Twice as Nice: No Good Duke Goes Unpunished by Sarah MacLean

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No Good Duke Goes Unpunished (The Rules of Scoundrels #3) by Sarah MacLean
Historical;
Avon (November 26, 2013)

Rating: A
Heat: Warm

Heroine: Mara Lowe - Presumed Dead, Governess
Hero: William "Temple" Harrow - Killer Duke, Fighter

 

 

 

Synopsis:

A rogue ruined . . .

He is the Killer Duke, accused of murdering Mara Lowe on the eve of her wedding. With no memory of that fateful night, Temple has reigned over the darkest of London’s corners for twelve years, wealthy and powerful, but beyond redemption. Until one night, Mara resurfaces, offering the one thing he’s dreamed of . . . absolution.

A lady returned . . .

Mara planned never to return to the world from which she’d run, but when her brother falls deep into debt at Temple’s exclusive casino, she has no choice but to offer Temple a trade that ends in her returning to society and proving to the world what only she knows . . . that he is no killer.

A scandal revealed . . .

It’s a fine trade, until Temple realizes that the lady—and her past—are more than they seem. It will take every bit of his strength to resist the pull of this mysterious, maddening woman who seems willing to risk everything for honor . . . and to keep from putting himself on the line for love.

Review:

Mara Lowe hasn't had an easy life. Not a lady—just a wealthy man’s daughter—being engaged to a Duke, even an old one, should've been quite the coup. But, for Mara, it was a nightmare. One she desperately wanted to escape, by any means necessary. Even if she has to fake her own death.

Too bad William Harrow, her betrothed’s son, is left to deal with the consequences. Twelve years later, William is no more. In his place is Temple, the Killer Duke, and part owner of The Angel. He’s the gambling den’s resident fighter. It’s his entire identity. His only purpose. Until Mara shows up and his sole purpose becomes absolution.

I'll be honest with you, I was not a fan of Mara in the beginning. No matter the reasons or her circumstances, to frame a man for murder and never try to fix the situation... That'll make you pretty darn unlikeable. Because of that, I didn't start to truly like her till nearly halfway in. But, once I reached that point, I did like her. I cared for her. I understood her. I cried a lot of tears for her.

And, of course, Temple has had my heart since the first book. An intimidating man, Temple was always a quiet reassuring presence in the previous books. A man with his reputation should frighten, but he never did. I fell for this big, hulking man and his many scars and tattoos. Getting to know him even more in this book, I only fell for him harder.

Mara and Temple have a complicated romance. It’s a slow burn that takes a while to get hot, but once it does - it burns. These two have so much to get past and overcome. And you would think it’d be near impossible for a man who lost so much, because of Mara, to see her for her and not as the reason for his downfall. Getting past Mara’s deception isn’t easy, but she is the kind of heroine you can’t help but forgive. Plus, at angers root is love, right?

No Good Duke Goes Unpunished made me fall hard for Temple, my gentle giant. While Mara wasn't an instantly likable heroine, she grew into one. One with many faults and much to atone for, but with a backbone and a ton of heart to make up for it. Though not my favorite in the series (that belongs to Pippa and Cross in One Good Earl Deserves a Lover) it is very, very much worth a read. Honestly, Miz Maclean can do no wrong in my eyes—all of her books are simply varying degrees of awesome. Now, with all the hints and teases as to Chase and his true identity, I'm all but salivating for his book. My greedy hands are thrust in Sarah Maclean's direction, doing the gimme gimme sign.