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Lessons in Love #2
London's Perfect Scoundrel
A determined young lady vows to give one of London's infamous rakes his comeuppance—but when the rogue turns the tables, who truly learns a lesson in love?
The ton gossips call him "Saint"—but the Marquis of St. Aubyn has well earned his reputation as London's perfect scoundrel.
Evelyn Ruddick knows she should avoid him at all costs—but the strikingly beautiful lady wants to aid the children of the Heart of Hope Orphanage, and he heads the board of trustees. Evie is determined to teach the charming, arrogant man a lesson in compassion, but it won't be so easy—especially since his touch is setting her desire aflame, making Evie yearn to submit to his passionate instruction...
The idea of joining in her "project" is unthinkable, but this enchantress refuses to give up! So what else is there for a self-respecting rake to do but seduce the lady? Yet soon it is he who is being seduced by Evie's tender heart and fiery blushes. Could the temptation of long, passionate nights in her arms bring about the impossible? Could the disreputable Saint at long last be reformed?
The ton gossips call him "Saint"—but the Marquis of St. Aubyn has well earned his reputation as London's perfect scoundrel.
Evelyn Ruddick knows she should avoid him at all costs—but the strikingly beautiful lady wants to aid the children of the Heart of Hope Orphanage, and he heads the board of trustees. Evie is determined to teach the charming, arrogant man a lesson in compassion, but it won't be so easy—especially since his touch is setting her desire aflame, making Evie yearn to submit to his passionate instruction...
The idea of joining in her "project" is unthinkable, but this enchantress refuses to give up! So what else is there for a self-respecting rake to do but seduce the lady? Yet soon it is he who is being seduced by Evie's tender heart and fiery blushes. Could the temptation of long, passionate nights in her arms bring about the impossible? Could the disreputable Saint at long last be reformed?
372 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 29, 2003
About the author
Suzanne Enoch
101 books2,551 followersSuzanne was born in Southern California sometime in the latter half of the 20th century. In the way that some people are born knowing they want to be astronauts or cellists, Suzanne always knew she wanted to be a writer. Early dreams of becoming a zoologist and writing true stories about her adventures in Africa were crushed, however, after she viewed a television special about the world’s most poisonous snakes; she did NOT want to write about how she’d been bitten and lost a limb to a cobra. Thankfully at the same time the movie “Star Wars” premiered, and she realized that she could make up adventures and write about them, and not be eaten by deadly predators while doing research.
She dabbled in romantic fantasy writing for a year or two after graduating with a degree in English from the University of California, Irvine, until her affection for traditional Regency romances led her to write one for fun. After several encouraging rejections from publishers, she snared the interest of the world’s best and most patient literary agent, who advised her to revise the manuscript. This ultimately led to the publication of her first book, The Black Duke’s Prize, from Avon Books in the Spring of 1995. A second Regency, Angel’s Devil, followed that Fall.
When Avon folded its traditional Regency line, Suzanne was encouraged to try her hand at historical romance. As she remained keenly interested in England’s Regency period, she decided to attempt another manuscript set in that time. Lady Rogue hit the shelves in March of 1997. She wrote a total of 29 books for Avon, including two anthologies and a five-part contemporary series which received a pair of starred reviews from Publishers Weekly. One of those books, Twice the Temptation, was named one of the five best romances of the year by PW in 2007.
In 2002 her well-known love of all things “Star Wars” led to an invitation to appear on the E! channel in the television special “Star Wars: The Force Is Back”, where she discussed the romance in the movie series and ended up with more air time than George Lucas.
In 2010 Suzanne left Avon Books for St. Martin’s Press, where she continues to pen historical romance novels. Her 31st book, Taming an Impossible Rogue, is set to arrive in March 2012.
Suzanne is known for her humorous characters, sexy bad boys, and whip-sharp, witty dialogue. She currently resides in Placentia, California with several hundred guppies and various other tropical fish, and handful of very loud, spinach-loving finches. And her collection of action figures and statues from “Star Wars”, “Lord of the Rings”, “X-Men”, and “Pirates of the Caribbean”. Everybody needs some inspiration, after all.
www.facebook.com/SuzanneEnoch
She dabbled in romantic fantasy writing for a year or two after graduating with a degree in English from the University of California, Irvine, until her affection for traditional Regency romances led her to write one for fun. After several encouraging rejections from publishers, she snared the interest of the world’s best and most patient literary agent, who advised her to revise the manuscript. This ultimately led to the publication of her first book, The Black Duke’s Prize, from Avon Books in the Spring of 1995. A second Regency, Angel’s Devil, followed that Fall.
When Avon folded its traditional Regency line, Suzanne was encouraged to try her hand at historical romance. As she remained keenly interested in England’s Regency period, she decided to attempt another manuscript set in that time. Lady Rogue hit the shelves in March of 1997. She wrote a total of 29 books for Avon, including two anthologies and a five-part contemporary series which received a pair of starred reviews from Publishers Weekly. One of those books, Twice the Temptation, was named one of the five best romances of the year by PW in 2007.
In 2002 her well-known love of all things “Star Wars” led to an invitation to appear on the E! channel in the television special “Star Wars: The Force Is Back”, where she discussed the romance in the movie series and ended up with more air time than George Lucas.
In 2010 Suzanne left Avon Books for St. Martin’s Press, where she continues to pen historical romance novels. Her 31st book, Taming an Impossible Rogue, is set to arrive in March 2012.
Suzanne is known for her humorous characters, sexy bad boys, and whip-sharp, witty dialogue. She currently resides in Placentia, California with several hundred guppies and various other tropical fish, and handful of very loud, spinach-loving finches. And her collection of action figures and statues from “Star Wars”, “Lord of the Rings”, “X-Men”, and “Pirates of the Caribbean”. Everybody needs some inspiration, after all.
www.facebook.com/SuzanneEnoch
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 519 reviews
January 11, 2021
Re-read/listened to audiobook format 1/9/21:
This time reading it the heroine drove me nuts, but I still loved St. Aubyn.
Original review/rating from 2011:
5+ stars – Historical/Regency Romance
WOW! I loved this, especially devilishly charismatic rake, the Marquis of St. Aubyn. Saint is a deliciously debauched scoundrel who glories in his depraved ways and pursuits, but he meets his match in caring, headstrong Evelyn. She’s determined to save the Heart of Hope Orphanage and teach Saint a lesson in compassion in the process; even if it means engaging him in a provocative battle of wills and indulging in his dangerous game of seduction. But who will be the victor of their passionate “lessons in love”?
St. Aubyn reminded me a lot of Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent from Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas (one of the sexiest, yummiest romantic heroes, ever!), and both heroines have the same informal name, Evie, strong countenances, and kindhearted natures. Hmmm...interesting...But the stories are decidedly different and each have their own charms.
If you enjoy romances with unrepentant rake heroes who just love to be bad and spirited heroines who give as good as they get, then don’t miss this wonderful, engaging read. It’s a keeper! Big 5 stars!
My ode to Saint:
S-infully scrumptious, seductive scoundrel
A-morous, amusing, and amoral rake
I-rresistibly charming
N-efariously naughty
T-enaciously wicked
I love Evie’s musing of Saint’s sex appeal.
His smooth panther’s stalk was magnetic even when he wasn’t hunting. With an entire room full of willing game, then, why was he after her?
This is my favorite sigh-worthy moment.
This is my favorite steamy moment.
This time reading it the heroine drove me nuts, but I still loved St. Aubyn.
Original review/rating from 2011:
5+ stars – Historical/Regency Romance
WOW! I loved this, especially devilishly charismatic rake, the Marquis of St. Aubyn. Saint is a deliciously debauched scoundrel who glories in his depraved ways and pursuits, but he meets his match in caring, headstrong Evelyn. She’s determined to save the Heart of Hope Orphanage and teach Saint a lesson in compassion in the process; even if it means engaging him in a provocative battle of wills and indulging in his dangerous game of seduction. But who will be the victor of their passionate “lessons in love”?
