Surrender to A Scoundrel - Julianne MacLean

No woman can resist him. . .

Lord Martin Langdon takes pride in his scandalous reputation as a scoundrel, and he considers the art of seduction a most rewarding pastime. So when this dashing rakehell learns of a particularly beautiful woman who is "impossible to flirt with," Martin is determined to prove that not even the prim and proper Evelyn Wheaton can resist his charms.

Except one.

Evelyn knows all about the reckless rogue's shocking reputation and she wants nothing to do with him. She may be looking for a husband, but Martin is certainly not a candidate. The smoldering looks he sends her way, however, are a different matter entirely. She suspects there is great passion to be had if she'd throw caution to the wind and surrender to this scoundrel . . . but dare she risk her heart?

And will Martin, who hides a most tormented past, find true love at last?

Ever since I read to Marry The Duke I start every MacLean book with the anticipation of finding another story as perfect as that one. Unfortunately so far it hasn't happened yet.

I give it to her that she writes original characters with real and difficult problems to deal with - for instance this hero felt horribly guilty of having contributed to the accident that killed his wife and child so he didn't feel worthy of being happy.

She also has original settings, this story is set Cowes - a renowned seaside resort famous for his yacht club and the Cowes Regatta. Lord Martin owns one such yachts and I found really interesting all that information about the sport that the author provides.

I think, however, that there was some lack of intensity in the main characters relationship. I wanted them to talk more about their feelings for each other. It seemed to me Lord Martin did most of the talking and more about what tortured him than his feelings about Evelyn. That was certainly necessary for him to expel his demons but I wanted more...

Grade: C+