Book Review: One Good Earl Deserves a Lover by Sarah MacLean

Title: One Good Earl Deserves a Lover
Series: The Rules of Scoundrels, #2
Author: Sarah MacLean
Genre: Historical Romance
Sensuality Rating: Steamy
Source: Avon Addict Program
Published: January 29, 2013 by Avon

The second in the incredible new Rules of Scoundrels series from New York Times bestselling author Sarah MacLean. Lady Philippa Marbury is odd. The bespectacled, brilliant fourth 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.

Reviewed By: J9

In a Nutshell: Lovely character-based romance with a unique heroine I adored and a hero who gets her. Just a stellar historical read!

The Set Up: Pippa has always been the odd one in her family; she cares more for science and books than gowns and balls. She’s due to marry a perfectly boring man and wants to explore what is expected of her when she becomes a wife. She asks Cross, the bookkeeper for London’s most scandalous gaming hell, to be her associate researcher in her ruination experiment. Cross knows he needs to keep his distance from Pippa but with each of her unexpected schemes his resistance to her weakens.

Why I Read this Book: This author is on my auto-buy list. I loved book one in the Scoundrels series so I was awaiting this installment.

What I Liked: Pippa, the heroine, is just awesome. She’s such a unique heroine, especially for a historical romance. Pippa doesn’t just dabble in science; she is a true scientist. She approaches everything in life with honesty and curiosity, even her romantic feelings for Cross. Pippa is so charming without being cutesy that I could see what drew Cross to her. Cross is a perfect match for Pippa because he can keep up with her intellect and also understands what makes her tick. She’s constantly using scientific metaphors to explain her feelings to Cross and he not only gets it but loves her more for it. Their romance is a perfect blend of emotional and sexual intimacy. This is one of those romances were I felt the two leads becoming a couple and really believed they deserved their HEA.

What I Also Liked: The secondary characters are wonderful in this series. Cross is one of four owners of London’s most scandalous casino and each of the men are delicious. Bourne’s story was book one, with Pippa’s sister as his heroine. The other two men, Temple and Chase, are going to be awesome heroes and I can’t wait for their stories.

I also adore how Pippa uses her mind to rescue Cross. It’s rare in historical romance to have the woman make a plan to save the hero and have it all work out but that’s what Pippa does and it was humorous and heartfelt all at once. The plot is strong and ends perfectly.

What I Didn’t Like: Only that this author takes her time writing books so I’ll likely have almost a year wait for the next in the series.

IMO: Anyone who loves traditional historical romance will adore this book as I did.

J9’s Rating: