One Good Earl Deserves a Lover (The Rules of Scoundrels, #2) in Reading Romances

Jan 25, 2012 Lisa rated it it was amazing

Shelves: edelweiss, historical-romance, sarah-maclean

Lady Phillipa Marbury is to be married in fifteen short days and with her inquisitive, scientific mind she wonders about some of the logistics of the marriage bed. Doing her research, she determines that Cross, one of the owners of London's most notorious gaming hells, is the perfect person to help her with her questions. To help with her ruination. Unfortunately, Cross finds this a horrible idea and tries to usher her out before anyone sees her (she is, after all, sister-in-law to one of his pa Lady Phillipa Marbury is to be married in fifteen short days and with her inquisitive, scientific mind she wonders about some of the logistics of the marriage bed. Doing her research, she determines that Cross, one of the owners of London's most notorious gaming hells, is the perfect person to help her with her questions. To help with her ruination. Unfortunately, Cross finds this a horrible idea and tries to usher her out before anyone sees her (she is, after all, sister-in-law to one of his partners) but Pippa has questions that require answering and is not easily deterred and she makes Cross feel, feel more than he has in seven years...ever since his brother died and his life got turned upside down in an instant. He has regret and determination to avoid the past but that past has come back and now he is determined to change it. And to change it he must keep Pippa away, keep these feelings buried. The attraction burns as do the promises of what is to be discovered together. Can Pippa discover that the heart is more than just an organ and will Cross let his wall down?

Oh Sarah MacLean. I adore your books. Just adore them and I adored this couple you created. Pippa is bespectacled, odd...more interested in scientific experiments than the latest fashions and her frank nature appeals to Cross very much. Cross has tried to bury his past, so much so that Pippa does not even know his true identity, and it has shaped him into the man he is today...a man who thinks he does not deserve happiness. The pull and tug between this couple was such a treat to read and their conversations charmed me to no end. I really enjoyed how this book focused mostly on Pippa and Cross but their is an underlining tension brought by Cross' past that added quite a flair at the end that I really enjoyed. It really was a perfect ending for this story (though I did want to smack Cross at the end for a bit until he finally came to his senses). One Good Earl Deserves a Lover is a sensual, heart breaking romance that is also fun, smart and sexy. I loved it and can not wait for Temple's story now. 5 stars

eARC provided by Avon via edelweiss ...more

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Dec 24, 2012 Wendy Marcus rated it it was amazing

I got a little nervous early on, worried that this book was going to take me somewhere I didn't want to go. But I trust Sarah MacLean and read on. Boy am I glad I did. This book is brilliantly sensual and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I can't wait for Temple's story! ...more

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Feb 26, 2013 Lisarenee rated it it was amazing

Shelves: nbrc-2013-b-reading-challenge, nbrc-tower-team-b-challenge-shelf

My Synopsis:
Lady Philippa Marbury was by all accounts considered odd. Smarter than the average debutante, she attacked life in a scientific manner. So when she became betrothed to a man who was her intellectual polar opposite, it was only natural for her to evaluate the institution of marriage and gather all the information she could to ensure the happiest and most satisfying of relationships. That resulted in her seeking out someone who was an expert in a field she had no expertise in--the art My Synopsis:
Lady Philippa Marbury was by all accounts considered odd. Smarter than the average debutante, she attacked life in a scientific manner. So when she became betrothed to a man who was her intellectual polar opposite, it was only natural for her to evaluate the institution of marriage and gather all the information she could to ensure the happiest and most satisfying of relationships. That resulted in her seeking out someone who was an expert in a field she had no expertise in--the art of copulation...

"I selected you, Mr. Cross. Quite carefully. I have a very specific, very clear, very time-sensitive plan. And it requires a research associate."

A research associate?

He didn't care. He didn't.

"What research?"

Damn.

Her hands came together tightly clasped. "You are quite legendary, sir."

The words sent a chill through him.

