Lord of Scoundrels

One of the books that changed my bookworm life. Lord Dain is life. Jessica is the sassy FMC. This book is one of these that you need to read at least once on your lifetime (or montly!).

While not her best ( the sequel Last Hellion is one of Ms Chase's best) this is entertaining and very readable. Interesting characters and unusual plot - the plot holds you without being too convoluted- no one gets shot by a highwayman or falls over a waterfall, but you will not put this one down in a hurry. Delightful narrative and clever dialogue- typical Ms Chase. Although listed as #3 in this series, chronologically it is #2.

It's a rare book that can sustain an average 5 star rating over 56 reviews (at least as of this writing)! This is one of those books that I'd heard about for years and seen in lots of favourites and Desert Island Keepers lists. It had been on my TBR shelf for several months and now I'm wondering what took me so long to read it - I loved it! This really is the ultimate rake reformed story. Though I did not enjoy reading about Sebastian's unhappy childhood and torturous years at Eton, it had to be endured for the reader to understand the man he became. Seemingly without conscience, a man who uses people, considers women either bothersome (ladies) or sex objects (prostitutes), drinker, gambler and uncaring bad influence on younger, impressionable and less wealthy hangers-on. And one such hanger-on is Jessica Trent's idiot of a younger brother Bertie who is quickly going through the family's money in an effort to fit in and keep up with the infamous Marquess of Dain. Jessica and her grandmother have traveled to Paris determined to reclaim Bertie from Dain's destructive influence. But when Jessica actually meets Dain, she is frustrated and annoyed to discover that she is extremely attracted to the devil. What a bother! But she is still determined to extricate Bertie and forces a confrontation that he cannot ignore!Upon meeting the delectable Miss Trent, Dain is no less attracted to Jessica and no more pleased about it. He's avoided society ladies for most of his adult life (ever since one tried to lure him into marriage for his money) and the only women he spends time with are prostitutes. But Jessica has quickly gotten under his skin and when they have several very public encounters that can only be described as scandalously inappropriate he is determined not to be brought to the altar. But he underestimates Jessica's need for justice and eventually gives in. If it's marriage to Lord Beelzebub she wants, so be it!Of course neither expects much from this marriage, but both are pleasantly surprised. Jessica seems unflappable handling everything Dain throws her way with calm efficiency and confidence. Dain can't help but be impressed. And Dain slowly reveals himself to be quite human after all. So how can Jessica help but fall for him? But does this mean smooth sailing for this couple? Not likely!I really enjoyed reading this book. I did not care for Dain at the start, but by the end I really liked him a lot. Especially in his dealings with his illegitimate son. Conversely I really like Jessica throughout. She's tough as nails, determined, witty and nothing gets her down. Actually, as others have pointed out, she may border on too perfect! A highly recommended read!

I love romance books, but originality is scarce. In a genre where too many books seem to blend together until I can hardly tell them apart, LORD OF SCOUNDRELS is a true original. I haven't read anything like it. Dain and Jessica are a very unique, loveable, frustrating, sexy couple. But there is so much more to it than that and I fear I don't have the words. Only this: DO NOT MISS THIS BOOK! Reading it was a true pleasure. Jessica calls Dain Lord Beelzebub. I loved that she wasn't clueless or skittish around Dain. Dain has been used to most people, especially women, looking at him as though he is a freak. He's big, brutish, and a bully. He's also a "whoremonger" who has sworn never to get involved with a lady. But Jessica gets under his skin upon their first meeting. She accepts the fact that for the first time in her life, she has fallen in MAJOR lust with a man. This is where the fun begins. The prose is fluid, lyrical, and smooth. It NEVER falters. The dialogue is the most original and witty dialogue I've read in a very long time. Don't miss it!

While I like all of Loretta Chase's books (The Lion's Daughter, Captives of the Night, and The Last Hellion), which feature many of the characters that are mentioned or appeared in Lord of Scoundrels, Lord of Scoundrels remains my favorite of hers and my favorite romance. Its wit and humor are sustained from beginning to end. Dain and Jessica remain my favorite beauty and the beast characters (followed closely though by Amanda Quick's Gideon and Harriet in Ravished). Chase has managed to create a tough but tender, mature and wise leading lady and a tortured, obstinate, and unruly leading man who hides his wounded 8 year old's psyche behind the facade of an unrepentant bounder. Watching the two of them work through his angst is both tremendously entertaining and surprisingly touching without becoming sentimental or maudlin. Jessica knows how to handle her beast without letting him tear her apart. I've read the book through three time already and look forward to reading it again and again over the years.

Can't remember the last time I broke into constant giggles reading a romance novel. I had such a FANTASTIC time that I re-read it again & again & again... Hard to believe I've never read anything by Chase before this. Dain is certainly the most self-loathing hero I've ever come across in quite a while. It's so pitiful he can't believe it even when it hit him right between his crossed eyes that Jessica is in love & lust with him. Jessica is by far the brightest, toughest, lustiest heroine ever penned. Ms Chase is a genius author to be able to write such a witty love-story & enthralling characters. The part where Jess shot him calmly as if she's merely handing him a candy is truly a classic. Not a dull moment I had devouring every page. The awfully painful childhood Dain had - born with a giant nose & scrawny body - made him a cynical man who questioned the existence of the Lord above. He learned to protect himself by laughing at his foes & everything else. He even referred to his by-blow as 'it' 'cuz the boy is the exact image of himself when he was 8 years old. Intriguing hero & heroine, funny & heated sparring, toes-warming love-scenes & a lovely ending. No words can do justice to the exhilaration U'll feel reading this brilliant book. Thank U Ms Chase for presenting this sparkling jewel to us all !