character is layered, complex and haunted by their own pasts and flaws.  Cross’s actions are a direct consequence of his past. Also MacLean writes some of the best women in historical fiction. There is nothing about these women to suggest that they are weak or just mere wallflowers. The women of this series are dynamite and made of steel. I’ve said this once and I will continue to say it but it is these women who are the real hero’s of the story and not their male counterparts.  At the end of the day it is Pippa Marbury who saves the day and fights for what she wants. And I love that the men in this series recognise the strength these women posses and respect and adore them for it.

I loved how Cross was always trying to protect Pippa from herself and is always exasperated with her. You never quite know how Pippa is going to react and it makes for entertaining situations. I loved the humour in this book mostly arising from the requests Pippa makes. It’s interesting to see how her queries are answered and taken aboard. Pippa is one of my favourite characters. She’s a smart intelligent woman who craves knowledge and has a healthy curiosity. The opening scene in which she goes to Cross’s office is filled with so much humour and horror for both characters. Right from their first meeting you know that you are about to read something special.  Cross has a very complicated past and has been striving to right the mistakes he thinks he has made in his past. Pippa helps him to reconcile his past with who he is now. Off course Bourne and Penelope make an appearance in the story and we get to see how their relationship is faring.  

One Good Earl Deserves a Lover is an emotional romance that is quite splendid. If you like historical romance then you must read this book. 

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