"Everyone talks about you. They say you are an expert in the critical aspects of ruination."

He gritted his teeth, hating her words, and feigned disinterest. "Do they?"

She nodded happily and ticked items on her fingers quickly as she spoke, "Indeed. Gaming, spirits, pugilism, and--" She stopped. "And--"

Her cheeks were awash in red, and he wanted her to consider the rest. To hear its absurdity. To stop this madness.

"And...?"

She righted herself, spine straight. He would have wagered everything he had on her not replying.

He would have lost.

"And coitus." The word was soft, and came on a firm exhale, as though she'd finally said what she'd come to say. Which couldn't be possible. Surely he'd misheard her. Surely his body was responding incorrectly to her.

Before he could ask her to repeat herself, she took another breath and continued. "That's the bit at which you are purported to be the most proficient. And, honestly, that's the bit I require."

My Thoughts:
This is the second book in The First Rule of Scoundrels series. If you haven't read the first book of the series, don't worry. You won't feel like you've missed anything, but if you love Ms. MacLean's books as much as I do, you'll want to read it anyway.

One of the things I love about books is that you can live vicariously through the characters in them. This is one of those books. I love it when a character does something I would never ever dare to do and it turns up all sunny skies, roses and happy endings. I mean, haven't you ever wanted to do something a little reckless, totally out of character, and totally not what society would deem respectable? Well, this is one such book where the main character does and I had such a fun time reading it that my kids kept asking me what I laughing about to which I repeatedly replied, "Oh, nothing."

Lady Philippa 'Pippa' Marbury was a fun character who took her experiments and research very seriously. She's truly doing this because she honestly wants the best marriage she can have. That is what makes this story so delectably delicious and fun. I did say she was considered odd, right? Well, Lady Phillipa had everything very well thought out except for one little item she couldn't have foreseen. The man she selected, who was rumored to be able to get a woman out of her clothes without ever raising a hand, had taken a self imposed vow of celibacy and had been celibate for the past 6 years. In all those years, however, no one had tempted him like the bespectacled young woman who made him such an indecent proposal.

Cross in a part owner of a gambling club called the Fallen Angel. He's also a man bearing a heavy burden. Years ago something happened that he couldn't forgive himself for. He'd been young, foolish, selfish, and unreliable and had bowed out of a commitment which resulted in tragic consequences. He'd vowed never to be as reckless or selfish as he'd once been. When Pippa comes to him with her proposal he is shocked, surprised, and taken totally unaware. He's never met a woman like her. She amuses and attracts him, with her tenacity, spirit, stubbornness, and cluelessness as to how inappropriate such a liaison would be. Besides his self imposed celibacy, Pippa is the sister-in-law of one of his business partners so he's in a doubly uncomfortable position. She may be the one temptation he can't resist and prove to be his downfall.

Overall, I gave this one 5 out of 5 roses. It was funny, engaging and steamy with a dose of suspense added in to the mix for good measure. I loved how before anything could change, Cross had to come to terms with his past and Pippa had to come to terms with her feelings which Cross confronts her with head on. I liked how this seemingly mismatched couple had so much in common even though on the surface you'd never believe it. Additionally, I loved how Cross truly saw Pippa for the woman she was. I've always loved Ms. MacLean's books and she didn't disappoint. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, I'm giving this one a SHOWER rating--a cold shower is necessary (need I say more?). Some books should come with a warning - make sure your significant other is handy or your shower is in working order. lol ...more

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Jan 17, 2013 Dawn rated it really liked it

Shelves: maclean-sarah, challenge

This was a wonderful read. Cross is a partner in the Fallen Angels gaming hell and has serious issues stemming from his brother's death 6 years ago. He feels responsible for his brother being in the carriage when it crashed which also seriously injured his sister. Cross was the 'spare' and his parents would not even look at him after the accident since it was supposed to have been him in that carriage. He had refused to accompany his sister to Almack's after he had promised. His parents kept ins ...more

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Nov 06, 2016 Melody May (What I'm Reading) rated it really liked it

Rating 4 1/2 Stars

Posted on I get that his father was grieving the lost of heir, but completely out of line to it should have been his precious heir to die. Shortly after he became Cross. I have no problem with Pippa not knowing who Cross was and it boils back to her character (and the whole I can't pinpoint the issue).

