This is the third installment of Sarah MacLean’s Scoundrel series. Sorry, it has been a while for me to get to a computer. I am finally back from my trip to New York City. Great Vacation. Now it is back to work and responsibilities. Yuck. Here is a brief background on the novel provided by Goodreads: A rogue ruined . . .
He is the Killer Duke, accused of murdering Mara Lowe on the eve of her wedding. With no memory of that fateful night, Temple has reigned over the darkest of London’s corners for twelve years, wealthy and powerful, but beyond redemption. Until one night, Mara resurfaces, offering the one thing he’s dreamed of . . . absolution.
A lady returned . . .
Mara planned never to return to the world from which she’d run, but when her brother falls deep into debt at Temple’s exclusive casino, she has no choice but to offer Temple a trade that ends in her returning to society and proving to the world what only she knows . . . that he is no killer.
A scandal revealed . . .
It’s a fine trade, until Temple realizes that the lady—and her past—are more than they seem. It will take every bit of his strength to resist the pull of this mysterious, maddening woman who seems willing to risk everything for honor . . . and to keep from putting himself on the line for love.
I had some issues with this novel mainly because Mara really ruined his life. She made him “killer” in the eyes of society. Granted she was young at the time and knew nothing of the world, but seriously that is some messed up stuff. I do not know if I would be able to forgive someone so easily for that. I did enjoy seeing the other characters come back especially Pippa. She is a great character to see. She’s just so brilliant and sharp, its fun to read what she says. I did like the fact that Mara was a strong female character. She was very focused on protecting the young, but she still didn’t learn anything in her time away. I felt that some of the mistakes that she made after meeting Temple again were just ridiculous. She just needed to tell him about the money and all would have been forgiven. I mean really, what seemingly nice gentleman would let innocents go hungry. She was just ridiculous. I could not get into the character of Mara. She was not my favorite out of the bunch. I thought their romance was too forced. Like she messed up his life and they were supposed to end up together. It was a little odd.
The sex scenes could have been better. There were well written and good, but the story was missing that key element that made you laugh, cry and feel overjoyed about their relationship. I have to still admit her first novel “Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a rake” was by far my favorite book she has ever written. I cry ever time I re-read it and still fall in love with the characters. This novel was alright.
Overall, I give this novel 3 out of 5. It was good, But it just was not what it could be. I liked her other series a bit better. This book is missing that connection that was had in the first novel.
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