by Sarah MacLean
Series: The Rules of Scoundrels #3
Genres: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
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.
No Duke Goes Unpunished the third book in the Rules of Scoundrels by Sarah MacLean was one of my most anticipated books . I received a bound arc in October and was so excited, but the printer was off, and the text was so small and so light, that even with glasses I couldn’t read it. Yes, there were tears. Then, last week my Avon Addict package came and lo and behold there was a finished copy. My friends when I tell you, jumping and screaming ensued I am totally not kidding. It was Christmas at the Caffeinated House. So that very evening I gave the hubby some mad money, and sent him out to play while I got cuddly with the Killer Duke. I consumed this in one swoon! Mini review: suspenseful, romantic, and swoon-worthy, with a surprise reveal that blew my mind. Brilliant!
Do I really need to continue? Have you bought a copy yet? Need more convincing? OK, let us continue shall we…
Temple is one of the owner’s of the Fallen Angel a nightclub for gambling. Twelve years ago, he was accused of murdering Mara Lowe on the eve of her wedding. He has been plagued for years by that fateful night which stole his memory and changed his life. Since then he reigns over the darker corners of London and has gained power, and the fear of men. They call him the Killer Duke. While he is surrounded by friends in his heart he seeks answers and redemption. Mara planned never to return to the ton, but her weasel of a brother has gambled away her inheritance and risking the things she cares about. So she goes to Temple offering to restore his name, and the tale that unfolds is positively delicious.
First I have to say that MacLean has created the most scrumptious alpha males. They are the owners of the Fallen Angel and all are scoundrels. All are smart, and brilliant in their own right. Together they make the Fallen one of the most successful gambling halls in all of London. Their reputations precede them, but we and a few lucky ladies know that beneath their hard, yummy exteriors are the sweetest, most loyal and romantic men you will ever want to meet. Temple is stubborn, doesn’t trust and often sees things as black and white. The events of the past torture him and a small part of him feared the worst; that he was indeed the Killer Duke. Mara was sweet, smart and tough. As MacLean peeled back her layers, I felt for this passionate, headstrong woman and wanted her to find happiness. Ooh but they are both stubborn. They hold back, never quite trusting their feelings which made the tango they danced tormented and delicious. I loved their banter it was both wicked and witty causing me to laugh and swoon. The sexual tension was scintillating and heated the pages. The rest of the scoundrels and their woman made appearances adding to the tale. Of course, we have a villain to loathe and loathe him I did. I wanted to slap him and run him from town.
No Duke Goes Unpunished was a wonderful addition to the Rules of Scoundrels. MacLean has a gift for grabbing the reader from the first page and holding them hostage as she allows the tale to unfold and entwine them. The story was filled with twists and turns as she increases the heat, humor and suspense. She brings the Fallen to life before the reader’s eyes from the gambling hall to the boxing ring. Each of the women she has introduced have been strong, outspoken and intelligent. I love these feisty woman almost as much as I love our tormented alpha males. Mara and Temple’s story was perhaps one of my favorites. It was filled with humor, as well as heat. The way in which Mara has lived the past twelve years was interesting, and the characters it introduces us to completed the tale. The romance was swoon worthy, and while the sexual tension was high, MacLean made us wait for dessert..but it was worth the wait. MacLean gave me a good romp, and I enjoyed the ride to my HEA. The epilogue is not to be missed for fans of the series, as information is revealed about Chase our beloved leader….but you will have to read it for yourself. These lips are sealed. *grins with a mischievous sparkle in my eye*
My gushing has come to end. No Good Duke Goes Unpunished was positively delightful addition and one I recommend you read post haste. If you haven’t tried historical romance might I suggest you begin with this series? The fourth book has yet to be titled, but I think we all know whose story we are getting..eep!
Amy
The scoundrels appeal to me, because they are layered. They are good & passionate on the inside wrapped in a street-smart, witty bad boy on the outside. Self-made men attracted to strong & feisty women. Yummy.
kimbacaffeinate
perfectly said Amy!
Victoria (aka Zemfirka)
Everybody has a taste for a bad boy! 😉 I haven’t read this series, but you guys are getting me intrigued, and I would love the playing cards obviously.
kimbacaffeinate
The key Victoria is that beneath their bad boy reps, is a misjudge, yummy hero. This series is one of my favorites
Linnae
You had me at “feisty” heroine. The cover is one of the nominations for our cover contest this year and I have been intrigued about the story inside. I love the use of stairways on many of the 2013 romance covers.
kimbacaffeinate
I love the staircases too, and this series is wonderful from the romance to the suspenseful twists.
