Fans of historical
romance will watch and wait for the next Julianne MacLean release, as
each of her books are a delight to read. Surrender to a Scoundrel is no
different. The usual research, story and character development is there
like her other novels. This story takes place during the time of the
famous Cowes Week and yacht races so popular during this period of
history. It opens with young Evelyn Foster and her friend Penelope
dressing up as young boys and sneaking into a boys dormitory in order
to not only see what it looks like, but to sneak a peak of the handsome
Lord Martin Langdon, who Penelope has a crush on. They catch the rogue
in his usual pursuit, in bed with a young maiden. The straight-laced
Evelyn Foster is completely turned off by this scoundrel, even though
as a younger man he was a hero and saved her from drowning. The story
then moves ahead years later to Crowes Week. Evelyn is attending the
event as the sought after young, rich widow Evelyn Wheaton. Lord Martin
Langdon arrives with his fast yacht, expecting to win the race and the
heart of the most sought after lady of the event, only to find out that
there is stiff competition for the race and that this year's sought
after lady is a straight-laced, hard-to-get widow and just happens to
be the Evelyn Foster from his youth. He is immediately enchanted by the
older Evelyn, no longer plain, but beautiful and intelligent, as well
as extremely wealthy. Evelyn is not so enchanted, as she remembers the
rogue she knew years ago, and the scoundrel appears to not have changed
by the stories of his exploits throughout the years since they last
met. Martin's seduction eventually wears Evelyn down and they become
passionate lovers. What is enchanting about this story is what Julianne
MacLean has a talent to do - write the deep depth of feelings and
struggles characters are dealing with to overcome their fears about
life in order to realize that all that matters is love and that love
overcomes all. She did this so beautifully in Love According to Lily
and we see it once again in this story. I am looking forwarding to yet
another Julianne MacLean romance.
Publisher: Avon
(January 2007)
Reviewed
by Beverly,
Beverly Romance Books
