A Rogue by Any Other Name
Series: The Rules of Scoundrels #1
Author: Sarah MacLean
Published February 1st 2012 by Piatkus Books

Goodreads Synopsis
What a scoundrel wants, a scoundrel gets . . .

A decade ago, the Marquess of Bourne was cast from society with nothing but his title. Now a partner in London's most exclusive gaming hell, the cold, ruthless Bourne will do whatever it takes to regain his inheritance - including marrying perfect, proper Lady Penelope Marbury.

A broken engagement and years of disappointing courtships have left Penelope with little interest in a quiet, comfortable marriage. How lucky that her new husband has access to such unexplored pleasures. Bourne may be a prince of London's underworld, but he vows to keep Penelope untouched by its wickedness - a challenge indeed as the lady discovers her own desires, and her willingness to wager anything for them . . . even her heart.

This is the first novel in the Regency romance Rules of Scoundrels series by New York Time bestselling author Sarah MacLean - perfect for fans of Lisa Kleypas and Eloisa James
Goodreads

Review
In A Rogue by Any Other Name, the perfect and proper Lady Penelope Marbury soon finds herself kidnapped by one of her oldest friends, who is hellbent on marrying her, and returning to society - and his inheritance. When Michael, Marquess of Bourne, first came into his title a decade ago, he was brash and impulsive, and soon gambles away everything, expect his title and the clothes of his back, to his former mentor, now enemy. He's managed to rise through the ashes, becoming one of the owners of an exclusive London gaming hell, the Fallen Angel, but he wants his property back - and the final piece has been offered as dowry for Penelope - who's due to marry the son of Michael's enemy. Well, Bourne can't allow that, and when Penelope's reputation is in ruins, they marry, and he expects her to be a dutiful wife, who won't want to get involved in his business at the club. But Penelope proves him wrong, and soon makes him glad he married her for all the wrong reason.

I've been trying to read Sarah's backlist since I fell in love with her Bareknuckle Bastards series during lockdown last year. As an early Christmas present to myself, I ordered the entire Rules of Scoundrels series, and was so glad to have all 4 at my disposal, because I simply devoured them! Because of the history between our hero/heroine, there's a solid backstory there, that is teased out again and again, through their interactions with each other, and the other members of the Fallen Angel club, and through flashbacks. Bourne is everything a rogue should be, and well deserves his reputation as he literally fought tooth and nail to survive after his betrayal all those years ago. But, with Penelope, his steely exterior is slowly chipped away at, and Penelope will not stop until she forces him to be himself, the Michael she's always known and loved, and reveals his all to her. This was definitely a solid start to the series, and seeing the four owners of the Fallen Angel - all of whom will have their own story - has definitely cemented the series as one to look out for!

Dates Read:
December 12, 2020

Rating
4 Stars