St. Aubyn reminded me a lot of Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent from Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas (one of the sexiest, yummiest romantic heroes, ever!), and both heroines have the same informal name, Evie, strong countenances, and kindhearted natures. Hmmm...interesting...But the stories are decidedly different and each have their own charms.
If you enjoy romances with unrepentant rake heroes who just love to be bad and spirited heroines who give as good as they get, then don’t miss this wonderful, engaging read. It’s a keeper! Big 5 stars!
My ode to Saint:
S-infully scrumptious, seductive scoundrel
A-morous, amusing, and amoral rake
I-rresistibly charming
N-efariously naughty
T-enaciously wicked
I love Evie’s musing of Saint’s sex appeal.
His smooth panther’s stalk was magnetic even when he wasn’t hunting. With an entire room full of willing game, then, why was he after her?
This is my favorite sigh-worthy moment.
This is my favorite steamy moment.
December 31, 2012
Utterly forgettable.
Do you know how I can be so sure? Because I read this a few years ago and accidentally picked it up again, not realizing I had read it before. It started to seem vaguely familiar when the heroine kidnapped the... no, wait, I can't call him a hero.
I will give it this much: The title is apt. The Marquis is a horrible, heartless, unconscionable person who I do not believe for a second truly redeemed himself in this book. I don't know why the heroine was drawn to him. I never was.
Dark heroes are tough to pull off. I confess to enjoying them when it works, but there are a few ingredients missing from the recipe in this book.
First, the Marquis didn't have any particularly good reason to be a jerk. There was some drivel about his parents sprinkled in there, but it really didn't amount to much more than arrogance, determination to die young because his father did, and disdain for women, children, and most men for that matter.
Second, the Marquis had no redeeming qualities whatsoever. Dark heroes need to have a crack in their facade -- and it has to be a facade -- it can't go to the core of them. I felt like this darkness went to the core of the Marquis, at least in part because he didn't have redeeming qualities, and when it goes to the core, it can't be reformed. This guy was a real, honest to goodness class A a*****e. He had no principles at all. He set out to seduce the heroine with no qualms about ruining her or hurting her. He just wanted her. He set out to destroy a house full of orphans because they were inconvenient. His change in the end was admittedly only because he wanted the heroine, and even then I didn't believe he would have changed at all, even on a skin-deep level.
Third, the heroine should not be randomly attracted to the hero for no particular reason whatsoever other than it's convenient to the plot. She has to see something in him -- something the reader, too, can see. Or she at least has to be set inescapably in his orbit. (There was no real reason the heroine needed to interact with the Marquis at all in this book.)
To make a long story short (too late): There is a fine line between a dark hero and a total jerk. Which side of the line any given character falls on may be largely a matter of opinion, but I find myself astounded at the 4 star ratings on this book. This guy was horrible, and he turned this into one of those trite romances where the heroine saves the hero, making him something completely different from what he was in the first place, in order to make him an acceptable love. Real change has to come from the inside, not the outside.
I do not recommend.
Do you know how I can be so sure? Because I read this a few years ago and accidentally picked it up again, not realizing I had read it before. It started to seem vaguely familiar when the heroine kidnapped the... no, wait, I can't call him a hero.
I will give it this much: The title is apt. The Marquis is a horrible, heartless, unconscionable person who I do not believe for a second truly redeemed himself in this book. I don't know why the heroine was drawn to him. I never was.
Dark heroes are tough to pull off. I confess to enjoying them when it works, but there are a few ingredients missing from the recipe in this book.
First, the Marquis didn't have any particularly good reason to be a jerk. There was some drivel about his parents sprinkled in there, but it really didn't amount to much more than arrogance, determination to die young because his father did, and disdain for women, children, and most men for that matter.
Second, the Marquis had no redeeming qualities whatsoever. Dark heroes need to have a crack in their facade -- and it has to be a facade -- it can't go to the core of them. I felt like this darkness went to the core of the Marquis, at least in part because he didn't have redeeming qualities, and when it goes to the core, it can't be reformed. This guy was a real, honest to goodness class A a*****e. He had no principles at all. He set out to seduce the heroine with no qualms about ruining her or hurting her. He just wanted her. He set out to destroy a house full of orphans because they were inconvenient. His change in the end was admittedly only because he wanted the heroine, and even then I didn't believe he would have changed at all, even on a skin-deep level.
Third, the heroine should not be randomly attracted to the hero for no particular reason whatsoever other than it's convenient to the plot. She has to see something in him -- something the reader, too, can see. Or she at least has to be set inescapably in his orbit. (There was no real reason the heroine needed to interact with the Marquis at all in this book.)
To make a long story short (too late): There is a fine line between a dark hero and a total jerk. Which side of the line any given character falls on may be largely a matter of opinion, but I find myself astounded at the 4 star ratings on this book. This guy was horrible, and he turned this into one of those trite romances where the heroine saves the hero, making him something completely different from what he was in the first place, in order to make him an acceptable love. Real change has to come from the inside, not the outside.
I do not recommend.
September 1, 2009
This one is my second favorite of the series, with England's perfect hero being my #1.
What I liked:
Saint was reported to be a rake and actually acted as one. That unfortunately, is not always the case with romances. He was the head of the orphanage's board that Emma wanted to involve herself with and he actually used his advantage to get Emma in his bed. That is not as bad as it seems, since Emma was far from unwilling:) And he not only blackmailed her: he coaxed and seduced and charmed her but ultimately found himself charmed as well.
Emma was the good, quiet and unassuming young lady that no one took seriously; not even her close friends actually believed in her abilities. But Emma decides to get involved with the children in the orphanage and nothing can push her off track. Even if she has to resort to violence *gasp* she is determined to have her way. And she'll also teach a lesson to Saint while she's on it.
This one had a slightly darker feeling than The Rake and both Emma and Saint had hidden depths as characters. I really liked their conversations, and how Saint slowly came to not only lust for Emma, but care for her as well. The scene where she storms in his house when she found out his evil plans about the orphanage and he instictively opens his arms in response was worth to me more than a thousand words.
The only reason I rated it with 4 stars instead of 5 was the last 50-70 pages which I found were too sweet compared to the rest of the story and Saint's character and personally, I have a dislike for extreme sweetness. Other than that, this book was awesome and a definite MUST read for romance fans.
What I liked:
Saint was reported to be a rake and actually acted as one. That unfortunately, is not always the case with romances. He was the head of the orphanage's board that Emma wanted to involve herself with and he actually used his advantage to get Emma in his bed. That is not as bad as it seems, since Emma was far from unwilling:) And he not only blackmailed her: he coaxed and seduced and charmed her but ultimately found himself charmed as well.
Emma was the good, quiet and unassuming young lady that no one took seriously; not even her close friends actually believed in her abilities. But Emma decides to get involved with the children in the orphanage and nothing can push her off track. Even if she has to resort to violence *gasp* she is determined to have her way. And she'll also teach a lesson to Saint while she's on it.
This one had a slightly darker feeling than The Rake and both Emma and Saint had hidden depths as characters. I really liked their conversations, and how Saint slowly came to not only lust for Emma, but care for her as well. The scene where she storms in his house when she found out his evil plans about the orphanage and he instictively opens his arms in response was worth to me more than a thousand words.
The only reason I rated it with 4 stars instead of 5 was the last 50-70 pages which I found were too sweet compared to the rest of the story and Saint's character and personally, I have a dislike for extreme sweetness. Other than that, this book was awesome and a definite MUST read for romance fans.
February 7, 2024
2024 reread:
London’s Perfect Scoundrel is one of my gateway romances and I’ve reread this countless times. Definitely at least 30 times. After reading an Avon Romance for Young Readers, I quickly discovered Suzanne Enoch. I think this book was considered an Avon Romantic Treasure. I’m sad because I used to have all of her old books in paperback, but pretty sure they got carted off to Value Village eons ago.
When I got back into reading romance in the past few years, I reread it in 2018 and I was more harsh and critical about it.
Yet rereading this last night I just feel all of it. I’m keeping the old review but I disagree now. The ending is not cringe but big, bold, and romantic! Like in the old days, hero running after the heroine in a grand gesture.
There’s something about it that just feels like new and exciting every time. The more I read it the more I love the sexual tension and I felt like Saint’s transformation was so sweet. He is such a scoundrel but he softens his edge for Evie. The one thing I really noticed was how her brother was an asshole but still got his political ambitions met. Like what 😂
2018 reread review:
London’s Perfect Scoundrel, Enoch shows off her impressive writing chops. Sexual tension’s served up on a platter with one improbable situation following right after another.
Stifling against her brother’s demanding political ambitions, Evie wants a project of her own instead of being ordered about to curry favour on his behalf. In two shakes of a lamb’s tail, she’s decided her destiny in life is to improve the lives of children at the Heart of Hope orphanage. However, she doesn’t expect to find herself up against Saint, the perfect scoundrel, who also happens to be the head of the orphanage's Board of Trustees. Both Evie and Saint work together to improve the orphanage, each with hidden agendas unbeknownst to their adversaries. Evie, to teach Saint to be less of a dick, and Saint, to sleep with her. Game, set and match.
The trouble with bad boys is they’re not reallllly bad boys. To create a convincing bad boy is hard enough but to have him do a complete 180 by the end of the story? It takes the creativity of an accomplished writer. Barring the scary rapists of bodice rippers, Saint is, hands down, the best of the worst of them. Menacing but never giving off the vibe that he’d accidentally murder the heroine or extinguish the light behind her eyes, no one and nothing is in true peril here. Sure, Saint’s whole M.O. is to sleep with Evie before she finds out he’s selling the orphanage to be razed to make room for a public park, but we know as surely as this book was published in the mid-aughts that there is no way any of that is going to happen, not even close.
The ending’s a bit off, but the reader gets off light, considering Enoch has a tendency to go off the rails when it comes to endings. Enoch is talented but wavers in tone between touching to bullshit. For all its imperfections, it's still one of my favourites.
London’s Perfect Scoundrel is one of my gateway romances and I’ve reread this countless times. Definitely at least 30 times. After reading an Avon Romance for Young Readers, I quickly discovered Suzanne Enoch. I think this book was considered an Avon Romantic Treasure. I’m sad because I used to have all of her old books in paperback, but pretty sure they got carted off to Value Village eons ago.
When I got back into reading romance in the past few years, I reread it in 2018 and I was more harsh and critical about it.
Yet rereading this last night I just feel all of it. I’m keeping the old review but I disagree now. The ending is not cringe but big, bold, and romantic! Like in the old days, hero running after the heroine in a grand gesture.
There’s something about it that just feels like new and exciting every time. The more I read it the more I love the sexual tension and I felt like Saint’s transformation was so sweet. He is such a scoundrel but he softens his edge for Evie. The one thing I really noticed was how her brother was an asshole but still got his political ambitions met. Like what 😂
2018 reread review:
London’s Perfect Scoundrel, Enoch shows off her impressive writing chops. Sexual tension’s served up on a platter with one improbable situation following right after another.
Stifling against her brother’s demanding political ambitions, Evie wants a project of her own instead of being ordered about to curry favour on his behalf. In two shakes of a lamb’s tail, she’s decided her destiny in life is to improve the lives of children at the Heart of Hope orphanage. However, she doesn’t expect to find herself up against Saint, the perfect scoundrel, who also happens to be the head of the orphanage's Board of Trustees. Both Evie and Saint work together to improve the orphanage, each with hidden agendas unbeknownst to their adversaries. Evie, to teach Saint to be less of a dick, and Saint, to sleep with her. Game, set and match.
The trouble with bad boys is they’re not reallllly bad boys. To create a convincing bad boy is hard enough but to have him do a complete 180 by the end of the story? It takes the creativity of an accomplished writer. Barring the scary rapists of bodice rippers, Saint is, hands down, the best of the worst of them. Menacing but never giving off the vibe that he’d accidentally murder the heroine or extinguish the light behind her eyes, no one and nothing is in true peril here. Sure, Saint’s whole M.O. is to sleep with Evie before she finds out he’s selling the orphanage to be razed to make room for a public park, but we know as surely as this book was published in the mid-aughts that there is no way any of that is going to happen, not even close.
The ending’s a bit off, but the reader gets off light, considering Enoch has a tendency to go off the rails when it comes to endings. Enoch is talented but wavers in tone between touching to bullshit. For all its imperfections, it's still one of my favourites.
March 25, 2015
This is one of the best regencies I've ever read! Saint is the perfect rake, one of the rare ones who are REALLY scoundrels, not just a bit naughty.
He is simply deliciously bad. I love. Seriously.
January 13, 2024
This was my first Suzanne Enoch book, and I am so impressed. The feels! So many feels.
Watching Saint’s transformation from a callous, cold-hearted rake to a man who was so filled with love was mesmerizing. I mean, when he started to have feelings for Evelyn, the fluttery, almost painful ache in his chest was such a foreign sensation it at first had him thinking his heart was giving out on him.
“I wanted to be with you, Evelyn,” he grunted, an odd, painful feeling continuing to grow in his chest. Perhaps his heart was giving out.
Other pains remained, however, especially an unpleasant ache located somewhere beneath his ribs that only seemed to ease when he was in Evelyn’s presence. Someone really needed to post a warning about proper chits.
He became almost obsessed with the idea of seducing her, and man, did he have his game down.
“Have you ever seen a man naked and aroused with wanting you?” A deep blush stole up her cheeks. “N…no.” “You will.” Unable to stop himself, he reached out to touch her cheek. “The things I will teach you, Evelyn, aren’t lectured about in classrooms. And you’ll beg me to teach you more.”
His fingers flicked in a feather-light caress against the base of her throat, trailed up to the back of her neck—and came away with her favorite pearl pendant necklace. She hadn’t even felt him open the clasp. “You…how—” “You should see me unfasten a gown,” he murmured.
Evelyn was the perfect foil to his darkness, and each time he was in her presence, you could almost see his soul reaching out for hers.
They were so damn perfect for each other it almost made me cry. And all of the laugh out loud moments were an unexpected pleasure.
Each chapter opened with a bit of Lord Byron’s poetry… We started out with this:
From every sense of shame and virtue wean’d,
In lies an adept, in deceit a fiend;
Vers’d in hypocrisy, while yet a child,
Fickle as wind, of inclinations wild;
Woman his dupe, his heedless friend a tool,
Old in the world, though scarcely broke from school.
—Lord Byron, “Damaetas”
And finished with this:
She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that’s best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes.
—Lord Byron, “She Walks in Beauty”
In between “Damaetus” and “She Walks in Beauty” was a story I won’t soon forget.
Watching Saint’s transformation from a callous, cold-hearted rake to a man who was so filled with love was mesmerizing. I mean, when he started to have feelings for Evelyn, the fluttery, almost painful ache in his chest was such a foreign sensation it at first had him thinking his heart was giving out on him.
“I wanted to be with you, Evelyn,” he grunted, an odd, painful feeling continuing to grow in his chest. Perhaps his heart was giving out.
Other pains remained, however, especially an unpleasant ache located somewhere beneath his ribs that only seemed to ease when he was in Evelyn’s presence. Someone really needed to post a warning about proper chits.
