Status
Available
Call number
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
Avon (2007), 384 pages
Description
Fantasy. Fiction. Romance. Historical Fiction. HTML: They call him many names, but Angelic isn't one of them . . . Sebastian Ballister, the notorious Marquess of Dain, is big, bad, and dangerous to know. No respectable woman would have anything to do with the "Bane and Blight of the Ballisters"�and he wants nothing to do with respectable women. He's determined to continue doing what he does best�sin and sin again�and all that's going swimmingly, thank you . . . until the day a shop door opens and she walks in. She's too intelligent to fall for the worst man in the world . . . Jessica Trent is a determined young woman, and she's going to drag her imbecile brother off the road to ruin, no matter what it takes. If saving him�and with him, her family and future�means taking on the devil himself, she won't back down. The trouble is, the devil in question is so shockingly irresistible, and the person who needs the most saving is�herself!.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member sjmccreary
I got this book as the result of seeing it mentioned several times on LT as being one of the best-ever romance novels. Of course, now I can't find the posts that led me to that conclusion. And I don't think it is. One of the best-ever romance novels.
Dain was a troubled boy - physically and
The end of the book was better than the beginning. I got a bad taste in my mouth right up front when Dain so blatantly misbehaves every chance he has, from the time he was about 8 years old. He has his first woman on his 13th birthday, and seemingly another one every night since. He matter-of-factly deals with the babies that result, although they are very few since he mostly seeks "professional" women who know how to avoid such complications. His sense of honor was outraged when he discovered a friend spying on him through a peep hole in a brothel. The feeling is that insulting ladies or cheating at cards, though, would not bother him a bit. Only after slogging through all this do we finally get to the part where he's met his match in Jessica.
Not a horrible romance - more dated, maybe, than bad - but definitely not the best ever.
Dain was a troubled boy - physically and
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emotionally abandoned by his parents - who grew into a troubled man. Jessica was a fiercely independent woman who didn't put up with nonsense from anyone - especially boys, no matter their age, after having raised several brothers and boy cousins. So, while I understand that these two experienced an immediate animal attraction (which was well-written), I didn't buy off on the premise that each so trusted the other that they were willing to forgo their essential natures. Not immediately - I'd have thrown the book at the wall if she'd tried to pull that off - but within mere weeks.The end of the book was better than the beginning. I got a bad taste in my mouth right up front when Dain so blatantly misbehaves every chance he has, from the time he was about 8 years old. He has his first woman on his 13th birthday, and seemingly another one every night since. He matter-of-factly deals with the babies that result, although they are very few since he mostly seeks "professional" women who know how to avoid such complications. His sense of honor was outraged when he discovered a friend spying on him through a peep hole in a brothel. The feeling is that insulting ladies or cheating at cards, though, would not bother him a bit. Only after slogging through all this do we finally get to the part where he's met his match in Jessica.
Not a horrible romance - more dated, maybe, than bad - but definitely not the best ever.
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LibraryThing member Jenson_AKA_DL
Nicknamed Beelzebub for both his looks and demeanor the Marques of Dain is known for striking terror into the hearts of both men and women, until he meets spinster Jessica Trent on a quest to save her brother. For her part Jessica is prepared to take on the devil himself to bring her brother home
In the world of historical romances there seems to be a proliferation of virginal debutant heroines, even if they profess to have a strong inner core. In the case of Jessica she is not in the least prissy which, for me, makes her a much more relatable character, even if she is unusual in the historical sense. There wasn't very much redeeming about Dain, except for his actions at the end of the book, which made it all come together. I also really enjoyed the fact that Jessica was certainly not a heroine that needed saving as evidenced by the great brawl at the end of the book (you'd have to read it to see what I mean). Overall I found the book to be in turns romantic, humorous and endearing which makes it a worthwhile read.
Certainly a historical romance that doesn't follow the usual formula and one that I'd recommend.
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but is surprised to find herself irresistibly drawn to the demon she plans to liberate him from.In the world of historical romances there seems to be a proliferation of virginal debutant heroines, even if they profess to have a strong inner core. In the case of Jessica she is not in the least prissy which, for me, makes her a much more relatable character, even if she is unusual in the historical sense. There wasn't very much redeeming about Dain, except for his actions at the end of the book, which made it all come together. I also really enjoyed the fact that Jessica was certainly not a heroine that needed saving as evidenced by the great brawl at the end of the book (you'd have to read it to see what I mean). Overall I found the book to be in turns romantic, humorous and endearing which makes it a worthwhile read.
Certainly a historical romance that doesn't follow the usual formula and one that I'd recommend.
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LibraryThing member Cynara
In brief, I enjoyed it, though not as much as some. Heyer does better Regency atmosphere, but Chase's book is a lighter, easier read and the first two thirds of the book were just about perfect. My quibbles with the last third were:
a) I wasn't terribly interested in the plot twist that happens in
b) our heroine, who really is quite wonderful, becomes a little too relentlessly right and wise for my taste.
However, this is an excellent read with intriguing, affecting characters and sharp writing. I might look up more of Chase's books; I loved the way our heroine cut through traditional hero/heroine banter by calmly telling the truth - I'd expect her to take a cheap shot or cover something up, and she'd disarm all of us by being absolutely direct.
I'll definitely read it again, and would happily recommend it to a friend. Profoundly mediocre cover, though.
a) I wasn't terribly interested in the plot twist that happens in
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the last bit; it works very well thematically, but I just didn't find it very compelling, andb) our heroine, who really is quite wonderful, becomes a little too relentlessly right and wise for my taste.
However, this is an excellent read with intriguing, affecting characters and sharp writing. I might look up more of Chase's books; I loved the way our heroine cut through traditional hero/heroine banter by calmly telling the truth - I'd expect her to take a cheap shot or cover something up, and she'd disarm all of us by being absolutely direct.
I'll definitely read it again, and would happily recommend it to a friend. Profoundly mediocre cover, though.
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LibraryThing member francescadefreitas
This is my first Loretta Chase, and it was an entertaining diversion from the end of term work. I did like the heroine, Jess, she didn't flinch at anything silly, from an erotic pocket watch to her husband's bastard son. No vapours there. While lots of clichés seemed played for fun, and Jess and
I'd pass this to people looking for historical romance with a dose of laughs.
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her grandmother has anachronistically modern attitudes, the whole thing stuck together well enough to be good fun.I'd pass this to people looking for historical romance with a dose of laughs.
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LibraryThing member SabrinaJeffries
This is absolutely the funniest, most heart-warming romance I've ever read, bar none. The characters will surprise you every page, and the wit is delightful. I haven't yet read her other books, but if they're all as wonderful as this one, I'll be in heaven.
LibraryThing member doxiemomx2
One of my favorite books! Sooooo funny. Dain is a terrific character! Humor and depth of character development make this a very unique book. It is no wonder that it is on every list of favorites. Read it...NOW!
LibraryThing member amf0001
This is a reread for me. I love Loretta Chase and this is a shining example of her best work - witty, romantic, funny, suprising. She turns romantic conventions on their head and still puts out a very romantic book. I loved Jess and Dain, and how they collided together and fell in love. Jess was a
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particularly smart, centered heroine, immediately aware of the lust she was in, and the consiquences of her actions. Dain is a marvellous rake longing for reform. This is a definite keepe Show Less
LibraryThing member LL_4
Loved it! I loved the tortured Sebastian and yet he was so sensitive, and Jessica was a wonderful heroine, strong and able to read Sebastian and not do any TSTL things. It was a really great read!
LibraryThing member mom2lnb
I absolutely loved Lord of Scoundrels. This was my first reading of a Loretta Chase novel, and I will definitely be seeking out other books written by her in the future. Jessica was an extraordinary heroine who had a near perfection that one does not often find in a romance novel. Independent
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heroines can often become irritating to me, but Jessica was a thorough delight, a wonderful mix of charm, wit, strength, and heartfelt devotion. In spite of his utterly debauched nature early on, I still found Dain to be a completely sympathetic hero. I thought it was really sweet that Dain could be so worldly and yet so insecure as to be reluctant to bed his new bride. I also loved the vulnerability he showed when he really started opening up to Jess. Jessica's grandmother, Genevieve, was a delightful secondary character who was full of wit and charm herself. The settings and characterizations were very well drawn, and the pacing was wonderful. Lord of Scoundrels is the third book in the Scoundrels series, and introduces us to Vere Mallory, the Duke of Ainswood, who becomes the hero of book #4, The Last Hellion. Comte d’Esmond, who is the hero of book #2, Captives of the Night also plays a small secondary role. I believe that Captives of the Night and Lord of Scoundrels basically take place simultaneously, but Captives of the Night was written first. The first book of the series is The Lion's Daughter. I found Lord of Scoundrels to be a thoroughly enjoyable book, that has earned a place on my keeper shelf. Show Less
LibraryThing member rocalisa
This is a book that is always at the top of "Best Romances" lists, and I suddenly decided I wanted to read it. Hooray for the library, that speedily filled my request.
I really liked the book. I think the heroine, Jessica, is the strongest draw for me. She's smart, fun and strong. She stands up to
I'm sorry that I don't seem to have lots to say about the book, except that it deserves its place on all those lists and if you haven't read it but want a good historical romance with a great couple, then give this one a try.
Lord of Scoundrels
Loretta Chase
8/10
I really liked the book. I think the heroine, Jessica, is the strongest draw for me. She's smart, fun and strong. She stands up to
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Dain and is willing to take him on, yet she's also vulnerable in her own way. The chemistry between the couple is excellent and the story progresses very nicely.I'm sorry that I don't seem to have lots to say about the book, except that it deserves its place on all those lists and if you haven't read it but want a good historical romance with a great couple, then give this one a try.
Lord of Scoundrels
Loretta Chase
8/10
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LibraryThing member ParadigmTree
As other reviewers have said, this book is continually referred to as one of the best romance novels. I decided to check it out and I was not disappointed. The heroine, Jessica, was endearing and easy to relate to. While she was smart and independent, she also had aspects to her character that made
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her fragile and, well, more human. The hero is thoroughly debauched and yet is extremely sympathetic. The chemistry between two is apparent almost right away. Chase's writing style is very enjoyable and witty. For the most part, the novel is well paced, however there were a few events that seemed rushed through and could have had more detail. The one other complaint I have is that this story includes an element I really dislike: the "annoying child" character. However, this was minor character and hardly detracted from my overall enjoyment of this novel. Great read. Show Less
LibraryThing member theshadowknows
Lord of Scoundrels is one of the best romances out there. Anything I say can’t do justice to this masterpiece, and there’s not much by way of a review to add to what’s already been said. It stands the conventions of the genre on its head and left me reeling, dizzy with delight, swept away by
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emotion, and overcome by sympathy for the characters. The story is so excellently constructed, the prose elegant and sparkling, the characters brilliantly portrayed. Simultaneously hilarious and heartbreaking, it’s a book to savor – every scene is memorable. Without resorting to ponderous moralizing, unfettered by clichés, it carries a message of healing and love that is uplifting, that makes you think and feel. While remaining grounded in what is human and accessible, Lord of Scoundrel still derives epic proportions from the strengths and struggles of its characters, from the power of the beautiful story it tells. I love everything about this book. It’s a must read. Show Less
LibraryThing member kayceel
This was charming, fast-paced, witty and I *really* loved the main female character, Jessica. She's smart, feisty and witty. Recommended!
LibraryThing member gatadelafuente
This is my favorite book of all time. Great hero, heroine, story, humor, romance, angst. Perfect except I didn't want it to end. I fell in love with Dain from the moment of his birth. He was an ugly baby, loved only by his dearest mother, who was taken away from him. He was horribly treated by
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others growing up because of his half-Italian heritage and his large nose and ungainly features. Not knowing love, he felt he was unworthy of being loved. As an adult, he lived a life of selfish pleasure, spending his time with women who he could pay for his pleasure, thinking no woman would want him voluntarily. How could I not know love a hero who is so tortured. Enter Jessica, the best heroine ever written. She is ruthlessly intelligent, and knows just how to handle Dain. And she pretty much loves him the first time she sees him. Although others think he is ugly, he is perfect to her. There's a statement made my Jessica where she thinks or says she cannot resist him, and he is baffled that she would feel that way, used to being considered ugly as sin. I am like Jessica. To me, Dain is gorgeous. The chemistry between Dain and Jessica is better than any other book I've read, and I've read a lot. I've read books that were much more sexually explicit. The love scenes are not at all in this book. But they are incredibly affective, because of the passion between Jessica and Dain, and the deep caring and love they feel for each other. She knows of his flaws, but cares about him anyway, although she doesn't let him get away with anything. She even shoots him when he compromises her in the eyes of the ton but doesn't offer marriage. How cool is that? Dain cannot resist her, even knowing that she is much too good for him, and will change his life irrevocably. The scenes between Dain and Jessica are so delicious, it's like eating a banana split with a cheesecake chaser. And I have read few books that could manage poignancy and humor so well. There are scenes that make me cry every time I read them. Yet other scenes cause the biggest smile to spread over my face. One of my many favorite scenes is when Dain acknowledges his illegitmate son, knowing he loves him, even though he is just as ugly as Dain was as a child, and is filthy and covered in vomit. My heart wept, and tears flowed from my eyes. At the end of the day, it's really hard to describe why I love this book so much. But I do. Yet I have absolutely no reservations in saying, this is my favorite book of all time. If I ever meet Loretta Chase, I will thank her from the bottom of my heart for writing this book that has so enriched my life Show Less
LibraryThing member Catherine331
Jessica has come to Paris to remove her brother, Bertie, from the influence of Sebastian, Lord Dain. She's well aware of the fact that her brother is easily led and is determined to get him away from Lord Dain before he drives the family into bankruptcy. As soon as Jessica and Lord Dain meet the
Jessica was a wonderful character. She was actually strong and embraced her desire. It was very refreshing to read a heroine like that. I loved the banter between the two leads. The constant battle to come out on top and best one another was fabulous. Often I find that what is supposed to be funny in stories falls flat for me. That definitely didn't happen here. The humor and wit shown by both characters made the pages turn quickly. I guarantee that I won't forget what Jessica does to Lord Dain after he leaves her to weather the scandal on her own. The only thing better than my own surprise and delight at the scene was being witness to Lord Dain's shock.
Lord Dain was such a complicated character. He was amused by Jessica's description of him as sensitive, but she was right on the mark. The events of his childhood definitely shaped him as a man. Because of the cruelty he experienced it was very hard for him to believe that anyone, let alone Jessica, would be able to love him. I felt so bad for him as a child. I may not admire what he spends his time doing as a man, but I can understand how he would transform from that lonely little boy into Lord Beelzebub. I could see why he kept pushing Jessica away, even though it annoyed me. I enjoyed the fact that Lord Dain hated it when Jessica changed her attitude to give him what he seemed to want. I was amused that he missed the old abrasive Jessica.
I wasn't really impressed with the storyline surrounding Lord Dain's mother. I didn't believe or sympathize with Jessica's reasoning for her leaving. Why would he be safer with someone who she was desperate to escape? It didn't make sense to me. Also, I thought the convoluted plot to cause trouble for Lord Dain at the end of the book was a bit ridiculous. The event that caused the person behind the plot to put it into motion was also a bit silly. All that effort just because of that? Lord Dain's turn around toward the boy he called "it" was irritating. I could understand his apathy toward him in the beginning, but I didn't understand his sudden turn around at the inn. I think I would have preferred to see a slower gradual caring develop. It would have seemed more genuine. Those are just minor irritations though. The excellence of the rest of the book definitely outweighed them for me.
I picked this book up on the strength of the reviews at SBTB and various comments that have been made at DA. I'm glad that I did. While I don't think that it was a perfect book, or the best that I've read, I enjoyed the time that I spent immersed in the story. I'll be making it a point to check out other works by this author.
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tension between them practically leaps off the page. They are fascinated with each other, but aren't too happy about the fact. Jessica is able to best Lord Dain when having coffee with him, which leads him to declaring war on her. Jessica becomes infuriated by the fact that Lord Dain won't war with only her; he's using her brother as a pawn. Multiple hilarious situations result in Lord Dain and Jessica marrying. The misunderstandings and comical situations don't stop at the altar though.Jessica was a wonderful character. She was actually strong and embraced her desire. It was very refreshing to read a heroine like that. I loved the banter between the two leads. The constant battle to come out on top and best one another was fabulous. Often I find that what is supposed to be funny in stories falls flat for me. That definitely didn't happen here. The humor and wit shown by both characters made the pages turn quickly. I guarantee that I won't forget what Jessica does to Lord Dain after he leaves her to weather the scandal on her own. The only thing better than my own surprise and delight at the scene was being witness to Lord Dain's shock.
Lord Dain was such a complicated character. He was amused by Jessica's description of him as sensitive, but she was right on the mark. The events of his childhood definitely shaped him as a man. Because of the cruelty he experienced it was very hard for him to believe that anyone, let alone Jessica, would be able to love him. I felt so bad for him as a child. I may not admire what he spends his time doing as a man, but I can understand how he would transform from that lonely little boy into Lord Beelzebub. I could see why he kept pushing Jessica away, even though it annoyed me. I enjoyed the fact that Lord Dain hated it when Jessica changed her attitude to give him what he seemed to want. I was amused that he missed the old abrasive Jessica.
I wasn't really impressed with the storyline surrounding Lord Dain's mother. I didn't believe or sympathize with Jessica's reasoning for her leaving. Why would he be safer with someone who she was desperate to escape? It didn't make sense to me. Also, I thought the convoluted plot to cause trouble for Lord Dain at the end of the book was a bit ridiculous. The event that caused the person behind the plot to put it into motion was also a bit silly. All that effort just because of that? Lord Dain's turn around toward the boy he called "it" was irritating. I could understand his apathy toward him in the beginning, but I didn't understand his sudden turn around at the inn. I think I would have preferred to see a slower gradual caring develop. It would have seemed more genuine. Those are just minor irritations though. The excellence of the rest of the book definitely outweighed them for me.
I picked this book up on the strength of the reviews at SBTB and various comments that have been made at DA. I'm glad that I did. While I don't think that it was a perfect book, or the best that I've read, I enjoyed the time that I spent immersed in the story. I'll be making it a point to check out other works by this author.
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LibraryThing member Zumbanista
I'm With the Minority on "Lord of Scoundrels"
*******Soft Spoilers*********
"Lord of Scoundrels" is a Regency Historical Romance by Loretta Chase. I chose this book based on the high Amazon ratings, $.99 price tag and my love of historical fiction. This book has won a large number of awards as well.
The first half of the book appealed more to me than the last half as I found the plot became weaker (perhaps just less interesting to me) towards the end of the story.
While the writing was good, and I enjoyed the feisty heroine for the most part, Lord Dain was predictably two-dimensional, more of a stereotype than a real person. There was humour here, but it didn't elicit much response from me. Some of the devices seemed forced or unnecessary to carry the weight of the story along (i.e. the Latin quotations, italicized Italian, size of Dain's nose, the runaway Circus horses, the withered arm [with miraculous recovery explained in modern-day psychological terms], the subplot involving Beaumont which was crucial to the storyline but very thin).
Also, there are sex scenes some readers of "traditional Regency novels" might not expect. Hot and steamy, yes, but not overly graphic IMO.
Kind of underwhelmed on this one, and I know I'm with the minority here.
*******Soft Spoilers*********
"Lord of Scoundrels" is a Regency Historical Romance by Loretta Chase. I chose this book based on the high Amazon ratings, $.99 price tag and my love of historical fiction. This book has won a large number of awards as well.
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The first half of the book appealed more to me than the last half as I found the plot became weaker (perhaps just less interesting to me) towards the end of the story.
While the writing was good, and I enjoyed the feisty heroine for the most part, Lord Dain was predictably two-dimensional, more of a stereotype than a real person. There was humour here, but it didn't elicit much response from me. Some of the devices seemed forced or unnecessary to carry the weight of the story along (i.e. the Latin quotations, italicized Italian, size of Dain's nose, the runaway Circus horses, the withered arm [with miraculous recovery explained in modern-day psychological terms], the subplot involving Beaumont which was crucial to the storyline but very thin).
Also, there are sex scenes some readers of "traditional Regency novels" might not expect. Hot and steamy, yes, but not overly graphic IMO.
Kind of underwhelmed on this one, and I know I'm with the minority here.
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LibraryThing member autumna
Loretta Chase is one of my favorite regency authors and to my mind this is the best of her work. Typical of Chase's style the books Jessica Trent is strong willed heroine who is competent and has little need for a man until she finds one who makes her solitary future seem less appealing thats when
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she takes her fate into her own hands. Sebastian is a dark brooding as a character from Wuthering Heights but written twice as sexy. Add the comedic blundering of Jessica's half-witted brother Bertie and you have a romance that truly entertains. Show Less
LibraryThing member LadyWesley
It's fun watching a rake unwillingly caught up short by infatuation, then love. Great dialogue. Fun action.
Further thoughts
I began reading HR less than a year ago, and this was one of my earliest books, picked because it was number one on the All About Romance Top 100 list. Hundreds of other books
Further thoughts
I began reading HR less than a year ago, and this was one of my earliest books, picked because it was number one on the All About Romance Top 100 list. Hundreds of other books
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later, I just wanted to go back and affirm the wisdom of that list. I know that some of my friends disagree, which is fine of course. I'm not going to write a long review trying to explain it. I'll just say that this book is Simply The Best. Show Less
LibraryThing member krissa
I am usually not a big lover of historical books at all. I find it especially in the romance genre they can cross the line into incredibly sweet and cheesy. I also find myself getting frustrated with an abundance of description of the surroundings and the clothing and the food etc. and if they slip
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into a dialect that I have to stop and interpret and as often as not put it down and walk away. Reading romances should be light and fluffy and fun not work. So although I pick this one up with a lot of preconceived notions, I wanted to give it a try as it had made number one on the list. I have to say this book immediately broke through all of them. I like seeing inside the point of view of both main characters. They both have great senses of humor, and I like seeing the manipulation in the game of oneupmanship they were constantly trying to play on one another. I never found myself overwhelmed with description or dialect. The storyline what the push/pull that I think we expect from romances. I like that this one was from two perspectives, and they were both taking part in the push pull dance. The setting I think could have been almost anywhere at anytime. With the exception of when they were at the manor, and he was the lord. Other than references to their dress, or possibly some of the company kept, or where they hung out, I could easily forget that it was historical. The language wasn’t trying to be to fancy or old-fashioned. For me that is a major turn off. The ending was satisfying, in that everyone got what I think they deserved. I would read other books by this author if the opportunity presented itself. So, am I a convert? Will I read other books that are historical fiction, especially in the romance genre? Probably not. Although this book dispelled many preconceived notions, I am still leery. Am I missing out on many great books? Probably, but unless one of them jumps up and bites me as this one did, it probably isn't going to happen. I will stick to my contemporary romances for now. Show Less
LibraryThing member Jen7waters
Wow, this was intense.
I have to say, the first 100 pages or so were kind of weird, all because of the writing style that for some reason was a bit difficult for me to get used to. I also took my time adjusting to the characters, and getting to know them, for their actions can be confusing at first
Dark & tortured heroes are always my favorite type, and after this book Dain is probably on top of them all for me. I laughed my head off when he was attempting to intimidate Jessica and basically bullying her into marrying him (they bully each other into marriage actually), and thinking something like: Oh, I'll marry her, have my way with her how many times I wish, and then I'll just leave her to rot in the house all by herself while I and go back to my rakish ways, mwahahah! But immediately after she says “yes” he's all protective of her and starts making plans to buy a new mattress and bed sheets because his lady will not, for the name of all that is sacred, sleep in the same ones that so many other women before her did. Yeah Dain, you really don’t care about your bride.
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Jess was a wonderful heroine, bright, passionate, and the complete opposite of the damsel in distress.
I really have nothing more to say about this book besides that I liked it a lot and that this couple is a perfect match.
I have to say, the first 100 pages or so were kind of weird, all because of the writing style that for some reason was a bit difficult for me to get used to. I also took my time adjusting to the characters, and getting to know them, for their actions can be confusing at first
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-- nonetheless this was a good thing because this way some them were actually surprising.Dark & tortured heroes are always my favorite type, and after this book Dain is probably on top of them all for me. I laughed my head off when he was attempting to intimidate Jessica and basically bullying her into marrying him (they bully each other into marriage actually), and thinking something like: Oh, I'll marry her, have my way with her how many times I wish, and then I'll just leave her to rot in the house all by herself while I and go back to my rakish ways, mwahahah! But immediately after she says “yes” he's all protective of her and starts making plans to buy a new mattress and bed sheets because his lady will not, for the name of all that is sacred, sleep in the same ones that so many other women before her did. Yeah Dain, you really don’t care about your bride.
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Jess was a wonderful heroine, bright, passionate, and the complete opposite of the damsel in distress.
I really have nothing more to say about this book besides that I liked it a lot and that this couple is a perfect match.
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LibraryThing member dd196406
Really fun romance with an extremely strong heroine and an extremely villianous, yet flawed and appealing hero. These kinds of romances are just fun to read, and this one is especially enjoyable for the verbal jousting between the two leads.
LibraryThing member JenneB
I've read worse, but I don't know if this is OMG BEST ROMANCE NOVEL EVER!
LibraryThing member ReaderLas
Every single character in this book is a caricature...the horribly mean hero who only acts that way because he's been so hurt and just needs the love of a good woman; the oh-so-perfect heroine--she's intelligent, educated, a crack shot, not at all shocked or scared over sex even though she's, of
A part of me is convinced that Loretta Chase wrote this as a parody of historical romance, and when readers actually loved it as a real romance she just played along.
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course!, a virgin; the obviously-dropped-on-the-head-too-many-times-as-a-baby brother; the fun, feisty grandmother who I would have loved if the rest of the book weren't so awful; and, finally, the savior child who "cures" the hero of his issues. I was so flabbergasted that THIS was the most popular book in the online romance world that I read it a second time, just to make sure it wasn't a case of a book not living up to the hype. But no, I hated it even more upon rereading. A part of me is convinced that Loretta Chase wrote this as a parody of historical romance, and when readers actually loved it as a real romance she just played along.
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LibraryThing member MrsJoseph
Another Beach Read
This book was wonderful! She led him around by the nose for 99% of the book. Total delight to read.
This book was wonderful! She led him around by the nose for 99% of the book. Total delight to read.
LibraryThing member Samchan
Believe all of the five-star reviews you’ve seen here on Goodreads. It’s for real. As soon as I finished devouring The Lord of Scoundrels, I promptly flipped back to the first page and re-read the entire thing again in one sitting. I’ve never done that before, so if that’s not a sign of a
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great story, then I don’t know what is. At its face, we have the usual angsty devil-may-care rake and feisty heroine in a battle of wills; so there’s nothing new there. But Loretta Chase spins this typical tale into a satisfying confection brimming with witty dialogue, funny encounters, romantic scenes, charismatic characters, believable behavior, and crackling hero-heroine chemistry. I loved, loved this book. Show Less
Awards
RITA Award (Finalist — 1996)
AAR Top 100 Romances (#1 — [Previously 1998-#5 / 2000-#1 / 2004-#1] Most Recent Rank - 2007)
RUSA CODES Listen List (Selection — 2015)
Original language
English
Original publication date
1995-01
Physical description
375 p.; 4.19 inches
ISBN
0380776162 / 9780380776160