Lord of Scoundrels

It really is one of the best and most entertaining romances ever. Two headstrong protagonists that really make each other work for it. Funny, sexy, witty, touching, and perfect in nearly every way. I’ve read it more than once, which I rarely do in this genre, but I can easily see myself reading it again.

After reading The Mad Earl's Bride, I searched for Jess and Dain's story - and I was not disappointed. In fact, I was delighted. What a hero we have in Dain. His set-up is heartbreaking and gives backstory to his behavior, which is deliciously awful. It's really a delight to read an intelligent heroine figure him out. What a heroine! Jess is smart, resourceful, beautiful and caring. I couldn't wait to see these two get together and not just because I love happy endings. The sexual tension in this book was a living, breathing thing. That is why I couldn't put it down. I had to get to that first touch, then the first kiss, then... ahh! Just read it.

I'm easily persuaded into liking a novel when the writing style in question is new and refreshing. It's what drew me into Chase's world instantly.

The quick-witted dialogue had me laughing, and the ravishing beauty of the two characters union was both entertaining and plausible. I especially like the dynamics between the two where they find themselves manipulating each other into getting their way or not.

The heroine is strong-willed and straight-forward. I like that about her. I felt that for once a man could lean on a woman's shoulder and have the woman seducing the man instead of him having to do all the work.

The hero was thoroughly executed and well developed than I could say about our heroine but they seemed to balance out each other in the end so that was okay. Also, I found it equally touching when our heroine talked him into bringing his son home. She managed to make a man out of him that very instance despite the tortured past he'd endured as a child--making him twice the man his father could ever be. I guess in a way she was his savior and rescued him from this plague that taunted and mocked his waking life from his tortured childhood. He felt tricked into loving her because of his past, but in the end he found that he had to love himself in order to let someone else in. Of couse I will not condone her for her irrational thoughts or thinking it was okay to shoot him in the arm, but I found myself laughing all the more because she'd taken his words a little too literal. Still that was inexcusable.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed it. A very tantalising read for summer or any time you feel the need to get away. I definitely had a soft spot for it.

I read over 20 historical romance novels in the past month and a half, from James to Milan to Quinn, and while I have nothing but praise for all their work, this book is at the top of the heap. Just great

If you enjoy a good historical romance....this is one to add to your list.True to the formul".He is an Alpha male with a troubled childhood. She is wicked smart, feisty and not the normal lady like personality for her time. The spicey parts are well written. I'm not going to gush about it being best historical romance ever.....but it is well worth the money for cozying up & escaping for a while.....Isn't that the whole reason we read romance? So grab a blanket & a cup of tea...,put on some nice music...& curl up somewhere comfy & just enjoy!

This is, without a doubt, one of the best romance novels I've ever read. Lord of Scoundrels is funny, sexy, and touching. Once picked up, it's hard to put down.

From the beginning, we care about the hero. He's detestable in many ways, but Chase build sympathy for him, explains how he became the hard-hearted man he is, and makes the reader want him to learn to love and trust. In Jessica, he finds a woman smart enough, stubborn enough, and loving enough to convince him that he's worthy of a woman of he quality.

Do I need to type Highly Recommended? Okay, Highly Recommended! A must for fans of historical romance, Beauty and The Beast stories, and good storytelling.

Love Love Love this book. NPR published a list of the best 100 Romance novels, and this was #1. I couldn't agree more. I almost never reread a book. I've reread this one, listened to it on Audible, and bought the Kindle version.

If you are a fan of English regency romances novels, this is one of the best! I particularly love that the heroine is calm, collected and sensible when needed and a woman who appreciates great sex too.

Jessica and Dain -- I adored this couple! She is the type of heroine I greatly admire. She is smart, witty and knows her man better than he knows himself.

She never gives up on him or on herself. He might push and provoke but is frightened of going too far and losing her -- and that would kill him.

The dialogue was quite good, and I found myself grinning. There was all the humor and heat a reader could desire. It was difficult to put this one down, and yet I didn't want it to end.

I highly recommend this book.

There's a reason that "Lord of Scoundrels" is near the top if everyone romance reader's list of favorite books. Loretta Chase has written one fabulous regency romance. Jessica Trent is determined to pry her nitwit brother away from the notoriously corrupt influence of the Marquess of Dain. However, once she meets Dain she is mature enough to admit that there is an obvious physical attraction between them. Dain also recognizes the attraction, but he is determined to avoid doing anything about it. Dain had a particularly painful childhood, and he is convinced that he is such a flawed person that no one could ever ruly care for him. That's why he's buried himself in the world of vice. Since the two keep running into one another and since both want to discourage the other's advances, they each set out to destroy the other's reputation. Dain thinks he'll have an easy job of it - afterall, merely being seen in his presence is enough to cause a scandal. However, as Jessica cleverly points out, because he is publically seeking her out and clearly displaying his interest in her, he is actually ruining his own reputation as a heartless rake. These scenes are amusing and emotionally intense by turns. I don't want to spoil the surprise, but you will be amazed at what Jessica does to get Dain to marry her. That is only half of the story, however. The rest involves the two of them trying to figure one another out and settle into the meaningful relationship that they both want . This is a great read from cover to cover - enjoy!

I can understand why some people consider this one of the best romances ever. I am not one of those people. I hated it the first time I read it when it was originally published. Then I forgot about it (including the title) since I did not care for it. I accidentally purchased it a second time when a new edition was republished. I got partway through the second time and recognized the characters. I finished rereading it and I disliked it even more than the first time. The hero who is supposedly very intelligent does many stupid and irrational things. I was not attracted to him at all. IMHO many of Loretta Chase's other novels are far superior to this one.

This is a fascinating story of two very strong-willed people who have a smoldering attraction to each other. Jessica Trent is one of the best heroines I've come across...ever. She is a master at managing Lord Dain, one of the most feared men in Paris and England. Theirs is a clash of wits, will and passion that is brilliantly written. The dialogue is pithy and perfectly pitched with every moment between the two not to be breezed over.

I loved this story and it will stay with me for quite some time. This is a must title for your shelf if you're a fan of romance, historical OR contemporary.

Fun book. A little less interesting toward the end, but aren't they all? I like the writing style of this author and will look for more of her work. I especially appreciated the thorough introduction to the main male character. This helped explain why he became the synical man he was.

From the opening page, the reader sinks into Loretta Chase's writing style -- it is comfortable yet sophisticated. The characters are well-defined and intriguing from the beginning to the end.
I liked the female main character because she is 27, an antique dealer, and a take-charge person upon whom others rely to "fix things" -- and, when she fixes things, she doesn't waste time with just the clever little retort -- she analyzes, plans, and makes her strategic move. The male main character is vicious, which makes you "itch" to see her take him down. Interestingly, the depth of the characters continues to be revealed right through to the end.
The first half of the book contains numerous titilation scenes laced with intrigue and obstacles, with the interesting and explicit sex scenes (without the vulgar slang terms for body parts) occurring in the second half.
Some of the characters in this book show up again in THE LAST HELLION. I have read other Loretta Chase books and keep returning to her, even purchasing out-of-print books at higher prices...coming from a person who detests reading used books...you KNOW she must be good.

I must say that when I first started reading this book I did not think that I would like it. It had been sitting in my TBR pile for at least 8 months, when I stumbled across the the store reviews and decided to give it a go. It took a few chapters to get fully interested in Dain and Jessica's story, but I am so glad that I kept reading. This book was so engrossing that I could hardly put it down to sleep. It had humor and sadness and was very touching and thoughtful. Can any of ms. Chase's fans recommmend any more of her work to me?

I read this book years ago (I own the paperback), but since my most recent historical romance need, I bought it on kindle (we've moved a few times since and all my paperbacks are boxed up) and read it again. Over the years, I've read so many books and my taste has changed, but this book, I LOVED. The story, the dialogue, the humor, the sarcasm . . . everything about this story left me with a smile at the end.

I know I shouldn't "love" this book, but there was something about it that grasped me. The hero was rude, sarcastic, dramatic, and irrational at times. I flip-flopped between wanting to punch him in the balls and wanting to hug him. His life wasn't easy, but still, it was no excuse; yet, I did--if that makes sense. Maybe I saw myself in him--the mood swings, the sarcasm, the vulnerability, the expectation that something will go wrong. I don't know, but I just couldn't help falling for him.

Then, there's Jessica. Her, I LOVED from the beginning! She was feisty, strong-willed, protective, and VERY understanding. How can you not be after almost single-handedly raising ten boys? When she shot the hero, I whooped. As much as I don't want to say this, she was the perfect fit for our very unperfect hero.

Their love was rocky at first, but we all know love isn't always perfect sunshine and rainbows. It takes time and dedication. This books showed it all, and it isn't for everyone, but it was the perfect fit for me.

Jessica Trent is intelligent, unwaveringly independent, resourceful, loving, and kind. She is also beautiful with an alluring figure. She helped to raise her brother and 10 male cousins. This helped her to understand the male of the species. So, she is well equipped to tame Sebastian, lord Dain, a man who is reviled and feared.

Dain's twisted view of himself has been imprinted on his mind since the day of his birth, when his father turned from him. He was repulsed by what his son looked like. Through the years the treatment of others served to underscore his father's initial reaction. Hurt, loneliness and other such feelings had long been buried in favor of a harsh and brutish demeanor which held others at an intended distance.

When this H/h meet the air is charged between them and remains so throughout the book. Their relationship is volatile, full of passion and frustration, admiration and sometimes mistrust. The book is well written and edited. The characters are well developed. The sex scenes are hot.

My rating of four stars rather than five reflects my opinion that, despite my approval of Jessica standing firm for her principles and ideas against the dismissive Sebastian, she is just too perfect. More importantly, I was so angered and disgusted that the author, at first, had Sebastian treat and speak of his son just as his father had done with Sebastian. He knew the feelings of hurt and rejection his young son would endure. Thankfully things changed for the better because of the involvement of our perfect heroine. I would have been so much more impressed if this hero had enough humanity to treat his son with, at least, the empathy that he knew his son deserved.

I love this heroine. She was brilliant in that she loved whole heartedly. I ached for the man knowing he was fighting internal demons. And I was so happy that neither characters did anything truly stupid for there to be a climax, it was a natural progression in the story. That is what I really appreciated.

I had heard great things about this book, and mostly it lived up to the hype (and isn't that rare?). The heroine, Jessica Trent, is going down on my list of all-time favorites: she's smart and snarky and able to take care of herself. The hero, Lord Dain, is a conscience-less rake who reforms over the course of this book. His reasons for being such as ass in the beginning are believable and sympathetic, and his reform doesn't happen overnight, so that's believable, too.

I loved the witty, sarcastic dialogue between the hero and heroine. I loved that Jessica was so honest, confronting misunderstandings and issues in the relationship with frank conversation. (So often romances let misunderstandings fester for the sake of dramatic conflict, when an honest conversation could clear everything up.) I love that she didn't let Dain walk all over her, but gave as good as she got (maybe even better).

Actually, I was loving just about everything about this book until about 80% of the way through it, when the plot moppet showed up.
I like kids, but I don't generally like the 'plot moppet' trope -- where a long-lost child resurfaces suddenly, or the lovers take in a street urchin or other foundling. I just don't find these plots believable, because, no matter their tortured pasts or personal issues, these kids invariably clean up well and settle into their newly-priviledged lifestyles with remarkably little turmoil. Here, as is typical, the plot moppet arrives and is swiftly incorporated into the happily ever after, and I'd have liked the book better--found it pretty much flawless, actually--if that plot line had just been left out.

There have been many "tell all" reviews here, so I won't go there ...

This book is definitely a keeper. Has all the things I love ... reformed (reforming?) rake, great romance, super steamy (without being smarmy), smart heroine, great supporting cast. Plus ... it's an original story, it's smart, it's witty (okay; downright laugh-out-loud in some parts) and a great ending. What more could you want?

HIGHLY recommended. (I shelled out for the softcover AND for the Kindle edition for re-reads.)
Lord of Scoundrels

I purchased this book because I really like to read historical romances and Loretta Chase is one of my favorite authors. This book is a real page turner and the characters are well developed and very believe during that time period. I just couldn't put this book down and recommend adding this book to your romance library.

After winning the top reader's favorite position of the AAR poll more than once, I decided to give this romance a whirl. It's been a #1 fave for many women and I wanted to see for myself what the hype was about!

The introduction with Sebastian as a little boy was charming and heart-wrenching and set the tone for the ultimate reformed-rake, wounded-inner-boy story line. I was completely enraptured. Once Sebastian is an adult, he truly seems to be the biggest bad boy in town. And when he meets Jessica, the sister of one of his nit wit followers, sparks do indeed fly. I was extremely impressed with the witty banter that flew back and forth between the two. The interactions between Sebastian and Jessica were exciting, funny and sensual. I could feel the sexual tension building between the two. Jessica is smart and experienced (with raising little boys) and she's not intimidated by Sebastian. I could feel the soul-shattering love building in Sebastian, creating amazing inner turmoil. The little boy seeking love... the man who has never allowed anyone to get close to finally break through his outer shell... Sighs! Yes, I will admit, the first kiss in the rain against the light pole... WOW!!!! WOW!! Not only was it written so incredibly, but the transformation that Sebastian goes through is really truly romantic.

SPOILER ALERT!

So, the adult Sebastian's little boy simply cannot handle the idea that Jessica really loves him and so, yes, he leaves her in a compromising situation and treats her like the monster he is. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, and Jessica takes matters into her own hands and.... shoots Sebastian in the arm, and paralyzes him. Yeah. I guess this is where the story unraveled for me. I found the plot device to be over the top and just too silly to take seriously. At this point, Sebastian seems to just melt at her feet. He never even expresses one iota of concern that this woman has SHOT him in the arm and paralyzed him. Honestly, I was struggling with the idea that this woman had crippled this gloriously formed man. And I was shocked that no one, even himself, seemed at all bothered by this.

If HE had shot HER in the arm and paralyzed her- it would be seen for what it is. AWFUL. Just plan yuck - I'm sorry. Just imagine it for one moment... beautiful Jessica with her arm hanging limp by her side, a victim of outrageous assault, still pining after her abuser. Why is this romantic? Is it acceptable because the guy is paralyzed? I guess I'm shocked that this is the "number one romance" for so many women. I found this to be outrageous and totally unacceptable. Pulling a gun on your boyfriend, shooting him, and paralyzing him is NOT an acceptable way to deal with jealousy. And I propose that if the roles had been reversed this would be the time of novel women would revolt about.

After that, the wit and banter and charm and tension from the beginning of the novel just dissolved. What made the novel so fantastic vanished. The amazing, funny, witty conversations just became normal and droll. Because the hero is now injured and has been abused, he just... changes... and all that good stuff was gone. The plot tapered out. In fact, there really was no plot. Something about an icon that seemed to mysteriously change sentimental and financial value depending on how it fit the writer's convenience in the story line at the time. In fact, all the plot devices on the novel towards the end were just mysteriously there. (Oh, second spoiler alert... the arm's been working all along! It must be all in my head!)

I will admit this novel had one of the most promising and well-written beginnings I have ever read in a romance novel. And I can definitely see where it captured the heart of so many women. But in order to be number one on my list, that awesomeness has to extend throughout the WHOLE novel. This one took me up the mountain... and just left me hanging.

I like to think I am discriminating in my literary tastes, and there are very few books I love. I LOVED THIS BOOK!
I did not want it to end. The constant one-upmanship by both parties made me laugh, and even surprised me a few times. This was a story that actually had depth, not just constant sex, although there was plenty of sex, too. The characters were multidimensional, and seemed to be a bit more real because of it. (I am just glad I don't have Dain's nose.) I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

I came across this book while perusing a listmania by a particularly discriminating reader so I decided to give it a try. I am so very glad I did because it is without a doubt the best historical I've ever read.
The man society has nicknamed the Lord of Scoundrels is Lord Dain. Lord Dain is so nicknamed because he has made a living out of drinking, gambling.... He has dedicated himself completely to living life on the fast track . On the surface he is selfish, careless, mocking, and totally self-assured. This is, however, all a facade because underneath that urbane exterior hides a lonely, rejected little boy who thinks himself ugly and unlovable. His childhood was a horrid one, his mother ran off with a lover and his father has always rejected him because of Sebastian's unusual and exotic looks. After his mother ran off, his father packed him off to school where Sebastian was teased mercilessly by his classmates because of his appearance. After such a traumatic childhood Sebastian grows up to become one of the most deliciously tortured heros I've ever come across. Such a hero deserves an extraordinary heroine and this hero gets one in Jessica Trent. Jessica is strong, beautiful and determined and just completely wonderful. She's her own woman,totally independent and a spinster by choice. When she hears her not so bright brother has been seen in the company of the infamous Lord Dain, Jessica hurries to rescue him from Sebastian's evil clutches. When she meets Sebastian she's left totally breathless and she finds herself head over heels in lust with him. Sebastian is equally smitten but he has religiously avoided any contact with proper young ladies all his life so he's determined to avoid Jessica like the plague. Only is not so easy Sebastian is falling in love, of course he would rather die than admit this even to himself. He's also convinced she could never want him because she's beautiful and dainty and he thinks himself ugly and a big brute of a man. Little does he know Jessica can't stop thinking about him...
Make no mistake this is the most delicious book you will ever read I can almost guarantee it. The dialogue sparkles and sparks positively fly between Dain and Jessica. By the end of the book you will be crazy in love with Sebastian and you will adore Jessica. Get this book, you will not regret it. I will cherish my copy for years to come. :)

I know this blog usually focuses on Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance but I do occasionally veer off into other areas and one of my favorites is Regency Romances.This book was so good I had to know more about it. In researching it I realized how many other bloggers/reviews had felt the same way I did when they read this book. Lord of Scoundrels originally came out in 1995, then was re-released several times due to demand, with accompanying cover changes. Several other reviewers referred to this book as "The One." I don't want to plagiarize, but that is how I feel about it too, and much like waiting for my husband until I was 33 and never thinking I'd find "the one" in real life, which I was happy to discover I was wrong about, I never thought I'd find a Romance novel that was "the one" for me either. I'm so happy to have been wrong there as well. Most of you out there, will already know about this book. It won many awards, it is on the Goodreads and the store lists in the top numbers of best Romance ever, next to very famous books, like "Gone with the Wind," and "Pride and Prejudice." All I know is, I re-read it almost immediately ( the same day!). Then throughout the week I've picked it up repeatedly to re-read my favorite parts. I had to stop myself from re-reading it all over again, just writing this review. It's that good.

How I missed this book I don't know, it shows my lack of attention to anything but UF/PNR lately, but sometimes you really need to switch things up and boy am I glad I did.

The beginning of Lord of Scoundrels is heartbreaking. It is short, and you have to get through it to get to the heart of the story, but it gives you a very good understanding of why this tortured hero, is so damn tortured. Once you get past that, the book is a delight and as funny and witty as one could hope for, while still tugging at your heart strings.

Sebastian Ballister, Lord Dain is one of the most self-loathing heros (deep down) you'll ever read and he will only consort with courtesans as he has no interest in marriage and wants nothing to do with a society lady. He is surrounded by a crowd of hangers on, while he drinks, gambles and whores across Paris. On the surface, he acts like he owns the world, and he has everyone intimidated or admiring of him. He is big, tall, and strong, but NOT the traditionally handsome hero (which I loved),in fact he thinks he is ugly, but he is one of those men who walks into a room and sucks the air right out of it. Gently reared women have been known to faint just meeting him.

Chase doesn't waste any time setting up the clash between our protagonists. Jessica Trent may be a "Lady" but she's helped raise all ten of her male cousins, and she is not to be messed with. Her brother Bertie, an adorable-addleplated fool has fallen in with bad company (Lord Dain himself). At one point one of Dain's friends decides Jessica must have gotten all the brains in the family.

Jessica has come to Paris with her beautiful and famed "Femme Fatale" grandmother to try to save Bertie from himself and the bad company he is keeping. Her widowed Grandmother, Genevieve is a wonderful, if underutilized character. She is so gorgeous and witty and charismatic she still has men clamoring over her some of which are half her age, which is scandalous in and of itself. I adored her, and just the concept of an older woman still having that much Mojo. At one point her latest lover offers to duel Dain to protect Jessica's reputation, just for Genevieve who he just met by the way. My god...the idea of that. These are side characters and yet they are so fascinating, part of which makes this book so fantastic.

Jessica and Dain are instantly attracted to each other and both recognize the impossibility of anything happening between them. He hasn't been out in polite society in close to eight years, he has had no interest in doing so and he has no intention of tying himself down with a wife. Jessica is a throw back to her widowed Grandmother, her interest in life far outweighs her interest in marriage; she turns down six men a year on average. The sparks fly instantly as Dain realizes the beautiful Jessica Trent is not intimidated by him in the least.

"Dain wasn't certain what exactly was wrong with her, but he had no doubt that something was. He was Lord Beelzebub, wasn't he? She was supposed to faint, or recoil in horrified revulsion at the very least. Yet she had gazed at him as bold as brass, and it had seemed for a moment as though the creature were actually flirting with him."

In trying to shock her by showing her an erotic item in an antique story, he passes up purchasing the Russian Icon he really wants. Jessica purchases the Icon and it turns out to be extremely valuable, but that isn't the real reason Dain wants it so badly, and we find out why later in a very touching scene.

At a popular café, they meet to discuss the Icon. He offers her 1500 pounds to purchase it. She says she believes it is worth 5,000 (and she is correct). 170 years ago, 5000 pounds wasn't just "alot" of money, it was a fortune.
She offers to give him the Icon if he'll leave her brother alone, something he wanted to do of his own accord because Bertie drives him nuts, but just to be obstinate, out of sheer pride and spite, he refuses and so the games begin. He tells her if she doesn't sell him the Icon he will hurt her reputation and he can do it in under 5 minutes. She says for the first time in the book, a phrase that each of them takes turns saying to the other to shock, goad, or irritate each other, "I'd like to see you try."

He then proceeds to publically, seductively, and slowly unbutton her long gloves while leaning close and speaking Italian as if they were lovers, making sure everyone in the café is watching them, thinking she will run away to save her reputation. This is Lord Beelzebub we're talking here. A man who hasn't looked at a woman of the aristocracy...ever. By simply focusing his attention on her, he is drawing attention to her. He starts out just talking softly in Italian about boring things of no consequence to show he doesn't care, but doing it seductively while he pretends to be mentally undressing her while he removes her gloves. But slowly as the sexual tension builds he switches to actually telling her how he feels (all in a language luckily she doesn't speak) and although she doesn't understand the language, she's got a pretty good idea he's quit pretending and is saying shocking things to her. While she stares at him with wide eyed he suddenly finds himself completely into her to the point that it takes him a few moments to realize she has turned the tables on him.

Smiling sweetly, she tells him she is sorry to hurt his reputation, because now everyone in town will think he is infatuated with her, a society spinster and this will have everyone talking about HIM and she is right. All his friends and some of his enemies start following these two's activities, and making bets at the club. Everyone it seems has noticed that the notorious rake, the Lord Dain has begun chasing after a spinster, albeit a beautiful one.

Every time Dain tries to shock Jessica she ups the anty. He wants her so badly but he can't admit it, not even to himself so he acts out and acts badly at times. The two of them become the focal point of Parisian and London gossip as nobody knows what will happen next when they are together. At one point early on, when they both show up at a party, bets are being laid left and right. No one has ever seen him act this way about a woman of polite society.

There are so many scenes that are my favorite I can't list them all. Jessica is quite possibly my favorite romance heroine. She doesn't lose her cool, she thinks everything through logically while at the same being completely honest with herself and what she is feeling. Her conversations with her Grandmother are wonderful, instead of having a close friend or a girlfriend to go to as a confidant with these socially unacceptable feelings, (She admits she fell in 'lust' with Dain the moment they met and she screwed him out of the Icon), she honestly discusses each of their interactions with her Grandmother who is thrice cool by the way. Jessica also recognizes fairly early on that the man she is in lust with, has some fairly significant emotional damage, likely done to him at an early age.

Jessica realizes she is falling passionately in love with someone who, unless he gets over his issues, could quite possibly make her completely miserable if not actually ruin her life. There are scenes that are so poignant they are almost heartbreaking. After a huge fight and then a passionate make out session in the rain, he goes to a fancy party he knows she is at and stands in the shadows just to see her leave the party late at night with another man. He can't believe a woman as beautiful as she is, would be interested in him. He truly believes he is a big, ugly man both inside and out, undeserving of love and no attractive high class woman could ever want him, especially not Jessica Trent, who appears to be besting him at almost every turn. If he can get past his insecurities, he still knows he can't have her sexually, not playing by societies rules since she is aristocracy and he swears he'll never marry so he's a miserable, sexually frustrated mess. Everyone in society is inviting both of them to their events hoping there will be a showdown, or a train wreck of some kind and eventually Dain and Jessica comply

A very savvy hostess invites them both to her fancy dress Ball, and lets each of them know she has invited the other. Jessica has reached the point where she is ready to give up the game and leave the country. It's become too much, all of it. Her feelings for him, what ever screwed up feelings he has for her, it can't work out and she knows it. But she is told by everyone that it will hurt his pride if she doesn't show up at this ball and he attends, so against her wishes, she goes. Instead of a dance card, the women are given fans which the men sign, indicating which dance they want. And she saves the last two dances for him, hoping he'll show and half hoping he won't. She waits and waits until she is forced to finally conceed he is standing HER up and she gives the dances away. He appears in an almost operatically dramatic fashion at the stroke of midnight-dressed all in black .Below is just part of the scene , but it shows so much about these two. Her honesty, and his obsession with her.

He kept on marching until the men crowding about Miss Trent had to give way or be trodden down. They gave way, but they didn't go away. He swept one heavy-lidded glance over them. "Go away," he said quietly. They went. He gave Miss Trent a slow, head-to-toe survey. She returned the favor.

Ignoring the simmering sensation her leisurely grey gaze triggered, he let his attention drift to her bodice, and boldly studied the rampant display of creamy white shoulders and bosom. "It must be held up with wires," he said. "Otherwise, your dressmaker has discovered a method of defying the laws of gravity

"It is lined with a stiffening material and bones, like a corset," she said calmly. "It is horridly uncomfortable, but it is the height of fashion, and I dared not risk your displeasure by appearing a dowd."

"Ah, you were confident I'd come," he said. "Because you are irresistible."

"I hope I'm not so suicidal as to wish to be irresistible to you." She fanned herself. "The simple fact is that there seems to be a farce in progress, of which we are the principals. I am prepared to take reasonable measures to help put an end to it. You set the tongues wagging with the scene in the coffee shop, but I will admit that I provided provocation," she added quickly, before he could retort. "I also admit that the gossip might have died down if I hadn't burst into your house and annoyed you." Her color rose. "As to what happened afterward, no one saw, apparently, which makes it irrelevant to the problem at hand."

He noted that she was gripping her fan tightly and that her bosom was rising and falling with a rapidity indicative of agitation. He smiled. "You did not behave, at the time, as though it were irrelevant. On the contrary--"

"Dain, I kissed you," she said evenly. "I see no reason to make an issue of it. It was not the first time you've ever been kissed and it won't be the last."

"Good heavens, Miss Trent, you are not threatening to do it again?" He widened his eyes in mock horror.

She let out a sigh. "I knew it was too much to hope you would be reasonable."

"What a woman means by a `reasonable' man is one she can manage," he said. "You are correct, Miss Trent. It is too much to hope. I hear someone sawing at a violin. A waltz, or an approximation thereof, appears to be in the offing."

"So it does," she said tightly.

"Then we shall dance," he said.

"No, we shan't," she said. "I had saved two dances because...Well, it doesn't matter. I already have a partner for this one."

"Certainly. Me."

She held up her fan in front of his face, to display the masculine scribbling upon the sticks. "Look carefully," she said. "Do you see `Beelzebub' written there?"

"I'm not shortsighted," he said, extracting the fan from her tense fingers. "You needn't hold it so close. Ah, yes, is this the one?" He pointed to a stick. "Rouvier?"

"Yes," she said, looking past him. "Here he comes."

Dain turned. A Frenchman was warily approaching, his countenance pale. Dain fanned himself. The man paused. Smiling, Dain pressed thumb and forefinger to the stick with "Rouvier" written on it. It snapped. Rouvier went away.

Dain turned back to Miss Trent and, still smiling, broke each stick, one by one. Then he thrust the demolished fan into the fern pot. He held out his hand. "My dance, I believe." It was a primitive display, Jessica told herself. On the scale of social development it was about one notch above hitting her over the head with a club and dragging her away by her hair. Only Dain could get away with it, just as only he could clear the field of rivals simply by telling them, without the smallest self-consciousness or subtlety, to go away. And only she, besotted lunatic that she was, would find it all dizzyingly romantic. She took his hand.

Later during the dance, he accuses her of not putting up much of a fight when it comes to ignoring him and she, in complete Jessica fashion, admits it.

His mouth curved into that aggravatingly mocking smile. "I see. You find me irresistible."

"I'll get over it," she said. "I'm going home tomorrow."

I love this! She admits she's falling for him and then she sets him off balance before he can even gloat over it by telling him she'll get over him and she's going to leave Paris in the morning.

He doesn't want her to leave, he's falling in love with her, even if he can't admit it.He lets down his guard emotionally and then when he jumps to the wrong conclusion as to what comes next, he does something reprehensible. Given his past and given the misunderstanding, you understand his motivations and why, but given their society's rules, he behaves horribly. This is part of what makes Chase's book so brilliant. You understand this man. You feel bad for him. Yet...you want to shoot him.

Jessica does...shoot him, that is. And then outwits him legally as well. Despite the fact that she shot him and his arm now doesn't function properly, this is where you see the change in him. He realizes he has wronged her horribly and he steps up to the plate and does the right thing, and Jessica takes a huge gamble. I don't know if I would have had the nerve for half the things Jessica does in this book. Given the strictures of their so called "polite" society, with its viciousness and controlling of women, she takes a major risk.

It is fantastic. Then...no, I can't tell you. It's too delicious. The writing is smart, witty, hilarious, heart breaking, and sexy as hell and just when you think the book is just about the two of them, a whole other plot comes sweeping in and it takes everything to a completely deeper level. It isn't one of those boring subplots that come in out of nowhere in so many Regency's to add to the "tension", so much as a deepening of the one that has already been playing out, taking the characters to a place emotionally that is indescribly deeper then where they started. Maybe they would have gotten there on their own without this subplot but it almost comes out of nowhere (until you realize Chase laid the groundwork for it solidly early on and you were just too busy watching fireworks to notice a stray sentence here or there).

Dain is a mess, yet by the nature of the very realistic backstory, you find him sympathetic even when he does unsympathetic things. I didn't agree at all with how he behaved in regards to this situation, yet I completely understood it. At one point, she begins to tell him it isn't his fault he over reacts, he is high strung and deeply sensitive. At first he is outraged she would even suggest something like this. By the end of the book he's recognizing, he really is those things and because of what happened to him as a child, part of him quit growing emotionally at that point and it is causing him issues in his life.

He is a real person, not a card board cut out "beautiful man" who is like very other Regency Hero. Dain's nothing like the usual run of the mill rake. He is actually a deeply sensitive person underneath all that bravado and Jessica has the common sense necessary to see through his historonics to the despretly unhappy person who she loves. Chase is a brilliant writer who makes someone who could seem completely unredeemable, into a Hero by the books end.

Jessica is not just clever, she is that very rare individual in a historical romance, completely self-aware, more so than any female heroine of a love story I've ever read. She is honest with herself and it is so refreshing. She also isn't afraid of her feelings. When these two people come together, things blow up. Lighting storms, relationships, reputations.You name it, it is like one of them is the fuse and one is the bomb.As much as I loved Jessica's way of handling Dain, her way of handling his son made me love her even more.

Lord of Scoundrels is what I compare most other romances to. It's right up there on my "best of" shelf next to The Wolf and The Dove, Outlander, Public Secrets, etc. where the characters jump out at you and immerse you in their world until you manage to come up for air---IF you manage to come up for air (at least before you finish).
I was initially skeptical when reading the editorial description and a few of the reviews, so I waited a bit to purchase and read--which I regret. This book is amazing- the epitome of what a fiesty heroine/reformed rake story should be. I have not encountered witty dialogue like this-- that had me laughing out loud on several occasions. The love scenes were hot, yes, but even better is that they were also believable, which is important to me. I don't want to be rolling my eyes as the hero plunders her maidenhood. Yikes. Take the leap-buy this book. I promise you will immediately regret not having read it sooner. One word of caution: don't start this unless you plan on being sucked in to finishing it in one sitting!

I came across this book after an internet search for the best romance novels. It was a treat to read a story where the two characters (Dain and Jessica) have snappy dialogue, distinct personalities, and chemistry.

The story starts with Jessica in France to locate and manage her irresponsible younger brother. Her brother hangs out with Dain's crowd, who Jessica deems to be a bad influence. Jessica and Dain's first encounter was so lively that it made me smile. It's the kind of smile to say, "thank you, Ms. Chase, for writing this story," and the kind of smile that knows you're in for a good story, which did not disappoint.

This is definitely one of the best romance I have read. Both of H and h have personality flaws; yet they are perfectly matched for each other. The story and dialogues are witty and smart. I really love it. Read it twice within three days. The audio version is awesome as well.

Ever since I started playing QatQi I have been collecting long words. A 15 letter word is a great gift. Besides that, book will become standard against which others will be measured. I hardly ever award 5 stars to anything. This book deserves a10. Off the charts.

I was captivated by the wittiness of the book, and loved the scenes between Jess and Dain in France. However, the very beginning (Dain's childhood) was overwrought and the very end left me a little cold for a number of reasons.

The best romantic characters are equal matches intellectually. Early on, Chase sets up Dain as very smart and very vain about his brain. It is a delicious scene when Dain and Jess meet, and the first thing he notices about her is her sly insult of her brother that is so eloquent and verbose that dim Bertie doesn't even recognize the put-down. You can tell Dain is intrigued though he has yet to see Jess's face. Then, almost immediately following, Chase cleverly sets up Jess to be even more intriguing to Dain. She is not a prudish bluestocking, despite his best attempt to discomfit her. When Jess calls her brother a prig, I really appreciated Chase's way with words and her ability to tailor an insult to the appropriate time period. "A prig, dear. A prig and a prude. A regular Methodist." - totally priceless.

I loved this book, and couldn't read it fast enough, until the 75% point. Here the focus moved away from the couple. It also got caught up in maudlin reflections by Dain about his devilish dark looks, background, etc. For such a confident man who flaunts society, he was certainly insecure about his appearance and heritage. Clearly Chase was using it as a device for why he was such a scoundrel, and it tied to the beginning of the book focusing on Dain's childhood. It was set up to provide sympathy for the character, but I have a hard time feeling sorry for someone brought up in the lap of luxury who received a stellar education.

So, this book gets four stars. Witty and wonderful through the middle, but overwrought beginning and ending.

Loved everything about it. It was witty, fun, sensuous and captivating. The characters were endearing. Can't help but fall for them. Jess is one of the best heroines there is. She was perfect for The Lord of Scoundrels in every way.
I'm so glad I read this gem of a book!

