One Good Earl Deserves a Lover (Rules of Scoundrels, #2)

by Sarah MacLean

[kimbacaffeinate]

I think this is my most favorite MacLean novel thus far * Wipes tear from eye*

I must warn you that I am a huge fan of Sarah MacLean’s works and gushing may begin at any moment. One Good Earl Deserves a Lover the second book in the Rules of Scoundrels series is positively my favorite book thus far from the author. From her wonderfully flawed and fleshed out characters to the fast paced storyline I could barely come up for air! I laughed, I cried and experienced fits. When I closed the last page I wept, not because it was sad but because it ended.

Lady Philippa Marbury or “Pippa” is the fourth daughter of the Marquess of Needam and Dolby. She is an odd duck with spectacles and a love of science. She and her sister are newly engaged and will soon wed in a double wedding. All are concerned for Pippa since they feel that the Earl and she won’t suit but she made a promise. Pippa loves scientific experimentation and goes about preparing for her wedding by taking a course of action to learn about the personal side of marriage. She decides to hire a tutor, and selects none other than Fallen Angel partner the devastatingly handsome, loner; Mr. Cross. She knows he is brilliant and a man of science. She also believes him to be a notorious rake and the perfect teacher to answer her questions. When she goes to the gambling hall and tells Cross she wants to experience ruination the man all but has a heart-attack and the tale that unfolds was hilarious, steamy and had me completely enthralled.

MacLean has a knack for creating characters that are well fleshed out, unique and flawed. Pippa is by far my favorite MacLean character to date. She is a Regency Geek, a nerd, a lover of books, a scientist and her straightforward thinking made her lovable. The stories of her childhood, and her journal entries had me giggling so hard I had tears. She speaks from innocents and curiosity and I found this brilliant girl to be brutally honest and refreshing. I am a pushover when it comes to flawed rakes that are truly just damaged. Cross is all of these things; he is loyal, protective and sweet. I completely fell for him even if I wanted to throttle him at times! We see some of the characters from the first tale, which I adored and we got a little more face time with Temple the third proprietor of the Fallen Angel. The villain in this novel was fantastic and I loved to hate him with a vengeance. Sally one of the prostitutes was interesting and I found her amusing.

The Rules of Scoundrels feature titled men, who by their own hand or fate were cast from society. Together they regained their wealth with the Fallen Angel Gaming Hell. They are all flawed but remarkable men, and of course completely swoon worthy. What truly make MacLean’s tales so memorable are the wonderful women she pairs them with. I adore woman who are feisty, misfits and break the mold. The back history for Cross was wonderful and the dilemma he found himself in was downright gripping. The romance was oh so hot, and there is a scene that melted me..where Cross never even touches her. *faints* I caught the book high I chase within these pages and wept when it ended. I wanted to stay with Cross and Pippa a little longer. *sigh* Now I have to pine away for the next book in this series; No Good Duke Goes Unpunished.
Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer