by Sarah MacLean
Series: Rules of Scoundrels #1
Genres: Historical Romance
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Ten years ago the, Marquess of Bourne lost everything in a card game to the ruthless Viscount of Langford. He has regained his wealth and is part owner of a popular gaming hall called, The Fallen Angel. He desperately wants to regain the land surrounding his entailed manor Falconwell. When he learns Marbury has won the land in a card game and made it part of Lady Penelope Marbury’s dowry, he sets off to get the land. He will obtain the land by whatever means necessary. Lady Penelope was a childhood friend of Michael Bourne. She faithfully wrote him, even after the scandal, but she hasn't heard from him since. She was once considered the darling of the ton and was briefly engaged to a Duke; until a scandal occurred forcing her father to break the engagement. Now her father is forcing her to marry this season and has sweetened the pot in order to ensure good offers. Penelope longs for love but may have to settle for less. The tale that unfolds was captivating as these two souls came together. Penelope is not the young girl Michael remembers and the past ten years have changed Michael. He is dark, bitter and cold.
A Rogue By Any Other Name is the first in the Rules of Scoundrels series and absolutely yummy. If you’ve been following my blog, you have read my reviews for MacLean’s Love by Numbers series and are probably aware that I adore this author and was sad to see the series end. Her tales captivate me, as they deliver feisty strong-willed heroines and the swoon-worthy men they tame. Imagine my delight when I realized this new series featured a character I met in the last one. I quickly consumed this and loved every delicious moment of it.
I adore the characters MacLean creates and the dark, sexy, damaged, Marquess of Bourne is no exception. Michael wants revenge but gets a whole lot more than he bargained for. Penelope is the perfect heroine. She is witty, intelligence and the perfect woman to save Michael. Admittedly I did not like her in Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Dukes Heart. She has grown and I found this mature, feisty headstrong woman to be a delight. I hated the Viscount of Langford and delighted in meeting the other owners of the Fallen Angel. These men made me laugh aloud. We get to meet Penelope’s sisters and I am hoping to learn more about them and the other scoundrels.
I love stepping into MacLean’s books and the world she creates. Besides well fleshed out, flawed characters, she brings us humor, suspense, and steamy romance. I have a thing for bad boys and love watching the woman bring them to heel. This author has a knack for offering up a dish that leaves me well satisfied. The romance was hot, steamy, tender, humorous and completely delicious. Once again I find myself immersed in another series and cannot wait for the next installment.
I highly recommend A Rogue by Any Other Name to fans of historical fiction, romance, and strong characters. Sarah MacLean is on my auto-buy list and the next book cannot come soon enough. For a list of all of her titles, you can find them on Goodreads, here.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Book Savvy Babe
so…*confession* I have this on my kindle, it’s been there for about a month or 2, and I just haven’t had the chance to dig into it yet. Reading your review reminded me that I really need to get on the ball… if only i could read 5 books a day… can’t wait to actually get to it! Book Savvy Babe
Dalene
I was excited to read your review. I have seen this author’s name and her lovely covers everywhere, but have not had the time to read anything. I love reading a complete series and so will start with the Love by Numbers series. Thanks!
Jade
Sounds just how I like my historic romance novels. Feisty, intelligent women, and handsome roguish men! I’ll definitely have to give this author a try soon.
Michelle
I’ve never read any books like this…though I’ve wanted to for some time. I’ll have to remember this author when I go book hunting.
Great review!
Christy
Ooo la la, I do love me a scoundrel 😉
Sharon ObsessionwithBooks
A wonderful review Kimba! It has the most beautiful cover.. I am embarrassed to admit I have never read a historical romance, they have never really piqued my interest but I may just have to give one a try.
I am glad you really enjoyed this book 🙂
Heidi
Ahh such a pretty cover. That little astrix at the beginning that said containe sexual content…well sign me up, girlfriend! I have seen your glowing reviews on the numbers series but I know I don’t have the time to devote to a big series right now, but this might be the perfect way to check out this author!
Blodeuedd
Yay, I have it too 😀 And I can’t wait to read it now. But I try to spread the books out a bit cos they are so good
Melissas Eclectic Bookshelf
Sounds like such a fun read! I too enjoy feisty heroines and bad boys who secretly need/want to be reformed. Your review makes me realize that I haven’t read much historical fiction of late! I used to devour these!
Brandileigh2003 (Blkosiners Book Blog)
I love it when characters and the world are all crafted so well. I like the dress on the cover as well.
Thanks for review,
Brandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog
Christina
OMG, Sarah MacLean has the BEST romance covers. They always make me want to start reading romance again. I will always fall for the pretty dresses!
Meg
This sounds like it would be a great summer read!
Nick
I’m glad you loved this one too, Kim! 🙂 Sarah MacLean is like the Queen of Historical Romance. I’ve read all her books and they are absolutely awesome.
I didn’t really like Penelope in 11 Scandals, but I adored her in this one. She was a really great main character.
I can’t wait for Philippa’s story! It’s so annoying that we have to wait until 2013! 🙁
Great review, Kim! 🙂
kara-karina
It was a very good book, Kimba!I remember enjoying it 😉 Lovely review!