This is only the second historical romance that I've read (I am strictly a contemporary or paranormal gal) but after seeing the reviews of this book my curiosity got the best of me, and I was completely and pleasantly surprised! Your heart will break for the hero in this novel as you simultaneously want to beat him on the head! He was rude, brazen, and brooding and completely without conscience...he was a complete scoundrel! But no matter what he does you'll never hate him. You'll only love him more! But the heroine, oh she is the star of this book. She is intelligent, quick-witted, exocitically beautiful, and posses a liberated aura that is innocent, yet beyond her time. She is strong and isn't the least bit shy to go after what she wants, and she is the perfect match for this lord of scoundrels! This book was so funny and tender and...I haven't laughed and cried so much! A must read for all historical fans. And if you're like me - trying to test the waters - this is the perfect book to start!

I loved this book so much I immediately purchased others by the author. Her writing style was very sharp, very smart, which is a breath of fresh air. The characters were likeable, even when they weren't being so, and their attraction to each other absolutely believable and not seeming to have been thrown together because the author wished it so. The story was very well written, I was riveted straight through. I cannot recommend it enough!

A THOROUGHLY ENGROSSING STORY LINE, IT IS FUN AND SAD WITH LOTS OF ACTION AND GREAT CHARACTERS.
THE HEROINE IS FULL OF PLUCK AND REFUSES TO BE DICTATED TO OR TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF WITHOUT TAKING
ACTION. THE HERO IS A LARGER THAN LIFE "SIMON LEGREE", COMPLETELY UNLOVED AS A CHILD LEFT HIM
EMOTIONALLY HANDICAPPED. IT`S THE "LOVE CONQUERS ALL" STORY.

If you are madly insane for a dominant alpha male then Sebastian is the man for you. I read this book in one day. I found it by searching for alpha male romance novels and this one held the number one spot. I loved that the heroine and hero fought and loved passionately. Their tug of love was playful with just the right amount of passion sprinkled in. The suspense and mystery never overpowered the romance but complimented it in all the right places. I loved it!

Sebastian Ballister, the Marquess of Dain is not a nice man. He was a homely little boy who was abandoned by his parents. At his boarding school, he was assaulted by larger boys on a regular basis. Having such a difficult past, has colored his outlook on life. He trusts no one, he is alone in the world and that is just the way he likes things.

His bad temper is well known by everyone in Paris and London and places in between. His behavior strikes fear in anyone who makes him unhappy, or appears to make him unhappy, or even thinks of making him unhappy.

He has a reputation for associating only with women who “work” for their living. He speaks often of the dangers of reputable women and their ultimate goal of marriage. Even though he is extremely wealthy, the reputable families of the ton want nothing to do with him. And no one wants any good daughter anywhere near him.

When he meets Jessica Trent, his world tilts and never returns to a nice, even keel.

Jessica blames Dain for ruining her brother's life. She believes Bertie is being trundled down the road to hell by keeping bad company. Dain is the main bad company, and she wants him to leave Bertie alone.

This is a funny book. Dain's inner thoughts are at once humorous and very sad. Jessica is his equal in every way. She is bright and amusing and very brave. Their conversations consist of challenges, verbal assaults and a strong powerful attraction between the two. When Jessica calls Dain a clodpole she means it in the nicest way.

This is a book about healing. Jessica is a people person who has experience with little boys and boys who have grown up. The longer she talks to Dain, the more she understands his response to the world, and why he behaves the way he does. She starts out wanting to help him learn to deal with his past, and soon she has another goal in mind.

The plot is interesting. Ms Chase is a master at creating situations which are both humorous and touching. Allowing things to take a normal course takes awhile, but the journey is a lovely one. The structure of this book is wonderfully done.

The characters are terrific. Jessica is a heroine who is no shrinking violet. She can give as good as she gets, and does quite often. Dain is a very intelligent man who has a huge blind spot about the real world. But, if he takes the time to think things through he learns well. Of course before he learns anything, he throws a temper tantrum (at times he even throws real objects and people).

This is a wonderful book. I admire Ms Chase's writing. Right now, I believe this is her ultimate creation. It is a romantic novel, but it is so much more.

Pros: Funny, engaging H & h, excellent sex/love scenes, the background of Sebastian Ballister's childhood provides you with an insight of why his behaviour was so appalling.
Cons: h was too perfect, the scene where h is quite violent towards Vawtry is a bit far fetched.
Overall a good book and would read again.

I bought this book because the price and because I love a good historical romance. I will say that it took me quite a while to warm up to the main characters as they both seemed really hard to me. However, I stuck with it and wasn't disappointed. There is depth of character to both of the individuals that you might not find in other romances and you get to see that evolve to a very satisfying end.

I am a huge fan of historical romances and simply put, I loved this one! Full of fun, adventure, rich characters, and wonderful scenery. Sebastian's character, full of mystery and intrigue will simply make you fall madly in love with him. For the current price of $1.99 on the Kindle, this one's a steal! Don't pass this one up!!

That's Loretta for such a wonderful adventure!

What a great story. The heroine was smart, witty, and had gumption. The hero was handsome, bruiting, and inwardly humble. Sure there were misconceptions, but one of the two were smart enough to straighten each one out before doing something stupid. I wish there were 10 more chapters. Look forward to reading more by the author. Just wish her other books were also more reasonably priced.

An entertaining historical romp. This heroine & hero weren't the typical romance genre lead protagonists. Meaning they aren't perfectly perfect. There are flaws & fun & smarts & humor. Read it you'll enjoy.