A Rogue by Any Other Name

A Rogue By Any Other Name by Sarah MacLean

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A wonderful first in a series about four owners of a gambling hall (hell) who have fallen a little from grace in London’s society in the 1830’s.

The Marquess of Bourne (Michael) lost everything on one card when he was 21. He disappeared for several years and lost track of friends who loved and missed him. Nine years later he reappeared as a wealthy part owner in one of the most successful gaming halls in London called The Fallen Angel. Although very well off, he has become consumed with revenge against the man who destroyed him all those years ago and vows to correct things.

Lady Penelope Marbury, an unmarried woman who is a little older than most eligible debutantes in London has braved her own scandal in her younger years. Her betrothed left her for a marriage of love after only weeks of being engaged, leaving Penelope devastated and to face many years of humiliation in London’s rigid society.

After only a few marriage proposals in nine years, her father adds more incentive to her dowry, Bourne’s land that was lost all those years ago. Penelope is about to accept a dear friend’s marriage request when out of nowhere Bourne comes home and decides it is time to gain back the land he lost and marriage to Penelope is the way to get it.

As Bourne decides the fate of Penelope she has some requirements of her own to make before the rushed wedding. She wants her two sisters to have better matches in their marriages and devises a plan to bring Bourne some respectability in society.

This is a great start to a series. I think Penelope and Bourne have great chemistry, loved the back-story of their lives and believed in the relationship that is growing between them. I enjoyed meeting the secondary characters in the book, the other owners of the club, Penelope’s sisters and the wonderful, funny people that work for Bourne. I am excited for the next installment of the series.




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