He became almost obsessed with the idea of seducing her, and man, did he have his game down.
“Have you ever seen a man naked and aroused with wanting you?” A deep blush stole up her cheeks. “N…no.” “You will.” Unable to stop himself, he reached out to touch her cheek. “The things I will teach you, Evelyn, aren’t lectured about in classrooms. And you’ll beg me to teach you more.”
His fingers flicked in a feather-light caress against the base of her throat, trailed up to the back of her neck—and came away with her favorite pearl pendant necklace. She hadn’t even felt him open the clasp. “You…how—” “You should see me unfasten a gown,” he murmured.
Evelyn was the perfect foil to his darkness, and each time he was in her presence, you could almost see his soul reaching out for hers.
They were so damn perfect for each other it almost made me cry. And all of the laugh out loud moments were an unexpected pleasure.
Each chapter opened with a bit of Lord Byron’s poetry… We started out with this:
From every sense of shame and virtue wean’d,
In lies an adept, in deceit a fiend;
Vers’d in hypocrisy, while yet a child,
Fickle as wind, of inclinations wild;
Woman his dupe, his heedless friend a tool,
Old in the world, though scarcely broke from school.
—Lord Byron, “Damaetas”
And finished with this:
She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that’s best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes.
—Lord Byron, “She Walks in Beauty”
In between “Damaetus” and “She Walks in Beauty” was a story I won’t soon forget.
July 10, 2024
Read 7/8/24
A lot of fun with bluestocking trying her lesson on moral bankrupt rake. Semxy moments with humor thrown into the pot. This was just a fun story! Nothing special just fun
A lot of fun with bluestocking trying her lesson on moral bankrupt rake. Semxy moments with humor thrown into the pot. This was just a fun story! Nothing special just fun
August 24, 2020
3 to 3.5 stars. I liked but didn't love this book. I don't mind the good old 'reform of a rake' trope, and particularly in the earlier part of the book, Saint was well and truly a proper rake. His personal journey to becoming less self-centred and able to be monogamous was done quite well. I liked both Evie and Saint. I liked Evie's independence of mind, and her determination to do something meaningful in her life.
What annoyed me about the book and made me unable to give a higher rating was the plot. The whole thing with the just didn't work for me. It felt ridiculous, far-fetched and unbelievable. I think to truly enjoy this book, you'd have to suspend your disbelief and just go with the flow. I tried to do that, but it did mar my full enjoyment of an otherwise decent book with likeable leads.
I did truly dislike Evie's brother Victor with his totally selfish machinations towards getting his seat in parliament. His lack of interest, care or empathy towards his sister seemed to grow worse as the novel went on. He fully intended to use Evie to his own advantage, and he had no appreciation at all of the cost to her. I got a bit frustrated with Evie's patience with him, actually. She got annoyed with him, but was forgiving because she felt he actually could be a good member of parliament. Hello Evie, no he couldn't. A selfish, self-absorbed man lacking in empathy? Just no.
So, overall a sweet read but you just have to swallow the ridiculous aspects of the plot. I enjoyed the sequel more, actually, England's Perfect Hero. Not sure whether I'll get around to reading book 1, The Rake. I liked the title and cover of this book, BTW.
What annoyed me about the book and made me unable to give a higher rating was the plot. The whole thing with the just didn't work for me. It felt ridiculous, far-fetched and unbelievable. I think to truly enjoy this book, you'd have to suspend your disbelief and just go with the flow. I tried to do that, but it did mar my full enjoyment of an otherwise decent book with likeable leads.
I did truly dislike Evie's brother Victor with his totally selfish machinations towards getting his seat in parliament. His lack of interest, care or empathy towards his sister seemed to grow worse as the novel went on. He fully intended to use Evie to his own advantage, and he had no appreciation at all of the cost to her. I got a bit frustrated with Evie's patience with him, actually. She got annoyed with him, but was forgiving because she felt he actually could be a good member of parliament. Hello Evie, no he couldn't. A selfish, self-absorbed man lacking in empathy? Just no.
So, overall a sweet read but you just have to swallow the ridiculous aspects of the plot. I enjoyed the sequel more, actually, England's Perfect Hero. Not sure whether I'll get around to reading book 1, The Rake. I liked the title and cover of this book, BTW.
May 4, 2021
Reread - one of my favorite historical romances! The heroine is one of the best and the hero ... definitely one of the top five!!! This is the second book in the Lessons for Love Trilogy and it's great to be able to revisit with the previous characters in the second and third books. The only thing I would say is that the book could really use an Epilogue - yes we kind of get one when reading the third and final book, because Evie and Michael show up again quite frequently, but still would be nice to have it in the same book.
(Written January 2010)
(Written January 2010)
March 19, 2011
There are some books that I've enjoyed so much that I've read and reread them again and again through the years. This is one of them.
It's not a perfect book by any means. Indeed, the ending is way too rushed and I longed for Evie to stand up for herself against her family, but it has a magic that makes me love it regardless.
There are a lot of rakes running around historical romance, but even after reading widely in the genre, Saint still sticks out in my mind. He is absolutely perfect. He starts the book as a complete jerk. He makes no bones about the fact that he has no interest in the heroine beyond his attraction to her. He's rude and wicked and doesn't care who he insults. But somehow he has this spark underneath it all that draws Evie and the reader in despite it.
His naughtiness is absolutely delicious and when he eventually starts to change his ways and fall for Evie it absolutely wonderful to watch. The sexual tension was delightful and I adored reading about a hero who acted that way just because, without any hidden tortured reason.
Evie was also a great character. My heart broke for her when she realized that her friends didn't see her true strength any more than her family did. Throughout the book Evie is constantly trying to prove to herself that she can accomplish something worthwhile. That she is useful as more than just a marriageable woman. Saint's careless disregard of her goals is what leads them to cross swords and it's absolutely wonderful when they finally do.
There's a part where Evie takes charge and makes Saint listen to her that is really the moment when the book turns excellent. Evie proves how strong and daring she really is and we start to see the vulnerability that Saint usually hides behind his cynicism. This is when they both finally start to see the person behind the persona and from that moment on their relationship was magic to watch.
Even though I understood Evie's loyalty to her family, I needed something more--some scene showing why Evie thought her brother was a good man--to make me understand her actions. Because I found myself incredibly frustrated on her behalf. She brings up the many ways she could rebel and make her brother look bad, but she never does. I just couldn't understand why she didn't. Because really, her brother was a complete jerk.
This book is very character driven. There are no real outside distractions to take away from watching Evie and Saint change and fall in love. It was awesome because they were absolutely perfect together. It'll be a while until the next reread, but I'm already looking forward to it. :)
It's not a perfect book by any means. Indeed, the ending is way too rushed and I longed for Evie to stand up for herself against her family, but it has a magic that makes me love it regardless.
There are a lot of rakes running around historical romance, but even after reading widely in the genre, Saint still sticks out in my mind. He is absolutely perfect. He starts the book as a complete jerk. He makes no bones about the fact that he has no interest in the heroine beyond his attraction to her. He's rude and wicked and doesn't care who he insults. But somehow he has this spark underneath it all that draws Evie and the reader in despite it.
His naughtiness is absolutely delicious and when he eventually starts to change his ways and fall for Evie it absolutely wonderful to watch. The sexual tension was delightful and I adored reading about a hero who acted that way just because, without any hidden tortured reason.
Evie was also a great character. My heart broke for her when she realized that her friends didn't see her true strength any more than her family did. Throughout the book Evie is constantly trying to prove to herself that she can accomplish something worthwhile. That she is useful as more than just a marriageable woman. Saint's careless disregard of her goals is what leads them to cross swords and it's absolutely wonderful when they finally do.