Lauren
Everyone keeps telling me to read MacLean and I can see why now! I can’t resist a wonderfully written alpha male, and I can’t wait to meet Temple and Mara. (Ok, mostly Temple :D). This sounds so awesome, thanks for your wonderful review and for putting this on my radar!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, you so need to try her, and this series has been wonderful!
kara-karina
I’m just finishing reading this, Kimba! Lovely book, really enjoying it 🙂 Gorgeous review!
kimbacaffeinate
*hugs* I am unplugged but had to reply..hehe. So glad you enjoyed this one too 🙂
Morena Black
I love scoundrels because they don’t go by the rules, they’re wicked and yummy 😀
kimbacaffeinate
You are so right Morena, and I agree 🙂
Ann
I think it’s because of that bad boy, tough guy vibe. 😉
kimbacaffeinate
I love the bad boys who are really soft on the inside 🙂
Diana Leigh
I love how excited you got about receiving the book!! I’ve been seeing some great reviews for this book. Tempting…
kimbacaffeinate
so yummy!
Silvia
Oohh, I’m currently reading A Rogue by Any Other Name and I’m having a very pleasurable time! You can totally say I truly LOVE scoundrels!! 😉
Happy to hear your excitement for this series, Kimberly!
kimbacaffeinate
Oooh enjoy Silvia!!!
Vilia
The twist was very well executed and I really loved the book. I’m annoyed at myself for reading it so fast as now I have another whole year to wait for “Never Judge a Lady by her Cover”.
kimbacaffeinate
Hahaha, Vilia I kick myself for reading it too fast too, but while I am reading it…there is no stopping me..LOL
Ada
Good to see you got a complete copy of the book in your Avon package. I would have cried if I got one I couldn’t read either! Sarah writes the best books, definitely looking forward to reading this one as well. Thanks for the great review and giveaway!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Ada, enjoy this is a good one!
Anita H
Thanks for the great review!! So looking forward to getting my hands on this book. I love all of Sarah’s books and I feel like I’ve been waiting forever for this one 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy it is a fun ride!
Pamela D
It is so sad that you couldn’t read your original book! I would have cried!
Scoundrels appeal to me, because they are willing to follow the rules until the rules don’t really work. You never know what kind of adventure you are going on with a scoundrel.
kimbacaffeinate
It was a huge bound ARC, kind of looks like a giant school paper, with two pages of “book” per page and is awkward to read. I would have consumed it anyway, but darn my eyes and that faded ink 🙂 At least it ended on a happy note 🙂
Lupdilup
Yes!!! I downloaded this on audio today 🙂 I’m so happy to hear it’s good, I love the narrator so it’s a win -win for me.
Thank you for the wonderful review 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Oh enjoy my friend, I love this series 🙂
aurian
I am just sitting here laughing about your post. I told my boyfriend you send your husband away to go play, so you could read your book in peace. He told me, if I ever tried to do that with him, he would rip the last page out of the book first. Lol. He is really incensed with the idea alone. Lucky for me, my boyfriend leaves me in peace while reading a really good book.
kimbacaffeinate
Ah, well we have been married 25 yrs and the hubby loves to occasional play the tables at the casino, so he was excited too 🙂 He supports my reading habits, and would have kept himself busy at home, but I wanted him to have a good time too. Oooh and tear a book..*shivers*
Melissa (Books and Things)
You had me convinced with that first paragraph! Your love of this series has me adding ALL OF THEM on my wishlist and putting this author on my must read list. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, good to know, yes if you do not like these I wil eat my hat 🙂
blodeuedd
Sounds like my kind of Mclean book .)
kimbacaffeinate
It is, It is! 🙂
Lily B
So many of my friends on goodreads adore this series that I bought book 1, but like most series that I buy I end up forgetting about it 🙁 still really glad to hear that each book is just as good as the first one!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh Lily, this is so true, unless it is a book I am dying to have, they go into my tbr pile and well..pile up!
Lark
True scoundrels — out-and-out bounders — don’t appeal to me. But scoundrels who are really decent men at heart? Misunderstood? Repentent? Those, I like.
kimbacaffeinate
Ah, then you will adore the men of the Fallen Angel. I refer to bounders as weasels not scoundrels..LOL
Lark
Oh, good!
