A Rogue By Any Other Name by Sarah MacLean

Michael, Marquess of Bourne and Lady Penelope Marbury's book






A Rogue By Any Other Name


By Sarah MacLean


Book Blurb:
What a scoundrel wants, a scoundrel gets . . .

A decade ago, the Marquess of Bourne was cast from society with nothing but his title. Now a partner in London’s most exclusive gaming hell, the cold, ruthless Bourne will do whatever it takes to regain his inheritance—including marrying perfect, proper Lady Penelope Marbury.

A broken engagement and years of disappointing courtships have left Penelope with little interest in a quiet, comfortable marriage, and a longing for something more. How lucky that her new husband has access to such unexplored pleasures.

Bourne may be a prince of London’s underworld, but he vows to keep Penelope untouched by its wickedness—a challenge indeed as the lady discovers her own desires, and her willingness to wager anything for them . . . even her heart

Hmm, I wonder if Sarah MacLean will ever write a book that I don't love? Probably not. I quite simply enjoy her gift for story telling. A Rogue By Any Other Name was outstanding.


When I purchased A Rogue By Any Other Name, I had no idea that Lady Penelope was the jilted fiance of the Duke of Leighton from Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart. I was so happy when I discovered that she was the main heroine. While reading that previous book, I had wondered about that poor innocent fiance and what was to ever become of her. I only feel bad that it took nine years, after the Eleven Scandals' story ended, for Lady Penelope to get her deserved story. Thankfully Sarah MacLean did not make her fans wait nine years for the book to come out!


First let me comment on the stunning book cover. Is that not a picture of true beauty? I just love historical romance covers and A Rogue By Any Other Name just became one of the top spots on my all time favourite cover list. The art department was very good to Sarah MacLean. 


I am a big fan of the historical romance formula where the protagonists get married near the beginning of the book. What a treat to have A Rogue By Any Other Name go this route. Sure Lady Penelope and Michael were not in love and the marriage was rather a means to an end but regardless, I love the journey of how they fell in love with each other. 


Another romance formula that I am a fan of is when the protagonists have a childhood history. Well once again I was loving the history and memories that Lady Penelope conjured up. 


While devouring reading A Rogue, I loved that I really didn't know what Michael's every thought was. This style is another writing kudos to Sarah MacLean. I don't want to know everything that the hero is thinking during or after a scene. His thoughts were included in every now and then but after he did some heinous act, I totally enjoyed reading what Penelope's reaction was. She surprised me often and I loved her not being predicable. 


Nothing makes me happier than to read about a rake, rogue or blackguard change his ways and fall head over heels in love. Except for maybe an awesome heroine who had the unwitting power to make them trust their feelings. 


Teasers: ice skating with roasted chestnuts, fur blanket, mosaic glass, secret back entrance to the club (that I really want to know more about!!!)