Historical Romance Review: No Good Duke Goes Unpunished by Sarah MacLean

No Good Duke Goes Unpunished  by Sarah MacLean (The Rules of Scoundrels #3)

bought

Synopsis from Goodreads
A rogue ruined . . .

He is the Killer Duke, accused of murdering Mara Lowe on the eve of her wedding. With no memory of that fateful night, Temple has reigned over the darkest of London’s corners for twelve years, wealthy and powerful, but beyond redemption. Until one night, Mara resurfaces, offering the one thing he’s dreamed of . . . absolution.

A lady returned . . .

Mara planned never to return to the world from which she’d run, but when her brother falls deep into debt at Temple’s exclusive casino, she has no choice but to offer Temple a trade that ends in her returning to society and proving to the world what only she knows . . . that he is no killer.

A scandal revealed . . .

It’s a fine trade, until Temple realizes that the lady—and her past—are more than they seem. It will take every bit of his strength to resist the pull of this mysterious, maddening woman who seems willing to risk everything for honor . . . and to keep from putting himself on the line for love.
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8/10

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 Alright, it might be just me, but this was only nice. Sarah MacLean is a lovely author, and I find her first couple of books awesome, however, the last few were just nice for me.


I don't know why I'm not enjoying her writing more. Both Temple and Mara were extremely interesting characters, and I admired this couple. But... I couldn't connect to them. All the good stuff was just touched up - the orphanage, Mara's mysterious medicinal skills, Temple's life beside the one in the ring.

Oh yes, they were mentioned, but don't expect any juicy details - there were none. There were also no descriptions of Mara's past, and how Temple ended up on the streets. Was there an investigation? Did his dad throw him out? What happened?

That's what made this book just nice and not great. The ending though... It really made me curious of Chase's story. I'm quite looking forward to the forth rule of scoundrels, peeps! Recommended with slight reservations.

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Начала Сара МакЛин за здравие, а заканчивает, как говорится, за упокой. Вот очень мне понравились её первые две книги, а потом всё стало потихоньку съезжать из гениального в просто милое.

Вот и эта книга конечно мила, да и Темпл с Марой - интересная пара, однако что-то было не так. Может быть, проблема в том, что слишком в романе этом многое было недосказано. Не объясняется побег Темпла из дома. Что случилось после "смерти" Мары? Проводилось ли расследование? Выкинул ли его из дома отец? Чем он занимается сейчас помимо игрального дома?

То же самое с Марой. Что она делала все эти 12 лет? Как она основала приют? Откуда у неё медицинские знания? Короче, недосказанного море, а удовлетворения никакого. Хотя концовка очень интригующая и заставляет меня захотеть прочитать следующую книгу серии как можно быстрее. Рекомендую, но скептично.