No Good Duke Goes Unpunished: Number 3 in series (Rules of Scoundrels, #3)

by Sarah MacLean

'Fabulous' Eloisa James
'Smart, sexy, and always romantic' Julia Quinn
'For a smart, witty and passionate historical romance, I recommend anything by Sarah MacLean' Lisa Kleypas

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 realises 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... even true love.

This is the third novel in the Regency romance Rules of Scoundrels series by New York Times bestselling author Sarah MacLean - perfect for fans of Lisa Kleypas and Eloisa James

*Winner of the RITA Award for Best Historical Romance in 2014*

Rules of Scoundrels series:
A Rogue by Any Other Name
One Good Earl Deserves a Lover
No Good Duke Goes Unpunished
Never Judge a Lady By Her Cover

Praise for Sarah MacLean:

'Sarah MacLean has reignited the romance genre with a bolder edge' The New Yorker

'Funny, smart, feminist and roastingly hot' BookRiot.com

'Do yourself a favor and discover the compelling magic of Sarah MacLean' Amanda Quick

'MacLean writes with an entirely unique blend of elegance and ferocity that bursts from every page' Entertainment Weekly

'Great chemistry, intelligence and sparkling humor' RT Book Reviews

• ISBN10: 034940061X
• ISBN13: 9780349400617
• Publish Date: 26 November 2013
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group
• Imprint: Piatkus Books
• Format: Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
• Pages: 400
• Language: English

Reviews

[wyvernfriend]

Boxer meets the woman he is supposed to have killed... hijinks ensue Temple fights people who have lost their money with very few exceptions, one is the brother of the woman he's accused of killing years ago, only she isn't dead. She turns up again in his life and he is not sure what to do about her and about their mutual past. She is the one person who doesn't fear him and now they have to learn a way to go forward. I enjoyed it, wanted them to talk a bit more occasionally and sometimes the misunderstandings were more intended for humour than anything else but it was entertaining.

[Angie]

Was I seriously suppose to cheer for Mara to get her happily ever after? Because I very much did not. No Good Duke Goes Unpunished starts with Mara returning after she framed Temple for murder twelve years ago. She’s back because her brother has gambled away all of their money at Temple’s casino, and she wants the debts forgiven in exchange for her telling the truth. Well, needless to say, Temple is not exactly thrilled to see her. Yes, he’s relieved to know that he didn’t kill her, but she’s not exactly endearing herself to him by making demands.

No Good Duke Goes Unpunished is awful, because Mara is awful. She has no sense of responsibility, honor, or decency. If things don’t go her way, or she doesn’t want to deal with something, she simply runs away. That’s what she did twelve years ago to escape her tyrant father and an engagement to Temple’s father. But you don’t frame someone for murder! She could have just run away, and not involved anyone else in her scheme. As she said several times, she’s very good at hiding. So why not just do that?! Her reason: she was a child and it was a mistake and she didn’t know he’d suffer. How else does she think murderers are treated?! They’re certainly not smiled upon!

But what makes it worse is that she comes back to blackmail him! She frames him for murder (supposedly on accident) and then demands that he forgive her brother’s debts in exchange for her telling society that she’s not dead. Are you for real?! You wronged him! He doesn’t owe you or your brother anything! Temple points this out, and she’s basically like “I’ll just go back into hiding then.” She doesn’t want to tell the truth because it’s the right thing to do. She’s using it as a way to make things better for herself! And she had no intention of sticking around afterward either. She gets what she wants and then doesn’t have to deal with the consequences. Again!

So, knowing all of this, tell me how I’m suppose to believe that these two fall in love? That’s what No Good Duke Goes Unpunished is suppose to be. A love story. She ruined his life! She’s not looking to make amends; she just wants money! Sure she needs the money for the orphanage she’s running, but that did not make her sympathetic. It’s not Temple’s responsibility. She should take responsibility for her own actions! And I literally did not understand why Temple dragged this all out. Instead of just paying up and having her confess, he buys her clothes and takes her out. Basically treating her like a mistress and paying her for her time. What?! He’s paying off the debts anyway, so why bother paying her more and delaying the inevitable?! I suppose the story would have been very short otherwise.

I just really, really did not like No Good Duke Goes Unpunished. Mara didn’t learn a thing from her so-called mistake. She just wants what benefits her. She wants to escape her life? Frame an innocent man! She wants her brother’s debts forgiven? Blackmail that same innocent man and make him fall in love in the process! I really do not think so.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.

[stacey_is_sassy]

Sarah MacLean does not disappoint with this installment to the series. By the end I loved both the main characters, but it took a while because I didn't understand Mara's hesitation in explaining her decisions and Temple's one minded determination on revenge.

Can't wait for the next installment.

[Amanda]

Oh, book. I'll be honest: I had to read No Good Duke Goes Unpunished twice to really get a handle on this romance and heroine. It's not that the heroine is bad or anything...

It's the secrets. I hate secrets. And I can handle secrets, but when I spend the majority of the book dying for the secrets, it's hard to focus on things like... why Temple is attracted to Mara. Which is why I wanted to read No Good Duke Goes Unpunished a second time, unencumbered by the secrets.

And it was definitely better the second time around. (Also, Sarah MacLean is about the only author I've reread this year. So worth it. I want to reread Cross and Pippa's story again.) I still don't know if Mara is my favorite heroine ever, but Temple.

Man, Temple. I'm glad he got his story. And it was nice to see the previous couples from the story and get the setup for the next book.

And... I'm itching to get my hands on the next story. Because holy crap, that epilogue. Is it August yet?

[kimbacaffeinate]

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*

Copy received in exchange for unbiased review and​ full review​ originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer