With the distractions of work, social events and household chores, I will always find time for a Sarah MacLean novel. I have been a fan of Sarah MacLean since her YA romance ‘The Season’, and then strengthened the attachment throughout ‘The Numbers’ series, and now, I am basking in the joys of her ‘Rule of Scoundrel’ series. ‘No Good Duke’ is the third title in the series, focusing on the feared Killer Duke, Temple… and oh boy! Does the steam pour from the pages.

After suffering through the jerk that is Bourne (a lovable jerk, I grant you), then adoring every page of Cross’s encounter with fate, I did not know what to expect with Temple. You learn from the earlier novels that his reputation was destroyed one evening when he awoke in a bed of blood, and then he was cast from society and his father’s house. However, he rises from the ruination to become one of the owners of London’s most exclusive casino, The Fallen Angel, and the most famed bare-knuckle boxer in England (I think the fact he is built like a mountain also does something to further his fierce reputation). With his fierce reputation settled, MacLean introduces him with a balance of grace and reserve, making him all the more intriguing.

Temple is a strong character (physically and mentally) so when the fierce and feisty Mara Lowe makes her appearance, I was gleefully aware that a sparring battle would commence. Mara comes upon the brooding Duke when he is returning home, surprising him, as she was the woman that he was accused of murdering twelve years before.  Naturally, he is angry and wants to hold her captive until she told him the truth, but the truth would come at a cost. Mara’s brother lost his money to the Fallen Angel and she wants the debt forgiven and for Temple not to fight him (that was an option for the men to regain their losses, if they managed to beat Temple in the ring). The deal they settle upon is Mara’s ruination and return to society, giving the Duke back his ‘good’ name, but before he can impose on her further she drugs him and escapes.

The plan of ruination and revenge has never been successful, in my experience of romance novels, as it merely offers the two leads a chance to spend a lot of time together. Such encounters between Temple and Mara, are had at the charming Miss Herbert’s establishment, finding their way back to Mara’s own home and establishment, an orphanage, where she has been hiding for the past few years (it was established under her pseudonym of Miss Macintyre). Mara’s humble existence within the orphanage, with the adorably protective boys and a pet pig named Lavender, is sickly with want of empathy but it is refreshing. MacLean takes us out of the world of society wallflowers falling for scoundrels, and into the world of a nouveau riche tradesman daughter who did not want to enter high society and is happy when working. The fact that MacLean introduces this working class girl (with lots of gumption) to a Duke who had learned to work to survive, somehow make them become perfect partners.

Regardless of Mara’s spirit, Temple is the true attraction for me throughout this entire novel, as it is his feelings that bleed through the pages. They face each other numerous times but support each other when threatened, but they continue to withhold truths from each other out of stubbornness (more on Mara’s part, out of fear I guess). The chemistry between them is vibrant making the sex scene practically flashing neon lights and fireworks… fanning was required. The ending did seemed prolonged with frustrating (mainly by the predictable actions of self-sacrificing, Mara), but the epilogue was worth the wait, with that huge plot twist for the entire series!

Once again Sarah MacLean delivers a Regency romance that cannot be matched for narration style, characters and resistance to the norm. I think it fair to assume I will be hungering for her next and final installment to this sinfully satiating series.

Be prepared to fall in love with her characters when you follow this link.