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    Lord of Scoundrels
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    Lord of Scoundrels
    Unavailable
    Lord of Scoundrels
    Ebook408 pages6 hours

    Lord of Scoundrels

    By Loretta Chase

    4/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this ebook

    They call him many names, but Angelic isn't one of them . . .

    Sebastian Ballister, the notorious Marquess of Dain, is big, bad, and dangerous to know. No respectable woman would have anything to do with the "Bane and Blight of the Ballisters"—and he wants nothing to do with respectable women. He's determined to continue doing what he does best—sin and sin again—and all that's going swimmingly, thank you . . . until the day a shop door opens and she walks in.

    She's too intelligent to fall for the worst man in the world . . .

    Jessica Trent is a determined young woman, and she's going to drag her imbecile brother off the road to ruin, no matter what it takes. If saving him—and with him, her family and future—means taking on the devil himself, she won't back down. The trouble is, the devil in question is so shockingly irresistible, and the person who needs the most saving is—herself!

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherHarperCollins
    Release dateOct 13, 2009
    ISBN9780061753817
    Unavailable
    Lord of Scoundrels
    Author

    Loretta Chase

    Loretta Chase has worked in academe, retail, and the visual arts, as well as on the streets—as a meter maid—and in video, as a scriptwriter. She might have developed an excitingly checkered career had her spouse not nagged her into writing fiction. Her bestselling historical romances, set in the Regency and Romantic eras of the early nineteenth century, have won a number of awards, including the Romance Writers of America’s RITA®. For more about her past, her books, and what she does and doesn’t do on social media, please visit her website. LorettaChase.com

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    Reviews for Lord of Scoundrels

