London's Perfect Scoundrel by Suzanne Enoch

SUMMARY (from Goodreads): The town gossips call him “Saint” – but the Marquis of St. Aubyn has well earned his reputation as London's perfect scoundrel. Evelyn Ruddick knows she should avoid him at all costs . . . but the strikingly beautiful lady wants to aid the children of the Heart of Hope Orphanage, and he heads the board of trustees. Evie is determined to teach the charming, arrogant man a lesson in compassion, but it won't be so easy – especially since his touch is setting her desire aflame, making Evie yearn to submit to his passionate instruction.

MY OPINION:

London’s Perfect Scoundrel is the second book in Enoch’s Lessons in Love series. I haven’t been reading this series in order. I read the third book before this one, but they can be read as stand-alones, as each book concentrates on a different couple. 

Speaking of historical romance, one thing that I am generally annoyed with is when the pure and decent heroine surrenders to the main protagonist almost without any resistance. This bothers me in this novel, too. I did not like Evie very much in the beginning – she is innocent, well-behaved, smart, and kind-hearted, but she is also naïve and has to learn a lot about people. I was mad at her for letting her brother boss her around and treat her as a stupid, silly girl. Nevertheless, I grew to like Evie, as she gradually developed into a confident woman who stands for what she believes.

St. Aubyn is the very opposite of Evie. He is a selfish man, looking only for his own pleasure, be it in drinking, eating, gambling, and especially chasing women. It is always amusing to me how this kind of a hero is always stunningly good-looking in historical romances, despite the fact that the above lifestyle would have a devastating effect on one’s health and appearance. He has one good quality from the beginning, which is that he hates the hypocrisy of society and always says what he thinks. That is what, among other things,  makes him a lovable character. Naturally, after meeting Evie, St. Aubyn slowly mends his ways and discovers the joys caring for other people. His change and the inner struggle during it are very well presented.

Enoch builds Evie’s and St. Aubyn’s relationship convincingly, and I love the dynamics between them. There is plenty of sparkling, the dialogues are funny, and the last line is a killer. I want more. I guess I will have to pick up another one of Enoch’s books soon. 

RECOMMENDATION: This is a perfect book for when a girl needs a warm and fuzzy relaxation read that makes her laugh.