4.5 stars
Spoiler warning! It is actually IMPOSSIBLE for me to write about this book without spoiling some pretty major developments that involve all three former Rules for Scoundrels books. If you haven’t already read No Good Duke Goes Unpunished, PLEASE stay away from this review and return once you’re caught up. You’ll enjoy this book so much more if you heed my advice.
The previous three books in the Rules for Scoundrels series told the story of the disgraced noblemen who opened The Fallen Angel, an exclusive and scandalous gambling club in the middle of Mayfair. All deferring to the founder, the mysterious and reclusive, Chase, three other notorious aristocrats are the public face of the club. The Marquess of Bourne lost his entire fortune in one card game and swore revenge on the man who cheated him of his inheritance. Cross, the Earl of Harlow (driven to destruction by the death of his brother) and Temple, the Duke of Lamont (accused of murdering his father’s fiancee the night before her wedding) were rescued by Chase when about to be beaten and possibly killed by a London gangs for their rigged games. Over the course of the series, all three men have found redemption of a sorts in the eyes of society and are happily married to the women of their dreams.
Frequently, the final book in a romance series is saved for the darkest, most complicated and emotionally messed up characters, more often than not the hero, as romance heroines seem to be less prone to extremely emo behaviour. There are exceptions, of course Chase is certainly the most mysterious, and a fascinating and complex individual. What is revealed at the end of book three in this series, however, is hidden behind this link. I don’t want to spoil the book for you, so go to my blog if you’re sure you want to read the full review.
I did really like this one and another fantastic review. She is indeed a bad ass.
I was very relieved that it lived up to my expectations. I’m still amazed that The Season and the Rules for Scoundrels books were written by the same person, they are worlds apart in terms of quality.
The first one I read was Nine Rules and I thought it showed potential. It’s nice to see it coming to fruition. I did not like Temple’s book, but her writing is steadily improving.