A Lady in Pants Romance

Ms. MacLean, you’ve made it up to me. After my anger with her last book I was hesitant with this next one, but I was thrilled with the premise and Ellepkay liked it. She usually has decent taste…

Spoilers abound. But the cover, in and of itself is a bit of a spoiler so whatever.

Chase, the fourth owner of the Fallen Angel gaming hell, is only ever referred to as Chase in all the other books. Until the last page of No Good Duke, in which it’s revealed she’s a woman! Woot! She is Georgiana, the Duke of Leighton’s sister (from Ten Ways to be Adored and Eleven Scandals to start), and after society cast her off for being an unwed mother, she decided to make her own way in the world. Duncan West is London’s most successful newspaperman, who has a secret past. They’ve secretly worked together for years as Chase would give information and gossip for West to publish. Now though they each want something from each other beyond the normal and a new relationship ensues.

And it was awesome! First of all, to clarify, I’m a sucker for a girls in pants story. I know, I know, they’re not historically accurate, but goodness if I don’t love them. Probably has a lot to do with my eschewing a lot of the traditional in my own life (or hoping I do? I’m actually pretty normal if I’m honest with myself). A lady deciding to not fall into traditional roles always gives me a heroine to cheer for. Also Mr. West is a decidedly dashing hero, and I enjoyed the reversal of the aristocratic lady and self-made man, as I always do in modern romances. The Simon’s, Zachary’s, Harry’s, and Duncan’s are my favorite of the favorite heroes.

My only minor complaint with this one is, as seems to be a theme with Ms. MacLean, the secondary drama. This woman, and to each their own, enjoys bringing the drama up to eleven. I personally don’t need it (I’m more of a Balogh and conversation kind of romance gal most of the time), but whoo-ey did this one get a little ridiculous.

Overall though, there was total redemption here for the last one. I’d recommend reading her two series in order here as it really helps set up the final payoff here. It was worth it, and fully enjoyed.