Lady Philippa Marbury, eminently logical, decidedly odd in
the view of her peers has a mission.
Before she can wholeheartedly agree to become a wife, she
must first understand the duties required of her in the
marriage vows, particularly the bit about honoring one's
husband with one's body.
Having heard enough rumors to feel Cross is a more than
suitable candidate to become her research associate, she
determines to approach him in his infamous gambling Hell
with her logical proposition. She has fourteen days to
acquire said knowledge but Mr. Cross seems remarkably
unwilling to assist. Still, scientists are nothing if not
resourceful and adaptable. She will either convince him, or
find another male of the species who will agree to tutor her
in the necessary facts.
Jasper Arlesey has spent seven long years distancing himself
from the responsibilities laid upon his shoulders with the
death of his elder brother, the former Lord Baine. He has
built for himself a new, powerful role as Cross, part owner
of London's most notorious gaming Hell, but nothing in his
experience has prepared him for waking up in his inner
sanctum to Pippa Marbury and her offer of a job. It seems he
cannot put his ingrained gentlemanly past behind him enough
to take what he truly wants, and finds himself in the
unenviable position of keeping Miss Marbury safe, even from
himself.
Sarah MacLean always provides exactly what I wish in a
historical romance. A deep, true romance where both parties
grow and learn, a lovely setting that helps readers escape
the gritty real world, and most of all enough humor to leave
me feeling wonderful after reading. Before I was
through the first chapter I was helplessly snorting and
giggling, that didn't fade even after I learned more about
the main characters, and became engaged in their lives and
desires. In this second book of the Rule of
Scoundrelsseries MacLean has plenty of continuation from
book one, as well as some enticing hints of stories to come.
Lady Philippa Marbury is odd. The bespectacled, brilliant,
bluestockinged fifth daughter of the Marquess of Needham
and Dolby cares more for books than balls, for flora than
fashion and for science than the season. Pippa is nearly
engaged to Lord Castleton, a man with a large estate and
little sense, and interestingly, she doesn’t mind the idea.
She can live in the country with her dogs and her
experiments, and never see another London season again.
But before she heads off for the country, Pippa wants to
explore the part of London that she’s never seen--the dark
corners, the exciting trysts, the scandalous adventures.
Just a taste...and then to the country to live out her
days. 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.
Ask any woman with access to London’s dark corners, and
they’ll tell you that Cross is the best sort of lover--
equal parts charm and wickedness. They’ll tell you that
their cousin’s-friend’s-sister had one magnificent night in
his arms, and that he sent her away with a string of jewels
and a smile. And they’ll tell you that, as part-owner in
The Fallen Angel, Cross knows all about darkness and isn’t
afraid to take women there.
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?
What Pippa doesn’t know is that while Cross’s reputation
may be legendary, it’s unfounded. He hasn’t touched a woman
in nine years--a fact that makes him no stranger to
temptation. But when this odd, unexpected female
propositions him, 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.
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