They all scandalized society. Now, the four owners of The Fallen Angel, London’s most exclusive gaming hell, are featured in Sarah MacLean’s series, The Rules of Scoundrels. She kicks off the series with A Rogue by Any Other Name. It’s smart, witty, romantic. It’s Sarah MacLean’s wonderful characters and great dialogue. It’s a perfect introduction to a new series.
Ten years earlier, Michael, Marquess of Bourne, was just twenty-one when he lost everything but his title at a game of cards. He’s sworn revenge against the man who took it from him. Then he discovers his estate, Falconwell, has been included in the dowry for his childhood friend, Lady Penelope Marbury. He wants his estate back, even if he has to marry to get it.
Lady Penelope Marbury suffered one of the most scandalous broken engagements in recent years. She’s had five offers of marriage since, but, after seeing the love match made by the couple that caused the scandal, she wants something more than a dry marriage for the sake of land or politics. When she and Bourne end up in the empty house at Falconwell, she’s hoping she found her childhood best friend after ten years. He’s looking for scandal and marriage.
After her father shoots out windows of the house, Penelope agrees to marry Michael, but she has conditions. She wants them to pretend it’s a love match and wants her two younger sisters to find husbands without being under the cloud of scandal again. And, she wants adventure in her marriage. She doesn’t know Bourne has made his own deal with her father. But, if he spends nights at The Fallen Angel, how can they ever prove to society that their hasty marriage was a love match?
A Rogue by Any Other Name is an excellent introduction to the new series and the four owners of The Fallen Angel. And, MacLean’s inclusion of letters from Penelope to Michael, beginning when they were young friends, is a welcome addition to the book. The final letter in the book is a powerful, unforgettable one. As always, MacLean’s characters come alive on the page. They sparkle with character, humor, anger at times, and lust. I already have the next book in the series, and I can’t wait to start it.
Sarah MacLean’s website is www.sarahmaclean.net
A Rogue by Any Other Name by Sarah MacLean. Gale Group (large print edition), 2012. 540p.
*****
FTC Full Disclosure – Library book
It sounds like a fun read so I put it on my library list. They have it in large print!!!
We have some of her books in large print at our library, too, Gram. In fact, I read this one in large print. I hope you enjoy it!
Jackie just got the notice that the first one in her other series is available to download.
Whenever Jackie finishes it, you'll have to let me know if she liked it or not.