A Scot in the Dark (Scandal and Scoundrel Series #2)

by Sarah MacLean

Overview

Lonesome Lily turned Scandalous Siren

Miss Lillian Hargrove has lived much of her life alone in a gilded cage, longing for love and companionship. When an artist offers her pretty promises and begs her to pose for a scandalous portrait, Lily doesn’t hesitate . . . until the lying libertine leaves her in disgrace. With the painting now public, Lily has no choice but to turn to the one man who might save her from ruin.

Highland Devil turned Halfhearted Duke

The Duke of Warnick loathes all things English, none more so than the aristocracy. It does not matter that the imposing Scotsman has inherited one of the most venerable dukedoms in Britain—he wants nothing to do with it, especially when he discovers that the unwanted title comes with a troublesome ward, one who is far too old and far too beautiful to be his problem.

Tartan Comes to Town

Warnick arrives in London with a single goal: get the chit married and see her become someone else’s problem, then return to a normal, quiet life in Scotland. It’s the perfect plan, until Lily declares she’ll only marry for love . . . and the Scot finds that there is one thing in England he likes far too much . . .

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780062379429
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	08/30/2016
Series:	Scandal and Scoundrel Series , #2
Pages:	400
Sales rank:	221,391
Product dimensions:	8.70(w) x 14.00(h) x 13.40(d)

About the Author

A life-long romance reader, Sarah MacLean wrote her first romance novel on a dare, and never looked back. She is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of romances translated into more than twenty languages, a romance columnist, and the co-host of the weekly romance novel podcast, Fated Mates. A graduate of Smith College and Harvard University, she lives in New York City.

Editorial Reviews

07/11/2016
The charm and originality of MacLean’s second Scandal and Scoundrel Regency (after The Rogue Not Taken) are stifled by the heroine’s desperation and hero’s indecision. Scottish duke Alec Stuart only travels to London—a place he loathes—to check on his tenants. When his ward, Lillian Hargrove, of whom he had no knowledge (and who happens to be a grown woman), becomes the subject of scandal, Alec reluctantly returns to England to get her married off before her reputation is destroyed forever. Lillian, who is often called the most beautiful woman in London, doesn’t want to be married, but left with no better option, she agrees to choose a suitor. Soon their constant bickering turns to passion, and Alec must admit that he’s been hiding his own shameful secret while Lillian learns to accept her fate. Alec is clever and lovable, but his actions serve more to create anxiety in readers than to develop his character. Lillian comes across as juvenile and far too stubborn. The plot is well thought out, though, and fans of the series will rejoice at the opportunity to revisit familiar characters. (Aug.)

Publishers Weekly

For a smart, witty and passionate historical romance, I recommend anything by Sarah Maclean” — Lisa Kleypas, New York Times bestselling author

“Sarah MacLean has reignited the genre with a bolder edge.” — The New Yorker

“MacLean’s signature humor and ingenuity are in evidence throughout this novel [...] She writes love scenes and romantic dialogue with audacity [...] so enjoyable” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“This is not your mother’s romance.” — USA Today

With luscious sensuality, perceptive characterizations, and MacLean’s elegant, trademark wit, this heartfelt, beautifully written story captivates from beginning to end. — Library Journal (starred review)

From the Publisher

For a smart, witty and passionate historical romance, I recommend anything by Sarah Maclean

Lisa Kleypas

Sarah MacLean has reignited the genre with a bolder edge.

The New Yorker

This is not your mother’s romance.

USA Today

Sarah MacLean has reignited the genre with a bolder edge.

The New Yorker

★ 08/01/2016
Eighteenth in line for an English dukedom, Scottish distiller Alec Stuart never expected—or wanted—to inherit. So when he succeeds to the Warnick title, for five years he does his best to ignore the whole thing—until an urgent letter sends him down to London to rescue a ward he didn't know he had. Miss Lillian Hargrove is a rare beauty (and the subject of a nude painting) who is about to be ruined by scandal. The solution, according to Alec, is to marry Lily off before the painting is unveiled. Of course, Lily will have none of it, and the battle is waged. A strong heroine who wants to live life on her own terms and an honorable hero who is determined to give her the life—and the man—he thinks she deserves war with their feelings and each other. This well-conceived story is enhanced by complex, wrenching backstories and a cast of enthralling, often familiar secondary characters. Clever, alliterative chapter titles ramp up the fun. VERDICT With luscious sensuality, perceptive characterizations, and MacLean's elegant, trademark wit, this heartfelt, beautifully written story captivates from beginning to end. MacLean (The Rogue Not Taken) lives in New York City.

Library Journal

This is not your mother’s romance.

USA Today