    4/5

    766 ratings66 reviews

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    • 5/5
      This doesn't need an intro, but I'll give it one anyway. You haven't read good romance, or I'd even go so far as to say, good genre fiction, until you've read this. When I was done, I wished I could read it for the first time again. It really is that good.
    • 3/5
      The drama between the couple in this book was pretty engaging. It broke from the general formula for regency romances a bit. I liked the heroine, Jessica, quite a bit, and Dain is a great tortured hero. It felt like it dragged a bit at the end, but I liked it well enough. I'm adding more of Loretta Chase's books to my to-read list. (3 stars)
    • 4/5
      I enjoyed the tension, banter and characters in this story. Lord Dain was a very complicated man who was merely existing until he met the fiery non conformist, Jessica Trent. This story will be a favorite. One that, I am sure, to read again and again.
    • 5/5
      Perfection. Absolute perfection.The Story.The Characters.The Narration.It just all works.
    • 4/5
      Very unorthodox but entertaining read. Loved the lead characters...must read
    • 1/5
      I’m obsessed with all period literature even the crappy stuff but I Literally didn’t even make it past the first chapter. Maybe our protagonists shouldn’t start off by getting angsty that women they think are “lowest whores” don’t want to sleep with them. And not even the most wtf thing in the first few pages
    • 5/5
      Probably the 10 best I have read in the genre.
    • 5/5
      loved it! both characters very were easy to love..and their story was amazingly remarkable
    • 5/5
      One of the best HRs ever written by one of the best authors in the field. Wonderful.
    • 5/5
      A vastly entertaining tale from a master of historical romance. Loretta Chase is at the top of her game with this moving and humorous story. Jessica Trent is beautiful and beguiling, but her kindness and intelligence are the undoing of the apparently hard-hearted Lord Sedgewick. An equally matched pair in wonderfully written romantic adventure. The legendary "glove scene" is in class all by itself. Highly recommended.
    • 5/5
      SummarySebastian Ballister, the Marquess of Dain is feared by many, his reputation and manners has made it possible for Sebastian to build a certain Lord Of Scoundrelsrelationship with certain types of people, none of which include anything respectable. He is more than content with his life currently and doesn't need change, until a certain bluestocking of respectability, Jessica Trent walks into his shops and his whole world shifts into more than he ever imagined. Jessica Trent, has had to be the driving force to keep her brother from too much trouble. Even though she is considered a "spinster" Jessica is more than happy with her current status, recovering artifacts and selling them. But she has a new nemesis, the Marquess of Dain, who is formidable and tempting all at once. But she isn't afraid of a fight or standing up to this man whom everyone else seems to fear. But all she sees is a man who is strong and beyond handsome and strikes a chord within her.The HeroSebastian Ballister, may be able to strike fear and intimidation into many, but his reputation wasn't easy and he had to fight his own battles since he was eight years old to become the man he is today. His mother ran off when he was only a boy, and Sebastian had to deal with the fallout with his father which wasn't easy. He had to fight his way up, earning respect as he went. He now lives the way he wants, with no remorse especially when it comes to the fairer sex. Sebastian is a hero that just makes you sigh...he is a bit alpha---okay he is very alpha, but is one of the best alpha heroes I have ever seen written. He is compelling, powerful and very sensual.The HeroineJessica Trent is a character that is determined, smart and sassy. I loved her so very much and she really resonated through the whole story. Jessica has had to be the responsible one in the family, since her brother gambles, drinks and spends far too much time in Sebastian Ballister's company. Jessica is going to fight for not only herself and family, but her brothers life. She sees him going down hill, and needs to put a stop to it. I really adored Jessica, she has the balls to stand up to Sebastian, where no one ever does. I loved her inner strength and how true she is to what she believes in.Plot and Story LineLord Of Scoundrels is a book I have been wanting to re read for the LONGEST time!!! I think I read this the first couple years after I got hooked on romance, which was over ten years ago. When I saw this for $1 at my local library's store, I grabbed it right up. Because first off, this is one of the best historical romances any romance lover could have in her collection. Its such a good book to have on the shelf and such a pretty cover too!! What was most wonderful about reading this book again, was connecting with this couple. I had forgotten how much I had fallen in love with them. The story sets off with Jessica coming out to save her brother (who doesn't want to be saved) She is the practical and smart one of the family. She is a bit of a steam roller though, and I loved seeing how it sets the perfect tone for the beginning...right from the start. She is a firecracker and isn't afraid of calling Sebastian out on his bluffs. She does some shocking things and I had fun with her character so very much. Now the first meeting between Jessica and Sebastian is just priceless. And wow...these two have chemistry for sure---its very different from most books I have read. Loretta Chase did wonders with this book and I had such a blast seeing these two frazzle, fight and become comfortable with each other. Its not a easy process, but the build up of it is perfection!! There are some misunderstandings, mostly due to miscommunication but its resolved quickly and not dragged out which is a relief. We see how their relationship is proved though in different ways, but the ending is what really wraps up the books so wonderfully. They come across a challenge, a past history of Sebastian, that only strengthens their bond to each other and I LOVED seeing this aspect of their relationship grow into something even more.The CoverI really love what Avon did with this cover. I am a sucker for the old cover...but this one is so romantically pretty!! I love the mix of blue and pink with the roses.Overall ViewLord Of Scoundrels is a book to fall in love with time and again....outrageous, classically romantic and sensual enough to curl your toes!!
    • 4/5
      This book is a classic for a reason. I absolutely adored Jessica and found myself laughing out loud at multiple points. There are definitely some scenes that probably wouldn't be published nowadays (and for good reason), but I was still charmed by it overall. People love the Marquess of Dain, but without Jessica, I think he would have been intolerable. She had so much patience, but was never a push over. She let him work through his emotional constipation and didn't sacrifice her own wellbeing to do so. A+ heroine.
    • 5/5
      I thoroughly enjoyed this narrative, there was never a point when I found that the characters were disagreeable, as I'm often extremely skeptical and judgemental of book characters, it's been years since I've finished any book, and in only two afternoons, I'd binge read my way through this fantastic story.
    • 3/5
      Two likeable leads and an authorial sense of humour (the hero is so OTT even his horses produce "evil horsey laughter") made this an agreeable read, although quite a lot of my enjoyment derived from not having read a romance novel before. There's less rumpy-pumpy than I'd expected, but Chase can turn it on when necessary: "he deepened his kiss, thirstily plundering the sweet heat of her mouth", or, getting past first base, "his lust-swollen rod strained furiously against his trousers". Bodices are removed and items of clothing are torn, but I don't think any bodices are ripped in this one. A feel-good novel with no villains, just misguided souls. Although one such soul rejoices in the moniker Roland Vawtry, which must be the absolute acme of caddish handles.
    • 4/5
      A paragon of historical romance. In spite of the fact that this novel contains a lot of things I don't like--possessiveness, protectiveness, strongly defined gender roles, an unnecessary level of negativity towards sex workers, and various other romance novel conventions--it's also really, really good. The main characters have formidable personalities that are conducive to conflict and memorable, in spite of the fact that they've been done many times before. The development of their relationship stays fresh. The book deserves the acclaim its received.Here's what this book says: caring for people and loving them is humiliating. It makes you vulnerable. It makes you irrational. It makes you small. And in spite of all that, it's still worth it.
    • 4/5
      A good solid historical romance. I actually read it a second time and enjoyed it just as much as the first, even though I knew everything that would happen. That's an excellent sign that a book is well written!
    • 5/5
      The best historical romance I've read yet! So so so good! The plot is nothing new but you won't regret reading this amazing story once you've started. My humble words don't do it justice. Go and find out yourself!
    • 5/5
      I love it!
    • 4/5
      Jessica met Dain while trying to save her brother from the influence of Marquess of Dain. They seemed to hate each other on the spot and every meeting turned into a match of trying to getting the better of each other. It works into he’s marrying her to make her life miserable and she’s doing the same. Of course, there’s lots of lust. Things change when Jessica brings their relationship into an adult one and makes him acknowledge his responsibilities toward an 8 yr old boy he fathered with a prostitute.
    • 5/5
      I was hooked on HR for a very long time - this is my top book
    • 4/5
      Worth reading, there is much mediocre romance witting out there that finding a jewel amongst the thousands is a great thrill, and this is the case for this story, a shinny stone.

