Lord of Scoundrels

Author:

Loretta Chase

Published:

Avon Books, January 1995 ; 375 pages

Related titles by this author:

Captives of the Night

Subgenre:

Historical romance -- Regency

Setting:

England -- London and France -- Paris, 1828

Main characters:

Sebastian Ballister, Marquess of Dain, and Jessica Trent

Sexual explicitness:

Explicit, nicely handled

Keywords:

Humor ; antiques, family responsibility, foreign mothers, illegitimate children

Reader rating:

Reader comments:

This is one of the best romance novels I've ever read. However I felt that towards the end it didn't quite live up to it's potential. Though it was definately unique and entrancing. (M.R., 2-28-98) this book is a keeper!! I have read at least one thousand romance novels, if not more and this is right up at the top of my list!!!!! A must read. I just hope she come out with another novel soon. (1., 2-25-98) Simply put, this is the best historical romance, and one of the very best pieces of fiction in general, on the market today. If you don't own a copy, buy it now while it is still in print. If you liked this book, try Knave's Wager or The Sandalwood Princess next. (S.W., 2-18-98) I've read thousands of romance novels and this is Number One for me. I love it so much I'm afraid of reading it so often I'll get sick of it, so I only allow myself to read it once a year, around my birthday as a special treat. (L.C., 1-29-98) One of the best books I've read so far. First book of hers that I've read and now I'm a definite fan! (S.C., 4-9-97) This is a *FANTASTIC* book... I've never read a book before which made me want to laugh and bawl my eyes out. The little boy's visions of his world are beautifully written... and his little boy's behaviour is even more touching. Intelligent, funny, poignant and simply *fabulous* :). (S.N., 2-7-97) Oh joy! A novel which contains an absolutely fabulous heroine. I had grown accustomed to reading about gorgeous (of course) virgin heroines who were brought to their sexual and emotional awakening by strong, equally gorgeous (of course) heroes. So from the first page of LORD OF SCOUNDRELS by Loretta Chase we are treated to a grand story with wonderfully realized characters who break the standard romance novel stereotype. I was thoroughly enchanted by Jessica's refreshing and realistic acceptance of her attraction to Dain. Her character alone would have earned praise from me (Jessica is no simpering Miss!) but to have an equally strong hero is a real bonus. The dialogue was first-rate, the story kept me up til the wee hours of night reading and I appreciated Chase's wit and pace which was smart and quick throughout. The secondary characters were mere wisps, but necessary to move things along. A first-rate read. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Chase's work. (K.G., 12-2-96) Funny romance with witty dialogues.Never heard of a hero referred to as too high-strung or very emotional to explain his beastly behavior. Definetely a keeper. (O.K., 11-7-96) Has georgette heyer's sense of wit, but a style all her own. IMHO, best historical writer around (M.L., 9-12-96) Loved it! One of the few books that had me rolling off my bed in laughter! When oh when is she coming out with another one?! When I'm down, I reread this book. (E.C., 9-6-96) Terrific! Read it so many times my copy is falling apart. Can't wait for the next one. (P.C., 8-28-96) Chase's best yet. Lots of witty repartee and hot romance between male and female lead characters. Everything in Paris fine; back in England, gets a bit silly with prolonging unconsummated marriage but rest OK. Chase has a light, witty touch, though she tends to be unrealistically melodramatic; that tendency isn't too excessive in this book. (E.P., 5-19-96) Lord of Scoundrels is one of my current faves. The dialogues between the lead characters are witty and engrossing, yet also highly revealing of the level of their relationship at any given time. This allows the reader to follow the growth of their mutual love while still being highly entertained! (A.C., 5-4-96) On the basis of this rating page, I went out and bought this book. Silly me; this is NOT a five-star novel. Oh, and please, PLEASE do not use Laura Kinsale's name in the same sentence with this author. Kinsale writes books; Chase writes romances. (S.R., 3-29-96) I loved this book. My favorite ever I think. When is she writing another one? (K.K., 3-4-96) Once again, Chase gives us a keeper! (C.B., 1-20-96) Great! I have reread this one so many times the print is starting to fade. Loved the feistiness of the heroine and the befuddlement of the hero. (J.D., 12-22-95) I loved this book! Loretta Chase took the familiar theme of the rake and the innocent miss and TWISTED IT by making the miss intelligent, articulate, and able to outsmart the rake at virtually every turn, definitely a KEEPER! (A.T., 12-8-95) It was extremely funny. The plot was wonderfully constructed. The characters seemed like real people and the conflict kept me interested till the very end. (J.C., 12-3-95) Great Book! It was both funny and witty. Both Dain and Jessica were evenly matched and there were a lot of sparks. Can't wait until her next! (J.L., 11-18-95) I found this book to be one of the most sensitive yet lively story I have read in a long while. (A.T., 11-3-95) Loretta Chase is a rising star in the romance genre. She brings the perfect combination of warmth, humor and sexual tension to all her novels. If any of you have missed her short stories, especially "The Mad Earl's Bride" [part of a new Avon historical anthology], run to the bookstore and demand your copy now. Happy reading. (A.K., 10-29-95) Excellent story! I predict bestsellerdom for this author! (B.D.S., 10-28-95) Sweet, tart novel. (K.T., 10-7-95) Wonderful! Loved it and referred it endlessly. (E.S., 9-25-95) My first book by Loretta Chase - wow! Incredibly intense. Wounded hero a la Laura Kinsale. Very satisfying. (K.K., 9-25-95) This was every bit as good as I'd been told, and infinitely better than I expected because I hadn't anticipated the witty, intelligent writing of Loretta Chase. I can't wait to read the rest of her books. (A.D, 9-19-95) Strong heroine, very engrossing story.(J.G., 9-15-95) It's one of the best books I've read in a long time. A definite keeper for me. (K.T., 9-7-95) Sounded like an intelligent author - the characters were intelligent and articulate. (D.S., 6-20-95)

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