by Sarah MacLean
Series: The Rules of Scoundrels #4
Genres: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Rating:
She is the most powerful woman in Britain,
A queen of the London Underworld ...
But no one can ever know.He is the only man smart enough to uncover the truth,
Putting all she has at risk . . .
Including her heart.The fourth book in New York Times bestselling author Sarah MacLean’s incredible Rule of Scoundrels/Fallen Angels series. These four dark heroes will steal the hearts of their heroines and the readers alike! This is the last in the Rules of Scoundrels series—Chase’s story By day, she is Lady Georgiana, sister to a Duke, ruined before her first season in the worst kind of scandal. But the truth is far more shocking—in London’s darkest corners, she is Chase, the mysterious, unknown founder of the city’s most legendary gaming hell. For years, her double identity has gone undiscovered . . . until now. Brilliant, driven, handsome-as-sin Duncan West is intrigued by the beautiful, ruined woman who is somehow connected to a world of darkness and sin. He knows she is more than she seems and he vows to uncover all of Georgiana’s secrets, laying bare her past, threatening her present, and risking all she holds dear . . . including her heart.
Never Judge a Lady by Her Cover is the final book in Sarah MacLean’s Rules of a Scoundrel series and what a ride it has been. Regency London, fallen angels, and sizzling romances delivered only as MacLean can. Never Judge a Lady by Her Cover brings us Chase’s story and I lost myself within its pages.
*Spoiler free for those who have read the previous books*
Lady Georgiana, a Duke’s sister was horribly ruined before her first season even began. Scorned by the ton she vowed her revenge. While some still murmur about her fall, none in London know her darkest scandal. She is the most feared owner of the Fallen Angel; the unknown founder of the most notorious gaming hall in all of London.
When the long shadow cast from Lady Georgiana’s fall affect those she holds dear, she once again returns to the ton, holding her head high in an attempt to gain acceptance. At a ball, she catches the eye of Duncan West. Duncan is undeniably handsome and the successful owner of London’s most popular rags and the very reason for her return. The chemistry between them is undeniable, but Lady Georgiana seeks a title and must guard her secrets. The tale that unfolds has suspense, heat and risks everything.
Georgiana is such a powerful character, and to think I once swooned. As much as she has uplifted and helped others, she struggles to trust and accept help from those in her tightly knit circle. A young woman was positively delightful and showed wisdom beyond her years. The threats that affect Georgiana and Duncan were well done and added suspense. The romance was delicious, and slow burning with intense physical attraction. The risks and Georgiana’s reasons for returning added some angst, and kept me on edge as I waited to see how I would get the HEA I so desperately needed.
Sarah MacLean’s portrayal of Chase and his many facets was brilliant. I loved seeing the different personalities/characters emerge. I can honestly say I loved them all. Never Judge A Lady by Her Cover was a fantastic conclusion to the series. All of the characters own a piece of my heart and I look forward to seeing what MacLean cooks up next.
Never Judge a Lady by Her Cover was perfectly paced, with suspense and a romance to make you swoon. If you haven’t read the Rules of A Scoundrel series I recommend you binge read them all.
Lark
Great review, Kimba. Oh, I so need to catch up on Sarah MacLean! I loved her first book, and haven’t read one since… too many other books clamoring for my attention. But I do need to make time to read these.
kimbacaffeinate
I smell a marathon in February..LOL
laura thomas
I had to see what this book was about after reading that catchy title. Oh wow, is the cover art fantastic too. Your review has me all excited to read it. Been a while since I’ve read anything in this genre.
kimbacaffeinate
I love to mix this genre in 🙂
Felicia the Geeky Blogger
Saving this to read till after I am finished 🙂 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
hehe..I tried to keep it spoiler free, but enjoy the book!
Lupdilup
Good to know Kimba! A little bit of angst and a slow burning romance has me already adding this to my wish list. I love this kind of heroines! I listened to last book, and I really enjoyed it, that was my first experience with the author, if I’m not mistaken I think I got that after I read your review 🙂
Thanks!!
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet I am glad you liked the last one…enjoy!
Rashika
I’ve only read the 1st book in the series and when Nick mentioned that Chase was a girl I was so excited. I am so glad to hear that this book turned out as well as I thought it would. Sarah MacLean is good with her romances 😉 and I like the twist she put in this one.
I am glad you enjoyed it!