Anyway, I enjoyed One Good Earl Deserves a Lover, because the characters. You have Pippa who wants to understand everything before fully accepting things as they are. The whole ...more

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Nov 15, 2014 Melody May (What I'm Reading) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, historical

Posted on What I'm Reading

I do love Sarah MacLean books, but when One Good Earl Deserves a Lover came out I was kind of leery to start reading, because of all the mix reviews on it. I didn't read the reviews, but just heard about them. So, I just wasn't ready to read One Good Earl Deserves a Lover, and just decided to put it off. Now I have put it off long enough and decided to crack it open.

So, we have Pippa who has been:
Being labeled the strangest Marbury from such a young age allowed for one Posted on What I'm Reading

I do love Sarah MacLean books, but when One Good Earl Deserves a Lover came out I was kind of leery to start reading, because of all the mix reviews on it. I didn't read the reviews, but just heard about them. So, I just wasn't ready to read One Good Earl Deserves a Lover, and just decided to put it off. Now I have put it off long enough and decided to crack it open.

So, we have Pippa who has been:
Being labeled the strangest Marbury from such a young age allowed for one to develop something of a thick skin. It took much more than snickers from behind fans to rouse Pippa's embarrassment.
Yes, she is odd, but I can't put my finger on why I think she's odd and different. It's more than her bluestocking tendency, because it's extreme and to the point that she doesn't realize the things around her. She went about getting married logically and cause Castleton asked her. However, as the date drew closer she wanted answer that no one would give her, so she decided to approach Cross who she has logically thought out to be the best solution. I adore Cross, he thought her utterly mad when she approached him on her ludicrous idea. Yet, Pippa is one determine person when she wants answers. I love that she drove Cross batty with finding loopholes to their agreement, which forces Cross to cave.

Cross. Well, he started out life as Jasper Arlesey the second son of the Earl of Harlow. He was quite happy being the rogue, the spare, the ne'er do well kind of guy. Of course this all changed one night when his brother dies and sister is seriously injured, and having his father stating
"It should have been you."
I get that his father was grieving the lost of heir, but completely out of line to it should have been his precious heir to die. Shortly after he became Cross. I have no problem with Pippa not knowing who Cross was and it boils back to her character (and the whole I can't pinpoint the issue).

Anyway, I enjoyed One Good Earl Deserves a Lover, because the characters. You have Pippa who wants to understand everything before fully accepting things as they are. The whole idea of love is such an emotional feeling that she doesn't comprehend, because it's not logical. Pippa has a very analytical mind. Yes, it's a bit ludicrous to trust a rake. However, on some level Cross is a safe choice, but he is challenge when Pippa calls out to his protective side. I like that he struggle with restraint, but Pippa saw as she was truly unappealing. A few times I was crying cause Pippa being highly intelligent struggle, granted she didn't care what the Society thought of her. When it came to the guys in her life she was hurt, because she didn't think they saw than what society saw of her. So, yeah I had the water works reading this story. Overall, I did enjoyed the book. I liked that Pippa was different, and I liked Cross, because deep down he was a good guy. However, he was afraid to show. In the end everyone is going to have their own opinion of the book, and the only one that matters is the one you have of the story.

Favorite Lines:
“Temptation turns you. It makes you into something you never dreamed, it presses you to give up everything you ever loved. It calls you to sell you soul for one, fleeting moment.”

“It makes you ache,” he whispered, and she watched the curve of his lips in the darkness. “You’ll make any promise, swear any oath. For one… perfect… unsoiled taste.” ...more

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