First thoughts: Let's talk about that title. A Proper Scoundrel is a perfect title. It inspires one to hope for a rake and a lot of lively entertainment. Then there is the cover, swoon worthy, definitely. And then there's the author, Esther Hatch has created a place in the literary world of the Victorian Romantic Comedy and they just keep getting better. Disclaimer... I received an early e-book copy but then turned around and purchased a beautiful paperback copy as a part of the release party. This book was an automatic buy for me. Don't you love it when your favorite authors publish a new book. Definitely worth it for me.
Book Description: As the successful owner of multiple railroad lines, Diana Barton is all too accustomed to fending off suitors seeking to stake their claim on her wealth. In order to keep the wolves at bay, Diana has contrived the perfect plan: appeal to the most notorious rake in London, the Baron Lord Bryant, to ruin her reputation and scare off the worst of the time wasters. The ruse will be no hardship—she’s secretly been fascinated by the man for years.
Lord Bryant is well aware of his questionable reputation. Indeed, he has cultivated the image carefully, and the last thing he wants is a wife. But when he’s approached by the younger sister of a business associate, he tells her in no uncertain terms that he cannot help. However, when he sees for himself what she is up against, Bryant grudgingly offers his assistance. Faced with his most complicated entanglement yet, Bryant is firm in his conditions—and Diana knows that to get romantically involved with Bryant would spell certain heartbreak. But as the counterfeit couple grow ever closer, the line between truth and lies becomes blurred, threatening both Lord Bryant’s well-laid plans and the future of Diana’s railroad business.
Book Review: This series just keeps getting better and better. Lord Bryant and Diana need each other, they just don't know it yet. Diana needs to get rid of the men that are trying to marry her for her railroad and he needs someone to see him.
Diana puts herself in the most compromising positions in the pursuit of being left alone. She has no intentions of marrying, neither does Lord Bryant, he is happy in his position of a scoundrel to be avoided.
I loved this story from the characters to the last chapter. There was growth and conflict which always adds to an excellent story. Esther Hatch can write a kiss like no other and keep it clean. She is the queen of the Victorian Rom Com, which I am sure I have said before. This story was one that I wouldn't start before bed unless you plan to lose sleep.
About the Author: Esther Hatch grew up on a cherry orchard in rural Utah. After high school, she alternated living in Russia to teach children English and attending Brigham Young University in order to get a degree in archaeology. She began writing when one of her favorite authors invited her to join a critique group. The only catch was she had to be a writer. Not one to be left out of an opportunity to socialize and try something new; she started on her first novel that week.
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