There's a part where Evie takes charge and makes Saint listen to her that is really the moment when the book turns excellent. Evie proves how strong and daring she really is and we start to see the vulnerability that Saint usually hides behind his cynicism. This is when they both finally start to see the person behind the persona and from that moment on their relationship was magic to watch.
Even though I understood Evie's loyalty to her family, I needed something more--some scene showing why Evie thought her brother was a good man--to make me understand her actions. Because I found myself incredibly frustrated on her behalf. She brings up the many ways she could rebel and make her brother look bad, but she never does. I just couldn't understand why she didn't. Because really, her brother was a complete jerk.
This book is very character driven. There are no real outside distractions to take away from watching Evie and Saint change and fall in love. It was awesome because they were absolutely perfect together. It'll be a while until the next reread, but I'm already looking forward to it. :)
November 21, 2008
Now here’s a bad boy hero that any reader who likes the bad boy hero will love! The Marquis of St Aubyn spits out these verbal jabs to male and female alike and doesn’t care who he offends and it’s like this nearly to the end of the book! Finally a historical that doesn’t use filler details to build tension and add pages to a story. A solid 90% of this book is about the Marquis and Evelyn Ruddick, the woman set on showing him the “error of his ways” –and what a fine series of lessons it all turns out to be!
Book 2 in Enoch’s Lessons in Love series tells the story of St Aubyn who isn’t a scarred hero like other jaded rakes, he’s just someone who’s always treated people as disposable because his position allowed it. The way he spoke to people reminded me of Sebastien Lord St Vincent in Lisa Kleypas' "The Devil in Winter". Evelyn Ruddick made a pact with her friends that they would each find an unscrupulous man and teach him to respect women. No one would dare take on St Aubyn because he brought scandal wherever he went –but Evelyn was determined. Characters from book 1 as well as from Enoch's “A Matter of Scandal” also make an appearance, especially nice to see were Lord Dare and Georgiana who continue on much as they did in their story. No lovey-dovey mush here ;)
The sexual tension is exceptional all because of how the hero whispers his sexually laced blackmailing threats to her in public and she has no choice but to concede to him otherwise he’ll cause a public scandal. The verbal banter is very well-done making a mini-movie in your head of these two at loggerheads with each other.
The ending needed another page or so but overall it’s a fantastic read for anyone who likes the I-hate-you-but-I-love-you/dammit-I-can’t-live-without-you relationship.
Book 2 in Enoch’s Lessons in Love series tells the story of St Aubyn who isn’t a scarred hero like other jaded rakes, he’s just someone who’s always treated people as disposable because his position allowed it. The way he spoke to people reminded me of Sebastien Lord St Vincent in Lisa Kleypas' "The Devil in Winter". Evelyn Ruddick made a pact with her friends that they would each find an unscrupulous man and teach him to respect women. No one would dare take on St Aubyn because he brought scandal wherever he went –but Evelyn was determined. Characters from book 1 as well as from Enoch's “A Matter of Scandal” also make an appearance, especially nice to see were Lord Dare and Georgiana who continue on much as they did in their story. No lovey-dovey mush here ;)
The sexual tension is exceptional all because of how the hero whispers his sexually laced blackmailing threats to her in public and she has no choice but to concede to him otherwise he’ll cause a public scandal. The verbal banter is very well-done making a mini-movie in your head of these two at loggerheads with each other.
The ending needed another page or so but overall it’s a fantastic read for anyone who likes the I-hate-you-but-I-love-you/dammit-I-can’t-live-without-you relationship.
November 8, 2022
3.5 stars. He's grumpy. He's mean. He got taught his lesson by our heroine. Also this book was soooooo funny a lot of the times.
March 1, 2015
Rating Clarification: 4.5 stars
I loved this book so much, the two main characters were so amazing and showed great character depth. The only fault I did find was that the ending was too rushed, I would have liked to see more. I felt like it took away from the story, but either way I still loved it :)
I loved this book so much, the two main characters were so amazing and showed great character depth. The only fault I did find was that the ending was too rushed, I would have liked to see more. I felt like it took away from the story, but either way I still loved it :)
January 31, 2021
This was a nice book. The beginning was slow but it got entertaining very soon.
I just can't believe that she would be so relaxed with the fact of being ruined, that she would accept it without a second thought about her future. That it was so easy for him to have her. And the way it happened on both occasions. But okay.
And the Marquis, we cannot call him a hero, was a very bad person. Everything in this book was, what can I say, maybe boarding on the incredible, on the unacceptable?
The rate is for purely entertaining purposes, because I am not sure Suzanne Enoch books are okay morally. That's why I didn't want to read the first book where the "hero" go after the heroine to ruin her only for fun/win a wager.
I just can't believe that she would be so relaxed with the fact of being ruined, that she would accept it without a second thought about her future. That it was so easy for him to have her. And the way it happened on both occasions. But okay.
And the Marquis, we cannot call him a hero, was a very bad person. Everything in this book was, what can I say, maybe boarding on the incredible, on the unacceptable?
The rate is for purely entertaining purposes, because I am not sure Suzanne Enoch books are okay morally. That's why I didn't want to read the first book where the "hero" go after the heroine to ruin her only for fun/win a wager.
July 13, 2012
5.00 Stars – Regency/Historical Romance!
The dashing gentleman is no 'saint',
but the beautiful lady needs the rogue's help—
and coercion begins with a kiss ...
Evelyn Marie Ruddick’s elder brother Victor wants to secure his political career and henceforth feels free to use her in his endeavors of pursuing and charming various political inclinations.
She reluctantly follows her brother’s lead in these actions but wishes to work on her charitable yearnings alongside. She decides to aid her efforts in reforming the Heart of Hope Orphanage when suddenly she encounters the Marquis of St. Aubyn, called ‘Saint’, a renowned scoundrel with notorious reputation. He is in fact the head of trustee of the orphanage.
But Saint, the dark social rogue, belittles and mocks her cause and makes ridicule remarks at her, announcing that she will grow quite bore in her ‘new hobby’ and will soon get back to tea parties and poetry recitals without any time. He reckons that he has much more brilliant idea for her to spend her precious time. To share his bed until he gets bored and move on to his next mistress for example!
Evelyn is appalled and furious at his accusations and chooses to ignore his irresistible presence no matter how unseemly that is and continue her work. Saint, who of course initially pronounced his judgments just to frighten the virginal chit, is surprised and amazed to see her statutory resolution at every passing moment. He finds himself possessed and mesmerized by this remarkable beauty’s intelligence and dedication. After all, its not an everyday occurring for the nefarious, menacing, wicked scoundrel that he was, to be baited by a proper virginal innocent little chit!
Question is what shall he do?
1) Ignore her
2) Punish her
3) Help her
4) Torment her
5) Bed her
6) Marry her?
or
7) All of the above?
The book attempts to answer this question in a very agreeable, satisfying, pleasing rejoinder. I HIGHLY recommend it!
The dashing gentleman is no 'saint',
but the beautiful lady needs the rogue's help—
and coercion begins with a kiss ...
Evelyn Marie Ruddick’s elder brother Victor wants to secure his political career and henceforth feels free to use her in his endeavors of pursuing and charming various political inclinations.
She reluctantly follows her brother’s lead in these actions but wishes to work on her charitable yearnings alongside. She decides to aid her efforts in reforming the Heart of Hope Orphanage when suddenly she encounters the Marquis of St. Aubyn, called ‘Saint’, a renowned scoundrel with notorious reputation. He is in fact the head of trustee of the orphanage.
But Saint, the dark social rogue, belittles and mocks her cause and makes ridicule remarks at her, announcing that she will grow quite bore in her ‘new hobby’ and will soon get back to tea parties and poetry recitals without any time. He reckons that he has much more brilliant idea for her to spend her precious time. To share his bed until he gets bored and move on to his next mistress for example!
