One Good Earl Deserves a Lover by Sarah MacLean

Title: One Good Earl Deserves a Lover
Author: Sarah MacLean
Series: The Rules of Scoundrels, #2
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Avon (Imprint of HarperCollins)
Date Published: January 29th, 2013
Edition: Paperback
Rating:

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.

My Review:

This is my favorite kind of romance — the kind that keeps you perpetually smiling from cover to cover. Despite the fact that I do love an angsty drama-filled romance from time-to-time, the flirty and fun kind you’ll find in One Good Earl Deserves a Lover will always be my favorite romantic escape.

I’m not even kidding when I say that I was perpetually smiling throughout this book. It seems that Sarah MacLean’s books always have that effect on me. I think it’s because the characters she creates are so genuine and loveable despite their outward flaws. I just can’t help but want them to be happy so I sit there with a dopey smile plastered on my face as I watch them stumble towards their happily ever after.

To be honest, Pippa isn’t even a character I can relate to all that much. Sure we both love books, but I’ve never been very analytical and Pippa is very much in search of answers with anything she does. But I can’t help but love her innocence and unabashed insistence for answers to the most intimate marital questions.

I couldn’t tell you what led her to approach Cross on the matter other than what she tells us, but I like to think she kind of had a secret crush on him before even meeting him — just from the rumors and stories she heard. But whatever the reason for her ending up in Cross’ office, I’m so glad she did because it was so much fun to read about the two of them. Cross, this ex-rake trying to make amends for his past roguish ways ends up with a woman nearly throwing herself at him and he’s tip-toeing around trying to remain a gentlemen about the whole ordeal. It was just a hoot-and-a-half to witness.

It’s been awhile since I’ve read the first book in the series but I think I enjoyed this one even more. Sarah MacLean continues to deliver historical romances that win me over from page one. I’m definitely a fan and I think she is going to continue to make a big name for herself in the historical romance genre. I can’t wait to read the next book about Temple! We didn’t hear much about him in the first book of the series, but he definitely intrigues in this one!