Felicia The Geeky Blogger
YES! I have the eBook version but I am super excited about the audio 🙂 I had no doubt that the story would be good but I am glad you confirmed it!
kimbacaffeinate
enjoy my friend this was yummy 🙂
Lindy
Excellent Review! I love scoundrels of the hot, intelligent, alpha male sort! I love historical romances, and that’s all I use to read when I was younger. I love how they take you to another place, and time! I haven’t read one in forever, and by reading your review, I realize how much I miss them. This is one I am adding to my TBR right now! Have you read anything by Catherine Coulter? Her historical romances are my favorite. My number 1 historical romance series is Sweet Savage Love by Rosemary Rogers. I think these books are out of print now. They were my mom’s books, and I devoured them!
kimbacaffeinate
I have read so many Catherine Coulter books! love her 🙂 For years I went through a historical romance phase, then I switched to paranormal. Now I read a different flavor ever other day. I try to read at least two historical romances a month and MacLean has become a favorite 🙂
Tammy
A scoundrel appeals because doesn’t every girl want to be the one to tame the bad boy 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I so agree Tammy 🙂
Candace
I love the green on the cover! And I know this is an author I’ve been wanting to try. It sounds like she creates some really great characters! I’m glad this one was so great for you, especially since it was so highly anticipated!
kimbacaffeinate
Me too, it was worth the wait 🙂
Andrea
Oh, how lucky that you got a better copy of this. I really need to give McLean a try. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes you should and this is a wonderful series to start with :)She can bring the heat too!
Braine Talk Supe
You should’ve taken a video of that Avon Christmas with you jumping around, I’d like to see that!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh, I was like one of those crazy ladies on the price is right who get’s told to come on down!
A Voracious Reader
Darn it! I still need to read books 1 & 2! I need to get crackin’ on these! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
What?!? Good lord woman get busy! hehehe
kindlemom1
I know how much you have been enjoying this series Kim so I am excited for you that you received a finished copy!!
I love the gorgeous green color of the cover and the sassy look on the heroines face!
kimbacaffeinate
One of my favorites, thanks Ali and I love the green too 🙂
Nick
I got my copy of this book today and the first thing I did was read the last page of the epilogue and I thought I read something wrong because I just woke up, but OMG, Kim! HOW?WHAT? I didn’t even think that was the twist the author had been mentioning for so long! And now I’m beyond excited as you can tell.
Anyways, Sarah MacLean never fails to amaze me. She’s such a fabulous story teller and I have no doubt that the romance between Mara and Temple is sizzling. I’m looking forward to getting to know these two better.
Lovely review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
Cheater! I was so good, and waited till the end to read it. Enjoy my friend!
Anna
A scoundrel sounds good to me because everyone loves a bad boy.
kimbacaffeinate
Oh yes bad boys are fun 🙂 Enjoy Anna
Jenny
Okay, I skimmed your review because I just bought this late last night and read the first few chapters when it finally downloaded on my Kindle at midnight. I love Sarah MacLean so much and I have been not-so patiently waiting for Temple’s story. I’m not a huge fan of Mara at the moment for reasons (I’m only on chapter 3), so I’m curious to get a full explanation of why she did what she did so that I can start to root for her. So glad to know you loved this one though, that makes me certain she’ll be winning me over in no time!
kimbacaffeinate
Ah, if it helps I felt the same way you do in the beginning 🙂
Cyn
oooh 5 cups! I’m so excited! I sorta just skimmed the review because I didn’t want to spoil anything, but I’ll come back to read it again when I’ve read the book haha. I’m so glad you enjoyed it so much!
kimbacaffeinate
No worries, I do try to avoid spoilers. Enjoy Cyn it is one heck of a ride!
Cyn
Oooh I just finished it! Totally was a fun read. My mind blown by the epilogue! I feel like I need to re-read all the books for clues! Can’t wait for Chase’s book! Great review (:
kimbacaffeinate
Right, I have been thumbing through the previous books myself! Now we wait for the next book *sigh*
Krazzyme
I’M dying to read Chase’s book! Wasn’t sure I would read this one but you have CONVINCED me! *runs off in search of money*
(Ok this is the 3rd time I’m trying to comment, hope this works )
Twitter @kadburytweets
kimbacaffeinate
Oh yes you need to read this 🙂
Mary
I do love me a good scoundrel. THere’s nothing better than a rake who falls in love. I haven’t even started this series but that WILL BE REMEDIED! Especially when the heroine is worth it and the banter is fabulous. *rubs hands in anticipation*
kimbacaffeinate
Oh enjoy this series is yummy 🙂