Evelyn is appalled and furious at his accusations and chooses to ignore his irresistible presence no matter how unseemly that is and continue her work. Saint, who of course initially pronounced his judgments just to frighten the virginal chit, is surprised and amazed to see her statutory resolution at every passing moment. He finds himself possessed and mesmerized by this remarkable beauty’s intelligence and dedication. After all, its not an everyday occurring for the nefarious, menacing, wicked scoundrel that he was, to be baited by a proper virginal innocent little chit!
Question is what shall he do?
1) Ignore her
2) Punish her
3) Help her
4) Torment her
5) Bed her
6) Marry her?
or
7) All of the above?
The book attempts to answer this question in a very agreeable, satisfying, pleasing rejoinder. I HIGHLY recommend it!
January 18, 2022
❤️
“I lied to you earlier,” he said in the same low voice.
“What?”
“I told you that I didn’t have a heart,” he continued as he gazed up at her, his voice shaking just a little. “I do have one. I just didn’t know it until I met you. You are my light. My soul craves you, and I love you with every ounce of the heart you’ve awakened in me. I…I could live without you, but I wouldn’t want to.” ❤️
“What?”
“I told you that I didn’t have a heart,” he continued as he gazed up at her, his voice shaking just a little. “I do have one. I just didn’t know it until I met you. You are my light. My soul craves you, and I love you with every ounce of the heart you’ve awakened in me. I…I could live without you, but I wouldn’t want to.” ❤️
November 24, 2008
Evelyn Ruddick is a social butterfly and enjoys nothing more than having a great time with her friends in London's society. Her brother, Victor (the villan of our story), takes advantage of Evie's popularity and charm by using her for his political aspirations. He cares nothing for her opinions, nor does Evie's mother, and they pay very little attention to her unless there is an ulterior motive involved.
One day Evelyn passes the Heart of Hope Orphanage on her way to a political tea and notices the small children staring at her through the windows. With good intentions, she returns to the orphanage with a bag of candy and plans to tour the orphanage. However, she is told by Mrs. Natham a/k/a "The Iron Mop" that she must first receive approval by the Board of Directors.
Enter Marquis of St. Aubyn a/k/a "Saint", the Chairman of the Board of Directors. Don't let the name fool you. Saint is NOT a do-gooder and probably one of the most self-centered rakes you will ever read about. Definitely an uber bad-boy. He only sits on the Board of Directors because of a clause in his late mother's Will. (Yes. I know. That stupid clause thing again!) Saint says and does as he pleases - he never holds back with anyone.
When Saint first meets Evelyn, he instantly desires her and must have her (of course). After all, this IS romanceland. Saint plots and schemes how he will de-flower her and eventually decides he will make Evie his mistress. After an unfortunate kidnapping and several stolen kisses, Saint resorts to black-mailing Evie and even intervenes in her brother's political plans.
While both Evie and Saint were self-centered and shallow at the beginning of the story, they eventually grew on me as their characters developed and I learned why they did certain things that they did. Evie cried too quickly and too frequently, which didn't quite ring true to her strong character.
The only thing that really bugged me about this book was ... well ... the ending. It simply ended. Just like that! I was left with the questions of why's and how's and what for's. Even suspending reality during the last few pages didn't help with my disappointment, even though the ending fit with the focus on the orphanage. An epilogue would have been more than appropriate.
Otherwise, this book is a delightful and engaging story that I was able to read in one sitting. I would highly recommend it if you are looking for a feel-good, historical romance.
One day Evelyn passes the Heart of Hope Orphanage on her way to a political tea and notices the small children staring at her through the windows. With good intentions, she returns to the orphanage with a bag of candy and plans to tour the orphanage. However, she is told by Mrs. Natham a/k/a "The Iron Mop" that she must first receive approval by the Board of Directors.
Enter Marquis of St. Aubyn a/k/a "Saint", the Chairman of the Board of Directors. Don't let the name fool you. Saint is NOT a do-gooder and probably one of the most self-centered rakes you will ever read about. Definitely an uber bad-boy. He only sits on the Board of Directors because of a clause in his late mother's Will. (Yes. I know. That stupid clause thing again!) Saint says and does as he pleases - he never holds back with anyone.
When Saint first meets Evelyn, he instantly desires her and must have her (of course). After all, this IS romanceland. Saint plots and schemes how he will de-flower her and eventually decides he will make Evie his mistress. After an unfortunate kidnapping and several stolen kisses, Saint resorts to black-mailing Evie and even intervenes in her brother's political plans.
While both Evie and Saint were self-centered and shallow at the beginning of the story, they eventually grew on me as their characters developed and I learned why they did certain things that they did. Evie cried too quickly and too frequently, which didn't quite ring true to her strong character.
The only thing that really bugged me about this book was ... well ... the ending. It simply ended. Just like that! I was left with the questions of why's and how's and what for's. Even suspending reality during the last few pages didn't help with my disappointment, even though the ending fit with the focus on the orphanage. An epilogue would have been more than appropriate.
Otherwise, this book is a delightful and engaging story that I was able to read in one sitting. I would highly recommend it if you are looking for a feel-good, historical romance.
April 23, 2015
Absolutely adorable.
Take a hopeless scoundrel and rake, a sweet heroine, several orphans, a kidnapping and some lessons in love and you get the most adorable romance. In a way it reminded me of Devil in Winter but even better!
Take a hopeless scoundrel and rake, a sweet heroine, several orphans, a kidnapping and some lessons in love and you get the most adorable romance. In a way it reminded me of Devil in Winter but even better!
June 28, 2020
I did enjoy this story, will definitely be reading book 3 of this series
March 8, 2022
I liked the H even if he seemed as an irredeemable scoundrel at first half of the book!
June 27, 2011
5 stars.
What can I say... Delicious, gruff, rakish hero? Check. Smart, intelligent, darling heroine? Check. Interesting and engaging plot? Check.
I was almost worried by Saint's character at the beginning of the book - and I've never thought that about a hero before - I wondered how on earth shy Evelyn was going to break through his aloof and devastating arrogance. I shouldn't have been worried at all because our little Evie managed just fine!
I really, really genuinely loved the hero and heroine in this one and it's such a treat to say that because I almost always have issues with the heroine in romance - most of them seem to lack basic intelligence, common sense and communication skills.
Good Stuff:
- Evelyn, Saint and how positively adorable they were together. Saint was such a rake! So devilish, arrogant and uncaring - but I LOVED him! Their completely opposite personalities made the interactions so much more exciting to read and I really applaud Enoch for pulling it off because I imagine it would have been difficult to get the dynamics right.
- Saint's inner monologue was a favourite part of this book for me. I loved reading his insight of Evie and the fact that he seemed to be the only bugger to actually believe in her - how sad that Georgiana and Lucinda couldn't manage to! I loved how his feelings for Evie lead to him pretty much stalking her; the scene at/outside Almack's was especially sigh-worthy! Oh Saint, how I love thee!
- The dialogue had me chuckling out loud, especially the scenes at the orphanage with Saint, Evie and all the kids: ah from the mouths of babes!
- The sexy times. Go Evie! It was awesome to see how Saint and Evie could completely ignite each other like they did - especially loved the scene at Drury Lane; dear lord I nearly combusted! *fans self*
- I loved how interested Evie was in Saint and wanted to understand him better and to know him. I also liked how she asked him for his full name and that they both seemed to enjoy her calling him Michael. I thought that was particularly darling.
- Again with the name thing - I liked how Saint kept calling Evie Evelyn Marie. Death by cuteness.
Bad Stuff:
- Goes without saying but Evie's ridiculous family. I seriously wanted to punch her brother Victor out and it surprised me that she didn't end up with a broken arm with the amount of times that he was dragging and pulling her elbow this way and that.
- While I enjoyed the lesson that Evie showed Saint in the bottom of the orphanage, it ended up dragging for me a little bit and I was anxious for the story to speed up and move on.
- The wrap up and impossibly fast ending. I felt a little bit robbed because it was such a gorgeous story with gorgeous characters and the abrupt ending and lack of epilogue lost a bit of the magic for me.
Perfect story though and one that will be a definite regular re-read! I don't regret putting my paranormal romance on hold whatsoever!
What can I say... Delicious, gruff, rakish hero? Check. Smart, intelligent, darling heroine? Check. Interesting and engaging plot? Check.
I was almost worried by Saint's character at the beginning of the book - and I've never thought that about a hero before - I wondered how on earth shy Evelyn was going to break through his aloof and devastating arrogance. I shouldn't have been worried at all because our little Evie managed just fine!
I really, really genuinely loved the hero and heroine in this one and it's such a treat to say that because I almost always have issues with the heroine in romance - most of them seem to lack basic intelligence, common sense and communication skills.
Good Stuff:
- Evelyn, Saint and how positively adorable they were together. Saint was such a rake! So devilish, arrogant and uncaring - but I LOVED him! Their completely opposite personalities made the interactions so much more exciting to read and I really applaud Enoch for pulling it off because I imagine it would have been difficult to get the dynamics right.
- Saint's inner monologue was a favourite part of this book for me. I loved reading his insight of Evie and the fact that he seemed to be the only bugger to actually believe in her - how sad that Georgiana and Lucinda couldn't manage to! I loved how his feelings for Evie lead to him pretty much stalking her; the scene at/outside Almack's was especially sigh-worthy! Oh Saint, how I love thee!
- The dialogue had me chuckling out loud, especially the scenes at the orphanage with Saint, Evie and all the kids: ah from the mouths of babes!
- The sexy times. Go Evie! It was awesome to see how Saint and Evie could completely ignite each other like they did - especially loved the scene at Drury Lane; dear lord I nearly combusted! *fans self*
- I loved how interested Evie was in Saint and wanted to understand him better and to know him. I also liked how she asked him for his full name and that they both seemed to enjoy her calling him Michael. I thought that was particularly darling.
- Again with the name thing - I liked how Saint kept calling Evie Evelyn Marie. Death by cuteness.
Bad Stuff:
- Goes without saying but Evie's ridiculous family. I seriously wanted to punch her brother Victor out and it surprised me that she didn't end up with a broken arm with the amount of times that he was dragging and pulling her elbow this way and that.
- While I enjoyed the lesson that Evie showed Saint in the bottom of the orphanage, it ended up dragging for me a little bit and I was anxious for the story to speed up and move on.
- The wrap up and impossibly fast ending. I felt a little bit robbed because it was such a gorgeous story with gorgeous characters and the abrupt ending and lack of epilogue lost a bit of the magic for me.
Perfect story though and one that will be a definite regular re-read! I don't regret putting my paranormal romance on hold whatsoever!
December 30, 2021
This series just keeps me going. I am hooked. Even though it is kind of bonkers.
A heartless Marquis, a timid do-gooder, and orphanage full of troubled children, and a fiery passion. This was quite a ride.
4/5 stars
A heartless Marquis, a timid do-gooder, and orphanage full of troubled children, and a fiery passion. This was quite a ride.
4/5 stars
June 21, 2024
This was a lot of fun and a lot more ridiculous than I expected. The concept starts out quite simple but takes a very dramatic turn partway through and I loved that the book actually went there and followed through on it. It was ridiculous, and funny, and played out so well, and to be honest – I think Saint deserved it. But anyway!
The chemistry between Evelyn and Saint was just delicious; there was so much tension between them. I loved how obsessed Saint became despite himself – it was so entertaining and I liked how the book approached his ‘reformation’.
The external plot worked well as well – it was cleverly worked out, the pacing was good – overall it was just a very solid romance book. I wish it had a more well-rounded ending and I’d like to have known how Evelyn’s brother reacted to everything that went down, but I just really enjoyed reading it. It was a pure joy to read and I really felt the depth of their relationship by the end.
Content Notes: Hate-to-love, reformed rake, bargains/deals/wagers.
Warnings:
Other: .
The chemistry between Evelyn and Saint was just delicious; there was so much tension between them. I loved how obsessed Saint became despite himself – it was so entertaining and I liked how the book approached his ‘reformation’.
The external plot worked well as well – it was cleverly worked out, the pacing was good – overall it was just a very solid romance book. I wish it had a more well-rounded ending and I’d like to have known how Evelyn’s brother reacted to everything that went down, but I just really enjoyed reading it. It was a pure joy to read and I really felt the depth of their relationship by the end.
Content Notes: Hate-to-love, reformed rake, bargains/deals/wagers.
Warnings:
Other: .
February 19, 2009
I read this book, based on someone's recommendation and my first by this author, without knowing it was the 2nd in a series. What a nice surprise it turned out to be! It had some of the best sexual tension, hot sexual encounters, and sweetest romance I've read in a historical in a long time. The formula is pretty basic: rakish, devilishly handsome hero who works at making people dislike him, and a beautiful, but serious, intelligent and benevolent heroine whose brother insists or her making the right "match" to further his political aspirations. The growing fondness, then love, betwen the two, coupled with their physical attraction to each other plays out without using the devices of TSTL or agravating misunderstandings. And, as a teaser, there's an unusual kidnaping scene that I found refreshingly original. Not much to offend anyone, but avoid if you don't enjoy steamy and fairly frank love scenes and dialogue.
July 23, 2019
Nuestra reseña en A la cama con... un libro
3'5 🌟
No ha estado mal pero no le termino yo de coger el truco a Suzanne Enoch
3'5 🌟
No ha estado mal pero no le termino yo de coger el truco a Suzanne Enoch
February 2, 2022
One of my new favorites ♥️♥️♥️
August 6, 2018
This book was a wild ride. I honestly had no idea where it was going, what the heck was going to happen, and whether or not I even supported the romance. My feelings about this book are just all over the place. Ultimately, I think I end up on the disliking-it-most-than-liking-it side of things, but I will definitely be reading more Suzanne Enoch in the future. After all, it takes a special kind of book for me to text my friends at every single plot twist.
This book features the Marquis of St. Aubyn otherwise known as “Saint.” The name is a complete misnomer: he has bedded half over London and drinks until dawn. He also (thanks to his late mother) heads the board of trustees at the Heart of Hope Orphanage—a position which he completely hates.
Evelyn Ruddick is the epitome of everything Saint is not: hard-working, organized, and compassionate to a fault (seriously…she spends most of the book helping her obnoxious brother get elected to parliament even though he is a complete dingbat to her). She also desperately wants to help out at the Heart of Hope Orphanage.
After the two come head-to-head, Evelyn decides that the too-attractive-for-his-own-good Saint desperately needs some reforming. Meanwhile, Saint decides that he definitely wants to bed the proper-but-delectable Evelyn.
The hijinks that Evelyn enacted to reform Saint were frankly wonderful (I won’t spoil them, but needless to say I was surprised at her resourcefulness). Despite her strong attraction to him, she had a backbone of steel and refused to dance to his tune. As strange as this sounds, I loved Evelyn’s ability to see the bigger picture. She put a lot of thought into how she was going to improve the lives of the orphans at the Heart of Hope—she didn’t just coo and knit ugly sweaters. She attended political teas and danced with cringe inducing men to further her brother’s political career not out of sibling loyalty but because of her honest belief that he would be a great politician. While she did (regularly) make sketchy decisions surrounding Saint, extreme sexual attraction will do that to a girl. I would love to befriend Evelyn: you can just tell she would have your back through thick and thin.