Lovely review! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Rashika this series is such fun:)
Katherine
I’ve only read one book by MacLean but I really enjoyed it. I have no idea why I never read more. I love the premise of this one. Must catch up on her books! Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
I have fun with her books Katherine 🙂
Braine Talk Supe
I used to live for books like this! The infamous heroine and her endless ballls, so many delicious things goes on during these exclusive balls from flirting to verbal spars. Avon’s got some really good historical romances, I should include HR in my genre roster for next year.
kimbacaffeinate
I love mixing them in..I got burned once from overdosing, but now I try to read at least one a month and so enjoy them
blodeuedd
The one I read in this series…sucked, sadly it was bad. But I still want to read more
kimbacaffeinate
That is too bad..I have loved the series.
Angela Adams
Thanks for the post!
Berls
This is the second review I read for this book today and I have to say I’m most definitely in! I just love a woman in this kind of role – and the cover really drew me in 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I have really enjoyed this series Berls 🙂
aurian
I have read some of her books, but not yet this series. I really want to! Great review, thank you.
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy them when you do Aurian 🙂
kindlemom1
I just scanned your review just in case since I do want to start this series but I am sad it is the last book but thrilled that you loved it because I know how much you have enjoyed this series Kim!
Melissa (Books and Things)
Just looking at that cover has me thinking I would love it. Then you confirmed it for me in the review. Hm… now to figure out how to fit all the books in my bookcase…
Debbie Haupt
Oh Great premise and review Kim. Thanks
Heidi
Gosh darn it another series that has concluded before I started it. I have read such fantastic things about Sarah, I really really need to start this series.
kimbacaffeinate
Pft…I say the same thing sometimes Heidi. I know we would love to but we cannot read them all.
Candace
This sounds excellent! I found some of this authors books when I cleaned my shelves last week and I held onto them because I remembered your rave reviews. I really like the cover of this one!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh good. I hope you discover your next favorite author in them 🙂
Rosa
The book title is quite original 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
It is but it fits perfectly. 🙂
Quinn's Book Nook
I’m such a huge fan of Historical Romances, but I’ve been been that into Sarah MacLean. I know she’s so popular, but her books just don’t work for me. I’ve never hated them by any means, but I have never been in love either. But even so, I’m so glad that you really liked this one.
Quinn's Book Nook
Sorry that should read “I’ve NEVER been that into Sarah MacLean …”
kimbacaffeinate
It happens, there are some others adore that just don’t work for me either Quinn.
Sophia Rose
I haven’t read a Sarah McLean for a long time. This heroine has me intrigued.
kimbacaffeinate
This was a fun series Sophie..I hope you begin them
Nick
YAY! I’m so happy you loved this, Kim! I’m excited to read it myself. I was so surprised by the revelation in the final book, so my expectations for this were sky high. Judging from your review, I’m going to love this one! 🙂
Lovely review!
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo enjoy Nick this was wonderful 🙂
Lily
A woman disguised as an operator for a gaming hell..hmmm SIGN ME UP!!!
kimbacaffeinate
haha..Exactly Lily 🙂
Sarah
Interesting! I’ve read sotries revolving around gaming hells, I’ve even read them where the owner is the hero, but I’ve never read one where a woman in disguise is the operator! I do love Sarah MacLean, and I love her writing. I definitely need this book in my life.
kimbacaffeinate
This series was such a blast Sarah 🙂
Jennifer Bielman
Lady Georgiana sounds badass! I love a girl who doesn’t follow the norm of her times. And that cover. Loves!
kimbacaffeinate
She is a hoot Jennifer. This series has been quite the ride.
Cynthia
I have heard such good things about Sarah MacLean, but I have never read any of her books! I may have to change that soon.
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you try her. I love several of her series.
Ro
I haven’t read a historical novel in quite some time, but I like the ability of the heroine to live the life of two people, and still show her vulnerability. There are times I think we all wish we could be someone else anonymously. (lol) The cover also cleverly gives you a glimpse of what’s to come once you start reading and I like that. Looks like I have some catching up to do and will add all 4 to my reading list. Hugs… and Happy Thanksgiving to you. http://www.intheknowwithro.blogspot.
kimbacaffeinate
This series has been such a joy. Happy Thanksgiving Ro 🙂
Camille
Georgiana is indeed such a powerful character. I’ve always admired strong heroines and she is definitely one of those. Thanks for the review, Kim.
kimbacaffeinate
I love strong heroines too, and agree she is an original.
Melliane
Oh I have a book by her but I still need to read it. I’m quite curious in fact to see her writing. Thanks for the review
kimbacaffeinate
She is one of my favorites in this genre:)
Alreem
I like this cover and the book sound interesting ,, i will add it to my TBR list ,, thanks for sharing 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
This series has been wonderful Alreem 🙂