One Good Earl Deserves a Lover
Series: The Rules of Scoundrels #2
Author: Sarah MacLean
Published January 29th 2013 by Piatkus

Goodreads Synopsis
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 fifth 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.
Goodreads

Review
Lady Philippa Marbury is one of five daughters of the Marquess of Needham and Dolby, but her upbringing had left her more interested in books and science than she is in making a good match. Against all the odds, however, she is engaged to Lord Castleton, but her sister's marriage to one of the owners of the Fallen Angel has left her wanting more, and so she decides to sneak into the notorious hell, and proposition the charming Cross. Her idea - for Cross to give her the experience of being ruined, without any of the fall out. She wants to see it all, and Cross' reputation is legendary. But Cross isn't willing to give into temptation, especially not with Bourne's sister-in-law, but Pippa is like a dog with a bone, and soon, Cross can no longer resist her.

I loved Pippa when we met her in A Rogue by Any Other Name, and was overjoyed when I realised that book two would be her and Cross' story. No one knows who Cross really is, apart from his business partners, of course, and he's grateful to Chase for trusting him in his position. Because of how smart Pippa is, she hates the idea that she might not fully understand something, and can't face going to her marriage bed without understanding the logistics of it all. So, she believes that Cross would be the only 'safe' man for her to ask, as he would never risk her reputation or the story getting back to Bourne. However, his stubbornness is only eclipsed by her own, and I adored the banter between them as the two of them grew to know each other more. The lesson's Cross teaches her are phenomenal, and the conclusion of the story was one of the best I've read in a long time! I can't wait for Temple's story, and am so hoping we see more of Bourne, Penelope, Pippa, and Cross!

Dates Read:
December 16-17, 2020

Rating
4 Stars