ONE GOOD EARL DESERVES A LOVER by Sarah MacLean Romance Book Review
Series: The Rules of Scoundrels, #2
Publication Date: January 29th 2013 by Avon
Summary: The second in the incredible new Rules of Scoundrels series from New York Times bestselling author Sarah MacLean.
Lady Philippa Marbury is odd. The bespectacled, brilliant fourth daughter of the Marquess of Needham and Dolby cares more for books than balls, flora than fashion and science than the season. Nearly engaged to Lord Castleton, Pippa wants to explore the scandalous parts of London she’s never seen before marriage. 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.
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? But when this odd, unexpected female propositions Cross, 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.
Heroine: I like that Philippa Marbury is exceptionally different than other romance heroines. For instance, she wears glasses. Secondly, she likes science! I’m usually a sucker for protagonists who go out of their way to learn – even if this isn’t something that’s expected for women in the time period.
Hero: My main issue with this book is Cross. His reasons for being a “tortured” hero just didn’t compel me enough. I can see why he would feel guilty over his brother’s death, but it didn’t make sense to me for him to put that much burden on himself. I just wanted him to stop feeling sorry for himself as opposed to empathizing with him. I like the fact that he was noble enough to not want to ruin Pippa, but I wasn’t falling for his reasoning of him not being a worthy suitor.
Supporting Cast: I’m really looking forward to learning more about the rest of Cross’s friends in the upcoming books. I really like their dynamics as a group in the Fallen Angel.
Plot: I really love romances where the novel starts off with the protagonist propositioning the hero. I just wish that they could have gone through the Scientific Method or something because you know, Pippa is so brainy. (or did the Scientific Method not exist back then?)
Romance: No complaints on the romance aspect. As can be expected from any Sarah MacLean novel, One Good Earl Deserves a Lover is steamy.
Love Potion Strength:
– Acceptable
This is the first Sarah MacLean book that was just average for me. I guess not all books can be winners. I’m still definitely looking forward to reading more of her books in the future though!
Hmm, I loved Maclean’s 9 Rules to Break and 11 Scandals to Start, but the first book in this series disappointed me, so I wasn’t sure if I was going to be picking this one up. After your review, though, I think I will–like you, I adore glasses-wearing, science-loving females (have you read Tessa Dare’s A Week To Be Wicked? Phillipa sounds similar to the protagonist in that one), and I might be able to put up with the hero to read about her.