The Second Rule of Scoundrels (Rules of Scoundrels)

I watch for every book written by Sarah MacLean, as I know from her other books that I will enjoy her gift of storytelling, and the excellent writing skill. And this book did just that. Thanks, Sarah MacLean!

Wonderfully storytelling, but ... there are some phrases repeated over and over and over again that made me want to hurl the book against the wall. The worst and most obnoxious of these repeat offenders was the phrase "kicked up," i.e. "His mouth KICKED UP in a smile." (Mouths being "kicked up" is used ad nauseaum in this book. I hope to never read this phrase again.) Others that quickly became irritating: the word "beat," also overused, to signify a pause in time. The heroine's "big blue eyes" (yeah, we've already been told, again and again and again and then AGAIN that her eyes are big and blue.) But perhaps most irritating of all is the way the author constantly starts short, one-line paragraphs with sentence fragments such as, "Except that it was." Or, "Which is why she did." (You get the idea.) Also, lots of anachronisms - millimeters? centimeters? in the early 19th century? - and I couldn't help but wonder why the heroine didn't ask either her sisters, her mother, a friend, or her own fiance for knowledge about what happens in the marriage bed, which made for a rather contrived plot. (Surely she could have consulted various texts or even a naughty novel, like _Fanny Hill_... ?) And if someone had seen her wandering around and into the Angel, wouldn't THAT have ruined her and gotten back to her fiance, who surely, then, would have had good cause to cry off? Lastly, for a woman who is all about being honorable and full of integrity, her romance and sex with the hero while being engaged to another, really made me dislike her ... so unfair to her fiance. All of these irritations aside, the storytelling itself is absolutely wonderful ... just wish I could say it's perfect. I plan to read the next in the series, but please, oh PLEASE, no more "kicked up mouths." If I find one, it'll be the last SMcL I'll read.

Mostly a lot of prelude toward sex. Heroine wears 'coke bottle thick glasses', yet there's a masquerade, with a specially made 'silver mask to accommodate the glasses, BUT she never was seen by the Silversmith artist, or measured/fitted for said mask, but though heavy, it fit perfectly. Like anyone who had ever seen her at any other venues, would not recognize a short blond who always wears exceptionally thick glasses..
I basically could not make myself like the hero. The heroine yes, hero no! I think the guy she was betrothed to, maybe a little dull, was made of better, more loveable material for the long run.
I mostly skimmed over the sex, I don't need a 'how to guide' and there's better free online sites if I want to be stimulated.

I loved the first rule of scoundrels, eagerly awaited this book, bought it at midnight release date. She did a good job with suspense, I spent most of the novel worried they would not end up together. Felt the ending was pretty rushed, the ex fiance kind of unbelievable. 3/5.

Well, the wager of virginal Lady Philippa wasn't very original, she asks the rakish, handsome Cross to teach her seduction before she marries a frog on a log. Ladies, can you guess what progresses betwn the 2? Towards the end, I got annoyed w/ how Cross kept rejecting the idea that he wasn't good enough for Lady Philippa. The inner dialogue betwn the 2 actually got annoying halfway thru the book. It felt like a 3rd character betwn the 2 when they were together.

If anyone read, "Dreaming of You" by Lisa Kleypas & compare the 2, you will see why this book doesn't even compare. Both have similar plots surrounding the gambling scene, but the 2 main characters in LK's book are WAaaaay more lovable & humorous - and believable.

I actually just re read this book after reading her next about Temple. I went back to see if it was as good. Now I'm waiting for Chase's Story . She should be good!
What I like is of course a strong female who has brains- they say "odd" . She thinks In different ways . I don't give it a full score only because I'm an old lady and follower of G. Heyer. If you don't understand, look it up and have fun!!! Then read about Lady Chase. Can't wait!!!

Sarah Maclean has done it again. What a beautiful love story. And the heat....phew..my oh my...it just scorched the pages of the book. I absolutely love Cross and Pippa. The characters and so well thought out and written that you get completely pulled into the book. The only reason why I would give 4 and 1/2 stars is at times the pace of the book at times is a little slow. Especially the scenes where Pippa and Cross are talking about science. I think the author is trying to show science can be very interesting too but she lost some of my interest in the convoluted science talk. But nevertheless, I love Sarah Maclean's style of writing and adore Cross. He will definitely be one of my favorite heroes!

One Good Earl Deserves a Lover

I could not put this book down until I finished it! Wonderful story of a unique heroine wearing glasses and very intelligent, making no excuses for it. Enter a noble, guilt-ridden earl who runs a gambling den. Both have strong, filled out roles in this book of how they finally get together. Laughter and tears are the results of several situations. One particular sexual encounter results in amazing feelings wrought without any physical contact between these two.....whew! Cross and Pippa are now my all-time favorite couple. Thank you, Sarah MacLean, for an awesome book, one that I will keep and reread from time to time!

Fun, refreshing main character and a sexy gaming hall setting make this an exciting departure from the usual. Loved Pippa, the scientist with her interest in horticultureand card counting. MODERN and sexy

Sarah Maclean has her own very specific style of writing - sometimes witty, sometimes sweet, sometimes heart-wrenching. Honestly, we've read about the typical historical heroine who's a Bluestocking and thus either rendered unmarriageable or has been on the shelf until a gorgeous hunk (insert Duke / Marquess / Earl) sees the pretty eyes behind the thick glasses and the clever brain behind the plain face.

This book is not that much different, except that the hero (an Earl) is a smart one too. When I read Pippa & Cross's introduction scene in The First Rule of Scoundrels, I was happy to see a hero who ran a gambling hell. Alas, it so happens that 3 of the 4 owners of The Fallen Angel are some sort of Lord (Bourne is a Marquess, Cross turns out to be an Earl, Temple is Duke - I bet Chase too is some Lord or the other). Seems like majority of historical novels need to give the hero a title.

Despite all that, the story is somewhat fresh with a bluestocking heroine asking a rake to give her lessons in "Coitus" and how to tempt her to-be-husband. Only thing is, during all these lessons, they inevitably fall in love. Of course we need various obstacles to make a story interesting, and these are introduced in the form of Pippa's fiance and some villain named Digger Knight (won't spoil it much for you).

If you like Maclean, you'll enjoy this one too. It is predictable (as all historical romances are expected to be), which makes is a good escape from reality.

Totally loved this book! Keeps you turning the page. Great story with intriguing characters. Very satisfying and would highly recommend to avid historical romance readers. Can't wait for Temple's story!

The scenario of intelligence, patience and restrictions by society made it hard to leave for any length of time. I would have loved to have the heroin as my friend in any time frame. I have a strong feeling I will be rereading this series when time has taken most of my memory.

After reading the first of this series over the weekend, I picked this up yesterday morning (Tuesday) and couldn't put it down until I finished. Sarah MacLean is a wonderful story teller. Cross and Pippa came to life and planted themselves straight into my heart. Pippa is hilarious with her scientific view of the world, and Cross tries so hard to be the honorable gentleman in a situation which is bathing in scandal. I cannot wait to read more from this author.

I like reading books in a series all together, but had to get this once it came out before the third book. The sisters are very powerful women that love hard. Sarah MacLean pulls the strong men together with strong women and find true love. Enjoy this series very much.

I absolutely fell head over heels in love with this book. Pippa and Cross are officially now one of my favorite couples of all time! The dialogue between them was fast paced, funny, and yes intelligently written. Some of the reviews stated that the romance didn't start until halfway into the book. I disagree!! There was total chemistry from their first meeting that just got hotter as it went along. Always did love a man who could seduce my mind first!

Buy this book!!!