I just couldn’t get myself to like Saint. I have low patience for bad boys (an unpopular preference in the romance genre) and so Saint just really got on my nerves. Like….Seriously what do you see in him Evelyn? As far as I could see he had zero redeemable qualities other than a six-pack. I understand the appeal of a challenge, but once you strip away the brooding and alcohol all you get is a hyper-possessive man.
This book was a lot of fun. However, at times (and the reason for the two-star review) it left a bad taste in my mouth. The initial interactions between Saint and Evelyn included borderline—if not outright—sexual harassment and Saint’s dedication at getting into Evelyn’s pants at the expense of her reputation seriously bothered me. The consent, frankly, was just too gray for me to fully enjoy this book. The twists and turns of the plot could not make up for the queasy feeling in my stomach.
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This book features the Marquis of St. Aubyn otherwise known as “Saint.” The name is a complete misnomer: he has bedded half over London and drinks until dawn. He also (thanks to his late mother) heads the board of trustees at the Heart of Hope Orphanage—a position which he completely hates.
Evelyn Ruddick is the epitome of everything Saint is not: hard-working, organized, and compassionate to a fault (seriously…she spends most of the book helping her obnoxious brother get elected to parliament even though he is a complete dingbat to her). She also desperately wants to help out at the Heart of Hope Orphanage.
After the two come head-to-head, Evelyn decides that the too-attractive-for-his-own-good Saint desperately needs some reforming. Meanwhile, Saint decides that he definitely wants to bed the proper-but-delectable Evelyn.
The hijinks that Evelyn enacted to reform Saint were frankly wonderful (I won’t spoil them, but needless to say I was surprised at her resourcefulness). Despite her strong attraction to him, she had a backbone of steel and refused to dance to his tune. As strange as this sounds, I loved Evelyn’s ability to see the bigger picture. She put a lot of thought into how she was going to improve the lives of the orphans at the Heart of Hope—she didn’t just coo and knit ugly sweaters. She attended political teas and danced with cringe inducing men to further her brother’s political career not out of sibling loyalty but because of her honest belief that he would be a great politician. While she did (regularly) make sketchy decisions surrounding Saint, extreme sexual attraction will do that to a girl. I would love to befriend Evelyn: you can just tell she would have your back through thick and thin.
I just couldn’t get myself to like Saint. I have low patience for bad boys (an unpopular preference in the romance genre) and so Saint just really got on my nerves. Like….Seriously what do you see in him Evelyn? As far as I could see he had zero redeemable qualities other than a six-pack. I understand the appeal of a challenge, but once you strip away the brooding and alcohol all you get is a hyper-possessive man.
This book was a lot of fun. However, at times (and the reason for the two-star review) it left a bad taste in my mouth. The initial interactions between Saint and Evelyn included borderline—if not outright—sexual harassment and Saint’s dedication at getting into Evelyn’s pants at the expense of her reputation seriously bothered me. The consent, frankly, was just too gray for me to fully enjoy this book. The twists and turns of the plot could not make up for the queasy feeling in my stomach.
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July 3, 2012
This book made me massively regret my innate need to finish reading what I've started. I should have given up at around 1/4 of the way since I realized by then I wouldn't like it. Also, I realized it is an unwelcome change from my usual reaction to romance novels (disliking one of the main characters) to find both main characters repulsive and the side characters dull.
Evelyn, the main female character is too stupid to live and massively self-centered. Yes, her brother is an ass but he is also right: she is very dim. . Unfortunately Saint isn't exactly a price either (not to mention he keeps going on and on about how intelligent and unique Evelyn is so he's obviously a moron).
Evelyn, the main female character is too stupid to live and massively self-centered. Yes, her brother is an ass but he is also right: she is very dim. . Unfortunately Saint isn't exactly a price either (not to mention he keeps going on and on about how intelligent and unique Evelyn is so he's obviously a moron).
May 22, 2022
I really enjoyed this book so much more than the first in this series! How can two books be so different? I gave this four stars only because I would have liked an epilogue - it ended much to abruptly for me.
So - I had to suspend my disbelief of course regarding hygiene and questionable decisions - but it’s an escape book and it served it’s purpose.
I like a morally gray figure and that’s what we find in Saint. Gave me Sebastian and Evie vibes IYKYK.
Evelyn (funny her name is like Evie’s) wants to teach a rake a lesson and it turns out it is Saint - head of an orphanage Evelyn is going to help and later try to save.
At first Saint plays along because he showed Evelyn as a challenge, but of course he starts caring for her and well you know how it goes.
I could take Evelyn or leave her - same as her awful family (nobody in her corner) - I loved the book because of Saint and hope the next in the series is just as good.
If you love a rake and smart banter and the usual stuff that goes along with these books - you will love it!
So - I had to suspend my disbelief of course regarding hygiene and questionable decisions - but it’s an escape book and it served it’s purpose.
I like a morally gray figure and that’s what we find in Saint. Gave me Sebastian and Evie vibes IYKYK.
Evelyn (funny her name is like Evie’s) wants to teach a rake a lesson and it turns out it is Saint - head of an orphanage Evelyn is going to help and later try to save.
At first Saint plays along because he showed Evelyn as a challenge, but of course he starts caring for her and well you know how it goes.
I could take Evelyn or leave her - same as her awful family (nobody in her corner) - I loved the book because of Saint and hope the next in the series is just as good.
If you love a rake and smart banter and the usual stuff that goes along with these books - you will love it!
August 18, 2009
London's Perfect Scoundrel is the second installment in Suzanne Enoch's trilogy titled Lessons in Love. I did something with this trilogy that I rarely do...I read out of order. After reading the first book The Rake, I was anxious to read Robert and Lucinda's story in England's Perfect Hero. Who knew that the book that I skipped in the series would turn out to be my favorite!
I enjoyed every single page of London's Perfect Scoundrel. St. Aubyn was the "perfect scoundrel" in every way. He was good looking, charming, and had such a dry sense of humor. I loved him! You never knew what would come out of his mouth, and he had the habit of saying the most scandalous things to Evie at the most inopportune times. He seemed like a total jerk at the beginning of the book, but as it progressed, you could see that much of his attitude was a defense mechanism to cover up his loneliness. The fact that he made such an effort to turn his reputation around once he fell in love with Evie was so heart warming to watch. To have a hero go to that much trouble for the woman he loves... *sigh*
I liked Evie as a heroine, but I do wish she would have taken a stand against her brother. He walked all over her throughout the book and she didn't say much about it, even when she realized that she was in love with St. Aubyn. And fall in love with him she did...Evie was the typical good girl who couldn't resist a really wicked, wicked bad boy. ;)
The characters in this book are really witty and I found myself grinning like an idiot while reading (especially the scenes between St. Aubyn and Viscount Dare). I can't wait to read more from this author.
I enjoyed every single page of London's Perfect Scoundrel. St. Aubyn was the "perfect scoundrel" in every way. He was good looking, charming, and had such a dry sense of humor. I loved him! You never knew what would come out of his mouth, and he had the habit of saying the most scandalous things to Evie at the most inopportune times. He seemed like a total jerk at the beginning of the book, but as it progressed, you could see that much of his attitude was a defense mechanism to cover up his loneliness. The fact that he made such an effort to turn his reputation around once he fell in love with Evie was so heart warming to watch. To have a hero go to that much trouble for the woman he loves... *sigh*
I liked Evie as a heroine, but I do wish she would have taken a stand against her brother. He walked all over her throughout the book and she didn't say much about it, even when she realized that she was in love with St. Aubyn. And fall in love with him she did...Evie was the typical good girl who couldn't resist a really wicked, wicked bad boy. ;)
The characters in this book are really witty and I found myself grinning like an idiot while reading (especially the scenes between St. Aubyn and Viscount Dare). I can't wait to read more from this author.
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