Blog Tour and Review: A Proper Scoundrel

by Esther Hatch

Publisher : Covenant Communications, Inc. (May 10, 2021)
Language : English
Paperback : 256 pages
ISBN-10 : 1524416983
ISBN-13 : 978-1524416980

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His scandals were right on track until she derailed everything.

As the successful owner of multiple railroad lines, Diana Barton is all too accustomed to fending off suitors seeking to stake their claim on her wealth. In order to keep the wolves at bay, Diana has contrived the perfect plan: appeal to the most notorious rake in London, the Baron Lord Bryant, to ruin her reputation and scare off the worst of the time wasters. The ruse will be no hardship she’s secretly been fascinated by the man for years.

Lord Bryant is well aware of his questionable reputation. Indeed, he has cultivated the image carefully, and the last thing he wants is a wife. But when he’s approached by the younger sister of a business associate, he tells her in no uncertain terms that he cannot help. However, when he sees for himself what she is up against, Bryant grudgingly offers his assistance. Faced with his most complicated entanglement yet, Bryant is firm in his conditions and Diana knows that to get romantically involved with Bryant would spell certain heartbreak. But as the counterfeit couple grow ever closer, the line between truth and lies becomes blurred, threatening both Lord Bryant’s well-laid plans and the future of Diana’s railroad business.

In my review for A Proper Scandal, I wrote: “Speaking of side characters, I don’t usually like stories where the hero is a rake, but I would love a redeemed rake story for Lord Bryant. He seems like he has a great sense of humor and despite being a rake, I liked his character. He seems to have a good heart underneath it all.” In my review for A Proper Charade, I wrote: “Lord Bryant stood out to me in A Proper Scandal and I loved seeing even more of his real self in this book. I can’t wait to read his story.” To say I was excited about Lord Bryant’s story would be an understatement. I don’t want to give anything away, but I loved him!

Lord Bryant is all the things you think a rake would be. He’s exceedingly handsome and knows it, he’s charming, and he’s a little too free with his kisses. However, he also really cares about other people and tries to help them; all while he has a difficult past he is trying to overcome.

Diana Barton is an owner of two railroads which demand much of her time. She would be more successful if she could free up the time wasted with would be suitors who are really only interested in controlling her business. It was hard to imagine a person for Lord Bryant, but Diana is so perfect for him. I adored her strong, independent, yet fun character.

Esther Hatch continues to show why she is one of my favorite authors. She has characters I love, and they stick with you long after you finish reading. Her writing is superb and always has the perfect pacing. Her stories draw you in, and you never want to put her books down.

5 stars for Lord Bryant!