      This tale actually made me cry, and kept my interest, I liked it so much that I bought the ebook along with the audio book for my permanent collection. What a heart rending and sexy story, sigh...the cruelly treated boy finds his beauty and his hidden, sensitive soul is brought back to life...double sigh...
    • 5/5
      Historical romance in which a self-loathing, filthy rich, scandalous, scowling bad boy meets his match in a tiny, whip-smart, non-nonsense lady. A perfect romp, with great characters and a predictable but who-cares-because-it's-good-anyway plot. Definitely recommended if you like this sort of thing.
    • 3/5
      I read this in an attempt to read a book in a genre I'd never tried before. Romance novels are not my cup of tea, so I got a recommendation of one to check out and this was it. It was interesting and had more of a plot than I expected. Take my review with a grain of salt, because I don't have any other books in this genre to compare it to. It was a quick read and entertaining.
    • 3/5
      A generally engaging romance with a fun, sharp heroine. This would have been four stars if not for a couple of glaring issues:
      1) The only queer (bisexual) character is the villain of the piece.
      2) The main plot leans too hard on the trope of the love (and wisdom, and extreme patience) of a woman taming an awful man. It's poking fun at the trope, but it still reinforces it.
      3) The writing style, while generally fast-moving and unobtrusive, occasionally veers into purple silliness, particularly in the sex scenes.

      Plus, I'm disappointed that we didn't get to see the heroine's business smarts team up with the hero's. A wasted opportunity to make them a team.
    • 5/5
      I can’t believe it took me so long to finally read this as it’s pretty much the best book ever. Jessica Trent is my idol, and I’ll be comparing her to every other heroine from this point on. Everything that’s been said about this book is true, and I need everyone to read it.
    • 4/5
      Lord of Scoundrels
      4.5 Stars

      When Jessica Trent meets Sebastian Ballister, the notorious Marquess of Dain, it is hate at first sight. Sebastian is everything Jessica despises in a man - selfish, undisciplined, manipulative and rakish. Jessica is all that Sebastian disdains in a woman - intelligent, self-aware and virginal. Unfortunately for Jessica and Sebastian, passion knows no bounds and the two can’t seem to keep their hands off each other, which puts them in a very compromising position that demands satisfaction for them both…

      The first half of the book is incredible with Sebastian and Jessica’s witty bickering, which is some of the best banter I’ve encountered. Their chemistry is off the charts and it is impossible not to love Jessica for shooting Sebastian

      The second half goes off in a completely different direction with the introduction of Sebastian’s illegitimate child. As this is not usually a trope that I enjoy, I was wary for a while but Chase pulls it off admirably and it only highlights both Sebastian’s insecurities and his desperate need to love and be loved, as well as Jessica’s strength of character and unconditional love.

      In sum, a highly enjoyable story with wonderful characters and I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.
    • 4/5
      I bought this after seeing it described somewhere as the quintessential historical romance and it certainly is enjoyable. Jessica seeks to detach her foolish brother from the wicked Lord Dain, who she sees as a bad influence on him. Of course Dain turns out to be not so much wicked as unloved and convinced he is unloveable. Jessica was very funny and I particularly enjoyed the scene where she bursts in on an orgy at Dain's house because she is cross that her brother has failed to return home.I have both read this and listened to the audiobook and the details of the whole Beaumont/Vautry/Charity plot still remain murky, but it hardly matters. I liked the way we see into both Jessica and Dain's thoughts and thus understand Dain's more bewildering mood swings. Jessica's brother and grandmother are excellent supporting characters. Funny and romantic.
    • 5/5
      Read it while cuddling with my cat. LOL
    • 4/5
      This historical romance had a good plot and I particularly liked the heroine's unique approach in chipping away at the hero's bitterness but I skimmed lots of the mental rationalization that happened after every event. Tough-minded Jessica tries to free her nitwit brother from destructive influence of the Marquess of Dain.
    • 4/5
      I've been hearing about this book for ages. Sort of scared it could not live up to the hype. It did. Absolutely every fangirlish sigh.